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JACKSONVILLE<br />
INSIDE: A <strong>com</strong>plete<br />
guide to this year’s Film<br />
Festival. Read re<strong>view</strong>s,<br />
check <strong>the</strong> schedule and<br />
fi nd <strong>the</strong> parties.<br />
{{<br />
roll<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
<strong>the</strong> red<br />
2008 Jacksonville Film Festival<br />
<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with nada surf | cafe 331 restaurant re<strong>view</strong> | cultural council awards | jesus christ superstar at <strong>the</strong> alhambra<br />
free monthly guide to enterta<strong>in</strong>ment and more | may 2008 | www.eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong>
2 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly
contents<br />
15<br />
jacksonville film festival<br />
page 19-30 jacksonville film festival pull-out guide<br />
music<br />
page 5-7 music events<br />
page 8 album re<strong>view</strong>s<br />
page 10-11 kenny neal (<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>)<br />
page 12-13 nada surf (<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>)<br />
family<br />
page 14 family events<br />
page 15 free outdoor movies<br />
home<br />
page 16-17 california’s design trade fair and exhibition<br />
page 17 a greener u<br />
page 18 notes from <strong>the</strong> bachelor pad<br />
dish<br />
page 31 dish update + food events<br />
page 32 <strong>in</strong>gredient secret: kumquats<br />
page 33 café 331 (restaurant re<strong>view</strong>)<br />
38<br />
16 33<br />
42<br />
visual arts<br />
page 34 art events<br />
page 35 32nd annual arts awards<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre & culture<br />
page 36-37 cultural events<br />
page 38 <strong>the</strong> great american trailer park musical (<strong>the</strong>atre pre<strong>view</strong>)<br />
page 39 jesus christ superstar (<strong>the</strong>atre pre<strong>view</strong>)<br />
lifestyle<br />
page 40 spend<strong>in</strong>g your tax rebate<br />
page 41 a saga of shap<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
page 42 tpc - <strong>the</strong> fifth major?<br />
page 43 netscapades<br />
movies<br />
15<br />
page 44-45 may movies + special show<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
page 46 five alive films (<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>)<br />
may 08<br />
eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
44<br />
3
eu staff<br />
publisher<br />
W.C. Henley<br />
creative director<br />
Rachel Best Henley<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess manager<br />
Shelley Henley<br />
advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sales@enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gu.<strong>com</strong><br />
copy editor<br />
Jon Bosworth<br />
food editor<br />
Er<strong>in</strong> Thursby<br />
senior writer<br />
Rick Grant<br />
editorial<br />
contribut<strong>in</strong>g writers<br />
Kellie Abrahamson<br />
Brenton Crozier<br />
Dick Kerekes<br />
Jennifer McCharen<br />
Troy Spurl<strong>in</strong><br />
Richard Teague<br />
Tom Weppel<br />
press releases, calendar <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />
photos, or details about up<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
events must be submitted a month <strong>in</strong><br />
advance. send to<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gu.<strong>com</strong><br />
send <strong>com</strong>ments or suggestions to<br />
feedback@enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gu.<strong>com</strong><br />
webmaster<br />
webmaster@enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gu.<strong>com</strong><br />
Erik Wagner<br />
Published by EU Jacksonville Newspaper. P.O. Box 11959,<br />
Jacksonville, FL 32239. Copyright 2008. Reproduction of<br />
any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publish<strong>in</strong>g, Inc. is<br />
strictly prohibited without written consent of <strong>the</strong> publisher.<br />
We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed <strong>the</strong> cost<br />
of space occupied by <strong>the</strong> error. Articles for publication are<br />
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phone 904-730-3003 or email sales@enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gu.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
4 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly
may music events<br />
featured music events<br />
ZZ Top<br />
MAY 2 Joe Bonamassa Blues-rock guitar virtuoso, vocalist and<br />
songwriter Joe Bonamassa is widely renowned for his <strong>in</strong>sanely fl uid<br />
phras<strong>in</strong>g and post-modern fusion of electric British blues, traditional<br />
Delta blues and rock ‘n roll chops. His seventh solo album, Sloe<br />
G<strong>in</strong>, was released last year to rave re<strong>view</strong>s. Bonamassa will be perform<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tracks off of this latest album and his o<strong>the</strong>r records on May<br />
2 nd when he <strong>com</strong>es to <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre. Tickets: $18.50 to $41.<br />
Florida Theatre, Info: (904) 355-2787<br />
MAY 2 TO MAY 4 13th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival The<br />
very best <strong>in</strong> folk music will be presented <strong>in</strong> a three-day extravaganza<br />
of enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, food and fun when <strong>the</strong> Gamble Rogers Folk Festival<br />
<strong>com</strong>es to <strong>the</strong> St. Johns County Fairgrounds. This year’s edition<br />
of <strong>the</strong> festival features nearly 70 performers <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Gatorbone,<br />
Stevie Coyle, Aaron O’Rourke Trio, John William Davis, Big P<strong>in</strong>eapple,<br />
Those Guys, and The Carol<strong>in</strong>a Chocolate Drops. St. August<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Fairgrounds, Info: (904) 208-5210<br />
MAY 11 Pops at <strong>the</strong> Beach - Annual Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Day Concert Grab<br />
your mom and a blanket for this very special Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Day celebration.<br />
This Jax Beach tradition will feature <strong>the</strong> sweet sounds of <strong>the</strong><br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This event is free of charge, and<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>ks and snacks will be available for purchase. Sea Walk Pavilion,<br />
Jacksonville Beach, 6 pm-Sounds of Motown, 8 pm-Jacksonville<br />
Symphony. Info: (904) 247-6268<br />
MAY 15 Peter Mulvey Peter Mulvey has been creat<strong>in</strong>g beautiful<br />
music for over 15 years. Mulvey has released over a dozen CDs and<br />
scores music for <strong>the</strong>atre and modern dance but live performance<br />
is what defi nes his work, and is where he sh<strong>in</strong>es. See for yourself<br />
when Mulvey <strong>com</strong>es to European Street on May 15 th . Tickets: $10.<br />
European Street Listen<strong>in</strong>g Room, Info: (904) 399-1740. Also play<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at Café 11 <strong>in</strong> St. August<strong>in</strong>e on May 16 th .<br />
MAY 17 Drive-By Truckers / Dexateens A<strong>the</strong>ns, Georgia’s Drive-<br />
By Truckers went through quite a few changes <strong>in</strong> 2007- <strong>the</strong>y parted<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir guitarist Jason Isbell, found a new one, wrote an amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
album and have been spend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of 2008 tour<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
support of it. The band pulls <strong>in</strong>to Jacksonville this month to play at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Freebird with guests Dexateens. Tickets: $20/advance, $22/day<br />
of show. Freebird Live, Info: (904) 246-BIRD<br />
MAY 22 ZZ Top Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends ZZ Top have<br />
been attract<strong>in</strong>g fans s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> early 1970s, and have only grown <strong>in</strong><br />
popularity s<strong>in</strong>ce. With endur<strong>in</strong>g classics like ‘Sharp Dressed Man,’<br />
‘Legs’ and ‘Tube Snake Boogie,’ <strong>the</strong> bearded wonders always br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a house down and will prove it on May 22nd when <strong>the</strong>y rock <strong>the</strong> St<br />
August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre. Tickets: $39.50 to $75. St August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre,<br />
Info: (904) 471-1965<br />
MAY 23 Family Force 5 Family Force 5 is a Christian crossover<br />
crunk rock band hail<strong>in</strong>g from Atlanta, Georgia. Known for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
music<br />
{ }<br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g live shows (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a designated dancer and <strong>the</strong> Keytar), <strong>the</strong><br />
band has quickly grown <strong>in</strong> popularity, play<strong>in</strong>g numerous festivals and<br />
television shows. The boys will stop by <strong>the</strong> Murray Hill Theatre on May<br />
23 rd with The Sophomore Attempt and Matlock. Tickets: $15/advance,<br />
$18/day of show. Murray Hill Theatre, Info: (904) 388-3179<br />
MAY 24 Michael Burks Like a freight tra<strong>in</strong> roll<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>the</strong> night,<br />
guitarist/vocalist Michael Burks plows through <strong>the</strong> blues with relentless<br />
power and a full head of steam. Comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g his remarkable talent with an<br />
<strong>in</strong>tense dedication to his craft, Michael has earned well-deserved national<br />
recognition and has be<strong>com</strong>e one of <strong>the</strong> blues world’s fastest ris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
stars. See him at Mojos on May 24 th . Mojos Blues Bar- Jacksonville<br />
Beach, Info: (904) 247- 6636<br />
MAY 26 Pennywise Pennywise was one of <strong>the</strong> key bands of <strong>the</strong> punkrevival<br />
of <strong>the</strong> ‘90s. Us<strong>in</strong>g Californian hardcore as a foundation, <strong>the</strong> group<br />
<strong>in</strong>corporated funk-metal and skate-punk <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir sound, creat<strong>in</strong>g n<strong>in</strong>e<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>ctive albums that have drawn countless fans throughout <strong>the</strong> years.<br />
The band will perform live at Plush on May 26 th . Tickets: $17.50. Plush,<br />
Info: (904) 743-1845<br />
MAY 29 TO MAY 31 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra “The Music<br />
Man” The River City’s own Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and <strong>the</strong><br />
Alhambra D<strong>in</strong>ner Theatre have jo<strong>in</strong>ed forces to br<strong>in</strong>g you The Music<br />
Man. This <strong>in</strong>credibly enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g musical treat features a treasure trove<br />
of hit songs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ‘Till There Was You,’ ‘Marian <strong>the</strong> Librarian’ and<br />
‘Gary, Indiana.’ Tickets: $25-$65. Times-Union Center, Info: (904) 633-<br />
6110<br />
day-by-day music events<br />
MAY 1<br />
George Cl<strong>in</strong>ton and <strong>the</strong> Parliament<br />
Funkadelic Freebird Live, (904)<br />
246-BIRD<br />
Little Feat / Hot Tuna Florida Theatre,<br />
(904) 355-2787<br />
Today is <strong>the</strong> Day / Rwake /<br />
S.W.W.A.A.T.S Jack Rabbits, (904)<br />
398-7496<br />
John Davis European Street Listen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Room, (904) 399-1740<br />
Moderate Chop Ensemble Plaza<br />
de la Constitución- St. August<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
(904) 825-1004<br />
Road to CMA Music Fest Mavericks,<br />
(904) 356-1110<br />
Jacksonville Symphony: “Tchaikovsky’s<br />
Fateful Fifth” Times-<br />
Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
MAY 2 TO MAY 4<br />
13th Annual Gamble Rogers Folk<br />
Festival St. August<strong>in</strong>e Fairgrounds,<br />
(904) 208-5210<br />
MAY 2<br />
Jacksonville Symphony: “Tchaikovsky’s<br />
Fateful Fifth” Times-<br />
Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
Joe Bonamassa Florida Theatre,<br />
(904) 355-2787<br />
Koffi n Kats Jack Rabbits, 398-7496<br />
Morn<strong>in</strong>g Concert- Friday Musicale<br />
Chorus Friday Musicale- 645 Oak<br />
Street, (904) 355-7584<br />
Baker Act / The Mission Dolls /<br />
Rojo Diablo 9th & Ma<strong>in</strong>, 353-<br />
6002<br />
Carney / Rue Melo Freebird Live,<br />
(904) 246-BIRD<br />
El.I.El / Fickles The Pit, (904)<br />
223-9850<br />
Mumpsy / Airport Factory TSI,<br />
(904) 424-3531<br />
The Swellers / Does It Matter<br />
/ Madison Fadeout / Self Employed<br />
/ Broke Till Friday Rebar,<br />
myspace.<strong>com</strong>/rebarjax<br />
MAY 3<br />
Blacklisted / Bracewar Fuel Coffeehouse,<br />
(904) 425-FUEL<br />
Jacksonville Symphony: “Tchaikovsky’s<br />
Fateful Fifth” Times-<br />
Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
Man Bear Pig / Cystic Dysentery<br />
/ Dead Centre The Pit, 223-9850<br />
Bobafl ex / The Bangkok Five<br />
Landshark Café, (904) 246-6024<br />
For You and I / 12 Left Murray Hill<br />
Theatre, (904) 388-7807<br />
Glass Camels “21st Year Anniversary<br />
Freebird Live, 246-BIRD<br />
Sangria / elamenOP / Hours<br />
Eastly Ocean Club, 242-8884<br />
Shawn Lightfoot The Grape, (904)<br />
642-7111<br />
The McILroys Culhane’s Irish Pub,<br />
(904) 249-9595<br />
XOXO Jack Rabbits, 398-7496<br />
(cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 6)<br />
music | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
5
may music events<br />
MAY 4<br />
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus<br />
Spr<strong>in</strong>g Benefi t Concert: “Around<br />
<strong>the</strong> World and BACH Aga<strong>in</strong>” Times-<br />
Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
Intermezzo Free Sunday Concerts-<br />
Guy Yehuda Ma<strong>in</strong> Library, 630-2665<br />
Random Eyes / Steel Attack / Mena<br />
Br<strong>in</strong>no The Pit, 223-9850<br />
Bloodl<strong>in</strong>e Alibi / Fixer / Sacred<br />
Ground Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-<br />
7496<br />
Bobby Flynn & Band Culhane’s Irish<br />
Pub, (904) 249-9595<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Guild:<br />
“Queen’s Harbour Pops Concert”<br />
Queen’s Harbour, (904) 358-1479<br />
St. August<strong>in</strong>e Community Chorus<br />
Masterworks Concert Ancient City<br />
Baptist Church, (904) 794-5181<br />
MAY 5<br />
Yea Big and Kid Static Jack Rabbits,<br />
(904) 398-7496<br />
Without Hatred / Until <strong>the</strong> Day /<br />
Abett<strong>in</strong>g Royetta / When Ashes Fall<br />
The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
MAY 6<br />
Comatose Tour: Skillet / Thousand<br />
Foot Krutch Murray Hill Theatre,<br />
(904) 388-7807<br />
Bach and Beyond St. Mark’s Episcopal<br />
Church, (904) 388-2681<br />
Terrifi c Kid / Victim Effect / Stages<br />
& Stereos / Don’t Sign Daisy Jack<br />
Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
The Birthday Massacre / Combichrist<br />
/ M<strong>in</strong>dless Self Indulgence<br />
Freebird Live, (904) 246-BIRD<br />
MAY 7<br />
Bonde Do Role TSI, (904) 424-3531<br />
The Casualties / Krum Bums /<br />
Whoreman Riot / Social Disease<br />
Fuel Coffeehouse, (904) 425-FUEL<br />
SAHS Jazz Ambassadors St. August<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Beach Pier and Pavilion, (904)<br />
347-8007<br />
MAY 8<br />
Steve Young European Street Listen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Room, (904) 399-1740<br />
Tammerl<strong>in</strong> Plaza de la Constitución-<br />
St. August<strong>in</strong>e, (904) 825-1004<br />
The Phenomenauts / AKA’s / Maldroid<br />
/ Fla<strong>the</strong>ad Fred Jack Rabbits,<br />
(904) 398-7496<br />
MAY 9<br />
A Day to Remember / My Children<br />
My Bride Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-<br />
FUEL<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra<br />
Times-Union Center, (904)<br />
633-6110<br />
BAND CAMP 2008: Serj Tankian,<br />
Sh<strong>in</strong>edown, Filter, Ashes Divide, &<br />
more Jacksonville Equestrian Center,<br />
(904) 573-3163<br />
C5 Culhane’s Irish Pub, 249-9595<br />
Sangu<strong>in</strong>ary / Lookalive / Amber<br />
Rose Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Shawn Lightfoot / Laurel Lee /<br />
Chirst<strong>in</strong>a Wagner 9th & Ma<strong>in</strong>, 353-<br />
6002<br />
Stephen Marley / Gully Bank Sound<br />
System Freebird Live, (904) 246-<br />
BIRD<br />
Sunbears! TSI, (904) 424-3531<br />
6 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music<br />
Von Barlow’s Jazz Journey Shantytown Pub, (904)<br />
798-8222<br />
MAY 10<br />
Bryan Scary Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Fuel <strong>in</strong>dieFEST 2008 Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-FUEL<br />
Kenny Neal Mojos Blues Bar- Jacksonville Beach,<br />
(904) 247- 6636<br />
Manticore The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Marcus Belgrave- A Tribute to Louis Armstrong<br />
Thrasher-Horne Center, (904) 276-6815<br />
The Sophomore Attempt Murray Hill Theatre, (904)<br />
388-7807<br />
As Daylight Burns / Dayfall / HoldCell 9th & Ma<strong>in</strong>,<br />
(904) 353-6002<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: “Benefi t Concert<br />
for Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church” Times-<br />
Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
MAY 11<br />
Pops at <strong>the</strong> Beach - Annual Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Day Concert<br />
Sea Walk Pavilion- Jacksonville Beach, 249-3972<br />
Amen / The Animal Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, (904) 249-<br />
9595<br />
Music for a Sunday Morn<strong>in</strong>g- Pablo Pomales-Ojeda,<br />
Jeanne Huebner (Songs for Mo<strong>the</strong>r) Unitarian<br />
Universalist Church of Jacksonville, www.uujax.org<br />
MAY 12<br />
Be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g The Archetype “Br<strong>in</strong>g Your Own Beard”<br />
Tour Murray Hill Theatre, (904) 388-7807<br />
MAY 13<br />
Pendelton The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Shawn Lightfoot Twisted Sisters, (904) 241-6453<br />
Sunday Girl Fuel Coffeehouse, (904) 425-FUEL<br />
MAY 14<br />
Music for a Sunday Morn<strong>in</strong>g- Jason Anderson<br />
and Sean Tarleton Unitarian Universalist Church of<br />
Jacksonville, www.uujax.org<br />
Ron Rod The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Hoots & Hellmouth / The Homesteaders Jack<br />
Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Navy Band / TGIF St. August<strong>in</strong>e Beach Pier and<br />
Pavilion, (904) 347-8007<br />
Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, (904) 981-9966<br />
MAY 15<br />
Peter Mulvey European Street Listen<strong>in</strong>g Room,<br />
Ancient City Slickers Plaza de la Constitución- St.<br />
Carol<strong>in</strong>a Chocolate Drops, an African-<br />
American Str<strong>in</strong>g Band perform<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong><br />
Gamble Rogers Festival<br />
August<strong>in</strong>e, (904) 825-1004<br />
Brass Bed / Someth<strong>in</strong>g Distant / Tell Tale Heart<br />
Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Trigger Effect The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
MAY 16<br />
A Cursive Memory / Medic Droid Jack Rabbits,<br />
(904) 398-7496<br />
Morn<strong>in</strong>g Concert- Friday Musicale Season Mary<br />
Lou and Aaron Krosnick F<strong>in</strong>ale Friday Musicale-<br />
645 Oak Street, (904) 355-7584<br />
Peter Mulvey Café Eleven, (904) 469-9311<br />
Showbread CD Release Show Murray Hill Theatre,<br />
(904) 388-7807<br />
Deuces Wild Band Culhane’s Irish Pub, 249-9595<br />
Dimes on Dead Eyes The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
The Jannissary Freebird Live, (904) 246-BIRD<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>s Followed Us 9th & Ma<strong>in</strong>, (904) 353-6002<br />
Tuesday Night Squad Shantytown Pub, 798-8222<br />
MAY 17<br />
Drive By Truckers / Dexateens Freebird Live, (904)<br />
246-BIRD<br />
Murray Hill Prom “The Masque” Murray Hill Theatre,<br />
(904) 388-7807<br />
Music of Star Wars and More John Williams Hits<br />
Times-Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
Switch Blade / Downtown Bonanza / Aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong><br />
Sky / Drown this City / Future 1983 The Pit, (904)<br />
223-9850<br />
Dropp<strong>in</strong>g Daylight / You Me & Everyone / Play<br />
Radio Play Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
First Hit / Master Radical / Dub-T Ocean Club,<br />
(904) 242-8884<br />
Addio! A Farewell Concert For Barbara Norris St.<br />
Johns County Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts- St. August<strong>in</strong>e<br />
High School, (904) 794-7770<br />
MAY 18<br />
Navy Band Jacksonville- Salute to <strong>the</strong> Armed<br />
Forces Latham Plaza across from Sea Walk Pavilion,<br />
Jacksonville Beach, (904) 247-6100<br />
My Life with <strong>the</strong> Thrill Kill Kult Jack Rabbits,<br />
(904) 398-7496<br />
Bobby Flynn & Band Culhane’s Irish Pub, (904)<br />
249-9595<br />
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band Café Eleven,<br />
(904) 469-9311<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gers By <strong>the</strong> Sea- “Celebration of Peace, Love<br />
& Freedom” Beach United Methodist Church,<br />
(904) 285-6691<br />
MAY 19<br />
Jay Nash / Garrison Starr Jack Rabbits, (904)<br />
398-7496<br />
MAY 20<br />
Aclasia Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: “Musician<br />
Pension Benefi t Concert” Times-Union Center,<br />
(904) 633-6110<br />
MAY 21<br />
It Prevails / Means / Farewell to Freeway / The<br />
World We Know The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Yo Majesty Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Chaos Theory St. August<strong>in</strong>e Beach Pier and Pavilion,<br />
(904) 347-8007<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: “Donor Appreciation<br />
Concert” Times-Union Center, 633-6110
Tenth Avenue North CD Release Show Murray Hill<br />
Theatre, (904) 388-7807<br />
MAY 22<br />
Bob & Jol<strong>in</strong>e’s Friends of M<strong>in</strong>e Band Plaza de la<br />
Constitución- St. August<strong>in</strong>e, (904) 825-1004<br />
ZZ Top St August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre, (904) 471-1965<br />
MAY 23<br />
Family Force 5 Murray Hill Theatre, 388-7807<br />
Zac Brown Band Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
“The Marvelous Sounds of Motown,” with <strong>the</strong><br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra TPC Sawgrass,<br />
(904) 543-7400<br />
Cherry Street / Prospect Hill / When Ashes Fall /<br />
All Well is Broken The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Devoradara / Buffalo Tears TSI, (904) 424-3531<br />
Locust Grove / Prologic 13 9th & Ma<strong>in</strong>, 353-6002<br />
MAY 24<br />
Chas<strong>in</strong>g Ghosts / Alexander and <strong>the</strong> Grapes /<br />
Hook L<strong>in</strong>e Murray Hill Theatre, (904) 388-7807<br />
Corey Smith St August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre, (904)<br />
471-1965<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: “Let Freedom<br />
R<strong>in</strong>g” Amelia Island Plantation Conference Center<br />
Ballroom, (904) 261-0105<br />
Michael Burks Mojos Blues Bar- Jacksonville<br />
Beach, (904) 247- 6636<br />
Transpose CD Release Party with New Day and<br />
Innerfazed Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
MAY 25<br />
Band Mar<strong>in</strong>o / Baron Von Bear Jack Rabbits,<br />
(904) 398-7496<br />
Glas Na Tara School of Irish Dancers followed by<br />
Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, 249-9595<br />
Hardcore Prom Fuel Coffeehouse, (904) 425-FUEL<br />
Isaac Hayden / Goliath Flores The Pit, (904) 223-<br />
9850<br />
Sworn Enemy / Dy<strong>in</strong>g Fetus / Orig<strong>in</strong> Fuel Coffeehouse,<br />
(904) 425-FUEL<br />
MAY 26<br />
Peelander-Z Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Pennywise Plush, (904) 743-1845<br />
St. August<strong>in</strong>e Jazz Society presents: Bill Doyle<br />
Jazz Ensemble with Cheryl Paige Jan Crawford<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Soul Sensations Plaza de la Constitución-<br />
St. August<strong>in</strong>e, (904) 825-1004<br />
MAY 27<br />
Music for a Sunday Morn<strong>in</strong>g- Rob McKennon,<br />
Chloë Mart<strong>in</strong>, Jeremy Lucas, Henson Markham<br />
Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville<br />
Victory at Last / Barley Bl<strong>in</strong>d / The Status / Until<br />
<strong>the</strong> Day The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
MAY 28<br />
Psychostick / Look What I Did / Powerglove Jack<br />
Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
Those Guys St. August<strong>in</strong>e Beach Pier and Pavilion,<br />
(904) 347-8007<br />
MAY 29<br />
The Company Plaza de la Constitución- St. August<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
(904) 825-1004<br />
The Music Man Times-Union Center, 633-6110<br />
MAY 30<br />
Debbie Davies Mojos Blues Bar- Jacksonville<br />
Beach, (904) 247- 6636<br />
Pa<strong>in</strong>t It Black Fuel Coffeehouse, (904) 425-FUEL<br />
Box 543 Culhane’s Irish Pub, (904) 249-9595<br />
Demorior CD Release Show Murray Hill Theatre,<br />
(904) 388-7807<br />
Flowers Forever / Celestials Jack Rabbits, (904)<br />
398-7496<br />
Fruit Mach<strong>in</strong>e TSI, (904) 424-3531<br />
John Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen<br />
Freebird Live, (904) 246-BIRD<br />
Shawn Lightfoot Un<strong>com</strong>mon Grounds, 398-3776<br />
The Matt Butler Quartet Shantytown Pub, (904)<br />
798-8222<br />
Trace Adk<strong>in</strong>s St August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre, 471-1965<br />
MAY 31<br />
David Wilcox / Pierce Pettis Café Eleven, (904)<br />
469-9311<br />
Emmure / On Broken W<strong>in</strong>gs / Recon / Ligea /<br />
After <strong>the</strong> Burial The Pit, (904) 223-9850<br />
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra “The Music<br />
Man” Times-Union Center, (904) 633-6110<br />
Amaru / Society Red Freebird Live, 246-BIRD<br />
Jacksonville Bagpipers & Drums Culhane’s Irish<br />
Pub, (904) 249-9595<br />
Joey Chop / What About Me / Tra<strong>in</strong>s Followed Us<br />
/ JoEveritt Ocean Club, (904) 242-8884<br />
K<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Hill 2008- Round 1 Murray Hill Theatre,<br />
(904) 388-7807<br />
Nada Surf Jack Rabbits, (904) 398-7496<br />
music | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
7
Album: For Everyone<br />
Artist: Sunbears!<br />
Label: None<br />
Release Date: Febrauary 15, 2008<br />
This haunt<strong>in</strong>g, spacious rock music may be as <strong>the</strong>atrical as<br />
Jonathan Berl<strong>in</strong>’s last major project, St. August<strong>in</strong>e’s Bernard,<br />
when performed live with former Bernard drummer Jared Bowser, but <strong>the</strong> music on this<br />
six-song EP plays perfectly, even without <strong>the</strong> c<strong>in</strong>ematic display. Somewhere between<br />
Postal Service and Radiohead, this album easily transcends any expectation you might<br />
have for local music. In fact, this is <strong>the</strong> sort of album that could get you <strong>in</strong>to a serious<br />
relationship. Go pick up a girl at <strong>the</strong> Pearl (preferably one that likes Coldplay and<br />
Radiohead, but just adores Snow Patrol and Interpol) and play this EP on <strong>the</strong> way to <strong>the</strong><br />
afterparty. She won’t believe her ears and she won’t believe you when you say <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
local. She’ll be yours until you show her a band that sucks (or that is just totally dude<br />
rock).<br />
Hav<strong>in</strong>g said that, let me clear a few th<strong>in</strong>gs up about this album. Although I<br />
wouldn’t categorize it as dude rock (that would be someth<strong>in</strong>g more Queens of <strong>the</strong> Stone<br />
Age or Tomahawk), it is far more engag<strong>in</strong>g than <strong>the</strong> bor<strong>in</strong>g balladeers of <strong>the</strong> Coldplay<br />
and Snow Patrol set. I’ve been referr<strong>in</strong>g to Sunbears! as a “<strong>the</strong>y,” which is true dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
8 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music<br />
albums<br />
Album: The Explicits<br />
Artist: The Explicits<br />
Label: Explicit Records<br />
Release Date: April 8, 2008<br />
The Explicits’ first album has now be<strong>com</strong>e my album of<br />
choice for kick<strong>in</strong>g virtual ass. I took <strong>the</strong> album on its first<br />
test run while play<strong>in</strong>g City of Villa<strong>in</strong>s. It would make a great soundtrack for<br />
any MMORPG from Warcraft to EVE onl<strong>in</strong>e. Someth<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong>ir angry gutter<br />
punk music just seems to fit. When I read <strong>the</strong> press release (someth<strong>in</strong>g I try<br />
not to do before I listen to <strong>the</strong> album), I found that lead s<strong>in</strong>ger Renee Phoenix<br />
def<strong>in</strong>ed her favorite track (<strong>the</strong> metal-thrashesque album ender ‘Hollywood’)<br />
<strong>in</strong> video game terms. Turns out she’s a WOW fan. I’ve seen <strong>the</strong> band live, and<br />
found <strong>the</strong> album to be slightly less edgy, but it <strong>in</strong> a positive way. Any fan of <strong>the</strong><br />
local Jacksonville band will recognize songs like ‘Indestructible,’ which <strong>the</strong>y’ve<br />
been play<strong>in</strong>g at least s<strong>in</strong>ce last year.<br />
The band members are all under 21 and <strong>the</strong> lead goes to UNF, where she’ll<br />
be earn<strong>in</strong>g an English degree <strong>in</strong> between rock<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> various Florida venues.<br />
It’s old school punk, a little screamo with raspy, tuff vocals. The lead, who<br />
sounds like a guy, is actually <strong>the</strong> petite Renee Phoenix, who I’m conv<strong>in</strong>ced gargles<br />
gravel between sets. Metal t<strong>in</strong>ges all <strong>the</strong> songs, particularly <strong>the</strong> guitar work,<br />
but it’s all about punk with a slight hook. While metal guitar solos tend to go on<br />
and on and on, <strong>the</strong> dom<strong>in</strong>ant punk side of <strong>the</strong> band curbs <strong>the</strong>se, keep<strong>in</strong>g it short<br />
and sweet, with brief metal goodness slapped between layers of punk.<br />
While I enjoyed most of <strong>the</strong> tracks, one particular song irked me with l<strong>in</strong>es<br />
such as “I’m so over it/ I’m sick of your sh*t,” set to <strong>the</strong> most pop-like hooky<br />
melody of <strong>the</strong> album. Luckily <strong>the</strong> songs <strong>com</strong>e back to <strong>the</strong>ir home ground, and<br />
‘Over It’ was <strong>the</strong> only miss on <strong>the</strong> album. The rest of it hits hard. ‘Suffocate’<br />
opens <strong>the</strong> album with <strong>the</strong> sort of hooky angst and raw edge that makes punk so<br />
much damn fun.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>y’ve hit <strong>the</strong> magic MySpace number, with over 30,000 friends,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’ve taken <strong>the</strong> next step by putt<strong>in</strong>g out this album. In true punk tradition,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’ve started <strong>the</strong>ir own label, Explicit Records, and cut <strong>the</strong>ir first self-titled<br />
record. I can only hope that <strong>the</strong>ir next album will be as good.<br />
Check <strong>the</strong>m out on MySpace, so you can say you knew <strong>the</strong>m before <strong>the</strong>y<br />
made it big. - Er<strong>in</strong> Thursby<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir live performaces, but this EP was recorded by Jonathan alone. And his talent<br />
reverberates through <strong>the</strong> catchy lyrical hooks on songs such as ‘Stars’ and <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>toxicat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strumental hooks as on ‘It’s Too Late.’ The drums alone will pull you<br />
<strong>in</strong>to ‘We Are Bl<strong>in</strong>d.’ ‘Lovely Little Anecdotes’ is so expertly crafted and recorded,<br />
it is hard to imag<strong>in</strong>e what else Sunbears! could possibly do to grab <strong>the</strong> attention of a<br />
formidable label.<br />
All of <strong>the</strong> songs are also rich with a rhythmic and electronic sort of creativity<br />
that is a little baffl <strong>in</strong>g. Every time this EP teeters on <strong>the</strong> edge of seem<strong>in</strong>g grossly trite,<br />
<strong>the</strong> song shifts to someth<strong>in</strong>g so surpris<strong>in</strong>g that it w<strong>in</strong>s you back aga<strong>in</strong> and makes you<br />
believe that perhaps <strong>the</strong> part before wasn’t even as trite as you thought. It hypnotizes<br />
you after-<strong>the</strong>-fact. Somewhere <strong>in</strong> this shoegazer pop rockscape, <strong>the</strong>re is a h<strong>in</strong>t of<br />
avant-garde.<br />
If you can’t stand croony two-piece rock bands that only feature keyboards,<br />
drums, and electronics, <strong>the</strong>n you should avoid Sunbears! <strong>in</strong> spite of how brilliant<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are. But if you love to have that excit<strong>in</strong>g new album that few people have heard,<br />
buy For Everyone and put ‘We Are Bl<strong>in</strong>d’ or ‘Stars’ on a couple of those mix CDs<br />
you make for girls. It’ll work. For a while. Let’s hope that Jonathan and Jared don’t<br />
take too long record<strong>in</strong>g a full length so that you can keep her around for a while. Six<br />
songs can get tired pretty fast, no matter how good <strong>the</strong>y are. - Jon Bosworth<br />
Album: Worldwide<br />
Artist: The Death Set<br />
Label: Counter Records (N<strong>in</strong>ja Tune Rock Impr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />
Release Date: April 22, 2008<br />
If I called The Death Set’s music “Girl Scout an<strong>the</strong>m punk”,<br />
that could describe it accurately without giv<strong>in</strong>g you any<br />
better of an idea of what to expect from <strong>the</strong>ir performance at TSI Disco<strong>the</strong>que this<br />
month. But <strong>the</strong> truth is, I imag<strong>in</strong>e that this band was started by some Girl Scouts<br />
that decided to stop scout<strong>in</strong>g, bought a guitar and a Casio and took <strong>the</strong>ir high-energy<br />
cheer-like an<strong>the</strong>ms to <strong>the</strong> next level by load<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m with angst and play<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
college kids all over <strong>the</strong> country. Of course this isn’t true. Actually, band founders<br />
Beau Velasco and Johnny Siera began play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir reckless pop music <strong>in</strong> Sydney,<br />
Australia <strong>in</strong> 2005 and <strong>the</strong>n relocated to Baltimore after an experimental st<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong><br />
Brooklyn. The <strong>current</strong> l<strong>in</strong>eup, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>ir MySpace page, also <strong>in</strong>cludes Peter<br />
O’ Connell, Jahphet Landis, and Joey Sulkowski. None of whom, I suspect, have<br />
ever been Girl Scouts.<br />
In some of <strong>the</strong> album’s tracks, such as ‘Negative Th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g’ as well as ‘Selective<br />
Memories,’ this male presence is discernable, but songs like ‘Peak Oil,’ ‘Intermission,’<br />
‘Listen to this Collision’ and ‘Impossible’ blast this cheerleader punk<br />
nuanced by electronic sounds and a driv<strong>in</strong>g-but-simplistic drum rhythm.<br />
While <strong>the</strong>ir publicist <strong>com</strong>pares <strong>the</strong>m fi rst and foremost to <strong>in</strong>fl uences such<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Buzzcocks and M<strong>in</strong>or Threat, <strong>the</strong> songs that really stand out as belong<strong>in</strong>g<br />
uniquely to The Death Set are someth<strong>in</strong>g a bit more pop. The album could be defi<br />
ned by <strong>the</strong> punk numbers; songs such as ‘A Day <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wife’ and ‘Heard It All<br />
Before’ are certa<strong>in</strong>ly old-school punk <strong>in</strong>fl uenced. But punky electro-pop songs such<br />
as ‘Around <strong>the</strong> World,’ ‘Superzero,’ and, my personal favorite, ‘Mov<strong>in</strong>g Forward’<br />
show a fanciful and ruthlessly danceable Death Set that works just as well on a<br />
mix playlist for a friend as <strong>the</strong>y do with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context of this album. It is songs like<br />
<strong>the</strong>se that stitch <strong>the</strong> disparate genres toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> a fashion that makes <strong>the</strong> album<br />
feel like an <strong>in</strong>tentionally crafted whole. They tie <strong>the</strong> room toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
If you are show<strong>in</strong>g Worldwide to someone that has never heard <strong>the</strong> band, I<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mend start<strong>in</strong>g it on ‘Mov<strong>in</strong>g Forward’ (track 12) and <strong>the</strong>n just let it play. By<br />
<strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong> song ‘MFDS’ (track 13) <strong>com</strong>es on, <strong>the</strong>y are sure to ask who this band<br />
is, and you get to answer, so appropriately, ‘Mo<strong>the</strong>r F**k<strong>in</strong>g Death Set.’ The Death<br />
Set are play<strong>in</strong>g TSI on Wednesday, May 7th with Bonde du Role. - Jon Bosworth
music | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
9
10 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music<br />
kenny neal<br />
back on <strong>the</strong> road with blister<strong>in</strong>g blues<br />
by rick grant<br />
{ }<br />
On May 10th , Kenny will roll <strong>in</strong>to Mojos Kitchen for an<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g of his eclectic style of blues <strong>in</strong>fused with Cajun,<br />
rock, and traditional <strong>in</strong>fluences.<br />
Born <strong>in</strong> 1957 <strong>in</strong> New Orleans, congenial blues guitarist Kenny Neal grew up <strong>in</strong> Baton Rouge<br />
and is <strong>the</strong> son of famous harmonica player Raful Neal. Today he is still liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Baton Rouge,<br />
among <strong>the</strong> terrible ru<strong>in</strong>s of hurricane Katr<strong>in</strong>a, and he is as <strong>com</strong>mitted to help<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 80,000<br />
people still liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> FEMA trailers that are contam<strong>in</strong>ated with toxic fumes as he is to his music.<br />
I first met Kenny Neal back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 80s, when he was one of <strong>the</strong> hottest young blues acts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world.
At that time, Kenny had already toured with Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Muddy<br />
Waters. Kenny was just 13 years old when he toured with Buddy Guy, and to him, Buddy was just<br />
his dad’s friend. He didn’t realize Buddy’s star power until one night <strong>in</strong> London, Kenny stepped<br />
onto stage to play guitar with Buddy, and <strong>the</strong>re were 10,000 people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> audience. Kenny<br />
looked at Buddy and said, “Who is <strong>the</strong> headl<strong>in</strong>e act all <strong>the</strong>se people have <strong>com</strong>e to see?” Buddy<br />
looked annoyed and said, “I am, kid.”<br />
Last Friday I talked to Kenny while he was wait<strong>in</strong>g for a flight to Chicago. He had been<br />
caught-up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chaos that was created when American Airl<strong>in</strong>es took most of <strong>the</strong>ir planes out<br />
of service for an <strong>in</strong>spection <strong>the</strong>y didn’t carry out on schedule. So, we chatted for about thirty<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes. S<strong>in</strong>ce I last crossed paths with Kenny, he had gone through four years of illness and<br />
tragedy that would put any person down. But, his positive attitude and strong will to survive<br />
saved him.<br />
{ }<br />
“ I discovered I had liver cancer. It was quite a<br />
shock, but I kept a positive attitude and fought<br />
it… After a long recovery, I was ready to crank<br />
up a full time tour<strong>in</strong>g schedule.”<br />
“I’ve been off <strong>the</strong> road for a year and a half recover<strong>in</strong>g from liver cancer. But for <strong>the</strong> last four<br />
years I’ve gone through hell. First, my dad, Raful died of bone cancer. Then, my bro<strong>the</strong>r died of<br />
liver cancer. A short time later, my sister was murdered <strong>in</strong> her beauty salon by a stalker…Given<br />
<strong>the</strong> obvious genetic predisposition for cancer <strong>in</strong> my family, I got checked out and I discovered<br />
I had liver cancer. It was quite a shock, but I kept a positive attitude and fought it…After a long<br />
recovery, I was ready to crank up a full time tour<strong>in</strong>g schedule. But I didn’t rush back <strong>in</strong>to work.<br />
I wanted to make sure I was ready. The brilliant oncologists at Stafford University Hospital took<br />
great care of me with <strong>the</strong> latest cutt<strong>in</strong>g edge treatments.”<br />
“Dur<strong>in</strong>g my convalescence, I worked on writ<strong>in</strong>g a book of all my years play<strong>in</strong>g with legends,<br />
titled I Remember When. I also began <strong>the</strong> tedious task of edit<strong>in</strong>g 80 hours of video footage<br />
of my various concerts with Buddy, Muddy, and John Lee. Dur<strong>in</strong>g my down time, I produced<br />
my own TV show on which I <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>ed blues artists. So, although I was tired from all <strong>the</strong><br />
treatments, I didn’t waste <strong>the</strong> time. I hope to launch <strong>the</strong> book and DVD toge<strong>the</strong>r as a package<br />
deal <strong>in</strong> September. I’m do<strong>in</strong>g surpris<strong>in</strong>gly well sell<strong>in</strong>g my CDs, and merchandise on my website,<br />
kennyneal.net. Now, I’m look<strong>in</strong>g forward to tour<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>…After so long at home, I missed <strong>the</strong><br />
contact with live audiences. I have a new CD titled Let Life Flow.”<br />
music | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
11
nada surf<br />
an <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with frontman mat<strong>the</strong>w caws<br />
by kellie abrahamson<br />
After 16 years, Nada Surf has seen <strong>the</strong> music <strong>in</strong>dustry’s peaks, valleys and everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> between. They topped<br />
<strong>the</strong> charts <strong>in</strong> 1996 with <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong>gle ‘Popular,’ but found out how fi ckle fans can be with <strong>the</strong>ir second major<br />
label record, The Proximity Effect. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> New York-based three-piece has made three phenomenal<br />
albums with <strong>in</strong>die label Barsuk Records and has found a whole new fan base. EU recently spoke with Nada Surf vocalist<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Caws about <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry, <strong>the</strong> awesomeness of MySpace and what to expect later this month when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y rock Jack Rabbits.<br />
EU: You guys have been around <strong>the</strong> music <strong>in</strong>dustry for a while. How have you seen th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
changed over <strong>the</strong> years?<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Caws: I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong> great th<strong>in</strong>g is that people don’t have to waste money on records that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
don’t like anymore. They can be educated consumers and check out a lot of stuff for free onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
through MySpace and iTunes--that’s amaz<strong>in</strong>g. What’s maybe not so good is [that] <strong>the</strong> form of <strong>the</strong><br />
album may be <strong>in</strong> danger. That’s k<strong>in</strong>d of a pity… Of course <strong>the</strong> worst th<strong>in</strong>g of all is that record stores<br />
are clos<strong>in</strong>g… because that’s a really valuable place. In so many ways it’s good for <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>munity.<br />
It’s where you discover music and dream. I don’t th<strong>in</strong>k on iTunes you’re really dream<strong>in</strong>g, I don’t th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s a lot of romance <strong>the</strong>re. Sometimes you just want to look through old records, go through <strong>the</strong><br />
used b<strong>in</strong>s. What’s better than that? Just see<strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong> names displayed out physically, tangibly. So<br />
[<strong>the</strong> clos<strong>in</strong>g of record stores] sucks. Live music is do<strong>in</strong>g great, of course, because people are sitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> front of <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>com</strong>puters all day and don’t get to be around o<strong>the</strong>r people. Communion is miss<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
so you can go get that for $15 and have a really good rock<strong>in</strong>’ time. Big, bloated labels s<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, merg<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
dy<strong>in</strong>g; I hate to say I told you so, but obviously <strong>the</strong>y brought it upon <strong>the</strong>mselves. Most CDs are<br />
too expensive; shutt<strong>in</strong>g down Napster was really stupid.<br />
EU: It seems like I hear you guys more on TV shows and movie soundtracks than on <strong>the</strong> radio or<br />
12 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music<br />
{ }<br />
Nada Surf will be at Jack Rabbits on May 31st .<br />
Tickets are $15. For more <strong>in</strong>formation or to purchase tickets<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e, go to jackrabbitsonl<strong>in</strong>e.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
on MTV. Do you th<strong>in</strong>k those mediums are sort of go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> way of <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>osaur too?<br />
MC: Oh, for sure, for sure. I mean, MTV is gone. Videos are back on YouTube, but it’s not <strong>the</strong> same.<br />
It might work out better. TV shows are great. A lot of people that program <strong>the</strong>se TV stations must<br />
have worked at college radio stations. And ads are great because we really need <strong>the</strong> money s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
we’re not mak<strong>in</strong>g money sell<strong>in</strong>g records anymore… Everyth<strong>in</strong>g changed when The Sh<strong>in</strong>s did <strong>the</strong><br />
McDonald’s <strong>com</strong>mercial. At <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong>ir fi rst record that was a big deal because here’s a band<br />
who put out a great record <strong>in</strong> just a few months and I’m like, “This is <strong>the</strong> best band <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re blow<strong>in</strong>g my m<strong>in</strong>d. Oh my God, this record is perfect! Jesus Christ! Whoa, <strong>the</strong>y’re <strong>in</strong> a<br />
McDonald’s <strong>com</strong>mercial. What <strong>the</strong> eff? Well, all bets are off,” you know. Where as… <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 80s this<br />
band called <strong>the</strong> Del Fuegos did a Miller <strong>com</strong>mercial and that was it, <strong>the</strong>ir career was over… So th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
have changed, even though it still seems cheesy when you hear a Who song or a Zeppel<strong>in</strong> song <strong>in</strong> a<br />
car <strong>com</strong>mercial and you’re like, “What <strong>the</strong> f**k, that’s ridiculous.” But, we do need <strong>the</strong> money. We’re<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly not gett<strong>in</strong>g wealthy. We live <strong>in</strong> New York so <strong>the</strong> rent is so high.<br />
EU: You teamed up with MySpace recently. Tell me a little more about Transmissions.<br />
MC: They’ve done a couple of those and asked us to do <strong>the</strong> second one and it was cool. We went to<br />
a record<strong>in</strong>g studio <strong>in</strong> Brooklyn and set up and played some acoustic songs and <strong>the</strong>y fi lmed it and it
was nice; defi nitely got us a lot of hits for a while. I like MySpace a lot, I th<strong>in</strong>k it’s awesome.<br />
EU: Your new album Lucky has gotten some really great re<strong>view</strong>s from critics. How have fans<br />
received it?<br />
MC: Great. It seems like ‘See These Bones’ is <strong>the</strong> one that is really connect<strong>in</strong>g with people. But <strong>in</strong><br />
general all <strong>the</strong> new stuff is be<strong>in</strong>g received great live.<br />
EU: How’s <strong>the</strong> tour go<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
MC: Amaz<strong>in</strong>g. It’s great! We have Mart<strong>in</strong> Wenk from Calexico play<strong>in</strong>g with us this week and a half,<br />
play<strong>in</strong>g trumpet and keyboards and stuff, and <strong>the</strong> week before that we had Louis L<strong>in</strong>o who is a guy<br />
from New York and now lives <strong>in</strong> Texas who helped me record <strong>the</strong> vocals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last few records. He<br />
produces and does some keyboards. It’s just awesome, he’s great. The crowds are amaz<strong>in</strong>g, places<br />
are be<strong>in</strong>g sold out which we’ve never done before. More people than ever are show<strong>in</strong>g up. The<br />
crowds are much bigger than even when we were all over TV with ‘Popular.’<br />
EU: Are you still gett<strong>in</strong>g requests for ‘Popular?’<br />
MC: Yeah, sometimes. We play it sometimes. We often put it <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> set. I th<strong>in</strong>k it’s<br />
pretty funny. I still f**k it up. It’s hard to play.<br />
EU: What’s been your favorite place to play so far?<br />
MC: Boston is amaz<strong>in</strong>g. Boston is always nice. Montreal is amaz<strong>in</strong>g. Toronto is great. I love Canada;<br />
it’s like here except better.<br />
EU: Do you have a favorite song to play live?<br />
MC: I really like play<strong>in</strong>g ‘Whose Authority.’ It’s so easy to play that I can just th<strong>in</strong>k about s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
just enjoy it. Years ago, like after one of our fi rst records, concerts were like a math test- I would just<br />
put my head down and try to get past <strong>the</strong>se ridiculously fast guitar parts. Now I can look up a little<br />
bit. ‘Happy Kid,’ I’ve always loved play<strong>in</strong>g that, and ‘See These Bones,’ <strong>the</strong> fi rst one off <strong>the</strong> new record,<br />
is <strong>the</strong> last song <strong>in</strong> every show now. It’s really satisfy<strong>in</strong>g, it just builds and builds and keeps on<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g and at <strong>the</strong> end it feels a little bit like we’re gett<strong>in</strong>g a po<strong>in</strong>t across.<br />
EU: What can people expect from a Nada Surf show?<br />
MC: We tend to play th<strong>in</strong>gs a little faster than on <strong>the</strong> record, a little harder. We’re basically more<br />
rock<strong>in</strong>’ and we really enjoy it… We’ll be play<strong>in</strong>g some new stuff and some older songs. The shows<br />
are pretty long. We’re k<strong>in</strong>d of loud. We generally will say hi at <strong>the</strong> merch table at some po<strong>in</strong>t, we’re<br />
pretty approachable. That’s about it.<br />
music | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
13
may family events<br />
May 1-4 World of Nations The annual multicultural celebration presented by <strong>the</strong> City and<br />
local multicultural friends will br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> world to you with a fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g cultural dest<strong>in</strong>ation that<br />
showcases <strong>the</strong> unique diversity of our planet and <strong>the</strong> wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of<br />
different nations. Come to Metropolitan Park for an excit<strong>in</strong>g adventure around <strong>the</strong> world. Info:<br />
www.coj.net.<br />
May 1-31 Jacksonville Suns Baseball The Suns will play 15 home games <strong>in</strong> May. Here<br />
are a few special family events: May 2 - Southpaw’s Birthday Party, free ice cream for kids<br />
and fi reworks after <strong>the</strong> game, May 4 - Dog Tag Giveaway and Kids Cl<strong>in</strong>ic on <strong>the</strong> Field, May<br />
6 - Family Feast Night with fi fty-cent hot dogs, peanuts and ice cream treats, May 18 - Meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> ZOOperstars. For <strong>the</strong> adults, <strong>the</strong>re are three Thursday Night Throwdowns <strong>in</strong> May. For <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>com</strong>plete schedule go to jaxsuns.<strong>com</strong> or call (904) 358-2846.<br />
May 2 – 4 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival The Festival celebrates it’s 45th anniversary<br />
with more than 300 juried F<strong>in</strong>e Arts & Crafts exhibitors, 75+ Antiques & Collectible vendors,<br />
Fun Zone with kid friendly activities, live enterta<strong>in</strong>ment from three stages and, of course, Pirates!<br />
What would a Shrimp Festival be without dozens of food booths featur<strong>in</strong>g shrimp specialties.<br />
Historic downtown Centre Street bus<strong>in</strong>ess district <strong>in</strong> Fernand<strong>in</strong>a Beach on Amelia Island, Florida.<br />
Info: www.shrimpfestival.<strong>com</strong><br />
May 2-4 St. Paul’s 25 th Annual Beaches Carnival Rides, games, fair food and more, this Jax<br />
Beach tradition has it all. Admission <strong>in</strong>to carnival is free, tickets required for food, games and<br />
rides. St. Paul’s Catholic Church<br />
May 3 Get Hooked on Fish<strong>in</strong>g Not Drugs Children ages 4 to 12 are <strong>in</strong>vited to Jacksonville<br />
Beach to get hooked on fi sh<strong>in</strong>g, not drugs. The nationwide program is an annual event and<br />
features fun activities, food and, of course, fi sh<strong>in</strong>g. Fish<strong>in</strong>g rods are provided. 9 am to 1 pm.<br />
Huguenot Lagoon– Between Third Street & 2nd Street South<br />
May 3 Play Smart! Stay Safe! Kids ages 4-16 can get custom-fi tted for a sports safety helmet<br />
emblazoned with <strong>the</strong> Jaguars’ logo at this free event at <strong>the</strong> Jaguars’ practice fi eld. Jaguar<br />
player Mike Peterson and good old Jaxson de Ville will make special appearances. There will be<br />
activities for parents, too, with demonstrations on how to properly <strong>in</strong>stall child car seats. 10 am<br />
to 2 pm. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Info: (904) 858-7788<br />
May 3 Safe Kids Water Safety Day Water safety is what it’s all about at <strong>the</strong> Zoo on May 3 rd . In<br />
addition to see<strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong> cool animals, families are <strong>in</strong>vited to <strong>the</strong> Play Park to learn ways to keep<br />
everyone safe while cool<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> water this summer. The event <strong>in</strong>cludes activities, safety<br />
tips, enterta<strong>in</strong>ment and a visit from Jazoo. 11 am to 3 pm. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Info:<br />
(904) 757-4463<br />
May 4 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & O<strong>the</strong>r Stories In If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Stories you get seven delightful plays <strong>in</strong> one. Kids will see some of <strong>the</strong>ir favorite books go from<br />
<strong>the</strong> page to <strong>the</strong> stage with <strong>the</strong> help of six talented actors. Tickets: $6. 10 am and 12 pm. Florida<br />
Theatre, Info: (904) 353-3500 or <strong>the</strong>atreworksjax.<strong>com</strong><br />
May 8 Battledrum Based on a wealth of <strong>com</strong>pell<strong>in</strong>g stories of real-life children who fought<br />
<strong>the</strong> Civil War, Battledrum explores a <strong>com</strong>plex period <strong>in</strong> American history through <strong>the</strong> eyes of<br />
young people who found <strong>the</strong>mselves on <strong>the</strong> front l<strong>in</strong>es of <strong>com</strong>bat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of smoke-fi lled<br />
battlefi elds. Tickets: $6. 9:30 and 11:30 am. Florida School for <strong>the</strong> Deaf and Bl<strong>in</strong>d, St August<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
Info: (904) 353-3500 or <strong>the</strong>atreworksjax.<strong>com</strong><br />
14 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | family<br />
May 9 Sw<strong>in</strong>g Night! + Guitar Hero tournament<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> Murray Hill Theatre’s usual Sw<strong>in</strong>g Night<br />
activities (<strong>in</strong>structor-led dance lessons, DJs sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g cool<br />
tunes and good, clean fun), kids will also get a chance<br />
to virtually rock out dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir massive Guitar Hero<br />
tournament. Admission: $8. 8:30 pm. Murray Hill<br />
Theatre, Info: (904) 388-3179<br />
May 10 Teddy Bear Affair Jo<strong>in</strong> Nemours’ Children’s<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ic for <strong>the</strong>ir annual Teddy Bear Affair. Kids who<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>jured teddy bears receive free admission<br />
and teddy bear check-ups to be performed by<br />
Nemours’ skilled staff. 10 am to 4 pm. Jacksonville<br />
Zoo & Gardens, Info: (904) 757-4463<br />
family<br />
{ }<br />
May 11 Pops at <strong>the</strong> Beach - Annual Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Day<br />
Concert Br<strong>in</strong>g Mom, <strong>the</strong> kids, a lawn chair, and<br />
some snacks and celebrate Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Day with an outdoor concert by <strong>the</strong> beach. This local favorite is sure<br />
to please with enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, relaxation, and some quality time with Mom! Sea Walk Pavillion; Jacksonville<br />
Beach, Info: (904) 249-3972<br />
May 15 Insect Giants Com<strong>in</strong>g to MOSH Buzz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this May is Insect Giants, a swarm of gigantic bugs<br />
that will be crawl<strong>in</strong>g through MOSH this summer. At <strong>the</strong> Members’ Only Party on May 15 members will get<br />
a sneak peak of <strong>the</strong> Insect Giants exhibit. Go to members only section of <strong>the</strong>mosh.org to get details. But<br />
don’t worry, you won’t have to watch your step around <strong>the</strong>se bugs…<strong>the</strong>y’re up to 120 times <strong>the</strong>ir actual<br />
size! The Museum of Science & History, Info: (904) 396-MOSH (6674)<br />
May 16-18 Super 7 World Series of Pa<strong>in</strong>tball National Professional Pa<strong>in</strong>tball Tournament with 175 top<br />
pa<strong>in</strong>tball teams from around <strong>the</strong> world as well as Jacksonville’s own backyard will be <strong>com</strong>pet<strong>in</strong>g on fi ve<br />
fi elds set up on <strong>the</strong> grounds outside of Jacksonville’s Municipal Stadium. The teams will be <strong>com</strong>pet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for $100,000 <strong>in</strong> prize money and over 30,000 spectators are expected to attend over <strong>the</strong> three-day event.<br />
The event will be fi lmed for 13 episodes of Xtreme Pa<strong>in</strong>tball on Fox Sports Net. Fun for <strong>the</strong> entire family<br />
with plenty of games to watch and a free <strong>in</strong>teractive tradeshow. Grandstand seats can be reserved by<br />
purchas<strong>in</strong>g tickets at <strong>the</strong> NPPL Registration Tent or at NPPL.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
May 26 Frog Frolic Hop on down to Adventure Land<strong>in</strong>g for its 5th Annual Frog Frolic! Purchase a frog<br />
(all proceeds benefi t <strong>the</strong> American Heart Association) throughout <strong>the</strong> month of May at both Jacksonville<br />
Adventure Land<strong>in</strong>g locations and <strong>com</strong>e on down on May 26 th to see <strong>the</strong> little guys race around <strong>the</strong> Lazy<br />
River. The person with <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g frog will receive a fabulous prize (a pair of United Motors Matrix 150cc<br />
Scooters) and o<strong>the</strong>r great prizes will be awarded for second through fourth place frogs. Adventure Land<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Info: AdventureLand<strong>in</strong>g.<strong>com</strong>
free outdoor enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />
summer movies by kellie abrahamson<br />
In spite of ris<strong>in</strong>g temperatures, Floridians typically associate summer with outdoor activities. For<br />
many families that means watch<strong>in</strong>g Little League games, build<strong>in</strong>g sandcastles at <strong>the</strong> beach or simply<br />
play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>klers <strong>in</strong> our own backyards. But summer fun doesn’t have to end when <strong>the</strong> sun goes<br />
down, especially here on <strong>the</strong> First Coast. There are a number of cool th<strong>in</strong>gs to do with <strong>the</strong> family dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
those warm summer nights. This month we’ll look at my personal favorite--outdoor movies. Two area<br />
locations will be hav<strong>in</strong>g outdoor movies <strong>in</strong> May and, best of all, <strong>the</strong> price is right: free!<br />
night owl c<strong>in</strong>ema (st. august<strong>in</strong>e)<br />
The recently renovated St. August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre is a wonderful facility to see a concert <strong>in</strong> but it’s<br />
also great for a night at <strong>the</strong> movies. Though <strong>the</strong>ir Night Owl C<strong>in</strong>ema series is already <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are still a couple of movies <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> May that you and your family can check out. While no<br />
outside food will be permitted, various local restaurants will be on hand with some outstand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
goodies. Gates open at 6:30 pm and <strong>the</strong> fi lms start at 8 pm. Here’s what’s <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g up:<br />
May 9 th : Willy Wonka & <strong>the</strong> Chocolate Factory (Rated G)<br />
May 23 rd : The Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Bride (Rated PG)<br />
Please call (904) 471-1965 for more <strong>in</strong>formation on Night Owl C<strong>in</strong>ema.<br />
moonlight movies (jacksonville beach)<br />
This Beaches staple always promises to be a good time for <strong>the</strong> whole family. Head to <strong>the</strong> Sea Walk<br />
Pavilion each Friday night beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g on May 23rd for a free movie under <strong>the</strong> stars. A children’s play<br />
area is open from 6 pm to 8 pm and <strong>the</strong> fi lm beg<strong>in</strong>s at 9 pm. The <strong>current</strong> schedule is as follows:<br />
May 23rd : Jaws (Rated PG)<br />
May 30th : Shrek (Rated PG)<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on Moonlight Movies, call (904) 247-6268.<br />
Downtown Jacksonville did <strong>the</strong>ir own outdoor<br />
movie screen<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> April, with <strong>the</strong>ir Movies <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Park series, held at <strong>the</strong> Jessie Ball DuPont<br />
Park on <strong>the</strong> Southbank. While my husband and I<br />
have spent many a<br />
balmy even<strong>in</strong>g under<br />
<strong>the</strong> stars watch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
movies, this was <strong>the</strong><br />
fi rst time we took<br />
our kids along with<br />
us. What was once<br />
a classic “Abrahamson<br />
Date Night”<br />
turned <strong>in</strong>to a really<br />
fun “Abrahamson<br />
Family Night.”<br />
Because <strong>the</strong> movies<br />
are scheduled<br />
at nightfall, <strong>the</strong> family and I were able to head<br />
Downtown right after my husband got off work a<br />
6 pm, so <strong>the</strong>re was no need to make any special<br />
arraignments with his job. Once we got to <strong>the</strong><br />
park, we staked out our spot and hit <strong>the</strong> conces-<br />
June 6th : The African Queen (Not Rated)<br />
June 13th : Poltergeist (Rated PG)<br />
sions, which had a decent variety of goodies to<br />
choose from and were surpris<strong>in</strong>gly well priced.<br />
We got back to our blanket and settled right as<br />
<strong>the</strong> night’s feature presentation, Ghostbusters,<br />
appeared on <strong>the</strong><br />
large screen. Aside<br />
from <strong>the</strong> occasional<br />
“Mommy, is that<br />
a good ghost or a<br />
bad ghost?” and a<br />
potty break each, both<br />
kids did a great job<br />
watch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> movie<br />
outside <strong>the</strong> confi nes<br />
of a darkened <strong>the</strong>ater.<br />
Afterward, I asked<br />
<strong>the</strong>m which was better,<br />
watch<strong>in</strong>g movies <strong>in</strong>side or watch<strong>in</strong>g movies<br />
outside. Without hesitation, <strong>the</strong>y both agreed that<br />
ly<strong>in</strong>g on a blanket on <strong>the</strong> ground beats sitt<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
straight and tall at a movie <strong>the</strong>ater any day. For<br />
once that’s someth<strong>in</strong>g we can all agree on!<br />
tips for enjoy<strong>in</strong>g outdoor movies with your kids:<br />
• Plan ahead and pack a picnic d<strong>in</strong>ner of easy to eat foods like sandwiches, veggie<br />
sticks and grapes. Anyth<strong>in</strong>g that requires a fork should stay out of your picnic basket.<br />
• If you don’t have time to pack a picnic, sw<strong>in</strong>g by an ATM and pick up some cash on<br />
your way to <strong>the</strong> movie. Most venues have vendors on hand sell<strong>in</strong>g snacks and dr<strong>in</strong>ks.<br />
• Soak <strong>the</strong> entire family <strong>in</strong> bug spray or risk be<strong>in</strong>g eaten alive, particularly if you’ll be<br />
sitt<strong>in</strong>g on grass<br />
• Try to arrive early to get <strong>the</strong> best seats. If you’re br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a blanket, consider sitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
closer to <strong>the</strong> stage to avoid obstructions. If you’ll be <strong>in</strong> lawn chairs, you’re better off<br />
sitt<strong>in</strong>g towards <strong>the</strong> back to avoid be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g obstructions to those on blankets.<br />
• Even though you are outside, try to be considerate of o<strong>the</strong>rs by keep<strong>in</strong>g talk<strong>in</strong>g to a<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum while <strong>the</strong> movie is play<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
family | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
15
CA BOOM<br />
gets green<br />
california’s design trade fair and exhibition<br />
by troy spurl<strong>in</strong><br />
reen, Susta<strong>in</strong>able, Renewable, Environmentally Responsible,<br />
and Eco Build<strong>in</strong>g. These words resonated throughout<br />
my stay <strong>in</strong> Los Angeles dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi fth annual CA<br />
BOOM design show (caboomshow.<strong>com</strong>) held <strong>in</strong> Los Angeles March<br />
14th through <strong>the</strong> 16th G<br />
. Sponsored by Metropolitan Home, Modernism,<br />
Wired, and Ready Made, CA BOOM is North America’s only multi-discipl<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
non-traditional design trade fair and exhibition <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
highest caliber of architects, designers and design manufacturers.<br />
The tradeshow kicked off with an open<strong>in</strong>g party on Friday night <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid-century designed<br />
Santa Monica Hangar. An open bar and <strong>the</strong> sounds of DJ Valida created just <strong>the</strong> right atmosphere for<br />
this excit<strong>in</strong>g and cutt<strong>in</strong>g edge show. Most partygoers walked <strong>the</strong> fl oor brows<strong>in</strong>g booths by some of<br />
<strong>the</strong> top names <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> modern design world: Fleetwood Doors and W<strong>in</strong>dows, Poliform, Bloom Baby,<br />
Modern Shed, and TWENTIETH, to name a few.<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> more chilled persuasion, I found my way to a most awesome yurt (<strong>the</strong>nomayurt.<br />
<strong>com</strong>) fi lled with pillows outside <strong>the</strong> hangar (<strong>in</strong> case ya didn’t know...a yurt is a circular domed dwell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that is portable and self-support<strong>in</strong>g; orig<strong>in</strong>ally used by nomadic Mongol and Turkic people of<br />
central Asia). What a great addition it would be to any home to have a yurt <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> backyard to ga<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with friends or that special someone. The possibilities are endless.<br />
I was lay<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>in</strong>side <strong>the</strong> yurt and try<strong>in</strong>g to conjure <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner Mongolian <strong>in</strong> me when I was<br />
quickly brought back to reality by Rocio Romero. One of <strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g architects <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> modern “prefab”<br />
movement, Romero stepped <strong>in</strong>to my nomadic doma<strong>in</strong>. It was kismet, as I have been dream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for quite some time of my little glass pre-fab studio by <strong>the</strong> marsh and meet<strong>in</strong>g her. Rocio’s designs<br />
16 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | at home<br />
at home<br />
of pre-fab homes are environmentally correct, <strong>the</strong> prices are <strong>in</strong>credible, and <strong>the</strong> style is unforgettable<br />
(visit lvseries.<strong>com</strong>).<br />
The exterior shells start at $35,000 and Rocio says <strong>the</strong> shipp<strong>in</strong>g to Jacksonville is about $5,000<br />
(that is a factory-built kit home). A general contractor builds it on site. Now I just have to fi nd an<br />
awkward piece of property (read: cheap!) with a great marsh <strong>view</strong>!<br />
The Architectural and Design tours featured some of <strong>the</strong> most excit<strong>in</strong>g new or recently <strong>com</strong>pleted<br />
residential projects from West LA to Pacifi c Palisades. Each day a tour of fi ve residential projects<br />
was offered (a total of 15 homes) with <strong>the</strong> caveat of meet<strong>in</strong>g and be<strong>in</strong>g given a tour of <strong>the</strong> residence<br />
by <strong>the</strong> actual architect(s) of <strong>the</strong> project. The highlight for me was <strong>the</strong> FELDERMAN KEATINGE RESI-<br />
DENCE. A really nice re<strong>in</strong>terpreted <strong>version</strong> of a split-level that blends loft and suburban liv<strong>in</strong>g. One of<br />
<strong>the</strong> more strik<strong>in</strong>g uses of design <strong>in</strong> this project was <strong>the</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g room and d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room that are separated<br />
by a 25’ long by 1 1/2” ribbon skylight. This vertical sliver of glass cont<strong>in</strong>ued down <strong>the</strong> adjacent<br />
12’ high walls. Not to mention that all of <strong>the</strong> huge glass doors on <strong>the</strong> back of <strong>the</strong> house retracted <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>the</strong> walls, creat<strong>in</strong>g a oneness with nature.<br />
Back on <strong>the</strong> trade show fl oor, I was overwhelmed at <strong>the</strong> number of vendors present that offered<br />
products that were “green.” The fl oor was divided <strong>in</strong>to dist<strong>in</strong>ct zones that grouped related products<br />
and services toge<strong>the</strong>r by discipl<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational design manufacturers, national and limited<br />
production manufacturers, studio furniture, modern parent<strong>in</strong>g, modern prefab, <strong>in</strong>door/outdoor liv<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g accessories, and surfaces and fi nishes. The Modern Kitchen and Bath section featured fully<br />
<strong>in</strong>stalled kitchens from Poliform, CHR/Scavol<strong>in</strong>i, New York Loft, Liebherr and Valcuc<strong>in</strong>e/Dom.<br />
{ }<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong> “green” <strong>com</strong>panies that particularly caught my<br />
eye were:<br />
epoxy green<br />
epOxy Green offers <strong>the</strong> highest quality <strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able build<strong>in</strong>g and design products to support both<br />
residential and <strong>com</strong>mercial applications for all budgets. Floor<strong>in</strong>g, wall fi nishes, contertops, cab<strong>in</strong>ets<br />
and hardware, and sheet and lumber. (epoxygreen.<strong>com</strong>)<br />
valcuc<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Valcuc<strong>in</strong>e has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able design of cab<strong>in</strong>etry for 25 years. Their products are<br />
as environmentally responsible as <strong>the</strong>y are visually strik<strong>in</strong>g. They are non-pollut<strong>in</strong>g and versatile recyclable.<br />
(domshowrooms.<strong>com</strong>)
kirei board<br />
Kirei Board is a strong, lightweight, durable, and an environmentally friendly substitute for wood.<br />
Manufactured from reclaimed sourghum straw with no added formaldehyde adhesive, Kirei board is<br />
a perfect choice for furniture, cab<strong>in</strong>etry, and casework. Also available <strong>in</strong> Bamboo. (kireiusa.<strong>com</strong>)<br />
cisco home<br />
Cisco Home is genu<strong>in</strong>ely <strong>com</strong>mitted to a susta<strong>in</strong>able world. It is <strong>the</strong> fi rst brand to offer only FSC<br />
certifi ed upholstered furniture (FSC certifi cation ensures responsible use of forest resources). (ciscohome.net)<br />
<strong>the</strong> nomad yurt<br />
The Nomad is an ancient Mongolian yurt re<strong>in</strong>vented for today. It is <strong>the</strong> perfect backyard sanctuary for<br />
yoga, meditation, or just hang<strong>in</strong>g out (that is what I am talk<strong>in</strong>g about). (<strong>the</strong>nomadyurt.<strong>com</strong>)<br />
bloom baby<br />
Parents and baby beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g life toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> style. (bloombaby.<strong>com</strong>)<br />
After a week of architectural tours and visit<strong>in</strong>g with design vendors from all over <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States and abroad, I can enthusiastically re<strong>com</strong>mend this event to <strong>the</strong> trade and to enthusiasts. It is<br />
<strong>in</strong>deed a very excit<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>in</strong> architecture and design with <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>fusion of “green” <strong>in</strong>to our daily lexicon.<br />
We all must strive for positive environmental changes <strong>in</strong> both our homes and <strong>the</strong> world at large,<br />
}<br />
a greener u<br />
by jennifer mccharen<br />
It’s almost too obvious to notice at fi rst, but s<strong>in</strong>ce almost everyth<strong>in</strong>g we do takes place<br />
<strong>in</strong>side some sort of build<strong>in</strong>g; <strong>the</strong> structures <strong>the</strong>mselves can be a major part of <strong>the</strong> energy consumption<br />
problem. This is also why chang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> way we create <strong>the</strong>m can be a major part of <strong>the</strong><br />
solution.<br />
With Florida fac<strong>in</strong>g a population <strong>in</strong>fl ux of around 1000 people per day, we have some serious<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g to do about our use of precious resources. A renewed focus on alternative energy<br />
sources and conservation of power, water, and open land is happen<strong>in</strong>g all across America. Even<br />
here, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> conservative South, <strong>the</strong> new environmental movement is alive and well.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most important characteristics of <strong>the</strong> new environmentalism is that it uses a<br />
pragmatic application of technology with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g market system to solve <strong>the</strong>se press<strong>in</strong>g<br />
resource problems. The green build<strong>in</strong>g movement is a good example of this new tactic, and could<br />
prove to be one of <strong>the</strong> best ways to solve problems of energy over-consumption and a slow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
post-<strong>in</strong>dustrial economy<br />
At <strong>the</strong> head of <strong>the</strong> green build<strong>in</strong>g movement is <strong>the</strong> US Green Build<strong>in</strong>g Council, which adm<strong>in</strong>isters<br />
<strong>the</strong> Leadership <strong>in</strong> Energy and Environmental Design standard (LEED for short). The LEED<br />
standard evaluates build<strong>in</strong>gs for built-<strong>in</strong> effi ciency features such as w<strong>in</strong>dows and ducts that don’t<br />
leak conditioned air, light<strong>in</strong>g fi xtures designed not to waste power, and fi xtures such as toilets and<br />
faucets that require less water to function properly.<br />
The LEED standards also go a bit outside <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g itself, award<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts for build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
that seek a more holistic effi ciency. LEED exam<strong>in</strong>es a build<strong>in</strong>g’s connections to public transportation<br />
(which reduces employee energy consumption), and choices made <strong>in</strong> landscap<strong>in</strong>g (prioritiz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> use of non-<strong>in</strong>vasive and drought-tolerant natives). For <strong>com</strong>mercial properties, additional<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts are awarded to <strong>com</strong>panies that provide services for <strong>the</strong>ir employees such as improved<br />
<strong>in</strong>door air quality and amenities for those who <strong>com</strong>mute by bicycle, like <strong>in</strong>door bike storage and<br />
showers.<br />
The USGBC’s standard is one of only a few nationally recognized ones, but it is far from<br />
alone. With<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past few years green standards of various str<strong>in</strong>gencies have been developed by<br />
many regions, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g our own.<br />
The Florida Green Build<strong>in</strong>g Coalition has a standard similar to LEED, but has much less<br />
expensive certifi cation fees. It also has a few aspects tailored to be more specifi c to Florida than<br />
LEED, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g hurricane safety requirements.<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>se standards is typically only 1-5% more expensive than build<strong>in</strong>g to conventional<br />
codes, despite <strong>the</strong> perception that green methods cost signifi cantly more, accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to Ellen Reed. Ellen runs <strong>the</strong> local blog, susta<strong>in</strong>abuild.net, and is one of Jacksonville’s lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
champions of susta<strong>in</strong>able construction. She works for <strong>the</strong> fi rm Break<strong>in</strong>g Ground, which builds<br />
<strong>com</strong>mercial spaces and is <strong>current</strong>ly construct<strong>in</strong>g a green roof on <strong>the</strong>ir offi ce.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> challenges of promot<strong>in</strong>g green build<strong>in</strong>g is gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> message across to <strong>the</strong><br />
folks that actually wield <strong>the</strong> hammers. David Reed (no relation to Ellen) from JEA’s conservation<br />
department has been reach<strong>in</strong>g out to <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>com</strong>munity <strong>in</strong>tensively over <strong>the</strong> past year,<br />
monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> progress of various green projects, and teach<strong>in</strong>g courses on <strong>the</strong> different green<br />
standards. For <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong>se courses, check out <strong>the</strong>ir website, jea.<strong>com</strong>/green, and look for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Green Built Homes of Florida Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Calendar.<br />
What can you do? First of all, learn about how your home and offi ce build<strong>in</strong>gs use energy,<br />
and learn ways to improve <strong>the</strong>ir effi ciency. JEA publishes guides to help you, and will even<br />
conduct free residential energy audits to show you exactly how your home’s effi ciency can be<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased.<br />
If you’re <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> market for a new home or offi ce space, ask for green and check your facts.<br />
It’s best to look for a reputable third-party standard such as LEED or FGBC. For example, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>credible Stalwart Built homes <strong>in</strong> Florida’s panhandle claim net-zero energy costs, and boast a<br />
LEED Plat<strong>in</strong>um rat<strong>in</strong>g (that’s USGBC’s highest standard—basically you can’t do better than that<br />
unless you live <strong>in</strong> a tent <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of a <strong>com</strong>munity garden). Their website, stalwartbuilt.<strong>com</strong>,<br />
proudly expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong>ir impressive green features such as geo<strong>the</strong>rmal heat<strong>in</strong>g and cool<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
truly <strong>in</strong>novative construction methods.<br />
Luckily, here <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville two of <strong>the</strong> best hous<strong>in</strong>g deals around happen to be green ones.<br />
First time homebuyers can take advantage of down payment assistance programs through nonprofi<br />
t developers like Operation New Hope and Riverside Avondale Development Organization.<br />
Both are build<strong>in</strong>g affordable, green-certifi ed houses <strong>in</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>gfi eld and Riverside, respectively.<br />
Check out operationnewhope.<strong>com</strong> and radocdc.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
at home | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
17<br />
}
notes from <strong>the</strong><br />
bachelor pad by troy spurl<strong>in</strong><br />
‘Closer’ by N<strong>in</strong>e Inch Nails, ‘Echoes’ by P<strong>in</strong>k Floyd, and anyth<strong>in</strong>g by Portishead and Barry<br />
White. Do you know what <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>in</strong> <strong>com</strong>mon? They are great pieces of music and musicians that<br />
you can rely on when you are feed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> kitty (“lovemak<strong>in</strong>g” for you romantic types). At m<strong>in</strong>imum,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y set a great tone when you are try<strong>in</strong>g to seal <strong>the</strong> deal. Whoa, decorator dude, why are you talk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about music and sex? Well, my bro<strong>the</strong>rs, it’s time for us to move <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> bedroom. The place where<br />
it all happens--and I a<strong>in</strong>’t talk<strong>in</strong>g about sleep. No, I am talk<strong>in</strong>g about creat<strong>in</strong>g an environment where<br />
she wants to remove all of her cloth<strong>in</strong>g, climb <strong>in</strong>to your bed, and “bahm -chicka- bahm- bahm.”<br />
But we’ve got a lot of work to do before that happens. Face it; right now she hates everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about your bedroom. The dirty clo<strong>the</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> stacks of old Sports Illustrated magaz<strong>in</strong>es, <strong>the</strong> fl oor that<br />
has not been vacuumed, a coffee cup from yesterday morn<strong>in</strong>g (or last week), <strong>the</strong> litter box that needed<br />
to be changed two weeks ago, and – most importantly – your bed, <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>forter, and <strong>the</strong> sheets<br />
you have on <strong>the</strong>m. Yep, she hates <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y feel, <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y smell, and <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y look! And<br />
when <strong>the</strong> girlie no like <strong>the</strong> bedroom, you no get <strong>the</strong> girlie (at least not twice).<br />
So let’s start with just an overall feel<strong>in</strong>g for our bedroom. We want it to tie <strong>in</strong> with our liv<strong>in</strong>g area<br />
{ }<br />
However, under no circumstances should you place a bed angled<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a corner. I don’t care if your girlfriend, mo<strong>the</strong>r, or gay friend<br />
who watches HGTV told you it was a great idea. It is just wrong.<br />
that we have been work<strong>in</strong>g on for <strong>the</strong> past four months. I th<strong>in</strong>k for guys like us, with places like ours,<br />
it is smart to go Asian. Reds, browns, black, dragons, Asian symbols, swords, sculpture <strong>in</strong> wood, a<br />
water feature (could be a founta<strong>in</strong> or a fi sh tank), a “liv<strong>in</strong>g” tree (bamboo or palm) and a few pieces<br />
of chrome accents. F<strong>in</strong>ally, with this <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong>ation it is always good to add a dash of white. So kick<br />
back and let me lay it out for you.<br />
I believe that bedrooms must be symmetrical. The symmetry br<strong>in</strong>gs harmony, peace, and a<br />
sense of balance. See how this Asian <strong>the</strong>me already is work<strong>in</strong>g? It be<strong>com</strong>es a retreat from this<br />
chaotic world <strong>in</strong> which we live. So, with that <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, let’s place <strong>the</strong> bed on <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> wall so<br />
that if you were to lay down you would be able to see <strong>the</strong> door <strong>in</strong> front of you, past your feet. I can’t<br />
stress <strong>the</strong> importance of this placement. If you have a room that runs narrow and you have no o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
choice <strong>the</strong>n plac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> bed on <strong>the</strong> largest wall (from <strong>the</strong> door we see <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> bed) that will<br />
work too; just not as effectively. However, under no circumstances should you place a bed angled<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a corner. I don’t care if your girlfriend, mo<strong>the</strong>r, or gay friend who watches HGTV told you it was a<br />
great idea. It is just wrong.<br />
18 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | at home<br />
With <strong>the</strong> bed now <strong>in</strong> place let’s tackle your chest and/or dresser. If it is possible, we are go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
place <strong>the</strong> chest on <strong>the</strong> same l<strong>in</strong>e as <strong>the</strong> foot of <strong>the</strong> bed. Are you follow<strong>in</strong>g me? If not, get some tape<br />
and lay a l<strong>in</strong>e on ei<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> bed that cont<strong>in</strong>ues <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e at <strong>the</strong> foot of <strong>the</strong> bed. Place <strong>the</strong> right<br />
hand side of <strong>the</strong> chest on that l<strong>in</strong>e (you should now see <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> chest from <strong>the</strong> doorway) and<br />
have a nice path up <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> bed. Do <strong>the</strong> same th<strong>in</strong>g with your dresser or desk on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
side.<br />
I gotta say it fellas, I HATE a desk <strong>in</strong> a bedroom, it is so college dorm! But if you must, you<br />
must, and that is all I am go<strong>in</strong>g to say about it.<br />
Now, we need to place some bedside tables on ei<strong>the</strong>r side of <strong>the</strong> bed. I don’t care if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
low, high, or mismatched. If <strong>the</strong>y are mismatched, make sure that <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> same height, o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />
it will look junky. Okay, with <strong>the</strong>se pieces now <strong>in</strong> place let’s address light<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Light<strong>in</strong>g is everyth<strong>in</strong>g! We want to create <strong>the</strong> right mood and if you have not taken my advice on<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g else listen to this. I am go<strong>in</strong>g to give you my biggest secret. At Lowes, <strong>the</strong>y have a polished<br />
chrome table lamp that is awesome. It is sleek, modern, and looks very high end. You can expect to<br />
buy two for less than 45 bucks a piece. It has a white short drum shade with two light<strong>in</strong>g pulls that<br />
drop symmetrically. Hence, we have two bulbs per lamp. Put a 15 watt bulb <strong>in</strong> one and 40 watt bulb<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. That gives us altoge<strong>the</strong>r three light<strong>in</strong>g options, one with each pull: 1. Turn on <strong>the</strong> 15 watt<br />
when <strong>the</strong> deal has been sealed. 2. Use <strong>the</strong> 40 watt bulb when you are read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bed or need a little<br />
more light. 3. Turn on both bulbs when you are gett<strong>in</strong>g dressed for a night on <strong>the</strong> town, need to fi nd<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g, or want to create your latest submission for x-tube. Bro<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>se lamps can handle it all!<br />
Okay, <strong>the</strong> bed! White sheets are a must. C’mon man, it is <strong>the</strong> only white th<strong>in</strong>g I am putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> room so free it up. They assure her that what she is ly<strong>in</strong>g down on is clean. So save <strong>the</strong> colored<br />
sheets for when you have a live-<strong>in</strong> or get married.<br />
Spurl<strong>in</strong>’s Asian-<strong>in</strong>spired bedroom<br />
For your sheets, I want you to go over to Home Goods. It’s on Southside Boulevard by <strong>the</strong><br />
Avenues Mall and <strong>the</strong>y have high-end 300-plus thread count sheet sets (fi tted, top, and two pillow<br />
cases) for under 40 bucks (30 if you look really hard and sometimes 20 if you walk <strong>the</strong> clearance<br />
aisle and luck is on your side). Just a short word on thread count: <strong>the</strong> higher <strong>the</strong> count <strong>the</strong> softer <strong>the</strong><br />
sheet and that is all you really need or care to know about thread count. Make sure that <strong>the</strong> sheets<br />
are 100% cotton. They will get softer and softer with age. Soft sheets are your friend. While you<br />
are <strong>the</strong>re, go to <strong>the</strong> pillow aisle. They have Joseph Abboud pillows that are a down syn<strong>the</strong>tic (feels<br />
like down but no fea<strong>the</strong>rs stick<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> head and <strong>the</strong>y are allergen free). They are amaz<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are 12 dollars a piece. It is a steal, so buy four. “But dude, we only have two pillow cases <strong>in</strong> our<br />
sheet set!” No worries, while head<strong>in</strong>g up to <strong>the</strong> register you will pass <strong>the</strong> sheet aisle aga<strong>in</strong> and see<br />
packages of two pillow cases for under seven bucks. So, with your new sheets and new pillows <strong>in</strong><br />
hand, put a smile on that face pee-wee, ‘cause you have just changed your life.<br />
But we aren’t done. Don’t get all cocky th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g that Barry is go<strong>in</strong>g to be s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bedroom<br />
tonight. We are a month out. Keep your door closed and use <strong>the</strong> multiple surfaces we created previously.<br />
Remember movie night? Well, now she doesn’t have to br<strong>in</strong>g her own pillow, Mr. Abboud has<br />
remedied that. Now go rent Into <strong>the</strong> Wild (don’t wait for Netfl ix) at Blockbuster, stop at Liz Grenamyer’s<br />
new take-home gourmet (919 K<strong>in</strong>g Street, <strong>the</strong> cross is College) and pick up some of <strong>the</strong> best<br />
food <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville. I had <strong>the</strong> pork tenderlo<strong>in</strong> and it was <strong>the</strong> best I have ever had. One serv<strong>in</strong>g will<br />
feed both of you for under 11 bucks. Add a bottle of w<strong>in</strong>e, a loaf of good French bread, and bro<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
she may take you <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> wild…
EU’s pull-out guide to <strong>the</strong><br />
2008 Jacksonville<br />
Film Festival<br />
{{<br />
Pages 19 - 30 are part of <strong>the</strong> guide to <strong>the</strong><br />
2008 Jacksonville Film Festival. Please<br />
pull-out <strong>the</strong>se pages and save <strong>the</strong>m for a<br />
<strong>com</strong>plete guide to everyth<strong>in</strong>g happen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with <strong>the</strong> festival May 15 - 21.<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
19
{{<br />
The Jacksonville Film Festival is one of our favorite events all year. From movie lovers to art lovers to music lovers to people that just<br />
like to party, <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Film Festival has someth<strong>in</strong>g for everybody. Take <strong>in</strong> some serious documentaries on topics as varied as<br />
<strong>the</strong> economy to <strong>the</strong> career of <strong>the</strong> late Hunter S. Thompson. Not <strong>in</strong>to documentaries? Check out <strong>the</strong>ir healthy selection of narrative<br />
features. From <strong>com</strong>edies such as Skills Like This to <strong>in</strong>novative dramas like The Tracey Fragments, you’ll need this guide to get you to<br />
<strong>the</strong> best films <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> festival. Our writers have already watched a good deal of <strong>the</strong> films featured, so we have some re<strong>view</strong>s from a local<br />
perspective. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you’re look<strong>in</strong>g for a <strong>com</strong>plete schedule of where, when and what films or just some <strong>in</strong>sight to select <strong>the</strong> features<br />
you are most <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re isn’t a better partner you could have at <strong>the</strong> Film Fest than <strong>the</strong> EU.<br />
showcase events<br />
Open<strong>in</strong>g Night Celebration<br />
Thursday May 15, 2008<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Premiere of Crazy<br />
7:30 p.m – 9:30 p.m. – Open<strong>in</strong>g Night Ceremony and screen<strong>in</strong>g of Crazy and see <strong>the</strong> stars<br />
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. - Open<strong>in</strong>g Night Celebration at Maverick’s, celebrate with Ali Larter, Waylon Payne,<br />
Rick Bieber, Jimmy Bruno, David Smith, Skip & Nancy Frye, Jerry Carris, Ed Cotton, and Dave Plummer<br />
of CRAZY $15 open<strong>in</strong>g night movie / $25 Mavericks party<br />
Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema Celebration<br />
Friday May 16, 2008<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Premiere of Meteoro<br />
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre<br />
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema Ceremony and Screen<strong>in</strong>g of Meteoro<br />
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. – SAMBA! SALSA! AND SWING! Party at The Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g<br />
$15 Includes reception, fi lm and after party at The Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Hollywood Film and Gala<br />
Saturday May 17, 2008<br />
East Coast Premiere of The Year Of Gett<strong>in</strong>g To Know Us<br />
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre<br />
7:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. -Hollywood Night Film Presentation - The Year Of Gett<strong>in</strong>g To Know Us<br />
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. - Hollywood Night Gala Downtown Public Library<br />
$15 Includes cocktail reception and fi lm presentation<br />
$75 Hollywood Night Gala – sponsored by Grey Goose and Bacardi<br />
Hip-Hop For The Masses Celebration<br />
Sunday May 18, 2008<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Premiere of Inside The Circle<br />
6 pm. – 8 p.m. - Ceremony and Screen<strong>in</strong>g of Inside The Circle<br />
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Hip-Hop For The Masses street party<br />
$15 Includes fi lm presentation and street party<br />
Europa!Europa!<br />
Monday May 19, 2008<br />
(All presentations below will take place at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre) To purchase tickets <strong>in</strong> advance for any of <strong>the</strong> fi lms mentioned, please call (904) 355-2787<br />
6 pm. – 8 p.m. - Ceremony and Screen<strong>in</strong>g of “Regarde Moi” (A<strong>in</strong>’t Scared)<br />
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. – After party at Cafe 331 featur<strong>in</strong>g hor douvres and music from Europa. Guest receive<br />
one <strong>com</strong>plimentary Bacardi dr<strong>in</strong>k with <strong>the</strong>ir fi lm ticket. There is no charge for this event<br />
20 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
The 2008 Jacksonville Film Festival will be held at <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
venues. All of <strong>the</strong> locations except for Fuel Coffeehouse are located <strong>in</strong><br />
downtown Jacksonville and are with<strong>in</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g distance of each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Fuel is located <strong>in</strong> Five Po<strong>in</strong>ts, only a few m<strong>in</strong>utes away.<br />
The Florida Theatre<br />
128 East Forsyth Street<br />
Phone: (904) 355-2787<br />
fl orida<strong>the</strong>atre.<strong>com</strong><br />
Jacksonville Ma<strong>in</strong> Library<br />
303 N Laura St<br />
(904) 630-2665<br />
jpl.coj.net<br />
Times-Union Center- Terry Theatre<br />
300 West Water Street.<br />
(904) 633-6110<br />
jaxevents.<strong>com</strong><br />
venues<br />
Fuel Coffeehouse<br />
1037 Park Street<br />
(904) 425-3835<br />
myspace.<strong>com</strong>/fuel<strong>in</strong>5pts<br />
Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk,<br />
Upstairs at The Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2 Independent Dr # 250<br />
(904) 356-1110<br />
mavericksat<strong>the</strong>land<strong>in</strong>g.<strong>com</strong><br />
Cafe 331<br />
331 West Forsyth St.<br />
354-1999<br />
Lucy Lui and Jimmy Fallon <strong>in</strong><br />
The Year of Gett<strong>in</strong>g to Know Us
programs<br />
THE WORLD OF DOCS<br />
Screen<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong> best of documentaries from around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
VIVA CINEMA<br />
Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema <strong>in</strong>cludes a broad selection of fi lms from Mexico, <strong>the</strong> Caribbean,<br />
and Central and South America <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Brazil.<br />
STUDENT FILM PROGRAM<br />
Student fi lm screen<strong>in</strong>gs, as well as FREE workshop and awards presentation<br />
for high school and college students.<br />
BRINGING HOLLYWOOD HOME<br />
This series will focus on fi lms with a connection to Jacksonville and Florida.<br />
MADE IN THE U.S.A<br />
The biggest fi lm program, <strong>the</strong>se fi lms focus on fi lms written, directed and<br />
produced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA.<br />
THE SHORT OF IT<br />
The best of USA and International short fi lms<br />
INDEPENDENT BLACK CINEMA<br />
This program will focus on <strong>the</strong> black fi lms from <strong>the</strong> U.S.A., Europe, and<br />
Africa.<br />
ON THE EDGE<br />
Cutt<strong>in</strong>g edge fi lms <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g experimental, avant-garde and horror.<br />
A TASTE OF ASIA<br />
Films from Asian region.<br />
GAY AND LESBIAN CINEMA<br />
The newest <strong>in</strong>dependent fi lms with GLBT <strong>the</strong>mes.<br />
A MOMENT OF SILENCE PLEASE<br />
A program of fi lms, specifi cally for, by, or about deaf people.<br />
COMING OF AGE<br />
Films that deal with teenage <strong>issue</strong>s that are universally appeal<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
uplift<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
HIP HOP FOR THE MASSES<br />
Films that focus on hip-hop, break danc<strong>in</strong>g and urban <strong>the</strong>mes that <strong>in</strong>spire.<br />
EUROPA! EUROPA!<br />
The best of European Independent Films.<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
21
<strong>the</strong> fi lms of <strong>the</strong> fest<br />
{{<br />
Let <strong>the</strong>se descriptions help you decide which fi lms you will see at this year’s Film Fest. We’ve<br />
watched many of <strong>the</strong>m to provide a local perspective, and <strong>the</strong> Fest has provided us with <strong>the</strong><br />
rest. From a re<strong>view</strong> by Al Letson and many by your favorite EU writers to <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>s with <strong>the</strong> stars<br />
and makers of many of <strong>the</strong> fi lms. F<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> fl icks that tickle your fancy and fi ll your week with great<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependent c<strong>in</strong>ema, Jacksonville Film Fest style.<br />
90 MILLAS (90 MILES)<br />
(USA, 2007, 66 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, World of Docs,<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
A NASHVILLE STATE OF MIND<br />
(USA, 2008, 83 m<strong>in</strong>., World Premiere) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema,<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, World of Docs<br />
Special guest appearances from <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
professionals like Hank Williams III, Jody Williams,<br />
Dan Keen,Doc McGhee and Scott McGhee.<br />
Director: John-Mart<strong>in</strong> Vogel, Producer: John-<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Vogel, Eric Ma<strong>in</strong>ade, Executive Producer:<br />
Samantha Gibb. Fuel, Fri.- 8 pm, Sat.- 8:30 pm<br />
To <strong>the</strong> general public, Nashville, Tennessee<br />
has always been perceived as <strong>the</strong> epicenter of<br />
country music – a hit factory that nurtures new<br />
talent with big record <strong>com</strong>pany contracts and<br />
radio market<strong>in</strong>g. Each new star is produced and<br />
polished by a consortium of producers and musicians<br />
who control <strong>the</strong> artist from record<strong>in</strong>g studio<br />
to radio air play to book<strong>in</strong>g tours. It’s an assembly<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e with set rules. If a new artist can’t make <strong>the</strong><br />
AIN’T SCARED (REGARDE-MOI)<br />
(France, 2007, 97 m<strong>in</strong>) Narrative Feature, Drama<br />
Follow <strong>the</strong> lives of <strong>the</strong> teenagers that live <strong>in</strong><br />
France’s ghetto. This black and white French fi lm<br />
br<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> American understand<strong>in</strong>g of life<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> projects, at least what we understand about<br />
ANTES DE LAS ONCE (JUST<br />
BEFORE ELEVEN)<br />
(Puerto Rico, 2008, 82 m<strong>in</strong>., color, International<br />
Premiere) International Premiere, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema,<br />
Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age<br />
Klo, is a young vivacious fourteen year-old<br />
girl who is about to turn fi fteen. She feels that she<br />
THE BIRTHDAY<br />
(The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, 2007, 63 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs,<br />
Gay and Lesbian<br />
CHASING THE DEVIL<br />
(USA, 2008, 101 m<strong>in</strong>., color, East Coast Premiere)<br />
Gay & Lesbian, World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> USA<br />
John Sterback is a member of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
Emilio Estefan, award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g record producer<br />
and husband of music diva Gloria Estefan,<br />
helms this lively and poignant tribute to <strong>the</strong> musi-<br />
right contacts, <strong>the</strong>n it’s over. They pack <strong>the</strong>ir bags<br />
and go back to <strong>the</strong>ir hometowns.<br />
This penetrat<strong>in</strong>g documentary shows<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r side of Nashville’s burgeon<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ger/<br />
songwriter alternative scene – a <strong>com</strong>munity of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependent artists who support each o<strong>the</strong>r and<br />
play a wide variety of genres – from <strong>the</strong> sneer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
alt-country of Hank Williams III to a cadre<br />
of promis<strong>in</strong>g songwriters who play at open-mic<br />
nights and jam toge<strong>the</strong>r at parties around bonfires.<br />
They move to Nashville to stay and <strong>the</strong>y get<br />
day jobs to support <strong>the</strong>mselves while <strong>the</strong>y explore<br />
this excit<strong>in</strong>g scene.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong>se aspir<strong>in</strong>g artists go on to sign<br />
record deals, and some launch <strong>in</strong>dependent labels<br />
as free agents. But as this film depicts, all <strong>the</strong>se<br />
Nashville transplants have one th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>com</strong>mon:<br />
<strong>the</strong>y care about <strong>the</strong> music. Specifically <strong>the</strong><br />
it through media, and shows that th<strong>in</strong>gs aren’t so<br />
different <strong>in</strong> France. Fatima is about to be a famous<br />
soccer player and <strong>the</strong> fi lm takes place dur<strong>in</strong>g his<br />
last week <strong>the</strong>re with his best friend Yannick, his<br />
younger bro<strong>the</strong>r Khalidou and his girlfriend Julie.<br />
Most of <strong>the</strong> kids are worried about be<strong>in</strong>g whores<br />
already has all of <strong>the</strong> responsibilities of an adult,<br />
but she feels one th<strong>in</strong>g is miss<strong>in</strong>g. After all she<br />
already takes care of her fa<strong>the</strong>r, she cleans <strong>the</strong><br />
house, she cooks, irons and has read <strong>the</strong> books<br />
of <strong>the</strong> greatest authors <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong> world. As <strong>the</strong><br />
most signifi cant birthday of a Lat<strong>in</strong>a approaches<br />
she feels she is ready to take that next huge step<br />
towards adulthood; lose her virg<strong>in</strong>ity. Starr<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
A young man is followed <strong>in</strong> his process of<br />
be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g a woman through a transsexual operation<br />
<strong>in</strong> Iran, up to and beyond his operation. We<br />
meet his boyfriend, o<strong>the</strong>r transsexuals; among<br />
politically <strong>in</strong>correct subculture <strong>in</strong> America. He’s a<br />
self-described ‘ex-gay,’ someone who claims to<br />
have changed <strong>the</strong>ir sexual orientation from gay to<br />
straight. Richard Cohen is John’s <strong>in</strong>spiration and<br />
represents <strong>the</strong> public face of <strong>the</strong> ‘ex-gay’ movement<br />
while hid<strong>in</strong>g his own controversial past.<br />
22 APRIL 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
cal sounds of his native Cuba. Featur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> likes<br />
of legendary Lat<strong>in</strong> musicians Arturo Sandoval,<br />
Chocolate Armenteros and Gloria herself, 90 Miles<br />
quality of <strong>the</strong> songwrit<strong>in</strong>g. Their non-threaten<strong>in</strong>g<br />
camaraderie helps <strong>the</strong>m gauge <strong>the</strong>ir progress and<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong>y have what it takes to launch<br />
careers from <strong>the</strong> vibrant Nashville underground<br />
scene. They’re not <strong>the</strong>re to be<strong>com</strong>e rock or country<br />
stars, but to help each o<strong>the</strong>r atta<strong>in</strong> success.<br />
In today’s Nashville’s alternative scene many<br />
new venues have opened up to ac<strong>com</strong>modate all<br />
<strong>the</strong>se new musicians play<strong>in</strong>g diverse genres. New<br />
artists are featured every night and everyone can<br />
be heard and judged by <strong>the</strong> audience. The documentary<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts out that among this new wave of<br />
aspir<strong>in</strong>g artists, <strong>the</strong> standards are high, and <strong>the</strong><br />
group looks up to <strong>the</strong> most talented songwriters.<br />
Incredibly, no one seems to have copped an attitude<br />
of superiority and <strong>the</strong> better songwriters<br />
share <strong>the</strong>ir secrets with <strong>the</strong> group. It sounds<br />
idealistic, and <strong>in</strong> some ways it is, but <strong>the</strong> shar<strong>in</strong>g<br />
versus los<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir virg<strong>in</strong>ity, but <strong>the</strong>ir older sibl<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
are worried about be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g petty crim<strong>in</strong>als or<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir way <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> professional world. If<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is one <strong>com</strong>mon thread between <strong>the</strong> movies<br />
I’ve screened for this festival, it is that modern children<br />
are isolated from <strong>the</strong>ir parents and not gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Amy Rosario, Marianna Monclova, Daria Delgado,<br />
Felix Monclove, Jose Irizarry Rodriguez, Alexandra<br />
Malagon, Flor Joglar, Chelo and Inti. Director:<br />
Andres Ramirez, Producers: Jesse Charbonier Rodriguez<br />
and Ileana Ciena, Executive Producers: Rey<br />
Pascual, Flora Perez Garay and Isreal Rodriguez,<br />
Screenwriter: Ray Figueroa. Times Union Center,<br />
Sat.- 11:30 am, Sun. – 1:30 pm<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, a woman be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g a man, <strong>the</strong> doctors, a<br />
priest and his family. All of <strong>the</strong>m are religious,<br />
all of <strong>the</strong>m are chang<strong>in</strong>g lives, but why would a<br />
‘free’ man choose to be<strong>com</strong>e an ‘unfree’ woman<br />
Chas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Devil uncovers <strong>the</strong> truth beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong><br />
claims of reparative <strong>the</strong>rapists who attack gay<br />
identity as noth<strong>in</strong>g more than a developmental<br />
disorder that can be fixed with a healthy dose of<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapy and prayer. Joannne Highley and Peterson<br />
Toscano take <strong>view</strong>ers deeper <strong>in</strong>side <strong>the</strong> world<br />
is a mov<strong>in</strong>g portrait of <strong>the</strong> artists <strong>in</strong> exile. Director:<br />
Emilio Estefan, Producers: Emilio Estefan and Jose<br />
Maldonado. Fuel, Tue.- 6 pm<br />
of musicianship and songwrit<strong>in</strong>g ideas seems to<br />
encourage cooperation ra<strong>the</strong>r than mean-spirited<br />
backstabb<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
So what is “a Nashville state of m<strong>in</strong>d?” Hank<br />
Williams III said it best when he stated that this<br />
alternative scene is about <strong>the</strong> music and be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
creative by bypass<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> factory system of old<br />
Nashville. It’s a scene <strong>in</strong> which play<strong>in</strong>g music and<br />
shar<strong>in</strong>g ideas rule supreme. If someone rises to<br />
stardom, all <strong>the</strong> better. The group rejoices and<br />
celebrates <strong>the</strong>ir friends’ success. A Nashville<br />
State of M<strong>in</strong>d is about writ<strong>in</strong>g quality songs. If<br />
one can do that, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y will f<strong>in</strong>d a place <strong>in</strong> this<br />
scene and perhaps go on to national prom<strong>in</strong>ence.<br />
From this film, we can surmise that <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r cities with scenes similar to Nashville–like<br />
“An Aust<strong>in</strong> State of M<strong>in</strong>d, or, dare I say, “A Jacksonville<br />
State of M<strong>in</strong>d.” - By Rick Grant<br />
<strong>the</strong> affection <strong>the</strong>y need. This <strong>the</strong>me has never been<br />
more heavy-handed than <strong>in</strong> this fi lm, which deals<br />
with racial bitterness, <strong>the</strong> desire to be someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
different, and <strong>the</strong> cold reality of life <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> projects.<br />
Times Union Center, Tue.- 8:30 pm - By Jon Bosworth<br />
and lead a veiled life from now on? A portrait of<br />
schizophrenic lives <strong>in</strong> a schizophrenic environment.<br />
Directed by Nig<strong>in</strong> Kianfar and Daisy Mohr.<br />
Fuel, Fri.- 10 pm<br />
of ex-gay m<strong>in</strong>istries with <strong>the</strong>ir journeys <strong>in</strong>side<br />
New York City’s LIFE M<strong>in</strong>istry, where demons are<br />
believed to cause homosexuality, and exorcisms<br />
are <strong>the</strong> preferred form of treatment. Directed and<br />
Produced by: Mishara Can<strong>in</strong>o-Hussung and Bill<br />
Huss<strong>in</strong>g. Fuel, Sat.- 6 pm, Sun.- 6:30 pm
CRACKER: THE LAST COWBOYS<br />
OF FLORIDA<br />
(USA, 2007, 75 m<strong>in</strong>., color & B/W, North Florida<br />
Premiere) In <strong>the</strong> USA, World of Docs, A Family<br />
Affair Library, Sat.- 2:45 & 6:45 pm<br />
If you were asked to participate <strong>in</strong> an exercise<br />
of association and given <strong>the</strong> topic Florida,<br />
you would probably answer sunsh<strong>in</strong>e, beaches,<br />
oranges, retirees and Disney World. Filmmaker<br />
Victor Milt would like to enter cowboys and cattle<br />
ranch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to your thought process with his documentary,<br />
Cracker: The Last Cowboys of Florida. It<br />
was quite a revelation to learn about <strong>the</strong> real cowboys,<br />
ranchers, cattlemen and women that have<br />
played such an <strong>in</strong>tegral role <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> state for so<br />
long. Milt’s film demonstrates <strong>the</strong> history, culture,<br />
work, surround<strong>in</strong>gs and struggle of this simple,<br />
yet beautiful, albeit often laborious, way of life.<br />
Milt and his wife Kim, who produced <strong>the</strong><br />
documentary, had a long career mak<strong>in</strong>g television<br />
DOHAA (DARK WATERS)<br />
(India, 2007, 93 m<strong>in</strong>., International Premiere) Taste<br />
of Asia, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age, Books Alive<br />
Set <strong>in</strong> rural Western India, Dohaa (Dark Waters)<br />
is <strong>the</strong> story of physical lust and its horrifi c<br />
consequences for two tender lives. Bhiki, a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
DYING TO LIVE<br />
(USA, 121 m<strong>in</strong>., color, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn USA Premiere)<br />
World of Docs, made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
FREKUENSIA KOLOMBIANA<br />
(Colombia, 2007, 58 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Hip-Hop<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Masses, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age, World of Docs<br />
GHOSTS OF THE HEARTLAND<br />
(USA/CHINA, 2007, 81 m<strong>in</strong>, B/W) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
Taste of Asia<br />
It’s 1952, <strong>the</strong> McCarthy era is at its peak<br />
GONZO<br />
(2007, 120 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
Gonzo, narrated by Johnny Depp, is <strong>the</strong><br />
defi nitive fi lm biography of a mythic American fi g-<br />
<strong>com</strong>mercials. Kim grew up <strong>in</strong> Arcadia, a small<br />
town <strong>in</strong> Central Florida sou<strong>the</strong>ast of Tampa and<br />
north of Cape Coral. It was on <strong>the</strong> couple’s trips<br />
to see family <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area that Victor’s <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />
cowboys was whetted. After retir<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> couple<br />
decided to make <strong>the</strong> Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e State <strong>the</strong>ir permanent<br />
residence. Milt set out to pay homage to <strong>the</strong><br />
cowboys and land that <strong>in</strong>trigued and captivated<br />
him on his many visits by captur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> photos<br />
and pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs. His hobby quickly evolved and<br />
eventually grew to be <strong>the</strong> now-celebrated documentary.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> scenic prairies and rustic corrals to<br />
<strong>the</strong> rip-roar<strong>in</strong>g rodeos and convivial town parades,<br />
<strong>the</strong> film gives you a real sense of not just what<br />
<strong>the</strong>se people do, but who <strong>the</strong>y really are. High<br />
morals, a tenacious work ethic and reverence for<br />
God, family and land permeate through <strong>the</strong> culture<br />
with <strong>the</strong> utmost s<strong>in</strong>cerity and sanctity and are not<br />
a shtick performed when <strong>the</strong> stereotype is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
called upon. Mostly told <strong>in</strong> first-person <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>s,<br />
CRAZY<br />
(USA, 2008) Sou<strong>the</strong>ats Premiere! Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
Crazy is an <strong>in</strong>dependent feature based on <strong>the</strong><br />
life of legendary Nashville guitarist, Hank Garland,<br />
who played on record<strong>in</strong>gs by artists such as Roy<br />
Orbison, Patsy Cl<strong>in</strong>e and Elvis Presley. As a result<br />
of his often confl ictive experience with <strong>the</strong> Nashville<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r of three, is <strong>the</strong> mistress of Vishnu. On <strong>the</strong><br />
verge of puberty, Bhiki’s daughter Kamli is shunned<br />
by her classmates. While <strong>the</strong> village grocer and<br />
class bully lust for her, Kamli develops tender feel<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
for Ajay, who arrives from Mumbai and jo<strong>in</strong>s<br />
her class. Will <strong>the</strong> swirl<strong>in</strong>g Dark Waters of poverty<br />
and lust destroy Kamli’s <strong>in</strong>nocence, her capacity<br />
Documentary filmmaker Ben Mittleman<br />
decides to turn <strong>the</strong> camera on himself when<br />
confronted with <strong>the</strong> same open-heart surgery that<br />
derailed his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s life. Dy<strong>in</strong>g to Live chronicles<br />
THE END<br />
(England, 70 m<strong>in</strong>., B/W) World of Docs, On <strong>the</strong><br />
Edge, Europa! Europa!<br />
The End is a never before told story of a<br />
Frekuensia Kolombiana explores <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />
forms of Colombian music and its relation to<br />
Hip-Hop. By way of <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>s, events, situations<br />
and landscapes, <strong>the</strong> documentary, uncovers a<br />
youth that constructs from exclusion a movement<br />
and big city reporter, Roland Lu, is return<strong>in</strong>g to his<br />
hometown of Millville. When Roland arrives <strong>in</strong> town<br />
he fi nds that <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese <strong>com</strong>munity is experienc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
persecution similar to <strong>the</strong> early stages of <strong>the</strong> Jewish<br />
experience <strong>in</strong> 1930s Germany. Roland fears that<br />
ure, a man Tom Wolfe called our “greatest <strong>com</strong>ic<br />
writer,” Hunter S. Thompson. He began his writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />
career at Roll<strong>in</strong>g Stone Magaz<strong>in</strong>e. They devoted an<br />
it is apparent that <strong>the</strong> project was conceived and<br />
made from a place of veneration.<br />
Cracker makes a major tone shift from <strong>the</strong><br />
triumphant and often jubilant stories and philosophies<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cowboys, ranchers, rodeo performers<br />
and historians to a very serious SOS sent to audiences<br />
about <strong>the</strong> affect of ever-<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g development.<br />
Cattle families that have worked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry for many generations from <strong>the</strong> same land<br />
are be<strong>in</strong>g forced to sell to developers because of<br />
persistently accelerat<strong>in</strong>g taxes and costs. There<br />
is also less land for <strong>the</strong>ir herds to graze. It’s a call<br />
that transcends politics and economic debate,<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g straight to <strong>the</strong> human concerns that range<br />
from a dy<strong>in</strong>g culture and dim<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g virg<strong>in</strong> forest<br />
land to questions about food supply.<br />
The message of preservation <strong>com</strong>es swift<br />
and is <strong>in</strong> no way seamless, but makes sense <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> context. Milt effectively <strong>in</strong>troduces <strong>the</strong> people,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir work and <strong>the</strong>ir land know<strong>in</strong>g that you will<br />
quickly go from backwoods curiosity to affection.<br />
Mob of <strong>the</strong> 1950s and his tempestuous relationship<br />
with his wife, Garland barely survived a near-fatal<br />
car crash only to be subjected to electro-shock<br />
treatments, which tragically ended his play<strong>in</strong>g career<br />
at <strong>the</strong> age of thirty-one. Garland also wrote “J<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
Bell Rock,” and was a long-time resident of Orange<br />
Park, Florida, before he died <strong>in</strong> 2004. Musician and<br />
actor Waylon Payne, who played Jerry Lee Lewis <strong>in</strong><br />
to love tenderly and devour her or will she survive<br />
to grow stronger? Based on <strong>the</strong> Marathi novella<br />
“Kaleshar Pani” by noted author H.M. Mara<strong>the</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
fi lm presents a portrait of an impoverished rural life<br />
<strong>in</strong> India. Starr<strong>in</strong>g: Harshada Tamhankar, Director: Raj<br />
Paranjpe, Executive Producer: Raj Paranjpe, Writer:<br />
Raj Paranjpe. Library, Fri.- 6:30 pm, Sat.- 8:45 pm<br />
<strong>the</strong> test<strong>in</strong>g of a man’s heart and <strong>the</strong> process<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
answers found <strong>in</strong> sorrow. The film goes beyond<br />
his personal medical experience reveal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
raw realities of his fight to survive, along with<br />
group of men with a <strong>com</strong>mon bond. All born<br />
<strong>in</strong>to poverty <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> east end of London, striv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for a better life and all that is found is a life <strong>in</strong><br />
crime. Unashamed and unapologetic <strong>the</strong>se men<br />
live <strong>the</strong>ir lives def<strong>in</strong>ed by a code of honor. The<br />
of hope and truth. As we witness <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to<br />
self-produce, organize and multiply knowledge, we<br />
realize <strong>the</strong>ir necessity to perpetuate, <strong>com</strong>municate,<br />
give and exist. Through <strong>the</strong> lyrics of Camajan, Club<br />
, Por Razones de Estado, Zona Marg<strong>in</strong>al and o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
his old nemesis, McCarthyite thug Frank Dugan, is<br />
beh<strong>in</strong>d a plot to steal land from <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese <strong>the</strong> way<br />
he did twenty years earlier from Native Americans.<br />
Roland suffers from a bad case of racial self-hatred.<br />
His old girlfriend Liz, fears he will sell out <strong>the</strong><br />
entire <strong>issue</strong> (its best-sell<strong>in</strong>g ever) to <strong>the</strong> man that<br />
launched a thousand sips of whisky, endless snorts<br />
of coca<strong>in</strong>e and a brash, irreverent, fearless style of<br />
Without tak<strong>in</strong>g a breath, he shows how close <strong>the</strong><br />
entire culture and prist<strong>in</strong>e land is to be<strong>in</strong>g lost forever.<br />
It’s more than a message to Florida residents<br />
about preservation, it’s a warn<strong>in</strong>g to anyone <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world that watches, about <strong>the</strong> sense of urgency<br />
that must be embraced. His plea is simple: do<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g. It’s not heavy-handed, but ra<strong>the</strong>r very<br />
real, very <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sense of at least spread<strong>in</strong>g<br />
awareness.<br />
The charm of <strong>the</strong> cowboy and cattle rancher<br />
way of life doesn’t take a second seat to <strong>the</strong> message<br />
of conservation. Cracker: The Last Cowboys<br />
of Florida gives <strong>view</strong>ers <strong>the</strong> important chance to<br />
see both land and a way of life that is uniquely<br />
unaffected by <strong>the</strong> fast mov<strong>in</strong>g world around it . . .<br />
before it is developed <strong>in</strong>to nonexistence.<br />
Director: Victor Milt, Executive Producer:<br />
Barbara Carlton, Kim Milt, Producer: George Pratt,<br />
Mac Mart<strong>in</strong>, Mart<strong>in</strong> Ross. –By Brenton Crozier<br />
Walk <strong>the</strong> L<strong>in</strong>e, portrays Garland <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi lm. Actress<br />
Ali Larter, who plays Nicki Sanders <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> television<br />
series Heroes, portrays Evelyn Garland. Crazy was<br />
directed, produced and written by Rick Bieber, who<br />
will attend open<strong>in</strong>g night along with actors from<br />
<strong>the</strong> fi lm. Directed by: Rick Bieber. Florida Theatre,<br />
Thur.- 7:30 pm (Read EU’s <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with Waylon<br />
Payne on page 29.)<br />
<strong>the</strong> relentless challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> loved ones<br />
around him dur<strong>in</strong>g his mid-life crisis. Director:<br />
Ben Mittleman, Producers: Ben Mittleman and<br />
Robert F. Landau. Library, Mon.<br />
End reveals a bloody history and <strong>the</strong> confessions<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cockney gangster.<br />
Director: Nicola Coll<strong>in</strong>s, Producer: Teena<br />
Coll<strong>in</strong>s, Screenwriter: Nicola Coll<strong>in</strong>s. Fuel, Fri.-<br />
6:30 pm, Sat.- 4 pm<br />
we discover <strong>the</strong> lucid consciousness of a youth<br />
that through art, seeks to awaken and renew its<br />
society. This documentary represents <strong>the</strong> voice of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Colombian street. Directed by Jose Miguel Restrepo<br />
Moreno. Fuel, Sat.- 10:45 pm, Sun.- 4 pm<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese to write his big story, to w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pulitzer, so<br />
he can be accepted <strong>in</strong>to white society. Ei<strong>the</strong>r way,<br />
Roland will have to take on Frank Dugan. Director,<br />
Producer, Screenwriter: Allen Blumberg. Times<br />
Union Center, Sat.- 6:30 pm, Sun.- 5:15 pm<br />
journalism named “Gonzo” after an anarchic blues<br />
riff by James Booker. Directed by Alex Gibney.<br />
Times Union Center, Tue.- 6 pm<br />
(fi lm descriptions cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 26)<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
23
check <strong>the</strong> schedule: 2008<br />
{{<br />
Use this handy schedule to navigate <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Film Festival from <strong>the</strong> Times-Union Center for <strong>the</strong><br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts to Fuel Coffeehouse <strong>in</strong> Riverside. Times are subject to change, so check fi lmfestival.<br />
jacksonville.<strong>com</strong> for an updated guide <strong>in</strong> case <strong>the</strong>re were any last m<strong>in</strong>ute adjustments.<br />
thursday may 15 th<br />
7:30 p.m. CRAZY Open<strong>in</strong>g Night Ceremony and screen<strong>in</strong>g - Florida<br />
Theatre<br />
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. - Open<strong>in</strong>g Night Party – Mavericks<br />
friday, may 16 th<br />
6 p.m.- METEORO Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema - Florida Theatre<br />
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception<br />
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema Ceremony and Screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
6:30 p.m. THE PROMOTION Special Presentation – Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
6:30 p.m. DOHAA (Dark Waters) (93 m<strong>in</strong>) Taste of Asia, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age,<br />
Books Alive - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
6:30 p.m. THE END (70 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, On <strong>the</strong> Edge, Europa!<br />
Europa! – Fuel<br />
8:00 p.m. A NASHVILLE STATE OF MIND (83 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
World of Docs – Fuel<br />
9:00 p.m. SURFWISE (94 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA -<br />
Jacksonville Public Library<br />
9:00 p.m. REMARKABLE POWER (91 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-<br />
Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
10:00 p.m. THE BIRTHDAY (63 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Gay and Lesbian<br />
– Fuel<br />
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. – SAMBA! SALSA! AND SWING! Party – Jacksonville<br />
Land<strong>in</strong>g<br />
saturday, may 17 th<br />
11:00 a.m.THE LINGUISTS (70 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
Taste of Asia, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
24 APRIL 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
11:30 a.m. ANTES DE LAS ONCE (Just Before Eleven) (82 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva<br />
C<strong>in</strong>ema, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
12:00 p.m. SHORTS OF EPIC PROPORTIONS – Fuel<br />
1:00 p.m. A PERFECT MATCH (47 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
USA, Preceded by short film RACKET (12 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Short of It<br />
- Jacksonville Public Library<br />
2:00 p.m. CUTS LIKE A KNIFE Shorts – Fuel<br />
2:00 p.m. HOMELAND (95 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
2:45 p.m. CRACKER: THE LAST COWBOYS OF FLORIDA (75 m<strong>in</strong>) World<br />
of Docs, Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g Hollywood Home, A Family Affair - Jacksonville Public<br />
Library<br />
4:00 p.m. QUID PRO QUO (93 m<strong>in</strong>) Made In The USA - Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
4:00 p.m. THE END (70 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, On <strong>the</strong> Edge, Europa!<br />
Europa! – Fuel<br />
4:45 p.m. MILLION CALORIE MARCH (102 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, World<br />
of Docs, Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g Hollywood Home - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
6:00 p.m. THE YEAR OF GETTING TO KNOW US Hollywood Film - Florida<br />
Theatre<br />
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception<br />
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. - Hollywood Night Film Presentation<br />
6:00 p.m. CHASING THE DEVIL (101 m<strong>in</strong>) Gay & Lesbian, World of Docs,<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA – Fuel<br />
6:30 p.m GHOSTS OF THE HEARTLAND (81 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Taste<br />
of Asia - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
6:45 p.m. CRACKER: THE LAST COWBOYS OF FLORIDA (75 m<strong>in</strong>) World<br />
of Docs, Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g Hollywood Home, A Family Affair - Jacksonville Public<br />
Library<br />
8:15 p.m. INVISIBLES (106 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Celebration<br />
of Black C<strong>in</strong>ema - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
8:30 p.m. A NASHVILLE STATE OF MIND (83 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
World of Docs – Fuel<br />
8:45 p.m. DOHAA (Dark Waters) (93 m<strong>in</strong>) Taste of Asia, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age,
jacksonville fi lm festival<br />
Books Alive - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
10:00 p.m. – 1 a.m. Hollywood Night Gala – Courtyard /Jacksonville<br />
Public Library<br />
10:45 p.m. FREKUENSIA KOLUMBIANA (58 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Hip-Hop<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Masses, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age, World of Docs – Fuel<br />
sunday, may 18 th<br />
11:00 a.m. SURFWISE (94 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA -<br />
Jacksonville Public Library<br />
11 a.m. SHUT UP AND DO IT (85 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
Alive - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
12:00 p.m. THE BEST OF STUDENT SHORTS – Fuel<br />
1:15 p.m. THE LINGUISTS (70 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
Taste of Asia, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
1:30 p.m. ANTES DE LAS ONCE (82 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age<br />
- Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
2:00 p.m. THE BEST OF JACKSONVILLE STUDENT SHORTS – Fuel<br />
4:00 p.m. FREKUENSIA KOLOMBIANA (58 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Hip-Hop for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Masses, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age, World of Docs – Fuel<br />
4:00 p.m. HOMELAND (95 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
5:15 p.m. GHOSTS OF THE HEARTLAND (81 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Taste<br />
of Asia - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
6:00 p.m. INSIDE THE CIRCLE Hip-Hop for <strong>the</strong> Masses, Ceremony and<br />
Screen<strong>in</strong>g - Florida Theatre<br />
8:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. HIP-HOP FOR THE MASSES STREET PARTY -<br />
Florida Theatre<br />
6:30 p.m. CHASING THE DEVIL (101 m<strong>in</strong>) Gay & Lesbian, World of Docs,<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA – Fuel<br />
6:30p.m I.O.U.S.A (82m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Arts Center<br />
9:00 p.m. REMARKABLE POWER (91 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-<br />
Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
monday, may 19th 6:00 p.m. NORTH STARR (120 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Black C<strong>in</strong>ema -<br />
Jacksonville Public Library<br />
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. REGARDE MOI (A<strong>in</strong>’t Scared) (95 m<strong>in</strong>) Europa! Europa!<br />
Ceremony and Screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
6:30 p.m. SHUT UP AND DO IT! (84 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
- Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
7:00 p.m & 9:30 p.m. THE TRACY FRAGMENTS (93 m<strong>in</strong>) Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age,<br />
On The Edge – Fuel<br />
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Europa After Party at Cafe 331<br />
8:45 p.m. DYING TO LIVE (121 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA -<br />
Jacksonville Public Library<br />
9:00 p.m. QUID PRO QUO (93 m<strong>in</strong>) Made In The USA - Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
tuesday, may 20 th<br />
6:00 p.m. GONZO (120 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-<br />
Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
6:00 p.m. NORTH STARR (120 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Black C<strong>in</strong>ema -<br />
Jacksonville Public Library<br />
6:00 p.m. 90 MILLAS (90 Miles) (66 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, World of Docs,<br />
Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA – Fuel<br />
7:30 p.m. UNDER THE SKIN (59 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, On <strong>the</strong> Edge – Fuel<br />
8:30 p.m. REGARDE MOI (A<strong>in</strong>’t Scared) (95 m<strong>in</strong>) Europa! Europa! -<br />
Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
8:45 p.m. LA FAMILIA TORTUGA (The Turtle Family) (139 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva<br />
C<strong>in</strong>ema, Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age - Jacksonville Public Library<br />
9:00 p.m. UNDER THE SKIN (59 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, On <strong>the</strong> Edge – Fuel<br />
wednesday, may 21 st<br />
6:00 p.m. UNDER THE SNOW (95 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema - Jacksonville Public<br />
Library<br />
6:00 p.m. BEST OF SHORTS Awards & Special presentation of 48 hour<br />
film project w<strong>in</strong>ners - Times-Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center<br />
8:00 p.m. SKILLS LIKE THIS (87 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA - Times-Union<br />
Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center, Followed by Clos<strong>in</strong>g Night Celebration<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
25
HOMELAND<br />
(USA, 2007, 95 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
Upon <strong>com</strong>plet<strong>in</strong>g his service <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Israel<br />
Defense Forces, Kobi Zucker needed to get away<br />
from <strong>the</strong> pressures of <strong>the</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g struggles of <strong>the</strong><br />
I.O.U.S.A<br />
(USA, 2008, 82 m<strong>in</strong>) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, World of<br />
Docs Times Union Center, Sun.- 6:30 pm<br />
“I would argue that <strong>the</strong> most serious threat to<br />
<strong>the</strong> United States is not someone hid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a cave<br />
<strong>in</strong> Afghanistan or Pakistan, but our own fi scal irresponsibility.”<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> documentary<br />
I.O.U.S.A. We’ve all been reluctantly admitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
hushed tones and quiet corners that we are <strong>in</strong> a<br />
recession. Some organizations say it’s <strong>the</strong> worst<br />
INSIDE THE CIRCLE<br />
(USA, 2007, 102 m<strong>in</strong>) Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Premiere! Hip-<br />
Hop for <strong>the</strong> Masses, Com<strong>in</strong>g of age, World of<br />
Docs, Taste of Asia<br />
Florida Theatre, Sun.- 8 pm<br />
The latest documentary fi lm by Marcy Garriott<br />
(Heart of Antarctica, Split Decision), Inside <strong>the</strong><br />
Circle takes <strong>the</strong> <strong>view</strong>er deep <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> subculture of<br />
LA FAMILIA TORTUGA (The Turtle<br />
Family)<br />
(USA/Mexico, 2007, 139 m<strong>in</strong>.) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of Age Library, Mon.- 8:45 pm<br />
La Familia Tortuga is a somber look at a family<br />
deal<strong>in</strong>g with death. Maria has passed and left her<br />
family <strong>in</strong> disrepair. The fi lm takes place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> scope<br />
of one entire day, on <strong>the</strong> eve of what is purportedly<br />
<strong>the</strong> anniversary of her depart<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The story successfully balances <strong>the</strong> struggles<br />
of <strong>the</strong> four ma<strong>in</strong> characters. Omar, a young teenag-<br />
THE LINGUISTS<br />
(USA, 2007, 70 m<strong>in</strong>., color) World of Docs, Made<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, Taste of Asia, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
METEORO<br />
(Brazil, 2007) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE! Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
Florida Theatre, Fri.- 7:30<br />
The Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema movie to see at this year’s<br />
Fest is Meteoro, a Brazilian picture that will be gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
its sou<strong>the</strong>ast premiere at <strong>the</strong> JFF.<br />
It’s Brazil <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1960s and a group of men<br />
have been recruited to build a road from Brasilia<br />
to Fortaleza as part of President Juscel<strong>in</strong>o Kubitschek’s<br />
“50 Years <strong>in</strong> 5” growth and development<br />
campaign. The crew is work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a remote area of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Brazilian outback but is kept <strong>com</strong>fortable with<br />
regular supply deliveries from <strong>the</strong> government and<br />
Middle East. With memories of his tour of duty <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> territories fresh <strong>in</strong> his m<strong>in</strong>d, he <strong>com</strong>es to New<br />
York City and meets <strong>the</strong> girl of his dreams. Beautiful<br />
and <strong>in</strong>telligent, Leila is everyth<strong>in</strong>g that Kobi has<br />
ever wanted. But Leila is Palest<strong>in</strong>ian, hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>com</strong>e<br />
fi nancial crisis s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> Great Depression, while<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs shrug it off as a “brief correction.”<br />
This fi lm follows Robert Bixby of <strong>the</strong> nonpartisan,<br />
grass-roots organization <strong>the</strong> Concord<br />
Coalition, which is devoted to advocat<strong>in</strong>g fi scal<br />
responsibility, along with David Walker, <strong>the</strong> Comptroller<br />
General and <strong>the</strong> head of <strong>the</strong> US Government<br />
Accountability Offi ce (essentially <strong>the</strong> government’s<br />
accountant) on what <strong>the</strong>y call <strong>the</strong> Fiscal Wake<br />
Up Tour. As bad as <strong>the</strong> news <strong>the</strong>y are deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />
seems, don’t let it stop you from add<strong>in</strong>g this fi lm to<br />
your it<strong>in</strong>erary. After see<strong>in</strong>g it you will have a better<br />
<strong>the</strong> contemporary B-Boy. It’s not Krush Groove and<br />
it’s not You Got Served. Instead, you get a straightforward<br />
<strong>view</strong> of how <strong>the</strong>se dedicated street dancers<br />
see <strong>the</strong>mselves, each o<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>the</strong> world <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
try<strong>in</strong>g to get up <strong>in</strong>.<br />
From Romeo, <strong>the</strong> former tagger and street<br />
dancer turned founder and promoter of <strong>the</strong> annual<br />
B-Boy City tournament <strong>in</strong> Aust<strong>in</strong>, Texas, to Josh<br />
and Omar, two breakers that started out toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and now are <strong>in</strong> different crews. From 2002 through<br />
INVISIBLES<br />
(Spa<strong>in</strong>, 2007, 106 m<strong>in</strong>., color) World of<br />
Docs, Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Celebration of Black<br />
C<strong>in</strong>ema Library, Sat.- 8:15 pm<br />
This is a story of stories. Featur-<br />
er deals with his sexuality and struggles to fi nd his<br />
identity with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> family, while his older sister Ana<br />
deals with her ra<strong>the</strong>r unexceptional boyfriend and a<br />
volatile relationship with her fa<strong>the</strong>r, Jose. Jose tries<br />
to cope with <strong>the</strong> void left <strong>in</strong> his life, while try<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
reach a respectable unemployment settlement <strong>in</strong><br />
his role as a trade unionist. The most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
character, Uncle Manuel, helps raise his niece and<br />
nephew, but has <strong>the</strong> tendency to meddle <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
family members <strong>in</strong>to <strong>com</strong>plete annoyance.<br />
Even <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong> fi lm was shot, conveys an<br />
envelop<strong>in</strong>g darkness that is br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> dis<strong>in</strong>tegration<br />
of <strong>the</strong> family’s alliance and ultimately <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
David and Greg are The L<strong>in</strong>guists: scientists<br />
rac<strong>in</strong>g to document languages on <strong>the</strong> verge of ext<strong>in</strong>ction.<br />
In Siberia, India, and Bolivia, <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>guists’<br />
resolve is tested by <strong>the</strong> very forces stifl <strong>in</strong>g languages:<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutionalized racism and violent economic<br />
monthly visits from <strong>the</strong> loveliest prostitutes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
region, a bus full of ladies known as “Muchachas<br />
de la Madama” (Madam’s Girls). Dur<strong>in</strong>g one of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir visits, a freak storm knocks out <strong>the</strong> radio and<br />
<strong>the</strong> only bridge out of <strong>the</strong> settlement, effectively<br />
strand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> girls and keep<strong>in</strong>g supply trucks out.<br />
It’s also around this time that a coup d’état throws<br />
<strong>the</strong> government <strong>in</strong>to turmoil.<br />
Just like that <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>pound is forgotten by<br />
those who <strong>com</strong>missioned it and is <strong>com</strong>pletely cut<br />
off from <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> world. Food and water soon<br />
dw<strong>in</strong>dle down to noth<strong>in</strong>g and, just when it looks<br />
like <strong>the</strong> end for <strong>the</strong>se settlers, a meteor smashes<br />
<strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> ground, strik<strong>in</strong>g an underground spr<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
26 APRIL 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
to New York from <strong>the</strong> West Bank with her family<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> death of her oldest bro<strong>the</strong>r dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> Intifada. Despite <strong>the</strong>ir differences, Kobi and<br />
Leila fall <strong>in</strong> love. Meanwhile, Leila’s only surviv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r, Ghazi, is hav<strong>in</strong>g his own troubles adapt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g of how a national economy works,<br />
what is different now than ten years ago, and an<br />
overall understand<strong>in</strong>g that will help you trump <strong>the</strong><br />
punditeers at <strong>the</strong> offi ce. That’s not to say this fi lm<br />
is political.<br />
“Facts aren’t Democrat or Republican. Facts<br />
aren’t liberal or conservative. The facts are just <strong>the</strong><br />
facts,” David Walker said dur<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with<br />
Diane Rehm on National Public Radio.<br />
Here are a couple of those facts: The Federal<br />
debt is <strong>current</strong>ly 8.7 trillion dollars. That number is<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> tune of $239 billion a year, <strong>current</strong>ly,<br />
2006 we meet <strong>the</strong>ir teammates and o<strong>the</strong>r crews<br />
while tapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> brohymn mentality and ghetto<br />
philosophy of this lifestyle. And while at certa<strong>in</strong><br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>the</strong> fi lm borders on tak<strong>in</strong>g itself far too seriously,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s a defi nitive s<strong>in</strong>cerity and enough<br />
street custom and formality to make a sociologist’s<br />
mouth water.<br />
Jump<strong>in</strong>g from tournament to tournament,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> lives of <strong>the</strong> protagonists mixed <strong>in</strong> along <strong>the</strong><br />
way, we see some truly <strong>in</strong>credible breakdanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>g five stories: 1) The life of a bolivian girl work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> Barcelona try<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>the</strong> survival<br />
of her family, who are devastated by an illness<br />
which nobody is try<strong>in</strong>g to cure. 2) Women of <strong>the</strong><br />
Democratic Republic of Congo have suffered <strong>the</strong><br />
worst consequences of war. 3) The dramatic tale<br />
of thousands of children <strong>in</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Uganda. 4)<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual joy.<br />
Although not particularly uplift<strong>in</strong>g, La Familia<br />
Tortuga is a unfi ltered look at <strong>the</strong> problems that<br />
people face at various stages <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir life without<br />
throw<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> contrived quirk<strong>in</strong>ess or bits exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
only as shock value. Extremely well acted and<br />
emotionally perceptive, La Familia Tortuga is sure<br />
to resonate with a broad audience.<br />
Starr<strong>in</strong>g: Jose Angel Bichir, Luisa Pardo,<br />
Manuel Plata Lopez and Dagoberto Gama. Director:<br />
Ruban Imaz Castro, Producer: Maribel Muro,<br />
Screenwriter: Ruban Imaz Castro, Gabriela Vidal.<br />
– Brenton Crozier<br />
unrest. David and Greg must over<strong>com</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
fears and preconceived notions to draw speakers<br />
from decades of silence. Their journey takes <strong>the</strong>m<br />
deep <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> cultures, knowledge, and<br />
<strong>com</strong>munities at stake. Starr<strong>in</strong>g: Gregory Anderson,<br />
sav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m all. What was once a deserted deathtrap<br />
<strong>in</strong>stantly turns <strong>in</strong>to an idyllic oasis and <strong>the</strong> men<br />
and women dub it “Meteoro” (Meteor) <strong>in</strong> honor of<br />
<strong>the</strong> miraculous hunk of rock from on high.<br />
For years <strong>the</strong> citizens of Meteoro lived <strong>in</strong> a<br />
state of blissful peace- a utopian society built on<br />
diversity, free love, <strong>com</strong>munion with <strong>the</strong> earth and<br />
a dis<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> material possessions. Then <strong>the</strong> sky<br />
br<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong>m yet ano<strong>the</strong>r unexpected surprise; a<br />
military helicopter fi nds <strong>the</strong>ir sanctuary and threatens<br />
to take away <strong>the</strong> little plot of paradise <strong>the</strong>y’ve<br />
made for <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
Meteoro is <strong>the</strong> bra<strong>in</strong>child of Diego de la Texera,<br />
an award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Puerto Rican fi lmmaker who<br />
to life <strong>in</strong> his new country and <strong>com</strong>es under <strong>the</strong> spell<br />
of a radical Muslim preacher. Ghazi is determ<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
to prevent Leila from dishonor<strong>in</strong>g her family while<br />
Leila struggles with her feel<strong>in</strong>gs for Kobi and her<br />
past. Times Union Center, Sat.- 2pm, Sun.- 4 pm<br />
and that fi gure will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to <strong>in</strong>crease. Almost<br />
50% of our debt is held by foreign <strong>in</strong>terests. 65% of<br />
all <strong>the</strong> money borrowed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world by countries<br />
last year was borrowed by <strong>the</strong> United States. That<br />
is ten times as much as <strong>the</strong> next largest borrower.<br />
I know, none of that conv<strong>in</strong>ced you to see<br />
this movie, but <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation really is <strong>com</strong>pell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>the</strong> education is reward<strong>in</strong>g. This usually<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r dry <strong>in</strong>formation is spiced up with some good<br />
graphs, some upbeat music and <strong>the</strong>n laced with<br />
Saturday Night Live skits and clips from The Daily<br />
Show and <strong>the</strong> Colbert Report. –By Jon Bosworth<br />
Aust<strong>in</strong>, Mexico, France, Germany, <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands<br />
and Russia. Part gymnastics, part Pilobolus, and<br />
part subway performance, we’re schooled <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
nuances of what judges look for and <strong>the</strong> defi nitions<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Top Rocket, Footwork, and <strong>the</strong> Freeze, just to<br />
name a few.<br />
As various crews and <strong>in</strong>dividuals put <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
skills on <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e and battle it out for respect, Romeo,<br />
Josh, and Omar grow, change, and struggle<br />
to stray true to what <strong>the</strong>y love and “hold it down<br />
<strong>in</strong>side <strong>the</strong> circle.” – by Ian Desousa<br />
The story of how pharmaceutical <strong>com</strong>panies operate<br />
at <strong>the</strong> expense many people <strong>in</strong> Africa. 5) The<br />
f<strong>in</strong>al piece goes to Colombia and <strong>the</strong> guerilla warriors<br />
that dom<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>the</strong> lives of <strong>the</strong> farmers <strong>in</strong> that<br />
region. Producer: Javier Bardem Directors: Wim<br />
Wenders, Javier Corcuera, Mariano Barroso, Isabel<br />
Coixet, Fernando Leon de Aranoa.<br />
K. David Harrison. Directors: Daniel Miller, Jeremy<br />
Newberger and Seth Kramer, Producers: Daniel<br />
Miller, Jeremy Newberger and Seth Kramer, Screenwriter:<br />
Daniel Miller. Library, Sat.- 11 am, Sun.-<br />
1:15 pm<br />
co-founded one of San Juan’s very fi rst movie studios.<br />
Meteoro is only de la Texera’s second feature<br />
fi lm, <strong>in</strong> spite of be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> “<strong>the</strong> biz” for decades. Still,<br />
with <strong>in</strong>vitations to some of <strong>the</strong> most prestigious<br />
Lat<strong>in</strong> American fi lm festivals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world and a<br />
handful of awards under its belt, de la Texera’s<br />
dreamy period piece has more than proven his<br />
skills beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> camera.<br />
The fi lm is spr<strong>in</strong>kled with witty dialogue and<br />
quirky characters, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g lightness to a piece that<br />
could have easily been overlooked. An <strong>in</strong>credibly<br />
eclectic and talented cast br<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong> ragtag band of<br />
hippies to life, each giv<strong>in</strong>g wonderful and memorable<br />
performances. -By Kellie Abrahamson
NORTH STARR<br />
(USA, 2007, 120 m<strong>in</strong>., color) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
Black C<strong>in</strong>ema Library, Mon.- 6 pm<br />
At its essence, North Starr is <strong>the</strong> story of a<br />
man runn<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> past <strong>in</strong> an effort to fi nd himself.<br />
After a visually stunn<strong>in</strong>g open<strong>in</strong>g sequence,<br />
fi lled with symbolism and foreshadow<strong>in</strong>g, North<br />
Starr moves <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> familiar territory of a drug<br />
deal gone bad. Demetrious fl ees his troubled life <strong>in</strong><br />
Houston for <strong>the</strong> rugged landscape of East Texas after<br />
witness<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> brutal murder of a friend. The contrast<br />
between <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g sequence and <strong>the</strong> murder is<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicative of <strong>the</strong> triumphs and failures of this movie.<br />
A PERFECT MATCH<br />
(USA, 2008, 47 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
USA<br />
It is 1950 and <strong>the</strong> civil rights movement is<br />
REMARKABLE POWER<br />
(USA, 2007, 91 m<strong>in</strong>.) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
Directed by Brandon Beckner. Times Union Center,<br />
Fri.- 9 pm, Sun.- 9 pm<br />
Loaded with B-List actors, this story of<br />
Hollywood young and old is a joyride of a dark<br />
<strong>com</strong>edy that deftly weaves toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> stories of<br />
seem<strong>in</strong>gly unrelated people. Kev<strong>in</strong> Nealon is Jack<br />
West, a late night talk show host that has been<br />
QUID PRO QUO<br />
(USA, 2007, 93 m<strong>in</strong>) Made In The USA<br />
SHUT UP AND DO IT!<br />
(USA, 2007, 84 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema, Made <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> USA<br />
SURFWISE<br />
(USA, 2007, 94 m<strong>in</strong>., color) World of Docs<br />
In <strong>the</strong> mid-1950s Dorian Paskowitz was a<br />
successful doctor liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> good life <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> territory<br />
of Hawaii, until two devastat<strong>in</strong>g divorces and<br />
<strong>the</strong> realization that he had no <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> money or<br />
MILLION CALORIE MARCH<br />
(USA, 2007, 102 m<strong>in</strong>., color) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA,<br />
World of Docs, Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g Hollywood Home<br />
Sixty five percent of <strong>the</strong> country is overweight,<br />
100 percent are <strong>in</strong> need of <strong>in</strong>spiration. Jo<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>com</strong>ic personality Gary Mar<strong>in</strong>o, after a 150<br />
lb. weight loss, as he takes audiences on <strong>the</strong><br />
The director, Mat<strong>the</strong>w Stanton, is bold enough to<br />
challenge <strong>the</strong> audience with provocative images and<br />
concepts, and yet does not have <strong>the</strong> script to support<br />
<strong>the</strong>se ideas.<br />
Upon escap<strong>in</strong>g Houston, on <strong>the</strong> road to nowhere,<br />
Demetrious meets a modern black cowboy,<br />
Darr<strong>in</strong>g, who takes <strong>the</strong> place of <strong>the</strong> big bro<strong>the</strong>r he<br />
lost years ago on <strong>the</strong> hard streets of Houston’s 9th<br />
Ward. The loss of Demetrious’ bro<strong>the</strong>r is never really<br />
developed, which be<strong>com</strong>es a glar<strong>in</strong>g problem <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
progression of <strong>the</strong> movie. Darr<strong>in</strong>g takes Demetrious<br />
<strong>in</strong> and <strong>in</strong>troduces him to <strong>the</strong> small town <strong>in</strong> which he<br />
lives. Although befriended by many of <strong>the</strong> residents,<br />
<strong>the</strong> specter of racism and a dark secret threatens to<br />
over<strong>com</strong>e Demetrious and his new friends.<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to take shape. Racial tension is escalat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
as blacks attempt to break down <strong>the</strong> barriers of<br />
segregation. Al<strong>the</strong>a Gibson, 20, is <strong>the</strong> best Negro<br />
tennis player <strong>in</strong> America. Hav<strong>in</strong>g grown up on <strong>the</strong><br />
rough streets of Harlem, Al<strong>the</strong>a now dreams of<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Hollywood s<strong>in</strong>ce he was a child on <strong>the</strong><br />
Bonanza rip-off show Sizzler. Tom Arnold plays a<br />
private <strong>in</strong>vestigator play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> best written role of<br />
his career. A<strong>the</strong>na is a young hip webmaster that<br />
photographs freshly dead people, and Ross is a dirt<br />
rock<strong>in</strong> stoner that we meet while he is smok<strong>in</strong>g pot<br />
off a beer can and eat<strong>in</strong>g a beef patty from a fork.<br />
What ties <strong>the</strong> stories of <strong>the</strong>se very different<br />
characters toge<strong>the</strong>r? A lot of th<strong>in</strong>gs. Preston’s<br />
coke dealer, <strong>the</strong> Jewish crime boss Moses, is one<br />
l<strong>in</strong>k. But who’s Preston? Preston was one of <strong>the</strong><br />
A semi-paralyzed radio reporter is sent out<br />
to <strong>in</strong>vestigate a story that leads him <strong>in</strong>to an odd<br />
subculture and on a journey of disturb<strong>in</strong>g self-re-<br />
Michael is fed up with <strong>the</strong> portrayal of<br />
Lat<strong>in</strong>os <strong>in</strong> film and TV. With his passion for<br />
act<strong>in</strong>g and self respect hang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> balance,<br />
he decides to take dest<strong>in</strong>y <strong>in</strong>to his own hands<br />
SKILLS LIKE THIS<br />
(USA, 2007, 87 m<strong>in</strong>., color, East Coast Premiere,<br />
Clos<strong>in</strong>g Night Film) Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA<br />
Times Union Center, Wed.- 8 pm<br />
Max Solomon (Spencer Berger) is a white<br />
man with a bitch<strong>in</strong>g afro. He also turns out to be<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r good at steal<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs. Skills Like This follows<br />
Max on a strangely subdued nihilistic freakout<br />
status caused him to <strong>com</strong>pletely upend his life.<br />
Dorian dropped his practice and traveled to Israel<br />
for a year where he lived among <strong>the</strong> Bedou<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
developed a lifelong obsession with a healthy<br />
diet, and <strong>in</strong>troduced surf<strong>in</strong>g to Israel. Return<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to <strong>the</strong> States, he met his wife Juliette, and <strong>the</strong><br />
rest was history. Director: Doug Pray, Executive<br />
road with his team of misfit road managers as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y attempt to <strong>in</strong>spire <strong>the</strong> country by walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from Florida to Boston. Million Calorie March,<br />
Mar<strong>in</strong>o’s 1200 mile fundraiser and awareness<br />
campaign, picks up where Supersize Me left off.<br />
Educat<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> public on America’s<br />
obesity epidemic while explor<strong>in</strong>g such <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
The c<strong>in</strong>ematography of <strong>the</strong> desolate East Texas<br />
terra<strong>in</strong> is at times stunn<strong>in</strong>g, but <strong>the</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g and basic<br />
story plot cont<strong>in</strong>ually disappo<strong>in</strong>t. Symbols and characters<br />
appear without explanation and <strong>the</strong> dialogue<br />
at times is stunted and too wordy. Actor Jerome<br />
Hawk<strong>in</strong>s turns <strong>in</strong> a <strong>com</strong>petent performance of Demtrious<br />
only to be held back by <strong>the</strong> limitations of <strong>the</strong><br />
writ<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
North Starr attempts to illum<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>the</strong> cost that<br />
a dark secret can take on <strong>the</strong> souls, as well as on a<br />
<strong>com</strong>munity. Lofty goals that, unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> fi lm<br />
does not ac<strong>com</strong>plish. Director: Mat<strong>the</strong>w Stanton,<br />
Producers: Mat<strong>the</strong>w Stanton, Dr. Paula W<strong>in</strong>dham<br />
and Peter Levermann. Screenwriter: Mat<strong>the</strong>w Stanton.<br />
–By Al Letson<br />
be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g a tennis champion, but her battle to <strong>in</strong>tegrate<br />
<strong>the</strong> elitist sport would prove tumultuous. Five<br />
years later, Al<strong>the</strong>a meets Angela Buxton, a Jewish<br />
girl from London, who is also an outcast on <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational tennis circuit. Angela and Al<strong>the</strong>a be-<br />
testimonials on an <strong>in</strong>fomercial for a series of tapes<br />
that can change your life. Ross likes <strong>the</strong> idea of<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g from rags to riches and he purchased those<br />
tapes when he heard Preston’s testimonial on that<br />
<strong>in</strong>fomercial.<br />
The tapes arrive <strong>the</strong> day before he meets<br />
Preston <strong>in</strong> person. But Preston needs someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from <strong>the</strong> loser Ross, and follow<strong>in</strong>g Preston <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong><br />
Beach House leads Ross forever away from his<br />
path to a life as a Domestic Enhancement Specialist.<br />
As all Hollywood stories go, <strong>the</strong>re is murder,<br />
alization. Written and Directed by Carlos Brooks.<br />
Starr<strong>in</strong>g Nick Stahl, Vera Farmiga, Ashlie Atknison,<br />
Rachel Black, Dylan Bruno, Kate Burton.<br />
by mak<strong>in</strong>g a movie. Michael’s dream soon be<strong>com</strong>es<br />
a nightmare as he encounters <strong>the</strong> trials<br />
of <strong>in</strong>dependent film mak<strong>in</strong>g. Michael’s <strong>com</strong>ic<br />
and emotional journey leads him to realize that<br />
after his play, “The Onion Dance,” fails miserably<br />
and he realizes he’s a very bad writer.<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Max on his wayward spiral are Dave<br />
(Gabriel Tigerman), his uptight roommate, and<br />
Tommy (Brian D. Phelan), <strong>the</strong> enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gly stupid<br />
friend who’s described <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi lm as a “fully functional<br />
seven year old.” Max <strong>com</strong>es to <strong>the</strong> realization<br />
that <strong>the</strong> more he steals <strong>the</strong> better he feels (though<br />
he has no problem giv<strong>in</strong>g it all back), and enjoys an<br />
<strong>in</strong>credibly understated spree of larceny that plays<br />
Producers: Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban,<br />
Joana Vicente and Jason Kliot, Producers:<br />
Tommy Means, Mat<strong>the</strong>w Weaver, Jonathan<br />
Paskowitz and Graydon Carter. Library,<br />
Fri.- 9 pm, Sun.- 11 am<br />
as food addiction, portion sizes, <strong>the</strong> weight loss<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry, child obesity, discrim<strong>in</strong>ation, depression,<br />
sleep apnea, relapse and much more. Director<br />
and Screenwriter: Gary Mar<strong>in</strong>o, Executive<br />
Producers: Gary Mar<strong>in</strong>o and Todd Patk<strong>in</strong>, Co-<br />
Producer: Jimmy Jay Friedan. Library, Saturday<br />
- 4:45 pm<br />
<strong>com</strong>e best friends, and <strong>in</strong> 1956 w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wimbledon<br />
Doubles Championship, thus prov<strong>in</strong>g what friendship,<br />
courage and determ<strong>in</strong>ation can achieve <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
face of adversity. Directed by Bestsy Blankenbaker.<br />
Library, Sat.- 1 pm<br />
accidental and <strong>in</strong>tentional, lurid sexual affairs, and<br />
police dressed as Batman and Rob<strong>in</strong>.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>volvement of <strong>the</strong> Russian mob<br />
through <strong>the</strong> porn movie K<strong>in</strong>g Dong and well <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>the</strong> batt<strong>in</strong>g cage torture of Disco by He-Bro, one<br />
of Moses’ thugs, this fi lm is loaded with genu<strong>in</strong>ely<br />
funny circumstances and punch l<strong>in</strong>es. The end<strong>in</strong>g<br />
seemed a little far-fetched and overly glamorized,<br />
and certa<strong>in</strong>ly every villa<strong>in</strong> didn’t get his due, but<br />
that’s sort of how th<strong>in</strong>gs go <strong>in</strong> Hollywood. Isn’t it?<br />
– By Jon Bosworth<br />
Times Union Center, Sat.- 4 pm, Mon.- 9 pm<br />
<strong>the</strong>re might be more to his dreams than just<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g a movie. Directed by Bruno Irizarry.<br />
Times Union Center, Sun.- 11 am, Mon.- 6:30<br />
pm<br />
out like a bizarre journey of self discovery.<br />
Written by Spencer Berger and directed by<br />
Monty Miranda, Skills Like This watches like a<br />
strange amalgamation of Bottle Rockets, Camus’<br />
The Stranger, and a disaffected 20-someth<strong>in</strong>g’s<br />
sit<strong>com</strong> with a style and atypical humor all it’s own.<br />
Starr<strong>in</strong>g: Spencer Berger, Brian D. Phelan,<br />
Gabriel Tigerman, Kerry Knuppe, Jennifer Batter,<br />
Ned Bellamy, Marta Mart<strong>in</strong> and Zach Cumer. -By<br />
Ian Desousa<br />
(fi lm descriptions cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 28)<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
27
THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS<br />
(Canada, 2007, 93 m<strong>in</strong>) Com<strong>in</strong>g of Age, On The<br />
Edge Directed by Bruce Mcdonald. Fuel, Mon.- 7<br />
& 9:30 pm<br />
This may be <strong>the</strong> best film I have ever seen<br />
<strong>in</strong> my life. It is not amateurish, it <strong>view</strong>s as professional<br />
a production as anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g out of<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>stream Hollywood. It is not void of any familiar<br />
faces, <strong>the</strong> lead role is played by Ellen Page,<br />
who was also <strong>the</strong> star of Juno. It is not <strong>the</strong> hackneyed<br />
work of a “filmmaker” that th<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
an auteur, it is well written, au<strong>the</strong>ntic as hell, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> execution of <strong>the</strong> story was <strong>in</strong>credibly <strong>in</strong>novative.<br />
But if you are epileptic, I would re<strong>com</strong>mend<br />
skipp<strong>in</strong>g this film.<br />
Tracey Berkowitz is a regular fifteen-year old<br />
girl. You know this because she tells you. She is<br />
UNDER THE SKIN<br />
(USA, Japan, 2007, 59 m<strong>in</strong>) World of Docs, On<br />
<strong>the</strong> Edge<br />
UNDER THE SNOW<br />
(Spa<strong>in</strong>, 2007, 95 m<strong>in</strong>) Viva C<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
THE YEAR OF GETTING TO KNOW<br />
US<br />
(USA, 2007, 90 m<strong>in</strong>) Hollywood Film<br />
not abused by her parents, she is not hooked on<br />
drugs, she is not a prostitute. Her and her friends<br />
are not up to antics that will shock and horrify<br />
you. Because she doesn’t really have any friends.<br />
That isn’t because she smells or she’s poor or<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g out of <strong>the</strong> ord<strong>in</strong>ary. It is because she is a<br />
regular fifteen-year old girl that is called “titless”<br />
by most of <strong>the</strong> people <strong>in</strong> her school and “it” by<br />
<strong>the</strong> rest.<br />
The story is confus<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
but as you acclimate to <strong>the</strong> idea of be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>side<br />
of <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d of Tracey Berkowitz, you will adjust<br />
to <strong>the</strong> cocaphany of images that are hurled at<br />
you simultaneously. These are The Tracey Fragments.<br />
You, <strong>view</strong>er, are lucky. You get to see it<br />
all. Tracey’s fantasies play<strong>in</strong>g alongside <strong>the</strong> more<br />
repressed realities. You see her dreamy crush at<br />
school, <strong>the</strong> oh-so emo Billy Zero. But not as it<br />
really is. Not yet. She has some th<strong>in</strong>gs she has to<br />
face first.<br />
Tebori tattoos have been outlawed by <strong>the</strong><br />
Japanese government, due to its underworld ties.<br />
For <strong>the</strong> fi rst time ever, <strong>view</strong>ers will be able to see<br />
<strong>the</strong> small and secret society of <strong>the</strong> Horitoshi Family,<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> unusual connection made between<br />
four female workers at different stages of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lives, Under <strong>the</strong> Snow captures factory life <strong>in</strong><br />
a way rarely seen; personal, fl irtatious and <strong>in</strong>tro-<br />
A successful New York journalist, Christopher<br />
Rockett is a man who feels everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his work<br />
and noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his life. When his estranged fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
suffers a stroke, he’s forced to return to his t<strong>in</strong>y<br />
28 APRIL 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
Director Bruce<br />
McDonald took Maureen<br />
Medved’s adaptation<br />
of her own novel and<br />
created a visual masterpiece<br />
that forces you to<br />
be<strong>com</strong>e Tracey and to<br />
see her horrify<strong>in</strong>g reality<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>side.<br />
This film is <strong>the</strong><br />
true gem of this festival.<br />
More than just a<br />
well told story, it is an<br />
unparalleled c<strong>in</strong>ematic<br />
experience while also<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g sort of <strong>the</strong> female,<br />
movie <strong>version</strong> of Holden<br />
Caulfield. You will have<br />
to see it to understand.<br />
- Jon Bosworth<br />
as well as <strong>the</strong>ir rich culture, exotic land, <strong>the</strong> history<br />
and mythology of Japanese tattoo<strong>in</strong>g. Barth has<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>ed much respect from <strong>the</strong> Horitoshi Family<br />
throughout his career and is <strong>the</strong> only Westerner<br />
spective. With <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter season fast approach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and orders pil<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> snow cha<strong>in</strong> division,<br />
supervisor Javier and shy assistant Jairo are jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
by temporary workers, mo<strong>the</strong>rly Karmentxu and<br />
hometown <strong>in</strong> Florida, where <strong>the</strong> events of his dysfunctional<br />
past swirl around him. The Year of Gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to Know Us is a story about what we all fear<br />
most: Be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g just like our parents. The fi lm<br />
wel<strong>com</strong>ed to immerse <strong>in</strong>to this highly guarded<br />
world, which until now, <strong>the</strong> average person would<br />
have zero access. Directed by Billy Burke. Fuel,<br />
Tue.- 7:30 & 9 pm<br />
feisty Angela. For long, frigid days <strong>the</strong>y each pack<br />
cha<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> silence until Angela starts break<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
rules. Directed by Candela Figueira and Maitena<br />
Muruzabal. Fuel, Wed.- 6 pm<br />
stars Sharon Stone, Jimmy Fallon, Lucy Liu, Tom<br />
Arnold and lleana Douglas. Directed by: Patrick<br />
Sisam (II). The annual Film Festival Gala will immediately<br />
follow. Florida Theatre, Sat.- 7:30 pm
gett<strong>in</strong>g to know waylon<br />
payne<br />
<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with Crazy star by kellie abrahamson<br />
“When I was <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 8 th grade, my drama teacher, Mrs. Eileen Starke, told me <strong>the</strong>re were several places<br />
I needed to be, but <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater stage was not one of <strong>the</strong>m,” Waylon Payne said, add<strong>in</strong>g with satisfaction, “I<br />
showed her.”<br />
Indeed he has. S<strong>in</strong>ce Payne made his silver screen debut as Jerry Lee Lewis <strong>in</strong> Walk <strong>the</strong> L<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>the</strong><br />
Nashville native’s act<strong>in</strong>g career has taken off. Payne has a number of movies <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g out soon, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> supernatural thriller Ghost Image and a crime drama called K<strong>in</strong>gshighway. But it’s his fi lm Crazy, a<br />
biopic <strong>in</strong> which he portrays celebrated musician Hank Garland, that’s gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> red carpet treatment at<br />
this year’s Jacksonville Film Festival. Perhaps that’s because Garland has a local connection, spend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
fi nal years of his life <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> First Coast area.<br />
Though you may not th<strong>in</strong>k you know who Hank Garland is, you certa<strong>in</strong>ly know his work. Garland was<br />
a legendary guitar picker and session man who played with everyone from Roy Orbison to Elvis Presley.<br />
His biggest claims to fame though are his hit song ‘Sugarfoot Rag’ and <strong>the</strong> Christmas classic he co-wrote,<br />
‘J<strong>in</strong>gle Bell Rock.’ Crazy follows his career from <strong>the</strong> fi rst time he stepped onto <strong>the</strong> stage at <strong>the</strong> Grand Ole<br />
Opry at age 15 to his fi nal performance <strong>the</strong>re 30 years later. The bulk of <strong>the</strong> fi lm, however, centers on<br />
Garland’s personal life, particularly his marriage to a blonde beauty named Evelyn, played by Heroes star<br />
Ali Larter.<br />
Hank and Evelyn’s love story has a less than happy end<strong>in</strong>g. Infi delity, a debilitat<strong>in</strong>g car crash and a<br />
st<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> a mental <strong>in</strong>stitution effectively ended both <strong>the</strong>ir marriage and Hank’s music career. Instead of be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
a household name, Garland ended up quietly liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> last 40 years of his life <strong>in</strong> Orange Park with<br />
his bro<strong>the</strong>r and sister-<strong>in</strong>-law, Billy and Amy Garland.<br />
“I th<strong>in</strong>k that it started out be<strong>in</strong>g more of a music th<strong>in</strong>g, you know. Everyone <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> it was really,<br />
really music <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed,” Payne told EU <strong>in</strong> a recent <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>. “[But] a lot of <strong>the</strong> focus shifted to what <strong>the</strong> important<br />
story was… this love that was sort of crazy, if you will.”<br />
Payne says he was drawn to <strong>the</strong> part because it is such a beautiful, bittersweet tale. He also says his<br />
own experiences gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> role and later dur<strong>in</strong>g fi lm<strong>in</strong>g were bittersweet as well.<br />
“It’s such an arduous process,” he said. “The audition th<strong>in</strong>g went on for literally months and after<br />
everyone put <strong>the</strong>ir faith <strong>in</strong> me, I just didn’t want to let anyone down.”<br />
The topsy-turvy existence of <strong>the</strong> country and jazz phenomenon was hard enough for Payne to portray,<br />
but a tragedy <strong>in</strong> his own life made th<strong>in</strong>gs even more diffi cult.<br />
“I’m gonna tell you <strong>the</strong> truth; it was a very, very hard shoot,” Payne said. “There were three pivotal<br />
scenes that were shot on <strong>the</strong> fi nal day of shoot<strong>in</strong>g and on [that day] I awoke to a phone call… it was a<br />
lady tell<strong>in</strong>g me that my mo<strong>the</strong>r had passed… It’s a hard movie for me to watch at times because it was so<br />
different <strong>the</strong>re at <strong>the</strong> end and I can see it on my face… I th<strong>in</strong>k it contributed a lot to <strong>the</strong> fi nal mood [of <strong>the</strong><br />
fi lm].”<br />
His performance <strong>in</strong> Crazy has already been someth<strong>in</strong>g of a launch<strong>in</strong>g pad for his movie career but, a<br />
life long musician himself, Payne also has his sights set on gett<strong>in</strong>g his own music heard. His debut album,<br />
The Drifter, was re-released earlier this year and a live album with Willie Nelson is expected soon. Payne<br />
says <strong>the</strong> sudden jolt to his career is, well, crazy.<br />
“I went from Walk <strong>the</strong> L<strong>in</strong>e, which was just a little [role]… to lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> fi lms,” he mused. “It’s just<br />
really bizarre how life turns. One day you’re not really do<strong>in</strong>g much and <strong>the</strong> next day you’re gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to know <strong>the</strong> world and <strong>the</strong>y get to know you a little bit better.”<br />
Crazy will be Jacksonville Film Festival’s open<strong>in</strong>g night fi lm. Writer, director and producer Rick Bieber<br />
and <strong>the</strong> fi lm’s actors are scheduled to attend <strong>the</strong> screen<strong>in</strong>g and open<strong>in</strong>g night celebration. Tickets for <strong>the</strong><br />
open<strong>in</strong>g night ceremony and movie are $15. An additional $10 will also get you <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> pre-ceremony<br />
cocktail reception and <strong>the</strong> post-screen<strong>in</strong>g after party at Mavericks. To purchase tickets and to get more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong> event, head to fi lmfestival.jacksonville.<strong>com</strong>. For more <strong>in</strong>formation on Crazy, <strong>the</strong> cast and<br />
Hank Garland, visit crazy-<strong>the</strong>movie.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
}<br />
big budget, local scenery<br />
beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> scenes of The Year of Gett<strong>in</strong>g to Know Us by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most anticipated movies at <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Film Festival will have some familiar scenery,<br />
as well as some well-known actors. The Year of Gett<strong>in</strong>g to Know Us, stars SNL <strong>com</strong>ic Jimmy Fallon, Sharon<br />
Stone, Tom Arnold and Lucy Liu, among o<strong>the</strong>rs, and was fi lmed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville area.<br />
Fallon plays Christopher Rockett, a successful New York journalist who is forced to return to his<br />
small North Florida hometown when his estranged fa<strong>the</strong>r has a stroke. He’s suddenly faced with <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
that he has be<strong>com</strong>e his fa<strong>the</strong>r and must learn to get <strong>in</strong> touch with his emotions before he suffers <strong>the</strong> same<br />
fate—dy<strong>in</strong>g alone. It’s a late <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g of age story.<br />
You’ll recognize many of <strong>the</strong> local bridges (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hart and Mat<strong>the</strong>ws) used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> movie for<br />
<strong>the</strong> driv<strong>in</strong>g scenes. The airport where Jimmy Fallon’s character loses his luggage and is forced to rent a<br />
very girlie PT Cruiser is at our own Jacksonville Airport.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong> homes featured <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi lm can be found <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Empire Po<strong>in</strong>t neighborhood and <strong>in</strong> Hidden<br />
Hills.<br />
The <strong>com</strong>pany responsible for produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi lm <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville was R<strong>in</strong>g Productions, a local fi lm<br />
production <strong>com</strong>pany. This was <strong>the</strong>ir fi rst project, so <strong>the</strong>y were understandably excited that it had such star<br />
power and was one of <strong>the</strong> feature fi lms to be chosen for Sundance.<br />
Lawrence Najem Executive Producer & VP of R<strong>in</strong>g Productions says that for <strong>the</strong> fi lm, “<strong>the</strong> pieces<br />
just seemed to fi t toge<strong>the</strong>r. We wanted to make our fi rst project <strong>in</strong> our hometown of Jacksonville and this<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved a story that was <strong>in</strong> a fi ctitious North Florida town.”<br />
The <strong>com</strong>pany got <strong>the</strong>ir start about six years ago, by represent<strong>in</strong>g John Travolta while he was fi lm<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
project <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville.<br />
“We began a relationship with Hollywood through John Travolta and through his agency, <strong>the</strong> William<br />
Morris agency.”<br />
Despite some criticisms from <strong>the</strong> crew about Jacksonville’s nightlife (or perhaps <strong>the</strong> lack of it),<br />
Najem contends that <strong>the</strong> stars of <strong>the</strong> project loved it here.<br />
“Sharon Stone fell <strong>in</strong> love with Jacksonville Beach. The restaurants, <strong>the</strong> people and did br<strong>in</strong>g her<br />
children to stay, for a short time…When I saw <strong>the</strong> stars at Sundance this past January, <strong>the</strong>y all aga<strong>in</strong><br />
mentioned how nice Jacksonville was and <strong>the</strong> people were here…They would be fi lm<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> set and<br />
neighbors would br<strong>in</strong>g cookies…and <strong>the</strong>y really got a kick out it.”<br />
R<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong> post-production on its second fi lm, a Tim Allen <strong>com</strong>edy (also featur<strong>in</strong>g Jenna Elfman and<br />
Andie MacDowell) which <strong>the</strong>y fi lmed <strong>in</strong> Connecticut. Najem says that he hopes to fi lm more <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville,<br />
but while Florida is a state where it’s relatively cheap to fi lm, it’s <strong>com</strong>pet<strong>in</strong>g with o<strong>the</strong>r states (such<br />
as Connecticut, New Mexico, Louisiana and Mississippi) that give fi lmmakers huge tax breaks and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives.<br />
“We do want to fi lm here, but we also have to take <strong>in</strong>to account …<strong>the</strong> best place that our <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
should be for tax purposes…Florida is <strong>com</strong>petitive, but not as <strong>com</strong>petitive as we would like.”<br />
More than 1.8 million dollars were spent <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi lm<strong>in</strong>g, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a nice bit of<br />
outside revenue. Najem tells us that <strong>the</strong> warm response from <strong>com</strong>munity members is one of <strong>the</strong> reasons<br />
stars enjoy work<strong>in</strong>g here. We’re not jaded like some New Yorkers because, after all-- “it’s not <strong>com</strong>monplace<br />
<strong>in</strong> Jacksonville to have a big budget fi lm fi lm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your backyard.”<br />
Here’s hop<strong>in</strong>g R<strong>in</strong>g Productions, and state legislation, will make it a little more <strong>com</strong>monplace <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
future.<br />
jacksonville fi lm festival guide | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
29<br />
}
festival d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
{{<br />
These restaurants located <strong>in</strong> downtown Jacksonville are with<strong>in</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g distance of most of <strong>the</strong> Film<br />
Festival venues. They all serve d<strong>in</strong>ner, but call for hours. If you need directions you can ask one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Downtown Ambassadors, Jacksonville’s Downtown safety and hospitality team. Ambassadors<br />
are easy to spot <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir bright orange shirts and pith helmets as <strong>the</strong>y walk and bike throughout<br />
Downtown Jacksonville, day and night. Park <strong>the</strong> car and enjoy <strong>the</strong> walk.<br />
downtown restaurants<br />
Big Pete’s Pizzeria 118 N. Julia St., 356-2680<br />
Burrito Gallery 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922<br />
Cafe 331 (see our re<strong>view</strong> on page) 331 West Forsyth St, 354-1999<br />
Cafe Nola @ MOCA (closed dur<strong>in</strong>g much of <strong>the</strong> festival for special events)<br />
333 N. Laura St., 366-6911<br />
Casa Dora Italian Restaurant 108 E. Forsyth St., 356-8282<br />
Chew 117 W. Adams St., 355-3793<br />
De Real T<strong>in</strong>g Café 128-1 W. Adams St., 633-9738<br />
E<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong> Bros Bagels 225 Coastl<strong>in</strong>e Dr., 634-4579<br />
Juliette’s Bistro 245 W. Water St., 355-6664<br />
La Cena Ristorante 211 N. Laura St., 633-9255<br />
London Bridge Eatery & Pub 100 East Adams St., 359-0001<br />
Nicky G’s 119 E. Bay St., 356-7200<br />
Plaza III Steakhouse 225 E. Coastl<strong>in</strong>e Dr., 598-0234<br />
Trellises Restaurant Hyatt Regency Riverfront 225 E. Coastl<strong>in</strong>e Dr., 634-4540<br />
Zodiac Grille 130 W. Adams. St., 354-8283<br />
jacksonville land<strong>in</strong>g<br />
There is a selection of restaurants at <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g located at 2 Independent<br />
Dr. The food court has your usual food court assortment of eateries. This is a good<br />
option when you don’t have much time or everyone wants someth<strong>in</strong>g different. The<br />
Land<strong>in</strong>g also hosts an assortment of sit down restaurants with a terrifi c <strong>view</strong>.<br />
American Café 353-4503<br />
Benny’s Steak & Seafood 301-1014<br />
Bourbon Bayou 674-6714<br />
Dona Maria’s 598-2696<br />
Hooters 356-5400<br />
Koja Sushi 350-9911<br />
Mongo’s Flat Hot Grill 665-0123<br />
Twisted Mart<strong>in</strong>i 353-8464<br />
Vito’s Italian Café 355-0064<br />
30 APRIL 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | jacksonville fi lm festival guide<br />
southbank d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
You can make your Film Festival experience even richer by tak<strong>in</strong>g a trip across <strong>the</strong> river on<br />
<strong>the</strong> River Taxi and d<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> Southbank. These restaurants are with<strong>in</strong> walk<strong>in</strong>g distance<br />
of <strong>the</strong> River Taxi drop-offs. Just ask <strong>the</strong> Capta<strong>in</strong> to take you to <strong>the</strong> closest one drop to your<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
American Grill Crowne Plaza Riverfront 1201 Riverplace Blvd., 398-8800<br />
bb’s 1019 Hendricks Ave., 306-0100<br />
Chart House 1501 Riverplace Blvd., 398-3353<br />
Morton’s The Steakhouse 1510 Riverplace Blvd., 399-3933<br />
River City Brew<strong>in</strong>g Company 835 Museum Cir., 398-2299<br />
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Cowne Plaza Riverfront, 1 Riverplace Blvd., 396-6200<br />
Sake House 1478 Riverplace Blvd., 306-2188<br />
Tast<strong>in</strong>gs: A W<strong>in</strong>e Experience 1515 Prudential Dr., 346-0605<br />
The W<strong>in</strong>e Cellar 1314 Prudential Dr., 398-8989<br />
nightclubs<br />
You can get an alcoholic beverage at most of <strong>the</strong> restaurants downtown but if you want some<br />
late night clubb<strong>in</strong>g after a day of <strong>view</strong><strong>in</strong>g fi lms, <strong>the</strong>n check out <strong>the</strong>se area hot spots.<br />
Burrito Gallery 21 E. Adams St., 598-2922<br />
Cafe 331 331 West Forsyth St., 354-1999<br />
Club TSI Disco<strong>the</strong>que 335 E. Bay St., 424-3531<br />
De Real T<strong>in</strong>g Café 128-1 W. Adams St., 633-9738<br />
Dive Bar 331 E. Bay St., 359-9090<br />
Mark’s 315 East Bay Street, 355-5099<br />
Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk & Miss Ellie’s Bardello Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g, 356-1110<br />
The Pearl 1101 N. Ma<strong>in</strong> St., 791-4499<br />
Twisted Mart<strong>in</strong>i Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g, 353-8464
Those that love archetypical French food have sorely missed <strong>the</strong> classy and sexy Crush. The good<br />
news is that it will be reopen<strong>in</strong>g this summer under ano<strong>the</strong>r name, with a different owner. Jon Insetta, who<br />
owns Chew, will be open<strong>in</strong>g it as Restaurant Orsay. There will be room for more d<strong>in</strong>ers, and a renovation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> restaurant. They’ll serve some of <strong>the</strong> traditional French dishes that Crush fans adored, such as steak<br />
tartar and mussels, but d<strong>in</strong>ers can expect more modern items. The emphasis will be on seafood (particularly<br />
crustations), with a raw oyster bar.<br />
may foodcentric events<br />
Ceviche Peruvien from <strong>the</strong> former Crush<br />
where to eat dr<strong>in</strong>k and<br />
be merry by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
May 1 st -4 th World of Nations Celebration<br />
Embark on an excit<strong>in</strong>g journey without leav<strong>in</strong>g Jacksonville! As you travel throughout <strong>the</strong> park you’ll see<br />
over 30 countries represented where you’ll sample food, listen to music, shop crafts and more! Metropolitan<br />
Park. Info: (904) 630-3690<br />
May 2 nd -4 th Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival<br />
Don’t miss this 45th annual festival <strong>in</strong> historic Fernand<strong>in</strong>a Beach – said to be <strong>the</strong> birthplace of <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
shrimp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry! Start<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Pirate Parade kick-off at 6 pm on Thursday even<strong>in</strong>g, and a Pirate Invasion<br />
and Fireworks display on Friday even<strong>in</strong>g. This two and a half day event <strong>com</strong>prises over 300 juried fi ne<br />
arts and crafts booths, regional and local music acts, antiques, food booths, games, face pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g, a rock<br />
climb<strong>in</strong>g wall, and of course shrimp and seafood dishes. Downtown Fernand<strong>in</strong>a Beach. Info: 866-4AMELIA<br />
or shrimpfestival.<strong>com</strong><br />
May 2 nd 2pm – 6pm New Chocolate Room Grand Open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Claude’s Chocolates is hav<strong>in</strong>g a grand open<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>ir new chocolate room, located on U.S. 1 midway<br />
between St. August<strong>in</strong>e and Jacksonville. Taste, shop and meet Claude himself. Claude and Nicole Franques<br />
will be serv<strong>in</strong>g Champagne Bon Bons and a ‘bubbly’ toast, fi ll<strong>in</strong>g a niche <strong>in</strong> Ponte Vedra and St. August<strong>in</strong>e<br />
that is <strong>in</strong>novative while pioneer<strong>in</strong>g a true European-style of luxurious romantic chocolate. Claude is on <strong>the</strong><br />
premises daily design<strong>in</strong>g his signature chocolates. The shop features 100+ confections. Info: claudeschocolate.<strong>com</strong><br />
or (904) 808-8395<br />
May 4 th An Even<strong>in</strong>g of Taste<br />
Chef Mat<strong>the</strong>w Medure will whip up creative fare at Mat<strong>the</strong>w’s to benefi t <strong>the</strong> Children’s Home Society. The<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g also features a silent auction. Mat<strong>the</strong>w’s, 2107 Hendricks Ave. $125. Info: (904) 493-7739<br />
May 17 th 4pm-7pm 2nd Annual St August<strong>in</strong>e W<strong>in</strong>e & Food Fest<br />
Come out for this fund raiser for The Boys & Girls Club of NE Florida, featur<strong>in</strong>g more than 100 w<strong>in</strong>es from<br />
10 distributors and food from 10 local eateries. No extra food tickets--enjoy as much w<strong>in</strong>e and food as you<br />
like. Live enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, fabulous raffl e prizes and a <strong>com</strong>memorative w<strong>in</strong>e glass. W<strong>in</strong>es available for discounted<br />
prices. Have fun and raise money for a good cause! The Joyful Cork 1092 S Ponce de Leon Blvd,<br />
St August<strong>in</strong>e. $40 <strong>in</strong> advance, $45 at <strong>the</strong> door. Info: (904) 823-9923<br />
May 25 th Food Not Bombs<br />
Start<strong>in</strong>g at 1 pm, <strong>the</strong> outside of <strong>the</strong> Pearl will be set up like a bazaar, where anyone who has a good cause<br />
or message can set up a booth for free. If you would like to set up a booth, please contact myspace.<strong>com</strong>/<br />
tanger<strong>in</strong>efestjax. Food Not Bombs will be giv<strong>in</strong>g away free food and <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>munity garden will be open<br />
so you can see <strong>the</strong>ir progress. The door fee is $5 and all proceeds go to <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>munity garden. You can<br />
take $1 off if you br<strong>in</strong>g a canned or dried food item, which will go to Food Not Bombs. The outside area<br />
will be free. An artist’s showcase will be set up <strong>in</strong>side. If you would like to showcase your work, contact<br />
jaxscene@yahoo.<strong>com</strong>. So far, <strong>the</strong> confi rmed bands will be: Tuffy, Buffalo Tears, Manatella, Lazerstar, Helios<br />
Eye, Fruit Mach<strong>in</strong>e, and Airport Factory, and <strong>com</strong>edian Joel Land. If you want to be part of this, <strong>com</strong>e<br />
out to <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>munity garden (next to The Pearl) on Saturdays at noon or Sunday at 2 pm. The Pearl. Info:<br />
Send a message to myspace.<strong>com</strong>/tanger<strong>in</strong>efestjax or email jaxscene@yahoo.<strong>com</strong><br />
notable classes and demos for may<br />
Apron’s Cook<strong>in</strong>g School (10500 San Jose Blvd. 904-262-4187) will be hold<strong>in</strong>g quite a few notable<br />
classes this month. Two celebrity chefs will be appear<strong>in</strong>g, though <strong>the</strong> Paula Dean class is full. Mart<strong>in</strong> Yan<br />
will be <strong>the</strong>re on May 15 th to sign cookbooks and do a demo.<br />
Our own Dennis Chan, owner of <strong>the</strong> local fusion cuis<strong>in</strong>e restaurant Blue Bamboo, will also be at<br />
Apron’s on May 22 nd , demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g a scrumptious menu (which you’ll get to sample). Menu items will be:<br />
pulled pork empanada served with cum<strong>in</strong> coriander raita; chicken satay with an orange cilantro v<strong>in</strong>aigrette;<br />
tres litchis cake served with raspberry litchi syrup and cardamom-scented litchis. (If you can’t make it on<br />
<strong>the</strong> 22 nd , he will be hold<strong>in</strong>g a Jamaican cook<strong>in</strong>g class at Blue Bamboo on <strong>the</strong> 24 th . Call 904-646-1478 to<br />
reserve a spot).<br />
It’s shrimp season, and <strong>the</strong>re’s an abundance of local Mayport Shrimp to choose from at <strong>the</strong> supermarket.<br />
You can learn more about cook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se little lovelies at ano<strong>the</strong>r Apron’s course on May 30 th . The<br />
best part—you’ll get to eat shrimp too!<br />
dish q & a<br />
Q: I’ve heard that horse meat makes<br />
for excellent steaks and I’m curious.<br />
Where <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville can I buy or<br />
sit down to a horse steak?<br />
{ dish}<br />
A: Sorry, it’s not socially acceptable<br />
to want to fry up Flicka <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> States.<br />
For most people here it’s ak<strong>in</strong> to<br />
eat<strong>in</strong>g a pet, but <strong>in</strong> many European<br />
countries and <strong>the</strong> bulk of Asia it’s a<br />
delicacy. In Japan, horse sushi has<br />
be<strong>com</strong>e a grow<strong>in</strong>g trend, <strong>in</strong> response<br />
to shr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g stores of fi sh. The red<br />
color of <strong>the</strong> meat mimics tuna, though<br />
it differs <strong>in</strong> texture and taste. French<br />
Parisian butcher with horse meat<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g areas <strong>in</strong> Europe tend to love<br />
horse meat and <strong>in</strong> France <strong>the</strong>y have specialty butchers that only deal <strong>in</strong> horse meat (though <strong>the</strong>se are gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
rarer).<br />
Many cultures have taboos aga<strong>in</strong>st eat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
horse. Horses aren’t kosher, so traditional<br />
Jews don’t partake. Nei<strong>the</strong>r do people from most<br />
English speak<strong>in</strong>g countries, gypsy folk and Brazilians,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>rs. Some of <strong>the</strong>se taboos can<br />
be traced back to with religion and lifestyle. Celtic<br />
tribes worshipped horse deities and <strong>the</strong> Romans<br />
lived <strong>the</strong>ir lives alongside horses. In America,<br />
legends of cowboys and <strong>the</strong>ir trusty steeds have<br />
done a lot to keep Trigger off <strong>the</strong> table.<br />
There isn’t a Federal Law <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. specifi -<br />
cally prohibit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sale of horse meat, but no<br />
supermarket cha<strong>in</strong> or restaurant that I know of<br />
Kwanzaa, a young South African lion at Cameron carries it. However, it’s now illegal to slaughter<br />
Park Zoo <strong>in</strong> Waco, Texas, celebrates his birthday horses <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. for human consumption, even if<br />
with a cake made from 10 pounds of horse meat,<br />
that meat will be exported to ano<strong>the</strong>r country.<br />
plus whipped cream and a carrot.<br />
In late 2007, <strong>the</strong> last U.S. horse abattoir closed<br />
under court order.<br />
That means that even if you can fi nd horse meat, it will have to be imported. The next time you want<br />
to take a very long road trip, head for <strong>the</strong> Canadian prov<strong>in</strong>ce of Quebec, where horse meat is readily available.<br />
(You can also fi nd it <strong>in</strong> Mexico).<br />
There are some medical <strong>issue</strong>s when it <strong>com</strong>es to eat<strong>in</strong>g horses. Unlike cattle, or even goats, almost<br />
every horse <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> slaughter house was not raised with <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tention of be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g food for humans. That<br />
means that certa<strong>in</strong> regulations and standards that would normally be followed for beef or pigs aren’t followed<br />
for horses—at least not for <strong>the</strong>ir entire lives.<br />
If you have any d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g questions for Dish, email us at jacksonvilledish@gmail.<strong>com</strong><br />
dish | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
31
<strong>in</strong>gredient secret<br />
Kumquats by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
Local yards are <strong>current</strong>ly burst<strong>in</strong>g with a bounty of kumquats. Kumquats are mostly <strong>in</strong> season<br />
from late fall to mid-w<strong>in</strong>ter, that’s when you’ll fi nd <strong>the</strong> fresh stuff at <strong>the</strong> store.<br />
If you’re not familiar with kumquats, <strong>the</strong>y are a fruit a little larger than a quail’s egg. Most are<br />
orange <strong>in</strong> color, with a sweet, edible r<strong>in</strong>d and a surpris<strong>in</strong>gly tart <strong>in</strong>side. The r<strong>in</strong>d is often used as an<br />
edible garnish because it’s sweet and bright colored. Their fl owers are white and <strong>the</strong>ir branches are<br />
sometimes thorny, with dark green, sh<strong>in</strong>y leaves.<br />
{ }<br />
“My mom has a kumquat bush, and this year it is out of control! In<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, a Kumquat means ‘Golden Happ<strong>in</strong>ess.’ I have a huge<br />
bowl of <strong>the</strong>m on my d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room table.”—Chef Dennis Chan<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Kumquat Growers of Florida: “The kumquat tastes best if it is gently rolled<br />
between <strong>the</strong> fi ngers before be<strong>in</strong>g eaten, as this releases <strong>the</strong> essential oils <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> r<strong>in</strong>d. Eat kumquats<br />
as you would eat grapes (with <strong>the</strong> peel).”<br />
Despite <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>y’re ripe <strong>in</strong> many of our area yards, it’s not <strong>the</strong> season to fi nd <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> market, so if you or your neighbors don’t have a tree, you can pick up dried or candied kumquats<br />
at an oriental market. You might fi nd kumquat marmalades or jellies as well. All of <strong>the</strong>se forms are<br />
excellent to use <strong>in</strong> savory duck dishes or as part of stuffi ng for chicken or turkey. You can also grill<br />
fresh kumquats on kabob along with savory meats, veggies, or o<strong>the</strong>r fruits. Although this little fruit is<br />
tasty right off <strong>the</strong> tree, <strong>the</strong>re are quite a number of ways to use kumquats <strong>in</strong> dr<strong>in</strong>k and food recipes.<br />
Basically, wherever citrus fruit is used <strong>in</strong> a recipe, you can probably replace it with kumquat (for<br />
recipes, see <strong>the</strong> website fooddownunder.<strong>com</strong> and search for kumquats).<br />
Kumquats orig<strong>in</strong>ally <strong>com</strong>e from Asia. They grow well <strong>in</strong> Florida and California and because <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are slow grow<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong>re’s no danger of <strong>the</strong>m outgrow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir space quickly. They are characterized<br />
32 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | dish<br />
as large evergreen shrubs or small trees. Most produce between 80 and 100 fruit every year.<br />
They are a perfect citrus plant for North Florida because <strong>the</strong>y are hardier than oranges, and<br />
can withstand a hard freeze. They do love mild and warm wea<strong>the</strong>r though, and our low temperatures<br />
never get anywhere close to <strong>the</strong>ir m<strong>in</strong>imum temperature tolerance of about 14°F.<br />
It’s easy to cross kumquats with o<strong>the</strong>r citrus fruits, so you’ll fi nd orangequats, limequats,<br />
lemonquats and calamond<strong>in</strong> (an ancient cross between tanger<strong>in</strong>e and kumquats). Small, ripe<br />
calamond<strong>in</strong>s and kumquats can be frozen and used as ice cubes <strong>in</strong> teas and adult beverages.<br />
Local Chef Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo has made a crisp and outstand<strong>in</strong>g mart<strong>in</strong>i from<br />
kumquats called <strong>the</strong> Kumquat Jade Mart<strong>in</strong>i:<br />
{{<br />
Kumquat Jade Mart<strong>in</strong>i<br />
3 kumkuats, muddled<br />
1 oz vodka<br />
½ oz blue curacao<br />
½ oz triple sec<br />
splash orange juice<br />
chilled mart<strong>in</strong>i glass<br />
Muddle kumquats, add ice, add vodka of choice, Curacao, triple<br />
sec, and orange juice. Shake. Stra<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to chilled mart<strong>in</strong>i glass.<br />
Garnish with twist of kumquat.<br />
photo by l<strong>in</strong>da blakely
where everybody<br />
knows your name<br />
by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g for a new place to nosh Downtown<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi lm fest, and don’t have a wallet<br />
brimm<strong>in</strong>g with cash? It’s time to try Café 331.<br />
A lot has changed s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>y fi rst opened. The food is still good and reasonably<br />
priced, but <strong>the</strong>re’s tons of wild art on <strong>the</strong> walls from artists such as Kyle Cannon and<br />
Edbot5000. A divid<strong>in</strong>g wall separates <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area from <strong>the</strong> bar. The wall features a<br />
funky cutout w<strong>in</strong>dow, so you can survey <strong>the</strong> action on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side. They’ve also built<br />
a small stage on <strong>the</strong> bar side. The place pops with color, whe<strong>the</strong>r it’s from <strong>the</strong> art or<br />
from <strong>the</strong> deep red accent walls.<br />
You can expect bar, lunch and breakfast food from Café 331, and <strong>the</strong>y do it well.<br />
They fi rst became known for <strong>the</strong>ir appetizers, which <strong>the</strong>y gave out dur<strong>in</strong>g ArtWalk. The<br />
calamari r<strong>in</strong>gs are tender and subtle <strong>in</strong> fl avor. They aren’t my pick <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire city of<br />
Jacksonville, but <strong>the</strong>y are pretty well known Downtown. I’m a fan of <strong>the</strong>ir cheese sticks<br />
and judg<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong>ir feta, I’d probably love <strong>the</strong>ir feta fries as well.<br />
Omelets have be<strong>com</strong>e a breakfast favorite at <strong>the</strong> Café, probably because <strong>the</strong>y don’t<br />
skimp on <strong>the</strong> omelet fi ll<strong>in</strong>gs. They generously stuff <strong>the</strong> feta and sp<strong>in</strong>ach omelet with real<br />
Greek feta. Most of <strong>the</strong> feta served <strong>in</strong> restaurants today is French, which is much milder<br />
and less salty. The Greek stuff gives all of <strong>the</strong>ir feta dishes a bold fl avor.<br />
The char grilled chicken wrap is a favorite at lunchtime. It’ll fi ll you up, but you don’t feel heavy<br />
and groggy after fi nish<strong>in</strong>g it. It’s such a perfect choice that sometimes a party of a dozen offi ce<br />
workers will all order it. I especially loved <strong>the</strong> fl uffy wrap, which had far more character to it than<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> fl at, bland wheat wraps I’ve tried.<br />
Owners Judith and Milton Mavros both have a hand <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g items for <strong>the</strong> menu and bar.<br />
She’s responsible for <strong>the</strong> items with an Irish touch, s<strong>in</strong>ce she’s a native of Ireland, and he’s created<br />
items such as <strong>the</strong> Foo Foo dr<strong>in</strong>k and <strong>the</strong> chargrilled chicken wrap, among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Out of everyth<strong>in</strong>g I’ve tried <strong>the</strong>re, my favorite menu item is <strong>the</strong> Romano crusted chicken<br />
Calamari R<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Romano Crusted Chicken<br />
Sandwich with a Raspberry<br />
V<strong>in</strong>aigrette Side Salad<br />
sandwich. It’s a little messy, but by gosh it is worth every drip and drab that you might have to wipe<br />
off with a napk<strong>in</strong> later. The bread soaks up a layer of delish pesto along with a tomato cream. The<br />
chicken, gloriously tender, is lightly batter fried with a touch of Romano. Provolone melds to <strong>the</strong> hot<br />
chicken to make one of <strong>the</strong> best chicken sandwiches I’ve had <strong>in</strong> recent memory.<br />
The side salad I sampled offered me full fl avor, with a sweet raspberry v<strong>in</strong>aigrette and aga<strong>in</strong>,<br />
real feta. The salty and sweet were an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g contrast, though I found that <strong>the</strong>re was a little too<br />
much on <strong>the</strong> sweet side, as <strong>the</strong>y have dried cranberries along with <strong>the</strong> dress<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> bar side, you can kick back with a game of pool, or a little darts. They’ve got a full bar<br />
with some <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g specialty dr<strong>in</strong>ks on <strong>the</strong> menu.<br />
The Foo Foo Dr<strong>in</strong>k came <strong>in</strong>to be<strong>in</strong>g almost by accident one night when Milton<br />
was challenged by a gaggle of girls to make someth<strong>in</strong>g “fruity.” He <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong>ed Malibu,<br />
Amaretto, p<strong>in</strong>eapple, orange juice, cranberry and grenad<strong>in</strong>e. The women loved it and<br />
he ended up fi x<strong>in</strong>g it for <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> night, go<strong>in</strong>g through a number of bottles. Thus<br />
<strong>the</strong> Foo Foo was born. My d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>com</strong>panion and I each tried a one. We loved it too.<br />
But <strong>the</strong>n, both of us are a sucker for a sweet girlie dr<strong>in</strong>k.<br />
The bar menu differs a little from <strong>the</strong>ir lunch menu. One item, which always<br />
needs explanation from a barkeep, is <strong>the</strong> Chip Butty. It’s a traditional Irish bar item<br />
that would be ordered at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> night to soak up excess alcohol. Basically it’s<br />
a French fry sandwich laden with melted butter. The grease and starch is supposed<br />
to help keep <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> alcohol from hitt<strong>in</strong>g your system all at once, sort of like a<br />
slow release.<br />
331 puts forth a casual atmosphere, where you order at <strong>the</strong> counter. People<br />
<strong>com</strong>e here not just for <strong>the</strong> food, but for <strong>the</strong> neighborhood feel. Regulars are greeted<br />
warmly, often by name. It’s not haute cuis<strong>in</strong>e, but it is darn good late night bar and<br />
brunch fare.<br />
{ }<br />
Café 331<br />
331 West Forsyth St, Downtown (904) 354-1999<br />
Food Service and Delivery till 2 am.<br />
dish | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
33
may art events<br />
Downtown ArtWalk Wednesday, May 7 from 5 pm – 9 pm. Mayor Peyton will kick-off The<br />
Players Championship Week at <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g, Hemm<strong>in</strong>g Plaza will be rock<strong>in</strong>’ out<br />
to <strong>the</strong> 50s with hot rods, motorcycles and rockabilly music, and Café 331 will feature models<br />
dressed <strong>in</strong> 50s attire and v<strong>in</strong>tage 50s records from Royal Treatment Records. Over on <strong>the</strong> Southbank<br />
at “The MOSH Juke Jo<strong>in</strong>t Jam, Where Music & History Meet,” blues musicians are <strong>in</strong>vited<br />
to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir electric or acoustic <strong>in</strong>strument to jam. A map of <strong>the</strong> galleries can be acquired at<br />
any of <strong>the</strong> venues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g MOCA Jacksonville, <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Land<strong>in</strong>g, and Art Walk Headquarters<br />
at 100 North Laura Street.<br />
St. August<strong>in</strong>e Art Walk First Friday of every month from 5 pm – 9 pm, Tours beg<strong>in</strong> at<br />
Rembrandtz F<strong>in</strong>e Gifts for Fun People, 131 K<strong>in</strong>g Street, St. August<strong>in</strong>e. Info: (904) 829-0065 or<br />
staugust<strong>in</strong>egalleries.<strong>com</strong><br />
Beaches Art Walk Second Tuesday of each month from 5 pm – 8 pm, 9 varied venues.<br />
Info: jaxbeachesartwalk.org<br />
North Beaches Art Walk; Every third Thursday of each month, 5 pm – 9 pm, Atlantic/<br />
Neptune Beach area. Info: (904) 249-2222 or archwayfram<strong>in</strong>g@aol.<strong>com</strong><br />
LoudSOUNDLive; Thursday, May 1, 7 pm, (University Gallery at UNF, 4567 St. Johns<br />
Bluff Rd) “LoudSOUNDLive” <strong>the</strong> latest monthly <strong>in</strong>stallment of sound art and multi-media performance.<br />
Info: myspace.<strong>com</strong>/loudsoundlive<br />
Images <strong>in</strong> Fiber On exhibit May 3 - June 4 Jacksonville Ma<strong>in</strong> Library. The Fiber Artists<br />
Network (FAN) presents a most excit<strong>in</strong>g and unusual exhibit of fi ber. Many forms of surface<br />
design such as color<strong>in</strong>g fabric with pa<strong>in</strong>t or dye and embellish<strong>in</strong>g with threads and o<strong>the</strong>r materials<br />
are displayed.<br />
Art Attack May 10, 4pm-9pm, St. Johns County’s most excit<strong>in</strong>g art education event of <strong>the</strong><br />
year! Presented by <strong>the</strong> St. Johns County Education Foundation. St. August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre,<br />
(904) 819-7560<br />
A Peaceful Journey On display May 16 thru July 6, Be<strong>the</strong>l Gallery, (904) 285-8225<br />
The Sawgrass Village Spr<strong>in</strong>g Art Festival May 17 and 18, 10 am – 5 pm each day<br />
at Sawgrass Village, Ponte Vedra.<br />
ARTtalks Jo<strong>in</strong> Florida Artists Nancy Asbell, Sydney McKenna, Joanelle Mulra<strong>in</strong> & Mary St.<br />
Germa<strong>in</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y “Take A Walk Through Florida” on Thursday, May 29 from 6 - 7 pm at <strong>the</strong> Cultural<br />
Center at Ponte Vedra, 50 Executive Way.<br />
Paper Cuts: Contemporary Draw<strong>in</strong>g At MOCA The Museum of Contemporary<br />
Art (MOCA) Jacksonville celebrates draw<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> artist’s creative use of paper <strong>in</strong> a series of<br />
exhibitions titled Paper Cuts: Contemporary Draw<strong>in</strong>g at MOCA. And Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Dew Drop Falls:<br />
Installations by Chris Natrop and Civitates Orbis Terrarum: Recent Works by John Bailly will be<br />
available for <strong>view</strong><strong>in</strong>g through August 31 at MOCA (333 North Laura St.) Natrop works on enormous<br />
sheets of paper that are stretched out on self-heal<strong>in</strong>g mats. Wield<strong>in</strong>g a standard utility<br />
knife, he spontaneously cuts away at <strong>the</strong> paper to create his organic forms. Many of <strong>the</strong> draw<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
are suspended from <strong>the</strong> ceil<strong>in</strong>g with wires and str<strong>in</strong>gs, and take on a sculptural presence,<br />
ultimately challeng<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> boundaries between two- and three-dimensional art. And Fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
34 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | visual arts<br />
And Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Dew Drop Falls: Installations by Chris Natrop<br />
from Paper Cuts: Contemporary Draw<strong>in</strong>g at MOCA<br />
visual arts<br />
{ }<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dew Drop Falls was designed and created specifi cally for MOCA Jacksonville and is Chris Natrop’s fi rst<br />
large-scale museum exhibition. In Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Cities of <strong>the</strong> World), artist John Bailly exam<strong>in</strong>es<br />
<strong>the</strong> relationship of place and time <strong>in</strong> his multi-layered <strong>com</strong>positions. Bailly’s works depict cities derived from<br />
ancient maps and atlases that have ei<strong>the</strong>r been decisive <strong>in</strong> shap<strong>in</strong>g world history, conquered culturally or militarily,<br />
or were literally destroyed. Info: (904) 366-6911 or mocajacksonville.org.<br />
Africa’s Liv<strong>in</strong>g Arts The Spirit of <strong>the</strong> Masquerade On display through May 16, Ritz Theatre &<br />
LaVilla Museum. Info: (904) 632-5555.<br />
Carl De Keyzer: Zona On display through May 23, Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Museum of Photography, 1200 International<br />
Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach. Info: smponl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
Art on a Pedestal Juror Ethan Karp (of <strong>the</strong> renowned OK Harris Gallery <strong>in</strong> NYC) selected each of <strong>the</strong><br />
works that will be on display through May 23 at PIE Studio, 1827 North Pearl Street, Spr<strong>in</strong>gfi eld. Info: (904)<br />
247-8337 or piestudio.net.<br />
David Engdahl: Lam<strong>in</strong>ated Wood Sculpture On display through May 24, The Cultural Center at<br />
Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Info: (904) 280-0614<br />
Tony Rodrigues: Gurus, Boatsmen and Beasts; On display through May 30, The Gallery at<br />
Screen Arts, 228 West K<strong>in</strong>g Street, St. August<strong>in</strong>e. Info: (904) 829-2838 or screenartsfl orida.<strong>com</strong><br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Rays on Chart by Bob Van Cort<br />
The Bronze Art of Bob Van Cort On display through May 31, Van Cort creates real-to-life sculptural<br />
renditions of mar<strong>in</strong>e life <strong>in</strong> a special cold-cast bronze technique. Van Cort draws <strong>in</strong>spiration from <strong>the</strong> waters<br />
near his family home on <strong>the</strong> Gulf Coast of Mississippi that was lost to <strong>the</strong> ris<strong>in</strong>g fl ood waters of Hurricane Katr<strong>in</strong>a.<br />
Meet <strong>the</strong> Artists Reception on Friday, May 9th from 5:30-8pm. Eclectic Galleries, 2405 3rd Street South,<br />
Jax Beach. Info: (904) 247-3750<br />
Ernest Hem<strong>in</strong>gway and Walker Evans: Three Weeks <strong>in</strong> Cuba, 1933; On display through<br />
June 1, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside. Info: (904) 899-6034 or cummer.org<br />
Project Augusta Savage April 29 – June 29, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue,<br />
Riverside. Info: (904) 899-6034 or cummer.org<br />
New View: The Many Faces of <strong>the</strong> St. Johns River On display through July 13, Cummer Museum<br />
of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside. Info: (904) 899-6034 or cummer.org.<br />
Precious Gifts of Asian Art On display through September, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829<br />
Riverside Avenue, Riverside. Info: (904) 899-6034 or cummer.org<br />
May Group Show with Michael Soliman & William Burbridge, Saturday May 3, 8pm-11pm,<br />
Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue South. Info: (904) 387-0852
honor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arts <strong>in</strong> a<br />
chang<strong>in</strong>g landscape by w. henley<br />
32 nd Annual Arts Awards<br />
“More than 450 people were enthusiastic as we recognized <strong>the</strong> talents and efforts of <strong>the</strong> 2008<br />
Arts Awards W<strong>in</strong>ners,” reported Amy Crane, Deputy Director of <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Cultural Council,<br />
which held <strong>the</strong> 32 nd Annual Arts Awards luncheon this April.<br />
The Council honored Darryl Hall of Stage Aurora, <strong>the</strong> Mayo Cl<strong>in</strong>ic, Carol McQueen from <strong>the</strong><br />
LaVilla School, Harr<strong>in</strong>gton Design Associates and WJCT. It’s a way to acknowledge some of <strong>the</strong><br />
magnifi cently talented people and bus<strong>in</strong>esses that help create a productive atmosphere for arts and<br />
culture <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville. The ceremony also serves to steer Jacksonville’s efforts at improv<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
<strong>com</strong>munity through arts and culture.<br />
Julie Muraco knows <strong>the</strong> challenges of fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arts and served as keynote speaker at<br />
<strong>the</strong> event. As Senior Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director of NASDAQ Stock Market Capital Markets Group and a<br />
board member for Americans for <strong>the</strong> Arts <strong>in</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, which is <strong>the</strong> nation’s lead<strong>in</strong>g nonprofi t<br />
organization for advanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arts, Muraco brought her wealth of experience and undeniable<br />
dedication to <strong>the</strong> event. Muraco addressed <strong>the</strong> group about <strong>the</strong> importance of creativity and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> contemporary bus<strong>in</strong>ess landscape.<br />
The Cultural Council was formed <strong>in</strong> 1973 with <strong>the</strong> vision to provide quality arts education<br />
programs to area students and to promote and support Jacksonville artists.<br />
Amy Crane notes, “These are challeng<strong>in</strong>g times. We, as a <strong>com</strong>munity, are faced with <strong>the</strong><br />
possibility of dramatic reductions <strong>in</strong> services and programs which affect our quality of life. It is our<br />
hope that <strong>the</strong> Mayor’s Offi ce and <strong>the</strong> City Council will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to work closely with <strong>the</strong> Cultural<br />
Council and organizations which we fund to fi nd ways to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to support <strong>the</strong> programs <strong>in</strong><br />
education, tourism, downtown development and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment which make Jacksonville a great<br />
place to live.”<br />
With <strong>the</strong> severe cutbacks <strong>in</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> state, arts programs <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville as well as<br />
all <strong>the</strong> nonprofi t groups are <strong>in</strong> a squeeze. The powers at City Hall recognize that challenge and have<br />
heard <strong>the</strong> voice of <strong>the</strong> voters of Duval County who didn’t go along with <strong>the</strong> governor’s property tax<br />
cuts.<br />
In spite of <strong>the</strong>se challenges, <strong>the</strong> spark of <strong>in</strong>spiration is still light<strong>in</strong>g and enlighten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds of<br />
Jacksonville. The award recipients deserve all <strong>the</strong> thanks <strong>the</strong>y can get as a source of that <strong>in</strong>spiration.<br />
As a token of <strong>the</strong>ir ac<strong>com</strong>plishments each Arts Awards w<strong>in</strong>ner received an orig<strong>in</strong>al piece of art by<br />
Atlantic Beach artist L<strong>in</strong>da Broadfoot that will surely be a treasured memento.<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ater to <strong>the</strong> northside<br />
We’ve known Darryl Hall and <strong>the</strong> works of Stage Aurora and have covered many of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
performances over <strong>the</strong> years. SA’s presentation of Crowns was an especially delightful play focused<br />
on African-American women and <strong>the</strong>ir hats. Their exuberance fi lled <strong>the</strong> Ezekiel Bryant Auditorium at<br />
FCCJ’s North Campus, where Stage Aurora found a home. That’s only natural because Darryl is a<br />
native son of <strong>the</strong> Northside and where he founded his <strong>the</strong>atrical <strong>com</strong>pany <strong>in</strong> 1999.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g up on <strong>the</strong> Northside didn’t provide Hall with much <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way of act<strong>in</strong>g opportunities<br />
or even an organized <strong>the</strong>atrical group of any k<strong>in</strong>d. States Hall, “The Arts are truly a defi nite medium<br />
for self-expression, creativity, and a means by which people of any socioeconomic background may<br />
share precious moments toge<strong>the</strong>r. In <strong>the</strong> early 80s, <strong>the</strong> desire to provide a <strong>the</strong>atrical format for artists<br />
of color to develop self-expression and creativity stirred deeply <strong>in</strong> my soul. Thus, as time would<br />
allow, <strong>the</strong> desire grew and Stage Aurora was born.”<br />
Upon receiv<strong>in</strong>g this accolade from <strong>the</strong> Cultural Council, Darryl responds, “Hav<strong>in</strong>g won <strong>the</strong><br />
Individual Arts Award is a symbol that Jacksonville appreciates my efforts <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g professional<br />
<strong>the</strong>ater showcas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> African-American experience to <strong>the</strong> City of Jacksonville. It is not about black<br />
or white, but ra<strong>the</strong>r quality enterta<strong>in</strong>ment and a shar<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> human experience. I’m work<strong>in</strong>g even<br />
harder (if that’s possible) to cont<strong>in</strong>ue on this journey of enlightenment through <strong>the</strong>atre.”<br />
Hall is a highly credited veteran of television, screen and <strong>the</strong> stage who has performed on<br />
Broadway <strong>in</strong> Gershw<strong>in</strong>’s Porgy and Bess at <strong>the</strong> L<strong>in</strong>coln Center which was broadcast live on PBS,<br />
C<strong>in</strong>derella starr<strong>in</strong>g Eartha Kitt, and <strong>in</strong> Street Corner Symphony. Darryl is also an ac<strong>com</strong>plished<br />
playwright with his <strong>in</strong>augural production, Frat House, which premiered at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre last July.<br />
Darryl and his crew pour <strong>the</strong> efforts of <strong>the</strong>ir every fi ber <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> productions and consistently<br />
expand <strong>the</strong> budd<strong>in</strong>g talents of <strong>the</strong>ir cast to br<strong>in</strong>g performances to <strong>the</strong> stage that delight and enterta<strong>in</strong>.<br />
“It is <strong>the</strong> place where bands of light, different m<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>com</strong>e toge<strong>the</strong>r to share <strong>in</strong> one moment, <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> emotions of joy, hope, tears, laughter, and sorrow; where color is colorless and life is celebrated.<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre,” says Darryl.<br />
Watch for Stage Aurora’s up<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g production of DreamGirls, May 10 and 11 at <strong>the</strong> Florida<br />
Theatre.<br />
art for <strong>the</strong> next generation<br />
There are not enough good th<strong>in</strong>gs to say about <strong>the</strong> dedication and sacrifi ce that teachers put<br />
out day after day for a meager paycheck to educate our children. They should be paid more that <strong>the</strong><br />
President of <strong>the</strong> United States for all <strong>the</strong>y do. The arts educators at Douglas Anderson and <strong>the</strong> LaVilla<br />
School of <strong>the</strong> Arts (as well as <strong>in</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r schools) nurture our children’s talent and strive to open<br />
new horizons. Carol McQueen, band director at LaVilla exemplifi es excellence <strong>in</strong> her fi eld and was<br />
named <strong>the</strong> 2008 Arts Educator. LaVilla’s ensembles have been nationally recognized, travel<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
Europe four different times to perform at <strong>the</strong> Montreaux and North Seas jazz festivals. McQueen’s<br />
unique and dist<strong>in</strong>ctive style of teach<strong>in</strong>g has been chronicled <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi lm Chops, which is scheduled for<br />
<strong>the</strong>atrical release later this year. That’s right, a Jacksonville teacher right up <strong>the</strong>re 30 feet tall on <strong>the</strong><br />
big screen. Carol, if you won’t blow your own horn, we will do it for you. You deserve <strong>the</strong> recognition<br />
and thanks from our <strong>com</strong>munity and <strong>the</strong> hundreds of student’s you have <strong>in</strong>fl uenced.<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>e and <strong>the</strong> arts<br />
The Corporate Award was presented to <strong>the</strong> Mayo Cl<strong>in</strong>ic for <strong>the</strong>ir Humanities <strong>in</strong> Medic<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Program which br<strong>in</strong>gs concerts to <strong>the</strong> hospital’s auditorium as well as music and art <strong>in</strong> patient<br />
rooms and cultural exhibits throughout <strong>the</strong>ir facility. The exceptionally health conscious Sports<br />
Medic<strong>in</strong>e doctors at Mayo provide onsite care at area runn<strong>in</strong>g events and provide read<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
workshops for athletes. Music and arts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hospital provide a pleasant atmosphere <strong>in</strong> a place<br />
where hope is most cherished.<br />
small bus<strong>in</strong>ess help<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arts<br />
The 2008 Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Award went to Harr<strong>in</strong>gton Design Associates who are <strong>the</strong> creative<br />
force beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> very successful brand<strong>in</strong>g and creative design work for <strong>the</strong> Riverside F<strong>in</strong>e Arts<br />
Series. Jeff Harr<strong>in</strong>gton, Flagler College alum, has formed <strong>the</strong> Harr<strong>in</strong>gton Arts Alliance to help<br />
local nonprofi t organizations coord<strong>in</strong>ate and properly utilize <strong>the</strong> aspects and benefi ts of design <strong>in</strong><br />
present<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir programs.<br />
cultural tv<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, a Special Recognition Award was presented to WJCT Public Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> celebration<br />
of its 50 th Anniversary of provid<strong>in</strong>g high quality cultural and <strong>com</strong>munity programm<strong>in</strong>g to residents<br />
of <strong>the</strong> First Coast. You’ve got to take your hats off to <strong>the</strong>ir programm<strong>in</strong>g br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g youngsters <strong>the</strong><br />
joys of learn<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Sesame Street gang, <strong>the</strong>ir variety of concerts and award w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g historical<br />
programm<strong>in</strong>g like Ken Burns’ War and <strong>the</strong> up<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g series, Carrier. “We are proud to be <strong>the</strong><br />
recipient of this special recognition award from <strong>the</strong> Cultural Council,” says Michael Boylan, president<br />
and CEO of WJCT Public Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g. He adds, “It is a special honor be<strong>in</strong>g that we are celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
50 years of provid<strong>in</strong>g programm<strong>in</strong>g and services to <strong>the</strong> First Coast <strong>com</strong>munity. In celebration of our<br />
50 th anniversary we are plann<strong>in</strong>g a variety of <strong>com</strong>munity events <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g an open house at WJCT on<br />
August 23 rd and a gala on <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g of September 12 th . Stay tuned for more <strong>in</strong>formation about our<br />
celebration via our broadcast channels and WJCT.org.”<br />
visual arts | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
35
36 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | <strong>the</strong>atre & culture<br />
may <strong>the</strong>ater and culture events<br />
Stage Aurora’s “Dreamgirls “<br />
May 1-3 ABSENCE OF A CELLO This <strong>com</strong>edy chronicles <strong>the</strong> trials of a brilliant but broke<br />
scientist who tries to enter <strong>the</strong> corporate world. The cast <strong>in</strong>cludes Roger Lowe, Robbie Neal and<br />
Tracy Ol<strong>in</strong>. Read re<strong>view</strong> at eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong>. Theatre Jacksonville, Info: (904) 396-4425.<br />
May 1-11 BILOXI BLUES Playwright Neil Simon’s youthful alter ego, Eugene Jerome is <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Army <strong>in</strong> basic tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Biloxi, Mississippi, as World War II w<strong>in</strong>ds down. Read re<strong>view</strong> at<br />
eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong>. Limelight Theatre, St. August<strong>in</strong>e, Info: (904) 825-1164<br />
May 1- June 4 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR This rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd<br />
Webber highlights <strong>the</strong> political and <strong>in</strong>terpersonal struggles of Judas and Jesus, portray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
last seven days <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> earthly life of Christ. The large cast <strong>in</strong>cludes Just<strong>in</strong> Murphy as Jesus<br />
and local favorites Lee Hamby, Miranda Lawsdon, David Sacks, Tony Griano, Ken Uibel,<br />
Juan Unzueta, Michelle Barry, and Mat<strong>the</strong>w Campbell with Todd Booth direct<strong>in</strong>g, and Conrad<br />
de’Andrea as Choreographer. Read re<strong>view</strong> on page 39. Alhambra D<strong>in</strong>ner Theatre, Info: (904)<br />
641-1212<br />
May 2 – 10 HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING The Foundation<br />
Academy is present<strong>in</strong>g “How to Succeed <strong>in</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess without Really Try<strong>in</strong>g.” The musical<br />
farce on big bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>cludes popular musical numbers such as “A Secretary is Not a Toy”<br />
and “Happy to Keep His D<strong>in</strong>ner Warm.” The Foundation Academy students have brought <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued enthusiasm to <strong>the</strong> musical establish<strong>in</strong>g new talents and br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a unique perspective<br />
to <strong>the</strong> stage. Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach. Info: 241-3515 or foundationacademy.<strong>com</strong><br />
May 9-24 TO GILLIAN ON HER 37th BIRTHDAY A rich family drama about <strong>the</strong> ties that connect<br />
husband and wives and parents and children. Karen Garrett heads a cast directed by Carson<br />
Merry Baillie. Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre, Atlantic Beach, Info: (904) 249-7177<br />
Limelight’s “Biloxi Blues”
{ <strong>the</strong>atre & }<br />
culture<br />
Richard Thomas <strong>in</strong> “Twelve Angry Men”<br />
May 9-24 THE UNDERPANTS This <strong>com</strong>edy written<br />
by Comedian Steve Mart<strong>in</strong> is a hilarious exam<strong>in</strong>ation of<br />
monetary fame <strong>in</strong> modern America. Directed by Tom<br />
Fallon with set by Ham Waddell . Cast members <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
Redgie Gutshall, Leonard Alterman, Ann Roberts, Paul<br />
Rowe, Tim M<strong>in</strong>g and Jen Mears. Players by <strong>the</strong> Sea,<br />
Jacksonville Beach, Info: (904) 249-0289<br />
May 10-11 DREAMGIRLS A promis<strong>in</strong>g girl group The<br />
Dreamettes, Effi e, Deena and Lorrell, are discovered<br />
by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr.<br />
Dreamgirls follows <strong>the</strong> rise of <strong>the</strong> trio set <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> turbulent<br />
early 1960s to mid-1970s. Presented by <strong>the</strong> Stage<br />
Aurora Theatrical Company at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre, Box<br />
Offi ce Phone: (904) 765- 7373 or stageaurora.org.<br />
May 13-18 TWELVE ANGRY MEN A suspenseful court<br />
room drama that grips you from <strong>the</strong> start and never lets<br />
up. The play features Richard Thomas (John Boy from<br />
<strong>the</strong> TV show “The Waltons”). FCCJ Artist Series, Times<br />
Union Center, Info: (904) 632-3373<br />
May 13-18 THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL A <strong>com</strong>edy about trailer park trash with good<br />
ol’ red neck humor. This show set new attendance records at Ga<strong>in</strong>esville’s Hippodrome Theatre. Why not,<br />
<strong>the</strong> play is set <strong>in</strong> Starke. The Starke water tower, <strong>the</strong> white Brahman bull, <strong>the</strong> old Dempsey Motel sign, and a<br />
reference to Death Row all l<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong> enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g musical to <strong>the</strong> town located just southwest of Jacksonville off<br />
of U.S. 301. Read <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> on page 38. FCCJ Artist Series, Wilson Center, Info: (904) 632-3373.<br />
May 16 – 31 A BENCH IN THE SUN A wise and mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>com</strong>edy set <strong>in</strong> a retirement home. Amelia<br />
Community Theatre, 209 Cedar Street, Fernand<strong>in</strong>a Beach, Info: (904) 261-6749<br />
May 17 - 18 FIRST COAST OPERA “ADDIO!” First<br />
Coast Opera is clos<strong>in</strong>g its season with Addio! A<br />
Farewell Concert for Barbara Norris. This concert will<br />
feature Barbara <strong>in</strong> her fi nal St. August<strong>in</strong>e concert,<br />
along with many of her favorite s<strong>in</strong>gers who have<br />
sung with First Coast Opera over her eight years<br />
with <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>pany. St. Johns County Center for <strong>the</strong><br />
Arts, St. August<strong>in</strong>e High School at 3205 Varella<br />
Avenue, St. August<strong>in</strong>e. Info: (904) 417-5555 or<br />
fi rstcoastopera.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
May 29 – 31 THE MUSIC MAN The Jacksonville<br />
Symphony Orchestra and Alhambra D<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>the</strong>atre<br />
have <strong>com</strong>e toge<strong>the</strong>r to br<strong>in</strong>g us <strong>the</strong> popular musical,<br />
The Music Man, with an unforgettable hit parade of<br />
tunes such as “Till There Was You,” “Marian The<br />
Librarian” and “Gary, Indiana.” This is a semi-staged<br />
<strong>version</strong> of <strong>the</strong> full musical <strong>in</strong> Jacoby Symphony Hall,<br />
with costumes and sets and a full cast of actors and<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gers, perform<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Symphony<br />
Orchestra. This special production <strong>com</strong>memorates<br />
Alhambra D<strong>in</strong>ner Theatre’s 40th Anniversary. Times-<br />
Union Center, Info: (904) 633-6110 / JSO Box Offi ce<br />
(904) 354-5547.<br />
First Coast Opera’s “Addio!”<br />
May 30 - June 15 WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Edward Albee’s sizzl<strong>in</strong>g work about characters that<br />
violate <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>mandments of polite behavior. Directed by Deborah Jordan, Limelight Theatre, St. August<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
Info: (904) 825-1164<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
37
38 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | <strong>the</strong>atre & culture<br />
local color on national tour<br />
The Great American Trailer Park Musical<br />
Starke, Florida isn’t normally <strong>the</strong> fi rst place you th<strong>in</strong>k of when writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a musical, but for writers Betsy Kelso and David Nehls, it was perfect.<br />
They’re <strong>the</strong> authors of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, which will<br />
be <strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g to Jacksonville mid-May as part of <strong>the</strong> FCCJ Artists Series.<br />
Nehls and Kelso began writ<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> 1996, when <strong>the</strong>y met as<br />
actors on tour <strong>in</strong> Europe.<br />
“A great friendship began<br />
by be<strong>in</strong>g stupid on <strong>the</strong> tour<br />
bus, creat<strong>in</strong>g silly songs and<br />
even a small musical about a<br />
hermaphrodite city,” Nehls tells<br />
EU.<br />
For Kelso and Nehls, <strong>the</strong><br />
goal of <strong>the</strong>se musicals was<br />
“just to do someth<strong>in</strong>g fun and<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al that we and our friends<br />
could perform <strong>in</strong>.”<br />
Nehls decided to give <strong>the</strong><br />
music a very bluesy fl avor both<br />
because he’s a huge blues fan,<br />
and because “country shows<br />
have been done, Big River,<br />
Best Little Whorehouse.., Das<br />
Barbecu, so I felt it would be <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to give this story more of a rough<br />
edge with blues, rockabilly and a bit of country for good measure.”<br />
While <strong>the</strong>y were work<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> musical, a Jacksonville resident<br />
suggested Starke as <strong>the</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“Jerry Diaz is <strong>the</strong> friend who suggested Starke, and we had so much<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo, but with <strong>the</strong> runn<strong>in</strong>g time of<br />
a musical <strong>the</strong>se days, we had to<br />
drop a lot of it …though we toyed<br />
with mak<strong>in</strong>g up a fi ctitious place,<br />
but it didn’t feel right. Too phony.”<br />
“It’s based ra<strong>the</strong>r loosely on<br />
<strong>the</strong> actual town, <strong>the</strong>re are no strip<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>the</strong>re anymore, though <strong>the</strong>re<br />
were when we started writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> show <strong>in</strong> 1997, or so we were<br />
told.” Nehls says.<br />
Set designer Jo W<strong>in</strong>iarski<br />
didn’t base her sets solely on<br />
Starke, but ra<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> idea of<br />
trailer parks.<br />
“When work<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> show,”<br />
says W<strong>in</strong>iarski “I researched trailer<br />
parks all over <strong>the</strong> county- a lot of<br />
<strong>the</strong> detail<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> set actually came from a trailer park at <strong>the</strong> base of<br />
Zion National Park <strong>in</strong> Utah. It seemed less important that it is was exactly<br />
Starke, Florida than that it had a recognizable look.”<br />
The set has an audacious, colorful appearance, designed with <strong>the</strong><br />
humor of <strong>the</strong> show <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
“Most real trailers are white or beige- not very <strong>the</strong>atrical [and] this is<br />
by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
{ }<br />
What: The Great American Trailer Park Musical<br />
When: May 13 – 18th Where: The Wilson Center for <strong>the</strong> Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts<br />
not a show about realism–it is silly and bold and fun–so <strong>the</strong> color of <strong>the</strong><br />
set is as well. The representational / non realistic nature of <strong>the</strong> scenery<br />
came from an idea that Stephen (<strong>the</strong> director) and I had about <strong>the</strong> chorus<br />
tell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> story with items that <strong>the</strong>y have around <strong>the</strong> trailer park. The<br />
show is too fast-paced to wait for <strong>the</strong> scenery to change – so we have<br />
lots of fun transformations on <strong>the</strong><br />
set itself.” asserts W<strong>in</strong>iarski<br />
The Great American Trailer Park<br />
Musical has played <strong>in</strong> Florida<br />
before. In fact, it played a scant<br />
40 miles from Starke at <strong>the</strong><br />
Ga<strong>in</strong>esville Hippodrome several<br />
years ago. We asked Nehls how<br />
<strong>the</strong> people of Starke felt about <strong>the</strong><br />
show.<br />
“[The Mayor had]…<br />
trepidations about <strong>the</strong> show<br />
play<strong>in</strong>g so close to home, but he<br />
really enjoyed it, though he would<br />
have toned down <strong>the</strong> language a<br />
bit.” Nehls replied.<br />
But <strong>the</strong>re wasn’t any reason<br />
for anyone to be offended, s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Nehls considers himself a product of white trash roots.<br />
“My favorite memory,” says Nehls “was always shoot<strong>in</strong>g at toilets<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> dump with my friends from high school or chugg<strong>in</strong>g Miller High<br />
Life while smok<strong>in</strong>g Tiperillos. And as far as celebrat<strong>in</strong>g my peeps, <strong>the</strong><br />
tour played my hometown <strong>in</strong> PA and was a resound<strong>in</strong>g success. This is<br />
a sweet, raucous even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>atre, but never are we mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fun of <strong>the</strong>se characters. They<br />
might be loud, sometimes foul<br />
mou<strong>the</strong>d, and <strong>in</strong> your face, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y all have a soft underside to<br />
<strong>the</strong>m and I’m proud to say that<br />
by <strong>the</strong> end you fi nd yourself truly<br />
car<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> plight of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
people. You may even get a bit<br />
teary eyed, because <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
proud of what <strong>the</strong>ir lives consist<br />
of, roof over <strong>the</strong>ir heads, food<br />
on <strong>the</strong> table and lots to gossip,<br />
er, talk about. Thangs could be a<br />
helluva lot worse on ‘This Side of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Tracks.’<br />
The Great American Trailer<br />
Park Musical will be performed at <strong>the</strong> Wilson Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts Tuesday,<br />
May 13 through Sunday, May 18, 2008. Tickets range <strong>in</strong> price from<br />
$37.50 to $45.00. To order by phone with Visa, MasterCard, American<br />
Express or Discover call <strong>the</strong> FCCJ Artist Series Box Offi ce at (904) 632-<br />
3373 (toll-free outside of Jacksonville 1-888-860-BWAY.) Discounts are<br />
available for groups of 15, 40 or 60 by call<strong>in</strong>g (904) 632-3228.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR<br />
The Alhambra D<strong>in</strong>ner Theatre presents <strong>the</strong> Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ<br />
Superstar now through June 1, with mat<strong>in</strong>ees on Saturday and Sunday, and even<strong>in</strong>g performances every<br />
night except Monday. Directed by Todd Booth and Choreographed by Conrad De’Andrea, pr<strong>in</strong>cipal players<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude Just<strong>in</strong> Murphy as Jesus of Nazareth, Davron S. Monroe as Judas Iscariot, Michelle Berry as Mary<br />
Magdalene, and Tony Triano as Pontius Pilate. O<strong>the</strong>r actors <strong>in</strong>clude Lee Hamby, Joshua Bond, Kenneth<br />
Uibel, Mat<strong>the</strong>w Jay Campbell and Adam Davel<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway <strong>in</strong> l971, but it has a very unique beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g. First it was<br />
an album that sold more than two and a half million copies. The music, so extraord<strong>in</strong>arily vital and eclectic,<br />
was well received on stage and became a hit stage play before be<strong>in</strong>g made <strong>in</strong>to a successful movie. Jesus<br />
Christ Superstar has s<strong>in</strong>ce be<strong>com</strong>e a true <strong>the</strong>ater classic.<br />
Still widely produced all over <strong>the</strong> world, two approaches are <strong>com</strong>monly used <strong>in</strong> Superstar<br />
productions. One is done <strong>in</strong> modern dress, with black lea<strong>the</strong>r jackets or occasionally tie dye cloth<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
bellbottoms or tank tops, as Seaside Music Theater <strong>in</strong> Daytona did when <strong>the</strong>y opened <strong>the</strong>ir new arts center<br />
with this show a few years back. The more popular <strong>version</strong>s use period cloth<strong>in</strong>g. Tod Booth’s <strong>version</strong> at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Alhambra is very traditional (thankfully), with <strong>the</strong> usual exceptions.<br />
Jesus Christ Superstar retells <strong>the</strong> last seven days <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> life of Jesus of Nazareth <strong>in</strong> several scenes.<br />
From be<strong>in</strong>g pursued by <strong>the</strong> priests and clear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> temple of merchants to be<strong>in</strong>g betrayed by Judas, <strong>the</strong><br />
last supper, <strong>the</strong> arrest, <strong>the</strong> trial and <strong>the</strong> crucifi xion. This musical’s approach to <strong>the</strong> story of Jesus has<br />
always appealed to me because it does not focus so much on his div<strong>in</strong>ity, ra<strong>the</strong>r it concentrates on <strong>the</strong><br />
personalities of <strong>the</strong> people <strong>in</strong>volved and <strong>the</strong>ir humanity, or lack of it.<br />
Booth has cast <strong>the</strong> best. Just look at <strong>the</strong> list of <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal characters. They all are marvelous<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gers. Booth has some of <strong>the</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g roles do<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>i solos, <strong>in</strong> some cases just one or two l<strong>in</strong>es, but<br />
enough to display <strong>the</strong>ir vocal talents. Davron Monroe’s Judas has an operatically tra<strong>in</strong>ed voice and that is<br />
so versatile and powerful, he will send shivers up your sp<strong>in</strong>e. Lee Hamby s<strong>in</strong>gs wonderfully, and dresses<br />
campy <strong>in</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Herod’s song, a real show stopper. The last song <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> show is done night club style, with<br />
alhambra d<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>the</strong>atre re<strong>view</strong> by dick kerekes<br />
glitter<strong>in</strong>g cloth<strong>in</strong>g and fl ashy danc<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
I have seen Just<strong>in</strong> Murphy play <strong>the</strong> role of Jesus three times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past 10 years. The last time was<br />
<strong>in</strong> a production at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre <strong>in</strong> l999, a show he produced. I wrote <strong>the</strong>n that Murphy’s Jesus was<br />
picture-perfect and his voice and message still haunt me. I can say he is even better <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Alhambra<br />
<strong>version</strong> because of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>timacy of <strong>the</strong> venue. The audience can see his every gesture and hear his every<br />
marvelous note and whisper.<br />
An open stage is used, with only a few props. Small palms for <strong>the</strong> street scene and some<br />
merchandise for <strong>the</strong> temple market as well as sixteen yellow panels aga<strong>in</strong>st and around <strong>the</strong> back wall<br />
frame <strong>the</strong> stage. My <strong>com</strong>panion <strong>com</strong>pared it to a halo; my <strong>in</strong>terpretation was that it looks like a sunrise.<br />
John Renaud’s very effective light<strong>in</strong>g created many moods to enhance <strong>the</strong> stage action. The Alhambra has<br />
a new sound system and a new sound technician, Kasey L<strong>in</strong>sberg, who does an excellent job of mix<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
voices so that you will hear every glorious word of every song.<br />
I liked <strong>the</strong> costumes done by “<strong>the</strong> Costume Crew.” Especially effective were <strong>the</strong> priests’ attire that<br />
clearly let us know what has happen<strong>in</strong>g and why. I have already mentioned <strong>the</strong> razzle-dazzle costumes <strong>in</strong><br />
two numbers. Wow, were <strong>the</strong>y eye-popp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Round<strong>in</strong>g out this very talented and energetic cast and perform<strong>in</strong>g several support<strong>in</strong>g roles are David<br />
Sacks, James John Mitchell, Joshua Edwards, Conrad De’Andrea, Miranda Lawson, Kristen Owen, Andrew<br />
Davel<strong>in</strong>e and Jeremy Williams.<br />
Most of <strong>the</strong> audience seemed to be familiar with <strong>the</strong> music. For many it was a trip down memory<br />
lane. The story and <strong>the</strong> score are so mesmeriz<strong>in</strong>g; it is truly remarkable <strong>the</strong>ater experience for all ages and<br />
faiths. The audience can feel <strong>the</strong> enthusiasm and energy of this very strong ensemble of actors <strong>in</strong> what I<br />
consider to be one of <strong>the</strong> best productions of this musical. Don’t miss Jesus Christ Superstar, it is one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> greatest shows <strong>the</strong> Alhambra has ever done.<br />
The Alhambra is located at 12000 Beach Blvd <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville. Call 641-1212 for <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />
reservations.<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre & culture | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
39
40 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | lifestyle<br />
let’s get stimulated<br />
by brenton crozier<br />
If you’ve fi led your taxes, you know that you are probably gett<strong>in</strong>g a rebate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
months as part of <strong>the</strong> government’s stimulus package. The th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d this is that when people<br />
get <strong>the</strong>ir check, an average of $300 to $600, <strong>the</strong>y will go out and spend it on disco balls, candy corn<br />
and whatever else it is <strong>the</strong> kids are buy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se days. I wanted to see for myself if this was truly<br />
<strong>the</strong> thought process regular folks had for <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong><strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g funds, so I waded <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> great unwashed<br />
around Jacksonville and asked. Where will people spend <strong>the</strong>ir tax rebate? Much of <strong>the</strong> $117 billion tax<br />
rebates between May and August will be saved or used to pay down debt as opposed to new spend<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Bor<strong>in</strong>g! But <strong>the</strong> bottom l<strong>in</strong>e is that even if only 20% of us spend our w<strong>in</strong>dfall buy<strong>in</strong>g stuff like refrigerators…or<br />
better yet beer, <strong>the</strong>re’s still go<strong>in</strong>g to be some positive boost to economic growth. Most<br />
of us will get about a 5% boost to our bank account. And maybe if we just enjoy some of <strong>the</strong> extras<br />
(fun stuff) we’ve been miss<strong>in</strong>g, it’ll boost our spirits too.<br />
People have really different ideas on how <strong>the</strong>y’ll spend <strong>the</strong>ir bucks. A large number surveyed<br />
have decided to peg <strong>the</strong> fun-meter and let <strong>the</strong> rebate ra<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> mullah fl ow.<br />
“It’s all about hookers and beer. The problem is that $600 doesn’t go as far<br />
as it used to. It used to be that you could get top-quality <strong>in</strong> both categories for that<br />
type of cash. Now, you ei<strong>the</strong>r have to go mid-range on both, or <strong>com</strong>pletely <strong>com</strong>promise<br />
your standards <strong>in</strong> one area or <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, and it be<strong>com</strong>es a consideration of<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r you want to sacrifi ce taste or well-be<strong>in</strong>g. Essentially, it’s a matter of go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from imported to domestic beer and domestic to imported... well, you get <strong>the</strong> idea.”<br />
Steve – 44-Years Old, Lawyer<br />
Some have illusions of grandiose wealth that get defl ated by some reality preach<strong>in</strong>g…<br />
“I’m totally gett<strong>in</strong>g a 1968 Ludwig snare drum for my kit. Me and my band,<br />
Our Fist Your Face, is start<strong>in</strong>g to get pretty big and play<strong>in</strong>g a lot of shows”. At this<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t, Mike was <strong>in</strong>terrupted by his roommate Karl who he refers to as “Killjoy Karl.”<br />
Karl told Mike that he owed him that money for back rent and utilities and asked him<br />
when he was go<strong>in</strong>g to grow up. Mike proceeded to tell Karl how lame he was and<br />
said someth<strong>in</strong>g about tak<strong>in</strong>g his corporate desk job and shov<strong>in</strong>g it up someth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The argument escalated and I left, but not before I heard Karl sarcastically refer to<br />
Mike as John Bonham like three times.<br />
Mike – 23-Years Old, Drummer <strong>in</strong> Local Band<br />
Diagnosis: totally clueless<br />
“I was all like w00t, gett<strong>in</strong>g a rebate check from <strong>the</strong> feds! Now I can cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />
to pwn all those n00bs that th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>y can touch Karnak! I’m like zomg you th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
you can duel with me? It just makes me rofl . That check is go<strong>in</strong>g to give me at least<br />
three more sweet years of WoW. I also wanted to do some pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and really pimp<br />
out my room, but my mom was like, no way Karnak, your fa<strong>the</strong>r would kyo oya (kick<br />
you out on your ass).”<br />
Karnak <strong>the</strong> Ruthless – 33-Years Old, Level 70 Night Elf Warrior (Unemployed)<br />
Of course if Karnak didn’t fi le a return with <strong>the</strong> IRS – on time - no checky!<br />
Self improvement ranked high <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey…and so does catty <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
“I’m go<strong>in</strong>g to get a Botox treatment and <strong>the</strong>n a copious amount of mart<strong>in</strong>is.<br />
Don’t group me <strong>in</strong> with those desperate housewife whores, like <strong>the</strong> ones <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
market<strong>in</strong>g department. There’s noth<strong>in</strong>g desperate about it, most your boyfriends are<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g at me anyway. The Botox just ensures that I cont<strong>in</strong>ue to look good, and <strong>the</strong><br />
mart<strong>in</strong>is just numb <strong>the</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>.”<br />
C<strong>in</strong>dy – 47-Years Old, Executive at F<strong>in</strong>ancial Plann<strong>in</strong>g Company<br />
And <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>re’s….<br />
“I will be us<strong>in</strong>g my rebate to cont<strong>in</strong>ue pay<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> taxes I owe for <strong>the</strong> year. The<br />
check is a bit of a tease, but without <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial benefi ts. O<strong>the</strong>rwise, I would have<br />
probably gone for $600 worth of silly str<strong>in</strong>g and Oreo cookies. Yes, I’ve dreamed of<br />
that moment s<strong>in</strong>ce watch<strong>in</strong>g Big.” Brenton – 30-Years Old, Copywriter<br />
So do your part Jacksonville, stimulate <strong>the</strong> economy with that cash. EU does not condone<br />
spend<strong>in</strong>g your entire rebate on hookers or liv<strong>in</strong>g with your parents at age 33.
fi t to be square<br />
a saga of shap<strong>in</strong>g up by johnny st. thomas<br />
I<br />
always thought of work<strong>in</strong>g out as a distraction for squares. The person I imag<strong>in</strong>e<br />
talk<strong>in</strong>g about “go<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> gym” has a good boy haircut, a brand new Volkswagen or<br />
Cooper M<strong>in</strong>i, and gravitates toward turtleneck shirts when <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r is right. Maybe<br />
even a turtleneck with blazer, if he’s go<strong>in</strong>g on a date.<br />
When I was young (and sk<strong>in</strong>ny) I always assumed that if I started to ga<strong>in</strong> weight,<br />
I would just have to adjust how I ate. You should eat as much fat as your regular activities burn<br />
off, right? After I turned twenty-fi ve, I noticed that I was thicken<strong>in</strong>g up. I don’t know if it had to<br />
do with mak<strong>in</strong>g more money, thus eat<strong>in</strong>g out more, or just hav<strong>in</strong>g a more regular schedule that<br />
ac<strong>com</strong>modated three square meals a day. But my activities were about <strong>the</strong> same. Without really<br />
notic<strong>in</strong>g, my weight had surpassed my activity level. Now at thirty-three-years old, I hadn’t been to<br />
see a doctor <strong>in</strong> more than fi ve years; it’s about time I started act<strong>in</strong>g like an adult and got on some<br />
prescription medications!<br />
After read<strong>in</strong>g all of <strong>the</strong> benefi cial <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Heart Health <strong>issue</strong> of this very publication, I<br />
went to <strong>the</strong> doctor and had my blood work done. Dr. Dang (my new physician) <strong>in</strong>formed me that my<br />
cholesterol was high (over 300) and prescribed a change of diet and regular exercise. He wanted me<br />
to be<strong>com</strong>e a square. This is a major part of <strong>the</strong> formula. What next, would Dr. Dang prescribe driv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a Hummer and hang<strong>in</strong>g out at Twisted Mart<strong>in</strong>i?<br />
He re<strong>com</strong>mended I do some research and craft a diet for myself that is high <strong>in</strong> fi ber and<br />
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and reduce <strong>the</strong> amount of high cholesterol foods I eat. This is a challenge s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are few th<strong>in</strong>gs I love more than meat, eggs, butter and cheese (except for fried meat, eggs fried<br />
<strong>in</strong> butter and deep-fried cheese). I was go<strong>in</strong>g to need some expertise.<br />
I called <strong>the</strong> YMCA <strong>in</strong> my neighborhood (Yates Family YMCA on Riverside Avenue) and scheduled<br />
an appo<strong>in</strong>tment with <strong>the</strong>ir Registered Dietician, Kerri. She sat down with me <strong>in</strong> her offi ce and we<br />
talked about my eat<strong>in</strong>g habits, calculated how many calories my body burns at rest and talked about<br />
<strong>the</strong> ideal weight for my age.<br />
{ }<br />
Here is a general formula that Kerri gave me for fi gur<strong>in</strong>g out your<br />
Body Mass Index (BMI):<br />
Your weight (pounds) divided by your height (<strong>in</strong>ches) divided by your height<br />
(<strong>in</strong>ches) aga<strong>in</strong>, multiplied by 703. Example: 125/62/62X703= 22.8<br />
To determ<strong>in</strong>e Ideal Body Weight for men: You have a base of 106. For every <strong>in</strong>ch over 5 feet you<br />
add 6 pounds, and <strong>the</strong>n I take 10 percent ei<strong>the</strong>r way to get a range. So if you are 5’10” <strong>the</strong>n your<br />
IBW would be 166 pounds with a range of 150 - 182.<br />
At six-foot-three and 233 pounds, I am far from what I th<strong>in</strong>k of as obese, but accord<strong>in</strong>g to my<br />
body mass <strong>in</strong>dex, I am borderl<strong>in</strong>e. 12 – 20% is ideal. 25 – 30% is overweight. Over 30% is obese.<br />
I’m at roughly 29%.<br />
The equation she used to estimate my rest<strong>in</strong>g metabolism (<strong>the</strong> number of calories you burn at<br />
rest) is called <strong>the</strong> Miffl <strong>in</strong> St. Jeor Equation:<br />
{ }<br />
© Female: [9.99 x weight (kg)___ ] + [6.25 x height (cm)____]<br />
– [4.92 x age___] - 161 =____<br />
© Male: [9.99 x weight (kg)____] + [6.25 x height (cm)____] – [4.92 x<br />
age___] +5 =________<br />
Try<strong>in</strong>g not to <strong>com</strong>pletely sell out to squaredom, I suggested that <strong>in</strong>stead of driv<strong>in</strong>g to Burrito<br />
Gallery for a night of bourbon and g<strong>in</strong>ger ales, I could ride my bike downtown and burn up all <strong>the</strong><br />
calories that I would be dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. Kerri <strong>the</strong>n told me that bik<strong>in</strong>g for an hour burns about 600 calories.<br />
My regular bourbon with g<strong>in</strong>ger ale <strong>in</strong>take is about 3000 calories a week. And that’s just my dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
alone, never m<strong>in</strong>d my love for JL Trents’ fried fi sh d<strong>in</strong>ners. Gett<strong>in</strong>g enough exercise was certa<strong>in</strong> to be<br />
a challenge. It also looked like I’ll have to switch to a much squarer dr<strong>in</strong>k – Scotch and water should<br />
be a good (ie. not-too-square) substitute.<br />
To get a better idea of my situation and how Kerri can help me focus on creat<strong>in</strong>g new, better<br />
eat<strong>in</strong>g habits, she re<strong>com</strong>mended I meet with Dave, <strong>the</strong> Wellness Director at <strong>the</strong> Yates Family YMCA<br />
and take advantage of <strong>the</strong>ir Tanita Body Composition Analyzer. Dave responded to my call right away<br />
and set up an <strong>in</strong>itial consultation with me. The fi rst part of <strong>the</strong> consultation was to talk to me about<br />
my goals. The second part was to assess my physical condition at <strong>the</strong> start<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce Kerri’s formulas only provide a rough estimate, <strong>the</strong> Tanita Body Composition Analyzer<br />
should do a more accurate job of determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g my precise body fat, as it takes <strong>in</strong>to consideration<br />
muscle mass. This test is far more <strong>com</strong>fortable (and less awkward) than <strong>the</strong> traditional p<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>the</strong> fat with calipers. Here were my results:<br />
{ }<br />
BMI: 28.4<br />
(Kerri’s estimate was impressively close)<br />
FAT%: 21<br />
(“desirable range” is between 8 and 20%, mak<strong>in</strong>g me “undesirable.”)<br />
FAT MASS: 49.01 lbs<br />
(I th<strong>in</strong>k I’ve been called Fat Mass before, but I never knew what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were talk<strong>in</strong>g about.)<br />
My body burns 2,270 calories a day at rest, which means that accord<strong>in</strong>g to my orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
strategy, I would be my ideal weight if that is all of <strong>the</strong> calories I took <strong>in</strong>. As it turns out, after<br />
analyz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> way I eat, I have my work cut out for me. Because I am a fairly healthy eater that stays<br />
away from fast food and usually dr<strong>in</strong>ks ei<strong>the</strong>r water or black coffee, my <strong>current</strong> situation is not likely<br />
to improve without <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g exercise. But exercise isn’t square. Rid<strong>in</strong>g my bike or walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
places <strong>in</strong>stead of driv<strong>in</strong>g isn’t square. But <strong>the</strong> problem is that I know that I need someone to help me<br />
set realistic, atta<strong>in</strong>able goals and <strong>the</strong>n hold me to <strong>the</strong>m. Dave said he could set me up with a tra<strong>in</strong>er<br />
that will do just that. All it means is that I will have to start go<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> gym and perhaps periodically<br />
break <strong>in</strong>to tears like <strong>the</strong> contestants of The Biggest Loser.<br />
This <strong>com</strong>plex organism that I drive around all day will absolutely start to break down early if<br />
I don’t do someth<strong>in</strong>g now. If my choices are to be<strong>com</strong>e a square and start spend<strong>in</strong>g some time <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> gym or hav<strong>in</strong>g to tear down my house to get my bloated 500 pound corpse out of my television<br />
room, I’ll pick <strong>the</strong> former every time. I’ll have to put some Olivia Newton-John on my iPod and just<br />
embrace <strong>the</strong> squaredom.<br />
lifestyle | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
41
tpc…<strong>the</strong> fi fth major? by<br />
And so here we are, after a year of <strong>the</strong> twists and turns, <strong>the</strong> golf world is descend<strong>in</strong>g upon<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>ast Florida for The Players Championship. This annual ritual is played at <strong>the</strong> Stadium Course <strong>in</strong><br />
Ponte Vedra, located just a few hundred yards from <strong>the</strong> PGA Tour headquarters.<br />
Over its history, <strong>the</strong> tournament has<br />
made plenty of changes, from <strong>the</strong> course, to<br />
<strong>the</strong> fi eld of players, and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> change <strong>in</strong><br />
play<strong>in</strong>g dates, from March to May. The Tour<br />
did this because some players and media<br />
were start<strong>in</strong>g to look at TPC as a ‘tune-up<br />
event’ to The Masters every year. The Tour<br />
didn’t want this jewel of an event to be<br />
perceived <strong>in</strong> that respect. And so now, with<br />
TPC placed squarely and fi rmly between The<br />
Masters and <strong>the</strong> U.S. Open, <strong>the</strong> Tour wants<br />
this to be <strong>view</strong>ed as a prestigious event to<br />
look forward to.<br />
Of course, this year <strong>the</strong>y will not<br />
have Eldrick “Tiger” Woods, who had knee<br />
surgery to repair loose cartilage and is <strong>in</strong><br />
rehab. His loss defi nitely affects <strong>the</strong> perception<br />
of <strong>the</strong> tournament. It also changes <strong>the</strong><br />
fi eld. Most players will never tell you <strong>the</strong>y<br />
feel better without Tiger <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>eup. But I’m<br />
serious <strong>in</strong> tell<strong>in</strong>g you that without him, <strong>the</strong>y all feel <strong>the</strong>y have a better shot at victory.<br />
And so now, after start<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir fi rst tournament <strong>in</strong> 1974 as <strong>the</strong> Tournament Players Championship,<br />
and with a stellar list of victors that <strong>in</strong>cludes Nicklaus, Trev<strong>in</strong>o, Norman, Woods, and Mickelson,<br />
is it fair for players, fans, and <strong>the</strong> media to consider TPC to be ‘The Fifth Major?’ Should we hold this<br />
tournament on <strong>the</strong> same standards as <strong>the</strong> Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship?<br />
This has be<strong>com</strong>e a fairly debatable subject. It seems <strong>the</strong> PGA Tour has been push<strong>in</strong>g mightily to<br />
ano<strong>in</strong>t this tournament as <strong>the</strong> Fifth Major. For so many years <strong>the</strong>y have done anyth<strong>in</strong>g and everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>y possibly can to market, promote, and publicize TPC, for so many reasons.<br />
Of course, <strong>the</strong> PGA Tour would totally go aga<strong>in</strong>st me even suggest<strong>in</strong>g this is NOT a Major<br />
tournament. They hold <strong>the</strong> stature of The Players above and beyond all o<strong>the</strong>rs…EXCEPT for <strong>the</strong> four<br />
Majors.<br />
They love hav<strong>in</strong>g this tournament here at <strong>the</strong> Stadium Course, a track that has been talked about<br />
so frequently it seems to be overkill. Some still hate it and don’t appreciate <strong>the</strong> architecture and<br />
layout. Many o<strong>the</strong>rs, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, are totally <strong>in</strong> love with what Pete Dye did <strong>in</strong> design<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
Stadium Course, with its uniqueness, capped by <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>famous Par-3 17 th .<br />
Without question, <strong>the</strong> Stadium course identifi es TPC. The course and <strong>the</strong> tournament are jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
42 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | lifestyle<br />
tom weppel<br />
at <strong>the</strong> hip. They are thought of equally and with reverence.<br />
They also love <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> fi eld play<strong>in</strong>g every year is essentially better than all o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a few of <strong>the</strong> Majors. They qualify this fi eld by world rank<strong>in</strong>g, and <strong>the</strong>n take it from <strong>the</strong>re. The<br />
Masters and PGA Championship use different criteria and may not always have <strong>the</strong> Top 150 players<br />
participate.<br />
In be<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>g a Major, it takes historical perspective, which <strong>in</strong> turn determ<strong>in</strong>es honor and acceptance.<br />
The Players started <strong>in</strong> 1974, and so this year will be <strong>the</strong> 35 th year of play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tournament.<br />
Compare that to <strong>the</strong> four Majors, if you will. The Masters began <strong>in</strong> 1934, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Open was<br />
fi rst played <strong>in</strong> 1895, <strong>the</strong> British Open <strong>in</strong> 1883, and <strong>the</strong> PGA <strong>in</strong> 1916. So, as you can see, The Players<br />
would be considered a baby, when you match it up aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r four events.<br />
And that alone might be THE reason a lot of golfi ng experts and fans simply do not perceive<br />
TPC as a fi fth Major. They cite <strong>the</strong> ‘<strong>in</strong>fancy’ of <strong>the</strong> tournament, be<strong>in</strong>g 40 years younger than The<br />
Masters and <strong>the</strong>y feel that four Majors are enough over <strong>the</strong> course of an entire year.<br />
There are a few simple questions: Would a professional golfer ra<strong>the</strong>r w<strong>in</strong> TPC before w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> PGA Championship? Is <strong>the</strong> Tournament Players Championship, for all <strong>in</strong>tents, <strong>the</strong> fourth most<br />
popular ‘Major?’ And also, consider this: Would a professional golfer ra<strong>the</strong>r w<strong>in</strong> TPC before w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
any o<strong>the</strong>r event on <strong>the</strong> Tour, aside from <strong>the</strong> four Majors? To me, <strong>the</strong>se are <strong>the</strong> questions that would<br />
allow everyone to defi ne <strong>the</strong> stature and position The Players Championship is <strong>current</strong>ly nestled <strong>in</strong>.<br />
The Players certa<strong>in</strong>ly has shown us that it has achieved a sense of greatness, from past tournament<br />
out<strong>com</strong>es. The <strong>com</strong>petition between players each year is certa<strong>in</strong>ly rivet<strong>in</strong>g, and <strong>the</strong> course itself is<br />
very diffi cult to master.<br />
And so, aga<strong>in</strong> I ask you, are we all ready to accept The Players Championship as ‘The FIFTH<br />
Major?’ Are we all of <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dset that this tournament is equally <strong>com</strong>parable to <strong>the</strong> four Majors?<br />
Better yet, are <strong>the</strong> PGA Tour players will<strong>in</strong>g to accept and recognize w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g TPC on equal terms as<br />
w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> PGA Championship, perhaps?<br />
Whatever <strong>the</strong> case, TPC carries <strong>the</strong> substance and stature of <strong>the</strong> highest respect <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> golfi ng<br />
world. The victor will have certa<strong>in</strong>ly played a masterful 72 holes of <strong>com</strong>petitive golf <strong>in</strong> order to fi nish<br />
on top. And we all certa<strong>in</strong>ly will look up to him <strong>in</strong> what he has done at an event we have all <strong>com</strong>e to<br />
enjoy and respect, as will his peers.<br />
Call (904) 285-7888 or (800) 741-3161 to purchase tickets. Practice round tickets are $30<br />
and are good for all three days of practice rounds, Monday through Wednesday. Daily tickets are<br />
$75, allow<strong>in</strong>g access to <strong>the</strong> tournament on one <strong>com</strong>petition day: Thursday, Friday, Saturday or<br />
Sunday. Week long tickets are $175 with your choice of <strong>in</strong>dividual tickets for each day of tournament<br />
week or a Weekly Badge. Youth tickets are available to young duffers. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> practice rounds<br />
kids 16 and under are admitted free of charge when ac<strong>com</strong>panied by a properly credentialed adult.<br />
Competitive Rounds youths ages 5 and under are free of charge when ac<strong>com</strong>panied by a properly<br />
credentialed adult. Youths ages 6-16 are required to purchase $10/day “Youth Tickets” sold ONLY at<br />
<strong>the</strong> gate.
netscapades<br />
bridg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> racial divide through <strong>in</strong>ternet<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g by brenton crozier<br />
Hopefully, society has evolved past <strong>the</strong> darker times of racial discrim<strong>in</strong>ation and fervent<br />
prejudice. The only racial divide that I see is purely a cultural one. You’ve heard <strong>the</strong> canned <strong>com</strong>edy<br />
act from myriad <strong>com</strong>edians: white people not mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> best dancers, black people seek<strong>in</strong>g<br />
credit for tak<strong>in</strong>g care of <strong>the</strong>ir kids, etc, etc. But we are <strong>in</strong> a unique position to see white people<br />
attend Jay-Z concerts <strong>in</strong> high numbers. It is not <strong>the</strong> fear of safety that would keep a white guy<br />
from attend<strong>in</strong>g, but ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> fear of awkwardness as <strong>the</strong>y try to throw down <strong>the</strong>ir moves to ‘99<br />
Problems.’ Our cultures have a tendency to borrow from each o<strong>the</strong>r anyway, but typically will<br />
water down and homogenize whatever <strong>the</strong> borrowed trend is.<br />
A couple of transcendent blogs reveal <strong>the</strong>se respective cultures. There’s go<strong>in</strong>g to be so<br />
much multifariousness that you could dive <strong>in</strong> it. Get your pluralistic swimwear on! No, not that, it<br />
makes you look fat. There, that’s much better.<br />
stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.<strong>com</strong><br />
D<strong>in</strong>ner parties, music piracy, outdoor<br />
performance cloth<strong>in</strong>g, hat<strong>in</strong>g corporations and<br />
Barack Obama are just some of <strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs white<br />
people like accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Stuff White People<br />
Like blog. Threaten<strong>in</strong>g to move to Canada, music<br />
<strong>com</strong>edy and bottled water have also made <strong>the</strong><br />
list. Keen <strong>in</strong>sight and explanation is given on<br />
each topic. When discuss<strong>in</strong>g a white person’s<br />
affi nity for modern furniture, <strong>the</strong> writer warns to<br />
never refer “to a white person’s expensive chair<br />
as a ‘chair,’ as it is considered poor form and<br />
will likely result <strong>in</strong> a loss of trust and/or respect.”<br />
Although, if <strong>the</strong> said chair is merely from Ikea or Design With<strong>in</strong> Reach, and not an au<strong>the</strong>ntic Mies<br />
van der Rohe, <strong>the</strong> term ‘chair’ is acceptable.<br />
Common white people problems are an additional <strong>com</strong>ponent to <strong>the</strong> Stuff White People Like<br />
website. Sear<strong>in</strong>g topics like, “Poorly Read Partners” and “Should children dr<strong>in</strong>k w<strong>in</strong>e?” are some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> more <strong>current</strong> dilemmas discussed. Each discourse explores <strong>the</strong> possibilities of <strong>the</strong> Yes<br />
and No of each situation, and <strong>the</strong>n furnishes you with a fi nal call. For example, <strong>the</strong> fi nal call on<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r you should date a poorly read partner, is yes, but you should <strong>the</strong>n subsequently dump<br />
<strong>the</strong>m “simply for <strong>the</strong> story of it.” Wow, I’ve never understood white people so well!<br />
blog.stuffblackpeoplelove.<strong>com</strong><br />
So, it is now all <strong>in</strong> one easy to read blog, <strong>the</strong> stuff black<br />
people love. From see<strong>in</strong>g white people with shorts on when it’s<br />
cold outside to debate and cookouts, this is a door <strong>in</strong>to an o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />
veiled culture. It’s also a society with a heretofore hidden<br />
love for plastic bags. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> author, just about every<br />
black home has a collection of pla<strong>in</strong> plastic grocery bags and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have myriad uses. Some of <strong>the</strong> listed uses <strong>in</strong>clude shower<br />
caps, a clo<strong>the</strong>s hamper, beach bags, lunch boxes, alternate<br />
trash bags and a bag to hold all of your o<strong>the</strong>r plastic grocery<br />
bags.<br />
The site is neatly categorized by subject for your<br />
convenience. Under “Advertisers” <strong>the</strong>re is an <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g article<br />
discuss<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> topic, “Do Black Smokers Love Menthol?” Apparently<br />
<strong>the</strong> answer is a resound<strong>in</strong>g yes, as <strong>the</strong> author po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
out that a 1995 study at <strong>the</strong> New Jersey Medical School found that 79% of black smokers did<br />
prefer menthol. Now give me a pack of <strong>the</strong>m ‘Potes! The author steals a little steam, po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
<strong>the</strong> evils of big tobacco market<strong>in</strong>g to blacks <strong>in</strong> publications like Ebony and Jet.<br />
Stuff Black People Love is not quite as tongue <strong>in</strong> cheek as Stuff White People Like. I guess<br />
<strong>the</strong> concept of love versus like gives it an extra edge or earnestness. Anyhow, both sites are brilliant,<br />
enlighten<strong>in</strong>g and hilarious. Shed some light on your cultural ignorance <strong>com</strong>fortably with <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet!<br />
lifestyle | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
43
may movies<br />
BABY MAMA Successful and s<strong>in</strong>gle bus<strong>in</strong>esswoman Kate Holbrook has fi nally determ<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
she’s ready to be<strong>com</strong>e a mom. But her plan is thrown a curve ball after she discovers she has<br />
only a million-to-one chance of gett<strong>in</strong>g pregnant. Enter South Philly work<strong>in</strong>g girl Angie Ostrowiski<br />
who be<strong>com</strong>es her unlikely surrogate. After <strong>the</strong>y learn that Angie’s pregnant, Kate goes <strong>in</strong>to<br />
nest<strong>in</strong>g mode: read<strong>in</strong>g childcare books, baby-proofi ng <strong>the</strong> apartment and research<strong>in</strong>g top preschools.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>gs get crazy when Angie loses her apartment and moves <strong>in</strong> with Kate. In a <strong>com</strong>ic<br />
battle of wills, <strong>the</strong>y will struggle <strong>the</strong>ir way gett<strong>in</strong>g raeady for <strong>the</strong> baby’s arrival. Starr<strong>in</strong>g T<strong>in</strong>a Fey,<br />
Amy Poehler, Sigourney Weaver, Dax Shepard and Greg K<strong>in</strong>near.<br />
HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY The same morn<strong>in</strong>g that Harold<br />
and Kumar eat at White Castle, Harold learns that Maria, <strong>the</strong> girl he lusts after, has set off for<br />
Amsterdam. The pair decide to pursue her so Harold can proclaim his love. Follow <strong>the</strong> crosscountry<br />
adventures of <strong>the</strong> pot-smok<strong>in</strong>g duo as <strong>the</strong>y try to outrun authorities who suspect <strong>the</strong>m<br />
of be<strong>in</strong>g terrorists when <strong>the</strong>y try to sneak a bong on board <strong>the</strong>ir fl ight to Amsterdam. It’s <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
Caribbean island vacation with water-board<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stead of wake board<strong>in</strong>g. Starr<strong>in</strong>g John Cho, Kal<br />
Penn, Eric W<strong>in</strong>ter, David Krumholtz and Neil Patrick Harris.<br />
May 2nd<br />
IRON MAN Right from <strong>the</strong> Marvel Comic Book series, Robert Downey, Jr. plays Tony Stark,<br />
aka Iron Man. In addition to be<strong>in</strong>g a fi lthy rich billionaire <strong>in</strong>dustrialist Tony Stark is also a genius<br />
<strong>in</strong>ventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a weapon of mega-mass destruction. But, <strong>in</strong>stead<br />
of mak<strong>in</strong>g a bomb for <strong>the</strong> bad guys, us<strong>in</strong>g his <strong>in</strong>telligence and <strong>in</strong>genuity, Tony secretly builds a<br />
high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Gwyneth Paltrow co-stars as his secretary, “Pepper”<br />
Potts, Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane while <strong>the</strong> gritty Terrence Howard fi lls <strong>the</strong> role of<br />
Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes, one of Stark’s colleagues, whose military background leads him to help<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> formation of <strong>the</strong> suit. Stark discovers a deadly conspiracy that could destabilize <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
globe, and dons his powerful new suit on a mission to stop <strong>the</strong> villa<strong>in</strong>s and save <strong>the</strong> world.as<br />
Iron Man. It’s metal to <strong>the</strong> max when Iron Man cuts loose. Rated PG13<br />
MADE OF HONOR In this romantic <strong>com</strong>edy, Patrick “Mr. McDreamy” Dempsey stars as Tom<br />
Bailey, who fi nally realizes after ten years that he is <strong>in</strong> love with his best friend Claire. But Tom<br />
has a fear of <strong>com</strong>mitment and refuses to admit <strong>the</strong> obvious. He’ll be dripp<strong>in</strong>g dreamy-cicles if he<br />
doesn’t give <strong>in</strong> and propose to Claire before she fi nds a less procrast<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g suitor. Enter Col<strong>in</strong>,<br />
a rich Scotsman (Journeyman’s Kev<strong>in</strong> McKidd) who sweeps Claire off her feet and asks for her<br />
hand <strong>in</strong> marriage. Tom must witness her unquestioned happ<strong>in</strong>ess up close when she asks him<br />
to be her “maid” of honor. Tom reluctantly agrees just so he can attempt to stop <strong>the</strong> wedd<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
woo her himself. Also starr<strong>in</strong>g Beau Garrett, Michelle Monaghan and Sydney Pollack. Rated R<br />
May 9th<br />
SPEED RACER The Matrix masterm<strong>in</strong>ds Andy and Larry Wachowski br<strong>in</strong>g Tatsuo Yoshida’s<br />
classic 1960s-era hit to <strong>the</strong> big screen with this family-friendly story of a young racecar driver<br />
who takes on <strong>the</strong> mysterious Racer X <strong>in</strong> a custom-made, gadget-loaded speed mach<strong>in</strong>e named<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mach 5. Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of driver that every wheelman wishes he<br />
could be: a natural w<strong>in</strong>ner who always fi nds himself cross<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi nish l<strong>in</strong>e with a <strong>com</strong>fortable<br />
lead. Slamm<strong>in</strong>g pedal to <strong>the</strong> metal and born to race cars, Speed Racer is aggressive, <strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>ctive<br />
and, most of all, fearless. Speed is top driver <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> family rac<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess, led by his fa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Pops Racer, <strong>the</strong> designer of Speed’s thunder<strong>in</strong>g Mach 5. When Speed turns down an offer from<br />
Royalton Industries, he not only <strong>in</strong>furiates <strong>the</strong> <strong>com</strong>pany’s owner but uncovers a terrible secret<br />
- some of <strong>the</strong> biggest races are be<strong>in</strong>g fi xed by team owners who manipulate <strong>the</strong> top drivers<br />
to boost profi ts. Watch Speed as he battles corruption <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> rac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry and faces a fi nal<br />
showdown with Royalton. Speed Racer will not only have to rely on his family and <strong>the</strong> aid of<br />
his longtime girlfriend, Trixie (Christ<strong>in</strong>a Ricci), but form a tenuous alliance with his longtime<br />
rival—<strong>the</strong> mysterious Racer X (Mat<strong>the</strong>w Fox) to <strong>com</strong>pete <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross-country rally known as<br />
The Crucible. Also starr<strong>in</strong>g Susan Sarandon and John Goodman as Pops. Rated PG<br />
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS... Two strangers (Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher) fi nd <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
wed and <strong>in</strong> bed after a wild night of Las Vegas shenanigans. When <strong>the</strong>y both recover,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y fi nd out that Jack won $3 million with Joy’s quarter <strong>the</strong> night before. The game is on as <strong>the</strong><br />
two greedily vie for <strong>the</strong> loot and learn that <strong>the</strong>y have to spend six months as wife and husband<br />
if <strong>the</strong>y are to see a penny of <strong>the</strong>ir w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs. Eventually, <strong>the</strong>y discover that maybe this ill-planned<br />
love connection isn’t quite as off <strong>the</strong> mark as <strong>the</strong>y orig<strong>in</strong>ally believed. Rated PG-13<br />
May 16th<br />
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN Jo<strong>in</strong> Susan, Lucy, Edmund and Peter Pevensie<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y return to <strong>the</strong> land of enchantment where dwarfs abound and you’re likely to strike up<br />
conversation with a talk<strong>in</strong>g mouse. More than 1300 years have passed <strong>in</strong> Narnian time s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
‘The Lion, <strong>the</strong> Witch, and <strong>the</strong> Wardrobe.’ The Golden Age of Narnia has been crushed by K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Miraz, who rules <strong>the</strong> land without mercy. The four Pevensie children return to meet a curious<br />
new character: Narnia’s rightful heir to <strong>the</strong> throne, <strong>the</strong> young Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Caspian. His uncle, <strong>the</strong><br />
evil K<strong>in</strong>g Miraz plots to kill him <strong>in</strong> order to place his own newborn son on <strong>the</strong> throne. With <strong>the</strong><br />
help of <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>dly dwarf, a courageous talk<strong>in</strong>g mouse named Reepicheep, a badger named<br />
Truffl ehunter and a Black Dwarf, Nikabrik, <strong>the</strong> Narnians—led by <strong>the</strong> mighty knights Peter and<br />
Caspian—embark on a remarkable journey to fi nd Aslan, rescue Narnia from Miraz’s tyrannical<br />
hold, and restore magic and glory to <strong>the</strong> land. Starr<strong>in</strong>g Peter D<strong>in</strong>klage, Anna Popplewell, Ben<br />
Barnes, Georgie Henley and Skandar Keynes. Rated PG<br />
44 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | movies<br />
May 22<br />
INDIANA JONES: THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL Feel like a teenager aga<strong>in</strong> and relive your past<br />
back to when you fi rst met everyone’s favorite archeologist adventurer. Harrison Ford returns for ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
globe-trott<strong>in</strong>g trek as George Lucas and Steven Spielberg team with screenwriter David Koepp to br<strong>in</strong>g Indiana<br />
Jones back to <strong>the</strong> big screen after nearly 20 years. The year is 1957 and Indiana Jones is thrust back <strong>in</strong> action,<br />
bullwhip crack<strong>in</strong>g and this time leav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> desert and ventur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> jungles of South America <strong>in</strong> a<br />
race aga<strong>in</strong>st Soviet agents to fi nd <strong>the</strong> mystical Crystal Skull. Harrison Ford reprises <strong>the</strong> role that launched <strong>the</strong><br />
series with breathtak<strong>in</strong>g stunts and campy hero hij<strong>in</strong>x. In this, Indy’s fourth adventure, he’ll team with his punk<br />
greaser son Mutt played by <strong>the</strong> charismatic Shia LaBeouf and leave 007 at home. Starr<strong>in</strong>g Harrison Ford, Cate<br />
Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray W<strong>in</strong>stone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf. Rated PG-13<br />
May 30<br />
SEX AND THE CITY If you’ve been miss<strong>in</strong>g nights on <strong>the</strong> couch eat<strong>in</strong>g chocolate, wait<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> latest update<br />
<strong>in</strong> Carrie’s love life, Samantha’s most recent sexual exploits and all <strong>the</strong> lurid details over Sunday brunch,<br />
have we got dish for you. The hit cable series Sex and <strong>the</strong> City catwalks its way onto <strong>the</strong> big screen <strong>in</strong> this<br />
feature-fi lm cont<strong>in</strong>uation that fans all over have been clamor<strong>in</strong>g for. Catch up on <strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g adventures of<br />
Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda as <strong>the</strong>y live <strong>the</strong>ir lives <strong>in</strong> Manhattan four years after <strong>the</strong> series ended.<br />
Sarah Jessica Parker returns once aga<strong>in</strong> as Carrie Bradshaw, <strong>the</strong> style-maven journalist whose romantic exploits<br />
were <strong>the</strong> key focus of <strong>the</strong> show. Also repris<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir roles are Kim Cattrall, Krist<strong>in</strong> Davis, Cynthia Nixon<br />
and Chris Noth as Big. Rated R<br />
special show<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
movies<br />
{ }<br />
2008 JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL Check out <strong>the</strong> EU Jacksonville Film Festival Guide<br />
<strong>in</strong> this <strong>issue</strong> (pages 19 - 30) for all <strong>the</strong> details on <strong>the</strong> Festival tak<strong>in</strong>g place May 15-21 at<br />
venues <strong>in</strong> downtown Jacksonville and Five Po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> Riverside.<br />
THE JACKSONVILLE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT The 48 Hour Film Project <strong>com</strong>es to<br />
Jacksonville on <strong>the</strong> weekend of May 2. Filmmakers from all over <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville area<br />
will <strong>com</strong>pete to see who can make <strong>the</strong> best short fi lm <strong>in</strong> only 48 hours. The w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g fi lm<br />
will go up aga<strong>in</strong>st fi lms from around <strong>the</strong> world for <strong>the</strong> title “Best 48 Hour Film of 2008”.<br />
All <strong>com</strong>pleted fi lms turned <strong>in</strong>, even late fi lms, will be screened at <strong>the</strong> Florida Theatre to<br />
capacity crowds on Tuesday, May 6th, and Wednesday, May 7th beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g at 6:30 pm. Info:<br />
www.48hourfi lm.<strong>com</strong>/Jacksonville.<br />
2008 JACKSONVILLE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT AWARD WINNERS TO BE SHOWN AT<br />
JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL On May 21st, <strong>the</strong> fi lms selected from <strong>the</strong> award w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Film Festival will screen at <strong>the</strong> festival’s clos<strong>in</strong>g night ceremonies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Terry Theater at <strong>the</strong> Times Union Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts Center.<br />
AMATEUR FILM FESTIVAL AT THE LIBRARY: ZOMBIEFEST Last year’s 4th Annual<br />
Amateur Film Festival at <strong>the</strong> library was a huge success. This year <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me is Zombies! It’s<br />
easy: Simply make a zombie movie no longer than 7 m<strong>in</strong>utes long on VHS or DVD format<br />
and submit it to Scott Adams (sadams@coj.net), Ma<strong>in</strong> Library, fi rst fl oor no later than May<br />
10th. Here are <strong>the</strong> requirements:<br />
1. The fi lm must <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> word “butterfi ngers” at least once<br />
2. Keep blood/gore to PG levels<br />
The movies will be shown to <strong>the</strong> public on May 17th, 2:00, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Library’s multipurpose<br />
room, Ma<strong>in</strong> Library as part of <strong>the</strong> Jacksonville Film Fest. Info: Scott Adams at 630-1940 or<br />
sadams@coj.net.
NOT JUST FOR BABY BOOMERS FILM SERIES Enjoy free show<strong>in</strong>gs of Boomers’ favorite fi lms on <strong>the</strong><br />
2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 5:45 pm <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ma<strong>in</strong> Library’s Hicks Auditorium. Info: (904) 630-<br />
1741<br />
May 8 THE MISFITS Three lonely modern-day cowboys fall <strong>in</strong> love with <strong>the</strong> same woman. She is<br />
beautiful, k<strong>in</strong>d, confused, and sometimes pa<strong>in</strong>fully honest. Critics consider this to be Marilyn Monroe’s<br />
and Clark Gable’s best performances. John Huston directed Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery<br />
Clift, and Eli Wallach. 1961.<br />
May 22 THE WAY WE WERE Sydney Pollack directed Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford <strong>in</strong> this<br />
classic love story. 1973. Rated PG.<br />
THE STONES ROCK THE IMAX THEATER Tickets $12. Info: www.<br />
wgv.<strong>com</strong> or call (904) 940-IMAX. SHINE A LIGHT, <strong>the</strong> Roll<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Stones’ concert fi lm will open May 9 at <strong>the</strong> World Golf Hall of Fame<br />
IMAX. Audiences will be immersed <strong>in</strong> both sight and sound when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y experience Mart<strong>in</strong> Scorsese’s Roll<strong>in</strong>g Stones concert fi lm, Sh<strong>in</strong>e<br />
A Light, <strong>in</strong> IMAX, with larger-than-life images and state-of-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
digital surround sound. The documentary shows <strong>the</strong> Roll<strong>in</strong>g Stones<br />
at <strong>the</strong> famed Beacon Theatre <strong>in</strong> New York City <strong>in</strong> fall 2006, Scorsese<br />
assembled a legendary team of c<strong>in</strong>ematographers to capture <strong>the</strong><br />
raw energy of <strong>the</strong> legendary band which is brought to life for IMAX<br />
audiences. Rated PG-13.<br />
NIGHT OWL CINEMA The St. August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre will show<br />
movies every o<strong>the</strong>r Friday <strong>in</strong> May. Movies beg<strong>in</strong> at 8 pm and food is<br />
available from local restaurants. The St. August<strong>in</strong>e Amphi<strong>the</strong>atre is<br />
located , A1A South <strong>in</strong> St. August<strong>in</strong>e. May 9, WILLY WONKA & THE<br />
CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971) and May 23, THE PRINCESS BRIDE<br />
(1987).<br />
MONTHLY MEETING OF THE “LEAVE ‘EM LAUGHING TENT” Jacksonville’s chapter of The International<br />
Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a/k/a Sons of <strong>the</strong> Desert) will meet on May 12, 6:30 - 8:00 at <strong>the</strong><br />
Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. Free to all ages. Laurel & Hardy short subjects to be<br />
screened at <strong>the</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g: L&H’s last silent fi lm “Angora Love” (1929), and <strong>the</strong> sound shorts “Laugh<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Gravy” (1931), “Them Thar Hills” (1934), and <strong>the</strong> Oscar-nom<strong>in</strong>ated “Tit for Tat” (1935).<br />
Info: Contact Steve Bailey at 246-0312, or leaveemlaugh<strong>in</strong>g.<strong>com</strong><br />
MIDNIGHT MOVIES AT THE SAN MARCO THEATRE Midnight<br />
movies at <strong>the</strong> San Marco Theatre, 11:55 pm, Info: (904) 396-4845<br />
May 2-3 THE BLUES BROTHERS (1980) Jake and bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Elwood put <strong>the</strong>ir blues band back toge<strong>the</strong>r to make money to save<br />
<strong>the</strong> orphanage where <strong>the</strong>y were raised. As <strong>the</strong>y set off on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
“mission from God” <strong>the</strong>y seem to make more enemies along <strong>the</strong><br />
way.<br />
May 9-10 BOMB IT (2007) BOMB IT is <strong>the</strong> documentary from<br />
award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g director Jon Reiss <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> most subversive<br />
and controversial art form <strong>current</strong>ly shap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational youth<br />
culture: graffi ti. Through <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong>s and guerilla footage of graffi ti<br />
writers <strong>in</strong> action on 5 cont<strong>in</strong>ents, BOMB IT tells <strong>the</strong> story of graffi ti<br />
from its orig<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> prehistoric cave pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs thru its notorious<br />
explosion <strong>in</strong> New York City dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 70s and 80s, <strong>the</strong>n follows <strong>the</strong><br />
fl ames as <strong>the</strong>y pa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>the</strong> globe.<br />
May 23-24 George A. Romero’s DIARY OF THE DEAD (2007)<br />
The 5th and newest <strong>in</strong>stallment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> DEAD series, this fi lm follows<br />
a group of fi lm students mak<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dependent horror fi lm. When<br />
<strong>the</strong>y be<strong>com</strong>e trapped <strong>in</strong> a world be<strong>in</strong>g consumed by fl esh-eat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
zombies, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>the</strong>n turn <strong>the</strong>ir attention toward mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fi lm <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
documentary on <strong>the</strong>ir personal horror experiences.<br />
MOONLIGHT MOVIES SERIES AT JACKSONVILLE BEACH Some people wait for <strong>the</strong> parade or <strong>the</strong><br />
sandcastle contest, but my signal for <strong>the</strong> start of summer is when <strong>the</strong>y beg<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Moonlight Movies at<br />
Jacksonville Beach. For four consecutive Friday even<strong>in</strong>gs, you can check out classic movies outdoors<br />
under <strong>the</strong> stars. The Moonlight Movie Series runs from 9-11 pm at <strong>the</strong> Sea Walk Pavilion, with a children’s<br />
play area open 6 – 8 pm. For more Info: (904) 247-6268.<br />
May 23 - JAWS<br />
May 30 - SHREK<br />
June 6 - THE AFRICAN QUEEN<br />
June 13 - POLTERGEIST<br />
movies | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
45
fi ve alive fi lms<br />
<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>view</strong> with Gerald Jackson, Jr. by er<strong>in</strong> thursby<br />
Break<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to fi lm direct<strong>in</strong>g can be a daunt<strong>in</strong>g task, but those that are will<strong>in</strong>g to cast a net outside <strong>the</strong><br />
usual artsy-<strong>in</strong>die projects can carve out a liv<strong>in</strong>g. In between more personally driven projects, Jacksonville<br />
director-for-hire Gerald Jackson, Jr. lends his fi lmmak<strong>in</strong>g artistry to different types of fi lms, from music<br />
videos and promotional book trailers to <strong>com</strong>mercials. He has also made a number of creative short fi lms,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a satirical documentary called Chas<strong>in</strong>g Kev<strong>in</strong>: <strong>the</strong> Hunt for a Picture with Kev<strong>in</strong> Smith, which<br />
seems to echo Michael Moore’s Roger & Me, with a much less serious subject.<br />
EU got <strong>the</strong> chance to have a dialogue with Jackson about fi lmmak<strong>in</strong>g and his production <strong>com</strong>pany,<br />
Five Alive Films.<br />
EU: You’ve done quite a few projects s<strong>in</strong>ce you graduated four years ago from Florida State University<br />
with a M. F. A <strong>in</strong> Motion Picture, Television & Record<strong>in</strong>g Arts. How have you changed as an artist s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
graduat<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Gerald Jackson, Jr: As an artist I’ve defi nitely learned to respect fi lmmak<strong>in</strong>g more, as well as what it takes<br />
to get a project <strong>com</strong>pleted. My fi rst several projects were basically funded because of fi lm school. When I<br />
returned to Jacksonville <strong>in</strong> 2004, I found out that I had to pursue fi nanc<strong>in</strong>g and assistance to get <strong>the</strong> project<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted. This, at times, proved to be quite frustrat<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Also as an <strong>in</strong>dependent, I’ve been able to access equipment and technology I’ve never been able to<br />
use before. Of course, this <strong>com</strong>es with a price attached, but sacrifi ces must be made for <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong><br />
project.<br />
Regard<strong>in</strong>g my shoot<strong>in</strong>g style, I’m glad to say I’ve been able to <strong>in</strong>corporate more movement <strong>in</strong> my<br />
projects. My last several projects <strong>in</strong>corporated jibs, cranes, dollies, and <strong>the</strong> manipulation of movement<br />
speed. I love fi lms that are always on <strong>the</strong> go; hopefully, this movement will <strong>com</strong>plement <strong>the</strong> fi lm’s narrative.<br />
I learn more with every project that I <strong>com</strong>plete.<br />
EU: What <strong>in</strong>spired you to be<strong>com</strong>e a fi lmmaker?<br />
GJ: Many th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>spired me to want to be<strong>com</strong>e a part of <strong>the</strong> fi lm <strong>in</strong>dustry. I can remember as a child, always<br />
tell<strong>in</strong>g stories to all of my friends. Of course, I told <strong>the</strong>se stories...visually and...dramatically… Also,<br />
I’ve always loved movies. Every weekend grow<strong>in</strong>g up, my parents would take me and my bro<strong>the</strong>r to as<br />
many movies as possible. I would be mesmerized by <strong>the</strong>se mov<strong>in</strong>g pictures on this large screen! It is uncanny<br />
how powerful <strong>the</strong> media of fi lm is. I can’t even tell you how my times I’ve cried, screamed, be<strong>com</strong>e<br />
enraged, laughed, and even learned someth<strong>in</strong>g just from a fi lm! After witness<strong>in</strong>g how <strong>in</strong>fl uential movies can<br />
be, I knew I had to be<strong>com</strong>e <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> art form <strong>in</strong> some form or fashion.<br />
EU: I notice you use a lot of digital. Is that <strong>the</strong> only medium you use? What are <strong>the</strong> benefi ts and drawbacks<br />
of digital?<br />
GJ: Locally, my projects have been done on digital video. The ma<strong>in</strong> reason is primarily fi nancial. Many<br />
don’t realize that fi lm is extremely expensive. First, you actually have to purchase <strong>the</strong> fi lm stock, which is<br />
not cheap... After fi lm<strong>in</strong>g, huge costs go <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> fi lm’s process<strong>in</strong>g. Believe me, that’s also quite pricey.<br />
Don’t forget, that unless you own a fi lm camera, you can add on rental fees. For <strong>in</strong>dependent fi lmmakers,<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g actual fi lm can be a fi nancial challenge. From my experience, digital video cameras are cheaper to<br />
rent than fi lm cameras. Plus, <strong>in</strong>stead of purchas<strong>in</strong>g actual fi lm, you only have to buy digital video tapes<br />
which are <strong>com</strong>paratively <strong>in</strong>expensive.<br />
I’ve actually shot on fi lm before, and <strong>the</strong> time and stress saved by us<strong>in</strong>g digital is amaz<strong>in</strong>g! With digital,<br />
you don’t have to worry too much about over/underexposure, “hairs” <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> gate, fi lm scratches, and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>evitable fi lm process<strong>in</strong>g. Many purists would argue how today’s fi lmmakers are deviat<strong>in</strong>g from “<strong>the</strong> art”<br />
of fi lmmak<strong>in</strong>g by not us<strong>in</strong>g fi lm. I always have to rem<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m that it’s not what you fi lm on that is impor-<br />
46 MAY 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | movies<br />
tant, it’s <strong>the</strong> story that matters most. If your project has a good plot/narrative, what type of media you fi lm<br />
on is irrelevant.<br />
With today’s technology, digital fi lm can fl awlessly duplicate <strong>the</strong> look of actual fi lm. Films such as 28<br />
Days Later and Bamboozled were both fi lmed digitally. Therefore, it is apparent that Hollywood is slowly<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g to embrace digital fi lmmak<strong>in</strong>g as legitimate.<br />
EU: Where are book trailers shown? I’d like to know a little more about book trailers s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> medium<br />
is new to me….<br />
GJ: Absolutely! Book trailers are a develop<strong>in</strong>g new trend <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> book <strong>in</strong>dustry. For those not familiar, book<br />
trailers are essentially movie trailers for books. The author will <strong>the</strong>n use <strong>the</strong>m for promotional purposes.<br />
For example, <strong>the</strong> author might take <strong>the</strong> trailer to conventions, or run <strong>the</strong>m on his/her website. Rumor has it<br />
that <strong>the</strong>se trailers might be shown <strong>in</strong> bookstores. It is strongly assumed that <strong>the</strong>se trailers will take off and<br />
possibly be <strong>the</strong> standard. Does anyone remember <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry’s <strong>in</strong>itial reaction to music videos?<br />
EU: Tell us about your most <strong>current</strong> project…<br />
GJ: I have several excit<strong>in</strong>g projects go<strong>in</strong>g on. This past fall, I opened my own production <strong>com</strong>pany named<br />
Five Alive Films. We specialize <strong>in</strong> book trailers, music videos, and fi lm shorts.<br />
Currently, we are aggressively contact<strong>in</strong>g record labels to produce music videos. This is defi nitely<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g I’m excited about. I’ve directed three, so I’m hop<strong>in</strong>g to do more. I am absolutely <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong><br />
experiment<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> music genres such as country, punk rock, folk, and rap.<br />
My production <strong>com</strong>pany is also <strong>current</strong>ly <strong>in</strong> negotiations with WJXE-15, a new television channel <strong>in</strong><br />
town, to produce a new television program. It is tentatively titled “Sunday Morn<strong>in</strong>g Gospel Brunch,” and it<br />
will be an <strong>in</strong>spirational show that will feature local gospel groups, simple cook<strong>in</strong>g, and uplift<strong>in</strong>g dialogue.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, I’m <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> process of research<strong>in</strong>g grants to fund a major fi lm short for this late summer/early<br />
fall. I <strong>com</strong>pleted a script titled “Shannon and Courtney’s Babysitter Bedlam,” and it is about two children<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir misadventures with a problematic babysitter.<br />
EU: What project are you most proud of?<br />
GJ: I would have to say my music video, ‘Jump<strong>in</strong>g Waves’ by <strong>the</strong> band Tracy Shedd. It was my fi rst music<br />
video, and it turned out so well. We used both digital and real fi lm, and it looked amaz<strong>in</strong>g! I love do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
period pieces, so we asked local car clubs to donate v<strong>in</strong>tage cars. We used period clo<strong>the</strong>s, hairstyles,<br />
and props to create <strong>the</strong> perfect look. The best part was that that everyone who worked on this project all<br />
volunteered. I always offer my s<strong>in</strong>cerest gratitude to my volunteers. In <strong>the</strong> end, it turned out great and we<br />
had an amaz<strong>in</strong>g time!<br />
EU: What’s your op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> local fi lm scene?<br />
GJ: When I returned to Jacksonville, I was fl oored by <strong>the</strong> constant fi lm activities that were go<strong>in</strong>g on. There<br />
were fi lm festivals, fi lm screen<strong>in</strong>gs, meet<strong>in</strong>gs, and socials almost weekly! On top of that, a major fi lm came<br />
to town to fi lm every season. I’ve noticed lately that <strong>the</strong> fervor around local fi lms have cooled lately. By no<br />
means am I say<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> passion isn’t <strong>the</strong>re, but <strong>the</strong>re doesn’t seem to be as many fi lm-related activities<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area. I’m sure <strong>the</strong> excitement will be pick<strong>in</strong>g up very soon, and I hope to be <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
You can see some of Jackson’s fi lms on his production <strong>com</strong>pany website, fi vealivefi lms.<strong>com</strong>, where you<br />
can also contact him for a project.
movies | eujacksonville.<strong>com</strong> | MAY 2008<br />
47
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