On the Record(s) by Folio Weekly

2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3

THIS WEEK // 11.27.19-12.3.19 // VOL. 33 ISSUE 35

MAIN FEATURE

KNEE-JERK REACTION

ON THE RECORD(S)

RE.: Leave Donald Alone by M.C. Calderwood, Nov. 13 I WONDER THAT ANYONE OVER THE AGE

Vinyl fever rages across the First coast Photo by Alex Harris

of 20 could really hold the opinion that the impeachment of Donald Trump is a frivolous case of Dems wanting revenge for losing an election. Such an opinion could only be the result of ignorance or hypocrisy, since Democrat Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about an extramarital affair, and Donald Trump lies almost every time he opens his mouth. Trump’s attitude and actions concerning environmental protection are a threat to our country; his attitude and behavior toward our allies is a threat to our country; his incitement of resentment against immigrants is a threat to our country. Clinton getting a hummer from an intern–not so much. Obviously, Trump is not the first president to commit a crime in office. He is, however, the first in my lifetime to so be clearly bat-crap crazy. History has shown us that powerful, rich and nuts is a dangerous combination. Elizabeth Cash via email

COLUMNS + CALENDARS MAIL GUEST EDITORIAL OUR PICKS KIDS PICKS SPORTS PICKS LIBERTY PICKS

4 5 6 8 9 10

WELLNESS PICKS MUSIC ART ARTS + EVENTS CONCERTS PETS

11 14 16 18 19 21

CROSSWORD NEWS OF THE WEIRD ASTROLOGY WEED CLASSIFIEDS

22 22 24 25 26

GET SOCIAL visit us online at

FOLIOWEEKLY.COM PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / 904-860-2465 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • T. Farrar Martin fmartin@folioweekly.com / ext. 112

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

DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR • Mel Young mel@folioweekly.com / ext. 145 PRODUCTION MANAGER • Josh Wessolowski josh@folioweekly.com / ext. 144 PHOTOGRAPHERS • Alex Dougherty, Alex Harris

BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER • Nancy Zarling fpiadmin@folioweekly.com / ext. 119

DISTRIBUTION

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor sam@folioweekly.com / 904-860-2465 MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGERS CJ Allen cjallen946@gmail.com / ext. 140 Laura Hampton laura@folioweekly.com / ext. 125 Kathrin Lancelle klancelle@folioweekly.com / ext. 124 Sarah McLaughlin sarah@folioweekly.com / ext. 127 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. 2019. 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.

Bobby Pendexter cosmicdistributions@gmail.com / ext. 150

/thefolioweekly

IS IT BRIBERY NANCY PELOSI IS WRONG ABOUT THE

impeachment hearings being about bribery. Here’s why. A bribe is when you pay someone to do an illegal deed. What Trump did is actually extortion. He demanded a favor from a foreign country with the understanding that there would be negative consequences for that country if its leaders failed to deliver. Personally, I think all New York real estate moguls are mandated to take Extortion 101 as a requirement for getting a business license. Does the name Spiro Agnew ring a bell? Ed Robertson via email

CONSUMERS WILL FOOT JEA BILL RECENTLY THE JACKSONVILLE CITY

Council felt compelled to appropriate up to $1.8 million in taxpayer funds, because they were being excluded from ongoing negotiations to obtain bids to purchase the Jacksonville Electric Authority, and could not trust legal guidance from the legal offices of the mayor and his appointed JEA leadership, who are determined to sell JEA and are inventing an impending “crisis” to make it so. Why would a public utility that has provided fiscally responsible, excellent service and comparatively low rates for approximately 125 years suddenly flounder under the direction of Curryappointed leadership? If financial implosion was imminent, what was behind the deal to construct a new headquarters? And if JEA was such a financial risk, why are private utilities frothing at the mouth to acquire it? Why are we consumers and taxpayers paying for this propaganda through our utility bills? And finally, why are we taxpayers and consumers having to pony up the $1.8 million in hopes that the City Council can obtain the unbiased guidance needed to assure that the public interest and overwhelming public opposition will sway the mayor and his appointed officials from their adamant insistence on the unjustified privatization of our public utility. Here’s a better solution: Stop squandering resources to influence public opinion in favor of a sale, at least until an independent and unbiased assessment of the sale is completed and reported to our fellow Jacksonville residents. Ted Mikalsen 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.

@folioweekly

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BOUQUET TO JAKE GODBOLD

@folioweekly

The popular former Mayor of Jacksonville took out a full-page ad in the November 25 edition of The Florida Times-Union. In it, Godbold demanded that city leaders heed the palpable public opposition to the privatization of JEA. “End this now!” he admonished. “Don’t be on the wrong side of history. And, for God’s sake, don’t fail Jacksonville.”

BOUQUET TO SABRINA BATEH KURUVILLA

45 West Bay Street Suite 103 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 PHONE 904.260.9770 FAX 904.260.9773

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 4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

THE MAIL

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Three Oaks Law owner hosts the firm’s inaugural Party with a Purpose. The fundraising event features local artists and authors as well as a documentary screening. The theme is family and protection; all proceeds benefit local charities: Art with a Heart in Healthcare and Guardian Ad Litem of Florida’s First Coast.

BOUQUET TO AMELIA ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU The CVB recently won seven tourism prizes at the 2019 Flagler Awards. Organized by Visit Florida, the statewide competition held this year’s award ceremony November 19 at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort. 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.

FOLIO VOICES: GUEST EDITORIAL

WHOSE PARTY IS IT?

SOCIAL ISSUES POLARIZE DESPITE BROAD, UNSPOKEN CONSENSUS I FIND IT ODD THAT WHILE WE LIVE IN an especially polarized society, we also are experiencing a time when traditional Democrat-Republican political alignments are blurred. Historically the left, or those who considered themselves to be Democrats, were advocates of the federal government as regulator-inchief, ensuring health, safety and civil rights for all. In general, Democratic politicians and voters wanted “hands-on” government. On the right, or self-defined Republicans, were advocates of states’ rights, unencumbered economic ventures, deregulation, free trade and balanced budgets. In general, Republicans wanted “hands-off ” government. These historical left-right blocs no longer exist. Democrats in general still want the government to protect the welfare of its citizens through regulation and to safeguard civil rights (at times, somewhat selectively). However, they have moved toward a preference for greater fiscal constraint. Republicans seem more willing to accommodate restrictive trade policies and, though they continue to eschew government interference in the lives of its citizens, they are open to the government regulating certain individual conduct. Republicans also have lost their fervor for a balanced budget. No longer can a Democrat be distinguished from a Republican based on their preference for hands-on or hands-off government policies. Also, the socialistversus-capitalist schism no longer holds. Neither party would eliminate Medicare, a successful and popular program that also happens to be socialist in its orientation. Agricultural subsidies and child-care credits also enjoy bipartisan support. What has compounded the new political divide and reshuffled alliances is the emotional freight attached to hotbutton issues like abortion, gun control and religious freedom/expression. Folks likely will identify with the Democratic or Republican Party not based on their philosophy of how government should operate; more likely, they will align with the party that shares their position on one of these hot-button issues. If you think that women should not be subject to government regulations in their reproductive health decisions, if you want gun-safety laws enacted, or if you favor

the separation of church and state, you typically vote Democratic. If you oppose abortion, reject commonsense gun-safety regulations on Constitutional grounds, and seek legal accommodation for expressions of your religious beliefs, you likely will identify as a Republican. When it comes to the products of government operations, however, most folks are in agreement regardless of party. They want a clean and safe environment, good schools, well-maintained and robust infrastructure, affordable and accessible health care, responsible fiscal policies, a healthy economy, public safety, international accords that safeguard our democracy, and government officials who are honest, competent and serve the public interest. How did we part company with the traditional substance of political parties and become a nation of conflicting social values? Was it the impact of social media and the onslaught of sensationalized news and messaging? Was it the individual’s unmooring when hard work paid less than gaming the system and having friends in high places? Was it the consequence of automation that made many working class jobs obsolete and led to a sense of disenfranchisement? Was it the demographic shift that has alarmed white, Anglo-Saxon, Christian, heterosexual males? These factors and many more have led to an energized citizenry that is angry and frustrated, intolerant and disinclined to focus on long-term objectives. Until we reaffirm the role of political parties as standard-bearers for the programs and policies that strengthen our democracy, our economy and our public welfare, we will be unable to advance the country’s self-interest. Instead, we find ourselves engaged in an adolescent food fight, pitting one set of social values against another. This is not a party that I want to attend. Elaine Weistock mail@folioweekly.com _______________________________ Weistock is a retired public servant who has served as an auditor and audit director in the Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior. NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

OUR

PICKS THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST

SUN

WITH SWEETENER

ARIANA GRANDE

The last time she passed through Northeast Florida on tour, way back in 2013, the pop star was opening for Justin Bieber. Now, Grande is headlining. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, VyStar Veterans Arena, Sports Complex, vystarveteransarena.com, $47.29 and up.

& BEST HAPPENINGS

WED

MON

SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE

JOZEF VAN WISSEM PLAYS NOSFERATU

Underground Dutch composer and lute-lover Jozef van Wissem performs a live, original score to F. W. Murnau’s German Expressionist classic, Nosferatu. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Sun-Ray Cinema, Five Points, sunraycinema.com, $19.26.

27 TWINKLY & BRIGHT JAX ILLUMINATIONS

The seventh annual edition of this drive-through holiday extravaganza boasts a spectacular light show synchronized with festive holiday music. 6-9:30 p.m. nightly through January 4, Morocco Shrine Center, Southside, jaxilluminations.com, $20-35.

SUN

TALKING HEADS

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 LIVE

Netflix has given this cult ‘90s television series a new lease on life. Creator and original host Joel Hodgson takes the show on the road, complete with wisecracking robots Tom Servo, Crow and Gypsy. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, The Florida Theatre, Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $35 and up. 6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

SAT

30 LET THERE BE LIGHT

JACKSONVILLE LIGHT BOAT PARADE

Visible from both banks of the St. Johns River, this holiday tradition features vessels of all shapes and sizes, festooned with holiday lights. The floating parade is followed by fireworks. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Downtown, jaxlightboatparade.com, free.

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7

PICKS

BY JENNIFER MELVILLE | KIDS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

WED

27 ARG MATEY

GINGERBREAD PIRATE SHIP

The world’s largest gingerbread pirate ship is sailing into the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island lobby, complete with a chocolate crew. Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 27-Dec. 29, The Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., Amelia Island, ritzcarlton.com, free.

SAT

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE UP IN CONCERT

Relive the Disney Pixar animated treasure Up with its score powerfully performed live by the Jacksonville Symphony. If you haven’t already checked out Symphonic Night at the Movies, this is a fun way to introduce the kids to the symphony. 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Times-Union Center, 300 Water St., Ste. 200, Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $44-89.

SAT

MUSICAL KIDS

KIDS BOP WORLD TOUR 2019

8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

Get ready to sing and dance. The Kids Bop World Tour will be in Jacksonville for one night only, so be sure to grab your tickets early. The best of pop music without foul language calls for a parent-approved good time. 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.ticketforce.com, $29.50-54.50.

PICKS

BY DALE RATERMANN | SPORTS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

WED

27 SCREAM! IT’S HOCKEY SEASON ICEMEN VS. GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

The Jacksonville Icemen try to gobble up the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in an ECHL matchup. Select beer and wine are only $2. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, VyStar Veterans Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, jacksonvilleicemen.com, $10 and up.

SUN

Photo by Rick wilson

SHARE THE JOY OF VICTORY JAGUARS VS. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Can the Jaguars stay in the hunt for the playoffs? How about the state championship? 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, TIAA Bank Field, Sports Complex, jaguars.com, $30 and up.

MON

YOU RACK ‘EM, I CRACK ‘EM WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Watch the world’s greatest professional billiards players compete as the oldest, most prestigious pool tournament comes to Florida for the first time. It’s the 79th World 14.1 Championship. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 2-7, 9 Ball Heaven, 2777 University Blvd. W., Southside, theworldtournament.com, $10 and up. NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9

PICKS

BY STEPHANIE THOMPSON | LIBERTY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

Must Have Base Access

WED

THE MOST FESTIVE COMMAND DECK THE CHAIRS

Each command is invited to decorate a lifeguard chair provided by MWR Mayport. Judging will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5. The winning command will receive a prize pack. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 27-Dec. 4, Mayport Beacon, 245 Baltimore St., 270-7198, free.

Must Have Base Access

THU

KEEP IT MOVIN’ BOWL YOUR TURKEY OFF

The event is all-you-can-bowl, and the price includes shoe rental. 6-10 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, NAS Freedom Lanes, 542-3493, $10 per person.

Must Have Base Access

FRI

FORGET SHOPPING — WIN PRIZES BLACK FRIDAY BINGO

Unwind after Thanksgiving with double payouts on hard cards and dessert provided by MWR Mayport. 6:30-10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, Beachside Bingo, 244 Baltimore St., 270-7204, $24 paper packs, $50 computers. 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

PICKS

SARAH McLAUGHLIN | WELLNESS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

THU

28 GOBBLE GAINS RUN TURKEY RUN 5K

Kick off your Turkey Day with a 5k and Kids Fun Run at World Golf Village. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Hosted by Ultimate Racing, 5k participants will receive custom t-shirts, medals and prizes. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, World Golf Village, 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, ultimateracinginc.com, $15-$40.

SAT

30 YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT HEALTHY FITNESS MEALS

Jax Cooking Studio teaches techniques in preparing healthy, fitness-focused meals. Participants enjoy creating and experiencing a 3-course meal complete with wine pairing. 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Jax Cooking Studio, 14035 Beach Blvd., Ste. 6, Southside, jaxcookingstudio.com, $60.

TUE

COMMUNITY ACTION GET SOCIALLY FIT AT VERB JAX

Every Tuesday and Thursday, TrueFitPhysiques Trainer Shannon leads an alllevels 45-minute group fitness class at Verb Jax. 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Verb Jax Gym, 1035 Riverside Ave., bit.ly/ GetSociallyFit, $12. NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11

FOLIO: FEATURE

ON THE RECORD(S) Vinyl fever rages across the First Coast story by SHELTON HULL photos by ALEX HARRIS

Ron Johnston admires the prog-rock selection at Wolfson Equipment and Records.

THE LATE, GREAT PATEN LOCKE USED TO SELL T-SHIRTS THAT READ, “I GREW UP on Tapes,” but that’s a whole other story. Locke was also notorious for owning one of the most mind-blowing collections of vinyl records living eyes have ever seen, and his role in spreading the gospel of vinyl to his dozens of disciples in and around Northeast Florida cannot be overstated. He would be pleased to see that his vision won out in the end, with records seeing unprecedented growth, both in sales and in sellers. Herein is a cursory glance at the hottest trend in music today. Vinyl records earned nearly a quarter-billion dollars in the first half of 2019, a 13 percent increase from last year. That trend has held firm for several years, in fact. So much so that vinyl is outselling CDs for the first time since 1986. CD revenue has tumbled due to the rise of social media and streaming services, but those factors have actually contributed to the growth in vinyl, pushing sales growth in the double digits year-after-year for the past decade as fans raised on digital media have begun flocking to the refined aesthetic and enhanced sound quality of wax. The market has proven flexible for consumers of all kinds, from grizzled purveyors of classic records by bands long gone, to neophytes seeking new releases by the hottest acts. Vinyl has a universal appeal that transcends most demographic boundaries. That dynamic is clearly reflected in the retail market in Northeast Florida, which has seen a dramatic increase in outlets and an enhanced profile for those that already exist. This market undergirds our region’s massive DJ culture, and animates a vibrant, passionate network of local collectors, each of whom could easily write this article themselves, with each version being dramatically different from the other. The list of local record stores seems to lengthen by the week. (A new one, Tiger Records, just opened in Riverside.) The pace is such that even the most assiduous crate-diggers have trouble keeping up. Here are a few options as we cruise into the gift-giving (and gift-shopping) season. After all, Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday. 12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

Joe French shows off his House of Vinyl

So let’s begin with DJ’s Record Shop, which is probably the area’s longesttenured record store (Big Al’s, RIP!). Nestled at the corner of Edison and McDuff, the labyrinthine space (more than 3,000 square feet) has been in business continuously since 1968, selling records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, VHS tapes and even eight-tracks, in addition to a selection of vintage turntable components that can usually only be found on the internet, if at all. Owner Jerry West has always kept it real (or realistic—that’s a turntable joke). West has weathered economic storms and emerged unscathed into the light of a commercial boom. He has more competition today than he has in decades, but there is no touching the O.G. Every record store has its own unique character and its own specialties reflecting the array of diverse and dedicated staffers laboring for the love of all things vinyl. We’ve seen this culture featured in films such as Empire Records and High Fidelity, and those of us who came of age in Jacksonville’s Urban Core lived that story at places such as Theory Shop, Stripmine, Now Hear This, Caribbean Connection, Moon Colony Razorblade and the more recently departed Deep Search Records. That dynamic remains in place across Northeast Florida today, and apologies in advance to anyone we forgot to mention here. A particular favorite is Wolfson Equipment and Records. Co-founder Ron Johnston has run this space at 3801 University Blvd. W., Ste. 4, for four years, but his own background in the record business goes back nearly 50 years. It’s a cavernous, dusty place, loaded with tens of thousands of items in every conceivable format, in addition to t-shirts, collectibles and vintage hi-fi components; it’s very similar to Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven in Orlando, by way of comparison. Notably, they have probably

the largest selection of jazz records in Northeast Florida. Having run stores on both coasts of the country for decades, Johnston has seen the market shift but noted that it’s never really impacted his business. “When the CDs first came out, the vinyl did drop just a hair, but not very much,” he told Folio Weekly. “There were people unloading their collections, which they regretted later. But the albums did really take a spike in the last five to eight years, and now there just seems to be no end to that.” The resurgence transcends generational boundaries, from retro boomers to Gen-X hipsters to millennial luddites and even children. “I see parents bringing in eight year-olds and showing them old Beatles records,” Johnston said, “and they’re into it. We’re getting a lot of young people in, but we still get those old-timers, too.” The real selling point for vinyl is the sound quality, which just can’t be duplicated (literally). “The analog, it has a warmer, full sound, and it really is different than a CD,” said Johnston, whose tastes (like our editor’s) run more toward prog rock. “If you put one beside the other, it’s really noticeable.” But part of the appeal is purely aesthetic, since the gatefold vinyl allows more options for the cover and inside art, not to mention the wide range of colors in which vinyl is now being pressed. Some folks will just put the record in a frame and stick it on the wall, like one might see at Hornski’s in St. Augustine, one of the area’s most unique retailers and a personal favorite. What’s really cool is the craft beer on tap; as you know, alcohol always enhances the shopping experience. Best of all, they have a selection of vintage arcade video games as well as Skee-ball. Another great vendor in the oldest city is toneVENDOR, which is a great place to pick up fresh, first-run vinyl. If you hate

that dusty sheen your hands get after a length dig, this is probably the cleanest and best-smelling record store on the First Coast, a meaningless honor that still merits a mention. Up in Fernandina Beach, House of Vinyl boasts the largest collection of vinyl in Nassau County. Joe French, the House’s proprietor, stocks classic rock from the 1960s and ‘70s, as well as gems from the ‘80s and ‘90s. As one might expect, the vinyl rabbit hole runs deeper than the stacks at Matt Caulder’s house, and the retail market is hardly confined to proper storefronts. Take, for example, the region’s various flea markets and antique malls (Ramona, Pecan Park, among others). Each is delightfully weird in its own special way. You can also rejoice in the fellowship of other vinylphiles at any of several conventions held across Northeast Florida on a regular basis. The next one is at Hyperion Brewing Company in Springfield on Saturday, Dec. 14. Folks such as John Lackey and Jay Peele usually organize these, and of course there’s always Trash Panda at Rain Dogs. In addition, many stores own eBay pages, where you can buy all kinds of treasures unavailable on shelves, and many private collectors do the same. “It really helps a lot,” says Johnston, who estimates that e-commerce now accounts for about 20 percent of his trade. “My business partner, Jeff Wolfson, runs the mail order, and I run the storefront. It’s changed a lot. We didn’t have computers in the old days. We had to buy postage stamps, Xerox little books and mail them out to whatever addresses you had built up over time.” Since people are buying more records, it stands to reason that more records are being produced as well. The stratospheric sales trends are not being driven entirely

by the vintage market, although that is certainly a factor. More and more record labels are getting literal, with new music by new artists being pressed onto hot, fresh vinyl in numbers unseen in a generation—and, of course, the First Coast is following suit. We have only one such firm right now: VINYL Record Pressing, owned and operated out of the Atlantic Beach area by Jonathan and Maria Berlin and their friend Walter Hill. They have pressed more than 300,000 records during their four years in business, encompassing more than 300 projects, ranging from local acts to national artists like Ben Folds and Joey Bada$$. According to Jonathan Berlin, best known as leader of the iconic local band Sunbears!, vinyl fever is less about the product itself, and more about the emotional appeal of the technology. “I don’t think sound and aesthetics enter into it as much as we think it might on a surface level,” he told Folio Weekly. “I do think that it has to do with a bit of Golden Age thinking: simpler times and harkening back to our grandparents. Millennials are leaving their cell phones at home, picking up film cameras, and jamming vinyl records.” VRP was featured in these pages back in May 2018, so go read that again. One way you know record stores are truly a thing again is they command their own category in Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax readers’ poll, which had more votes cast this year than any before. True Till Death Tattoos Art & Records took the top spot. The category was rounded out by Yesterday & Today Records, Eraser Records, Young Loud & Snotty, and the Jax Antique Market. Altogether, among Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties, and in addition to Gainesville, Orlando and Savannah, there are dozens of utterly unique record store options within a couple hours’ drive of wherever you are right now. Don’t even get me started on Athens, Atlanta, Tampa and Miami—you already know! Browsing the varied stacks can be a vastly rewarding experience to visit them all, even if you don’t actually buy anything. But you will, even if you don’t plan to, because the stuff is irresistible and quite possibly addictive in the truest sense of the word. With Black Friday mere hours away, this is a great time to reiterate how important it is to shop local. No matter who is on your wish list this holiday season, there is a shop somewhere nearby that carries a record with their name on it. Or, even better, just buy them a turntable. They’re cheaper and easier to use than ever, and many come with USB ports for digital collusion. The classic saying, “Everything old is new again,” has never been truer than in this particular case, at this particular time. Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

FOLIO A + E

ART WICKED ARTS & EVENTS CONCERTS LIVE & LOCAL

PG. 16 PG. 18 PG. 19

HUMANIZING

MONSTERS W

hat happens when we realize our monsters are human? When we can’t dehumanize them, even if they’ve done just that to us? These are the types of questions that Jacksonville singer-songwriter Jessica Pounds explores beautifully and hauntingly in a new suite of songs. “I wanted my monster to have fangs,” she sings, “Cloven hooves, claws and horns, / I wanted him to breathe fire / So that I could be justified.” The songs will ultimately comprise a new album in 2020, but first Pounds hopes fans will be part of their evolution by hearing her perform them live and engaging the music dialogically. “There’s an interdependence between artist and audience,” she tells Folio Weekly. The new material is dark, which is nothing new. Pounds’ music has always explored somber motifs. In 2015, her band Canary in the Coalmine asked, “Who fears the Devil?” Five years later, she sings of how monsters should be identifiable as such, not blend in with the rest of us. But Pounds is not afraid of the Devil. The world has enough real monsters. She conquers them by showing that world who and what they really are. The music is lyrical and lilting. If it’s sad, it’s triumphantly so. It strings ukulele through steel guitar. There’s something both earthy and ethereal about it. As there is about Pounds herself. We’re sitting at an old wooden picnic table behind Community Loaves in Murray Hill. The last of the fall’s Dutchman’s Pipe Vine flowers shrivel purple above us like bruises. This new music, Pounds says, is about owning your vulnerability: “Everything in society tells us that vulnerability and revealing your weakest points is ugly and shameful. That’s where art comes in. You can wield that vulnerability as a power. You make it beautiful.” With her hair cut short these days, her earrings and skirts long, there’s something poetically elfin about her. If she’d been born of a W.B. Yeats poem, it wouldn’t be surprising. Pounds grew up west of town, in the rural area called Whitehouse. Hopefully one day she’ll name a song, if not an album, “Velvet Drive,” after the street where she grew up. She didn’t attend an art school. Since the household environment was steeply Baptist,

Photo by Andrew Carter

JESSICA POUNDS RETURNS WITH HAUNTING NEW MUSIC Pounds had to rebel. She started an all-girl Christian punk band while still a teenager. I’m frequently surprised by how many artists from Northeast Florida grew up, as Pounds says, “staying awake at night, wondering how if you die, you can know you’re not going to hell.” In 2009, Pounds met fellow singersongwriter Sandra Wicker while the two were busking in Asheville, North Carolina. The duo added more strings—bassist Pete Mosely, who’d played with Yellowcard, violinist Philip Pan of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and legendary guitarist Arvid Smith—and Canary in the Coalmine was born. In 2013, Pounds described the band’s music to Folio Weekly’s Shelton Hull as Americana with “a weird, eerily hopeful darkness to it.” That “hopeful darkness” permeates Pounds’ new music, and in place of childhood Bible-Belt fears, hell now is here, but the Devil’s neither supernatural nor invincible. “And he was right that I’d be quiet,” she sings. “He was right I’d be afraid. / But not today. / This is his name. / This is where he lives. / This is his face.” Indeed the song echoes Jessica’s outing her rapist two years ago. “I knew I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t out him,” she says. “There’s other people he’s hurt. I wanted to stop this cycle of abuse.” “Now take it in,” she sings. “This, this, this, / This is how we take them down.” The new music represents both new and familiar collaborations. About Arvid Smith, Pounds says, “Though he’s a legend, he’s so kind and gracious, and we have such a musical history together.” Meanwhile, the new album will be coproduced by musician Andrew Carter, whose self-titled album rose to number 36 on the Americana charts in 2017. The new album will be the first Jacksonville production of Dog Song Records, which Carter founded three years ago in Nashville. Dog Song, Pounds says, “will have a wide reach outside the region, but also be immersed and active in the Jacksonville community.” Dog Song’s residency program will bring outside musicians to Jacksonville to host and record them. Tim Gilmore mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to the Folio Music Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

JESSICA POUNDS BAND • 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, The Cummer Museum of ARt & Gardens, Riverside, cummermuseum.org, free. 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

FOLIO A+E : ART

TWISTED SISTERS

Photo by Joan Marcus

WICKED DEFIES GRAVITY AT THE TIMES-UNION CENTER

Broadway fan. I remember most how much he’s wickedly smart, fiery and selfyou get involved in the songs and really the possessed. She stands up for the scenery itself. It’s like you’re living in Oz for oppressed, cares passionately for those two hours.” animals, and puts others’ needs before her Wicked adds a punch of family own. The world should be hers for the taking. entertainment to the season’s lineup, an ideal But Elphaba was born different—and, to opportunity to introduce your children or her peers, different means evil. This begs grandchildren to the magic of Broadway. the question: Are people born wicked, or is The Wizard of Oz is a familiar story, and wickedness thrust upon them? Do people the kids will enjoy witnessing the backstory have the power to forge their own destiny? unfold on stage. “It’s great for the kids Wicked kicked off the 54th season of the because they’ll be excited by the scenery and FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville the different costumes,” Garrett said. “Also, with a bang, last week. The house was packed, Elphaba is green, and what could be better which comes as no surprise. Since premiering than that? I think there’s some really hardon Broadway in 2003, Wicked has consistently hitting life lessons they can take away from smashed national and international box-office it as well.” records, becoming one of the highest grossing Wicked is certainly not just for the musicals of all time as well as one of the kids. These are lessons that speak to us all. longest running shows. Good and evil are not black and white. Told from the perspective of the Witches Power corrupts. Standing up for what’s of Oz—Glinda the Good and Elphaba the right is difficult and sometimes unpopular. Wicked Witch of the West—Wicked is a Friendship is powerful. Truth is subjective. coming-of-age story featuring two starkly So. Many. Lessons. different women who are at once fierce Whether it’s date night, girl’s night or rivals and the best of friends. It’s an epic tale family night, it’s a treat of friendship, identity to have a little bit of and good versus evil. If Broadway in Downtown you’ve ever yearned for WICKED 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27; 1:30 & 8 Jacksonville. Walk the acceptance, struggled p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday, riverfront and enjoy with the status quo, or Nov. 30; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Timesdinner before heading experienced a friendship Union Center, 300 Water St., Downtown, to the Times-Union that changed your life, fscjartistseries.org, $53.15-199.15 Center for world-class Elphaba is your spirit entertainment. animal, and this is “If [Broadway] shows didn’t come to your musical. She sums up her experience Jacksonville, you’d have to travel to New beautifully in song: “So much of me/ Is made York. You’d have to buy your ticket for the of what I learned from you/ You’ll be with show, you’d have to figure out flights, hotels, me/ Like a handprint on my heart/ And now all that good stuff,” Garrett said. “Now it’s whatever way our stories end/ I know you coming to town, so all you have to figure out have re-written mine/ By being my friend.” is what night you want to go. It’s definitely Whether it’s your first Wicked experience convenient. It’s great to do, even if you’re not or you’re a devotee, this production defies really into the arts. When you come to these gravity. Masterfully moving, laugh-outloud funny and deliciously delightful from shows, you’re living in the moment, and you curtain rise to fall. feel like you’re really part of the show. The FSCJ Artist Series Publicist Mariessa songs are really hard-hitting and something Garrett attended Wicked for the first time you’re going to want to sing along to. It’s just during the show’s 2012 Jacksonville run. great entertainment and something you’ll be She recalls the lasting impact it had on her. talking about for a while.” “It’s an excellent intro to Broadway,” Garrett Jennifer Melville said. “I had seen a couple of Broadway mail@folioweekly.com plays [before this], but I think Wicked—for Subscribe to the Folio Music Newsletter me—was when I became an over-the-top at folioweekly.com/newsletters

16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

ARTS + EVENTS

Forget the big box stores this shopping season. The 31st Annual CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH assembles artists, artisans and craftspeople galore. There’s something for everyone, and it’s all handmade. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Prime Osborn Convention Center, LaVilla, madeinthesouthshows.com, $8.

PERFORMANCE

ELF THE MUSICAL Everyone’s holiday favorite live on stage Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 24, Alhambra Theater and Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, alhambrajax.com, $54-66

CLASSICAL & JAZZ

DISNEY PIXAR’S UP FILM WITH ORCHESTRA The Jacksonville Symphony performs with the heartwarming film UP 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 & Sunday, Dec. 1, Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Downtown, ticketmaster.com, $29-89

BOOKS & POETRY

THE BOOKMARK Children’s author Eileen R. Meyer visits to present her new book The Superlative A. Lincoln: Poems About Our 16th President 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; Best-selling author Elizabeth Berg makes an appearance to present her new book The Confession Club 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, The Bookmark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, bookmarkbeach.com, free CRE8JAX BOOK RELEASE PARTY Join CRE8JAX in celebrating its new book Introducing Jacksonville to Jacksonville with complimentary drinks and live music 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Brick and Beam, 1101 N. Main St., Springfield, RSVP at eventbrite.com, free

COMEDY

COMEDY ZONE LOL Comedy Night with Jon Vredenburg 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Southside, comedyzone.com, $10 FUNNY BONE COMEDY NIGHT Nationally touring comedians and local comedians perform 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, Red Gill Bistro, 4660 Salisbury Rd., Southside, facebook.com/theredgillbistro, $5-20 HOT POTATO COMEDY HOUR Chris Buck hosts this weekly comedy show 9:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Rain Dogs, 1045 Park St., Five Points, facebook. com/jaxcomedycollective

FILM

CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Downton Abbey and The Lighthouse continue to play with limited showings on Thanksgiving Day, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, $6-9

ART WALKS, MARKETS

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, 715 Riverside Ave., riversideartsmarket. com, free ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Sterling Silver Ring Stacking Tutorial 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 30, $60; Acrylic Pour Coasters Workshop 4-6 p.m. 18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

Saturday, Nov. 30, $55; Acrylic Pouring Class 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 1, $40, Atlantic Beach Arts Market, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com DIG LOCAL MARKET Farmers’ Markets: Beaches Green Market, 2-5 p.m. Saturdays, Jarboe Park, Florida Blvd. & A1A, Neptune Beach & Midweek Market, 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Bull Park, 718 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, diglocal.org

MUSEUMS

BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK The historical exhibition Neptune Beach: A Cool Place to Live runs through Mar. 1, 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, beachesmuseum.org MANDARIN MUSEUM 11964 Mandarin Rd., Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m., mandarinmuseum.net, free CUMMER MUSEUM of ARTS & GARDENS Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art exhibits through Dec. 1. Innovation & Imagination: The Global Dialogue in Mid to Late 20th Century Art runs through Dec. 31. Edmund Greacen & World War I runs through Dec. 15. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection runs through Jan. 5, 829 Riverside Ave., Five Points, cummermuseum.org KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM The Bible, featuring pages from the Gutenberg Bible and the first edition of the King James Bible, runs through Dec. 28, 101 W. First St., Springfield, karpeles.weebly.com MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Of Many Ancestors runs through Dec. 28. A Moment in Beijing runs through Feb. 2 Kedgar Volta’s large scale reactive light and sound exhibit The Fragility of Promise runs through Mar. 1, 1333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville. unf.edu, $5-8, kids 12 & younger free MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY Astronaut: Your Journey Begins on Earth runs through Jan. 4, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org LIGHTNER MUSEUM Visit the museum shop during Museum Store Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 1, 75 King St., St. Augustine, lightnermuseum.org SAINT AUGUSTINE PIRATE & TREASURE MUSEUM Captain Carl Fismer visits and signs copies of his book Time Ranger: In Search of Jack Haskins 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 12 S. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, thepiratemuseum.com

GALLERIES

MAIN LIBRARY POP: Perceptions of Poverty exhibit runs through Jan. 19, 303 Laura St. N., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE Kids Citrus Printing Workshop 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 9501 Arlington Expy, Ste. 430, Regency Square Mall, tacjacksonville.org, $10

THE ART STUDIO & GALLERY Diane Maurno is November’s artist of the month. 370A A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, beachartstudio.org CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free and open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday & noon-4 p.m. Saturday THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH Ellen Diamond’s Chasing Color runs through Jan. 11, 50 Executive Way, ccpvb.org CUTTER & CUTTER FINE ART GALLERIES 25 King St., St. Augustine, cutterandcutter.com GRAY 1908 GALLERY Jenna Alexander’s The Flower Map of the United States is on display. 73 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, jenna-alexander. com PAStA FINE ART GALLERY Michelle Davidson is November’s featured artist, her exhibit Abandonment is on display. 214 Charlotte St., St. Augustine, pastagalleryart.com SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY A Marriage of the Imagined: A Husband & Wife Exhibition on display through Dec. 20, 1 Independent Dr., Ste. 113, Downtown, southlightgallery.com ART SEE & SHOP Resin Art Workshop 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., Southside, secure.qgiv.com, $35 JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition displays through Mar. 1, 370 Zoo Pkwy, Northside, jacksonvillezoo. org, $14.95-28.95

EVENTS

54TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE FESTIVAL OF ART Several local artist and vendors display and sell their work 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 & 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Francis Field, 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, staaa.org/festival, $2 donation at the gate BAY STREET BASH: SUICIDE PREVENTION BLOCK PARTY Four venues, dozens of musicians & performers and various vendors and sponsors collaborate to throw a massive block party. More than 50 percent of proceeds will be donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 315, 333 & 345 E. Bay St., Downtown, eventbrite.com, $10-20 GIN N’ JUICE: 90’S HIP-HOP PARTY Join DJs Nickfresh, Mas Appeal & Dialectable Beats 9 p.m.midnight Saturday, Nov. 30, Manifest Distilling, 960 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, tickets at 904tix.com, $15 online, $20 at the door WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY Relax this Thanksgiving Eve with bottomless wine, sangria, champagne, draft beer, and snacks, 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, DOMU, 4852 Town Center Pkwy, Ste. 101, Southside, facebook.com/domufl, $15 MAIN STREET NIGHTS THE SPRINGFIELD

ARTS + EVENTS EXPERIENCE Celebrate 8103 Clothing’s 16 Year Anniversary and party Springfield’s nightlife noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 8103 Clothing Inc., 1715 N. Main St., Springfield, facebook. com/8103clothing, free FROZEN CHARACTER BREAKFAST Meet and eat with characters from the hit film Frozen 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach, 1944 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, facebook. com/adventurelandingjaxbeach, $10-13 SOCIAL STARDAZE DAY PARTY A night of live soul and R&B music performances 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, The Manhattan Spots Bar & Lounge, 345 E. Bay St., Downtown, facebook.com/ themanhattan345, $10; call 502-6005 for VIP DOLPHIN WALK Learn how to spot dolphins while at the beach with this informative walk along the coast 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine, floridastateparks.org/park/Anastasia, $2-8; walk is free with admission to park SAN MARCO FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Support the local art community and take photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Balis Park, 1999 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, sanmarcoartfestival. com, free BLACK OUT WEDNESDAY Celebrate the holidays with new brews, good friends, and drink specials 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, Aardwolf Brewery, 1461 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, facebook.com/ aardwolffuntimes, free SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Support small businesses with this nationwide day of shopping locally and enjoy discounts and deals all over town. Times vary based on businesses, Saturday, Nov. 30, Downtown, downtownjacksonville.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

FRIENDSGIVING Celebrate Thanksgiving early with friends, live music from Who Rescued Who, drink specials, & beer releases 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, facebook.com/wickedbarleybrewing, free ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION Amelia Island’s annual night of holiday festivities includes stilt walkers, elf training, inflatables & s’mores. A

portion of the proceeds benefit Omni Hotel’s Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Hwy., Fernandina Beach, ameliaislandchristmas.com, free BLACK FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET Support local business & enjoy live music on one of the busiest holiday shopping days of the year 5-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, wickedbarleybrewing. com HOLIDAY CANDLE CLASS Enjoy a beverage while creating a custom candle 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, macmaddies.com, $25, tickets must be purchased in advance CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Shop from several artists and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Downtown, madeinthesouthshows.godaddysites.com, $8, kids 12 & younger free MELANIN MARKET’S BLACK FRIDAY Shop for the holidays and support local artists 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, The Melanin Market, 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown, eventbrite.com, free GAAM HOLIDAY NERD MARKET Explore more than 25 businesses and artists 12-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, 4812 W. Deer Lake Dr., Southside, eventbrite.com, $7-20; kids 12 & younger free #GIVINGTUESDAY FSCJ has organized this day of giving with six local non-profit organizations. Students, faculty & staff spend the day fulfilling the organizations’ needs while conducting a food drive for FSCJ’s H.O.P.E. Food Pantry. Tuesday, Dec. 3, locations vary, donate at fscj.edu/givingtuesday HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET Vintage Arts Inc. hosts its Third Annual Market 12-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Vintage Arts Inc., 10029 San Jose Blvd., Southside, vintageartsinc.com, free WINTER MARKET Sample spirits and shop for gifts while supporting small businesses 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Manifest Distilling, 960 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, manifestdistilling.com, free

CONCERTS

SOUT

CULHA Harkin WHISK Neon W Chris Th

SPRIN

PALMS Ward & Nov. 28 Mr. Bill

UPC

Photo by Kamil Lee

Atlanta psych trio CHEW is making a name for itself by touring relentlessly. The band recently appeared on Adult Swim’s Bloodfeast. The Psychic Hotline Tour brings Chew back to Northeast Florida. DigDog, BAET and Braillecloud open. 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Shantytown, Springfield, facebook.com/ shantytownjax, $5.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Davis Turner Nov. 27. Kevin Ski Nov. 29. Amy Vickery Nov. 30. Travis Hardin Dec. 1. Joe King Dec. 3 SJ BREWING COMPANY 463646 S.R. 200, Yulee. Porch Swing Nov. 30 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. The Macy’s Nov. 27. Sam McDonald Nov. 30 STORY AND SONG BOOKSTORE, 1430 Park Ave. Opera Night: A Cornucopia of Song Nov. 29

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

BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. Taylor Roberts Quartet Nov. 29. Bay Kings Band Showcase Dec. 2. Blue Jay Jazz Jam Dec. 3 COOP 303, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach Sam Sanders Nov. 29 FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach Beach City Nov. 29 & 30 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd. Mucho Gusto Latin Night Nov. 30 HOPTINGER 333 First St. N. Anton Laplume Nov. 29. Tad Jennings Nov. 30 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3105 Beach Blvd. Mike Shackelford, Dean Spry Nov. 29. The Peyton Brothers Nov. 30. MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD, 200 First St. NB Live music every Fri. & Sat. SURFER THE BAR, 200 First St. N. Tad Jennings Nov. 29

DOWNTOWN

Indivisible-Flagler hosts a one-time, grassroots screening of WITNESS AT TORNILLO. The newly released documentary follows an activist from Brooklyn who heads to West Texas and attempts to shut down an American internment camp and free 2,800 migrant teenagers kept against their will 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Regal Avenues Stadium 20 Theater, 9525 Philips Hwy., Southside, witness.carbontrace.net, $12.

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Normandy Boulevard Tour: Johan Marquis Nov. 29. Bit Deff, Vlad The Inhaler Nov. 30 THE FLORIDA THEATRE, 128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300 Kidz Bop World Tour Nov. 30. Il Divo: A Holiday Song Celebration Dec. 3 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St. E.R.N.E.S.T.O., Mike Shea, Jon Kinesis, Double L Nov. 27. Bay Street Bash: Suicide Prevention Block Party with DJs Q45, Capone, Franko Carino Nov. 29. The Neo Sound Soiree, DJ Introkut, Albert Adkins, KGB, Papi Disco Nov. 30 VYSTAR VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. Ariana Grande: Sweetener World Tour Dec. 1

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Mark Johns Nov.

27. David Burkhalter, Black Creek Ri’Zin Nov. 29. Eric and Cody Collette, Comfort Zone Nov. 30 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 Nov. 29. Southern Rukus Nov. 30

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170 Atlantic Blvd. Fireball Nov. 29

MANDARIN

ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd. Pianist Carl Grant every Thur. Fri. & Sat. Pianist Brian Iannucci every Sun. Tue. & Wed. IGGY’S, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101. Julia Gulia Nov. 29. Chris Tyler Band Nov. 30. Firewater Tent Revival Dec. 1

PONTE VEDRA

TAPS, 2220 C.R. 210. Dennis Miller Nov. 27. Boogie Freaks Nov. 29

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

FIRED UP PIZZA, 1050 Edgewood Ave S. Tad Jennings Nov. 27 NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. House & Tacos: Charlie Hustle, Les Voss, Max Danger Nov. 29. RNB & Hookah: Kris Vega, Biz Levin, 4Kamai, J Lyrik & Ebonique Nov. 30 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St. Sound Affects on Muzak Mondaze Dec. 2

ST. AUGUSTINE

THE AMP, 1340C A1A S. St. Augustine Music Hall of Fame Ceremony Dec. 1 ARNOLD’S, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. Moses Creek Nov. 27. Hind Site Nov. 30 DOG ROSE BREWING, 77 Bridge St. Brett Bass & the Melted Plectrum Nov. 30 COLONIAL QUARTER, 33 St. George St. Narrow Nights at The Oak Nov. 28. Kapowski Nov. 29. Baba Caiman Nov. 30 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St. Lu Rubino, Space Heaters Nov. 27. Sailor Jane & The Swell, Be Easy Duo Nov. 29. Raisin Cake Orchestra, Let’s Ride Brass Band Nov. 30

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave. Push On Tour: Wax, UBI, Lance Skiiiwalker, DJ IFTW, Feral the Earthworm Nov. 27. The Queers, Friendly Fire, Nine Tenths Nov. 29. Galaga Tour: Rehab, Suburban Clay Nov. 30. Genitorturers Dec. 3

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

CHICAG The Flo TRISHA AMAND Dec. 7, JIMMY Dec. 8, TRANS Veteran TOM M Mudvill LEANN HORTO Vedra C THE ISL 22, Tim BLACK JJ GRE DONNA Concer ELVIS B BRUCE CELINE MALCO

CONCERTS

CONCERTS THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & BUCKY HEARD Jan. 16, The Florida Theatre CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 9720 Deer Lake Ct. Keith GRACE POTTER Jan. 15, The Florida Theatre RISING APPALACHIA, RAYE ZARAGOZA Jan. 16, Harkin Dec. 3 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135 Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Neon Whiskey Nov. 27. Seven Street Band Nov. 29. JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS Jan. 17, Mudville Music Room Chris Thomas Band, The Invasions Nov. 30 QUEENSRŸCHE, JOHN 5, EVE TO ADAM Jan. 19, SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE The Florida Theatre PALMS FISH CAMP, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Michael ROBERT CRAY Jan. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Ward & Friends Nov. 27 & Dec. 1. Silk & Steel Duo REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG: THE Nov. 28. Taylor Shami Nov. 29. The Remedy Nov. 30. ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE Jan. 19, Thrasher-Horne Mr. Bill Show Dec. 1 Center GAELIC STORM Jan. 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE VALLEY PCOMING ONCERTS GHOULS Jan. 23, 1904 Music Hall CHICAGO TRIBUTE: LEONID & FRIENDS Dec. 6, VERLON THOMPSON & JIM LAUDERDALE Jan. 24, The Florida Theatre Mudville Music Room TRISHA YEARWOOD Dec. 7, The Florida Theatre TODD SNIDER Jan. 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS LUCINDA WILLIAMS & HER BAND BUICK 6 Jan. Dec. 7, Mudville Music Room 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall JIMMY BUFFETT & THE CORAL REEFER BAND BLACK FLAG, THE LINECUTTERS Jan. 26, 1904 Dec. 8, VyStar Veterans Arena Music Hall TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec. 12, VyStar CITIZEN COPE Jan. 27, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Veterans Arena TOM MASON & THE BLUE BUCCANEERS Dec. 14, THE TAJ MAHAL QUARTET, ROB ICKES, TREY HENSLEY Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Mudville Music Room RODNEY CROWELL Jan. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert LEANN RIMES Dec. 15, The Florida Theatre Hall HORTON’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE Dec. 20, Ponte THE GLORIOUS SONS, DES ROCS Jan. 31, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE ISLEY BROTHERS 60TH ANNIVERSARY Dec. Vedra Concert Hall SIDELINE Feb. 8, Mudville Music Room 22, Times-Union Center BLACKBERRY SMOKE Dec. 30, The Florida Theatre JOHN FOGERTY Feb. 23, The Amp RICHARD SMITH Mar. 5, Mudville Music Room JJ GREY & MOFRO Dec. 31, The Florida Theatre THE FRED EAGLESMITH SHOW, TIF GINN March DONNA THE BUFFALO Jan. 4, Ponte Vedra 12, Mudville Music Room Concert Hall JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, OLD CROW ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH: MIKE ALBERT, SCOT MEDICINE SHOW March 27, The Amp BRUCE, BIG E BAND Jan. 8, The Florida Theatre VANILLA ICE, SIR MIX-A-LOT April 7, Clay CELINE DION Jan. 8, VyStar Veterans Arena MALCOLM HOLCOMBE Jan. 9, Mudville Music Room County Fair

SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS

Photo by Kamil Lee

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

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

DOWNTOWN

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Mark Johns Nov.

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170 Atlantic Blvd. Fireball Nov. 29

MANDARIN

PONTE VEDRA

TAPS, 2220 C.R. 210. Dennis Miller Nov. 27. Boogie Freaks Nov. 29

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

ST. AUGUSTINE

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

Photo by Wayne Wright

Murray Hill’s premiere Neapolitan-meets-New-York pizzeria now features live entertainment on Wine Down Wednesdays. Solo loop artist TAD JENNINGS is one of the venue’s regular performers. 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, Fired Up Pizza, Murray Hill, facebook.com/ FUPizza, free.

FOLIO PETS

LOCAL PET EVENTS & ADOPTABLES BLACK FRIDAY ADOPTION SPECIAL Jacksonville Humane Society joins forces with the City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services to offer free adoptions from Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Sunday, Dec. 1. Jax Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org.

ADOPTABLES

TRIXIE

FOUR-LEGGED GRATITUDE DAVI COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS

AS I SIT ON MY BLANKET AND THINK about my life this year, I realize I have much to be thankful for. Where should I begin? Well first, since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I am glad I am a dog and not a turkey! In all seriousness, there will always be more blessings than I have paws, and I find new reasons to give thanks each day. Here are a few things I am particularly thankful for. SQUIRRELS There’s nothing like getting in touch with your primal instincts, am I right? Chasing squirrels in the park is an urge nearly impossible to resist. I’ve never caught one, and I am not sure what I would do if I did, but tracking the scent of those little critters is top-notch playtime. CAR RIDES Road trip? Heck yeah! Being in the car is one of life’s happy experiences; it’s almost as fun as rolling in stinky garbage. Zipping around town, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and going crazy over the smells makes me feel as if I am part of a pack on a hunting expedition in the wild. WELL-WORN TOYS New toys are great, but my tried-and-true squeaky squirrel is my favorite, regardless of how battered and frayed it is. I don’t think I’m alone here, either; I’m willing to bet most dogs have one toy that holds a special place in their hearts, and the attachment almost always leads back to a special moment spent with their best friend: their human.

FOOD For me, every meal is a little celebration. I am grateful for crumbs dropped on the floor, treats made with love and healthy dog food that doesn’t taste like cardboard. LOVE Nothing shows love quite like greeting my mom at the end of a long day. I get a wiggle in my walk the minute she steps through the door. It’s the best moment of my life! When she rubs my belly and scratches that spot on my back I can’t reach, I know I’m in the best place on earth. When I invade her lap, steal her blankets, and nuzzle my face next to hers, she knows I feel safe and comfortable. FAMILY The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing. Family isn’t always blood; it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs, who accept you for who you are, who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter how often you bark at the mailman. It turns out, dogs rely on humans more than each other for affection, protection and everything in between. As you celebrate this holiday season, remember that your pet has many reasons to be thankful for you. What they are not able to express in words, they will show you through love and actions. Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

Hi! My name is Nikki and my friends here at JHS often describe me as a majestic and loving feline. Wanna be bffs? I get along with all humans, love sleeping in my cat bed, and will always greet you with a smile. If we sound like a match, check out jaxhumane. org for more information!

PUPS ON THE PATIO YAPPY HOUR One waterfront bar is rolling out the red carpet for pet parents and their fur babies. Located inside the Guy Harvey Resort, Santiago’s is offering $1 off drinks, $3 doggie “paw’ke” bowls and free dog biscuits during this weekly event. 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Santiago’s Florida Kitchen & Craft Bar, 860 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Aug. Beach, santiagosfloridakitchen.com.

ADOPTABLES

NIKKI

Hey there! I’m Trixie, and I’d love to earn a place in your heart and home. No tricks here, just the treat of having a new bestie. I’m a sweet, affectionate girl who would love to relax with you while you stream the classics on Disney Plus (Lady and the Tramp, anyone?). I enjoy cuddles, playing with toys, and munching on treats. Come meet me anytime at 8464 Beach Blvd.!

GIVING TUESDAY Jacksonville Humane Society’s online donation drive is live all day. What’s more, an unnamed sponsor is matching donations. Tune in to social media for playful pet content throughout the day. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Jax Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Southside, jaxhumane.org/givingtuesday. NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by

Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society

San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741

Ponte Vedra

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A North 280-1202

Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. Voted Best Jeweler in FW’s 388-5406 Best of Jax readers’ poll!

FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1

20 24 28

32 38

44 47 52

ACROSS

FINE POINTS OF THE LAW After losing in district court, convicted killer Benjamin Schreiber took an unusual claim to the Iowa Court of Appeals, but was shut down again on Nov. 6, according to The Washington Post. Schreiber, 66, was sentenced to a life term in 1997, but in March 2015, he suffered a medical emergency in his prison cell that caused doctors to have to restart his heart five times. Schreiber thus claimed he had briefly “died,” and therefore he had served out his life sentence and should be released. The district judge didn’t buy it, though, saying the filing proved he was still alive, and the appeals court agreed, saying, “Schreiber is either alive, in which case he must remain in prison, or he is dead, in which case this appeal is moot.”

46 49

52 Accommodating person 1 Shortage 54 Confer holy 5 JSO K-9 command orders on 10 "Very funny!" 56 Smaller 14 Jai ___ 57 Farah's org. 15 "The Center of 60 Terrarium plant Good Living" 61 Modify 16 Surfer's device 63 News note 17 Didn't discard 64 Mimicked 18 Kitten's cries 65 "The Big Guava" 19 Schindler of First 66 Chess play Coast News 67 Seized auto 20 PC file suffix 68 Margarines 21 Renown 69 Underwood's 22 Dozing black stone 24 Wine spots 27 Jax Bread Co. DOWN need 1 Okeechobee, e.g. 28 Draw near 2 The "A" of ARod 30 Lab burner 3 "Waterfront 32 Major vessel Wonderland" 33 Shore scavenger 4 First-aid ___ 37 Nipper's corp. 5 Mogadishu native 38 "The Gateway to 6 He cometh the Americas" 7 Show fear 40 2012 Gator Bowl 8 Finless fish team, initially 9 Four-letter U.S. 41 Equine in a city with the chukker highest population 44 Daytona events 10 "The City of 46 Lease Progress" 47 Gamers' icons 11 Sleep disorder 49 Almost boil

12 13 21 23 25 26 28 29 31 33 34 35 36 38 39 42 43

Briefs brand Skilled Davi biter Lip-___ Jax winter hrs. Feel like Be a nag Spanish nuts Mai ___ Cove kin "A City for All Seasons" Addict Rumple Calendar abbr. Gaga over "The City Beautiful" Mani-___

44 45 47 48 49 50 51 53 55 58 59 62

Dustcloths Got fed up Syrian city Panoramas Until now Fancy flapjack Seller of FW space Accuse Defense grp. Big bunch Visa rival Cowboys, on a TIAA Bank Field scoreboard Texter's qualifier

SOLUTION TO 11.20.19 PUZZLE S C A M A R L O C U L L C E D B I G E A R D A L O E F E D G E A E R A S L A T T I N E L A N R A D I S H A L

22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

E E R O R T I D O L

C A R B A L E E B A L L I C P O C H U M R E P S R G E T A R E E E T B I R D E M Z E A O A H S N A

H A V E O P I N M O O L E E L I S C A V Q U O T E A G E N M E N A A S S D U C A T D S R O D A D O L S I L U O N I G F E E

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT About a year ago, the Associated Press reports, Les and Paula Ansley of Mossel Bay, South Africa, stumbled upon a novel idea for a new type of spirit, which they call Indlovu Gin. During a safari, they learned that elephants eat a wide variety of fruits and flowers, but digest less than a third of it. “As a consequence, in the elephant dung, you get the most amazing variety of these botanicals,” Les Ansley said. “Why don’t we let the elephants do the hard work of collecting all these botanicals and we will make gin from it?” Why, indeed? They collect the dung themselves, by hand, and describe their gin’s flavor as “lovely, wooded, almost spicy, earthy.” (“Indlovu” means elephant in the Zulu language.) Each bottle’s label notes where the dung was gathered and when. “Most people are very keen to actually taste it,” Ansley said. A bottle sells for about $32.

N E A T E S T N E B O T S

HIGHER LEARNING A Dutch university now offers students a turn in the “purification grave,” a hole dug in the ground where students can lie down and reflect on their lives for up to three hours. The student chaplaincy at Radboud University initially offered the experience in 2009 as a temporary experiment, but due to increased demand, it’s back this year, according to Vice. Students are not allowed to bring their phones or a book with them into the grave. “You can see it as a special place of meditation: below you the earth, above you the sky,” the university website explains. “You will then automatically notice what is going through your mind.” If you’re skittish about entering the grave, you can sit on the bench nearby. Radboud also offers a finals-season “crying room” and nap pods.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS Female employees in Japan who wear eyeglasses are seeing red after some companies there have reportedly banned eyewear for their women workers, according to the BBC. While some retailers have said women in glasses give a “cold impression,” the hashtag #glassesareforbidden has been trending, and Kumiko Nemoto, professor of sociology at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, spoke out against the “outdated” policies: “It’s all about gender. It’s pretty discriminatory. ... The company values the women’s appearance as being feminine and that’s the opposite to someone who wears glasses.” Japanese women have also rebelled against policies that require them to wear high heels. BRIGHT IDEA Subhash Yadav, 42, of Jaunpur, India, visited a market to eat eggs with a friend, News18 reported on Nov. 4, but the two fell into an argument. To settle the dispute, police said, Yadav accepted a challenge to eat 50 eggs in exchange for 2,000 rupees. He ate 41 eggs, but just as he began to eat the 42nd, he collapsed, unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital but died a few hours later. Doctors claimed Yadav died of overeating, but family members would not comment. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL On Oct. 30, Hudson, Florida, resident Michael Psilakis, 21, lost $1,000 in a card game to an unnamed man. A witness told police that this upset Psilakis, reported the Tampa Bay Times. When the man was reported missing, Pasco County Sheriff ’s deputies started their investigation with Psilakis, who told them the victim had dropped him off at his mother’s house after the card game, so when the man turned up dead in a burned-out Ford Taurus, police visited Psilakis’ mother. During her interview, Psilakis called his mother, according to court documents, and officers recorded the conversation. In it he told his mom he had burned his legs throwing gas on the car and they needed to coordinate their stories so he was coming right over. When he arrived, police found a stolen handgun in his car along with a cellphone containing internet searches for “can u shoot through a seat” and “how to treat burns.” Deputies arrested him on weapons charges on Nov. 2 and later added first-degree murder, grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Humans invented the plow in 4,500 BC, the wheel in 4,000 BC, and writing in 3,400 BC. But long before that, by 6,000 BC, they had learned how to brew beer and make psychoactive drugs from plants. Psychopharmacologist Ronald Siegel points to this evidence to support his hypothesis that the yearning to transform our normal waking consciousness is a basic drive akin to our need to eat and drink. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this shift besides alcohol and drugs. They include dancing, singing, praying, drumming, meditating and having sex. What are your favorite modes? It’ll be extra important for you to alter your habitual perceptions and thinking patterns during the coming weeks. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What’s something you’re afraid of, but pretty confident you could become unafraid of? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to dismantle or dissolve that fear. Your levels of courage will be higher than usual, and your imagination will be unusually ingenious in devising methods and actions to free you of the unnecessary burden. Step one: Formulate an image or scene that symbolizes the dread, and visualize yourself blowing it up with a “bomb” made of a hundred roses. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “enantiodromia” refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a vivid form of expression turns into its opposite, often in dramatic fashion. Yang becomes yin; resistance transforms into welcome; loss morphs into gain. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are likely to experience enantiodromia in the coming weeks. Will it be a good thing or a bad thing? You can have a lot of influence over how that question resolves. For best results, don’t fear or demonize contradictions and paradoxes. Love and embrace them. CANCER (June 21-July 22): There are Americans who speak only one language, English, and yet imagine they are smarter than bilingual immigrants. That fact amazes me, and inspires me to engage in humble reflection about how we judge our fellow humans. Now is a favorable time for us to take inventory of any inclinations we might have to regard ourselves as superior to others; to question why we might imagine others aren’t as worthy of love and respect as we are; or to be skeptical of any tendency we might have dismiss and devalue those who don’t act and think as we do. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Erotic love is one of the highest forms of contemplation,” wrote the sensually wise poet Kenneth Rexroth. That’s a provocative and profitable inspiration for you to tap into. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re in the Season of Lucky Plucky Delight, when brave love can save you from wrong turns and irrelevant ideas; when the grandeur of amour can be your teacher and catalyst. If you have a partner with whom you can conduct these educational experiments, wonderful. If you don’t, be extra sweet and intimate with yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the follow-up story to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, our heroine uses a magic mirror as a portal into a fantastical land. There she encounters the Red Queen, and soon the two of them are holding hands and running as fast as they can. Alice notices that despite their great effort, they don’t seem to be moving forward. In the Red Queen’s realm, you must run as hard as possible just to remain in the same spot. Sound familiar? Stop running. Sit back, relax, and allow the world to zoom by you. You might temporarily fall behind, but in the meantime, you’ll get fully recharged 24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Most sane people wish there could be less animosity between groups that have different beliefs and interests. But the problem goes even deeper. Most of us are at odds with ourselves. Here’s how author Rebecca West described it: Even the different parts of the same person do not often converse, do not succeed in learning from each other. The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to promote unity and harmony among all the various parts of yourself. I urge you to entice them to enter into earnest conversations with each other! SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Cecilia Woloch asks, “How to un-want what the body has wanted, explain how the flesh in its wisdom was wrong?” Did the apparent error occur because of “some ghost in the mind?” Was it due to “some blue chemical rushing the blood” or “some demon or god”? I’m sure that you have experienced this mystery. In the coming weeks, you will have the power to un-want inappropriate or unhealthy experiences. Step one: Have a talk with yourself about why the thing your body has wanted isn’t in alignment with your highest good. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Composer Ludwig van Beethoven was inclined to get deeply absorbed in his work. Even when he took time to attend to the details of daily necessity, he allowed himself to be spontaneously responsive to compelling musical inspirations that suddenly welled up in him. On more than a few occasions, he lathered his face with the 19th-century equivalent of shaving cream, then got waylaid by a burst of brilliance and forgot to actually shave. The coming weeks may be Beethoven-like for you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the next eleven months, you could initiate fundamental improvements in the way you live from day to day. It’s conceivable you’ll discover or generate innovations that permanently raise your life’s possibilities to a higher octave. At the risk of sounding grandiose, I’m tempted to predict that you’ll celebrate at least one improvement that is your personal equivalent of the invention of the wheel or the compass or the calendar. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn anything from history. Philosopher Georg Hegel said that. But I think you will have an excellent chance to disprove this theory in the coming months. You will be motivated to study your own past in detail; you’ll be skilled at drawing useful lessons from it; and you will apply those lessons with wise panache as you re-route your destiny. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his own time, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was acclaimed and beloved. At the height of his fame, he earned $3,000 per poem. But modern literary critics think that most of what he created is derivative, sentimental and unworthy of serious appreciation. In dramatic contrast is poet Emily Dickinson (1830–1886). Her writing was virtually unknown in her lifetime, but is now regarded as among the best ever. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to sort through your own past so as to determine which of your work, like Longfellow’s, should be archived as unimportant or irrelevant, and which, like Dickinson’s, deserves to be a continuing inspiration as you glide into the future.

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

FOLIO WEED

FAKE NEWS

ANN COULTER IS WRONG. IMAGINE THAT! IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME (AND DEAR God, I hope you’re not), you probably have a bunch of browser tabs lying open on your computer as we speak. You probably know it’s too many tabs, you’ve probably heard folks say as much while looking over your shoulder for whatever reason, and your response is likely something along the lines of, “Yes, I know. Go away,” because you do know, and you have always known. Are you ever going to do anything about that? No, of course not. What a silly question. Speaking of silly questions, several of my 17 open tabs are occupied by articles questioning the connection between cannabis and mental health, which has been a subject of speculation for longer than any of us have been alive (with the exception of Betty White). I also have more than a dozen tabs open in my phone’s browser. One of them has been open for a full six months. The fact that it’s an article by Ann Coulter may give rise to speculation about my own mental health, but I think that ship has sailed. Anyway, Coulter’s May 15 column, “These Are Real ‘High Crimes,’” is one of the most absurdly alarmist anti-weed screeds I’ve ever read, and I have read all of them. Full disclosure: I positively adore Coulter, safely from a distance. But this right-winger is way out in left field here, building on the legacy of Harry I-lied-toCongress-199-out-of-200-times Anslinger by citing a bunch of violent crimes, which she blames on the perpetrator’s use of marijuana. This is big talk, coming from the world’s most famous Grateful Dead fan, and it’s shocking that people still believe such things.

I have an old friend who once smoked a bunch of weed and had a nervous breakdown. At least, that’s what everyone thinks happened. Surely it had nothing to do with losing his teaching job because he got arrested at The Jacksonville Landing in connection with a brawl that he was only trying to help break up, and certainly nothing to do with not being able to see his daughter because losing that job caused him to fall behind on his child-support payments. And it certainly had nothing to do with having aging relatives abroad that he was unable to visit because he couldn’t afford plane tickets, or because his legal situation meant that even if he could get home to visit them, he might not be allowed back in the country—not that it mattered, because everything he loved had already been taken away from him. No, it was definitely the weed, but this gets into the crucial matter of causality. Cannabis does not, in and of itself, cause mental illness (although the prices at some of these dispensaries will drive you crazy). That said, it’s also true that folks suffering from preexisting mental or emotional distress are more likely to gravitate toward drugs of all types, including alcohol. You would think that Coulter, who really thought Trump was going to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it, would know that better than most. The problem is not drugs; it’s depression, and any palliative measures are mere shortcuts. There is no substitute for overall wellness. Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to the Folio Weed Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 25

CLASSIFIEDS

YOUR PORTAL TO REACHING 95,000+ READERS WEEKLY HEALTH

SUFFERING FROM AN ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call today to speak with someone who cares.

Call NOW 855-266-8685. (AAN CAN)(1/2/19)

CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE – Get started

26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019

by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 800-725-1563. (AAN CAN)(12/12/18)

MISCELLANEOUS

NEED A ROOMMATE? Roommates.com will help you find your Perfect Match™ today! (AAN CAN)(12/12/18)

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 27