Folio 2.0: Vol. 35 Issue 3 by Folio Weekly

MARCH 17, 2021

FLOSSIE’S NEW DIY SKATE SPOT IS OPENING DOORS FOR YOUTH.

JOHANNA MORESCO HOSTS A GOTH NIGHT FOR ALL.

VANILLA ICE IN CONVERSATION WITH FOLIO WEEKLY. 1

MARCHING ALONG

VOLUME 35, ISSUE 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 04

FROM THE PUBLISHER

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

COMMENTARY AND NEWS

THE COVER STORY

ENTERTAINING YOU

THE CROSSWORD

SPORTS

DEAR DUMBS

THE TEAM: JOHN M. PHILLIPS

JOHN ALOSZKA

PUBLISHER JMP@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOHNNY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

ISA BARRIENTOS

KERRY SPECKMAN

WRITER, MYSTIC ISA@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

COPY EDITOR, SELFIE QUEEN KERRY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

TERRY JAYMES

CASEY CRAIG

CONTRIBUTING WRITER STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER CASEY@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

VINCENT DALESSIO

TERESA SPENCER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER VINCENT@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

GENERAL MANAGER, AD GURU TERESA@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

ANGELA PHILLIPS

OMAROSA M. NEWMAN

CONTRIBUTOR STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

BEHIND THE COVER On this month’s cover is Hillary Pollard, photographed by Captain Eric Prosswimmer. In the photo, Pollard looks off into the distance with a smile, even after an assumingly grueling excersise. She’s happy to be there, and she deserves to be there. A theme in the cover story, and throughout this issue, is that people of all kinds just want a fair shot––a seat at the table. As we meet just after the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, let’s all commit to building longer tables with more seats. JOHN ALOSZKA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

@FOLIOWEEKLY 3

WELCOME LETTER ANGELA PHILLIPS

ANGELA HELD BY HER MOTHER, CHERYL.

HONOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE. If you’re like me when March 1st hits and social media is filled with carefully curated corporate images touting Women’s History Month, you reach back into your mind to high school civics classes and think about historical female figures. You reflect on women like Maya Angelou, Marie Curie, Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman or Amelia Earhart to name only a few. I’d like to encourage you to take a broader look at Women’s history Month as not just being about women in black and white photos from textbooks or Wikipedia articles. There are women that we are watching, in real time, making History every single day. Women like Kamala Harris, Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. What about the piping hot cup of tea served up by Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle––that will find its place in history, too. There are local women moving people, places and things which are important to the day-to-day life of so many. It doesn’t take being on an international or national platform to make a difference and make lasting impact on those around you. Women like Stacy Hanson who fights for the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer research and hopefully, one day, a cure. Women like Hope McMath and Shawana Brooks, fighting for the arts and for social equality. Women like my friend Ginger who fostered and then adopted a brother and sister as a single mom to keep these two beautiful children out of a system that is often times harsh and unforgiving. Women like Paige Hall and Latasha Hobbs, who fight for their children in a very different way – fighting for justice for their children who were taken by gun violence. For me, when I think about the woman in my history that has been the most influential, it’s my mom Cheryl. Like so many others, our family suffered loss in 2020. Mom fought a long battle with cancer. On an August afternoon, while I was holding her hand, she left this world and moved onto her new home in Heaven. Of all the things I learned from my mother at the very top––is how to love and how to let someone know they are loved. My mother was a woman of faith; one of her favorite passages of scripture was 1 Corinthians 13: 4–8: 4 4

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” My mother lived that verse; You could feel love in everything she did, every decision, every kind word and selfless act. Every single time we spoke, often several times a day, she ended the conversation with “I love you truly.” There was no hyperbole or exaggeration––she loved truly. Her love was patient and kind, it was not easily angered, it always protected and persevered, and it never ever failed. I hear often how much I look like my mom. I hope that’s not where the resemblance stops. I hope that when I love that I love truly and that others can feel that from me. I want my husband and my 3 boys to know that I love them truly. I want my friends and my community to know that I love them truly. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger or working with charities around town, I want to show love in ways that are meaningful. Sometimes I fall short but that doesn’t mean I throw in the towel and stop trying. I want to show love and live love in a way that would make my mama proud. When you think of the most influential woman in your life – what did her impact mean to you? How can you carry that forward? If you haven’t thought about it, challenge yourself to do that this month. If the most influential woman in your life was a negative experience, how can you turn that into something positive to help others? If you have a beautifully inspiring woman in your life, how can you help her grow or carry on her mission? Honor Women in History this month, but don’t forget to honor the women in your life and your community, too––and ask yourself, “What might I be able to do?”

THE MAIL

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS

WORST WRITTEN STORY IN FOLIO 2.0 Par for the course the very first issue of FOLIO 2.0 I get is a month behind. The BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS kicks off with John Rutherford. The storming of the Capital complex in D.C. was not a random occurrence, it was the culmination of years of rhetoric and lies from politicians like Ruthorford. Are you folks missing the boat, John was low key on/in the surroundings to the “storming” .. I thought to myself why would

Folio have it out for John Ruthorford?. Maybe the author didn’t like John kicking Donna Deegan’s ass in the Congressional election. ......................... Few pages more and HEADLINE: JACK OF ALL TRADES: DONNA DEEGAN/

BOUQUET TO THE JACKSONVILLE LIBRARY In an effort to get people to return their late books and also ease the burden of the pandemic, the Jacksonville Public Library is waiving late fees for books and materials returned to the system late. The “fine free” policy will be in effect until April 30, unless extended, and applies to all books, no matter how late!

BOUQUET TO ROBERT M. SWEETING Congrats to Robert M. Sweeting on being an extra in Coming 2 America. When you watch the movie, look out for him in a pink jacket (wedding reception) and a black and yellow outfit (wedding scene).

BRICKBAT TO DOWNTOWN WORKING GROUP

PATHETIC! ROBERT HAWXHURST

THE COMMENT SECTION @bratneyqueers: “jacksonville acknowledging the queen of future pop charli xcx??? more likely than you think” @mevatter: So ya’ll just ignored the “helmets and no sidewalks” part of the ordinance and rental agreement?

Mayor Curry announced a downtown working group without a single young person on it. The working group has great people represented, but it won’t be a true representation of our city until it is larger and more diverse. A downtown for all starts with a vision that includes us all, especially because millennials are a fueler of growth.

YELL AT US: MAIL@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

Important Facts About DOVATO This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and treatment. What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection. • Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HIV-1 and HBV infection, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone. ° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with DOVATO. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines.

What are possible side effects of DOVATO? DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO?” section. • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing. • Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare What is DOVATO? provider may do blood tests to check your liver. DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults: who have not received signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes HIV-1 medicines in the past, or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is on the right side of your stomach area. safe and effective in children. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis is a Who should not take DOVATO? serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of Do not take DOVATO if you: • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms or lamivudine. • take dofetilide. and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the if you: signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection. problems.” You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver • have kidney problems. problems if you are female or very overweight (obese). • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get ° Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than DOVATO if you stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the first 12 time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after weeks of pregnancy. you start taking DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; nausea; before you start treatment with DOVATO. diarrhea; trouble sleeping; tiredness; and anxiety. ° If you can become pregnant, you should consistently use effective birth control These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical (contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. advice about side effects. ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment with DOVATO. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO. ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk. ° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

SO MUCH GOES INTO WHO I AM HIV MEDICINE IS ONE PART OF IT. Why could DOVATO be right for you? DOVATO is proven to help control HIV with just 2 medicines in 1 pill. That means fewer medicines* in your body while taking DOVATO. It’s proven as effective as an HIV treatment with 3 or 4 medicines. Learn more about fewer medicines at DOVATO.com DOVATO is a complete prescription regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their doctor determines they meet certain requirements. Results may vary. *As compared with 3- or 4-drug regimens.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Where can I find more information? • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling. August 2020 DVT:4PIL Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

New to treatment? Considering a switch?

Ask your doctor about DOVATO. 7

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME Flossie DIY builds a communit y out of their own pockets VINCENT DALESSIO

Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission. The crew building the Flossie DIY Skatepark in Springfield shows us why. When The Block Skate Shop first discovered the empty space, they knew just the guy for the job. They dropped a pin for Cam McEachin, and he threw a few obstacles in to test the water. Since then, it’s blossomed into something truly beautiful. What was a dilapidated tennis court has now been turned into a skate plaza that is already churning out the skaters of tomorrow. Starting in the dog days of 2020 when pandemic anxiety was at an all time high, the space gave refuge to local kids cast aside by the school closures and shelter-in-place orders. If you’ve been to the spot, you know Mel Mccarthy. Even though he’s only skated for less than a year, the 9-year-old is on his way to becoming an icon at the park. He’s already learned kickflip to fakie, and his favorite trick is slappy crook. “At first I wasn’t really interested. I had come up here to play basketball when they first put it in and people would lend me their 8

skateboard to just rip around, and after about two weeks of coming up here [Cam] gave me my first board,” McCarthy said. “It’s a really good community. There’s really never any arguing. There’s only peace, love and friendship.” Mel is just one of the many kids who have benefited from the build. On any given day, at any time, you can roll by the flat and see The Locals on their turf. The Locals, as

they’ve been dubbed by the builders, are a crew of kids who live in the neighborhood and have no problem telling you to get out their way. Most of these kids are still riding the first board they ever stepped on. The Block and organizations like Keep It Rolling have collectively put nearly 160 boards in kids’ hands for free. A multitude of events have been held at the spot. “One day, before we had permission from the city, like six cop cars pulled up and were watching us build. When I approached them to talk, they said that it was really cool what we were doing and how we were probably saving a lot of kids’ lives down the road by building this in Springfield,” recalled McEachin. Skateboarding can have a lasting positive impact on young kids; many believe that pushing four wheels is a fountain of youth. Many of The Locals are already talking about aspirations of professional contracts and take deep inspiration from the heavies who roll through the spot like Mike Peterson, Greg Harbor and Damon Francisco. Despite the park being built without permission from the city, the Parks and

TOP LEFT HAND: Greg Harbor at Pole Jam Indy at Flossie MATT SHAIL BOTTOM LEFT HAND: Mel McCarthy VINCENT DALESSIO TOP RIGHT HAND: Will Beeman smoothing the new china bank VINCENT DALESSIO

Recreation Department has fully embraced the project. They recognize how perfect the location is and the positivity it’s already pumping into the local community. Skaters from around the country have rolled through the fences, in turn, bringing economic prosperity to an area in dire need of a boost. “Eventually, Jill with Parks and Recreation contacted The Block about it, and they went and walked around the build to show that everything was safe. Now it’s protected, and we can build there as long as we hit her up and keep documenting everything built,” McEachin said. Flossie is a skateable gallery of handformed, concrete art pieces. The features range from a 12-foot-long, solid concrete curb—that required a moving crew of 11 men and a forklift—to an iconic spine made out of a recycled basketball hoop. Though some might consider the place crusty, the park is perfectly eclectic thanks to the creative minds that have come together to make it happen. Each build day dozens of people show up to help, but there is a core group

Go behind the scenes of the most recent Flossie build by clicking here.

that puts in the majority of the grunt work: Joseph Garrett and Willy Beeman are just two who pour their sweat into the obstacles. Flossie isn’t the first DIY skate plaza in Jacksonville, however. Small squads of stoked individuals have been laying concrete all over the city for decades. There is a laundry list of renegade spots around the city like … well, we don’t need to name them. IFYKYK. Many holes in Jax’s sprawling landscape are filled with Bondo, concrete and steel. With so much forgotten real estate, there are plenty of opportunities to build something perfectly unique to any style of skating, and DIY is one of the best ways to repurpose those spaces into something beneficial for the community. Like most DIYs, every feature that has been built at Flossie has been crowdfunded, and there is no plan of slowing down with talk of bigger features like bowl corners and long quarter pipes. If you’re looking to get involved, go chat with the guys at The Block about the best way to get in the mix.

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SUSTAINABILITY COACH

The North Florida Green Chamber makes being green cool and convenient. Our creative tools and innovative programs bring our business community together on green initiatives while connecting you with thoughtfully sourced resources, news and data.

JOIN A COMMUNITY MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Become a North Florida Green Chamber member today!

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ADVOCACY

BE BOLD. GO GREEN. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT NORTHFLORIDAGREENCHAMBER.ORG 9

JAKE GORDON

DOWNTOWN VISION

THE RIVER IS CALLING DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS ASSEMBLE A CONCERT SERIES THAT CELEBRATES JACKSONVILLE–AND ITS RIVER. JOHN ALOSZKA Downtown has been on the cusp of a renaissance for decades, but revitalization plans never panned out as planned. However, with stakeholders and city leaders on the same page, Downtown Jacksonville has been steadily improving its key statistics—mainly, those who live and work in the core—for years. Even COVID-19 couldn’t slow residential growth. There are multiple key drivers for this growth, but one thing is for certain: access to the river is finally being seen as a priority, not an afterthought. The demolition of the Landing has opened the way for further riverfront access. And while there may be some division among Jaxsons when it comes to what should eventually fill the newly renamed Riverfront Plaza, Downtown leaders are wasting no time programming the space for the summer. Jax River Jams, a free concert series featuring local and national acts, is slated to begin in April. “The location of this concert series is not by accident. It’s about showcasing this beautiful green space and showcasing the river,” said Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, Inc., a nonprofit representing Downtown business owners that is organizing the series, along with many sponsors. Gordon acknowledges the river is an asset that has not been “leveraged enough” and wants to activate the entire Downtown waterfront. The concert series features a diverse lineup of headliners, but local bands, artisans and vendors will also be well represented at the shows. “Promoting local artists was one of the goals. Let’s try and 10

get the best possible local bands we can get… and also pay them,” Gordon said. Partners for the event include the DuPont Fund, the Florida Theatre, VyStar and the Cultural Council. For many local residents, Riverfront Jams concerts will be the first large event they’ve attended since the start of the pandemic. And though the series is outside, social distancing and masks will still be important tools to make sure everyone is safe, “The concert we’re able to gate off and have very specific points of entry, so we can check for masks, which we will, and we can make sure everyone is abiding by social distancing,” said Katherine Hardwick, vice president of marketing for DVI. In the coming year, Downtown Vision and its partners are focused on expanding offerings Downtown, like events, retail, and park amenities, all while creating a place that every Jaxson can be proud of. “We are trying to put more stuff Downtown,” said Gordon, “and a huge consideration of that is that we’re supporting local.” Country singer Chase Rice headlines the kick-off concert on April 8 with local band Firewater Tent Revival opening. The remainder of the series features punk gods New Found Glory with opening act Universal Green on April 15; hip-hop headliners Quad City DJ’s with LPT opening on April 22, and SoCal pop stars Sugar Ray closing out the event on April 29 with Honey Hounds opening. Entry to the Riverfront Jams series is free–– but why stop there? While in the area have dinner at a local restaurant or head to a museum or gallery. After all, for Downtown to succeed, it needs you.

WE HEARD THAT YOU LIKE FOLIO. WE HEARD THAT YOU MIGHT EVEN FOLLOW FOLIO ON SOCIAL MEDIA. WE HEARD THAT MAYBE YOU WOULD GO CHECK RIGHT NOW TO MAKE SURE YOU DO. WE HEARD THAT YOU MAY EVEN LIKE OR SHARE A POST WHILE YOU’RE THERE. WE HEARD YOU MIGHT TAG US @FOLIOWEEKLY WHEN YOU DO IT. 11

12 DALLAS COOKE PHOTOGRAPHED BY VINCENT DALESSIO.

“THEY’RE NOT ASKING ME TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT SHE’S DONE. SO I CAN DO IT TOO.”

Since Mayor Lenny Curry appointed Keith Powers to be the permanent Director/Fire Chief in 2019, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) has taken on a different face. Powers believes it’s vital for the makeup of department personnel to mirror the community in which it serves. With this prioritization, new community members have stepped up to join forces against one of the most destructive forces on Earth. Historically, firefighting is a male-dominated industry, but women are becoming a keystone of firefighting, especially in Jacksonville. Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows that nationwide only about 4% of career firefighters are females. JFRD, however, extinguishes this norm with over 15% of firefighters being female. Working as the minority in any group is no easy feat, but these women are showing they are just as capable. JFRD has overcome many trials throughout its history,

THE WOMEN OF JFRD VINCENT DALESSIO

and agency leaders are striving to become an example of equal opportunity in the workplace. Prior to Powers’ appointment, the department agreed to pay about $5 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit and develop new promotional testing for personnel in the department. Earning promotions in the fire department is done only through personal effort. Continuing education is heavily encouraged, and peers help each other toward promotion, but ultimately, your success is a result of your own gusto. Firefighters are only promoted to positions for which they have tested and therefore proven their capabilities. This creates a potentially perfect environment for women to thrive, as almost every requirement of the job is equal between sexes. The department has driven the evolution of national fire fighting procedures for decades. It was the first department in the nation to implement fire-based EMS

in 1967 and established the first fire-based Hazardous Materials team in 1977. In 2004, JFRD established the Emergency Road Access Team (ERAT) which have proven vital during the barrage of hurricanes that have threatened Jacksonville. Mirroring the make-up of our community and strategically placing female firefighters in positions of power could be the next national movement started by JFRD. Working alongside Capt. Eric Prosswimmer, I was able to briefly experience some of a firefighter’s 24-hour shift while visiting two of Jacksonville’s busiest stations; Station 1 in the Urban Core and Station 20 in the Southside. Over two days, I had the opportunity to sit down with two of JFRD’s most prominent women and respond to emergency calls by their side. In doing so, I learned Capt. Dallas Cooke and Engineer Arianna Lopez are the embodiment of grit and hard work.

“THEY ’RE NOT ASKING ME TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT SHE’S DONE. SO I CAN DO IT TOO.”

ARIANNA LOPEZ

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH JFRD?

14 14

Actually, I went to school for [electrical] engineering. I’m originally from Spain. So I spent my childhood there, moved over here, got my [electrical] engineering degree, got offered a job right out of college and did that for about three years, then decided the money just wasn’t worth it for me. So I wanted to do something I actually enjoyed doing and look forward to going into work, instead of dreading going into work. It obviously wasn’t an overnight decision. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS THE FIRE TRUCK ENGINEER?

Obviously, the main thing is to get in there safe. It’s definitely a big stressor because sometimes you’re in the middle of the night when you just fall asleep, and all of a sudden you get toned out to a fire. You’re getting the adrenaline rush, and you want to get there first, then you’ve also got to think about the people that are around with you, and their lives ultimately depend on you getting there safely. Their families, you know, they’re counting on you. With these guys’ families, I couldn’t look them in the eye knowing that I hurt them in any way. So that’s that’s my biggest responsibility: getting there safely. We’ll figure it out once we get there. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR PROCESS OF BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN?

Throughout the process of being here, playing sports in college, getting my degree, doing engineering for a while, and then transitioning into [JFRD], it’s been a journey, and I decided that I wanted to fulfill it even more by becoming a U.S. citizen. I knew it was gonna be a long process. And it sure was. I had lots of interviews and lots of paperwork and some headaches and banging my head against a wall, it [felt] like sometimes. And it took almost 13 years to file all together. Talk about a support system. I can’t imagine doing that without these guys being there. Just showing their support, they sure made a difference. DOES THE COMMUNITY RESPOND DIFFERENTLY WHEN YOU OR OTHER WOMEN RESPOND TO CALLS? I do notice a little bit of a difference. Sometimes they look to you for

a little bit more compassion, maybe kids for that motherly affection. You also see it on the negative side too. Sometimes you get sexual comments and all that. So some people don’t really know how to react, seeing a female firefighter driving the firetruck, you know, so you get all kinds of different reactions. I just play along with whatever. I joke around. If I get a rude comment, I’ll kill you with kindness, and if I get a nice calm one, I’ll thank you for it. WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH MOSTLY MEN?

I consider myself to be one of them, and I don’t really look at things differently. Male firefighter, female firefighter, I think we all have something different to bring to the table. I mean, everybody’s got their own personalities, maybe different opinions, different perspectives. I think we all bring something different. DO YOU THINK MORE WOMEN SHOULD BECOME FIREFIGHTERS?

ARIANNA LOPEZ

VINCENT DALESSIO

It’s not that I think more women should join. I just think that more women should not be afraid of doing it. I know that some people hesitate on how it’s going to be, being around all men: Are they going to accept me? Am I going to be able to do the job? I think it’s just willing to take that risk and trusting that you’re going to get the job done. Just not being scared of doing. I’m not necessarily out there like, “Oh go, women power. Let’s go be firefighters.” It’s more of don’t be afraid of going after your dream and trying it out. It just takes a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of effort. But I think that’s with anything in life. And if it were easy, like I always tell people, everybody would do it. So you just got to take a leap of faith.

DALLAS

COOKE

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH JFRD?

My journey to JFRD started at Memorial Hospital. I was a tech, and I would see the EMS professionals coming in and out. And I’m like, “Hmm, I wonder if I could do that.” I went to EMT school. And that’s when I was like, “Okay, I can get hired on with the Jacksonville fire department”. So, that’s when I said okay, if it’s for me, I’m going to go to fire school. And I had no idea what being a firefighter was gonna be like, but fire school was kind of like my trial—if I enjoyed it and if I could do it. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS RESCUE CAPTAIN?

My role as a captain, in an emergency situation, is to be the overseer. Pretty much, I’m the delegator. I’m making sure the plan that I have is being executed in a way that I need it done in a timely and effective way … Some people get tunnel vision, and sometimes you gotta snap them out of it. Or somebody has to sit back and say, “No, we can’t have this tunnel, can’t do it that way.” As I’m watching, I’m the person looking at it like, “Oh, hey, I know we normally do it this way, but this situation is a little different. Let’s do it this way.” So just really, I’m the guardian angel. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE WORK STANDARDS SHOULD BE ANY DIFFERENT BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN?

A lot of women on the job don’t come here expecting to be treated any differently. I come here because we’re all equally qualified. I don’t want you to think you have to carry my hand. Because a lot of the guys, by default, want to help women in ways that sometimes you don’t have to, like I can do it, too. Just let us show you that we can do the job just the same, or even better in some situations. We don’t want our partners to think that we don’t have their back in certain situations. I want my partners to know that if you fall, we’re getting you out. I’m not leaving you. And we’re getting back together. WHAT DO WOMEN BRING TO THE FIRE SQUAD?

We bring in critical thinking. We know, by default, we may not be as physically upper body strong. However, we work smart. We still get the same job done. We still get to the same goal. I think we are a little more strategic than our counterparts, but at the end of the day, we both get the job done. HOW HAS YOUR TRAINING PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR WORK?

It is a continuing education. You know, fire school teaches you the base pace, the foundation pretty much; however, this is on-the-job training. And you’re continuously learning. There’s a science to it. There’s an art to it. Love every part of it. HOW DO YOU INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS?

DALLAS COOKE

VINCENT DALESSIO

I try to go out to our training academy because I remember when I was in fire school, they didn’t have a lot of female instructors. And it was big for me. It was motivating, really, just their presence being there would be motivation. I teach out there because I remember when I was coming on what I wanted to see, and I just want to be that person for other people too, because it means a lot when you have someone relatable there. I don’t have to say a word, but just my presence will let them know, “Okay, I can do this too because she’s done it. They’re not asking me to do anything other than what she’s done. So I can do it too.” 15

New Blood Against Old School Rules IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY, A FRESH GENERATION OF FEMALE TATTOOERS IS SHAKING UP GENDER NORMS IN JACKSONVILLE. CASEY CRAIG In the early 1900s, American tattooing began to take off, canvassing curious and daring bodies, seditious to the rigid status quo of Victorian life and fashion. As the medium’s artistry broadened through the 20th century, so did its audience. From well-travelled sailors to decorated war veterans, emboldened pinups to the blossoming out-crowd, by the early ‘70s, the industry had made its impression. Jacksonville became home to some of the best shops in the world—and it still is. The River City welcomed revolutionary forefather artists and machinists, including the late Paul Rogers, one-part namesake of local ink-spot Inksmith & Rogers, who have several locations in the area. As the popularity of tattoos continues to soar in present-day Duval, access to the industry continues to open up as well: what was traditionally a boys club built on old school machismo now holds a strong female presence. Female artists who haven’t been behind the gun very long have already left a strong impact with some pretty formidable forever-pieces. One such newcomer is Endia Evans, an apprentice whose monthly flash sheets have already awarded her a fully booked schedule and given her the determination to learn the tricks of the trade to build her ever-growing portfolio. But her journey took patience and persistence. “I started watching YouTube videos to research tattooing and began looking for an apprenticeship at 15. I got denied, of course, and they told me to come back when I was older,” she said. “When I came back, they were still like, ‘no.’” This didn’t discourage Evans, who, five years later, landed her current apprenticeship under the tutelage of local tattoo-titan Myra Oh at her female-run Swan

Studio. “My life hasn’t been the same since,” Evans said with a smile, “the best thing to happen to me.” Just down the road from Evans, Chrissy Erhayel continues to hone her craft at Cloak and Dagger Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery. For nearly two years, Erhayel has been providing her clients with captivating pieces across a broad spectrum of art styles, ranging from American traditional to pointillism. “Because I’m a tattooer, I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into a particular style, so I’m always trying new stuff. When I first started, I was very heavy into illustration, and I had to modify my style a little bit to include bold lines and color,” she said. Before becoming a tattoo artist, Erhayel obtained a fine arts degree from UNF and struggled to find a job in her field. A diligent and vibrant renaissance woman of sorts, Erhayel also worked in fine dining and as a violin teacher (the latter of which she still does) until she eventually realized her calling. “Thanks to Tumblr, I started doing tattoo-style illustrations and kind of developed my own style from there. Then, I found an apprenticeship,” she said. As both women continue to develop their own styles of tattooing, they have also navigated varying levels of sexism that

ENDIA EVANS (RIGHT)

CHRISSY ERHAYEL

(LEFT)

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DEAR RIVERSIDE RAT: I’ve lived here in a cozy quadplex for a few years. I’m pretty close with all my neighbors— except for the new ones. Like clockwork, every Friday night, they host the world’s loudest drum circle. There’s a bunch of stomping, chanting, guttural noises: basically just ensuring everyone in the building hears it. Usually, it’s just them, but there have been other people in and out of their place, which is great because it clogs already limited street parking on weekends. The parking issue doesn’t stop there: On weekdays, they run some kind of yoga studio out of their home so their clients park in our spots. On top of that, at odd hours of the day, their phone will connect to random Bluetooth speakers in any of our apartments and start blasting Tool or Phish. I wish I was joking. We’ve all tried to knock on their door, ring the doorbell and text them to keep it down or do something about their cars, but they just nod, shrug it off and move on like nothing. None of us really want to complain to the landlords because they recently bought our property and nobody wants to be seen as a snitch or tight ass. How should this be handled?

- Restless in Riverside

BARTENDER OF THE MONTH: DEREK MCCRAY Across the street from the rolling Atlantic surf is Fernandina Beach’s Hammerhead Beach Bar, sister establishment to Florida’s oldest bar, the Palace Saloon, and a classic family-owned and operated dive ringing in its 35th year. The bar boasts a novel sense of warmth and impressive multi-story patio deck with ocean views. The real draw of the haunt, however, is that it’s host to Folio’s March Bartender of the Month, Derek McCray. For almost 20 years, McCray has been shaking and serving drinks with gregarious and welcoming energy. Now as the GM of Hammerhead, he takes pride in his work behind the bar. “The best part of running a dive is that every day is something new,” he said with a grin. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, the Florida transplant graduated from FSU with a teaching degree—which he said he’s “never used but [has] no regrets”—and got his start in the hospitality industry working at a variety of restaurants and watering holes from Bennigan’s to Club Paris. After running bars in Jacksonville for several years, McCray moved to Fernandina to take over Hammerhead and has been there ever since. McCray’s story in and outside of Hammerhead is pretty captivating: The 38-year old won the ﬁnal season of MTV’s realitycompetition show Road Rules in 2007. While he’s teased the idea of making a return to reality TV, McCray’s heart rests in Fernandina with his loyal bar regulars and daughter Savannah. As for the heart of the bar, there’s a speciﬁc elixir that keeps it beating: Rumple Minze. While not a typical staple for most bars, the 100-proof peppermint schnapps is Hammerhead’s best seller, according to McCray, who is happy to serve up a glass to anyone who steps their foot in the door. CASEY CRAIG Bartender of the Month is sponsored by:

To view the full Bartender of the Month Video, scan the adjacent QR code.

Dear Restless, Talk about marching to the beat of your own drum— and I mean, really not giving a f**k. If people want to turn on, tune in and drop out, that’s cool, but providing an unsolicited late-night personal Woodstock for your neighbors isn’t very copacetic. If there’s enough unwavering percussion and Tibetan throat singing to make a King Gizzard album in there, I would definitely consider initiating a more stern talk with them. Sure, it’s Friday night, but assuming they don’t give you the heads up for their groovy gatherings, that’s just plain rude, especially in Jax’s service industry capital where early Saturdays are common. As for the yoga studio, allow me to laugh until my chakras fall out of alignment (I’m kidding, sort of). If the parking is intended for residents, the residents should get priority. Maybe the noisy neighbors could advise their clients to stretch, take a deep breath and get into carpool position? If that’s not an option, there are plenty of public parks and lots in the area that are a short walk. As for your Bluetooth plight, I’m not quite sure how to help with that other than maybe letting them know. You have to find a way for your speakers to forget their devices. If that fails, it’s also hip to broaden your horizons, so, who knows, maybe lysergic jam bands could become your new favorites over time. I would also consider rallying the other tenants in your building and organize a talk with them— without missing a beat. Some extra faces in the mix can help them realize they’ve been a disturbance and hold themselves accountable. And for people who run a business out of a private, rented residence, it’s probably in their best interest to respect your right to peace and quiet—and your own parking spots. Now, I would never condone snitching for any of these reasons, but if these concerns go ignored after that, you’re going to have to do something they hate the most—telling it to The Man (your landlords). In the meantime, stay cool, Restless: Tell them they need to cut Burning Man practice or schedule it for a reasonable hour. The only midnight sun they need to be dancing around is the one in 5 Points where they probably got all those drums from (ironically). - RIVERSIDE RAT Riverside Rat is a monthly advice column by Casey Craig dealing with the unique struggles of the Riverside social scene. Questions can be submitted to riversiderat@folioweekly.com.

NEW MUSIC RADAR

BOBBY KID

PICKS BY @JOHNALOSZKA

MATILDA PHAN

HOTTE IN TOWST N

DISSONANCE

Fans of Bobby Kid will have heard this song at shows before, and it’s telling that an unreleased track is a crowd favorite. The track marries the literal and the metaphorical, portraying sadness as a shadow and life as miniscule. The song functions as a musical coma, and a fitting breakdown at the end of the song fades you back into existence. For fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Andy Shauf, and Faye Webster.

LEO SUN NEAR

NICK SPRAGUE

With the release of a five-track EP of scrapped demos, Leo Sun makes it clear in the liner notes that the songs aren’t perfect. But it’s these flaws that also make the music so endearing. On “Near,” for example, the imperfections are a glimpse into a song that is ripe for a pop sheen but instead lands as a backroom performance to hum along to. For fans of Snail Mail, Mitski and Molly Burch.

CYAN/MONO DON’T WANNA LEAVE

DRIVEAWAY

SUMMER SONG Much like how Lorde captured the genesis of a relationship with 2017’s Melodrama standout “The Louvre,” Driveaway finds the other side of a passionate summer destined to end in sadness with Summer Song. The production borders on 2010’s pop, providing even more nostalgia to a season most closely associated with blasting radio hits with the windows down. What brings this song into 2021, however, is the glorious electronic breakdown that ends the song--a shocking jolt, much like a summer ending. There’s been much debate over the portrayal of gay lovestories in the media––Who gets to participate? Must these stories always be sad? And how does the portrayal convey a community to a wider audience? Summer Song, in its own right, also tells a gay love story. The power here is that, instead of focusing the entire song on queer heartbreak, the band chooses to withhold the gender of the participants until the last line of the song. The effect is a song that’s universally likeable, but overwhelmingly potent. For fans of Rostam, Beck, and Harry Styles. 20

NEW SPECIMEN

“Easy listening” songs of the ’70s didn’t define the lyrical or emotional depth of the music. And “Don’t Wanna Leave” redefines the genre to a new generation. Fusing jazz, pop and rap, Cyan & MONO describe the wonders of life, landscape and love—and wanting to soak it all in before it’s too late. For fans of Homeshake, Toro Y Moi and Mild High Club.

LISTEN LOCALLY ON THE FOLIO LOCAL PLAYLIST. SCAN TO LISTEN

HOROSCOPES MARCH-APRIL

ISA BARRIENTOS

ARIES You’ve found a new way of being and a new state of mind. The

LIBRA Partnership comes full circle and it will look like you. Adventure

light is hitting you just right. Respectfully though, there’s no room for air in your brain with all that psychic baggage! The whistles and chimes are coming out as a mumble. You can unpack it on your birthday or the week after. It’ll really feel like a home in there after that.

is calling you too! Follow through on that call and do it before the spectre or illusion of responsibility gets to you. This relationship might get in the way of the home base that you’re trying to build. Make sure that it’s not doing that; you’ll find that when you go alone and away to contemplate.

TAURUS This is the worst time to be a traditionalist! Wait to get a little warmer before you leave your house –– what draws you out will stress you out, especially that which is bright and round. Until then, retreat on a couch, under a cover, next to your lover. Work and money will come easily to you. Praise from non-player characters won’t.

SCORPIO You’re caught between the real world and the practicalities of it, and your dreams, it will come to a full head soon. True beauty is the tangible, not mystical kind. You carry the essence of the force of creation, just make sure it’s a habit. You need to be intense and intimate, attention seeking won’t get you there though. Neither will illusions of grandeur.

GEMINI A green leaf will give you high hopes and a red star will give you high spirits. Use this energy in good company, catch up with everyone all at once. If you’re thinking about leaving town, do it as soon as you can on as few wheels as possible! Your head’s floating down from the clouds. You’ll be at peace when you hit the ground.

SAGITTARIUS You’ll be focused on fun but soon the future will face you. Responsibility doesn’t always have to be ugly you can have fun with it too. You like to stir the pot but don’t do that. Your energy should go towards compromising and working well with others. Don’t get any crazy ideas about cohabitation. Don’t waste your money, build your stash.

CANCER Something by your bed weighs heavy on your chest and will

CAPRICORN

break all your ribs under a big moon. Psychically, you’re exhausted and might retreat on instinct when you need to act on facts. Your mind and your heart are on your money, and it’s coming to you, but only if you live up to the standards you’ve built up.

Homebuilding is at odds with how you’re coming into yourself. Ask a heavenly father or a mortal one. Settle down once you have everything out of your mouth. You’re so proud of all the work you’re doing and so is everyone else. Invest in health and fitness. You might talk too much about doing it and not do it.

LEO The big yellow star at your core shrunk to a white dwarf the size

AQUARIUS Beauty and dreams will meet and materialize, your mind

of the earth. To expand back, move your mind, change locations, get in a fight. A grace period is a gift you shouldn’t have to accept. Debts outstanding from last month will haunt you this month. Someone new will come through and put you on a big grid.

will work double time making sense of it all through the end of the winter. Gathering data comes naturally to you, respect the process as you learn to relay it—you’ll find yourself in your voice. Match it with your energy and use it to create something.

VIRGO You’re taking action toward bettering your reputation, and your finances are coming full circle. Everything is aligned for you to grow and produce things you can hold with your hand without getting burnt. Transformation is coming over you, keep the fun in mind. Keep your partners out of your big-time building business.

PISCES Someone, somewhere will bring a big boon. Ask yourself who it is under a full moon. Give thanks accordingly. Home improvement and gathering items will be easy and fun and give some mind to meditation through it, though. Watch out for letting your ego and delusions of grandeur get in the way of it.

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE. POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE, TOO. With a reach of over 200,000 people each issue, Folio puts your business all over town.

TERESA@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 24

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FREE CONCERTS

April

2021

H e l d i n ac c o r da n c e w i t h C D C g u i d e l i n e s

Gates:

5 pm

Opener:

6 pm

Headliner:

7:30 pm

CHASE RICE

with Firewater Tent Revival

NEW FOUND GLORY with Universal Green

QUAD CITY DJ’S with LPT

SUGAR RAY

with HONEY HOUNDS ja x r i v e r ja m s . c o m 25

GOING GOTH

ISA BARRIENTOS

Jacksonville’s goth scene gains an edge with JoHanna Moresco and Max Michaels leading the charge. It’s Resurgence goth night at 1904. Occult symbols are projected onto dark walls and absinthe drips from cups. A pulse creeps into a creaking bass and a guitar melody, summoning a sea of black cloth to the dance floor. Bodies in intricate layers of corsets and capes, adorned with silver, sway together to the ominous tones. A heavy echo on every note, a voice enters the mix three minutes in: “White on white translucent black capes / Back on the rack / Bela Lugosi’s dead.” Citing the late star of the 1931 film Dracula, the song carries the elegant morbidity of the film and countless other artistic and literary pieces of its kind. Bauhaus’s 1979 single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” was the first song to be classified as gothic rock, marking the sonic genesis of an archetype that had developed over centuries. The first goths, of course, were the Germanic tribe that stormed the Roman empire, an image of destruction and decay. The ornate, allegorical art and architecture of the European dark ages was called gothic. The romantic era of the 18th and 19th centuries rose with a wave of emotional individualism; the art and literature of the time inspired awe and terror. Victorian fascination with death and mourning later shaped the culture; the Gothic films of the 20th century were shadowy and supernatural. Along with Bauhaus, bands like Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees blended punk nonconformism with gothic themes to

create sophisticated, theatrical music. The label had been tacked onto a wide range of cultural movements and artifacts that had crossed over, but with this new wave of gothic rock music, those with a taste for dark romanticism, the macabre and the mystical, for history and ritual, had finally found a signature sound over which to congregate.

26 26

Goth clubs began to open up in England and around the world. An international subculture was born. Nearly half a century later, the sense of ritual and community is alive and present, although few of the millions of goths worldwide would call themselves goth. In Jacksonville, there are two active goth nights: Sanctuary at Myth and Resurgence at 1904. Those in attendance are diverse in background and style. Many people come dressed in Victorian-inspired apparel, others in fishnets and leather, some in the traditional emo garb of the mid 2000s. Everyone from the baby bat to the elder goth dances to the same tunes, classics by

Sisters of Mercy and The Cure, and 21st century songs by Brand New and Crystal Castles. The goths’ refined taste and dark disposition might be intimidating to some, creating an expectation of gloomy arrogance –

but in fact, the scene is remarkably friendly and the energy of a goth night is rather cheerful. Sanctuary was voted the best place to dance in last year’s Best of Jax poll. Why wouldn’t they be happy? They are living authentically. The goth aesthetic projects an outcast archetype, while the scene cures the symptoms of alienation. “It’s this weird area of culture where it’s so niche that you want more people, and you’re happy to see them all coming in,” explained Cliff Hensley, a figure in the local community, “I think the group has

to be accepting of people within it because they feel more like they have to look out for each other. You’re just excited to see the numbers grow.” JoHanna Moresco, who hosts both of the active goth nights in the city, said Jacksonville’s goth scene is particularly sweet: “I’ve been to many goth parties in many places. It is a very, very friendly and welcoming scene. Even for the Goth scene, which is typically very friendly and welcoming.” Moresco plays violin for the Jacksonville-based darkwave band Crüxshadows and has spent much of the last 10 years on international

JoHanna Moresco ISA BARRIENTOS

tours, playing at clubs around the world. Her band regularly headlines major festivals like M’era Luna in Germany and Infest in England. She takes her know-how as a key character in the global scene and brings it back home to help create a vibrant scene locally. Her goal is to create spaces where people can be themselves and be celebrated for it. Hailing from rural Kansas, her journey into the scene started in a time of gothic.net on dialup internet, back in the early years of Hot Topic, when it was still spooky. While still in high school, Moresco played bass for local bands before learning violin. She made her name in the tight-knit yet expansive international goth community when she began touring with Crüxshadows. In sharing stages and making connections, Moresco’s heroes became her contemporaries. “People who I had posters of in my room growing up are now my friends,” she said. “Every country has a goth scene and presence,” Moresco said, “There’s this commonality that transcends time and space.” Like many others in the goth community, Moresco said that most of her friendships are not based in proximity or age. Local goth nights provide space for ritual and expression, but it is an international subculture after all. The movement in itself is a lush network of local scenes and online platforms. It came at the precipice of the information age and has generations of history to stand on. It was a club scene initially: They found each other in ankhs and eyeliner. The music was sold in record stores, identified by the goth’s unmistakable glam and doom. It is, in fact, a visual movement as well as a sonic one, and with MTV’s debut in the early 80s, young people across the country were exposed to the sound and vision of gothic rock. Max Michaels is frequently cited as the single most important figure in the local goth community. He’s been in the scene for more than 25 years, hosting several club nights and featuring artists in the scene in his publication, Movement magazine. He first caught a glimpse of goth as a teenager, sneaking late night MTV to find as much new music as possible. “One night they played a live version of Depeche Mode’s “People Are People” video. I watched in slack-jawed wonder. That sound, the lyrics, the look. Everything about them resonated with me. I leapt up to grab paper and pen to write down their info when it appeared at the end because I knew I’d never remember it or even pronounce it. That week I got my parents to take me to the record store and I bought Some Great Reward with my allowance. From there it naturally led to discovering all the now classic bands.” At 15, he began going to Einstein A Go-Go, a venue at the beaches where he found a small group of similar misfits who appreciated the music and style as much as he did. Hensley grew up in Atlanta in the 90s, attending The Masquerade, and used Bulletin Board Systems to exchange 27 27

information on club nights and goth raves. These were crucial in building and maintaining the community as other subcultures that came about at the same time had started to die off. Then came the rise of the internet. Websites and forums around the subculture quickly started popping up, with discussion boards on music and fashion, features on the Goth Babe of the Week, and countless images to provide inspiration. Those that lived far

from a major city had the chance to join the scene. This was when Moresco was first finding her style. “Even though I had dial-up Internet, I still had that as a resource in the middle-ofnowhere Kansas in a city with a population just under a thousand. Something like Subculture or going to a goth night was a dream to me.” Today, goth communities share updates in local Facebook groups. The forums are still up, though not as active aside from r/goth, and #gothic on Instagram and TikTok. There are

endless resources for the movement. Online stores sell gothic-inspired clothing and million of images corresponding to the “alt scene” circulate on Tumblr and Pinterest. Because of this, many young people get into the aesthetic before ever hearing the music. This could create cultural loss if not for the generations of culture and an ever-supportive community. Originally, the fashion was largely secondhand and DIY as there weren’t as many places that embraced the goth aesthetic, especially in small towns. JoHanna dyed and ripped up her clothing. In Jacksonville Max Michaels shopped at thrift stores and Edge City in Five Points. “They see the fashion and they may or may not know the roots of it. They hear the music, and they may or may not really know what it is or they hear the music, but is inspired by that music that was inspired by that music. Emo fans might not realize how few degrees they are separated from classic old school goth rock,” said Moresco. Since “gothic” is such an all-encompassing term, holding within it art, fashion, literature, and music, people are open to sharing their points of expertise. “If there’s some kind of commonality there, why not connect on it and bridge the gaps?“ Along with her work as a musician and hosting Sanctuary and Resurgence, Moresco manages Subculture, a specialty clothing store at the Avenues Mall. She has been working with the boutique since she moved to Jacksonville, when it was just a tiny storefront selling jewelry on the Five Points strip. Now, Subculture carries its own line of garments and corsets along with specialty clothing. This has placed her in the special position of putting people in the outfits that they wear to the club nights. She’s met many of her local

friends there and has become something of a mentor to the baby bats through her work in retail. She passes her old clothes down to them and brings them out to the club nights. “I think my look would make sense 20, 30, 40 years ago, too. But I think people see it now and they’re also still drawn to it. Maybe it’s because it does kind of hold from a lot of these classic archetypes that goth in general pulls from that humans can’t help but feel intrigued by and drawn to,” said Moresco. Perhaps when Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy chanted UNDEAD, UNDEAD, UNDEAD, UNDEAD at the sonic climax of Bela Lugosi’s Dead he was manifesting immortality for the scene he helped to create, a scene that has passed the test of time, transcended the boundaries of space, and maintained the historical roots from which it came. Moresco hopes to use her experience as an event manager and connections to the international scene to start bringing goth bands to Jacksonville soon. Sanctuary takes place the second Sunday of every month, and Resurgence is on the fourth Saturday.

MIDDLE LEFT AN ATTENDEE DRESSED TO THE NINES AT SANCTUARY SUNDAY BOTTOM LEFT FRIENDLY GOTHS TOP RIGHT LARRY GENE HALE ISA BARRIENTOS

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BRIAN LESTER JOHN ALOSZKA

ANALOGUE FOREVER Brian Lester brings vinyl to the masses with his TikTok tutorials.

Think of collecting vinyl like you would curating your Instagram or Pinterest feed—your collection tells people more than just what type of music you like: It hints at who you are or who you want to be. It appeals to the psychological need to be an individual. From Brahms to Beyonce, giving a tour of your collection is the new “want to come up for a drink?” It makes sense then, in an age of individualism where genres are blurred and every decade is represented in the fashion choices of teenagers, that vinyl sales are soaring. LPs represented 27% of album sales in 2020, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Enter Brian Lester, lead press operator and factory manager of Vinyl Record Pressing in Atlantic Beach, who has captured the attention of thousands of TikTok users with his vinyl pressing videos. The videos typically use local musicians and go step by step through the pressing process. His most viewed TikTok has nearly 1 million views. Lester began making the TikToks in December, while training a 30

new coworker. “We had just hired Keegan, and it was one of his first days training on the press, so I decided to record it while I was watching him,” Lester said. “About four hours after I posted it to TikTok, my phone didn’t stop giving me notifications for three days.” Vinyl is made by heating PVC pellets and then molding them into a thick disc. From there, the disc is pressed into a circular metal plate containing those distinctive lines the needle reads, which are a negative copy of the recording. When pressed, the lines are implanted into the vinyl. The record is then cut into a perfect circle, and the labels dry onto the middle. Lester attributes the rise of vinyl to Gen Z and Millennials who lacked physical copies of things they loved. “When newly produced records started to make a comeback around a decade or so ago, it was a fresh idea to them,” he said. “For the first time, they could hold large artwork and see all the details they missed on their iPhone.” Getting a glimpse into the process is another way of bringing music to listeners during the pandemic, and it’s a rare glimpse at that. “There’s only a handful of pressing plants in the states, and there are even fewer that use semi-automatic presses like we do, so there hasn’t been a lot of opportunity for people to see the process,” Lester said. While the album artwork is printed elsewhere and delivered to the Vinyl Record Pressing shop, the distinctive swirls of colored vinyl are made in house—by hand—which produces one of a kind combinations. Multicolored records are created by combining different colored vinyls at high heat at just the right time, allowing the colors to swirl but not blend. “You get this splotchy tie-dye effect on your vinyl. It takes two people to do this; you have to have one person pouring and one person pressing,” said Lester. “They look amazing, and every single record looks different—it’s impossible to duplicate the way a record looks. You have

a certain color combination where it’s a style and theme that goes throughout the records, but every record looks different.” Lester, an avid vinyl collector himself, said his favorite records combine nostalgia with the special coziness that vinyl provides. “When you master a song for vinyl, the audio engineer will cut out some frequencies that will cause the needle to skip,” he said. “The result of this is a warmness that digital doesn’t provide along with some crackle and pops below the music from the needle dragging along.” Some of his favorite records include Andy Shauf’s The Party and Memory Screen’s To Nowhere with the latter pressed at his facility. Due to various agreements, Lester is not allowed to disclose the full range of artists whose records have been pressed at the facility, but it ranges from the upper echelons of pop music to up-and-coming-artists. Long story short, if you have a vinyl collection, there’s a good chance you have something that has been pressed right here in Jacksonville. The pipeline between local bands, local pressing and local distribution is already taking hold in Jacksonville, as well. Tiger Records, one of Lester’s favorite stores, has started working with local bands to get their music pressed and distributed in town. Signed bands include Memory Screen and Leaving Time. Lester hopes more local artists will begin putting their music on vinyl, noting there’s money to be made and also the opportunity to engage a fan base that’s been sidelined by the lack of touring this year. “I want to press more records for young people and local musicians,” he said. “These artists have different perspectives.” Lester’s own band, Bobby Kid, is also pressing 7-inch records at the

KEEGAN MCCLANAHAN JOHN ALOSZKA

facility that will be available this month. @JOHNALOSZKA

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW

LOL FILM FEST BRINGING LAUGHS TO THE FIRST COAST IS A LABOR OF LOVE. The LOL Jax Film Fest, North Florida’s premier comedy event, takes place August 14th and 15th. Filmmakers, stand-up comedians and skit actors bring their best material to see who can fill the MOSH Planetarium with the most laughter. Organizers Monique and Adam Madrid are returning with their event for the fifth year and are more excited than ever. The festival has become a staple for Jax jesters after sweeping Folio’s Best of Jax the past three years. It’s an atomic collider for creatives, fostering an environment of growth and partnership. Not only is the festival a great place to receive feedback on your work, but the network connections could catapult your career to the next level. Past winners of the festival have become successful nationally and internationally. Monique said, “Comedians don’t have to be out there by themselves; they can be writers or they can be actors in films and the same thing with filmmakers. So let’s collaborate together and make it one big rainbow community in regards to the arts.” The LOL actually stands for “love our locals;” the motivation behind the festival is community. Last year they gave all profits back through organizations like Jacksonville Arts and Music Festival. “Were hoping to keep innovating cool ways to keep giving back to the community to inspire locals to do the same,” said Monique. Submissions for the event begin on April Fool’s Day. It’s free to enter, so get your best act together. The Madrids believe that live events are the best way to bring people together, and COVID hasn’t slowed them down. Safety and sanitation were heavily prioritized at last year’s event and not a single COVID case was traced back to the event. The event will have limited capacity, temperatures will be checked at the door and all social distancing guidelines will be followed. VINCENT DALESSIO

APRIL 2021

AUGUST 2021

17 THE EAGLES - THEIR GREATEST HITS

23 ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

PERFORMED BY

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE

MAY 2021 8

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JACKSONVILLE DANCE THEATRE IN CONCERT

FRONT ROW FROM HOME A FLORIDA THEATRE VIRTUAL BENEFIT

GUEST APPERANCES BY:

38 SPECIAL, DAVE KOZ, JUDY COLLINS, MINDI ABAIR & MORE!

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28 LITTLE RIVER BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST

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30 SYPRO GYRA AT THE

24 BRIT FLOYD: WORLD TOUR 2021

BONEY JAMES

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMPIRE & RAGE FOR ORDER

THE BAND BE EASY, HONEY HOUNDS, AKIA UWANDA & MORE!

THE MUSIC OF STEELY DAN

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26 GEOFF TATE

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904.355.2787 | floridatheatre.com Scan the adjacent bar code to watch their full legnth video.

128 East Forsyth Street, Downtown Jacksonville Follow us for the latest event news ACCESSIBILITY: Please inform the ticket office of any special arrangements you may require when purchasing tickets. An assistive listening system for the hearing impaired is available from the House Manager. The wheelchair accessible bathroom is located to the right of the Entry Lobby Bar as you face the bar, to the left of the statue La Vergognosa. The theatre does not have its own parking lot. Disabled permit parking is available on the street.

32 03 March 2021 Ad - Folio.indd 1

3/8/2021 4:59:13 PM

THE MUSIC THAT MADE ME: JOHANNA MORESCO

JoHanna Moresco, Jacksonville’s resident Goth Godess, continues to prove that gothic stereotypes don’t always hold true. Her playlist spans decades and reﬂects many modern gothic inﬂuences from David Bowie’s camp to the industrial leanings of Depeche Mode and The Cure to the rock revolution of Vibralux and Hedwig and the Angry Inch:

HEROES DAVID BOWIE BELA LUGOSI’S DEAD BAUHAUS LUCRETIA, MY REFLECTION SISTERS OF MERCY FASHIONISTA VIBRALUX

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TEAR ME DOWN HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

The Music that Made Me: is a recurring column in Folio Weekly featuring prominent locals and the music that has shaped their lives. Listen to the playlist by scanning the adjacent QR code. Children under 12 free

Poster by David Lanham dlanham.com

LOITER LOCAL; EVENT PICKS KERRY SPECKMAN

SPRING EVENT PICKS

APRIL 1–11

CLAY COUNTY FAIR, CLAY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS MARCH 30

PINK MARTINI, FLORIDA THEATRE Good luck trying to pigeonhole the Portland-based band into just one genre: The smooth vocals of China Forbes, backed by a “miniorchestra” of strings, brass and percussion, blend classical, jazz, Latin and pop into a style all their own. Suffice it to say, this Martini is both

Along with the usual fair fare—rides, midway games, livestock exhibits and fried foods on sticks—the Clay County version features a cowboy circus, rabbit fashion show, blacksmithing demos, ferris wheel speed dating, and live concerts by John MIchael Montgomery, 38 Special, J.J Grey & Mofro, Vanilla Ice, Pam Tillis and Sir Mix-a-Lot. CLAYCOUNTYFAIR.ORG

shaken and stirred. FLORIDATHEATRE.COM

APRIL 10

APRIL 1-4

DISNEY ON ICE, VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA If you’ve never seen a giant mouse in a tuxedo or ginger-haired mermaid execute a triple toe loop or camel spin, you’re in luck. Mickey and Ariel—joined by Moana, Goofy, Elsa, Aladdin, Belle, Tianna and other beloved Disney characters—take to the ice to inspire audiences with stories of strength, determination and kindness in a production that can only be called “Dream Big.”

BLOOMS GALORE AND MORE, GARDEN CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE Learn about protecting the environment and beautifying your home at the Garden Academy, then hit the Green Market and Sprout Sale for supplies and plants. The This Rocks! Kids Zone will entertain the saplings, while onsite food trucks will tempt everyone’s taste buds. GARDENCLUBJAX.ORG

JAXEVENTS.COM

For even more events, scan the adjacent QR code. 34

BANG OUR LINE

@FOLIOWEEKLY 35

clay WHAT A

RIDE! FAIR county agricultural

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Redneck Romper Fashion Show, enter now!

Food, fireworks, & concerts!

FOLIO CROSSWORD 5

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31 Slender 33 Race pace 36 ___ Office 38 No Prob! 39 Mo. neighbor 41 Seize 42 Magic shop 43 www.ufl.___ 44 Profs’ aides 46 Eccentric 47 Natal Start 48 Bard’s “before” 51 “__ Lang Syne” 54 Double door words 55 Hex 57 Mixes 60 Prevaricator 62 Oil of __ 63 Rays’ org. 64 Gov. Crist’s alma mater 65 Parking Place 66 Jax Zoo Beast 67 Bold City Brewery Tub 68 “World” prefix 69 Subj. for some aliens

@FOLIOWEEKLY 38

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1 Cow Chow 4 Slays, in slang 8 Miss First Coast crown 13 Without much cheer 15 Above it all 16 Green Cove Ag. Event, April 1-11 18 JU VP 19 ___ Friendly 20 Pod Piece 22 Fla., for one 25 16-across midway activities 29 Be Real 32 Port for Sailors 34 Enjoy Vail 35 Decision Time 37 Insurgent 40 16-across barn animals 42 Eye part 45 Get a table for one 49 ___ Claire (to eat) 50 Songbird 52 He received 2 million votes for president in 2000 53 16-across stage sound 56 Luau Strings 58 Mommy Dearest 59 Void Partner

61 Mummy’s Spot 64 16-across local historic community 70 The March King 71 Moral lessons 72 Downright 73 Crafty Site 74 Text giggle

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Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters D-O-L-P-H-I-N-S (for the nickname of Jacksonville University athletic teams).

E S L

N S P D I H N O D P L D I O L H D N L I O

HERES THE DEAL:

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A R A T O P A I R R I D E S K O T E K L O N A D E D O M B L A G B L E L O

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FOLIO-KU

COLOR YOUR OWN VANILLA ICE

STOP, COLLABORATE AND LISTEN! IN CONVERSATION WITH VANILLA ICE. JOHN M. PHILLIPS In an era where people are quick to generalize about others, it’s easy to place the performer known as Vanilla Ice in certain boxes or judge him based on their own misconceptions. And he’s heard it all. White rapper with an emphasis on “white”? One-hit wonder? People even throw the word “misappropriation” around. But after spending almost 90 minutes on the phone with Rob Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice), I was so surprised by our conversation, it changed the entire angle of the article. Originally intended to be a fairly simple piece about his April 5th performance at the Clay County Agricultural Fair, it now endeavors to not only challenge how he is viewed by the public but how we oversimplify people in general. Rob, as it turns out, is charismatic, generous and humble. And his work ethic, perseverance and sense of humor blew this article far past the original word count. You cannot deny Rob Van Winkle’s hustle. From “Ice Ice Baby” becoming hip-hop’s first-ever No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart to appearing on the big screen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze (and as a regular in Adam Sandler films) to hosting his own home reno/house flipping show, The Vanilla Ice Project, on DIY Network, he’s managed to remain relevant since the early ’90s. And at age 53, he’s still performing in front of adoring fans around the world. His personal story is one thing. The origin of Vanilla Ice, however, is quite another––and one that could be studied by anthropologists and historians. Born in Dallas, he never knew his real father and was given the surname of his stepfather. Over the years, a series of other father figures helped push him through a pretty difficult life in Dallas

and Miami, whether it was their being extra hard on him or helping him realize he didn’t want to grow up like them. In his earlier years, Rob experienced more than his share of violence. He witnessed someone get shot in the face multiple times. And at the age of 19, he was stabbed five times outside a Dallas nightclub, losing four pints of blood. For anyone to get out of such a dangerous rut would require incredible vision and passion, as well as opportunity. Fortunately, he found all of it—as well as his break-dancing and rapping alter-ego “Vanilla Ice”—while scraping and crawling his way out. Rob didn’t do everything he did merely because he wanted to, he said. He did it because he had to. At one point in the conversation, we joked, “Anything less than the best was a felony?” “Or worse,” he responded, “We can always work harder.” At 14 years old, Rob hung out at the local mall near his house in Texas and made about $40 a day breakdancing for crowds. Back then, there were no cell phones or public internet, let alone social media, and TV options were far fewer than today. Kids were more inclined to entertain themselves outside, often finding inspiration in movies of the day. For him, it was the musical/comedy/drama Breakin’ and it became much more than just dancing for dollars. He was dancing for his life. Also inspired by the music of Roger Troutman, Zapp, ParliamentFunkadelic and Rick James, Rob started writing poetry at 15 and would essentially create moments at parties and hanging out with friends to challenge others to rap battles. “We would freestyle and come up with whatever we could, and I would just practice all day and all night,” he 39

said. “Losing was not an option.” At the time, a Dallas club called City Lights was one of the shining stars in the galaxy of hip-hop and rap and attracted legends like Whodini, LL Cool J, Too Short and N.W.A. However, it was a performance by Troutman that would cause young Rob to hustle his way in with a driver’s license he “borrowed” from his older brother. Before Roger Troutman took the stage, Rob, underage and the only white guy in the club, had the gravitas to approach the club’s DJ Floyd “Earthquake” Brown about performing. “I noticed this white guy dancing in the crowd. City Lights was all Black, so at first I was like, ‘What does he think he’s doing?’” Earthquake recalled. Eventually, the DJ gave a very nervous Vanilla Ice a shot called a “Runny Nose” and sent him on stage. It’s quite likely he gave the young white guy a chance to humor the crowd as much as anything, but Vanilla Ice ran with the opportunity. “I created a fan base right then and there,” Rob recalled. “I had the crowd in the palm of my hand. When I danced, they went berserk.” After that performance, Earthquake brought him back up to the DJ booth, and he was invited back to perform at City Lights and another club owned by Tommy Quon. That a young white kid was overwhelmingly accepted by the overwhelming Black hip-hop community spoke volumes about his talent (Rob’s own mother even told him, “White boys don’t rap.”). At the same time, his new persona led to his experiencing reverse racism and being ostracized by some in the white community. “I had to prove myself harder than anybody else who wasn’t white and that caused me to lose a lot of sleep practicing and practicing and practicing,” he recounted, “and that carried over to… I have a purpose here.” After performing on any stage, sidewalk or party he could, Vanilla Ice became known as “this white boy who can dance his ass off” and a must-see performer. Building on the buzz, Rob distributed flyers and drummed up crowds creating his own following and recruiting customers to clubs—all while still a teenager. Quon ultimately took the reins as Rob’s manager, a role he still plays today. The legend of Vanilla Ice led to him being recruited as the opening act for acts like 2 Live Crew, Stetsasonic, EPMD and Sir Mixa-Lot. But his big break came when he performed as “the opening act for the opening act for the opening act for the opener” on the Stop the Violence Tour featuring Public Enemy, Ice-T, N.W.A and Too Short. He was in the 10th grade at the time. Rob recalled Ice-T watching him set up and practice from the side of the stage. “What the f--- is this stupid corny ass shit?” he imagined the rap legend thinking about him at the time. “I can only imagine what was going through his brain.” But for 15 minutes, Ice-T watched the performance—then told Chuck D, leader of Public Enemy he should do the same. “Chuck D came out and watched us,” he said. “He was so supportive and helped us navigate through a record deal.” But before we get to Vanilla Ice’s rise to fame, let’s put on our anthropological hat and ask if his path of ascension is based on “cultural appropriation.” For decades, the phrase was mostly limited to academia, but recently, it has become a part of the social media vernacular, prompting online outrage and the birth of “cancel culture.” Sometimes, the blowback from cultural appropriation is well deserved. It is important, though, to seriously consider someone’s personal experiences or “bubble” before assuming nefariousness and accusing them of doing things for the wrong reasons. 40

pull quote

Rob will be the first to admit he was inspired by breakdancing movies, but the movies didn’t do the work for him. Clearly, he was inspired by the rhymes and beats of his hip-hop heroes, but they didn’t write the songs for him. And while most kids were learning how to drive, Rob was driven to succeed—and it was icons of the hip-hop world who helped him get there. However you see it, Vanilla Ice’s meteoric rise would not have occurred without support from the Black community, specifically the very creators of the song “Fight the Power.” That said, Vanilla Ice released his debut album in 1989 with “Play That Funky Music” as its first single. It received little airplay until a DJ in Georgia started playing the B-side, “Ice Ice Baby.” Before long, “Ice Ice Baby” was everywhere, eventually making it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Vanilla Ice a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. Today, “Ice Ice Baby,” which Rob wrote in about 30 minutes with some friends when he was 16, is credited with popularizing hip-hop with mainstream audiences and continues to hold a place in popular culture having been featured on CSI, Big Bang Theory and the popular British soap opera EastEnders. Given the song’s seemingly eternal relevance, we couldn’t help but borrow a line from the song and ask Rob, “Will it ever stop?” secretly hoping he’d respond, “Yo, I don’t know.” Instead, he responded more truthfully. “Never,” he said. “I don’t have an ego. I lost it a long time ago … But holy shit, this song! … [It] became an anthem for an entire generation. It brings back memories to everyone. Four hundred million records later, here we have it.” We couldn’t help but follow up with another question about the song submitted by a Folio reader: “When did you realize ‘A1A Beachfront Avenue’ is the greatest song lyric of all time?” Rob laughed hysterically and then acknowledged he is constantly tagged in random photos up and down the Florida coast on the historic A1A. “[I realized

that] the name of the actual avenue will never change. So, even after I am gone, people will be over on A1A from Miami to Jacksonville, tagging me into photos and subconsciously seeing or saying ‘A1A’ and knowing ‘Beachfront Avenue’ is the next subconscious thought.” It’s become Pavlovian. On a more serious subject, we talked quite a bit about sampling or the reuse of a portion of a sound recording in a separate recording, specifically the legal issues surrounding “Ice Ice Baby.” (Representatives of Queen and David Bowie made claims that it used the bass line from their song “Under Pressure,” which was released in 1981.) Rob explained how much sampling has been, and still is, such an integral part of hip-hop and rap music. But unlike today, he noted, sampled tracks had not yet piqued the interest of music industry lawyers. “Ice Ice Baby” changed that. It had sold about 3 million copies at that point and a comparison was unavoidable. “It was the first rap record to ever go number one on a pop station on pop radio or in pop record sales,” he explained. “A turntable is part of rap music. That’s how rap music developed. A DJ would spin a record, and you better rap to a good beat or hook.” (He ultimately settled claims related to use of the contagious hook.) We also asked about some of the references in “Ice Ice Baby” to the fraternal chants and dances of Alpha Phi Alpha, like those depicted in the Spike Lee film SchoolDaze. Rob said it was purely coincidental or, perhaps, subconscious. Initially, the song was called “Vanilla Ice Baby,” but it was a beat short prompting Earthquake to yell into the booth, “Put another ‘ice’ in there.” That and Vanilla Ice was putting his name everywhere—a brand influencer before it was even a thing. It was only after listening to the song about 30 times that they noticed the similarity. One of the most asked stories he gets is about Suge Knight. He stated emphatically, Suge never hung him over a balcony. Comparing it to his own life, he jests, “Most of the stuff I’ve seen makes Suge Knight as scary as the great Gary Coleman.” Simply put, they had a business dispute that got resolved. He’s never been an enemy of Suge Knight. Likewise, Eazy–E was a mentor, and one of the people who impressed him the most. The love and attention they gave him provided so much encouragement and support which he credits to this day. His heroes borrowed some of his own dance moves, which he considered an ultimate compliment. Speaking of misconceptions, Rob received considerable flak last year over his “politics,” specifically performing at President Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve party at The Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach. He denied any political involvement with Trump and took it a step further saying he thinks celebrities should let people make political decisions for themselves. By contrast, he described the “unbelievable” honor of being selected by BET executives and others, including legendary singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte, to perform at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the March on Selma and Bloody Sunday. Paxton Baker, general manager and executive vice president of Centric TV and president of BET Event Productions, explained why. “Vanilla Ice was in the Soul Train Awards two years ago, and he’s a really cool person. ...He’s one of the people we call to participate in things with us, and if he can do it, he absolutely will. I sent him a text [about the event], and within two minutes his response was two words: ‘I’m in.’” Still, cancel culture comments made their way to him. His response? “People always try to put you in a category. White. Black.

WITHOUT A PURPOSE AND A MEANING, YOU ARE FLOATING AROUND ENDLESSLY Democrat. Republican. In the world, I have so many fans in Muslim countries and China and Russia. I do music. It’s universal. It’s made for every ear. I think we should all be just ONE.” Rob was born into a level of poverty and has experienced the kind of violence most of us will never know. But it’s his mother who made him who he is today. “My mom is the sweetest lady in the world. She is my greatest inspiration in life,” he said. “She can play every instrument like you wouldn’t believe.” (The “word to your mother” line at the end of the “Ice Ice Baby” is an homage to his mom and the dedication of supportive mothers everywhere.) Vanilla Ice, on other other hand, was born out of the need to escape a bad situation, like taking his dirt bike over to “the rich kids’ side of town and hustle it out” to let kids with more sensible mothers pay per ride. While Rob admitted he didn’t really like the name “Vanilla Ice” when it was given to him by those who saw him perform, it stuck— kind of like getting stuck in a rut, when all you can see is the rut. He ultimately accepted the moniker as a badge of honor; it became his purpose in life and gave him his drive. “Without a purpose and a meaning, you are floating around endlessly, and you really don’t have any kind of thing to put your best foot forward towards,” he said. “You are waiting for something, and a lot of people spend their whole life waiting, and it never comes.” Purpose and meaning is what helped get him where he is in life and continues to drive him to hustle, especially to benefit his children. Parenthood, he said—without hesitation—is his number one accomplishment, then mentioning his daughter recently finished law school. In the end, he is imperfect. We all are. And we all could be placed in boxes where we don’t belong. Humans are complex beings as it is, especially for those who live their lives under a microscope. But after our chat, which was truly refreshing and real, I can attest the man known as Vanilla Ice, as his lyrics go, keeps his composure, and if there’s a problem, yo, he’ll solve it. As for his appearance at the Clay County Agricultural Fair on April 5 (Sir Mix-a-Lot also performs), Rob told fans to put their dancing shoes on. “We are all going to get out of our houses, and we are going to dance, and we are going to enjoy life,” he said. You are going to feel like you left a darn Zumba [class] or something. The music is all of the stuff you’d hear at a good wedding. Everyone from nine to 90 is going to enjoy it. We have such a great show and really have a lot of fun with it.” 41

FIRST TIMERS AT THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

The sun burned through the morning sky and brilliantly lit up the different shades of dewy greens on the course for the first round of golf at The Player’s Championship. I took a deep breath in and thought, “I love the smell of freshly cut grass in the morning. It smells like… GOLF!” Since this would be my first venture to The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, or any PGA Tournament for that matter, I decided to follow first timer to The Players. There was a

42 42

For additional digital content, scan the adjacent QR code.

lengthy list of first-timers to the tournament, but one notable contender. Tyler McCumber was born in Ponte Vedra Beach and grew up in Jacksonville. He recently moved to Colorado, but I would consider him to be one of the most “local” out of the list of

up until last year. Rad! As for his first round, he bogeyed at the 11th, but hit an impressive tee shot on the 17th hole turning a short putt into a birdie. After landing another birdie at the 5th hole, he was 1 under par and seemed to be getting some

TPC first-timers. He considers himself a Jags fan so that must count for something, right? Although this was his first time at The Players, he has played and won on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica three times and won the Florida Open in 2013. This year, McCumber is attempting to follow in his father’s footsteps. His dad, Mark McCumber, won the The Players 33 years ago. Of course, this should give him some advantage with the course. McCumber doesn’t seem to fit the typical golf player narrative. With hobbies that include surfing, BMX trail riding and skydiving, it is safe to assume he is an avid adrenaline junkie. He

momentum. One could hear whispers in the crowd about his father’s legacy and “he’s still kinda a local.” McCumber would lose his stride though at the 8th hole and bogeyed the par 3. His hit off the tee went right into the beach. He managed to recover on the 9th hole with another birdie and ended the day’s round with an even par. Even though I did get around to checking out some of the more prominent players during this round, I was more excited to watch this McCumber character play his first round for the first time at The Players. He has the chance to inherit his father’s legacy.

was also rocking a mohawk and lengthy beard

JOHN LAWLESS

ADULT ADVICE SHARI AND TERRY JAYMES

REPLY: TERRY: Damn. These emails are getting painful lately. SHARI: Aw geez, Jess. You definitely sound down. What I

I’VE BEEN LIED TO MY HUSBAND SAID HE NEVER LOVED ME AT ALL, WHAT DO I DO?

don’t understand is why he told you that he never loved you. He could’ve just asked for a divorce, but clearly he wanted to hurt you. And it worked. TERRY: Shari is right. It seems pretty cruel and we are very sorry you have to deal with that on top of everything else. This may make you feel better. I know guys like this. In fact I hate to admit it, I too have resorted to try to hurt others verbally. From what I’ve learned this happens when we are very unhappy with ourselves. I would bet that this is the case here. This has nothing to do with you at all. SHARI: I really doubt that he meant it. After 15 years it’s very difficult not to have feelings for someone, especially when you have a kid together. If you were a vindictive person, I’d suggest telling your daughter that her father has never loved her mother. While that would most likely upset your daughter, it would definitely get back to your husband. That would be payback. But only if you’re in a vindictive mood. TERRY: I’m seeing a side of Shari I’ve never seen before. I’m

DEAR DUMMY DUMB DUMBS, Wow. That was fun. As you’re about to see, I haven’t had any fun the past few months. A week before my 15th anniversary my husband told me he doesn’t love me and that he never wanted to marry me to begin with. My initial shock has turned to total devastation. And before you ask, trust me, it’s over. I should have known. I have spent the past 15 years asking him to be more affectionate and nothing ever happened. He will be moving out this week. There are so many pieces to pick up. I can handle most of it. We have an 11 year old daughter, that will take sometime I’m sure. But personally I’m pissed. I feel like I wasted some of my best years on this guy. It never crossed my mind that he NEVER loved me. Bottom line is that I’ve been lied to and I feel betrayed. I feel naive and like a total fool. I’ve been robbed. Any suggestions or just one of your jokes would help.

now officially scared. However this is where I have to disagree. I would never bring a child into an adult fight. Maybe as she gets a little older you can tell her what really went down. Chances are that she will figure it out on her own. I think you need to focus on the facts here. He’s gone. He hurt you. You feel as though you’ve wasted some valuable years. What’s your next move? SHARI: Here’s what the next move OUGHT to be: get a cute hair cut and some new shoes, then see what you can find on Bumble, or some other internet dating site (safely). It’ll have you feeling better about yourself in no time. That ex will be in the rearview before you know it! TERRY: There’s that too. And while you’re slinging leg for all of north Florida, get yourself a great attorney and treat this like a business. Remove all the emotion and get everything out of this that you put into it. Realize it will be painful. I’m sure Shari

JESS

JACKSONVILLE

feels the same here when I say that this will be the best thing that ever happened to you.

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