Shout! by Folio Weekly

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THIS WEEK // 12.18.19-12.24.19 // VOL. 33 ISSUE 38

MAIN FEATURE

GUIDING LIGHT

Southlight Gallery shines, at least for one more year Story by Brianna Bostick

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

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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

DESIGN

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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.

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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 DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

THE MAIL ODE TO JOY RE.: Leaps & Bounds by Courtney Stringfellow, Dec. 11 Joy Young is definitely one of the top five nicest people I have ever met! Love Folio Weekly! Rayshawn Harris via Facebook Amazing, colorful cover. She is such an important person in our city. Thank you, Folio Weekly, for doing this. Congrats, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. LOL JAX Film Festival via Facebook

RIDICULOUS RE.: Yoho the Yo-Yo by Susan Clark Armstrong, Dec. 11 Susan’s opinion piece should be updated. Ted Yoho announced long before her article posted that he is keeping promise. [Editor’s note: Yoho made his official retirement announcement three hours before the Folio Politics story was scheduled to post online.] What a ridiculous opinion piece, too, with inaccuracies. Trump has not endorsed Sapp. To be on a finance committee simple means you are committing to raise money. Not that Trump supports you. Really ridiculous article. Kristen Long via email

AMERICAN VOTERS ARE UNDER ATTACK The House of Representatives, the Senate Intelligence Committee and the entire U.S. intelligence community agree that our election system is not safe. The Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed that Russia targeted election systems across all 50 states in 2016, and that Russia, China and Iran are already planning attacks on the 2020 election. Additionally, election administrators have unethically influenced the vote by closing precincts, failing to fix faulty voting machines

and enacting high barriers to the ballot in the form of restrictive voter ID laws. Though extreme gerrymandering, legislators draw extremely partisan district lines in which politicians pick their voters, rather than the other way around. In response the House of Representatives has passed a bill that would help prevent future attacks, giving $600 million in security funding to replace outdated voting equipment with systems using voter-verified paper ballots, plus additional security measures that would safeguard election results from hackers and cyber attacks. Sadly, election security funding has been blocked in the Senate by Mitch O’Connell and Senate Republicans. Concerned citizens should contact senators Rubio and Scott demanding action on this vital funding. The integrity of our elections is the foundation of our democracy. The Senate must restore and expedite election funding to safeguard and ensure confidence in our elections. Karen Adler via email

COUNTRY OVER PARTY So on the day President Trump learns he’ll be impeached, he invites the Russian Foreign Minister to the Oval Office. What? Call me cynical, but I wonder if it wasn’t the Foreign Minister who called the meeting to remind Trump to keep his mouth shut. The Russians have something on him. What it is, I can only make an educated guess. For those of you clinging to the lie that there was no collusion, I would remind you of the Trump Tower meeting. Adoptions? No, that’s been proven to be a lie. As we found out later it was about delivering dirt on Hillary. If Trump is allowed to remain in office, he will try to cheat again in 2020. A leopard doesn’t change its spot. Republicans need to protect our country ... not their party. 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 BOUQUET TO KEITH MARKS The experimental- and world-music promoter (and occasional Folio Weekly contributor) has accepted a position as executive director of Next Stage Arts Project in Putney, Vermont. Marks was tipped to the job opening earlier this year, while completing the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts and Culture certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.

BOUQUET TO JUSTIN QUINTAL On Dec. 5, the Jacksonville Beach native–a graduate of Duncan U. Fletcher High School and UNF–won the World Surf League Longboard title in Taiwan. The laurel follows other competition wins in Australia and Spain earlier in the year.

BOUQUET TO AL LAWSON On Dec. 10, the U.S. Rep. (FL-05) issued a press release regarding the articles of impeachment against the president: “I have remained committed to conducting a fair and transparent impeachment inquiry. The evidence is clear, President Trump put himself before our country, and has endangered our national security...We can no longer sit on our hands and ignore the facts. When you see a violation of the Constitution, we have no choice but to act.” 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.

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FOLIO VOICES: GUEST EDITORIAL

SEE NO EVIL

WILL PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION PROTECT THE HUSTLERS BEHIND THE JEA PRIVATIZATION SCHEME? PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION IS THE authority of an agency or officer to decide what charges to bring and how to pursue a particular case. Prosecutors have a significant amount of leeway, and it is often exercised with bias. The process is subjective enough for us to ask, “Is justice blind in Jacksonville?” I’ve asked that question many times, often in these very pages. The answer has never been satisfactory. Crooked insiders such as Kerri Stewart and Tony Cugno remain unmolested by the justice system, despite allegations— sometimes confessions—of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the courts threw the book at former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, former State Rep. Reggie Fullwood and former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown, who were also covered by local media with tabloid fervor. Today is no different. Let’s review a few recent cases. In 2018, then-Kids Hope Alliance CEO Joe Peppers sent an email attempting to expose “undue influence” in Jacksonville City Hall’s micro-grant award process. Laura Lothman, a member of Melissa Nelson’s State Attorney Office, was one of the addressees. Nothing happened until The Florida Times-Union covered the story in vivid detail this year, when Peppers was sacked. But his allegations of possible unethical behavior did not, for some reason, initiate any legal action by Nelson’s Office. The State Attorney exercised prosecutorial discretion. (It is worth noting that Brian Hughes, who was implicated along with Sam Mousa in the influence scheme, was a paid campaign consultant for both Nelson and Mayor Lenny Curry.) Now the possible sale of our JEA has stoked a bonfire of controversy, with some calling for a grand jury investigation. Echoing a very vocal majority of residents, Jake Godbold

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blasted Curry over the issue. The popular former mayor publicly took Curry to task for allegedly masterminding the JEA privatization scheme. According to Godbold, Curry cynically replaced JEA board members “with his hand-picked cronies” in order to grease the wheels. Indeed, the mayor’s former chief of staff, Kerri Stewart, who avoided scrutiny and possible prosecution despite numerous ethics complaints (again, prosecutorial discretion), is one such crony. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney said, “This is of such a magnitude and is so significant that this is the kind of thing you would see a federal grand jury investigation or U.S. Attorney’s Office or the State Attorney’s Office.” Pastor R.L. Gundy, who is part of the Jacksonville Leadership Coalition, has also publicly opposed the privatization of the utility company. Gundy told News4Jax he believes the FBI or a state or federal grand jury should investigate the circumstances surrounding the proposed JEA sale. Now, finally, a voice from within the current city establishment is echoing public sentiment. This week, Jacksonville City Council member Matt Carlucci introduced a resolution calling for a grand jury investigation of possible conflicts of interest and ethics violations. The investigation that Carlucci envisions would be concluded before any attempt to sell to restructure the public utility. Make no mistake. This is a test of judicial integrity. Thus far, justice has not been blind in Jacksonville. Prosecutorial discretion has tilted the scales of justice, protecting the privileged and condemning the rest of us. We’re watching to see if this time, for once, true accountability prevails.

Juan P. Gray mail@folioweekly.com _______________________________

Gray is a very concerned citizen.

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FRI

20 HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS SYMPHONIC DANCES

Jax Symphony alum Nathan Aspinall returns to lead the orchestra in a holidaythemed program featuring Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Christmas Eve Suite and Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony No. 94. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21, Times-Union Center, Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $19-$81.

OUR

PICKS THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST

& BEST HAPPENINGS

SUN

WED

18 GIALLO

FABIO FRIZZI

The legendary Italian soundtrack composer comes to Sun-Ray to perform a live score to Lucio Fulci’s The Beyond, followed by a set of greatest hits. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Sun-Ray Cinema, Five Points, sunraycinema.com, $26.75.

22 VOYAGE TO ATLANTIS

THE ISLEY BROTHERS

One of the most influential rock and soul groups of all time is on tour celebrating the 60th anniversary of the seminal hit “Shout.” The show features founding member and lead singer Ronald Isley as well as guitar hero Ernie Isley. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Times-Union Center, Downtown, timesunioncenter.com, $42.34 and up.

SAT

WED

18 VISITING DIGNITARIES HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

At the invitation of St. Augustine’s EMMA Concert Association, the Jacksonville Symphony heads south for this annual tradition. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine, emmaconcerts.com, $40. 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

21 VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS

ST. AUGUSTINE BALLET’S NUTCRACKER

The Ancient City’s dance company mounts its 11th annual performance of the holiday standard. Teenage dancer Grace Karger (pictured) returns as the Sugar Plum Fairy. She shares the role with Devin Mantei. 1:30 & 7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 21 & 22, Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine, saintaugustineballet.com, $15-$35.

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PICKS

BY JENNIFER MELVILLE | KIDS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

FRI

20 DICKENS DELIGHT A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Here’s a holiday tradition that won’t leave you saying Bah Humbug. This Charles Jones adaptation of a Dickens classic delights audiences of all ages with rousing holiday carols and brilliant set and costumes. One night only! 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Times-Union, 300 Water St., Downtown, fscjartistseries.org, $15.58-$67.50.

FRI

SKATES & SNOW

JACKSONVILLE ICE & SPORTSPLEX SNOW DAYS

Come out for daily public ice-skating. Kids will love the snowfall as well as visits from Santa and Jax Cool. Dec. 20-Jan. 5., Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex, 3605 Philips Hwy., Southside, jacksonvilleice.com, $12 includes skates rental and taxes.

FRI

NOSE SO BRIGHT

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

Here’s a holiday heaping of nostalgia! Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer The Musical brings beloved characters from the classic television special to life on stage. Perfect for the entire family! One night only! 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Florida Theatre, 128 Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $29.50-$49.50. 12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

PICKS

BY DALE RATERMANN | SPORTS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

THU

19 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAMES ST. JOHNS COUNTY SPORTS CLUB

Sports enthusiasts convene at the St. Johns County Sports Club for weekly luncheons featuring talks with local coaches, former players, sports media and administrators. Noon Thursday, Dec. 19, Corner Bar, 830 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, sjcsportsclub.org, $35 annual dues, $12 for lunch.

THU

19 RUN AS ONE

EDWARD WATERS BASKETBALL

The Edward Waters College men’s basketball team plays host to the nationally ranked Life University Running Eagles. Life beat EWC in overtime earlier this season at Marietta, Ga. It’s Community Day, so admission is free! 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Adams-Jenkins Center, 1859 Kings Rd., Urban Core, ewctigerpride.com, free.

FRI

20 CAN’T CHECK THIS ICEMEN HOCKEY

The Icemen are in action on back-to-back nights. Saturday is Star Wars Night and Teddy Bear Toss. All teddy bears will be donated to the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 vs. Atlanta; 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. South Carolina; Vystar Veterans Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, jacksonvilleicemen.com, $10 and up. DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

PICKS

BY STEPHANIE THOMPSON | LIBERTY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

FRI

20 CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE IN MINIATURE MILITARY TRAINS DAY

MOSH’s annual motorized holiday train display is on until Dec. 31 (see Arts & Events, pg. 18), but one special day is dedicated to military trains. Volunteer operators engage visitors about trains, engineering, and model building. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Museum of Science and History, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org, regular ticket prices.

Must Have Base Access

SAT

ALL ABOARD

THE POLAR EXPRESS

This free, on-base movie screening transports you to the North Pole via the whimsical Robert Zemeckis animated feature. Feel free to attend in your jammies. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Dewey’s, NAS Jacksonville, 542-3227, free.

SUN

22 HOLIDAYS WITH ZAHARA

CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

The Zahara Veterans Network hosts a holiday party for members as well as their families and supporters. 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Orange Park Library, 2054 Plainfield Ave., zaharavets.org, free. 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

12/4/19

PICKS

SARAH McLAUGHLIN | WELLNESS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

THU

19 FREE YOUR BODY, FREE YOUR ENERGY QIGONG: ANCIENT ACTIVATOR MIND-BODY MEDITATION

Cheryl Anthony leads this practice of movement Thursdays at Cultivate Jax. Benefits include stress reduction, better sleep, cardiovascular health, pain relief, flexibility and more. First-time students pay $5. 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Dec. 19, Cultivate Jax, 2766 Park St., Riverside, facebook.com/cultivatejax, $5-$15.

FRI

20 HANDS ON HEALING TOUCH

These energy therapy sessions facilitate physical, emotional and spiritual health through heart-centered hands. Must register to attend. 8-11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Y Healthy Living Center, 170 Landrum Ln., Ponte Vedra Beach, baptistjax.com/locations/y-healthy-living-centers/ ponte-vedra, 202-5376, $65.

TUE

24 HITTING THE GROUND TOGETHER WEEKLY GROUP RUNS

First Place Sports hosts group runs at various locations each week. The Wicked Road Warriors Group Run starts and finishes at the brewery, Tuesday nights. 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, 1stplacesports.com/group-runs, 731-3676, free. DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

FOLIO: FEATURE

GUIDING

LIGHT Southlight Gallery shines, at least for one more year story by BRIANNA BOSTICK

ABOVE Michael Dunlap and Ronda Steinke McDonald show off the gallery. 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

BACK IN THE EARLY AUGHTS, DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE WAS, LIKE THE SEX Pistols, pretty vacant. There were no residents, and business activity in the area was marginal. But there was a group of folks who wanted to change that—and art would be their spearhead. With encouragement from then-Mayor John Peyton and Downtown Vision Inc., artists brought their work to the heart of Jacksonville. Art Walk launched in 2003; the monthly event showcased Downtown galleries and exhibitions that were showing “first rate, exciting and edgy art,” recalls Ronda Steinke-McDonald. McDonald is one of the artists at the collaborative Southlight Gallery, which would eventually form from the Downtown scene and which is no struggling to remain Downtown. The Art Walk initiative breathed life into the city streets, and allowed galleries and cultural venues to flourish. It’s still going strong. Indeed, it has evolved into the Art Walk we know and love today, embodying

TOP: C Mastrangelo, Deep Sleep MIDDLE: N McNally, Lucrezia BOTTOM: R. Scott English, VII-III-XVI

a love for sharing art, and bringing many people to the area. It took time, however, for the efforts made at the beginning of the decade to bear fruit. In 2009, Downtown had not developed as far as city officials would have liked, and a sense of urgency to revitalize the area lingered. There were many storefront and residential vacancies with low rent rates. Artists were inspired to set up shop with galleries and studios. Mayor Peyton and Downtown Vision encouraged what was then known in policy circles as the “creative class” to fill the void in the city center; these urban pioneers, it was hoped, would put the word out to the business class. New York’s SoHo and Chelsea neighborhoods were used as templates. In the same year, a photographer and practicing architect named Michael Dunlap took an afternoon stroll down Laura Street, stumbled upon the Greenleaf Gallery, and dreamed up an art show. He immediately called his friends Mark Howard, and Jim Draper as well as other fellow artists and “longtime champions of Downtown revitalization.” It was kind of like getting the band back together. Dunlap and his crew had hosted pop-up art shows in empty warehouses throughout the 1980s, often drawing crowds as large as 800. In April 2009, they came together again to host a reunion show highlighting the Southlight artists from their ‘80s exhibitions. “It was a big hit,” Dunlap told Folio Weekly. The space, where Bellwether is now, soon became the first location of a permanent Southlight Gallery, with more than 20 artists immediately joining the collective. Southlight is a frequent winner of Best Gallery in Folio Weekly’s annual Best of Jax reader poll, and since 2014, it has enjoyed a resounding response to its Summer Guest Series, which has featured 200 local artists. The gallery now resides in the first floor of the Wells Fargo Center. Its the sixth Southlight location in 10 years. They are “nomads in the city core” who “believe in the vision of Downtown, despite pushback.” Speaking of pushback, Dunlap and co. might have been scouting an 11th Southlight site this month. Until just last week, the gallery was anticipating a halt to all activities at the beginning of the year, due to the building renovations in preparation of sale. Dunlop was finally able to negotiate a year’s reprieve. The cycle is nothing new. In each

space, Dunlop signs a below-market lease that allows the collective to pay month-to-month, but also leaves the artists vulnerable to the vagaries of the market. If a business comes in willing to pay full market price, Southlight must move along. This was what has happened each time they’ve had to relocate. Every space Southlight has pioneered was eventually filled with a permanent business—Downtown development in action. Dunlap and McDonald, who continue to work in the gallery, believe that Downtown is “still the place to be.” Since opening they have showcased more than 52 regional artists, some who are known internationally, as well as curated 117 fine art exhibitions, and have showcased more than 100 performing artists during their Art Walk openings. Currently on exhibition are works by paired works by married artists Nicholas McNally and Christina Mastrangelo, as well as watercolors by R. Scott English. McDonald believes that Jacksonville has a wonderful, organic, and vibrant art scene that deserves an exhibition space outside of the traditional gallery commission system. “This is a gallery for exhibition,” McDonald says, “not for business.” Southlight’s a collaborative effort to showcase artists from Northeast Florida, and share the love for Downtown Jacksonville. The nexus between region and city is crucial, and it would be lost if Southlight was priced out of city’s business center. “When we thought the gallery was closing,” McDonald says, “many artists were crushed, and left wondering where they would get such elegant presentation, and representation.” Due to the location of the gallery, at the entrance of one of Jacksonville’s busiest office buildings, the artists benefit from a tremendous amount of exposure. The elegance of the atmosphere gives the viewer an organic experience. The presence of art in this particular space— with its proximity to Downtown event venues, restaurants and businesses— cultivates a true sense of community.

SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY 1 Independent Dr., Downtown, southlightgallery.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

ARTS + EVENTS

Organized by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the pop-up ART See & Shop has been hosting local artists and performers since the beginning of November. But all good pop-ups must come to an end. JOHN LUMPKIN and his band perform at the closing celebration party. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, ARTSee & Shop, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., Southside, free.

PERFORMANCE

TWELTH NIGHT Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedic love story takes the stage, 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, All Beaches Experimental Theatre, 544 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, abettheatre.com, $24. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Everyone’s favorite reindeer comes to Jacksonville for the holiday Broadway musical performance 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.ticketforce.com, $30-$50. THE NUTCRACKER The Florida Ballet’s annual holiday performance returns another year to get us in the holiday spirit 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21; 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 21 & 22, UNF Lazzara Theatre, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, floridaballet.myboxoffice.us, $28 and up. MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER This extravagant holiday performance takes the stage in Jacksonville 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $33-$180.

CLASSICAL & JAZZ

WARMER IN WINTER Violinist Lindsey Stirling makes a stop in Jacksonville on her Holiday Tour 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, lindseystirling.com/tour, $36-$300. BOLD CITY CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE GOES ELECTRIC This group of classical musicians adapt their style to give an electro-acoustic live performance. 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, CoRK Studio Bar, 603 King St., Riverside, Eventbrite.com, $18. FRIZZI 2 FULCI For the first time in his 40 year career, the composer Fabio Frizzi comes to Jacksonville for a stunning live performance 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., Five Points, sunraycinema.com, $26.75.

BOOKS & POETRY

POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT Share your originals and hear from other artists 8-10 p.m. every Tuesday, Raindogs, facebook.com/raindogsjax, free.

COMEDY

JEFF BRADLEY The Christmas comedy extravaganza is sure to have you laughing all night 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Corazon Cinema and Café, 34 Granada St., St. Augustine, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, $10. COMEDYZONE The world touring actor and comedian Shaun Jones comes to town 7:30 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, Dec. 18 & 19; 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20; 8 & 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Southside, comedyzone.com, $20 and up. HOT POTATO COMEDY HOUR Chris Buck hosts this Monday night staple with comedians from near and far 9:30 p.m. every Monday, Rain Dogs, 1045 Park St., Five Points, facebook.com/raindogsjax.

FILM

SUNRAY CINEMA Fantastic Fungi, Knives Out, Marriage Story & Parasite wrap up Thursday, Dec. 19; Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker starts 18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

showing Thursday, Dec. 19, 1028 Park St., Five Points, 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ After Class & Aeronauts wrap up Thursday, Dec. 19; Throwback Thursday showing It’s A Wonderful Life noon & 6:30 p.m.; A Christmas Tale & The Report start showing Friday, Dec. 20, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 6795736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com.

ART WALKS, MARKETS

STA FARMERS MARKET The brand new community staple will host local art vendors, live entertainment, and local fair every Saturday, and have a Kids Market once a month for young entrepreneurs! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Eddie Vickers Park, 399 Riberia St., St. Augustine, stafarmersmarket.com, free. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturdays, 715 Riverside Ave., riversideartsmarket.com, free. ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Atlantic Beach Arts Market, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com. PROCRASTINATOR’S MARKET Pick up some last minute Christmas gifts from local vendors and artists 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Root Down, 1034 Park St., Five Points, facebook.com/rootdownjax. BEACHES LOCAL MARKETPLACE FEAT. ATLANTIC BEACH BREWING The annual beach market returns just in time to get some lastminute holiday shopping done, and grab a drink while you’re at it noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Atlantic Beach Brewing Company, 725 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 3, Atlantic Beach, facebook.com/ AtlanticBeachBrewingCo, 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. MANDARIN MUSEUM 11964 Mandarin Road, Saturdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m., mandarinmuseum.net, free. CUMMER MUSEUM of ARTS & GARDENS Innovation & Imagination: The Global Dialogue in Mid to Late 20th Century Art runs through Friday, Dec. 31. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection runs through January 5, with a gallery talk 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 829 Riverside Ave., cummermuseum.org, $5 for members, $10 for non-members. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM The Bible, an original manuscript exhibit of pages from the Gutenberg Bible and the first edition of the King James Bible, through December. 101 W. First St., Springfield, karpeles.weebly.com. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Of Many Ancestors runs through Saturday, Dec. 28; Jay Shoots: Home through January 5; A Moment in Beijing through February 2. 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY The Holiday Trains return to MOSH. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Military Trains Day is Friday, Dec. 20. Astronaut: Your Journey Begins on Earth runs

through Jan. 4. 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org. LIGHTNER MUSEUM Shop local vendors and socialize with artisans during the monthly social, Lightner After Hours. 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 75 King St., St. Augustine, lightnermuseum.org.

GALLERIES

ZORA BORA GALLERY Steve Anderson’s Going Out of Vision features the artist’s striking, photo-realistic paintings of historic St. Augustine. Zora Bora Gallery, 28 Cuna St., Historic Downtown St. Augustine, zorabora-gallery.business.site, 417-0479. 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 January 19. Main Library, 303 Laura St. N., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE Susan Smith is the featured artist. Works by members on display include oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography and sculptures. 9501 Arlington Expy, Ste. 430, Regency Square Mall, tacjacksonville.org. THE ART STUDIO & GALLERY 370A A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, beachartstudio.org. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free. THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH Ellen Diamond’s Chasing Color: A 50 Year Restrospective runs through January 11. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 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. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 73 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, jenna-alexander.com SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY A Marriage of the Observed & the Imagined: a Husband & Wife Exhibit on display through Dec. 20, 1 Independent Dr., Ste. 113, Downtown, southlightgallery.com. ART SEE & SHOP The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s gallery comes to a close. Join them and Manifest Distilling for the closing celebration party 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 4870-5 Big Island Dr., Southside, facebook.com/artseeandshop, free. 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., Dec. 19, an opportunity for art exploration, shopping, food, & music. 283 College Dr., Orange Park, thcenter.org. BEACHES GO GREEN OCTOPUS GARDEN The massive art structure made from single-use plastic will be lit up and on display through January 1, Seawalk Pavilion, 75 First St. N., Jax Beach, beachesgogreen.org.

EVENTS

VENARDOS CIRCUS Kevin Venardos comes back to St. Augustine with new cast members and performances, the first stop on the troupe’s brand new tour! Various times Dec. 18-Jan.

ARTS + EVENTS 5, The Amp, 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine, venardoscircus.com, $15-$45. THIS IS AN ART SHOW Experience art and live performances from more than 20 artists who are gathering to benefit the Kid’s Mural Project. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Nighthawks, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Riverside, tickets at the door, $5 for attendees 21 and older, $10 for those younger than 21. ANCIENT DUNES TRAIL HIKE Explore the ancient dunes on this one-mile walk along the coast of Anastasia Island, and maybe see some wildlife along the way. Meet at the Hilltop Picnic Area. 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine, floridastateparks.org/events/ancient-dunes-trailhike-3, free with park admission. DOWNTOWN WINE DOWN Everyone’s favorite monthly happy hour & cocktail mixer returns with live entertainment by Ramona. 3:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, The Cowford Chophouse, 101 E. Bay St., Downtown, Eventbrite.com, $15. FORCE FEST Star Wars fans unite for this day of performances, shopping and a screening of the final film in the original saga. 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., Five Points, facebook.com/forcefestjax, $5.75-$8.50. LEADERBOARD ARCADE LAUNCH PARTY A new arcade, bar & pizza cave is coming to Orange Park, and the team is inviting you to celebrate with them! 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Leaderboard Arcade, 1760 Wells Rd., Orange Park, facebook. com/LeaderBoardArcade. PLANETARIUM NIGHT LIVE Come spend your night exploring space and the “Islands in the Sky” 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, The MOSH, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, themosh.org, $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

LEE WEAVER’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL The comedic, heartwarming holiday special returns with Joseph, Mary’s husband. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Corazon Cinema & Café, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, 687-8798, $15. SCOTT T’S HOLIDAY JAMBOREE The sixth annual gathering of musicians and bands to raise money for Community Hospice & Palliative Care includes sets from Tom Bennett Band and Side Hustle. Heliomelos makes its debut at midnight. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 1904 Music Hall, 19 N. Ocean St., Downtown, eventbrite.com, $20. UGLY SWEATER PARTY & TOY DRIVE Bring

an unwrapped toy for the children at the Ronald McDonald House (teddy bears always needed) and enjoy an exclusive holiday tap list and live music 5-11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, acebook.com/wickedbarleybrewing, free. BUDDY THE ELF’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Make some ornaments, have some holiday cocktails, and get your photo taken with Santa! Don’t be a cottonheaded ninny-muggin, bring a new or gently used unwrapped toy for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, The Volstead, 115 W. Adams St., Downtown, facebook. com/thevolsteadjax, free. HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT Elf will be screening in the beer garden, so bring a chair, or a blanket and bundle up for a holiday evening 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, wickedbarley.com, free. A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS A screening of Die Hard on the projector, the trilogy game on a PlayStation, and exclusive Aardwolf on tap 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Keg & Coin, 1269 King St., Riverside, kegandcoinjax.com, free. CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN SPRING PARK Fred Kunkel directs the neighborhood’s first communitywide Christmas caroling event. Bring the family and join in the choir, or sit back and enjoy the holiday favorites. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Spring Park, Magnolia Avenue, Green Cove Springs, calavida.com, free. RETHREADED PROCRASTINATORS CHRISTMAS PARTY Have you put off holiday shopping for too long? Join Rethreaded for its holiday closing party. Shoppers can expect sales, food and drink 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Rethreaded, 820 Barnett St., Downtown, rethreaded.com. CHRISTMAS AT WIPEOUTS GRILL Painting with a Twist hosts a holiday painting party 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Wipeouts Grill, 1585 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, paintingwithatwist.com/ studio/ponte-vedra-beach, $35. CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE SQUARE Friends and family gather to sing Christmas carols and spend the night making holiday cheer. River City Church hosts. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Balis Park, 1999 San Marco Blvd., San Marco, facebook.com/ rivercitychurch.jax, free. CHRISTMAS EVE WITH JOLIE Join one of St. Augustine’s treasured vocalists as she and her family sing holiday favorites 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Colonial Oak Music Park, 33 St. George St., St. Augustine, eventbrite.com, $8.79.

They’re back! The Toy Train Collectors of Jacksonville return to MOSH for the SEVENTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRAINS DISPLAY. Volunteer operators are on-hand to conduct the motorized miniatures and tell visitors all about them. Through Dec. 31, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org, regular ticket prices. DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

CONCERTS

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Jim Heath, a.k.a. Reverend Horton Heat, has made HORTON’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE an annual rockabilly tradition. The package tour returns to Northeast Florida, this year with a retro-rock roster for the books: The 5.6.7.8’s, Voodoo Glow Skulls and Dave Alvin. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, pvconcerthall.com, $35.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Davis Turner Dec. 18. Kevin Ski Dec. 20 & 22. Jimmie Coleman Dec. 21. Josh McGowan Dec. 24 SJ BREWING COMPANY, 463646 S.R. 200, Yulee Kevin Ski Dec. 21 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. Hupp Huppmann Dec. 18. Colored Sound Dec. 20. Shawn Layne Dec. 21

MANDARIN

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

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

BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. Tom Waits Tribute: Kaleigh Baker & Someday Honey Dec. 20. Tony Lucca Dec. 21. Johnny Bulford, Heidi Raye Dec. 22. The Band 3 Dec. 23 COOP 303, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach Sam Sanders Dec. 20. Matt Still Dec. 21 FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach Beach City Dec. 20 & 21 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd. Akia Uwanda Dec. 19. Mandalla, Caribe Groove, The Pinedas Dec. 21

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Xavier Wulf, Billy Winfield, Computer Food Dec. 19. The Grass is Dead, LaGoons, Stephen Pigman Dec. 20. Scott T’s Holiday Jamboree Dec. 21 THE JUSTICE PUB, 315 E. Bay St., Ste. 101 A Bloody Christmas to You: Orchestra In Black, Guardsman, Darling Dead, Sister Kill Cycle Dec. 22 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St. Tunnel Vision Dec. 18. Dion Timmer Dec. 20 & 21. Takeover for a Cause: Drewlface, Stabilitiii, Xander, Flvkes, Reflections, Jon Kinesis Dec. 22 TIMES-UNION CENTER, 300 Water St. The Isley Brothers 60th Anniversary Tour Dec. 22

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Scott Perham Dec. 18. Paul Wane Dec. 19. Kent Kirby, Southern Rukus Dec. 20. Eric Collette, Whiskey Heart Dec. 21 DEE’S MUSIC BAR & GRILL, 2141 Lach Rane Blvd., Ste. 140 Live Music every Thur. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220 Big Engine Dec. 20. Julia Gulia Dec. 21 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

CLIFF’S, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2 Jason Evans Band Dec. 20. Hard2Handle Dec. 21 JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170-22 Atlantic Blvd. Fireball Dec. 20 ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109 Carl Grant every Thur., Fri. & Sat. Brian Iannucci every Sun., Tue. & Wed. IGGY’S, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101 Third Degree Dec. 19. Lunar Coast Dec. 20. The Remains Dec. 21. Pink Paisleys Dec. 22

PONTE VEDRA

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL, 1050 A1A N. Rockapella Dec. 19. Horton’s Holiday Hayride: The Reverend Horton Heat, The 5.6.7.8’s, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Dave Alvin Dec. 20 TAPS, 2220 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 314 Vegas Gray Dec. 20

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. The Second After, Meet Me At The Alter, Sleepless, Bay Street, Courtland Dec. 19 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St. Blind Tiger, Justice Tackle, Consequence, KSICK, Crashes Down Dec. 20 RIVER & POST, 1000 Riverside Ave. Eric Charlton Dec. 20. Barrett Thomas Dec. 21

ST. AUGUSTINE

ARNOLD’S, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. Jason Evans Band Dec. 21 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St. Spade McQuade, Bad Dog Mama Dec. 19. Chillula Dec. 20. Let’s Ride Unplugged Dec. 20 & 24. Raisin Cake Orchestra, Kapowski Dec. 21. Sam Pacetti, The WillowWacks Dec. 23. Ramona Dec. 24 DOG ROSE BREWING, 77 Bridge St. Cat McWilliams Band Dec. 20 SARBEZ, 115 Anastasia Blvd. Corey Kilgannon, Hallow Bones, Hannah Rhoades Dec. 19. TGTG, Bedsweater, AC Deathstrike, Chrono Romancer Dec. 21

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

GRAPE & GRAIN, 2000 San Marco Blvd. The Band Be Easy Dec. 19

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CONCERTS JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave. The Head Cheese Dec. 18. Shane Malone, Ashton Chase, Pastel Palms, Naynoth Dec. 19. Solafide, The Dog Apollo, Take Lead Dec. 20. Blue Cactus, Chelsey Michelle Band, Madison Grace, Jessica Pounds Dec. 21. Miles from London, Driveaway, Crownz, EJ Hervey Dec. 22. Inspection 12, Flag on Fire, Friendly Fire Dec. 23

QUEENSRŸCHE, JOHN 5, EVE TO ADAM Jan. 19, Florida Theatre ROBERT CRAY Jan. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG: THE ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE Jan. 19, Thrasher-Horne Center DARK THOUGHTS, REELS, MINIMUM RAGE, 86 HOPE, MENTAL BOY Jan. 20, Shanghai Nobby’s GAELIC STORM Jan. 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE VALLEY GHOULS Jan. 23, 1904 Music Hall SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS RUMOURS: FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Jan. 24, BAHAMA BREEZE, 10205 River Coast Dr. Karibbean Flavor Wed., Sat. & Tue. King Eddie & the Times-Union Center VERLON THOMPSON & JIM LAUDERDALE Jan. 24, Pili Pili Band Thur. Chillakaya Fri. & Sat. Laree App Mudville Music Room Sun. WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135 TODD SNIDER Jan. 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE Jan. 26, TimesRebecca Day Dec. 18. Pink Paisleys Dec. 19. Melt Behind the Wheel Dec. 20. Chris Thomas Band Dec. Union Center LUCINDA WILLIAMS & HER BAND BUICK 6 Jan. 21. Kyle Yardley Blues Band Dec. 22 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE BLACK FLAG, THE LINECUTTERS Jan. 26, 1904 PALMS FISH CAMP, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Michael Music Hall Ward Dec. 18 & 22. Taylor Shami Dec. 19. Mr. Bill CITIZEN COPE Jan. 27, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Show Dec. 21. Lisa & the Mad Hatters Dec. 22 THE TAJ MAHAL QUARTET Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall PCOMING ONCERTS RODNEY CROWELL Jan. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE MELODY TRUCKS BAND, BONNIE BLUE, THE THE GLORIOUS SONS, DES ROCS Jan. 31, Ponte FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL Dec. 26, 1904 Music Vedra Concert Hall Hall JASON ALDEAN, MORGAN WALLEN, RILEY ANTHONY HAMILTON Dec. 28, VyStar Veterans GREEN, DEE JAY SILVER Feb. 1, VyStar Arena Veterans Arena BLACKBERRY SMOKE Dec. 30, Florida Theatre SIDELINE Feb. 8, Mudville Music Room FRATELLO Dec. 31, Coppertop Bar & Restaurant ABBA MANIA Feb. 12, Florida Theatre JJ GREY & MOFRO Dec. 31, Florida Theatre WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY Feb. 15, The Amp DONNA THE BUFFALO Jan. 4, Ponte Vedra LAUREN DAIGLE, JOHNNYSWIM Feb. 21, VyStar Concert Hall Veterans Arena ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH Jan. 8, Florida Theatre JOHN FOGERTY Feb. 23, The Amp CELINE DION Jan. 8, VyStar Veterans Arena DIANA ROSS Mar. 4, Times-Union Center MALCOLM HOLCOMBE Jan. 9, Mudville Music Room RICHARD SMITH Mar. 5, Mudville Music Room GRACE POTTER Jan. 15, Florida Theatre FRED EAGLESMITH & TIF GINN Mar. 12, Mudville THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: BILL MEDLEY & Music Room BUCKY HEARD Jan. 16, Florida Theatre JOSH GROBAN Mar. 13, Times-Union Center RISING APPALACHIA, RAYE ZARAGOZA Jan. 16, JASON ISBELL, THE 400 UNIT, OLD CROW Ponte Vedra Concert Hall MEDICINE SHOW Mar. 27, The Amp JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS Jan. 17, MICHAEL BUBLE Mar. 17, VyStar Veterans Arena Mudville Music Room VANILLA ICE, SIR MIX-A-LOT Apr. 7, Clay County Fair

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ROCKAPELLA rose to fame as the house band for early ‘90s television game show Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Now the fivepiece a capella ensemble brings its harmonies and holiday tour to Northeast Florida. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, pvconcerthall.com, $34.50-$59.50. DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21

FOLIO PETS

LOCAL PET EVENTS & ADOPTABLES ROADSIDE DONATION DRIVE Clay Humane and its supporters are raising animal-rescue funds the old-fashioned way—at the side of the road! Want to volunteer? If you’re ready, willing and able (and at least 18 years old), call 276-7729. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 21 & 22, Blanding Boulevard & Wells Road, Orange Park, clayhumane.org/events.php.

ADOPTABLES

BRUCE

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR DOGS PARTAKE IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT, TOO EVERY YEAR, HUMANS CELEBRATE something. They get a tree (or a bush, if you are Jewish), decorate around the house, and get into a happy spirit. But do you ever wonder what your dog is thinking about all of this? Well, if your dog is anything like me, they flatly assume the holidays are all about them— understandably so, since pets hold such a special place in our hearts and our homes. Nevertheless, I can almost guarantee your dog is thinking at least a few of these things about your holiday traditions. So, I can’t bring a stick in the house, but you’re allowed a whole tree? I know I’ve seen that outside. I’m not sure why there’s suddenly a huge tree in the house, but this is the cause of great excitement! There are new smells, lots of shiny things, and the place where I usually lift my leg is literally right next to the couch! It’s fun at first sight! Can I sniff it? Look at all the people coming to see me! Someone’s here! Someone’s here! Hurry, hurry, hurry and let them in so I can jump all over them and say hi! I want to lick them and play with them and be loved by them. The excitement is so high that sleep is just impossible! Maybe I’ll get a tummy rub, or better yet, a back scratch! No argument here. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Oh look, my mom is sitting on the couch, and she has snacks. It’s cuddle time! I want as much “you” time as I can get, so scoot over and make some room. Throw in some munchies and gobs of attention, and I feel happy and content. Sitting 22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

together in front of the television means more to me than woofs can say, because I really love you and just want to make you happy forever. Oh, I smell things for me! Don’t try to hide something wrapped under the tree and think I won’t know there is something there for me. I will sniff and snoop the second those interesting packages are placed under the tree. I understand the feeling of joy and presents shall be as much a happy occasion for me as it is for you.

Willis who? Springsteen what? Those Bruces have got nothing on me! I’m a gold-medal Good Boy, champion sitter and pro shaker who loves spending time with people of all ages. Kids are the best! I’m also a big fan of treats and plush toys. Want to meet? Stop by JHS at 8464 Beach Blvd. and find me in my suite!

PIT SISTERS MONTHLY ADOPTION EVENT The Jacksonville Beach-based nonprofit specializes in helping harder-to-adopt dogs. This adoption event is held every third Saturday of the month. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, EarthWise Pet, 3846 Third St. S., Jax Beach, pitsisters.org.

ADOPTABLES

EMILY

There’s food! As if all this isn’t enough to drive me crazy, soon there are enticing odors in the air that leave me drooling uncontrollably. There’s always hope that something tasty might fall on the floor. I especially wish to inspect the premise. Or even better, treats in the form of leftovers. Now I am even more excited! You did all of this to be happy? We should do this all year round! Everyone is smiling and laughing and playing with me! Yippee! I’ve quickly learned that all these wonderful things mean that lots of fun is ahead. It’s a time of love and joy. It’s a time of hope and happiness, safety and tranquility. It’s a time to come together, put all differences aside, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The funny thing is that dogs have known this all along. Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

Eligible cat-chelorette seeks single human or family for catnaps on the couch and long petting sessions. I can be a little shy with new people but turn into a sweet lap cat once I get to know you. Wet food is the way to my heart! I’d love to meet you. You’ll find me hanging with my kitty roommates in Group Room 2 at JHS.

BARKS & BREWS Barked Goods joins forces with Hyperion Brewing Company for this pet-friendly game-day party, featuring beverages for humans (craft beer) and canines (organic Doggo Slushies) as well as contests and pet-product vendors. 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Hyperion Brewing Company, 1740 N. Main St., Springfield, facebook.com/ HyperionBrewingCo.

DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23

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

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ACROSS

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T E N O N R O W S A S S Y

NEWS OF THE WEIRD WAIT, WHAT? Joe Rwamirama, 48, of Kampala, Uganda, has an unusually practical superpower: “He is known all over the city as the man who can kill mosquitoes with his farts,” local barber James Yoweri told The Sun on Dec. 10. Rwamirama said no one in his home village has ever contracted malaria because his gaseous ejections knock out insects over a 6-mile radius. “He is respectful of people around him and will only fart when there are mosquitoes around,” Yoweri continued. Rwamirama hopes to market his gas and claims that insect repellant companies have been looking into its chemical secrets, but The Sun couldn’t verify those claims. UNDIGNIFIED DEATH When a Shelby, Ohio, police officer responded to a call on Nov. 13 about a sick or rabid raccoon on a residential street, he had a tough decision to make. The raccoon did seem either injured or ill, and according to WJW, the officer decided it needed to be destroyed. However, there is no area animal control department, and police officers don’t have the “training or equipment to capture a potentially rabid animal,” officials said. And the officer was hesitant to use his firearm because of the time of day and because some residents were outside their homes. So he decided to use his vehicle to eliminate the raccoon, running over it several times to finish the job. Unfortunately, a bystander was recording the incident, and people on social media are calling for the officer’s removal. The Shelby police chief responded: “The video is disturbing to watch. ... We are having an independent group, with a prosecutor, to determine if any criminal charges are appropriate (but) ... this incident doesn’t violate any wildlife laws.” JUST WEIRD It’s warm and sunny in Las Vegas, and the pigeons are wearing cowboy hats. What? On Dec. 9, KVVU reported that pigeons have been spotted with tiny red cowboy hats on their heads. Mariah Hillman, who runs an animal rescue, at first thought the little headwear was cute, but then began to worry about how the hats had been affixed to the birds’ heads. “Did they glue them? ... Is it something that’s going to impede their flight or attract predators?” she wondered.

Hillman and her agency have been handing out business cards and asking people who see the little urban cowbirds to “just feed them until I get here. I’m only 3 miles away and I’ll come trap them.” BRIGHT IDEA The Raleigh (North Carolina) News & Observer reported on Dec. 9 that a 14-year-old runaway made a logical choice when deciding where to hide. Around 8:30 that morning, as workers at Bed Bath & Beyond opened the store in Greenville, they discovered someone hidden in the store and called police. Officers responded for a “breaking and entering in progress,” but found only a teenage boy who had “camped out” in the store overnight. He was returned to his home. GREAT ART! In Miami Beach, Florida, you don’t even have to leave the oceanfront to get caught in a traffic nightmare. For Miami’s Art Basel, Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich unveiled on Dec. 3 a masterpiece three months in the making: sand sculptures of 66 actual-size cars and trucks locked in a traffic jam, which he calls “Order of Importance.” His artwork is meant to bring attention to the climate crisis, Dezeen reported. The work includes several lanes of traffic split by a traffic divider. Most of the vehicles are partially submerged in a nod to rising sea levels created by global warming. “As an artist, I am in a constant struggle to make people aware of this reality,” Erlich said. It is his largest project to date. BAH, HUMBUG! Marie Bennett, 40, and Joseph Betancourt, 24, of Woodland, California, would have made the Grinch proud, but police in Red Bluff weren’t having it. On Dec. 5, the two allegedly broke into the Children First Foster Family Agency, where they stole a “large amount of toys that were being held there for children for Christmas presents,” police told Fox News. Surveillance video showed the burglars coming and going from the home next door; officers arrested Bennett and Betancourt for burglary, theft and breaking and entering, and they recovered the stolen toys, declaring, “These ‘Grinches’ will not be stealing Christmas from kids on our watch.”

weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 25

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The word “hubris” means prideful, exaggerated selfassurance. In the HBO series Rome, Mark Antony says to boss Julius Caesar, “I’m glad you’re so confident. Some would call it hubris.” Caesar has a snappy comeback: “It’s only hubris if I fail.” Use this as one of your mottoes in 2020. You can accomplish great things during the coming months, and one key to your triumphs and breakthroughs will be your determination to cultivate a well-honed aplomb, even audacity. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Poet Lorine Niedecker wrote about wetlands and marshes with supreme artistry, but until the age of 60, her poetic output was less than abundant. That’s when, due to a fortuitous shift in circumstances, she was able to leave a menial job and devote more time to what she loved most and did best. With Niedecker’s breakthrough as our inspiration, I propose that we do all we can, you and I, as we conspire to make 2020 the year you devote more time to the activity that you love most and do best. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the English language, the prefix “re” comes at the beginning of many words with potent transformational meaning: reinvent; redeem; rediscover; release; relieve; redesign; resurrect; rearrange; reconstruct; reform; reanimate; reawaken; regain. Put words like those at the top of your priority list in 2020. If you hope to take maximum advantage of the cosmic currents, it’ll be a year of revival, realignment, and restoration. CANCER (June 21-July 22): I won’t be surprised if you’re enamored and amorous more than usual in 2020. You will experience delight and enchantment at an elevated rate. The intensity and depth of the feelings that flow through you may break all your previous records. Is that going to be a problem? I suppose it could be if you worry that the profuse flows of tenderness and affection will render you weak and vulnerable. But if you’re willing and eager to interpret your extra sensitivity as a superpower, that’s probably what it will be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Does the word “spirit” mean anything to you? Or are you numb to it? Has it come to seem virtually meaningless—a foggy abstraction used carelessly by millions of people to express sentimental beliefs and avoid clear thinking? Create a sturdier and more vigorous definition of “spirit” for your practical use in 2020. For instance, you might decide that “spirit” refers to the life force that launches you out of bed each morning and motivates you to keep transforming yourself into the ever-more beautiful soul you want to become.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “There are people who take the heart out of you, and there are people who put it back,” wrote author Charles de Lint. Your heart will encounter far more of the former than the latter types of people in 2020. There may be one wrangler who tries to take the heart out of you, but there will be an array of nurturers who will strive to keep the heart in you—as well as boosters and builders who will add even more heart.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):Composer Igor Stravinsky was born a Russian citizen, but later in life became a French citizen, and still later took on American citizenship. If you have had any similar predilections, they won’t be in play during 2020. You will develop a more robust sense of where you belong than ever before. Any uncertainties you’d had about where your 26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | DECEMBER 18-24, 2019

true power spot lies will dissipate. Questions you’ve harbored about the nature of home will be answered. With flair and satisfaction, you’ll resolve long-running riddles about home and community.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Friendship is a very taxing and arduous form of leisure activity,” wrote philosopher and educator Mortimer Adler. He was exaggerating a bit for comic effect, but he was basically correct. We all must mobilize a great deal of intelligence and hard work to initiate new friendships and maintain existing friendships. In 2020, however, your knack for practicing the art of friendship will be at an all-time high. You’ll be rewarded for your skill and care at cultivating rapport.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1933, artist Diego Rivera was commissioned to paint a huge mural in one of the famous Rockefeller buildings in New York City. His patrons didn’t realize he was planning to include a controversial portrait of former Soviet Communist leader Vladimir Lenin. When the deed was done, they ordered him to remove it. When he refused, they ushered him out and destroyed the whole mural. As a result, Rivera also lost another commission to create art at the Chicago World’s Fair. In any other year, I’d invite you to follow Rivera’s example. But I’m less inclined to advise that in 2020. It may serve you to be unusually pragmatic. At least consider leaving Lenin out of your murals.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “People mistake their limitations for high standards,” wrote author Jean Toomer. It’s crucial that you avoid doing that in 2020. Why? First, you will have considerable power to shed and transcend at least some of your limitations. For best results, you can’t afford to deceive yourself into thinking that those limitations are high standards. Secondly, you will have good reasons and a substantial ability to raise your standards higher than they’ve ever been. So you definitely don’t want to confuse high standards with limitations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Historians once thought that 14thcentury Englishmen were the first humans to track the rhythms of the planet Jupiter using the complicated mathematics known as calculus. But in 2015, researchers discovered that Babylonians had done it 1,400 years earlier. Why was Jupiter’s behavior so important to those ancient people? They were astrologers! They believed the planet’s movements were correlated with practical events on earth, like the weather, river levels, and grain harvests. I think that this correction in the origin story of tracking Jupiter’s rhythms will be a useful metaphor for you in 2020. It’s likely you will come to understand your past in ways that are different from what you’ve believed up until now. Your old tales will change.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): China produces the most apples in the world. The United States is second. That wasn’t always true. When Europeans first reached the shores of the New World, crab apple was the only apple species that grew natively. But the invaders planted other varieties that they brought with them. They also imported the key to all future proliferation: honeybees, champion pollinators. You will accomplish the equivalent, in your own sphere, in 2020. What are the fertilizing influences that will help you accomplish your goals?

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

FOLIO WEED

BASE & BALL

MLB LIBERALIZES MARIJUANA POLICY

THIS WEEK’S COLUMN IS ABOUT BASEBALL, so I should begin with full disclosure: My favorite baseball player of all-time is Jose Canseco. Those of you who are fans may appreciate my need to stipulate that up-front, lest ye think I’m some moldy fig who’s gonna talk your ear off about Tradition, and The Sanctity of the Game. No, sir. As a Republican, I’m partial to the classic wisdom dispensed by the great Bobby “the Brain” Heenan: “Win, if you can. Lose, if you must. But always cheat.” And boy, did they! As much as I’d love to sit here and pretend that I didn’t have certain suspicions about my beloved Bash Brothers from day one, that would be a lie (and I have sworn off lying until my next political campaign, at which point you’ll get plenty). Canseco was juiced to the gills, as was colleague Mark McGwire, and God knows who else on that team, but let’s be fair. The Oakland A’s of 19861991 had a handful of hall-of-fame level players (Canseco and McGwire, who will never get in, as well as the greatest leadoff hitter of all time, Rickey Henderson and closer Dennis Eckersley) and a bunch of guys who were solidly above-average, and they managed to overachieve during an era when the game was at its highest point since the 1950s or ‘60s. They had a bunch of power, scads of speed, an almost flawless defense and a baseball savant (Tony LaRussa) for a manager. But they needed an edge. The A’s hit their stride in the immediate wake of what was surely the greatest year ever for drug abuse in pro sports. The NBA was not quite as

comprehensively doped as it was in the 1970s (I mean, just look at the clothes back then), but with the “Showtime” Lakers leading the way, few faces were felt all decade long. 1986 was the year that Len Bias overdosed, setting in motion a curse for my beloved Boston Celtics, which later killed Reggie Lewis and almost killed Paul Pierce 15 years later. 1986 was also the year that Lawrence Taylor, the greatest linebacker ever (and arguably the all-time most prolific dope fiend in the entire history of professional sports), led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl win while—by his own admission—spending thousands of dollars a day on cocaine. Later that year, the New York Mets won the World Series, and lost their minds on the coca. That team was to baseball what Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is to books, a single exceptional moment that must never be repeated. All of this is to say that Major League Baseball has recently become the first sports organization to stop testing its players for cannabis. It had already basically stopped on the highest level, but they’ve now extended that to include minor league players. Baseball has paid a higher price than most for the excesses of their players, so it’s great to see them taking the lead on this issue. There’s no way to know how many careers, and lives, might have been saved had they done this sooner. Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to the Folio Weed Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

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EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

DUVAL & ST. JOHNS DEVELOPMENT THREATENS WATER QUALITY LOOKING AROUND NORTHEAST FLORIDA, it’s easy to see why people want to move here. We have beautiful beaches, great schools, excellent parks and a deep natural history. What’s also easy to see is the increasing amount of development this area is undergoing, particularly in Duval and St. Johns counties. Large planned communities are the order of the day; there’s Nocatee and RiverTown in St. Johns County, and the new development eTown in southern Duval County. Together they cover several thousand acres. Construction of these communities involves a lot of earth-moving and land-clearing. Such intensive activities can profoundly change the natural environment and surrounding area. Everything is connected. Development especially affects water quality. Undeveloped land has intact soil, trees and vegetative cover. These features are great at taking up water, filtering it, and acting as a buffer to keep water from running off the land. When these features are disturbed or removed due to development, water has a greater potential to become runoff. This can lead to turbid water that can have an adverse effect on water-based life and ultimately the ecosystem. In addition, if there are wetlands on the undeveloped parcels of land, then they may have been the point of drainage for stormwater flowing over the land. Wetlands are an excellent natural feature; they provide the needed function of retention and filtration, but increased development in or near natural wetlands could reduce their capacity to adequately retain and filter stormwater. When wetlands are removed, something else must take its place to provide the same function and hopefully provide the same ecosystem services.

Over the past year, water quality concerns have been brought to the forefront. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has taken this concern seriously and signed Executive Order 19-12, which directed the establishment of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, among many other environmental related actions. The Task Force identified stormwater runoff, along with other potential sources, as a source of nutrients that drives blue-green algae blooms. With increased development, there will be a greater need for effective stormwater management that will adequately capture and retain water running off paved and unpaved surfaces, and reduce the amount of nutrients and pollutants entering water bodies. Including stormwater runoff as a possible contributor to algae blooms is an important step in addressing the overall problem. With an increasing population and the continuing development of planned communities and businesses, it will be even more important to get a handle on stormwater runoff and water quality. We need to educate ourselves on what stormwater runoff is and what it does to our waterways and water-based life. We also need to recognize what the longterm effects of land-use change will have on the natural landscape and ecosystem of our communities, such as the loss of wetlands. Water is an important part of who we are and what we do as Floridians, so it would be in our best interest to figure out the issue of development and water quality sooner rather than later. Katrina Hill mail@folioweekly.com _______________________________ Hill is a graduate student at the University of Florida.

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. DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 29

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