Snap, Post, Repeat: Jacksonville’s Most Insta-worthy & Tiktok-Friendly Hotspots
Johvan Merilus
Inaugural Jacksonville Mural Festival Announced!
Jason Tetlak
Loud and Bad: Hogbean
Ambar
A Verry Merry Christmas Ball
Amiyah Golden
SHELTON HULL
AMIYAH
JOHVAN MERILUS
WAVERLY LOYD
JASON TETLAK
BEHIND THE COVER:
From left to right: Drummer Zach Vannoy, bass guitar Billy Paulger, lead singer/songwriter Luke Bacon, keys Sarina Steffen and lead guitar Andrew Heinzman
Loud and Bad: Hogbean by Ambar Ramirez
Photo by Amiyah Golden
Outdoorsmen
Margaret H.
4:35PM
I won’t be reading the folio anymore since you’re biased and your effing liberals if you approve of sex trafficking for children and women and you approve of all the illegal immigrants commit committing all these crimes you don’t have a P for a brain get a life. Trump is going to turn the United States around, not let all the crime and fraud committed by the current administrationgo on anymore. You must be sick in the head. I’ve always enjoyed folio but hell no I won’t even look at one time anymore wake up.
4:38PM
And your article on bartenders really stinks
Wayne G.
2:37PM
Suck it up buttercup snowflakes.. elections have consequences and you plastic Marxists went way too far to the left thinking that we all enjoyed that kind of tyranny… That’s how low politically your IQ is… Now sit back and enjoy the next 16 years
Regards Wayne.
Thanks for your continued support! Love, Folio
BOUQS & BRICKS
BOUQUETS
To all of the businesses, people and places that were nominees in this year’s Best of Jax contest. Kudos, as well, to the readers who nominated them! Remember to vote for your favorites until Dec. 31. Winners will be announced in January.
BRICKBATS
To Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Britni Burkins Allstate for going above and beyond for this year’s toy drive hosted by “Folio.” Because of their generosity, nearly 100 bicycles were delivered to children in need on Ken Knight Drive.
To FDOT for the new traffic direction/flow on I-95 south near the I-10 split. Not only has this caused major delays, it’s dangerous as merging traffic doesn’t have enough space to easily merge. For those who take this route every day, plan on extra commute time due to the slow down and unfortunately more traffic accidents in the area. Great idea adding strain on the already traffic jam prone area, FDOT.
To Palm Valley/St. Johns County for removing literally every oak tree in the county. They are literally allowing the developers to slaughter the land. Not only is it an eye sore, but it’s an environmental hypocrisy. City and county leaders talk about clean air while they are butchering their own environmental resources. By the way, when it comes time to replant. the developers are only putting in cheap palms which are subject to freeze.
HOROSCOPES
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
While the new year is usually a time for setting goals and being productive, you may want to take a lazier approach, Aries, and pace yourself. This last year has been quite the whirlwind for you. With Mars still in retrograde amping up your home spaces, use this time to nurture your intuition, inner wisdom and healing practices, prioritizing self-care and home life.
The saying “New year, new me” is starting to feel like more than just a cliché for you, Taurus. This month, you step into the year with a deep sense of determination to make your dreams a reality. Acceptance is the first step toward transformation, and you’re ready to embrace it. Tired of sitting on the sidelines, you’re finally prepared to take center stage as the main character in your own story.
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI
January 2025 is a month of love and growth for you, Gemini. Venus inspires affection and connection, making it a great time to nurture relationships or meet someone special. Professionally, focus on laying the groundwork for future success. Stay mindful of your health and embrace sudden changes at home with flexibility. This month sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
CANCER
They say, Cancer, that you must first love yourself before you can truly love another. This January is all about exploring your independent spirit and understanding how it shapes your relationships. Celebrate your personal growth this month and invite your friends to join the fun! With the full moon on Jan. 13th providing the perfect cosmic backdrop, it’s the ideal time to plan a celebration.
LEO VIRGO
Starting this year off like many others, trying to focus on health and wellness. And while that is all fine and dandy, you may find yourself having an inner power struggle with who you were and who you wish to become. Change is uncomfortable but inevitable.
It’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of you, Virgo, and that often includes the close relationships and friendships you might take for granted when seeking inspiration or motivation. This month, challenge yourself to surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your best. With the new year offering a clean slate, it’s the perfect time to set healthy practices for making time for those who matter most.
You had quite the transformation this year, Libra. Whether it was for the better or worse is up for interpretation. Your tendency to put other before yourself was placed on the back burner, and the rest of the year was all about you, you, you. That will change in the new year – it’s time to focus on mending friendships and relationships.
Usually when people say, “This was the worst year of my life,” they are exaggerating. Well, you certainly are not. 2024 was not kind to you, Scorpio. But that is all turning around right before your very eyes. Two of the most daring and experimental planets, Jupiter and Uranus, each spend six months in Gemini, creating waves in your eighth house of transformation, intimacy and shared resources.
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius
Let’s be honest, Sagittarius — this past year has been tough on your wallet.
But there’s no shame in that. Achieving your goal of financial security doesn’t have to mean burnout or going it alone. This month encourages you to embrace collaboration and be open to receiving help. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day or by just one person, right?
Capricorn
January 2025 kicks off Capricorn season, putting your discipline and determination in the spotlight. The Dec. 30 new moon is your chance to lock in those big personal and professional goals. With Mercury entering Capricorn on Jan. 8, your decision-making will be on point, but the Cancer full moon on Jan. 16 might stir up some emotional balancing acts between work and relationships. Stay steady — this month’s got success written all over it.
Aquarius
As you step into the new year, Aquarius, health and wellness are front and center in all your choices. Physically, you’re investing in top-tier moisturizers, sticking to a workout routine and trying to go to bed early (emphasis on trying). But to truly become the best version of yourself, the real work lies within — mentally and emotionally. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with your biggest supporters while also carving out time to nurture your own well-being. It’s all about finding balance.
Pisces
Take a deep breath and hit reset, Pisces. This month, close friends and family will turn to you for emotional support, and to offer them your best, you’ll need to be in a good place emotionally yourself. Fortunately, the stars have a month of smooth sailing in store for you. However, if the emotional weight becomes overwhelming, remember to set boundaries to protect your own well-being.
Photo by Jarrett Mills on Unsplash
SPECIAL EVENTS
JAN. 12
Premier Bride Expo
Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents.com
JAN. 13
Alex Trendler Reads Your Mind Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
JAN. 17
38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents.com
JAN. 18
LIFE SURGE Jacksonville VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
JAN. 19
Jax Winter Record Fair Myrtle Avenue Brewing facebook.com/MyrtleAveBrewing
JAN. 20
Jacksonville Career Fair Marriott Jacksonville Downtown eventbrite.com
JAN. 24-26
Jacksonville Boat Show
Prime Osborn Convention Center boatjax.com
JAN. 31-FEB. 2
Jacksonville Tattoo Arts Festival Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents.com
Photo by Sam Kaplan
JAN. 2
80th Annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
EverBank Stadium
taxslayergatorbowl.com
JAN. 4
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
Jax PAL 5K
Ed Austin Regional Park 1stplacesports.com
JAN. 8
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
JAN. 11
Resolution Run
BestBet Orange Park 1stplacesports.com
The Foundation 5000
UF Health Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine runsignup.com
JAN. 18
Matanzas 5K
Francis Field, St. Augustine 1stplacesports.com
JAN 25
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jacksonvilleicemen.com
Winter Beach Run 10 Mile & 5K
Seawalk Pavilion
1stplacesports.com
Wolfson Children’s Challenge
Winston Family YMCA runsignup.com
IQ Fiber Winter Beach Run
Seawalk Pavilion runsignup.com
JAN. 31
Jacksonville Icemen vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
jacksonvilleicemen.com
A Not-so-Lost Art
Some of us never stood a chance with our handwriting. Some of us tried valiantly to fix it in middle school, only to fail miserably. And then there are the truly unlucky ones (like me) who missed out entirely because by the time we hit elementary school, cursive had been axed from the curriculum. Why? I’ll never know. No matter how hard we (I) try, writing in cursive just feels unnatural. What do you mean we can’t lift up the pen until the word is finished?
But this article isn’t just about cursive—it’s about the lost art of calligraphy and how Jacksonville local Abby Weisman is helping bring it back to life through Sip & Script.
The art of calligraphy dates back thousands of years and spans dozens of cultures worldwide. Its roots stretch back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, where early scripts were carved into stone or clay. In China, calligraphy became a revered art form during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BCE) with the brush and ink becoming key tools of expression. In the West, Roman and Greek scripts laid the groundwork for European calligraphy.
Fast forward to today and the art of calligraphy seems buried under a sea of easily accessible fonts and graphics. With everything at our fingertips, many people no longer feel the need to learn the craft. That was until COVID-19 forced into solitude — and to save themselves from going insane, they picked up hobbies.
“I think that COVID kind of helped, too, because everyone slowed down and started to pick up some hobbies that they didn’t have before,” Weisman explained. “It forced everybody to slow down and kind of go back to basics, if you will, of a lot of things.”
Weisman, who is a self-proclaimed serial hobbyist, began her calligraphy journey only last year during a South Florida Sip & Script class. Weisman took the class to add it to her never-ending list of hyper-fixation hobbies — like using the calligraphy skills to write on her cookies for her baking business. She never anticipated falling so deeply in love with the art, yet just a few months later, she found herself fully committed to teaching it.
After sharing on social media that she’d written her kids’ letters from Santa in calligraphy, Weisman was flooded with messages asking how she did it and if she was taking commissions. That’s when she realized there was a community eager to learn from her back home. After packing up and moving back to Jacksonville to be closer to family, she reached out to Sip and Script to ask if they had any classes in the area—or if they’d be interested in one with her at the helm.
They quickly responded, revealing they didn’t have any classes in Northeast Florida and would love for her to teach.
So that’s why on a sunny Friday morning, I strolled into The Greenhouse Bar, grabbed a coffee, took in the lush greenery around me, and found a cozy spot by the open window to dive into a crash course on the ins and outs of calligraphy.
“I started doing classes here in June and I’ve taught hundreds of people now already. It’s been really well-received,” Weisman shared. “Jacksonville is so geographically big that I can really never make enough classes because there’s so many little pockets I can go to.”
Sip & Script started as a simple idea between two friends and calligraphers from Boston, Meg and Julie. They wanted to create a laid-back space where people — whether hobbyists or professionals — could come together, enjoy a cocktail, learn calligraphy and hand lettering and connect over their shared passion for the art. It didn’t take long for the class to gain popularity, and soon, people across the country were hearing about it and requesting local sessions.
“A lot of people think that if you have bad handwriting you can’t do calligraphy, but it’s totally the opposite. It’s all new; it’s a totally new skill you’re learning. You’re actually learning different shapes and different strokes,” Weisman explained.
“It’s totally different than your handwriting. So it doesn’t matter if your handwriting is bad. You also don’t keep your pen down the whole time like you would when you’re doing cursive. Modern calligraphy has a lot more flexibility for you to kind of make it your own. So once you learn the rules of how everything works, how the pen works, you can really put your own twist on it. And that’s what makes it art, right? So it’s interpretive, your own twist.”
Did you read that? You don’t keep your pen down like you would when doing cursive: There’s hope!
During our conversation, Weisman began aimlessly practicing — or showing off — her calligraphy skills, fully pulling me into a trance while she explained the nature of it all. The different types of strokes matched with the appropriate pressure applied. They were unfamiliar concepts to me, yet they had my full attention.
“It is muscle memory. And you’re pressing down and training your hand how to apply pressure and release pressure in different areas and things like that,” Weisman explained. “So, I always tell people that you have to be relaxed. Your whole body, like your shoulders, need to be relaxed. It’s called Sip & Script, right? The more you sip the more relaxed you become.”
By this point, the interview felt more like a chat between two old friends catching up on everything they’d missed over the years. That’s just the kind of energy Weisman brings — a warmth and ease that’s likely a big part of why her classes are selling out so fast. Before Sip & Script, she had never taught anything. Not only was she still mastering the art of calligraphy herself, but now she was teaching it to hundreds of people. True to form, though, she took to teaching just as quickly as she had to calligraphy and baking and painting and just about every other craft you can think of.
“I just think I’ve learned that I like teaching more than I thought that I would. I never thought that. I mean, it wasn’t something I thought I would be doing. It’s just kind of a little side hustle thing that I really loved in the class, and it’s really grown into more than I thought it would,” Weisman shared. “But I never thought that I would love the aspect of teaching so much to the point where I’m more like, what else can I do? And I love getting to meet so many people from all over. I went to college here, lived here, worked here, then I left. But I’m back in Jacksonville in a new chapter of my life, and it’s been fun to kind of get to know people all over again.”
If you are interested in a fun night out, check out Weismans website at sipandscript.com/organizer/abby-weisman/ or her Instagram: @martinimanuscript
AV IIRTMONDAYS
• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m
• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.
• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.
• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–River City/ Northside, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.
• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.
• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.
TUESDAYS
• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
Jacksonville may be known for its beaches and river, but the city’s theatrical scene has created its own reputation: The River City is evolving into an exciting hub for live theater.
FSCJ ARTIST SERIES
The FSCJ Artist Series has been bringing nationally touring Broadway shows, musicians, magic and more to town for almost 60 years — bringing the lavishness and extravagance of New York City to the Bold City itself.
Some of the Artist Series’ biggest draws include mega-hits such as “Hamilton,” which would go on to draw record-breaking crowds, and “Wicked,” a phenomenal production that continues to captivate audiences. The 2025 season features iconic productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Peter Pan” securing the interests of theater enthusiasts of all tastes. fscjartistseries.org
FLORIDA THEATRE
The former movie house, which opened Downtown in 1927, has turned moving pictures into real-life theater. While it may be better known for its musical acts and comedians (Kevin Hart performed two shows last month. How’s that for top-shelf entertainment?), the Florida Theatre offers theatrical performances with a twist, too, like this season’s “Dirty Dancing in Concert” and “Fraggle Rock LIVE!” The theater is also home to theatrical productions for school age children through Theaterworks, a non-profit dedicated to making touring theater available to students. floridatheatre.com
ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING
The nation’s oldest continuously-operating dinner theater (since 1967) has been entertaining guests of all ages with “Broadway-quality shows and a delightful meal.” This season’s offerings include old chestnuts like “West Side Story” and “My Fair Lady” along with more comical offerings such as “Southern Fried Funeral” and “Elf.” alhambrajax.com
UNDERBELLY
Located in the vibrant Elbow District, Underbelly blurs the lines between music and theater, hosting everything from experimental theater to live musical acts. The venue appeals more so to the younger audience who crave unconventional performances (think sword swallowers and burlesque performers). By fostering a space for alternative and emerging talent, Underbelly expands Jacksonville’s cultural offerings, proving that the performing arts scene isn’t confined to traditional stages. underbellyjax.com
COMMUNITY THEATER
There is no dearth of local acting talent on the First Coast either, clearly evidenced by the wide range of community theaters in the area including:
The 5 & Dime: the5anddime.org
ABET: abetjax.com
Amelia Community Theatre: ameliacommunitytheatre.org
A Classic Theatre: aclassictheatre.org
The Island Theater: theislandtheater.com
Limelight Theatre: limelight-theatre.org
Lumen Rep Theatre: lumenrep.org
Players by the Sea: playersbythesea.org
Stage Aurora: stageaurora.org
Theatre Jacksonville: theatrejax.com
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF JACKSONVILLE’S ART SCENE
The success of live entertainment in Jacksonville is revitalizing Jacksonville’s performing arts scene. These organizations aren’t just meant to be sites of entertainment but rather cultural institutions that enhance the city.
In addition to bringing in revenue to the community, theatrical productions foster a sense of connection and dialogue. What’s often overlooked in production is how the show goes beyond the concept of entertainment but rather reflects on topics such as race, identity and overall community. It’s power isn’t necessarily glamourizing theatrics but rather sparking conversation through the stories being told.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
THEATER/DANCE/FILM
THROUGH JAN. 5
Venardos Circus St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
JAN 3-4
The Ultimate Neil Diamond Experience Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
JAN. 5
“ The Sleeping Beauty” Ballet Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
JAN. 7-12
“Mamma Mia!” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
Various locations, Downtown St. Augustine staugfilmfest.com
JAN. 10
“Morning After Grace”
The Center for Spiritual Living, St. Augustine aclassictheatre.org
JAN. 10 - 19
“The Curious Savage” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
JAN. 11
Lust: A RIsqué Revue Underbelly underbellyjax.com
JAN. 12
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents “Snow Queen” Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
JAN. 15
Here Comes Tomorrow: Cinema of the Last Century
MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu
JAN. 17-FEB. 1
“Cry Baby Orange Park Community Theatre opct.info
JAN. 17-FEB. 2
“Crimes of the Heart” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org
JAN. 19
January Story Slam: Running Out of Time BABS’ LAB barbaracolaciello.com
JAN. 21-22
Shen Yun Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
JAN. 23
“Saw: The Musical Parody” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
JAN. 24
Puccini’s “Tosca” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org
JAN. 25
Pecha Kucha: “Release The Kraken: Tales from the Deep” Front Porch Stage at St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
JAN. 26
Shanghai Circus
Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts fscjartistseries.org
JAN. 28-29
Shen Yun Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org
JAN. 30-FEB. 9
“Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
Letterboxd Reviews
Requiem
For A Dream (2000)
This almost made me stop taking my Ozempic. Keyword … almost. I mean, have you SEEN this waist? Me either, hmu if you find it.
Watched Oct. 30, 2024
The Vanishing (1988)
This is the scariest movie Stanley Kubrick has ever seen? Apologies, I was unaware of the minuscule sized testicles he must have to be frightened by this film. Oh, look at this grain of rice I just picked up! Kidding- That’s just Stanley Kubrick’s nutsack.
Watched Oct. 17, 2024
Joker: Folie À Deux (2024)
“La La Land” for the criminally insane.
Watched Oct. 15, 2024
The Platform (2019)
Arguably the worst Mukbang I have ever seen.
Watched Dec. 8, 2023
Zoë said “cut!” and the dolls heard “c*nt!” Naomi ATEkie and ATEdria Arjona were rumored to need extensive physical therapy from carrying the weight of this film on their backs. Actually, all of the women in this movie (minus Stacy, who is apparently not a girl’s girl) stood TEN TOES DOWN. I’m literally in my bed right now, writing out this review, while giggling and kicking my feet and thinking, “girlhood is so special<3”
I think most of us were more than a little skeptical upon hearing about Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” rumored to have almost been called “P*ssy Island” (moment of silence for this fallen tribute.) And I think I speak for the majority when I say: ZOË, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE MAKE MORE MOVIES. This was an outstanding debut. I think most of us were not familiar with her game and owe her our deepest apologies but are now sitting up straight and listening intently.
This film feels like “Don’t Worry Darling” meets “Get Out.” The premise being “when something seems too good, it usually is,” or “hey, don’t trust that white man.” What “Blink Twice” executes flawlessly is the art of subtlety. For the first half of this movie, we are shown luxury and pleasure and a glimpse into the world of wealth, where life every day is a dream, and every night is a party. But we can feel that something is off. It is unclear of what, but the viewer is watching these characters on this beautiful island, relaxing poolside all day with an endless supply of champagne and the finest of foods, and yet, they feel unsettled. It’s almost like the feeling of being watched.
Now, I am a face value movie viewer. I don’t sit down to watch a movie with the intention to figure out the plot twist before it happens or predict the ending. I watch to simply see and experience that which the director is showing me. And, for me personally, I feel this really contributes to my enjoyment of any film.
Kravitz creates such an immersive atmosphere and lulls you into a false sense of security until something as simple as a scene switch causes you to jump. The title card is brilliantly shown toward the beginning which is timed with the click of a camera, where “Blink Twice,” flashes across the screen, and it is a signal to the viewer to pay close attention. The disorienting flashbacks our main character, Frida, begins experiencing shortly after arriving to the island, cause us to be on edge. We know that something is deeply wrong, yet don’t understand exactly what it is. So when we finally are given our first flashback, nothing can prepare us for how jarring it will be. You suspect throughout the first half of the movie that something horrible is going on, but then being confronted with the reality brings your focus back in. Seeing the first memory of what happened to Jess caused such a visceral reaction within me, it felt like Kravitz reached through the screen, grabbed my face between her hands and said, “Pay attention.” I’ve been revived and drawn back in because admittedly, the first half of this movie feels slow and repetitive. But I am locked in. This is not a happy movie about couples seeking respite on a secluded island away from the everyday stresses of life. This is a movie about patriarchal power, control and manipulation and the ways in which society pits women against each other to always be adversaries rather than stick together. We see Frida (Naomi Ackie,) and Sarah (Adria Arjona) spend the first half of the movie competing over who can capture Slater’s (Channing Tatum,) attention the most. Both Frida and Sarah are strong, powerful women. And as it goes in so many places in society, strong and powerful women are meant to be in constant competition of each other rather than supporting each other.
Kravitz is trying to bring our focus back onto womanhood. As soon as Frida begins to unravel the truth of the island, Sarah is brought into the mix. And within minutes, Sarah believes everything Frida is saying even though Frida has little evidence. The dialogue in this entire scene was outstanding. There was humor mixed with shock mixed with fear as we watch both women conclude they are f*cked. But rather than tremble in fear and act like “little girls,” they form an unbreakable bond of solidarity and realize their earlier issues with each other were built upon internalized misogynistic propaganda instilled by the men around them to keep them subservient and weak. But they are not weak. And they will do everything they can to escape this hellish oasis.
It is unfortunate because almost every movie that involves trauma to a woman, almost always has to deal with sexual assault. And with horror being one of my favorite genres, I have had the displeasure of viewing many sexually violent scenes. However, what makes Kravitz stand apart from her peers is her ability to take something as vile and repulsive as rape and show just enough to deeply disturb the viewer, but not so much that it exploits the woman. Because let me make this clear; this is a very disturbing movie, and I do not recommend this for the feint of heart. But Kravitz has portrayed this sickening material in a way that leaves her female audience feeling empowered after leaving the theater, rather than feeling like they must take a cold shower to rid them of the icky feeling of degradation and side eye their man the whole way home.
Perhaps one of the most impactful moments of the entire movie was remarkably delivered to us by Camilla (Liz Caribel Sierra) when she finally gets her memory back. While the party is ensuing around her, and the abusers are blissfully unaware of the women breaking out of their chains right in front of them, we see the camera slowly zoom into Camilla’s face. We see the despair and grief wash over her. We see that grief turn to horror and that horror turn to rage and that rage turn to revenge. We watch as Camilla decides to herself, “no more,” and at once takes matters into her own hands. There are no moments spared for the abusers to try to explain themselves. No hesitation. Camilla at once exacts her revenge. This entire scene should’ve have had “Dies Irae” playing in the background to match the level of rage and destruction these glorious, incredible, brave girlies committed. #WOMENINMALEDOMINATEDFIELDS
Listen, I understand it’s “not all men.” (It wasn’t all 14th century rats either and YET... but I digress.) I know many men feel exhausted by the continued feminist movement, and that this movie, which is made by a woman FOR women, is offensive to those of the Y chromosomal status. In fact, when I saw this movie for the second time in theaters (we listen and we don’t judge,) one man was so aggrieved and insulted by the clear suffragette motives behind this film that after the first flashback, he got up from his seat and in full view of all us audience members, hawked a loogie on the floor of the theater not once, but TWICE. Do you know the amount of fury one must harbor to full on spit in public like that? It is an act of utmost disrespect. And to that I say, Zoë Kravitz, your work here is finished. Well done.
“Let’s make a movie about a woman getting violently assaulted and almost beat to death by her rapist and instead of emphasizing her strength and resilience from the event that happened to HER, let us instead write this from the narrative of two men and how it has changed THEM. Let us further make the woman in this be a side character when her story is the focus of the movie! Oh, but also while our girlfriend was being assaulted, we were getting high out of our minds and cheating on her all night but wait we really do really respect her and will seek revenge in her honor!!!!”
F*ck. You.
I will admit; Gaspar Noé did something remotely right if I am having this strong of a reaction to it. So I will credit him for doing his job as a director, which is to create something so visually compelling that it sits with the viewer days after watching. OK… and I can admit that the way this was filmed in reverse chronological order was compelling and original. The opening shots were disorienting to a dizzying degree with a frenetic pacing and assault of sounds and colors that at once puts the viewer in a state of duress and hypervigilance. This movie violates the viewer before even showing The Scene. So towards= the beginning my curiosity was piqued, and I was ready to be tossed into this grim world. But by the end I wanted to pour instant mashed potatoes all over Gaspar Noë’s yard on a rainy day. Due to the the nine-minute rape sequence that was so vile I had to put on “Kung Fu Panda 2” as a palette cleanser to remind myself good cinema exists.
I have a morbid fascination with watching extreme horror. I mean, most of these movies I watch are on a website literally called effedupmovies.com. I don’t watch these because I enjoy them, but because I am the epitome of “curiosity killed the cat.” My curiosity has killed many cats I fear, massacred even. Maybe I shouldn’t say that? Look just please don’t tell me not to do something in an ominous tone with a bell tolling in the background because I will absolutely yell out, “is anybody there??” in a place where someone is definitely right there— girl, run wtf don’t go in there!! Oh, there she goes. And... yep. She’s dead. I can already hear some of you saying, “keep talking, I need more time to diagnose you,” but babe, relax, I keep my therapist booked and busy! Back to the point, 10 times out of 10 I never feel OK after watching a movie like this, and the day I stop tormenting myself with this fixation will be the day my therapist will finally be out of a job (love you, Christy! Xx)
So it is safe to say, I have seen my fair share of stomach-turning, gut-wrenching movies like this. And it makes me feel sick to my stomach when I finish said movie and look at my Letterboxd expecting to be met with the same outrage I feel, only to see netizen’s give these five stars. I am so tired of filmmakers creating garbage movies such as this but receive high praise because of the “art” behind it. In “Irreversiblé,” there is a 9-minute-long rape scene, all shot in one take. While watching, it felt more like 30 minutes, and I kept fast-forwarding to get past it. It is a brutal and unflinching scene, and it will make even the most seasoned of disturbing movie cinephiles, cringe. I think many people confuse “artistic freedom,” for just straight up trauma porn. I feel like it is a very telling sign that all these disturbing extreme horror films have one thing in common: They all center around graphic depictions of abusing and tormenting women. And this movie is a prime example of that. To frame this story of sexual violence against a woman from a male’s perspective is at best, insensitive, which is not a characteristic you want from someone detailing an extremely sensitive subject.
And whether Noë’s intentions were to create something meant to show people the raw reality of sexual violence in our world or not, he completely discredits himself once he chose to have this told from the perspective of men and the only time we see the female character is when she is being abused or having her only dialogue be about sex. What Noë effectively does here is objectify women and show them in the cliché trope of the damsel in distress, where these men are the heroes and the woman doesn’t have a voice.
Sexual assault is an extremely sensitive topic to cover, and it requires a certain empathy that Noë clearly lacks. You do not need to show an almost 10-minute scene of rape to get the viewer to understand how emotionally and physically damaging it is. A proper director understands the value of a viewer’s imagination and how less is more in most cases. There is a moment where Alex, our victim, makes a comment about how she’s her own person, and this is obviously Noë’s attempt at foreshadowing, but it instead emphasizes his ignorance and poor taste to mock Alex in this way. So that moment is just cruel. And then her avengers, Alex’s boyfriend, and best friend, show more rage over being called homophobic slurs than they do finding out what happened to Alex. And because of the directorial error to have this told from the point of view of the angry men, when they do get their revenge on her abuser, none of it feels like vengeance. Instead, we are watching fire fight with fire. None of these men feel safe and trustworthy, the viewer is never once made to feel that way. So when they seek their “justice,” it’s ineffective to watch because Noë has shown us this whole movie that men are violent, dangerous sex-driven beasts. All of it is violent and scary. Mom can you come pick me up? I’m scared. There’s two gorillas fighting over a banana here and there’s not a girlboss in sight. (I don’t agree with this, just sharing my own observation of this film and the message Noë is trying to put out there.)
Noë had the opportunity here to tell a story of one woman’s resilience and triumph over good vs. evil. Everyone loves a good redemption story. But Alex falls into a comatose state and is put on an ambulance, effectively ending her character development, so rather than exploring any of her emotional turmoil from the traumatic event, Noë takes an easy way out (Alex falling into a coma,) just so he can have a reason for using a brutal rape as a plot device. I’m truly unsure what this movie is about and who it is for. Because it just feels like fetishized shock value porn, masqueraded as a revenge thriller.
In the cinephile realm, this movie is immensely popular. I see this often recommended in movie circles among the likes of “Incendies” and “Martyrs.” However, I have seen all three and can say with confidence if someone recommends this movie I would calmly back away and tell a trusted adult!
Watched Dec. 12, 2024
Thanks for reading :) See you next time.
COMEDY
JAN. 2
Chris Munch
The Glass Factory eventbrite.com
JAN. 2-4
Bill Bellamy Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
JAN. 3-4
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
JAN. 4
Improv Comedy Night
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
JAN. 10-11
Geoffrey Asmus Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
JAN. 13
D&D Comedy Takeover X Grey Matter Distillery eventbrite.com
JAN. 17
Comedy Crushers
The Justice Pub eventbrite.com
JAN. 17-18
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
JAN. 17-19
Ms. Pat Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
JAN. 23
Jeff Arcuri Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Family Comedy Night with Tyler Mason
Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church eventbrite.com
JAN. 23-25
Anthony Rodia Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
JAN. 24
Henry Cho
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
JAN. 24-45
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
JAN. 25
Ben Brainard
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
Mike Hanford
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 26
Maria Bamford
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
JAN. 28
Take It or Leave It Podcast Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
JAN. 31
Dude Dad Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
JAN. 31-FEB. 1
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
Words by Johvan Merilus
SNAP, POST, REPEAT:
JACKSONVILLE’S MOST INSTA-WORTHY & TIKTOK-FRIENDLY HOTSPOTS
Jacksonville is no stranger to having Instagrammable and TikTok worthy spots for people to capture fun memories. The variety of creative and beautiful sightings around the city ranges from stunning murals to unique entertainment venues. As Jacksonville continues to grow, it’s only right that we highlight the very locations that make it special. Here’s a guide to some of the must-see (and photograph) locations right here in Jacksonville.
THE CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS
Located on the St. Johns River, the Cummer provides a breathtaking view of exquisite gardens with the waterway as a backdrop. One of the things that makes the museum so attractive is the various aesthetics it provides featur ing reflective pools, sculptures, topiaries (sculpted to perfection) alongside native trees and vibrant flowers. While you’re there, check out the museum itself with its impressive permanent collection and rotating exhibits.
SWEET PETE’S
The only thing sweeter than candy is an entire building dedicated to it. Candy connoisseurs will drool over this sweet and colorful “candy mansion” embodying everything that makes the treats they love so sweet. Walking into the building you’ll see jars filled with candy and decorated with whimsical decorations, which creates a perfect spot for capturing playful content. Sweet Pete’s also offers candy making classes if you’re looking for some “action” photos. And don’t miss the rainbow walls for a fun photo session.
FRIENDSHIP FOUNTAIN
Situated on the Southbank Riverwalk near the Museum of History of Science and HIstory. Friendship Fountain is a Jacksonville landmark. The fountain, which was the largest and tallest fountain in the world when it was built in 1965, still engages visitors with its impressive flow from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. What you might not know is at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. there are nightly shows featuring the fountains changing displays and colors. The fountains changing colors and changing directions add an eye-catching backdrop for TikTok transitions or reels. Nighttime is the best time to go whenever you want to get its
KEG AND COIN
A perfect mix between retro vibes and modern day times is what you’ll find at the Keg and Coin, a barcade in Riverside. It’s decorated from top to bottom in neon light with iconic vintage and craft beers that create a great location when looking to make edgy TikToks videos and Instagram posts. Plus you get to use the dark setting for the lore of videos and the arcade games as props for content. This is where you go when you’re trying to display both an adventure and playful mood.
APRIL
MARCH
THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE tacjacksonville.org
BEACHES MUSEUM beachesmuseum.org
BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY butterfieldgarage.com
THE CORNER GALLERY AT THE JESSIE =movingthemargins.org
CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS
• “Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri: Mysteries that Remain,” through Jan. 12 cummermuseum.org
FEMART GALLERY femartgallery.org
FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER firstcoastculturalcenter.org
FLAGLER COLLEGE–CRISP ELLERT MUSEUM flagler.edu
FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE fscj.edu
GALLERY 725 gallery725.com
GOVERNOR’S HOUSE CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM, ST. AUGUSTINE
• “Painting St. Augustine: Selections from the Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers Collection,” ongoing
• “Freedom Is Not Free: Ax Handle Saturday,” virtual exhibition staugustine.ufl.edu
HASKELL GALLERY AT JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT jaxairportarts.com
HILLARY WHITAKER GALLERY hwhitakergallery.com
JACKSONVILLE MAIN LIBRARY tacjacksonville.org
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
• ”Bill Davis: No Dark in Sight,” virtual exhibition
• “Kristin Skees: Close Knit,” virtual exhibition ju.edu/cfa
THE LIGHTNER MUSEUM
• “Crystal Floyd: Kindred Spirits,” through Jan. 27, 2025
• “75 for 75: Lightner Museum Diamond Anniversary Exhibition,” ongoing
• “Still Not About a Hotdog and a Coke,” virtual exhibition
• “Magic, Mirth, and Mortality: Musings on Black Motherhood,” virtual exhibition yellowhouseart.org
ONGOING
Art Walk
Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org
Fernandina Beach Arts Market
Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com
Riverside Arts Market
Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday — rain or shine — from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com
St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk
On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. staaa.org
Vilano Beach Artisan Market
Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road.
INAUGURAL JACKSONVILLE MURAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED!
The National Mural Awards has invited three nationally recognized muralists to the First Coast to paint alongside local artists for the first ever Jacksonville Mural Festival. The event, which will be held Jan. 2225, 2025 promises to add color to the growing Rail Yard District and help highlight the economic growth happening in the area with events throughout the festival.
Presented in partnership with Rail Yard District Business Council and sponsored by Dennis + Ives, MFG Merch and Bono’s BBQ, the festival will help install eye-catching murals on a number of buildings in the neighborhood.
Executive Director of the National Mural Awards Jason Tetlak, a local Jacksonville artist himself, said the festival is long overdue. “Most mural festivals around the country happen in the summer or early fall because a muralist’s work depends on the blessing of the weather. We realized that Jacksonville was a perfect place to attract great artists from other areas of the country whose work typically slows down in the winter. It allows the amazing artists and creatives in our city to work with and learn from their counterparts from all over the U.S. while showcasing the Rail Yard District as well as Jacksonville itself to a wider audience.”
To get a sneak peak at the invited artists’ work, check out their Instagram accounts. The invited artists include Emma Gilbert from Birmingham (@ emmagilbertart), Kristen Sandlin from Memphis (@rogue.murals), Phil Seth from Pittsburgh (@philsethcreative) and Zulu Painter from St. Petersburg (@zulupainter1), along with several local artists including Scotie Cousin (@scotiecousin), and Ally Brody (@ ally_brody).
For a complete list of activities happening during the festival, visit nationalmuralawards.com.
NEW MUSIC RELEASES
Made For You By Amiyah Golden
Lil Baby is back with the release of his highly anticipated album, “Wham,” which comes as his first full-length release in two years. The rapper will have features from artists including GloRilla, Travis Scott, Rod Wave and Future. There are also whispers of a possible feature by recently released from rapper Young Thug.
Our Florida princess Ethel Cain has announced her latest album, “Perverts,” which is composed of nine tracks. Cain has received much acclaim and amassed a following of listeners, due to her haunting storytelling and raw sound — especially after her last album, “Preacher’s Daughter.”
“PERVERTS”
My discovery of Mon Rovia was through TikTok, where I saw stripped down video of him playing a ukulele and promoting his music. Soft vocals that helped transport a powerful story immediately captured me. As a Liberian who was born to the immediate exposure of war and chaos, his story is best told through his own melodies and strums.
Mon Rovia has now made his mark with the release of his original songs, the announcement of a tour, and now his own album, “Act 4: Atonement.” ETHEL CAIN
“ACT 4: ATONEMENT”
ROVIA
“WHAM”
LIL BABY
MON
“HONEYBEE”
BORNS
“Honeybee” is the newest release for singer and songwriter BORNS. The Michigan native has toured with artists such as Charli XCX, Halsey and the Bleachers.
This release is extremely special for me as my love for the late artist Mac Miller runs deep. His project, “Balloonerism,” was announced during Camp Flog Gnaw — a music festival created by rapper Tyler the Creator — where an animated video was shown to fans right before Tyler’s set that included extracts of songs from Miller with his estate confirming the release days later.
“Balloonerism” was a project that Miller had vaulted with no official release, but some tracks were leaked in 2020, which became favorites for many. The official drop for “Balloonerism” is regarded as a sacred experience for many who get to hear the rapper’s voice one more time.
British singer and actor, FKA Twigs is coming back strong with her project, “Eusexua” which is her first album since “Magdalene,” her 2019 LP.
While, it’s been years since her last album release, it hasn’t stopped her hustle and grind as she was recently cast as a lead role in the remake of the cult classic, “The Crow” and has given fans a mixtape, “Caprisun” in 2022 which came with a feature from the Weeknd.
“BALLOONERISM”
MAC MILLER
CENTRAL CEE
The UK rapper Central Cee is gearing up for the release of his debut album, “Can’t Rush Greatness.” His hit song “BAND4BAND” that features the rapper Lil Baby helped solidify his career as it generated over 2 billion streams globally (and still counting).
The Weeknd has released the last album to accompany his trilogy project, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”
To commemorate the end of this chapter and the album release, he will be performing a one-night-only show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Jan. 25.
THE WEEKND
Pink Siifu will be releasing his new album, “Black’!Antique” this month.
Pink Siifu has worked with producers such as The Alchemist and Monte Booker. Many have described his music as “alternative” in the R&B and rap spaces, as he has developed a unique approach. With a well-rounded list of musical inspirations, it makes sense as his sound is so comprehensive.
“HURRY UP TOMORROW”
JAN. 1
Donna the Buffalo
Bier Hall at Intution Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
JAN. 3
Homegrown Losers
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
The Recollectors at Blue Jay Listening Room
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Knives, Tori Nance & more Underbelly underbellyjax.com
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 3-4
Best Of “Phantom”
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
JAN. 4
Matt Cooper
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
CONCERTS
Year’s Throwdown
more
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
Planet Duran
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 6
Judy Collins
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
The Rough & Tumble
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 9
Grass Is Dead Underbelly underbellyjax.com
JAN. 10
Elvis Birthday Bash
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
The Gatlin Brothers Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Gravedancer Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Crossbreed Nuclear Winter Rave Tour
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
Randall Bramblett
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 10-11
Gershwin & Tchaikovsky
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
JAN. 11
Ritz Chamber Players
Jacksonville University ritzchamberplayers.org
Sam Burchfield
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
New
ENOX, Royal Hearts &
The Lubben Brothers Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
CONCERTS
Killer Larry
Jack Rabbits
jaxlive.com
Willy Porter
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 12
Winter Jam 2025
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
JAN. 13
David Wilcox
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 15
Twisted Pine
Bier Hall at Intuition Aleworks intuitionjax.com
Dan Navarro
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 15-16
Brett Dennen
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
JAN. 16
Always Loretta With the Coalminers Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
10 Years
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
JAN. 17
The New York Bee Gees Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Cluster
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Disciple
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Acoustically Speaking
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 17-18
Jax Symphony: Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
JAN. 18
The Purple Xperience: Prince Tribute Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Swamptooth
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Silly Goose
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
156/SIlence, Vctms and more Underbelly underbellyjax.com
Tray Wellington Band
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 19
Gucci Mane
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
The Hit Men of Country Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Florida Chamber Music Project Mozart Extravaganza Beaches Museum Chapel 904tix.com
Serene Green
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Sharon Isbin with the Pacifica String Quartet Amelia Plantation Chapel, Fernandina Beach aicmf.org
Past Our Prime Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
JAN. 21
Jon McLaughlin & Eric Hutchinson Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Carolyn Wonderland
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 22
James McMurtry
Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
Ronnie Baker Brooks
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 23
Ordinary Boys: Tribute to The Smiths and Morrissey Underbelly underbellyjax.com
Joe Pug
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
JAN. 24
Dweezil Zappa
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Fleetwood Mach Tribute Show
Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Mason Ramsey Underbelly underbellyjax.com
JAN. 24-25
Jax Symphony: Ultimate Eagles Experience
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
JAN. 24
Kathleen Edwards
Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
JAN. 25
Marc Broussard
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Randy Travis
Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Shane Smith + The Saints
Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
JAN. 26
Local Vocals
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
Jackson Stokes Band
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Mary Gauthier
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
JAN. 27
Robert McDuffie, violin, and William Ransom, piano
Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works Intuition Ale Works
JAN. 31-FEB. 1
Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org
LOUD AND BAD: HOGBEAN
It’s 3 p.m. at Cool Stuff Vintage, technically 3:05 p.m. as I was running late to meet up with Hogbean, a local country, alternative rock band. Or as they refer themselves in their Instagram bio: a “Cosmic Swamp Country” band. As I made my way into the eclectic vintage shop, I first ran into lead singer Luke Bacon checking out some vintage matchbooks, not far behind him was drummer Zach Vannoy and bass player Billy Paulger. As I made my way farther back to the library, where we were scheduled to have our interview, I bumped into guitarist Andrew Heinzman looking at some vintage cameras and then keyboardist Sarina Steffen.
The group met back in the day during their college years and began playing music the same way many of great musicians did — drunk in a garage or out the storage unit they used to rent out. Keywords there are “used to” as they got kicked out by the owners … something about their music being too loud, which, in my book, means they were doing something right.
“Anyone can play good and fast, right?” Bacon said.
“So I’m gonna play loud and bad,” Heinzman added.
As the songwriter and male version of Taylor Swift, Bacon draws inspiration from classic American singer-songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. This, combined with the diverse tastes of the rest of the band—ranging from Steffen’s love for Chappell Roan to Heinzman’s admiration for Marcus King’s guitar skills, not to mention Paulger and Vannoy’s passion for rock climbing—creates a sound that’s a seamless mash-up of good ol’ country with touches of rock and psychedelic alternative. In short, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
“I found out recently that I’m really good at writing breakup songs, so I just need to continue getting dumped and dumping people,” Bacon said.
And with a unique sound, you have to have a unique name. Before landing on Hogbean, the band had tried on a couple of different names: Asbestos Texas, Fore Horseskins, Twins Jander. And for a while, they went by Swingers.
“We were Swingers for a while, like five years,” Paulger said. “We put out multiple records as the Swingers and then everyone was like ‘Oh, The Swingers?’ No, that’s an actual band that, like, has fans,” Bacon added.
With Swingers taken, they landed on Hogbean. Not because it sounds like a barbeque restaurant though that was a bonus, but mainly because it wasn’t taken.
“We had a bunch of names, but I think I was looking at pictures of flowers and Hogbean wasn’t taken,” Heinzman shared. “Probably because it smells like a dead body,” Vannoy added.
With an established name that was completely their own, the band released a five song ep. The band delves into a variety of narratives and unique sounds and re-established themselves as a band to keep an eye on. Some of their favorites songs to perform and listen to on the EP are “Blooming Gardenias”, which Steffen added is for the girls, “Burnin’ Rubber, Head West” and “In the River”.
And Hogbean is just getting started. As Bacon put it, this band isn’t making them any money…yet.
MEET THE BAND
If you were stranded on a deserted island, which instrument would you bring to keep you guys entertained? Only one.
Steffen: My marimba, for sure.
Bacon: Wait, are we all trapped on the island together?
Folio: Obviously. But I guess you guys can each get one.
Steffen: Oh, we don’t have to, like, collectively pick one?
Bacon: Well, I was gonna say if it’s one between all of us then the marimba.
Vannoy: I’m setting sail off this island.
If each band member had to describe their role in the band as a type of vegetable, what would they be and why?
Heinzman: We almost made an album cover like that once.
Steffen: I think I’m corn.
Paulger: I am bok choy because I’m really present.
Heinzman: Eggplant.
Folio: Is there a reason for you being an eggplant?
Heinzman: Nope.
Steffen: He really gives purple vibes.
Vannoy: Yeah I don’t know much, asparagus probably.
Folio: OK, because?
Vannoy: That’s the only other vegetable I could think of.
Bacon: I’m thinking potato.
Folio: Why?
Bacon: Pale and Irish.
If your music was a soundtrack to a movie, what genre would it be? And what kind of what story would it tell?
Steffen: A dramedy horror.
Vannoy: A folk horror.
Bacon: No found footage, though.
If you had a time machine and could visit any musical era. Which era would you visit and why?
Heinzman: Seventies.
Vannoy: I’d go back to Bach.
Steffen: I almost want to, like, go to the future. I already know what happens, I wanna know what’s going to happen.
Paulger: I’d go back to the ’30s and see Woody Guthrie.
Bacon: Some Gilded Age jazz parties would be pretty fun.
What are your plans for the band? Any hopes, Dreams, goals? Final comments?
Bacon: Well we are working on something right now. I guess it’s a record. It’s like nine songs and one of them is a cover, but the rest are originals. One or two Andrew wrote. A couple are older that we’re reviving and rearranging. Obviously the goal is world domination. You know, it’s like you’ve got to set attainable goals.
Heinzman: Become president of the United States.
Bacon: Get really famous, run it hard and fast and do an early grave before we start making bad records.
Cajun Crab Juice Seafood & Bar Jax cajuncrabjax.com
Cliff’s Bar & Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
El Fogón de Munchies facebook.com/elfogonMunchiesBoricuas
Fancy Sushi & Grill Japanese Restaurant fancysushiandgrill.com
Fuji Sushi fujisushi-fl.com
The Good Place Nutrition facebook.com/thegoodplacenutrition
ABBQ abbqmeatdrink.com
Anejo anejococinamexicana.com
Angie’s Subs facebook.com/angiessubs
Aqua Grill aquagrill.net
Azurea at One Ocean azurearestaurant.com
Barbara Jean’s on the Water barbarajeansonthewater.com
Caffe Andiamo caffeandiamo.com
Cantina Louie cantinalouie.com
Coop 303 coop303.com
Cruisers Grill cruisersgrill.com
Dockside Seafood docksideseafoodrestaurant.com
Dos Vatos Tacos dosvatostacosfl.com
Eleven South elevensouth.com
Engine 15 Brewing Company engine15.com
European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com
Grinders American Diner grindersamdiner.com
Lauren’s Jazz, Blues & Seafood facebook.com/laurensseafoodbluesjazz
La Palmerita orderlapalmerita.com
Palms Fish Camp palmsfishcamp.com
Pupuseria El Paraíso pupuseriaelparaisojax.com
Rice + Noodles Korean Restaurant riceandnoodles.net
The Fish Company Restaurant and Oyster Bar thefishcojax.com
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar flyingiguana.com
The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar thegoatjax.com
GROM facebook.com/Grom904
Hawkers eathawkers.com
JJ’s Liberty Bistro jjbistro.com/ponte-vedra
Kamiya 86 kamiya86fl.com
Lone Wolf Co. lonewolfjax.com
Marker 32 marker32.com
Mezzaluna mezzalunajax.com
Mojo Kitchen mojobbq.com/mojo-kitchen
Nona Blue Modern Tavern nonablue.com
North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com
Oaxaca Club theoaxacaclub.com O-Ku o-kusushi.com
Seven Wonders Restaurant 7wondersbakery.com
Southern Coast Seafood southerncoastseafood.com
Tabouleh Cafe taboulehcafe.com
Thai & Lao Bistro thaiandlaobistro.com
The Juicy Crab thejuicycrab.com
Zen Dumpling zendumplings.com
Palm Valley Fish Camp palmvalleyfishcamp.com
Poe’s Tavern poestavern.com
Ragtime Tavern ragtimetavern.com
Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant safeharbor-seafood.com
Salt Life Food Shack saltlifefoodshack.com
Salumeria 104 Atlantic Beach salumeria104.com
Singleton’s Seafood Shack singletonsseafood.com
Sliders Oyster Bar slidersoysterbar.com
Southern Grounds southerngrounds.com
TacoLu tacolu.com
Talkin’ Tacos talkintacos.net
Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com
Two Dudes Seafood Restaurant twodudesrestaurant.com
Valley Smoke BBQ valleysmoke.com
Vicious Biscuit viciousbiscuit.com
Bellweather bellwetherjax.com
The Bread and Board thebreadandboard.com
The Brick Coffee House brickcoffeehouse.com
Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com
Casa Dora Italian Cafe facebook.com/casadorajax
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Estrella Cocina estrellajax.com
Bella Vista bellavistaitalian.com
Berndt Ends BBQ facebook.com/berndtendsbbq
Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro bluebamboojacksonville.com
ChopHouse Thirteen chophouse13.com
Enza’s Italian Restaurant enzas.net
ISO ISO Ramen isoisoramen.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken boldbirdshotchicken.com
Buchner’s Bierhall buchnersbierhalle.com
The Butt Hutt Smokehouse butthuttjax.com
Chancho King chanchoking.com
The Dreamette dreametteicecream.com
The Happy Grilled Cheese thehappygrilledchees.wixsite.com/grilledcheese
Indochine indochinejax.com
Juliette’s Bistro at Marriott Jacksonville Downtown marriott.com
Morton’s The Steakhouse mortons.com
Ocean Street Tacos oceanstreettacos.com
On The Fly Sandwiches & Stuff (food truck) ontheflyjax.com
The River Club jaxriverclub.com
Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.com
Super Food & Brew superfoodandbrew.com
Sweet Pete’s sweetpetescandy.com
Tavern at the Hyatt Regency hyatt.com
Kazu Japanese Restaurant kazujapaneserestaurant.com
Le Petit Paris French Cafe lepetitparisjax.com
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen mandolas.com
Masala Indian Cuisine jaxmasala.com
Metro Diner metrodiner.com
Nudo Vietnam Cuisine nudoinjax.com
One Night Taco Stand onenightjax.com
El Jefe Tex Mex eljefejax.com
Fired Up Pizza woodfireduppizza.com
La Cena Ristorante No website. Google it!
Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com/murray-hill
As warm winds blow and the weather fluctuates, it can be difficult to really embrace that holiday spirit with the absence of snow blanketing the streets of Jacksonville. We often try to find ways to supplement that “White Christmas” feeling and rekindle that yuletide merriment. Lucky for us, the creators behind “The Velvet Underground Show” — the contemporary speakeasy style show — has given us another chance to experience a fabulous production, tailored for the season with A Very Merry Christmas Ball at the Glass Factory.
I was recently able to attend this event —not knowing what to expect — and left amazed at the caliber of the performances. The night started off with the shredding of electric guitars by two of the musicians from the live band, where they covered a Christmas c lassic in their own rhythmic way. The introduction was followed by a pair who waltzed down the stage with ease with lights following their every movement. It was a great start to a show filled with Broadway worthy choreography, harmonizing by a trio who sparkled under the main stage light, and a lyra performer who soared above us.
During intermission I was able to check out the Christmas themed bar that provided a festive cocktail menu, take photos by all the decorated props and view the food options that were offered. No detail was overlooked.
The attention to detail was noted as they transported me from Downtown Jacksonville to a winter wonderland of dance and song. The “A Very Merry Christmas Ball” was truly one for the books.
2024 Seiko Watch of America.
ARLINGTON
Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax
Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com
BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com
Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon
Fly’s Tie Irish Pub facebook.com/flystieirishpub
Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com
Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com
NIGHTLIFE
Gusto gustojax.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com
Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com
Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley
Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com
Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab
Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch
Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com
Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com
Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com
Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com
Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com
Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com
Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com
Ragtime Tavern ragtimetavern.com
Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com
Reve Brewing revebrewing.com
The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com
Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com
Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com
VooSwar Restaurant & Lounge instagram.com/vooswar
DOWNTOWN
The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com
Element Bistro Bar & Lounge elementjax.com
Hardwicks hardwicksbarjax.com
Intuition Aleworks intuitionaleworks.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Justice Pub facebook.com/thejusticepub
Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax
Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com
Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila
