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THIS WEEK // 10.4-10.10.17 // VOL. 30 ISSUE 27 COVER STORY
BEST
OF JAX
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ACT ONE
Turn your attention to the center ring as out psycho circus presents the WINNERS of our annual READERS’ POLL photos by MADISON GROSS & CARL MILLER
FEATURED ARTICLES FEATURED
THE MONEY SHOT
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BY CLAIRE GOFORTH WEAPONS MANUFACTURERS are not that innocent
HERE KITTY, KITTY
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BY SHELTON HULL New album, new sound, new life: KITTY IS READY
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FILM ARTS LISTING MUSIC LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR PET PARENTING CROSSWORD
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BY DANIEL A. BROWN DELBERT MCCLINTON is too busy making good music to care about all the BS
COLUMNS + CALENDARS FROM THE EDITOR OUR PICKS MAIL/B&B FIGHTIN’ WORDS NEWS AAND NOTES ARTS
KICKING AGAINST THE PRICKS
51 52 53 55 58 60
ASTROLOGY NEWS OF THE WEIRD I SAW U CLASSIFIEDS
60 61 61 62
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FOLIO WEEKLY MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST FLORIDA AND CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA. It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Folio Weekly Magazine welcomes editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar information must be received two weeks in advance of event date. Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information are available on request. An advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free issue copy per person. Additional copies and back issues are $1 each at the office or $4 by U.S. mail, based on availability. First Class mail subscriptions are $48 for 13 weeks, $96 for 26 weeks and $189 for 52 weeks. Please recycle Folio Weekly. Folio Weekly Magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks.
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FROM THE EDITOR THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION DOESN’T care about freedom. It cares about money. I write these words with a heavy heart for the victims in Las Vegas and with the knowledge that some will cry foul that I chose this moment, of all moments, to write about gun control. I know this because the last time a senseless act of mass gun violence occurred on U.S. soil, against members of Congress, no less, there was an extremely vocal minority who took issue with a Folio Weekly tweet eet which included a screenshot nshot of Rep. Steve Scalise’s alise’s A+ NRA rating and the caption, aption, “Just gonna leave this here.” I learned then n that folks don’t take too kindly ndly to anyone pointing out thatt a congressman who got shot repeatedly peatedly proposed legislation that would’ve made it easier forr outof-state residentss to buy guns. “Too soon,” was a common response. Some rage junkies thought we were implying that Scalise deserved to get shot. He didn’t, we didn’t say that, and it’s just ridiculous, and a bit offensive, to say we did. Go be angry in the direction of something that matters, like when will General Mills release chocolate peanut butter Cheerios!? “Soon” is not definitive enough, General Mills, I need to know the exact date, preferably the hour, when I can pack my cheeks with crunchy morsels combining the two best flavors on Earth! But I digress. Someone else quipped that Folio Weekly was “keeping it classy as always,” to which I say a) we never said we were classy, and b) if it’s tacky to point out that the victim of a deadly Britney Spears earworm proposed legislation to make “Oops! … I Did It Again” the national anthem, tacky as charged. Wait till you see our Christmas nativity made entirely of cheese. Tagline: Baby Cheesus is the son of goud-a. Kidding! Or am I … Jokes aside, the NRA is not doing Americans any favors when it blocks a law to stop people on the FBI’s terrorist watch lists from buying guns; strips the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention from funding for researching gun violence after it found that living in a household with a gun increased the risk of homicide; opposes legislation restricting the purchase of firearms by the mentally ill, people with violent histories and those subject to domestic violence injunctions; claims an article honoring female victims of gun violence makes “the world a more dangerous place for women”; or sponsors a hunting show in which the host shoots an elephant in the face then
celebrates the kill with champagne and likens his critics to Hitler. The NRA carries out some nefarious acts on its own, or via a cast of horribles like Ted “I didn’t say kill my president” Nugent, but mostly it relies on pocketfuls of Republican politicians to do its bidding. And boy, oh, boy, do they ever do its bidding. Do you know when Congress last passed gun control legislation? 2007. That’s right, not even the slaughter of children at Sandy Hook, or Congresswoman Gabrielle Congres Giffords nearly being killed, or the murder of 49 innocent club-goers in has given them a change of heart. In fact, just eigh eight days after the Pulse Orlando shooting, the Senate s voted down four fou gun control measures that would’ve tightened w background backgroun checks and made it more mo difficult for suspected terrorists su to t buy guns. If you’re wondering who to blame for congressional inaction on gun control, start here: Senator Marco Rubio and Congressmen John Rutherford, Ted Yoho and Ron DeSantis are all sucking on the NRA PAC teet, according to t the Center for Responsive Politics. R Now, unlike some liberals, I don’t for a libe single second believe that these men (except maybe Rutherford) are actually opposed to gun control—I think they just like power and money and not necessarily in that order. In that sense, the NRA makes for a fitting bedfellow. Shills of a feather, and all that. Also unlike some liberals (very few, actually), I am not anti-gun. I learned to properly handle firearms early. However, like the vast majority of Americans, I believe in common sense restrictions on guns. I also question whether assault rifles should be available for private purchase. The gun lobby, of which the NRA is the public face, is out of control. Weapons manufacturers sell millions of guns to Americans every year, most to a small number of people who buy into a manufactured brand of free-loving, redblooded American. It’s a caricature, a ruse; weapons manufacturers don’t see customers as patriots, it sees them as profits. Which is exactly how the pols see the gun lobby. The only people getting shortchanged are the victims and their families. What’s that? It’s still too soon? Well, let me know when it’s the right time. Until then, just remember that for all the victims of gun violence, too soon won’t be soon enough. Claire Goforth claire@folioweekly.com @ClaireNJax
Weapons manufacturers are NOT THAT INNOCENT
THE
MONEY
SHOT
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5
FRI
BODIES IN MOTION CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM
6
We tried to imagine what the performance Implement For Removing Foreign Bodies by Terri Witek, Matt Roberts and Dengke Chen might look like/be like since the piece is the result of a collaboration among a poet, an animator and a video artist, but we just kept picturing ears and pennies and that’s probably wildly inaccurate. In fact, the performance is described as “prompting audiences to consider what experiences are ‘live’ and to reimagine their most familiar selves.” 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at Crisp-Ellert Museum, Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu.
OUR PICKS GLITTER BODIES
THU
5
TOM GOSS, HEATHER MAE
Goss (pictured), a power-pop, guitar-wielding, LGBTQ songwriter who sings about the gay bear culture, body-shaming in the gay community and marriage equality, has linked up with Heather Mae, a queer, body-positive singer and activist; the result is a night of electronica-tinged folk music with personal storytelling and a few giggles, too. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, Metro Entertainment Complex, 859 Willow Branch Ave., Riverside, $10, tomgoss.com.
REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE THIS WEEK
EINS, ZWEI, DREI … CHUG CHUG CHUG FLORIDA OKTOBERFEST & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sometimes it feels like the “fests” are never-ending … but this one promises three days of dirndls, lederhosen, sausages and sauerkraut, music (we’re hoping for at least one oompah band), an artisan market, dancing, fun for the kinder–a 100-foot Ferris wheel (!) and delicious German beers for the not-kinder. 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and noon-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 at Metro Park, Downtown, thefloridaoktoberfest.com.
FRI
6
SUN
8
SAT
7
TAKE IT ALL OR MAKE IT ALL SWEET, SOFT & PLENTY OF RHYTHM AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FEST
For seven days, swing in and out of the legacy of the Jazz Age in this annual Amelia Island event. With everything from free concerts in the park to rarified wine tastings and concerts, the organizer, Les DeMerle, has a little something for every jazz lover … we’re especially interested the late-night jams! The whole thing starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 with Jazz in the Park, Amelia Island Park (between 14th Street and Citrona Drive), free; through Oct. 14, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.
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THE MAKERY FALL MARKET
Slow down and enjoy the slight cooling of weather at this fall market. The Makery Fall Market presents accessible and affordable workshops to help folks think and live creatively, in addition to artists’ wares; food and drink are available if you just kind of want to hang out and feel creative without doing much more than some artisanal elbow-bending, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8 at The Glass Factory, 601 Myrtle Ave. N., Riverside, $5, 904tix.com.
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THE MAIL DO NOT FORSAKE THY MOTHER
RE.: “Was Irma God’s Will?” by A.G. Gancarski, Sept. 20 WHEN GOD PUNISHED HUMANS IN THE PAST, He gave them a warning and a duration of time to fix the problem. We are seeing more horrific storms, not because God is forsaking us. Nature is punishing us for forsaking Her. Devin Wilson via Facebook
THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION SPEAKS THRU THEE
RE.: “Was Irma God’s Will?” by A.G. Gancarski, Sept. 20 A.G. GANCARSKI SAID THAT “EVERY CLIMATE change scientist … could’ve guessed that global warming would drive more storms, such as Irma” toward Florida. However, the real climate change scientists disagree. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that there is no evidence correlating Harvey or Irma with climate change. In fact, the IPCC says it’s likely the number of tropical cyclones will “either decrease or remain essentially unchanged” as a result of global warming. Others are of the opinion that Florida and Georgia were hit with hurricanes because they voted for Trump for president. However, that theory doesn’t explain why Sandy hit New York, Puerto Rico got devastated by Maria, L.A. and Montana got singed by wildfires, and Mexico City was buried by an earthquake, even though most of its voters who are registered in the U.S. reliably vote for Democrats. In defense of Gancarski, the theories that Irma and Harvey were due to climate change is equally as valid as the theory that hurricanes dish out political vengeance upon voters who accepted the MAGA message–which is a nice way of saying that neither theory has scientific support. Rod Sullivan via email
REROUTING PARALLEL PATHS TO RUIN
RE.: “Starvation Wages,” by Claire Goforth, Sept. 20 THANKS TO CLAIRE GOFORTH FOR HER COLUMN against starvation wages. However, begging for noblesse oblige from politicians is no solution. Only by forming labor unions can workers raise their living standards. Before the 1937 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), unions were illegal. During the Great Depression, massive labor unrest forced both political parties to legalize unions and enforce collective bargaining. Through labor unions, workers created a broad middle class for the first time in U.S. history. But a brutal backlash by employers and plutocratic politicians has reduced the number of union workers in the private sector from 35 percent in the 1950s to less than 7 percent today. The decline of the middle class matches exactly the forced decline of labor unions. We may detest Confederate statues, but the real monuments to white supremacy are the Jim Crow labor laws we still live with. The NLRA exempted farm and domestic workers, jobs largely held by African Americans. The 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, supported by the states of the old Confederacy like Florida, instituted “right-to-work” laws to weaken unions. We need to vigorously rebuild the labor movement. Then, to ensure labor peace, politicians of both parties will have to listen to us–again. Mike Konopacki via email
MEMORIES OF AMERICAN BEACH
RE.: “The Driest Beach in the World,” by Mary Maguire, Sept. 20 GROWING UP IN JACKSONVILLE, WE VISITED American Beach regularly. Back then it was pristine, fun, serene. Today it’s a shame the condition the community, beachfront is in. This place has rich and sacred history. To just shut it out, let go to possible ruin over lack of proper utilities, gentrification, eminent domain is a damn shame. AMarie Sampson via Facebook
LEND YOUR VOICE If you’d like to respond to something you read in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email (with your name, address, and phone number for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com, visit us at folioweekly.com, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@folioweekly) and join the conversation.
BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BOUQUETS TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE The legendary venue in Downtown Jax is one of the prides of the region. And we have even more reason to be proud of Florida Theatre today: Upon realizing that its own records included very little of its history during segregation, the theater went out of its way to correct the information gap by crowdsourcing from attendees, then updating its website to include a more complete tale of its past as a “whites only” venue during segregation. It takes a lot of guts and humility to lead from the front like that. Kudos! BRICKBATS TO TOTE MARITIME Two years to the day after the tragic sinking of the SS El Faro outbound from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard released its final report on the accident. The report found fault in the ship’s operator, Captain Michael Davidson, who died along with all 32 crewmembers when it sank during Hurricane Joaquin, inspectors who checked the ship for seaworthiness, and the U.S. Coast Guard itself. The Coast Guard also recommended fining the operator, which Tote Maritime controls, for violating rules concerning rest and work periods, emergency procedures, and failing to inform the Coast Guard of repair work on its boiler and lifeboats. The company could be fined up to $80,000. BOUQUETS TO HOLMES CUSTOM Along with a team of employees, Bryan Croft, owner of local custom business and office products provider Holmes Custom, recently traveled to Haiti to help repair roads damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Matthew and visit with local orphans and elderly. With the Haiti 180 organization, the team also helped raise $26,000 for a small village that includes an orphanage, school, elderly home and upcoming clinic. On the trip, they also planned to build housing for local teachers. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A BOUQUET? HOW ABOUT A BRICKBAT? Send submissions to mail@folioweekly.com; 50 word maximum, concerning a person, place, or topic of local interest. 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
FOLIO VOICES : FIGHTIN’ WORDS What does the future hold for JACKSONVILLE POLITICS?
PREDICTIONS
YEARS BACK, WHEN I DID A SPORTS COLUMN in these pages, I often had to predict the future. Part of that was because of lag time between column submission and publication. I’d typically have to allot five or six days between the time I submitted a column and the time it ran. Thus, assumptions would have to be made. If I was complaining about Blaine Gabbert, I had to take the chance that he wouldn’t pull it together and throw for 400 yards one game. Luckily, that practice—educated guesses, advanced with Nostradamus certainty—never bit me in the ass once. Systems, ultimately, are predictable. Luckily for all of our sakes, the lag time between submission and publication is shorter when needed now. And I’ve learned not to call shots quite so much—which means that the comments I get from readers are only that my opinions, not my ability to see the future, are full of shit. In this column, however, I’m calling some shots. It’s a new fiscal year, and while I’m not making resolutions, I am making some predictions.
AL LAWSON SAILS TO RE-ELECTION: I spent a lot of 2016 trying to warn people that Jacksonville was about to lose its Congressional seat. As flawed as Corrine Brown was, my argument was that at least she’s local and knows local needs. That set up a contrast with Al Lawson, the Democrat from Tallahassee who walked into town with Susie Wiles—you may remember her from City Hall and the 2016 Trump campaign—to grease the wheels for him with local media. Corrine Brown, of course, couldn’t figure out how to run against Lawson. Part of that was because she couldn’t fundraise under indictment. The other part, though, is that her messaging had gotten conflicted; when media just wants to ask you where the money went from the One Door hustle, policy questions get left out. Brown lost, Lawson won, and he’s done a reasonably good job of responding to district priorities. He came up big during Hurricane Irma, becoming a fixture in this district and lobbying the feds to reimburse Jacksonville’s $27M from Hurricane Matthew. And it’s that reliability that seems to be making up for a lack of local roots. Helping him in that endeavor is the fact that no locals have made a move for the seat. Former Mayor Alvin Brown has told people he’d run when Corrine Brown was out of the news. But there are reasons to be
skeptical; he’s been the invisible man locally for two years, and can’t even get the donors to pony up a few thousand dollars to have his portrait painted for the Mayor’s office. Right now, it looks like Lawson’s race to lose. Though Mayor Brown laudably did resurface last weekend in conjunction with Puerto Rican relief.
REGGIE GAFFNEY WILL SKATE ON PLATEGATE: If I ever die and am reincarnated, I want to be a Gaffney brother. It doesn’t matter what they do, it just works out. We’re going to see that with the most recent Gaffney Gaffe in the “Case of the Purloined License Plate.” To recap: in 2016, Reggie Gaffney reported his license plate stolen … shortly after someone driving with that tag got popped for running red lights by cameras. Malefactors unknown. In any event, they must have had a pang of conscience. The tag ended up back on his car. But here’s the thing: police officers didn’t know his tag was returned. So Gaffney got pulled over by officers, and at this writing JSO is investigating narrative discrepancies between the police report and objective reality. If it were you or me, good luck. But Gaffney is going to skate so easily on this. It’s not in JSO’s interest to punish him, and certainly council has no interest in looking at its own. Expect an exonerating press release from JSO around 7 p.m. some Friday soon—maybe the one before Florida/Georgia, or the one after Thanksgiving. EXPECT COMPETITIVE COUNCIL RACES: It’s no secret that the Mayor’s Office likes some councilmembers better than others. Much of the summer was spent on territorial pissing matches with Finance Chair Garrett Dennis on measures ranging from summer camp funding to after school programs. And it’s also no secret that the mayor doesn’t completely line up with Council President Anna Lopez Brosche either. Expect that there may be real opponents lined up for these two seats—and perhaps others. By real opponents, I mean people who can raise serious money, the kind of money required to run a campaign against an incumbent. Space is limited, so I’ll close with this: If I had pissed off the Mayor’s Office, I’d be ramping up the re-election campaign already. All you need to do is look at how Angela Corey got laid out by that political machine to understand how quickly the game can change. A.G. Gancarski mail@folioweekly.com @AGGancarski OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9
NEWS AAND NOTES: HURRICANE EDITION TOP HEADLINES FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF ALTERNATIVE NEWSMEDIA
BEWARE OF POLAR BEARS Florida’s got gators, which are scary enough, but at least they have the courtesy to mostly remain ^ in or around water. In Iceland, you never know when a polar bear might come lollygagging along.
These are not the cartoon Coca-Cola chugging polar bars, neither, but immense carnivores: males weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. As Icepeople reports, a mother and her two cubs have been spotted in the vicinity of Longyearbyen so many times that the governor of Svaldbard released a travel warning about them. A travel warning for polar bears—and you thought Disney had problems. Other polar bear news of note reported by Icepeople includes a bear that ransacked so many cabins at Kapp Laila, officials tranquilized it and flew it far north by helicopter to Nordaustlandet. (Well, that’s one way to get a free flight.) No word if the specimen of Ursus maritimus was named Goldilocks
< WHO WANTS A PUP?
On Sept. 6, three adorable pups entered the world at Maui Ocean Center. Three adorable grey reef sharks, that is. The pups (yes, they really call baby sharks ‘pups’) were healthy and well gestated; each measured 29 to 30 inches, well above the average length of 24 inches for newborns of the species, according to Maui Time. Grey reef sharks are listed as nearthreatened on the IUCN list, so any healthy births in captivity are cause for celebration. The sharks were, of course, “welcomed to the world with a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Ko`i Lum, Maui Ocean Center’s Cultural Practitioner,” Maui Time added. In fact, all sharks that come to the facility are given a traditional blessing. Maui Time noted that after their quarantine period, the pups were transferred to the exhibit at Nursery Bay where they “will serve as ambassadors of their species.” Nice work if you can get it.
< KENNEL KERFUFFLE
Lest you think that California is a liberal enclave where the streets are rainbow-colored and all the buildings are glittery and pink—also, human rights and freedom, yo—Palo Alto is embroiled in a semi-controversy over what to do with the city’s aging, insufficient animal shelter. Palo Alto Weekly reported that the shelter was so small and overcrowded, some smaller animals like hamsters, birds and snakes were being housed in the employee friggin’ lunchroom. This brings several discomfiting thoughts racing through our minds. First, if locking eyes with lunch over lunch won’t make you go vegetarian, nothing will. Also, what an appetizing aroma that bodily waste must create! We’re betting a) no one takes a long lunch and b) that’s one svelte staff. And, um, don’t snakes eat hamsters and birds? According to Palo Alto Weekly, the city is planning to contract with a local nonprofit nokill shelter to provide shelter services in the future. We imagine the shelter employees will start putting weight back on shortly thereafter.
< BUNNIES, RUBBERS AND THE JUICE
10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
In a fabulous news mashup, Boise Weekly added its two cents to the news of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s death. In his lifetime, the 91-year-old squire, advocate of silk pajamas and silicone, was as hated as he was heralded by women, Christians and shepherds of class the world over. At Hefner’s death, bunnies frolicking at the Playboy Mansion became ghosts of a bygone era; the mansion was sold for $100 million and now reverts to the buyers. In other news, in what Boise Weekly referred to as a “sign of the times,” Stanford University has installed a “vending machine that sells birth control and emergency contraceptives.” Take that, enemies of reproductive freedom; condoms and baby blockers are just a couple of smackers away! Best hope that foil package or nondescript pill pouch doesn’t get stuck on the way down, though. Boise Weekly went on to report that O.J. “The Juice” Simpson could be released from prison as soon as Oct. 2. Where’s he headed? Where else? Flo-ri-da! Fingers crossed he moves anywhere but here.
THE BESTEST SHOW ON EARTH SIMPLY THE BEST OF JAX What does it mean to be “the best”? Well, on this,
THE RINGMISTRESS
THE WORLD'S STRONGEST WOMAN
THE BEARDED LADY
THE SNAKE CHARMER
the 26th year of Folio Weekly’s Best of Jax, we can say with authority that it means a business or person has risen to the top of the heap (or fallen to the bottom, depending on the category), pulled away from the pack, taken it to another level of awesome (or awful—you know how we do). We can also say “Yay internet!” ‘cause counting those ballots by hand is no joke. Neither is deciphering some of y’all’s penmanship, tbh—but we’ll always have a soft spot for your clearly half-lit chicken scratch. We’re not even gonna touch the spelling issue, save to say that it’s odd that no one can spell the names of local politicians but everybody somehow nails the spelling of their vote for Best Gentleman’s Club. #Priorities. Because Best of Jax belongs to you as much as it does to us, this year, we’ve added a bunch of readernominated categories, some that made us lol, others that made us think and a few that made us just, ummmmmmm … okay. We can’t say we’ll keep ‘em all next year, but we can say that we’ve had the best time with the 2017 Best of Jax and we couldn’t have done it without you. So take a bow, pat yourself on the back and know that Folio Weekly loves you the most! No matter what your mom says. What does she know anyway; she voted for Crocs as Best Local Trend.
INSIDE [12] NEWS AND MEDIA [20] ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS & OUTDOORS [26] SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY & EDUCATION [34] DINING & DRINKING & HOSPITALITY PHOTOS BY MADISON GROSS & CARL MILLER
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11
In addition to voting “First Coast Connect” the Best Local Radio Show, our readers chose WJCT Best Local Radio Station and Melissa Ross (second from left) as Best Local Radio Personality.
NEWS & MEDIA Best Local Columnist MARK WOODS
Finalists: Ron Littlepage, Claire Goforth
Again this year, our readers have named Florida Times-Union’s Mark Woods the Best Local Columnist. With a style that is thoughtful, reflective and somehow … reassuring, Woods can be enlightening, cutting or just good ol’-fashioned interesting. He kinda reminds us of a columnist from the Golden Age of Journalism who somehow fell into a time warp and wound up in 2017. His loss, our gain.
Best Local Writer ELIZABETH RAVEN
Finalists: Mark Woods, Shelton Hull
In the shadows of the Sunshine State, author Elizabeth Raven was leading a quiet life as a veterinarian professional until one day a handsome stranger with a mysterious supernatural quality whisked her away on a journey to—oops!—we mean, she started writing a paranormal romance series set in St. Augustine. The author of the Matanzas Moon series takes some real local legends and blends them into enrapturing tales of adventure, mystery and love. She’ll cast a spell on you, for sure. 12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
Best Local News Website Best Local TV Morning Show Best Local TV Anchor
NEWS4JAX.COM, CHANNEL 4 “THE MORNING SHOW,” STACI SPANOS
Y’all know that super-annoying whirling that your computer does trying to load the other news websites? No “buffering” at News4Jax.com, just hard-nosed reporters dishing up information about what’s going on in our world and beyond. It’s functional, useful and, best of all, NO POP UPS! We’re not at all surprised that they knocked it down for Best Local News Website again this year. And for an early-morning dose of news and entertainment, locals tune in to the Best Local TV Morning Show, Channel 4’s “The Morning Show,” where the Best Local TV Anchor Staci Spanos, a veteran who’s been with the station for 20 years (wow!), and her colleagues regale viewers with insights and information with just the right amount of cheer. No, you won’t get a sugar high watching this show. But you might actually learn something. We know, it’s a novel concept: Like its website, WJXT’s news programs enrich your life.
Best Local TV Newscast Best Local Investigative Reporter Best Local TV Weather Forecaster
FIRST COAST NEWS, KEN AMARO, TIM DEEGAN
Newscast Finalists: Action News Jax, News4Jax Investigative Reporter Finalists: Jennifer Waugh, Nikki Kimbleton, Jim Pickett Forecaster Finalists: Richard Nunn, Mike Buresh
Newsies know that when they need to get the most important news of the day without any of the nonsense, the best local program to tune to is First Coast News (also where one of Folio Weekly’s most beloved former staffers is an executive producer). Like the station’s consumer reporter Ken Amaro, who again captured the title of Best Local Investigative Reporter, seems our readers are “on your side,” FCN. Amaro, whose unmistakable glassesand-stache have graced FCN’s airwaves since 1979, is a legit living legend—kinda like FCN Meteorologist Tim Deegan, who is quite possibly the local embodiment of Jim Cantore. But with much better hair.
Best Local TV Sports Anchor Best Local Sports Radio Personality
DAN HICKEN
TV Sports Anchor Finalists: Chris Porter, Sam Kouvaris Sports Radio Anchor Finalists: Brent Martineau, Brian Sexton
One might think that 30 years in the biz would mellow a person out. One would be wrong if they’re thinking of Dan Hicken, who is our readers’ fave sports commentator, whether he be on the picture screen at Action News Jax or over the airwaves on 1010XL or 92.5 FM. And—trust us—it’s not his singing voice that the Googans love. Make no mistake, however, Hicken may be knee-slapping hilarious with a voice only a mother could love, but he knows sports like Hugh Hefner knew babes: inside and out.
Best Thing to Happen in NEFL
DAILY’S PLACE OPENING Finalists: HRO Passing, Art Walk
Here in Florida, we sure love us some live music, and
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NEWS & MEDIA with hardly a bad seat in the house—from what we’ve seen, it’s just good, better and best—Daily’s Place certainly deserves the title of Best Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida which Folio Weekly readers bestowed upon the venue. From easy parking to some of the nicest and most helpful staffers we’ve ever encountered, to swanky upgrades and easypeasy parking, it’s clear why this accessible venue is bringing joy to so many concert-goers.
Best Local Radio Personality Best Local Radio Show Best Local Radio Station MELISSA ROSS, “FIRST COAST CONNECT,” WJCT
Radio Personality Finalists: Mark Kaye, Ryan Green Radio Show Finalists: WAPE “Morning Mess,” 1010XL “The Drill” Radio Station Finalists: WAPE, 1010XL
Quality local news radio pulls a trifecta with WJCT. “First Coast Connect” and its much-loved host Melissa Ross are in it to win it as Folio Weekly readers’ faves, just another example of how WJCT is a powerhouse of news day in and day out. If there is any justice in the media, their Hurricane Irma coverage will rake in some serious awards. Their 9-months pregnant news director worked throughout and was rescued from San Marco in a boat! Ross spent 16 hours on the air! That kind of dedication is why, after joining the station in 2009, Ross was an instant game-changer for local news and radio. Over the course of her years in broadcasting, she’s won four regional Emmys and scads of Best of Jax awards—clearly the triumph of which she’s most proud. With “First Coast Connect,” Ross shines, inviting panel discussions on politics and even entertainment, somehow corralling all of the guests together in a cogent, informative and downright enjoyable listening experience. Viva WJCT!
Stunning gemstones, quality craftsmanship and superior service are par for the course at all three locations of locally-owned and operated Underwood’s Jewelers, which is our readers’ platinum choice for Best Jewelry Store for 26 years. (Ponte Vedra location pictured.)
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Best Local Weirdo JEREMY SPICER
Finalists: Kerry Speckman, Corrine Brown
While we’re saddened that each year serial killer hopefuls don’t win this category, we are equally relieved that said “local weirdoes” don’t show up at our office to prove their freaky-deaky weirdness. Thankfully, our salubrious readers choose whom they consider weirdest wacko of the First Coast. As a toymaker at Germ Spider Designs, weirdo hero Jeremy Spicer takes stuffed animals and repurposes them into more … how shall we say? … “diabolical” forms. (Cue cackling, thunder, etc.) A fan of creepy clowns, monsters and circuses, Spicer is renowned for making these macabre playthings; he also likes dressing up as a demented clown which, quite frankly, kind of plays off the whole Creator/God/Old Testament paradigm.
Best Reason to Love Northeast Florida BEACHES
Finalists: Weather, Art Walk
Northeast Florida locals agree that our beaches are the perfect escape from everyday life. Our coastlines feature plenty of sunny shores to explore—and tons of sights, sounds and smells, most of them pleasant. There are beautiful beaches, natural wonders, cool resorts and plenty of culinary options for every taste. From quiet, coastal communities to the freshest catch in town, and smokin’ hot clubs, our beaches are bursting with outdoor activity and a vibrant nightlife scene. No matter where you live, it’s worth the trip to wiggle your toes in the sand.
Best Local Twitter Account @JAXSHRIMP
Finalists: @TheSpecktator, @JaxArmadaFC
It’s the bottom of the fifth and you’re stuck at a wedding. With no access to a radio, what do you do?
Just sneak a quick look at Twitter @JaxShrimp. The bride and groom will be none the wiser and you won’t have to sulk while your buds are drinking beer and eating hot dogs at the ballgame.
Best Local Facebook Page
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE Finalists: News4Jax, Only in Duval
Our readers know that a good Facebook page can, at times, be criminally underrated. So maybe that’s why you future perps and proud priors picked the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office FB page as the paragon of social media penal code-rocking branding. Boasting an impressive, if not arresting, 165K “likes,” a couple thousand mug shots and memes, along with eloquently staged PR pix, community warnings (at press time the crime du jour is apparently vehicular breaking and entering). One could easily “do time” well spent checking out JSO’s flow of law and order, which has a high/lowbrow cops-and-robbers sass rivaled only by the late Gawker (RIP).
Best Instagram Account
IGERS JAX
Finalists: Riverside Memes, Only in Duval
Hashtag your heart out, Jacksonville! In this, the age of selfies, it’s not enough that we look at ourselves 24/7; we now turn the lens on our favorite spots in our very own swamp paradise. Current highlights of the page include (but are by no means limited to) lots of flooded Jacksonville and destroyed Memorial Park photographs, dogs in sunglasses, and one amazing eclipse pic—especially meaningful for those of us who jetted out of work to see the rare event, only to get stuck sulking in a car hoping (and being let down) that the rain would stop. There are also a hefty number of shots of Downtown Jacksonville in case you can’t remember what the skyline looks like.
Best Reason to Hate Northeast Florida
WEATHER
Finalists: Driving/Construction/Traffic, Bugs
These last few weeks should serve as sufficient evidence for weather being the Best Reason to Hate Northeast Florida—lookin’ at you, Irma. With back-toback hurricanes—thanks, global warming—and high 90-degree weather for 75 percent of the year, living in Northeast Florida is like living in a steamer trunk full of wet gym socks. On good days, you’re sweating your ass off, and on bad days, you have an oak tree in your living room.
Best Folio Weekly Cover Story
“A WING AND A PRAYER,” BY CLAIRE GOFORTH
Finalists: “Queen of the Underground,” Josué Cruz; “The Summer of ’64,” Scott A. Grant
OK, y’all made us so proud with this one! Not only did Folio Weekly readers share their love for our editor by voting her story the Best Folio Weekly Cover Story of 2017, but you also spread that love to the delicate, and teetering-toward-extinction Florida grasshopper sparrow. It’s a lovefest! The story detailed the work of a coalition that includes the local White Oak Conservation, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Florida Park Services and others racing to save these plucky li’l creatures.
Best Blog
SAN JUAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Finalists: The Specktator, Jacksonville Moms Blog Sifting through the online onslaught can be timeconsuming, so if you’re like many of us, you might wait to read blogs until a friend forwards you a great one. Well, consider this your official forward. The San Juan Animal Hospital Blog speaks to the reader, providing concise articles on a variety of topics. The content is current, making it a reliable source for
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Don’t be fooled by his Vikingesque exterior; in addition to being an art aficinado, our readers’ choice for Best Tattoo Artist Nick Wagner loves kittens, coffee and artisanal baked goods.
NEWS & MEDIA pet care information, and categories divide posts by subject. The site also provides contact information for the hospital and a link to their webpage. Even better, there are plenty of animal pictures to see as you scroll through the pages. Who doesn’t love an adorable animal slideshow?
Best Use of Local Public Money PARKS
Finalists: Roads, Beach Cleanup
If you haven’t visited every public park in the 904, you are fer realz missing out. Looking for woods? We got ’em all over the place. Needing historical knowledge? Check out Fort Caroline or Fort Mose. Wanna be awed by the wonders of nature? Get yer butt to the famed boneyard beach on Big Talbot Island, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Eastern Seaboard. In the mood to chillax in a spring-fed pool? Spring Park in Green Cove Springs. Whether it’s biking, hiking, surfing, stargazing (Hanna Park—’nuff said), picnicking (umm … Treaty Oak Park, anyone?), or any number of other lovely outdoor activities, there’s a park for you.
Best Waste of Public Money CONSTRUCTION
Finalists: Jacksonville Jaguars, The Courthouse
“Excuse me; is this I-95S or some kind of high-speed, take-no-prisoners, semi-psychedelic race through orange cones at 80 mph?” Well, dear tourist—your guess is as good as ours. Is Jacksonville’s muchtouted growth simply an excuse to begin building, seemingly at random, concrete monoliths and giant, opened craws of unfinished overpasses, as haggard folks work overtime under midnight klieg lights? There sure are a lot of questions in this entry, aren’t there? We do know this: FW readers are way aggro when it comes to the “building side” of the city of Jacksonville 16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
throwing around money like a coked-up Peter Dinklage at a robotic stilts factory. Here’s a radical idea for community building: Aim that money toward people in need and abject poverty. Hint: They’re not in your hermetically sealed, 5,000-foot radius.
has upheld its sole mission of being the conscience that defends and advocates for the protection and restoration of the St. Johns River. Each Keeper surely walks the walk; the Riverkeeper has blown the whistle on and responded to hundreds of pollution incidents, making both polluters and regulatory agencies accountable for violations. Educational programs have been presented at local schools as well as on the water, and their tenacious efforts have changed policy that has directly improved the life of our greatest natural resource.
Best Local Environmental Abomination
Best Local Nonprofit
Finalists: Road Construction, Development
Finalists: Humane Society, Habijax
Best Local Environmental Activist
Best Local Volunteer Effort
ST. JOHNS RIVER
HUBBARD HOUSE
Welp, our readers clearly love the St. Johns River in ways that industry and JaxPort will never, ever understand. ’Cause they voted for the dredging and pollution affecting our dearly beloved river as the Best Local Environmental Abomination in a bigly way. See, the port’s hell-bent on dredging the river, scientists, citizens and Best Local Environmental Activist the St. Johns Riverkeeper be damned. The mysterious foam, algal blooms, fish kills, dead dolphins and salinity encroachment that resulted from the last dredging might be NBD to industry and the port, but to our beloved readers, those who pollute and drag our river bottom are Enemies of the People.
The safety of women and children in uncertain situations is the paramount concern of the volunteers and staff at Hubbard House, FW readers’ choice for Best Local Nonprofit. The second objective is making concerted efforts to empower these women through counseling to develop skills needed to stay safe. And the third pillar of the Hubbard House program is effecting social change through advocacy and education, to put an end to domestiv violence, including murder, against women and children, victims of this horrific epidemic. The 24-hour hotline is 904-354-3114, hubbardhouse.org.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Environmental Organization ST. JOHNS RIVERKEEPER
Best Local Environmental Activist Finalists: Adam Morley, Jim Alabiso Best Local Environmental Organization Finalists: Girls Gone Green, White Oak Conservation For the past 17 years, the St. Johns Riverkeeper
HABIJAX
Finalists: Beach Cleanup, Ana’s Angels
If a friend in need is a friend indeed, then HabiJax has helped out a lot of friends: more than 2,000 since its 1988 inception. The largest affiliate in the Habitat For Humanity network this year celebrates more than just being named the Best Local Volunteer Effort: In April, HabiJax received a generous donation of $1 million from Delores Barr Weaver to help it provide homes to those who otherwise would probably never realize the dream of owning a home of their own.
BEST LOCAL RELIGIOUS/ SPIRITUAL LEADER JOBY MARTIN
Finalists: Stovall Weems, God
When it comes to our readers’ vote for best local spiritual el domo, thee people hath spoken. Pastor Joby Martin is the longtime leader of The Church of Eleven22, which has expanded from its original HQ at San Pablo (the site of a former Walmart) to new franchises in Baymeadows and Mandarin. Followers dig Martin’s blue-collar vibe towards preaching the gospel, and his devotion to the word is without question. A still-talked-about Folio Weekly cover story questioned Martin’s views on the “pray-the-gay-away” approach to LGBTQ congregants. Proving that the word of God trumps the words of an altweekly, Martin continue to be the main man of spreading the gospel to thousands.
Best Local Trend LOCAL BREWERIES
Finalists: Food Trucks, Duuvvvalll
Mmmm … beer. Smaller, more sustainable and more local sure seem to be among the trends that Folio Weekly readers get behind, and we couldn’t agree more, especially when hops are involved. With more and more folks getting into the fermented beverage business, it means there are better opportunities to craft fine beverages that are distinctly of this swampy corner of paradise.
Worst Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Gone Bad Best Local Scandal READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Chutzpah Local Zero
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Local Who Needs to Lay Low Indefinitely CORRINE BROWN
Worst Thing Finalists: Hurricanes, Donald Trump’s Election Local Who Needs to Lay Low Finalists: Gary Snow, Blake Bortles Zero Finalists: Lenny Curry, Gary Snow Scandal Finalist: Matt Shirk
It was the indictment heard ’round the region. Then, in May, it was the guilty verdict that rocked Northeast Florida. Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown, who lost her primary last August after 24 years representing Northeast Florida in the infamously gerrymandered minority access district, was found to have run a charity for kids as a personal slush fund that paid for things like private boxes at Washington Redskins games, Beyoncé tickets, shopping trips and much, much more. Brown is undoubtedly the most notorious person around, hence her crushing essentially every category the Folio Weekly crackerjack team has created for local villains—Best Local Gone Bad, Local Who Needs to Lay Low Indefinitely, Local Zero—and drama—Local Scandal, Worst Thing to Happen in Northeast Florida. But it’s her win for Best Chutzpah that most surprised the troops, though it shouldn’t have. After all, who can get away with delivering a speech about the Florida Gators to freakin’ Congress while decked out in an orange-and-blue ensemble that could make Tim Tebow do a double-take? Nobody but Corrine Brown. Beloved by some and loathed by many, she’s a force of nature the likes of which will not be seen in a long, long, long, long time … we hope. OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17
NEWS & MEDIA READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Podcast
THE SHORT BOX PODCAST
Finalists: Another Round Jax, Downright Fierce Gaming
The Short Box Podcast is the only place you can hear a conversation about Dragonball Z, farm-fresh produce, Jack Kirby and why Netflix’s Iron Fist sucks. This weekly podcast has been around since late 2012 and has slowly but surely become one of the Jacksonville community’s go-to sources for geekculture news. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Hair
KERRY SPECKMAN Finalists: Angela Butler, Gina Stoney
If anyone but the magenta minx Kerry Speckman had topped our readers’ poll for Best Hair, we’d have to label the entire Best of Jax #FakeNews. It all started to raise money for a web design … long story short, she loved the rainbow hue so much, it’s kinda become her trademark. Though it was originally blue, she soon settled on pink in honor
Best Fish Camp is a very high bar in these parts, but family-owned Whitey’s Fish Camp in Fleming Island clears it no problem—thanks in no small part to the inspired work of Billy Ham and Elaine Cassala (pictured) whose father Whitey founded the legendary camp in 1963. Belly up to the Best Neighborhood Bar in OP/FI/GCS and get the special … your stomach will thank you.
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of her dear mother who died of breast cancer when Speckman was just 14. Today Speckman, aka The Specktator, is so enamored with her coif that it has its own Instagram: @Pankhurr. And a grateful 904 thanks Pat Cole of Total Hair Experience Salon for those glorious pink tresses and that sassy purple streak. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Mustache/Facial Hair SHAD KHAN
Finalists: Adam Boulware, Alexander William Salas
While many locals, regardless of age or gender, bow to the Gods of Beardism, other types (ahem) see face-moss as a dire habitat of strange creatures, oily funk and forlorn peanuts. Alas, our dear readers ceremoniously bestow the Facial Hair Crown on the Most Interesting and Rich Person in the Room: Shad Khan. With a mustache that can, at turns, make him appear either mirthful or diabolical, Khan’s full-bodied mustache is a de facto mood ring of this lovable tycoon’s next move. Showing solidarity with the Jags after Trump’s recent outburst toward the NFL only added another whisker to our hearts.
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ARTS&ENTERTAI
NMENT&SPORTS&OUTDOORS
Best Local Community Theater ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING
Finalists: Theatre Jax, Players by the Sea
This past July, local theater stalwart Alhambra Theatre & Dining hit the 50-year mark of presenting family-geared entertainment featuring the full package. Musicals and comedies keep the house packed, and each production includes a specially designed menu, only adding to the overall experience at this historical dinner theater. Since 2012, the Alhambra has presented its After Dark concert series, featuring comedy, dancing and, for example, last year’s performances by the likes of Shawn Mullins and The Everly Brothers Experience. This season’s final, main-stage line-up includes The Addams Family and Bruce Allen Scudder’s Christmas Carole.
Best Local Actor/Actress Elizabeth Daly-Bricknell
Finalists: Lisa Valdini, Blake Osner
Community theater can be a rewarding, but tough, road to travel for actors. Time spent seeking out roles and rehearsing scripts is offset by keeping afloat in a life off the stage, of jobs and bills, families and responsibilities; but the passion of performing remains the pulse beat of actors, who are more concerned with curtain calls and auditioning for dramas, comedies, or musicals. Local theater lovers give their highest props to Elizabeth Daly-Bricknell. As a versatile presence on the local scene, Bricknell can be seen at ABET in Atlantic Beach and down the coast at St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre, performing in an ensemble cast or starring role; no small part for an actor who is in turn celebrated by our readers and her peers.
Best Local Theater Production
ANNIE, ST. JOHNS RIVER STATE COLLEGE Finalists: Steel Magnolias, Avenue Q
Oh, that a plucky red-headed waif could intervene on the heart of our own unredeemed Oliver Warbucks—that is to say the current occupant of the White House—and in addition to getting him to lay off the Twitter-trolling, 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
Though technically the Ponte Vedra Al’s Pizza isn’t in Duval, they serve the Best Pizza in Jacksonville with the same friendly, homey quality that keeps all the local company’s fans smiling from ear to ear year after year.
perhaps get him to focus on civil international relations. But since that’s highly unlikely, take comfort in knowing what Folio Weekly readers know well: the sun will come out tomorrow. In this production we imagine that Annie’s message of hope and love was heightened when Martin Charnin, the original lyricist and director of the play, stopped by St. Johns River State College to give a few notes on this Tony-award winning work that’s had audiences dreaming of “Easy Street” for 41 years.
Best Movie Theater SUN-RAY CINEMA
Finalists: Cinemark Tinseltown, San Marco Theatre
Let’s not bullshit ourselves: When it comes to the best theatrical experience in Jacksonville, Sun-Ray Cinema remains the titan of all things movie. Since 2011, co-owners Tim Massett and Shana David-Massett have screened some of the most engaging flicks, from classics from the Golden Age of cinema to currentday, cutting-edge films. Fans can see “genre” films, arthouse and documentary fare screened right next to anime, comedies and—in the case of the Oct. 11 screening of the classic Italian horror flick Suspiria— full-blown weirdness. The Massetts also know how to throw a party. In March, they presented the inaugural, four-day Sleeping Giant Film Festival, featuring scads of great flicks, live experimental music, and a return visit from John Waters. And don’t get us started on how amazing their menu is.
Best Dance Studio
DANCE TRANCE FITNESS
Finalists: Ballet Arts Center, The Dance Shack
While many Folio Weekly staffers count climbing the stairs at work as their daily cardio fitness, our readers are apparently a regular Debbie Reynolds or Jiminy Cricket when it comes to dancing and getting the blood a-pumpin’! Led by their oh-so-skilled instructors, Dance Trance puts you through the paces with different skill levels of dancing and moves, all set to hip, upbeat music, to help you have fun, shed pounds, and possibly even decipher the unholiest of all dances: “The Lambada Beta.”
Best Museum
THE CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS
Finalists: Museum of Science & History, MOCA Jacksonville
Perhaps now more than ever, the Cummer needs to feel our love. Though the building that houses the collection weathered Irma well enough, the gardens, including the breathtaking Frederick Law Olmstead firm-designed garden, are in ruins. The museum is running a fundraising initiative—if you’ve ever whiled away an afternoon or evening in that splendid space, now is a lovely time to thank the institution for all it does with a little cash—or a lot. This month, drop by and ogle jewelry from some of the finest artisans Paris ever produced. Bijous Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris opens Oct. 13.
Best Gallery
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Finalists: Space Gallery, Florida Mining Gallery
Though technically a museum and not a gallery, there’s no denying that MOCA Jax strives to bring a balance of contemporary as well as the antecedent works that crossed the hurdles to bring us to this current post-postmodern point. We’re especially pleased that Folio Weekly readers acknowledged this museum in light of some of the newer shows that’ve been mounted, which seem to be moving toward a more direct focus on the art of our time—we’re specifically thinking of the Gabriel Dawe installation in the atrium (on view until Oct. 29), and the lectures by Dr. Nikki Lane and Gideon Mendel.
Best Local Visual Artist READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Local Public Art JESSICA BECKER TACOLU MURAL
Visual Artist Finalists: Shaun Thurston, Jeff Luque A muralist who’s gained notice in Miami as well as
in Jacksonville, Jessica Becker might be best-known (in town) for the Dia de los Muertos-style Virgin of Guadalupe mural she painted on the side of tacojoint extraordinaire, TacoLu—which Folio Weekly readers gave the highest kudos, calling it the city’s Best Local Public Art. A self-taught artist, in 2014 Becker told Miami New Times, “I paint anything that paint sticks to: vehicles, walls, canvas, whatever.” Plus she’s got a big-ass tattoo on her neck of a shark with a bloody dollar-sign carved into its head—so we know she’s viciously (wink) ’bout making those art dollars.
Best Place to Attend a Concert
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Finalists: Daily’s Place, Veterans Memorial Arena
Very few venues in the Southeast can host concerts by both Paul Simon and Slayer; yet, sadly, not on the same bill. The mind reels. That aside, readers give a loud shout-out to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre as the Best Place to Attend a Concert—and rightfully so. While the venue holds around 4,000 music fans, there’s nary a bad seat in the place, and between the killer sound, almost-suspiciously-friendly staff, and good beer and food choices (and boxed water! Earth first!), you get a top experience for your ticket price. Upcoming shows include The Avett Brothers, Roger Daltrey (who?) with Edgar Winter, Bon Iver with Aero Flynn, Son Volt on the Backyard Stage and alt-country guru Ray Wylie Hubbard at the new Front Porch stage.
Best Concert of the Year
JASON ALDEAN
Finalists: DEFTONES, Rockville
Long before a senseless act of violence claimed 50 lives at a Jason Aldean concert in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, Folio Weekly readers voted the country star’s August show at Veterans Memorial Arena as the Best Concert of 2017. The details of the tragedy are still unfolding as this issue goes to print, but one thing we do know: Aldean is not going to merely give lip service to the victims. Though busy with the They Don’t Know Tour, Aldean
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had already scheduled two concert dates for charities this fall, and his philanthropy, including the annual Concert for the Cure benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure which he launched in 2004, is nothing short of inspiring.
Best Local Musician/Band THE BAND BE EASY
Finalists: Whiskey Dogs, Here Comes the Hero
Just like sipping on a good whiskey, The Band Be Easy can most aptly be described as smooth. Taking inspiration from many different styles of music—pop, funk, reggae, hip-hop and even a hint of pop-rock— the Best Local Musician/Band Be Easy makes the kind of music you want to sit down and listen to while taking it easy.
Best Club DJ DJ NICK FRESH
Finalists: DJ Q45, DJ E.L.
You might not know that in addition to being Jacksonville’s favorite DJ, Nick Fresh is a classically trained musician who founded the world’s largest online Soul Train fan community. He’s also a radio personality—hosting The Looseness on Wednesdays on 92.7 The Beat Jams—but if you just want to dance, find him Thursdays at The Loft in Riverside where he’s always spinning a song that’ll make you want to come on and get up, get down.
Best Gay/Lesbian Club
METRO ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Finalists: In Cahoots Nightclub, Park Place Lounge
The Metro is an awesome place. Awesome in the definition of the term which, in addition to meaning impressive, also means inspiring apprehension because, yes, we’ve been there when the club feels like a magical playground suspended in time and space like a faceted disco jewel. We’ve also been there when a white-haired fellow in greyish tightie-whities totters up and tries to engage in conversation about fossilhunting in Ponte Vedra. Glamour and weirdness married to some of the best music and drag performances in the city ensures that we always go back!
Best Drag Star BEBE DELUXE
Finalists: Karrissa Wade, Brittany More, Sofia Andrews
The visionary behind the Glitterbomb variety drag shows Ms. BeBe Deluxe (née Alex Palmer), brings a sense of Old Hollywood glamour and camp to her productions. She’s an LGBTQIA activist and was
profiled in the project 100 Days of LGBcuTies as one of 100 most interesting and influential people who were, at that time, fighting for the Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance’s expansion to be passed (it did, February 2017), and more recently she was the subject of a delightfully raunchy roast to celebrate her (gasp) 40th birthday—but we think this fantastical, bearded glamour-puss doesn’t look a day over 38-3/4! BeBe, you know we love you.
Best Local Comedian MARK ALAN
Finalists: Danny Johnson, Jim Thomas, Ron Moore
What’s better than a comedian? If you guess a comic who’s also a bona fide unicorn-whispering wizard, then you win the Philosopher’s stone. OK, Mark Alan isn’t really a demon-fighting warlock (or even an apprentice who gets out-maneuvered by anthropomorphic mops), but he is an internationally lauded magician with more than 25 years of experience wowing audiences with his singular blend of hilarity and hocus-pocus. And we hear he smells good, too.
Best Live Music Club Best Dance Club MAVERICKS LIVE
Live Music Club Finalists: Lynch’s Irish Pub, Sliders Seaside Grill Dance Club Finalists: theLOFT, Myth Nightclub
Lest ye faire Northeast Floridian think that our readers have gone all-kuntry, all the time, for some time now Mavericks Live has been throwing it down with rock, rap, reggae and, yes, country music. So be you a line-dancin’ fool, a Stomp the Yard dance-off master, or just feel like shakin’ that tush with your pals, Mavericks at the Jacksonville Landing has a show that will set your feet on fire. Just don’t get white girl wasted—it’s easy to get lost in this large, dark space. Not that we’d know. (We know.)
Best Comedy Club THE COMEDY ZONE
Finalists: The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, Hourglass Pub, Gypsy Cab Co.
Since 2006, The Comedy Zone has practically swept this category, so we know FW readers are a humorlovin’ herd. The Zone throws some big names onstage: Shawn Wayans, Funnymaine, John Witherspoon, Carlos Mencia. And every New Year’s Eve, it’s nonstop hilarity plus food, drinks, fun … it’s in the Got to Go zone. Best of all, old friends come back from time to time to make us laugh anew—Grandma Lee, we’re lookin’ at you, babe!
What’s that on the wind? It’s whispers of our readers’ choice for Best Chinese, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, which burst onto the culinary scene in 5 Points (pictured) and has since branched out to Neptune Beach. Nobody can get enough of the small plates of street food-inspired Asian cuisine.
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Best Gentlemen’s Club WACKO’S
Finalists: Gold Club, The New Solid Gold Club
Wacko’s is an institution in the city—of what, we’re not sure. Pretty girls dancing around strategically placed poles? Check. Special events with prizes? Check. Tasty lunch specials? Double-check. Hearty red-blooded male-influenced menu? Checkity-checkcheck! FW readers have declared Wacko’s the winner among show bar institutions in Northeast Florida— and the regulars there swear by the burgers.
Best Local Athlete Hottest Local Celebrity Local Hero TIM TEBOW
Athlete Finalists: Blake Bortles, Derrick Henry, Jalen Ramsey Hottest Finalists: Nikki Kimbleton, Melissa Ross, Jeremy Spicer, Tim Deegan Hero Finalists: Denise Lee, Andy Johnson
The athletic superstar (c’mon, admit the boy was good) plays football and baseball, has written a couple of inspirational books, announced for the SEC and helped those affected by recent hurricanes. The man is an angel. And he’s rather attractive. Rumor has it that he’s been squiring Savannah Chrisley around … 10-year age difference and probably a couple dozen IQ points in between. Mama say no, Tebow!
Best Open Mic Night RAIN DOGS
Finalists: Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Whiskey Jax
Music fans have waited too damn long to hear your inhalant-inspired variation of The Allman Brothers Band’s stalwart, now as “Whippet Post.” The time is nigh. Every Wednesday at 9 p.m., Rain Dogs in Five Points features an open mic night. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Shawn Lightfoot, this weekly open call is more laid-back bar-hang than American Idol, unless that TV talent show/brain-melter offered really good draft beer and bar snacks. So tune up that electric zither, squeeze into those purple leather chaps, and invite the crowd into the arcane world of your brand-new, original tribute to ’90s French-toddler rap sensation, Jordy.
Best Trivia Night
(TIE) EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Finalists: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, Dick’s Wings Lakewood
Do you have an over-abundant amount of semi-useless
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and trivial knowledge crammed inside your head? You do?! Well then why don’t you just stop by European Street Café or Buffalo Wild Wings for trivia night? For E-Street, it’s Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on Riverside, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Beach Boulevard and 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Jax Beach. For BW3s, it’s round-the-clock. Both joints serve up some tasty grub and a decent selection of brews.
Best Farmers Market RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET
Finalists: Jacksonville Farmers Market (aka Beaver Street), Fernandina Beach Farmers Market Fresh herbs, hand-milled soaps and custom-fitted toe rings are only a few of the glorious items available at the market under the bridge. It’s a great place to catch some of Jacksonville’s extraordinary local musicians while cooling down with the breeze off the river, and a delicious iced coffee (or a.m. beer). Then wander around perusing the legit local cheeses, produce and baked goods on offer. Pro tip: Regarding the baked goods, we find that operating in a “one-fornow, one-for-later” mode works out really, really well.
Best Place to Bike
JACKSONVILLE-BALDWIN RAIL TRAIL Finalist: Hanna Park
Located just west of Downtown Jacksonville, the 14.5mile Baldwin Trail runs through a former railway line, offering two parallel paths–one for walking, jogging, in-line skating and biking–and a second for horseback riding. Local pedal-pushers know that the bike trail is still one of the best places in Northeast Florida to pop on their helmets, spin their wheels, and commune with nature while zipping along on a sunny day.
The Comedy Zone in Mandarin is once again Northeast Florida’s fave place to yuk it up, taking the title of Best Comedy Club in all of the 904 for bringing a variety of internationallyrecognized performers to the stage. Ya’ll know you want Shawn Wayans’ tix for real.
Best Surf Spot JAX BEACH PIER Finalist: The Poles
Why is surfing like sex? Because when it’s good, it’s really, really good. And when it’s bad … it’s still pretty good. What other sport combines the water, deathdefying skill, cool clothes and good music? While many of you answered, “Okie Noodling, Ya Dingus!” surfing is a straight-up local sport and locals head for the Jax Beach Pier when they want to carve out some waves, while not slamming headlong into a large pole.
Best Place for People-Watching JAX BEACH
Finalists: Memorial Park, Riverside
The 20th-century guru Yogi Berra once noted, “You can observe a lot by watching.” While we’re not sure that Sri Baba Berra visited Jax Beach, we’re pretty certain his eyes would have been ablaze with what he saw. Our readers love the sights, sounds (and possibly smells) of the beach, where the game of “Is that the mayor or a bum?” is always at play. While there are bars and
Best Fishing Spot MAYPORT JETTIES
Finalists: Jax Beach Pier, Fort Clinch
The Jetties, at the confluence of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, are full of great bait this time of year: mullet and pogies all over. You need live bait for the big catches like kingfish, tarpon, jack crevalle and sharks of several varieties and levels of fierceness. At the bend in the river, there’s Helen Cooper Floyd Park, named for a grand dame of old Mayport, where you can relax and dry off; many fisherfolk stand in the water waist-deep to practice their craft and try to reel in some dinner.
Best Festival
JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Finalists: Springing the Blues, Welcome to Rockville
Since 1981, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has continued to attract large audiences of jazz heads and newbies alike, with free concerts boasting lineups featuring some of the greatest legends and up-and-coming musicians. Held each year over Memorial Day weekend, the party spans 15 blocks in Downtown Jacksonville, with stages located at various spots, adding to the party atmosphere that attracts more than 130,000 each year. 24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
Best Local Cosplayer CANDY KEANE
Finalists: Jenna Esposito, Jenifer Ann
All right, we’re just gonna come right out and say it: Candy Keane’s Wonder Woman is en fuego. This selfdecribed geek isn’t just a gorgeous face, beautiful bod and chameleon of costume: She’s also an incredibly talented seamstress who makes her own threads. Seriously. Move over, superheroines, ’cause Keane is putting you to shame and looking flawless doing it.
Best Local Cosplay Event Best Art Exhibit GAAM SHOW, GAAM (GAMES, ART AND MUSIC)
Show Finalists: WasabiCon, Mandarin MiniCon Art Exhibit Finalists: LIFT at the Cummer, Jeff Luque’s Girl with Flowers at CoRK
Whenever the GAAM Show rolled into town, it was almost like a bat signal went up, calling all nerds throughout the land to gather in one spot to celebrate everything good about being a nerd. Even though GAAM stands for Games, Arts And Music, none were excluded as they stood like the Statue of Liberty gathering and accepting the huddled masses of nerds. This year’s GAAM was a celebration of the beautiful—and criminally underrated—art of the video game world. Yet sometimes it’s not just about the art itself, but what the art can do. This year’s GAAM event not only showcased relatively unknown and underrated artists, but put on a live art auction with all the proceeds going to local charities. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Golfer JIM FURYK
Finalists: Russell Knox, Jordan Spieth
Our readers’ fave local golfer is a pro in every sense of the word. Jim Furyk is ranked as the world’s 115th best golfer, but don’t let that fool you. Furyk’s career is loaded with great stats. He’s ranked No. 2 in driving accuracy, at 72.9 percent, according to cbssports. com. He’s won more than $67 million on the PGA Tour, nothing to sneeze at, and more than $3 million on
European tours. The 6-foot-2-inch, 47-year-old holds the record for the lowest score in PGA Tour history—he shot a 58 in 2016’s Travelers Championship final round. The Ponte Vedra resident is community-minded; the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation supports local charities that focus on making better lives for Northeast Florida’s children. That’s a drive we can all get behind.
Best Local Character READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Local Mascot JAXSON DE VILLE
Character Finalists: Jeremy Spicer, Kerry Speckman Mascots Finalists: Scampi, Ozzy Osprey
Jaxson de Ville has been with us through thick and thin. Good times and bad. By zipline, by bungie and by scooter, Jaxson has always been there. Just like the vigilante Bat of Gotham, he is our own masked crusader. Even in our darkest hours, we can all sleep soundly knowing our that our silent protector is on the prowl. When T-shirts need shooting, Jaxson will be there. When cakes need to be smashed in people’s faces, Jaxson will be there—queue the epic Batman musical score. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Dressed
CINDY PLATT, Grease Rags Clothing Finalists: Matt Hunt, Paul Green
In these days of snatched-back hair and uniformdressing, it’s easy to lose sight of the panache and savoir-faire that sartorial deliberateness can bring to everyday life—even if it is just running out to get your fake eyelashes trimmed. Grease Rags owner Cindy Platt takes dressing and coiffure to new levels— we’ve never not seen her spiffily turned out and, in turn, we are inspired to at the very least turn in our comfy flannel shirts for something with a waist. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Local Attraction
JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS Finalists: Historic St. Augustine, The Beach
There’s a place in the city where wild beasts strut and roam, living in delicate harmony as they bellow mysterious calls and thump their chests in dominance. But very few ever go inside City Hall. However, way up yonder on the Northside sits the Jacksonville Zoo, featuring approximately 117 acres and more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection. Always a family favorite, the zoo is also a great place for a date, where you can sidle up close to your partner for some snuggle bumpkins, while whimpering, “B-b-but I’m a-scairt of gift shops...” Their annual Spooktacular is always a seasonal favorite, allowing certain people to break out in paroxysms of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Browninduced reveries. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Coach
TOM COUGHLIN Finalist: Mark Brunnell
Well, that didn’t take long! Former Jaguars Head Coach Tom Coughlin, then of the NY Giants, and now back with the Jags as executive vice president of football operations, set the Jaguar Nation’s hopes on fire in January when he returned to EverBank Field. And, as the Jags have actually won some games—plural!—already this season, it looks like the Coughlin Magic is working! READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Celebrity Look-Alike NEGAN UNCHAINED
Making a living looking like somebody else may seem odd to some, but to us, it makes perfectly good sense. To pull off The Walking Dead character Negan—famous for bludgeoning his victims to death with a barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat—you have to not only look the look, but walk the walk and talk the talk. Gene Russell— our resident Negan’s real name—does all three to perfection. So, dump the clown for little Timmy’s next birthday and call Negan. We promise you’ll be entertained.
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The Best Plastic Surgeon and the Best Day Spa meet in one location at Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery and Miracle Spa, where you can relax, rejuvenate and revive.
SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION Best Bike Shop
OPEN ROAD BICYCLES
Finalists: ZenCog Bicycle Company, SuperCorsa Open Road Bicycles understands every aspect of bicycles—from the recreational rider to the dedicated racer. The full-service bike shop has extensive experience selling, servicing, renting, riding, racing and loving bicycles. Each location is staffed with knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists who love to share their expertise. Need to learn how to shift, fix a flat, carry gear, pump your tires? Want to find the best places to ride? Just ask, and they’ll be more than happy to help. They carry a wide selection of bicycles and a full range of all the biking parts and accessories you will ever need or want. We’ve got our eye on a sweet beach cruiser…
Best Dive Shop
ATLANTIC PRO DIVERS
Finalists: Divers Supply Jacksonville, Jax Surf & Paddle Whether you’re getting PADI-certified for the first time, filling tanks, checking o-rings, upping your deep dive game with Nitrox or decking yourself out for a dive trip to Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Atlantic Pro Divers in Jax Beach has everything you need—and probably some things you just really, really want. If you’re looking for a diving fix without the airfare and passport stamp, Northeast Florida’s Best Dive Shop also offers dive trips off our very own coast, including reefs and wreckages. Oooohhhh, pwetty fishies.
Best Surf Shop
AQUA EAST SURF SHOP
Finalists: Sunrise Surf Shop, Driftwood Surf Shop Located mere blocks from the ocean, Aqua East is 26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
the go-to spot for surfers, swimmers and beach bunnies of all sorts to find everything from the longest longboards to the sweetest shades. Paddleboards, bodyboards, surfboards, skateboards and skimboards fill the shelves and walls. So even if you’ve got nowhere near the shredding skillz of the crew cuttin’ the pier, Aqua East has something to help you realize those dreams that first took shape when you wore water wings. They’ve also got cute beach casual clothing for those rare landlubber events the waterbabies let themselves get dragged to by the gremmies.
Best Skate Shop KONA SKATE PARK
Finalists: The Block Skate Supply Shop, Young, Loud & Snotty When Kona turned 40, we were equally elated and stunned—not because they’ve been leaders in the skate community for so long, but because we sometimes still think of skating as a kids’ sport—despite the multimillion-dollar industry attached to it. And that’s the thing—as storied as Kona is, it’s still a place all about community. The joy you get from knowing the Kona folks offer camps, equipment, lessons and competitions is like pulling off a nollie for the first time—it just feels right, like some good new you can’t wait to share.
Best Wine Shop
TOTAL WINE & MORE
Finalists: Riverside Liquors, Wine Warehouse of Atlantic Beach Ever go shopping for a bottle of wine and bring home a case? If not, then you probably haven’t been to Total Wine & More in St. Johns Town Center. This chain grabs the concept of one-stop-booze shop and takes it to the utmost extreme. Their wine selection has as much range
as Aretha Franklin—with prices as low as a couple bucks or as high as a couple of bones per glass or more.
Best Vintage Best Clothing Store
GREASE RAGS CLOTHING
Vintage Finalists: Wolf & Cub, That Poor Girl Clothing Store Finalists: Wolfgang, Francesca’s We think it says something awfully playful and sophisticated about Folio Weekly readers’ choice of this retro clothing store with a ’50s-style sensibility for best clothing and best vintage, too. Grease Rags is also into body positivity, providing a range of sizes (4-4X) so everyone can feel cute, not just the extra-tiny and tiny some boutiques tend to showcase. And though the shop sustained some Irma-related damage, the online boutique is up and running, for your entire “un-happy camper” circle-skirt needs.
Best Consignment Shop
FIFI’S FINE RESALE APPAREL
Finalists: POSH Upscale Consignment Boutique, Retail Therapy Consignment Got a taste for the finer things and a thrifty eye? Fear not, fair shopper, ’cause the four Northeast Florida locations of Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel will let you indulge your taste for designer threads without breaking the bank. Take a page from our readers and the Folio Weekly editor who treasures a faux white fur coat procured at the Ponte Vedra location and get your fancy fix or de-clutter your wardrobe (to make room for more, of course) at the region’s Best Consignment Shop.
Best Liquor Store
ABC FINE WINE & SPIRITS
Finalists: Total Wine & More, Riverside Liquors Not many institutions that have won Best of Jax this
year can honestly say that they have been around longer than most of our readers have been alive. If you can last through most of the major wars, the Great Recession and the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, you must be doing something right. So, here’s a drink to you, good ol’ Alphabet Store. You keep ’em coming, and we’ll keep knocking ’em back.
Best Health Club/Gym
BAILEY’S GYM HEALTH CLUBS
Finalists: Temple Builders Fitness Centers For many, gym membership cards serve as $25-permonth wallet “buffers,” separating unused “10th Prayer Gets You Salvation” punch cards with various hotel key cards kept as souvenirs from your dual life as The Mini-Bar Burglar & Liberator. However, for our health-minded readers, when it comes to actually <using> that gym membership, they choose to pump it up at Bailey’s Gyms. With more than a dozen locations in Northeast Florida–each equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a friendly, knowledgeable staff–in no time you’ll go from having sand kicked in your face to becoming the one who kicks sand in wimpy people’s faces! That’s the American dream right there.
Best Tattoo Studio
INKSMITH & ROGERS
Finalists: Black Hive Tattoo, 8th Day Tattoo Tattooing is nothing short of becoming a work of art, of making your outwardly physical self match up with your inner being. With five locations serving Northeast Florida and a litany of legends who hold or have held the tattoo gun at each Inksmith & Rogers, it’s no wonder that Folio Weekly readers have named them Best Tattoo Studio in all of the 904 land again this year.
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SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION Best Yoga Studio
MINDFUL MOTION YOGA
Finalists: Bikram Yoga, MBody Yoga A FW staffer once accidentally attended one of those 90-minute hot power yoga classes and felt something like a stuffed sausage in a field of smug kale. That will not happen at Mindful Motion on the Southside of Jax, where the philosophy is focused on acceptance, mindfulness and each person living their own truth. If loving yourself and delighting in the moment sounds like something you might like (read: you’re a person), take a class at the Best Yoga Studio in Northeast Florida. Your bliss will follow.
Best Bookstore
CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN, CHAMBLIN BOOKMINE
Finalists: San Marco Bookstore, The BookMark Vincent van Gogh said, “A visit to a bookshop has cheered me and reminded me there are good things in the world.” Does the same for us, Vince. And for FW readers, who’ve again voted Chamblin Bookmine and Chamblin’s Uptown as the best bookstores around. Ever been there? Goodgawdamighty, the number of books on shelves, in stacks, in boxes, behind shelves, beneath the cases—takes the breath away. Plus music CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, books-on-tape. We could live and die there. The wizard who wrought this magic is Ron Chamblin, aided by many bookish minions who live to serve those of us who <literally> cannot live without books. As John Waters put it, “If you go home with somebody, and they don’t have books, don’t f*ck them.” We agree.
Best Teacher
TONY WOOD at Stanton College Preparatory School
Finalists: John L. Meeks Jr., David P. Roberts You can’t teach art. What you’re really doing is encouraging, inspiring and guiding a child who has either an artistic bent or no interest in art whatsoever. Any child in Tony Wood’s art classes is already ahead; Wood has taught at Stanton for 14 years and it’s his job to fan a small flame into a fire of self-expression to carry that child forward with a sense of where he fits in the world, wrapped in the knowledge that art—painting, drawing, sculpting, building, welding, whatever—will always be there. Wood says, “I’m really passionate about the subject, and I really like to see the light come on when the kids start to understand how these creative juices make you feel.”
Best Local College
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
Finalists: Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville Well-known for its splendid architecture, welcoming student community and sprawling campus—minus
If you drive past Brewer’s Pizza in Orange Park, don’t fret: You’re definitely not the first person to miss it on the first go. One bite of that made-from-scratch crust in the fun, lively space and you will never forget where to find the Best Pizza across the bridge.
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the goose poop—the University of North Florida is host to some 15,000 students. Whether it be engineering, journalism or Jack Kerouac, UNF boasts a broad range of subjects. And when it’s time to hit the books, the Thomas G. Carpenter library is always open. If you like the outdoors, try the Bamboo Garden or The Green—just watch out for errant frisbees.
Best Comic Book Store SUPERHERO HIVE
Finalists: Mythical Mountain, Gotham City Limits BANG! ZOOM! POW! WHAP! What’s that, a bird? A plane? NO! It’s only the Best Comic Book Store in town! With funsters from Bat-Mite to Howard the Duck and everything in between, the Hive—along with its sister store in Jax Beach—has just about anything you could look for. Come for the limited edition copy of Watchmen, stay for the in-depth discussion on why Thor could kick Superman’s ass. Could too.
Best Health Food Store
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET
Finalists: Native Sun Natural Foods Market, Whole Foods Market People seek out health foods for many reasons. Whether it’s for wellness and longevity, supporting a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, or just having a moment of clarity while horking back another Doritos-on-white-breadsqueeze-knuckle, eating better quality foods can only improve your overall quality of life. Whatever your motivation, Grassroots Natural Market has you covered. Organic produce and meats are readily available, as are scads of supplements, more soy items than you can shake a compassionately sourced stick at, and a boss fresh juice and smoothie bar that will put a little zip in your Dorito-clogged step.
Best Place To Buy A Car GARBER AUTOMALL
Finalists: AutoNation Ford Jacksonville, Keith Pierson Toyota Car-buying is the absolute best at all-American Garber Automall in Green Cove Springs. There you’ll find new domestic and pre-owned vehicles of all origins. Not only do they have an amazing array of choices for every budget, they also provide parts, service and assistance obtaining financing. The Best Place to Buy a Car is literally a one-stop shop for all your car-buying needs.
Best Jewelry Store
UNDERWOOD’S JEWELERS
Finalists: Beard’s Jewelry, Hemming Plaza Jewelers There are few things as certain as the sunrise. One of those things is Underwood’s Jewelers crushing it in Best of Jax. This year marks the 26th consecutive time the more-than-80-year-old company has won
Best Jeweler; that’s every single year since we started this thing. So when they say their name is synonymous with fine jewelry, they back it up bigly. Think of it—Underwood’s has been in business since before Jacksonville was consolidated (though they were founded in Palatka—long story), since before the president was born, since before there was an Interstate 95 or 10. That’s serious staying power!
Best Florist
KUHN FLOWERS
Finalists: Dottie “B” Florist, Glenn Certain Floral Design, Liz Stewart Floral Design Lady Bird Johnson famously said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” No matter the occasion, there is something so soothingly joy-inducing about a beautiful bouquet. Here in Northeast Florida, folks agree that Kuhn Flowers is the place where hope springs eternal. Celebrating 70 years serving us on weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day (you didn’t forget again, did you?), and more, this family-owned favorite captures our readers’ hopes and hearts with kaleidoscopic, fresh-cut flowers, gift baskets, plants and an undeniable dash of love.
Best Hospital
BAPTIST HOSPITAL DOWNTOWN Finalists: St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside, Mayo Clinic
A recent cardiac arrest patient who was healed at Baptist Heart Hospital on the medical center’s impressive campus in Downtown Jax, which serves as the central hub for the system in the area, was treated to stunning riverfront views and the highest level of care—the latter is par for the course at all the Baptist facilities. Doctors, nurses and staff at each location care for the whole person—nobody’s a number there. That’s why they’ve been the most preferred provider in Northeast Florida for donkey years—and why they top our readers’ list as the Best Hospital.
Best Lawyer Best Local Righteous Crusader READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Social Justice Warrior JOHN M. PHILLIPS
Lawyer Finalists: Eileen Dolaghan, David M. Robbins Righteous Crusader Finalists: St. Johns Riverkeeper, Hope McMath Social Justice Warrior Finalists: Jimmy Midyette, Hemming Park Five If you don’t know John M. Phillips, you must’ve been living under a rock, ’cause Northeast Florida’s top choice for Best Lawyer seven years running is a force of nature. You’ll find him lending his voice to the downtrodden, giving city officials hell when they step on the little guy, and generally being an all-around nice dude. That’s why he’s again our readers’ choice for Best Local Righteous Crusader and has captured the title of Best Local Social Justice Warrior like the boss he is. If he used his powers for evil, this smart-as-awhip family man and social media whiz could be a supervillain. Lucky for us, his sense of right and wrong is so on fleek, he’s a genuine inspiration to us all.
Best Day Spa Best Plastic Surgeon
DR. CLAYMAN’S PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER & MIRACLE SPA DR. MARK CLAYMAN Day Spa Finalists: The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, The Ritz-Carlton Spa Plastic Surgeon Finalists: Dr. Robert Burk, Dr. Richard Glassman As the timeless Dolly Parton observed in Steel Magnolias, “Time marches on, and sooner or later, you realize it is marchin’ across your face.” If you want to reverse that march, relax and rejuvenate at our OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 29
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Flea Market
RAMONA FLEA MARKET
Finalists: Pecan Park Flea & Farmers Market, Beach Boulevard Flea Market One part colorful bazaar, one part family fun day, and one part Direct-to-Red-Box action comedy, each weekend Ramona Flea Market has something for everyone. As you navigate 46 acres of this discountprice Shangri-La, everything is within your reach, from produce and clothing, to DVDs, tobacco accessories (cough...), along with a karaoke lounge where the overheated can cool down with a beer and the chance to be “discovered” as they warble through their innovative version of “Midnight at the Oasis.” Where else in this area can you buy boxing gloves, a DVD player, kettle corn and a glow-in-the-dark sword? You know, other than Lenny Curry’s new “Le-Cur” boutique. Kidding. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Travel Agent STEVE CRANDALL
Finalists: Avondale Travel, Corey Determan When Folio Weekly readers want to “get away from it all,” or merely flee the scene, they hit up Steve Crandall at Discount Travel to set them up with an affordable and enjoyable getaway plan, regardless of motivation. So whether it’s a romantic honeymoon trip to Bora Bora, a real-time reenactment of the Stones’ Exile on Main Street concert in Amsterdam, or an adventurous church youth group trip to Sierra Leone that those pious rascals will never forget, let Steve be your guide so you can travel affordably, securely and in style! READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Mattress Store MATTRESS FIRM
Finalists: Mattress One, Hazouri Adjustable Beds With a store in nearly every town between here and the Keys, chances are you have either bought a mattress or know someone who has bought one from Mattress Firm. Also, depending on whether or not you smell like you just got sprayed by a skunk, you can pop in the stores any time and try out one of their bajillion types of mattresses. And yes, a bajillion may or may not be a real number. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Sex Shop
INSERECTION ADULT FANTASY STORE Finalists: Adam & Eve, Sunset Novelties
We all get by with a little help from our friends, and if you need a little intimate help, whether it’s condoms for safer sex or toys and costumes— including a good selection of plus-sizes—to add a little fun and variety to your between-the-sheets, on the kitchen table, against the wall…sorry, we digress…frolics, our readers agree that Inserection is the place to go. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to make suggestions, is totally nonjudgmental, has proudly tried many of the products and they’ve got a four-star Yelp rating. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Real Estate Agent ANITA VINING
Finalists: Sonny Downey, Blake Meacham There are many reasons to sell one’s house: eagerness to move on to newer, fancier digs; making a quick buck on the housing rates in your neighborhood going “full Melania,” or simply tiring of hearing those howling voices rip through the vents as ectoplasmic blood shoots through the walls. You know, life stuff. Our readers know that whether they are looking to sell or buy, the best Real Estate agent in Northeast Florida is the inimitable Anita Vining. A resident of Jacksonville since 1983, Vining has seen the market trends come and go, which surely gives her the edge on her competitors. While her specialty is in waterfront properties along the St. Johns River and coastline and tonier ’hoods, she’s knowledgeable in all areas of Jacksonville and can make your buying or selling experience a smooth process. 30 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
readers’ choice for Best Day Spa, where the staff will scrub you, peel you, rub you and pamper you until the stress (and years) just fall away. If you’re looking for something a tad more, ahem, permanent, Best Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mark Clayman can assist with a li’l nip, tuck and lift.
Best Hair Stylist
VICKY HOYER, The Corner Salon
Finalists: Amanda Adams, Carolina Sherman, Cut-N-Edge Salon When we called Vicky Hoyer to let her know she’d won Best of Jax, she didn’t believe us. She then hopped off the phone to finish up with a client, “that one-on-one attention always come first,” she said with a laugh. The stylist, whose more than 27 years of experience began in England, says her focus is the emotional as well as the physical side of client care. “I listen and I pamper because it’s how I was trained.” The Corner Salon is also a distributer of the naturally-based Monat line of haircare products.
Best Hair Salon HAWTHORN SALON
Finalists: Cut-N-Edge Salon, Cortello Hair Salon Located in the heart of 5 Points in Riverside, Hawthorn Salon promises to give men and women “the hair you’ve always dreamed of.” Admittedly, for some of us, the dream is to just be presentable. But for those who have loftier ambitions—things like fashion-forward shags, tight fades, sleek Wintour-inspired bobs and festival-perfect braids, the crew at Hawthorn will keep your hair looking relevant and steer you away from your worst impulses (don’t ever try mermaid hair at home). As a salon committed to the best in haircare, all of the stylists take continuing education classes from some of the best names in the business including Bumble & Bumble, Redken and L’Oreal.
Baptist Hospital heals Northeast Florida at locations from Fernandina to Clay County and throughout Jacksonville. This year, the network’s stunning riverfront hub has wooed readers into voting it the Best Hospital in the 904.
Best Veterinarian Best Doctor
SHOPPING & HEALTH BEAUTY& EDUCATION
SAINT FRANCIS ANIMAL HOSPITAL DR. SUSAN SHELTON
Veterinarian Finalists: San Juan Animal Hospital; Kyla Savick, Merrill Animal Clinic Doctor Finalists: Dr. Ali Kasraeian, Dr. Rodolfo Local pets are treated to top-quality care at Saint Francis Animal Hospital. This not-for-profit clinic offers a wide range of services at prices all pet owners can afford. Under the direction of Northeast Florida’s choice for Best Doctor, Dr. Susan Sheldon, the medical staff has been providing healthcare to pets since 2003. (Seems Folio Weekly readers love their pets almost as much as we love our readers!) The clinic is open seven days a week with no appointment necessary—soooo convenient when Dogzilla swallows a Furby. Saint Francis now offers doggie daycare and a pet resort as well as grooming space and retail. Annual events help raise awareness and funds for the hospital.
Best Dentist
DR. KEVIN SNYDER, HARBOUR DENTAL CARE Finalists: Dr. Donald Alexander, Dr. Richard C. Mullens
A healthy smile is the gateway to a healthy body and residents of the First Coast clearly think that Dr. Snyder’s focus on compassionate, seamless, pain-free care is the pathway to better oral health and happier dental visits. Numerous patients cite the humor, kindness and laughter they find in what is generally an unpleasant appointment; well, at the very least, anxiety-provoking anticipation. Most striking, though, clients mention the level of trust they have in the doctor and his staff, and that’s why they keep going back.
Best Massage Therapist
CARLTON SIZER, MASSAGE ENVY JAX BEACH
Finalists: Kimber Medrano, (tie) Chloe Pearce, Willow Organic Salon & Spa, Katlyn Sharpe According to his fans, Carlton Sizer doesn’t just rub your back—rather, he digs in, targeting problem areas and
stretching tight bodies out. It’s a kind of physical reset that helps with mental stressors, too. Specializing in deep tissue and firm pressure massage, Sizer makes certain to keep his sessions relaxing and this, combined with his genuine concern for the well-being of each person on his table, keeps his clients returning again and again (of course, Massage Envy’s monthly plans help with that, too). Le sigh our fingers hurt from typing all this praise … we should probably book a session today. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Tattoo Artist NICK WAGNER
Finalists: Dave Wood, Selena Medina, Ralph Royals Many a fool walks the Earth who thought they were getting a tattoo then wound up with an inky scar that cost them some cold hard cash. For more evidence, scour Duval for various body parts riddled with “I Love Moom,” “Doneld Trump for Bresidents,” etc. Serious tattoo lovers make an appointment to see Nick Wagner, proprietor and ink guru of Black Hive Tattoo in Riverside. From classic El Corazón type imagery to intricate, detailed line work, superhero characters, well-rendered beasts, even a deftly penned and much-treasured Sanskrit phrase Ishvara Pranidhana inked on the arm of an unnamed Folio Weekly A&E writer (it’s Dan), Wagner has got you covered. Black Hive Ink boasts the additional talents of three more artists and to separate the serious customers from the Kid Rocks (Kids Rock?), the studio’s site lists a 10-point shop etiquette on what you should and shouldn’t do to make sure you walk out with some stellar body art.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Family Lawyer
MATTHEW HUNT
Finalists: Paul Green, Jacqueline Green Divorce and custody disputes are among the most stressful situations you may ever have the misfortune of experiencing. No big surprise: They combine the drama of family with the horrors of the judicial system. Shudder Family law attorney Matthew Hunt with the Law Offices of John M. Phillips can traverse through the process with the patience and compassion of a preacher and the sharp mind and passionate advocacy of a hardnosed attorney. Plus, he looks pretty damn good doing it. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best DUI Lawyer
REID HART
Finalists: Jonathan B.B. Lucas, David Robbins More people than care to admit know how this feels: blue lights in the rearview, an officer asking “Have you been drinking?” The system “presumes” innocence, but it sure doesn’t feel like it in the back of a police cruiser. (We assume.) In moments like these, Reid Hart is Folio Weekly readers’ choice for that all-important phone call. Just dial 444-4444. Hart, the lead criminal defense attorney with the Law Offices of John M. Phillips, will provide you with the defense you deserve: the very, very best.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Salvage/Reuse/ Repurpose Company ECO RELICS
Finalists: Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, HabiJax When your best friend texts you a photograph of his newest treasure, a mid-century equine lamp with an architectural shade, you know he’s been shopping at Eco Relics without you (probably because otherwise you’ll just end up squabbling over that unsettling unsigned folk art drawing). The warehouse is jam-packed with everything from reclaimed wood tables (made in-house) to Deco bureaus and armoires bigger than some studio apartments. They’ve also got a selection of lighting, siding, doors, windows, miscellaneous hardware and hundreds of tchotchkes and tchotchke-adjacent items to spruce up your place. Whether you’re looking for a singular focal point or historically appropriate architectural details, chances are they have it. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Vape Shop
NEW LEAF VAPOR COMPANY Finalists: All Day Vape, Fuzion Vapor What many consider to be the Meerschaum Pipe of the Millennial Age, vaping (or “vaporizing” for you daffy-brained nesbits) has become a fashionable way to get a nicotine fix without that awful cigarette smell, yellow teeth, fingers, nails. #Tar. With six locations in the area, New Leaf Vape has the products you need to set you up on a cleaner smoking experience. OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31
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Best Server
KELLI TURNER, Hooters Orange Park Finalists: Lauren Parret, Sliders Seaside Grill; Johnny Miller, European Street Riverside
If you’re in the mood to hang out with a gorgeous brunette woman who has that perfect pinch of sassy humor, dash of moxie and generous helping of hootie, ask for Kelli Turner at Hooters Orange Park, this year’s Best Server. The Hooters gal is a well-loved member of the team, so much so that she’s captured our readers’ hearts and, we’re just guessing, eyes. Social media rumor has it that the way to Ms. Turner’s heart might involve some delicious chicken nuggets.
Best Cocktail Selection Best Bartender MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS BRUCE O’DOWD
Cocktail Selection Finalists: The Ice Plant, Whiskey Jax Bartender Finalists: Johnna Nobles, Sliders Seaside Grill; Casey Shelton, Dos Gatos
Don’t be fooled by Moxie Kitchen + Cocktail’s chainadjacent location at the St. Johns Town Center—this is a local joint. Best Bartender Bruce O’Dowd is the kinda drink-slinger you happen upon once in a Happy Hour Moon: charming, creative, accommodating and as friendly as if he’d been born smiling. The craft cocktails he’s pouring at our readers’ choice for Best Cocktail Selection aren’t drinks, they’re experiences. And O’Dowd and his comrades in shaker tins mix up a mighty fine experience indeed. Walk Don’t Run to check out intriguing drinks like the Nueva Moda— Altos Reposado Tequila, cinnamon syrup, orange 34 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
zest, bitters; Feel No Pain—Manzanilla Sherry, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, pineapple and lime juices, cream of coconut, cinnamon; or The Fly By (for two)— Absolute Elyx, Blackwoods Gin, Galliano, pineapple juice, kiwi and black pepper shrub, lime juice. Feeling classic? Go with a Moscow Mule. It’s a Sure Thing that you’ll have a hard time drinking just one.
Best Chef
Chef SAM EFRON, Taverna San Marco Finalists: Chef Tom Gray, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails; Chef Kenny Gilbert, Gilbert’s Underground and Gilbert’s Social
Taverna San Marco has stood out since Chef Sam and wife Kiley Wynne Efron opened the favored lunch and dinner spot in 2009. Even when he’s just making a simple duck liver ravioli, Chef Sam Efron’s attention to detail elevates every bite. “Enjoying a well-prepared meal highlights life,” he said. “…When people gather around the dinner table to break bread, it offers a canvas to build bridges between cultures.” A Jacksonville native with a résumé that has that Michelin star quality, Chef Sam isn’t the type to leave the grunt work to the grunts—which is part-andparcel to why he’s so beloved and respected, from the dish pit to the hostess stand to the table and beyond.
Best Barista
two percent foam is served with a smile. But that’s not all he does, he’s tasted with knowing what the difference is between a Sumatra and a French roast is (and the endless other varieties of coffee available), while being tirelessly willing to talk to that one friend we all have who needs to volubly recount his summer in Prague…from three years ago. Walden listens patiently to how enamored of flat whites said friend currently is (and bonus pretention points how no one in America makes them properly), then serves up the fat-free iced caramel macchiato, upside down, with extra caramel coffee the dude just ordered with speed and accuracy.
in the great city of Cowford. With a focus on local sources, the French technique take on American Southern cuisine at Orsay will make your taste buds your BFFs for life.
Best Restaurant on Amelia Island READER NOMINATED CATEGORY Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL
Finalists: South Kitchen & Spirits, Town Hall
Restaurant on Amelia Finalists: Salty Pelican Bar & Grill, Salt-The Ritz Carlton Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar Finalists: Green Room Brewing, Harpoon Louie’s, Aardwold Brewing Company
Best Restaurant in Jacksonville
Best Seafood
Best New Restaurant
1000 DEGREES NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA After its grand opening in Fernandina back in August, 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria has quickly drawn in pizza lovers by the dozens and dozens. You can choose from a collection of old standbys like pepperoni, Hawaiian and meat-lovers, or you can build your own, picking and choosing from a variety of toppings. And for those of you not willing to take the trip up to the Great North of Nassau County, three more locations are slated to pop up in Jax Beach, Mandarin and Southside.
RICHIE WALDEN, Starbucks
RESTAURANT ORSAY
Whether it’s making certain your tall nonfat pumpkin spice latte—heated to exactly 163 degrees—with
If you’re seeking food porn that tastes as scrumptious as it looks sex-x-x-x-y, check out Riverside mainstay Restaurant Orsay, again this year our readers’ fave
Finalists: Victoria Zeisler, Southern Grounds & Co., Nicole Ellis
The original Moon River Pizza on S. 14th Street in Amelia Island has locked down Best Pizza in town every year since 2000! It’s thin crust, too, so you can have even more cheesy goodness. Nom nom nom.
Finalists: Black Sheep, Taverna
If there is one thing Amelia Island is known for, it’s consistency. When you go to Amelia, you know you’re going to get good beaches, good restaurants/bars and good service. When you go to Sliders Seaside Grill, you get all three. The food is always delicious, the bar is always serving up tasty drinks and the service is always top notch—plus, there are swings at the bar. If you decide to bring Napoleon or Josephine the porkies with you, just pop a squat outside near the tiki bar and chances are they’ll get their water before you get yours.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD MARKET & RESTAURANT
Finalists: Salty Pelican, Bluefish
Safe Harbor wins again! And we can’t say we are one bit surprised that savvy Folio Weekly readers recognize
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that the freshest seafood in the area is right next to the dock where the boat ties up. But wait, there’s so much more: Safe Harbor isn’t just any ol’ fish market. The attached restaurant serves some of the tastiest traditional fish-shack fare anywhere in Florida. We are especially partial to the smoked mullet dip, shrimp nachos, and Captain Walter’s 3-way combo—with an extra side of hush puppies, please (and we’ll have some clam chowder to go, too).
Best Chicken Wings WING-IT
Finalists: Dick’s Wings, Gator’s Dockside
Make no bones about it: our readers hail Wing-It as the best place to nosh on some serious chicken wings. At its two locations in Mandarin and the Northside, Wing-It offers flavors such as honey BBQ, lemon pepper and hot garlic, as well as the standard wing sauce, spicely heated from medium to volcanic. Wings can be ordered from in quantities ranging from a modest 12 to a Roman-WingOrgy number 90! That’s a whole lotta yardbird. In addition to award-winning wings, this much-loved eatery serves up a half-pound Wing-It burger, plus sandwiches and melts, nachos, quesadillas and for the dainty wing-nibbler, the popular boneless wings. Bone Appétit!
Best Hot Dog HOT DOG HUT
Finalists: Texas Hot Dogs, Orange Tree Hot Dogs
Hot Dog Hut won our hearts when we discovered that they serve a Chicago-style dog (we like ours with extra sport peppers), and when our readers recognized the clearly superior pork products available there, we couldn’t have been more pleased—or more ready to ditch a day at the office for a day at the beach
followed by a foot-long Carolina dog direct to the face. Which brings us to another exciting nugget of info: They’ve got 15 varieties of hot dog (one for every mood, perhaps), plus they have that kind of embarrassing but totally delicious favorite: French fries drizzled with ranch dressing.
Best Sub Sandwich
ANGIE’S SUBS
Finalists: Larry’s Giant Subs, Firehouse Subs
A mainstay of the Jax Beach area for longer than some of us have been alive, Angie’s is the place locals go when they’re in the mood for a classic sammy. The rolls are always perfectly toasted and stuffed to the gills with succulent meats. Add a little of their signature Peruvian sauce—which, thankfully, is never in short supply—and you’re set. Nevermind the taxidermied deer on the wall, he won’t bite.
Best Dessert
BISCOTTIS
Finalists: Cheesecake Factory, bb’s Restaurant & Bar
For nearly 25 years, the much-loved Biscottis has earned loyal customers who clamor to Avondale to indulge in this neighborhood favorite, combining the cozy with the sweet. While Biscottis is renowned for its brunch and lunch menus, as well as adult libations and tasty cocktails, FW readers give the place the highest hosannas for its inimitable selection of desserts. Pastry Chef Mallorie Finnell makes everything from scratch, so you know you’re getting the freshest cupcakes, cookies, bread pudding and signature biscotti, and a cake menu ranging from Triple Chocolate and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake to Grand Marnier Tropical and Peanut Butter Mousse cakes.
The coffee fanatics at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters’ three locations, Northeast Florida’s Best Coffeehouse, are serving fresh-roasted coffee from their very own Roastery with a generous helping of ultra-hip charm.
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READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Doughnuts
GOOD DOUGH DOUGHNUTS
Each has a slightly different name, but all of the five Northeast Florida locations—this one is in Jax Beach—of Mojo will keep you coming back for the Best Barbecue around served in a laid-back, bluesy atmosphere. You won’t be the only one checking over your shoulder for Elwood and Jake as you go for seconds on them dry-rub spareribs.
Finalists: Sweet Theory, The Donut Shoppe
We are so incredibly appreciative for all of the research our readers must’ve done in order to make this informed and tough decision. Good Dough, which opened in San Marco earlier this year, has upped the doughnut game in town, offering flavors like Earl Grey, blackberry glazed with whipped mascarpone topping and what we think is one of the best ideas ever: a doughnutwich (ham, egg and cheese on a donut)! The flavors change with the months and we have heard (from a very reliable source) that in October, they’re making their own pumpkin spice syrup.
Best Steak Best Restaurant When Someone Else Is Paying RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Steak Finalists: Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, Pinegrove Market Someone Else Paying Finalists: Orsay, The Capital Grille
It has become increasingly “rare” to believe that Ruth’s Chris Steak House won’t be the returning champs for both the Best Steak and “Let Your Friend with the Fat Wallet Buy” categories. While it might be a national franchise restaurant, Ruth’s Chris creates an intimate vibe that’s perfect for sinking your teeth in an incredible steak. Served sizzling with their signature butter-topped flair, Ruth’s Chris makes no beef in offering you the best in cuts including filets, a cowboy rib eye, New York strips, T-bones, porterhouse for two (40 ounces!) and petite cuts, along with surf-and-turf and lamb chops, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine list.
Best Restaurant To Impress A Date
BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT
Finalists: Restaurant Orsay, Ruth’s Chris Steak House If you’re looking for a li’l romance, order a medley of delectable indulgences and watch the sun set over the city from the rooftop of Black Sheep Restaurant, with a delicious cocktail in hand and your best gal or guy (or both!) by your side. Even the Grinch’s tiny heart would go pitty-pat experiencing myriad pleasures of the Best Restaurant to Impress a Date for two years running, whose new Downtown spot Bellwether is on the tongues of all the foodies in town.
Best Coffeehouse
BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
Finalists: Southern Grounds, Urban Grind
Rumored to have consumed a modest 50 cups of coffee a day, 19th-century French writer Honoré de Balzac would have surely applauded (with trembling hands) the caffeinated offerings of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. With locations in Riverside, Jax Beach and the latest spot in San Marco, Bold Bean roasts its own beans to serve up the best in espresso, cappuccino, lattes, iced coffee and the universal favorite: rich and tasty pour-overs. For you lightweights, Bold Bean also serves decaf drinks; some truly stellar desserts, including vegan options, are also featured.
Best Deli
PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI Finalists: Sun Deli, Akel’s Deli
For more than 60 years, the Pinegrove Market & Deli has been feeding locals on the strengths of neighborhood, a family vibe and unparalleled food offerings. Located in Avondale, Pinegrove serves full breakfast, salads, soups and even steaks. But the deli is surely most loved for its killer sandwiches 38 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
and burgers. Keep it très local with The Avondale, featuring homemade tabouli, roast beef and smoked Gouda in a fresh-baked, pressed pita; or sink your teeth into The Raj, a fresh-ground steak burger, with grilled pastrami, smoked Gouda, fried green tomato and lettuce on a grilled bun. Wanna get it to go or go large? The deli sells fresh foods and offers catering.
Best Sports Bar
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
Finalists: Whiskey Jax, Sneakers Sports Grille
The first Miller’s Ale House sprang up nearly 30 years ago down in Jupiter. The casual sportscentric place quickly produced offspring; there are now 81 Ale Houses in 12 states; five locally. Our readers approve of the fresh, familiar fare: chicken, pasta, steaks, sandwiches and, of course, a full bar with local craft brews. And the wall-to-wall screens! My god, you can see every sport known to man in vivid HD—every drop of sweat, every ripple of muscle, every divot fly … getting carried away here. For sports bar fever, the cure is Miller’s Ale House.
Best Burrito
BURRITO GALLERY
Finalists: Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant
When it comes to readers celebrating the best local burrito, the Burrito Gallery has it wrapped up tight. Locations in Downtown, Brooklyn and Jax Beach each feature a signature menu, but all three spots are known for consistency in serving some serious burrito action, as well as tacos, nachos, enchiladas, salads and the ‘dilla: a bowlful of the burrito action with tortilla-wrapped-cheese on the side. Pick your protein, between steak, carnitas, chicken or tofu, pack it up in a corn or flour tortilla, fill it with savory add-ons, and discover why FW readers chose Burrito Gallery as the numero uno burrito spot.
Best Bagel
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
Finalists: Bagel Love, Panera Bread
Now with locations in Riverside and at University of North Florida, Einstein Bros. Bagels keeps Northeast Florida fed and happy on the quest for fresh-baked, boss bagels. You want variety? The geniuses at Einstein’s offer more than 30 flavors. So along with classics like Everything and Cinnamon Raisin, you can score a Cheesy Hash Brown or Green Chile bagel. Seasonal fare gets represented with Pumpkin (natch!) while the “Shmearfuls” offer a new take on bagel spreads.
Best Barbecue MOJO KITCHEN
Finalists: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, The Bearded Pig BBQ
“What is the law? Not to eat meat.” While that little epigram might’ve worked for the man-beasts of Island of Lost Souls, for many of our readers, enjoying delicious barbecue is the only law. Mojo Kitchen takes top honors for its skills at cooking old-school BBQ with some seriously downhome sides. All your faves like brisket, pulled pork, chicken and turkey breast are on the menu, along with Mojo’s killer Texas Hot Links. Seafood meets the smokehouse with Delta catfish, grilled salmon, and shrimp & grits, while you can get a pre-meal fill-up with appetizers and then fill your plate with side dishes like collard greens, dirty rice, BBQ beans and some seriously good potato salad.
Best Comfort Food Best Food Truck SOUL FOOD BISTRO
Comfort Food Finalists: Sliders Seaside, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Metro Diner Food Truck Finalists: On the Fly, Happy Grilled Cheese Wednesday is baked spaghetti day at Soul Food
Bistro, so that makes hump day the best day of the week (but get there early, they tend to sell out). Under the direction of Chef Celestia Mobley, the restaurant is the best/worst-kept secret on the Westside. And now, for folks who find the trek to Normandy a little too far (even for ox-tail, mac ’n’ cheese and the most amazing bread pudding, ever), they’ve got an award-winning food truck (thanks to our sagacious readers); find it by checking the Bistro’s Facebook page.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
SOUTHERN ROOTS FILLING STATION
Finalists: Grassroots Natural Market, Sweet Theory Baking Company
Offering breakfasts like granola and chia pudding, to small plate-snacks, salads, ricebowls and tasty sammies, Southern Roots Filling Station will fill your belly but not your arteries. But wait, there’s more: they offer healthy foods in bulk from things that are in most folks’ kitchens, like brown rice and olive oil, to harder-to-find fare like milk thistle seed and wormwood. Housed in a small storefront on King St. in Riverside, the space has recently expanded to make room for a larger dining area as the food has proven so popular—filling station indeed.
Best Restaurant serving Locally Sourced Food KITCHEN ON SAN MARCO
Finalists: The Local Jax, Sliders Seaside Grill
Located in the historic neighborhood of San Marco, Kitchen on San Marco has quickly become the top restaurant serving locally sourced food. The gastropub combines imaginative, upscale cooking technique with a casual dining experience that stuns. Kitchen’s inventive dishes with fresh, local ingredients are miles ahead of the pack. The friendly staff and
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& HOSPITALITY The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens scoring the ‘W’ as Best Attraction is no monkey business; with animals of every size, shape and color, tons of activities and special events--Spooktacular!--PLUS an inspiring commitment to conservation, the zoo is the top of everyone’s list.
professional chefs go out of their way to provide guests with a dining experience that keeps ‘em coming back for more.
Best All-You-Can-Eat Special/Buffet TERRA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Finalists: China Buffet, Al’s Pizza
Strap on the feedbag and dig into a dizzying array of foodstuffs at Northeast Florida’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Special/Buffet in Tinseltown on the Southside. Fear not: That smiling angel with the platter of meat will come your way again. And again. And again. Seriously, it’s so good, you’ll probably want to fast for a few days before your reservation at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, a delightfully upscale buffet experience like no other.
Best Meal For Under $10 Best Mac ’N’ Cheese READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
SPLIFF’S GASTROPUB
Meal Under $10 Finalists: TacoLu, Al’s Pizza Mac ’n’ Cheese Finalists: Mojo Kitchen, Maple Street Biscuit Company
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know what you’re looking for. But locals know just what they’re looking for at Spliff’s Gastropub: quality meals at an unbeatable price point and the Best Damn Mac ’N’ Cheese on this side of the planet. That’s why they’re our readers’ fave for Best Meal Under $10 and that cheesy, noodle-y fix. READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Soup
CRAB BISQUE, The Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Finalists: Bowl of Pho, Harpoon Louie’s
Laced with sherry and loaded with crab meat, the crab bisque certainly takes a cue from she crab soup, but according to Folio Weekly readers, it is much better— indeed, it’s a creamy panegyric to Lord Neptune’s bounty, a bowl full of briny, unctuous goodness studded with the buttery lusciousness of crab. We think the soup is the perfect way to start a meal, and if paired with a salad it makes a lovely and elegant lightish meal (especially when complemented with warm bread and butter).
Best Tapas
13 GYPSIES
Finalists: España Restaurant, Hawkers Asian Street Fare
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If you’re feeling super, get on down to the Best Comic Store around, Superhero Hive on Park Street in Riverside, where a delightfully-nerdy staff will fix you up with all the variant covers your heart desires.
Helmed by the extraordinary polymath Howard Kirk—he’s an artist, a DJ, and does fancy computer stuff, too—13 Gypsies has consistently been one of the city’s most well-respected (and busy) restaurants since it opened its doors back in 2008. We think it’s because Howard is a damn genius with a peerless palate. Pop in for a little sangria and honey garlic hummus or stay a while and enjoy sampling—and sharing—the menu. Try the daily risotto and cured meat if it’s available, we’re certain you’ll be impressed; oh, and the panseared cod, too.
Best Smoothie SMOOTHIE KING
Finalists: Tropical Smoothie, Grassroots Natural Market
Locals looking for a healthy way to enjoy a tasty, nutritious drink slam full of healthy ingredients, and even super-vitamin boosts, get their smoothie fix at Smoothie King. Boasting 11 locations in Northeast Florida, SK uses the freshest ingredients to make stellar on-the-spot drinks that run the gamut from health-geared smoothies, including fitness, slim and wellness blends, along with healthful snacks and kid’s cups. Stevia, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options give every diet the chance to sip on some serious smoothie action.
Best Frozen Yogurt Shop SWEETFROG PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT
Finalists: Yobe Frozen Yogurt, Mochi Frozen Yogurt Some of us are lucky enough to have friends who can be persuaded to skip lunch and have froyo (as the pros call it) instead. Their go-to spot: 42 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
sweetFROG. With a selection of low-fat, fat-free and dairy-free treats that can be swirled or stacked, plus a toppings bar with chocolate flakes and all the whipped cream you need, we could be persuaded to skip lunch and eat sweet treats instead, too.
Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Restaurant in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs THE METRO DINER
Breakfast Finalists: The Fox Restaurant, Maple Street Biscuit Co. Brunch Finalists: The Local Jax, Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House OP/FI/GCS Finalists: Mojo BBQ, Mellow Mushroom Our readers like to “rise and shine” with a cup of fresh coffee and the mega-comfort breakfast foods of The Metro Diner. Now with six locations, this ultimate eatery offers breakfast entrées including The Bissell Breakfast, the French toast-style Yo Hala on the Square, and a crowd favorite—Fried Chicken & Waffle. Breakfast fare is served ’round the clock, but Metro Diner has an equally impressive lunch and dinner menu, with killer deli classics, homestyle stuff like meatloaf and chicken and dumplings, and full-tilt burgers.
Best Bakery
SWEET THEORY BAKING COMPANY
Finalists: Cinotti’s Bakery, Village Bread Café Donuts like pillows (root beer and lavender are just a couple of flavor favorites), dense sweet
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breads, sky-high gluten-free cakes, and breakfast sandwiches with vegan bacon and sausage abound—and with soy-free, peanut-free and vegan options, there’s a reason that on weekend mornings there’s often a line out the door. Sweet Theory also run specials regularly, so keep an eye on its Instagram account and score a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven.
The Metro Diner is so beloved that they crushed it in three categories this year—Best Breakfast, Best Brunch and Best Restaurant in St. Augustine. The team at the St. Aug location (Fleming Island pictured) keeps that Yo Hala on the Square or Huevos Rancheros coming, don’t you worry.
Best Sushi FUJI SUSHI
Finalists: Kazu Sushi, Sake House
It’s hard to find good quality sushi at a price that won’t have you taking out a second mortgage on your house. But Fuji Sushi is not only delicious, it’s affordable. Word from the wise: drop in midday for the lunch special. Three sushi rolls and some bomb-ass miso for the price you’d usually fork over for one roll anywhere else—spicy tuna is the best, just sayin’. You can’t beat that with a stick!
Best Fish Camp Best Neighborhood Bar in OP/Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs WHITEY’S FISH CAMP
Fish Camp Finalists: Clark’s Fish Camp, Julington Creek Fish Camp OP/FI/GCS Finalists: Brewer’s Pizza, Roadhouse
A longstanding tradition in the Southeast region of the United States, fish camps are a slice of Southern charm and hospitality—especially Whitey’s. Our readers’ personal favorite Fish Camp & Neighborhood Bar in OP/FI/GCS, Whitey’s Fish Camp serves up all-you-can-eat fried catfish all week. They hold a bass fishing tournament on Thursdays, and there’s live music Friday and Saturday. It’s kind of like that song “Redneck Yacht Club” but with a restaurant. Seriously, try the catfish. You won’t regret it.
Best Indian Restaurant
5thELEMENT INDIAN RESTAURANT Finalists: JaxSpice, India’s Restaurant
Baymeadows is home to many Indian cuisine restaurants, but Folio Weekly readers have crowned the 5thElement as the city’s best. Locals love the lunch buffet that lets you try an array of Indian dishes without emptying your wallet. Appetizers, entrées and desserts are equally filled with authentic flavors, all made with the freshest ingredients. South Indian, Tandoor and Indo-Chinese offerings abound, along with one of most satisfying vegetarian menu selections in the city. The owners accommodate the most nitpicky spice requests (“Garlic Chicken with a heat level of somewhere between mild and taste-bud scorching”) and if that still gets a little too warm on the palate, wash it back with a mango lassi or traditional Indian beer.
Best Burger in Jax M SHACK
for locals and tourists alike. Oasis is advertised as an oyster bar, but we love their burgers, which take the classic diner-style burger and make it even better. Our suggestion: The Special Burger with grilled onions, shredded cabbage, special sauce and a slice of tomato. Put it on top of your head and your tongue will slap your brains out trying to get to it.
Best Burger on Amelia Island T-RAY’S BURGER STATION
Finalists: Tasty’s, The Salty Pelican
Go too fast and you might miss it. To those out of the loop, what may look like an unassuming gas station on the outside holds within itself the Best Burger on Amelia Island. Big, juicy and cheesy. Save that five bucks you were going to spend at some fast-food chain—you know the one—and go get yourself a real burger! Ya hear?
Best Burger in OP/Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs THE LOOP
Finalists: Five Guys Burger & Fries, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
With four locations and six years under its belt, M Shack has become the go-to spot for Jax peeps looking to nosh on the Best Burger in Jax. With 10 specialty burgers and the ability to customize your own—we’re talking Scooby and Shaggy sandwich style—you get what you want and a little more at M Shack. Not to mention, they have a gluten-free bun for wheat-intolerant burger lovers.
The Loop’s burgers can be most aptly defined as old-school. No special sauce or fancy-shmancy toppings. Just a bun, beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and ketchup/mustard if you want. It may sound plain on the surface, but it works. There are more than 10 locations throughout Northeast Florida, and for good reason. There are a few other menu choices if you want a little more thrill on your tastebuds. And if beef ain’t your bag, they have veggie, gluten-free and chicken-style burgers.
Best Burger in St. Augustine
Best Japanese Restaurant
Finalists: Poe’s Tavern, The Loop
THE WORLD FAMOUS OASIS DECK & RESTAURANT Finalists: M Shack, Ice Plant
Nestled in the heart of St. Augustine you’ll find the Best| Burger in town at Oasis, a famous4-10, watering 44 FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 2017hole
WASABI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Finalists: Sakura, Fusion Sushi
Folio Weekly readers agree that Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar offers up the Best Japanese
fare in town. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu—you’ll probably end up drowning everything in shrimp sauce anyway. Also, word to the wise: If you’re there for a family gathering, just make sure Uncle Joe doesn’t try to do his rendition of a Japanese accent. Not cool, Uncle Joe. Not cool.
Best Caribbean Restaurant BAHAMA BREEZE
Finalists: Pusser’s Bar & Grille, Mango’s Beach Bar & Grille
Living this close to the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea means that the delightfully spicy cuisine is top-notch in Northeast Florida. It also means that we know Caribbean food. If you’re looking for the very Best Caribbean Restaurant around, look no further than St. Johns Town Center, where Bahama Breeze’s island flavors will make you feel like a honeymooner on a picturesque tropical beach—sans hurricanes.
Best Mediterranean Restaurant ATHENS CAFÉ
Finalists: Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean, Taverna Yamas
It’s a no-brainer that thousands of years of Greek civilization would naturally lead to the development of truly fabulous cuisine. If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Old Country, Northeast Floridians point that GPS to Athens Café, where the hummus is creamy, spanakopita is a flaky, buttery wonder, and even the baked chicken is unforgettable. The best thing about the Best Mediterranean Restaurant: The food might taste like you’re cheating on your diet, but it’s actually good for you. #Truth.
Best Italian Restaurant ENZA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Finalists: Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Taverna San Marco Since 2004, Enza’s Italian Restaurant has built a reputation for serving authentic, fresh and fabulous
Italian in a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t let its low-key San Jose addy fool ya, though, Enza’s has the perfect amount of class, sophistication, pasta, eggplant and sauce. Chefs Enza and Mike have put together a menu that features all your faves plus some newbies that will keep you coming back to our readers’ choice for Best Italian Restaurant.
Best Chinese
HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE
Finalists: Wok ‘n’ Roll, Chef Chan Asian Cuisine
Hawkers Asian Street Fare is undeniably Jacksonville’s top stop for Pan-Asian cuisine. The Asian fusion eatery creates small dishes traditionally served on the street in various countries all over Asia. It’s always packed, so grab a drink and watch the pretty people. Or just ogle the plates coming outta the kitchen at breakneck speed. Fan favorites include the Roti Canai, Stir Fry Udon Noodles, and Spicy Edamame. The plates are small, so order a bunch and share them with your friends. You’ll see why our readers love this stylish, bustling place.
Best Thai INDOCHINE
Finalists: Buddha Belly, Pattaya Thai
For a classy yet casual dining experience and fabulous Thai cuisine, Indochine will not disappoint. The Asian bistro delivers delicious food inspired by the bold food of Southeast Asia. Dine on unique dishes, like a sweet red curry-based whole snapper, or dive into something more traditional, like drunken noodles. Nom nom nom. Both locations—downtown and San Marco— also offer signature cocktails and sushi served in a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
Best Mexican Restaurant
LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Finalists: TacoLu Baja Mexicana, Cantina Louie Mexican Street Food
There are few things more satisfying than grabbing a few friends and plowing through a couple of
baskets of chips and salsa—with a side of queso of course (healthy eating can be damned)—with a margarita or a Modelo or three. La Nop, as most of the regulars call it, might not be fancy and it’s sure not expensive, but it is clearly the first place Folio Weekly readers think of when they get them hot cheese cravins’.
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
Best Cuban Restaurant
HAVANA JAX CAFE/CUBA LIBRE ULTRA LOUNGE Finalists: Mambo’s, Hola Cuban Café
Part fantastic lunch spot and part fun nighttime spot, Havana Jax has been cooking up authentic Cuban cuisine for more than 23 years. Originally opened by Armando Pulido, who was homesick for the cuisine of his Cuban childhood, the original 60seat restaurant is now a 5,000-square-foot space with a bar, a buffet and a small selection of take-out bakery items, under the leadership of Armando’s son, Rene. When you go, if it’s chicken fricassee night, we highly recommend partaking!
Best Pizza in Jacksonville
AL’S PIZZA
Finalists: Moon River, V Pizza
Looking for a place that combines old world quality with new world appeal? Visit Al’s Pizza at any of their many Duval locations and you’ll see why they’re again our readers’ choice for Best Pizza in Jax. You’ll find a cool place for delicious pizza, and the slice special is hard to beat. Repeat after us: Dollar slices every weekday from 2-5 p.m. Not only is Al a master of the pie, he’s also a genuinely good guy; generously giving back to the community that he unabashedly loves. We love ya back, Al!
Best Pizza in St. Augustine Best Restaurant in St. Augustine
PIZZALLEY’S ON ST. GEORGE PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI ROOM
Pizza Finalists: Al’s Pizza, Pizza Time Restaurant Finalists: Columbia Restaurant, The Ice Plant
In the mood for an American classic prepared to perfection in the Ancient City? Our readers’ choice for Best Pizza in St. Augustine, Pizzalley’s on St. George, has you covered. Since 2000, the wood-fired pies with made-from-scratch ingredients have been lighting up the alley this family-owned restaurant calls home. Fall in love with the Greek Lovers, Fajita Lovers, Hawaiian Lovers, Garbage Can (seriously), or build your own “Lover.” Oh, you’re actually in the mood for a romantic meal or special treat? Just steps away, you’ll find the Best Restaurant in St. Augustine, Pizzalley’s Chianti Room, serving all the rustic Italian classics your grandmother would’ve made if she were a Sicilian angel, as well as gourmet pizzas like the Wonder Woman, a pepper-themed concoction with enough meat to make the ladies hit the low notes. For dessert, let’s share the cannoli and the homemade tiramisu. Mangia, mangia!
Best Pizza on Amelia Island
MOON RIVER PIZZA
Finalists: Pi Infinite Combinations, Townies Pizzeria
There’s no doubt that going to Moon River for a big ol’ slice of the cheesy stuff is the best way to refuel after a hard and grueling day of lying in the sand. Located on South 14th Street, Moon River has been hailed King of the ’ZA every year since 2000, and now, once again. Come prepared with an empty stomach and some cash—no plastic, dude—and prepare to eat a couple slices of pizza as big as your head. OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 45
DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, now owned by the Dunlop family, is a stunning oceanfront inn on S. Fletcher with an elegant charm that keeps it on the top of our readers’ list for Best Inn on Amelia Island.
Best Pizza in Orange Park/ Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs BREWER’S PIZZA
Finalists: Mellow Mushroom, Renna’s Pizza
There’s pizza dough and then there’s pizza dough. If you’ve eaten at Brewer’s Pizza in Orange Park, you know the difference: that made-fromscratch-at-the-crack-of-dawn-taste you simply cannot get enough of. Try the brewpub’s signature The Florida Smacker, a crispity-crunchity square pie that will blow your freaking mind (almost as much as imagining a quadrilateral circle), just like it did the minds of Folio Weekly readers, who voted them Best Pizza on the other side of the Buckman.
Best Bar Food Best Beer Selection Best Late Night Spot KICKBACKS GASTROPUB
Bar Food Finalists: Sliders Seaside Grill, The Shim Sham Room Beer Selection Finalists: Green Room Brewing, Grassroots Natural Market Late Night Spot Finalists: Spliff’s Gastropub, Locals Pub
Proving once again that they’re unbeatable for Best Bar Food, Best Beer Selection and Best Late Night Spot, Kickbacks Gastropub in Riverside has locked it down. One might wonder if they’re bribing voters with pennies. Nope. This famed joint that serves food for literally 20 hours a day, 365 days a year probs has the largest beer selection 46 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
in Florida, if not the whole wide world. There are more than 200 on tap alone, y’all! Plus so many bottles that we had to break out the old abacus. If you’ve got the drunchies (if you’ve had ’em, you know what we mean), Kickbacks Gastropub or its adjacent Goozepipe & Guttyworks will set you straight, no matter if you’re a bacon-wrapped date connoisseur, a sandwich freak, Scotch egg fanatic, or a truly refined soul who prefers only the finest chili cheese fries.
Best Bathroom
READER NOMINATED CATEGORY
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY
Finalists: Bold Bean Stockton, South Kitchen & Spirits
When FW readers gotta go, they gotta go. Lucky for them (and us) there’s a lavatory paradise right here in River City—more precisely, at St. Johns Town Center inside Maggiano’s Little Italy, a high-end but accessible Italian restaurant. Bright, clean tile, dark woods, gleaming fixtures and lotsa stalls. (We’re referencing the ladies’ loo here; as liberal as we are, our crash-the-men’s-room days are in the rearview mirror.) Maggiano’s cleaning staff must work 24/7 to keep all that glorious private privvy space so clean and inviting. It’s almost as refreshing as their Kiwi Moscato Mojito.
Best Happy Hour
MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS Finalists: Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, Sliders Seaside Grill
From 3 to 7 p.m. every weekday at Mellow Mushroom, there are two things to look forward to:
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47
DINING&DRINKING
& HOSPITALITY
cheap drinks and stuff to do while consuming said drinks. It’s kind of like summer camp, but with $3 margaritas and pizza. You like trivia? Pop in on Monday! Bingo? Swing by on Tuesday! And for the gals, Thursday is always Ladies Night—that means $2 house wine.
Best Wine List Best Wine Bar THE WINE BAR
Wine List Finalists: Restaurant Orsay, Taverna San Marco, Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas Wine Bar Finalists: Bar Zin, Cooper’s Hawk
If you’re like us, sometimes you just need a hug. They totally get that at The Wine Bar, so they offer a list of “hugs in a glass,” aka wines, that catapults them right to the top of the charts for Best Wine List and Best Wine Bar. The beach-adjacent site in Jax Beach is the perfect blend of class, sophistication, live music, stand-up comedy, Bordeaux, Alexander Valley and Veuve Clicquot on the clock. We hear.
Best Margarita
FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR
Finalists: La Nopalera, Campeche Bay
We’re just going to put this out there: If variety is the spice of life, then tequila is our favorite seasoning.
Find the Best Margarita in the 904 at Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar in the Town Center that traverses the Neptune Beach/Atlantic Beach line. Pro tip: Don’t try to walk that line after a few Ginger Beer or Millionaire Margaritas, featuring only the finest seasonings from Flying Iguana’s expansive selection. Lucky for us, the good lord who invented margaritas also invented tacos, taxis and ride-share apps!
Best Martini OCEAN 60
Finalists: Casa Marina, Bonefish Grill
Daniel Groshel is one of the finest chefs on the First Coast, so it is no surprise that his elegantbut-unpretentious martini room serves up the best shaken-but-not-stirred beverage in the city. When we’re there we like to start the night with a Hang-ten martini or two, and then share the spinach salad, beef Carpaccio, and an order of whatever is on special. We finish up the night with a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake martini because drinking desert is a win-win-win situation.
Best Hookah Lounge Best Middle Eastern Restaurant CASBAH CAFÉ
It’s always island time at Sliders Seaside Grill, the Best Restaurant in the Dirty ‘ Dina, where the fish is as fresh as that cutie chilling at the bar watching the waves and you can bring your dog, aka your best wingman, along.
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Finalists: Java’s Brewin Hookah, Sahara Café & Bar Finalists: Karam’s Mediterranean Grill, Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean Since 1999 when folks are looking to nibble on something savory and sweet, and/or enjoy a calming hookah, The Casbah Café serves up some of the best Middle Eastern dishes around. Once again, the cafe gets our readers’ votes for best Middle Eastern restaurant. And it’s not surprising, with cozy indoor seating and a large patio (with heaters in the winter) this Avondale eatery has long been a staple of the crowd who likes to hang out, drink beer and play a little chess as well as those who are there for the mjaddara and sweet mint tea. The café also hosts belly-dancing, trivia, and on the weekends, live music.
nachos. With live music staged at least a couple times a week, and TVs tuned to every ballgame on Sunday, The Pelican is hard to beat.
Best Inn/B&B in St. Augustine Best Inn/B&B on Amelia Island CASABLANCA INN ON THE BAY
Best Inn/B&B in Jax
Finalists: Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn
RIVERDALE INN
Finalists: The Seahorse Oceanfront Inn, Ponte Vedra Lodge & Club
Craving a mint julep? Feeling the need to surround yourself with the finer things in life? The Riverdale Inn is a superbly refurbished stately home where you can live a life of ease—if just for a long weekend or so. Luxury suites, a full service honor bar and beautiful views of Riverside Avenue complete the experience. Indulge yourself and that special someone (no doubt also a FW reader!) and make a rest stop at Riverdale.
Located inside of one of the most beautiful buildings on Avenida Menendez, the inn is a meticulously restored 1914 Mediterranean revival with 22 luxuriously appointed guest rooms. The property also boasts coach house guest-rooms, and most fascinating: a secret garden. After a hard day of dodging horse-drawn carriages, red tourist trains, and Segway tours, enjoy drinks from the Tini Martini Bar on the grand porch that overlooks the Matanzas Bay while a tropical breeze sweeps the doldrums away and reminds you, and your sweetie, why it is so good to get away…even if away is just down the road. Then head out on your ghost tour!
ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE
Finalists: Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn
Once again, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on picturesque Amelia Island has wowed our readers with Southern hospitality, stunning oceanfront views, perfectly appointed rooms, adorable cubbies, fabulous dining options and just all-around awesomeness. Just catching a glimpse of the grand, Nantucket-style buildings of Elizabeth Pointe Lodge along Fletcher Avenue will capture your imagination and have you dreaming of long, delicious hours on those wraparound porches.
Best Pub
LYNCH’S IRISH PUB
Finalists: The King’s Head British Pub, Culhane’s Irish Pub When the late Desmond Lynch opened his pub in 1994, it was as authentic Auld Sod as you can get on American shores. Really. For all intents and purposes, it’s oceanfront—separated from the sea by an infamous parking lot. The kitchen offers traditional Irish fare, like a hearty breakfast served all day. Just the ticket when you watched “football” on Lynch’s big screens till the wee hours the night before. Bands play every night, at least 50 beers flow from the taps and beer flights take off regularly. FW readers agree: Lynch’s is craic!
Best Microbrewery BOLD CITY BREWERY
Finalists: Intuition Ale Works, Aardwolf Brewing Company
Nestled right in the heart—and gullets—of Jacksonville, Bold City Brewery is a must if a pint of suds is what you’re looking for. The brewery is on Rosselle Street, with a new taproom Downtown on East Bay Street. Bold City makes its four mainstays available year-round (Killer Whale, Mad Manatee, Duke’s Cold Nose and 1901) and releases a new seasonal brew every couple of months. Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale is its bestseller—and for good reason. Don’t forget your growler. The fine folks at Bold City will be happy to fill ya up.
Best Neighborhood Bar in Jax THE GARAGE
Finalists: Kickbacks Gastropub, Pete’s Bar
The Garage in Riverside is the kind of place where, if you are dutifully engaged in walking your dog one evening, and pass by and see some friends, you and your dog are both welcome to enjoy a little neighborhood hospitality. And if you decide to have a snack while you’re there, they won’t discipline you for slipping Ducky, your spoiled rescue shih tzu, a few treats, too!
Best Neighborhood Bar in St. Augustine SCARLETT O’HARA’S
Finalists: No Name Bar, Ice Plant Bar
Scarlett O’Hara’s is a bona fide institution in St. Augustine. The drinks are tasty—try the Southern Gentleman, kinda like a boozy Arnold Palmer—and there always seems to be something going on. They’ve got trivia, karaoke, live music and a ghost—the bar upstairs is supposed to be haunted. So, stop by if you’re looking for a drink and a shot of ectoplasm.
Best Neighborhood Bar on Amelia Island THE SALTY PELICAN
Finalists: Sliders Seaside Grill, The Green Turtle Just off Centre Street, The Salty Pelican has a little something for everybody. The drinks are always flowing and the food is always tasty—try the tuna
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 49
FOLIO A + E
FILM Bob Hope Westerns MUSIC Delbert McClinton MUSIC Sam Pacetti LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CALENDAR
HERE KITTY,
KITTY I ’ ddoing ’m i wonderful d f l alone,” l ” sings i Kitty Kitt on “Affectionate,” and this will be good news for fans who have certainly wondered. The imminent return of the musician once known as Kitty Pryde should be a source of pride for all Floridians in-the-know, who can point to Kitty as one of the state’s most notable cultural exports in recent years. But we’ll be seeing a new Kitty at Rain Dogs, a new, mature Kitty with a new sound, forged in the crucible of instant fame, with all the pleasures and pitfalls that can entail. Kitty first hit the national scene in 2012, exploding out of Daytona Beach with her song “Okay Cupid,” the lead track for her second EP, Haha, I’m Sorry, which sent new fans on a scavenger hunt for the 20 tracks she’d already released. The video went instantly viral, making her the It Girl of indie rap for much of the next two years, while forcing some hip hop purists to take the Mayan prophecies a bit more seriously. She followed up with “Orion’s Belt,” which marked the debut of Riff Raff, another very special talent whose style utterly defies description. After her initial run, Kitty pulled back from the spotlight for several years, moving to New York and (incongruously) adopting a lower profile. Most people thought she’d gotten burned out or joined the X-Men or something, but in reality she was just growing up. “I didn’t really deliberately pull back from the spotlight. I just started making music that was very different from the songs I’d gotten attention for. It alienated people from my music a little bit. I wasn’t bored or burned out–I just didn’t like making rap songs anymore.” She released EPs in 2014 and 2015 that kinda flew under the radar. Along the way, she did some writing for the Vice-brand music mag Noisey, and even found her way into a couple of movies, while making time for periodic returns to her homebase which, like the rest of Florida, recently dodged a high-caliber bullet in the form of Hurricane Irma. “I’m super-close with my family, so I get homesick. My husband and I visit Daytona Beach every few months. The neighborhoods my family live in now are mostly OK, but places we’ve lived in
50 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
New album, new sound, new life: KITTY IS READY
th pastt are pretty tt messedd up. I saw a photo the of my old street completely flooded, but heard from friends that it recovered pretty quickly. So that is a blessing.” Kitty’s latest album, the 14-track LP Miami Garden Club, was released online on Aug. 25, her first release since the Frostbite EP in 2014. It marks a significant departure from the style that audiences were accustomed to, slowed-down and atmospheric, with strong EDM flavors and processed vocals placed well back in the mix, although Kitty’s inimical lyrical style and subject matter. It’s a solid album, surprisingly satisfying, that holds up to repeated listening. The first video is for “Mass Text Booty Call,” one of the album’s catchiest tracks, which she debuted Sept. 17 on YouTube. It epitomizes the somnolescent chaos of the album at large, while “Sugarwater” is a throwback to the Kitty of old. The change might be jarring for listeners who’ve not been paying attention since the days of “D.A.I.S.Y. Rage,” but the artist herself sees it as just part of her personal and professional evolution. “I’ve been working on it since 2015,” she writes, “but some songs I wrote before that. I don’t really know what people expected from it; some people probably expected it to sound like hip hop, but I don’t know if anyone knew what to expect. I think it probably has a lot more singing, and more structured/cohesive songwriting than people expected from me.” Kitty’s Rain Dogs set will be prefigured by performances from some of our more interesting new local artists, like Dead Bugs, a new rock duo–Lacey Selvagn and Steven Marshek–with an excellent demo available on Bandcamp. There’s also the always-busy Taylor Olin of Dem Godz, whose delightful debut solo EP hit the Soundcloud in July, as well as the fresh new pop-rock stylings of Tabi P (check out her vide for “Crazy” on YouTube), and the drag queen quality from Sweet Tea & Catastrophe. All in all, a stacked lineup, studded with gems, with a diamond in the center. #Florida! Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com
KITTY, GRANT, TABI P., DEAD BUGS, TAYLOR OLIN 8 p.m. Oct. 6, Rain Dogs, 1045 Park St., $8
PG. 51 PG. 53 PG. 55 PG. 56
FOLIO A+E : MAGIC LANTERNS
NO HOPE FOR
COWBOY BOB NO THANKS for the memories
T
he subtitle of Richard Zoglin’s exhaustive 2014 biography of Bob Hope is Entertainer of the Century, a claim for which he makes a convincing argument. Just released in HD are two of Hope’s most popular and successful movies, made at the midpoint of the entertainer’s long life—he died in 2003 at 100. By 1948, Hope had made five of seven wildly popular Road movies with Bing Crosby, his radio show was going gangbusters, and he’d hosted the Academy Awards Show six times—he eventually hosted 19 times. In his biggest-grossing film up to that time, The Paleface (’48), Hope teamed with Jane Russell in her third film after The Outlaw (’43). In 1952, Russell and Hope made Son of Paleface, this time sharing the bill with Roy Rogers and Trigger! For many fans and reviewers, it was one of those rare sequels that was better than the original. The first one’s title sequence shows Hope in an Indian war bonnet, face and eyes hidden but for one peep, while Victor Young’s catchy score segues from traditional war dance to “Buttons & Bows,” the Oscar-winning song Hope’s character sings in the film. It’s the second time Hope sang an Oscar-winner; the first was “Thanks for the Memories” in The Big Broadcast of 1938. Co-written by Frank Tashlin (who’d done similar service for Disney’s cartoons and the Marx Brothers), the script is pure zaniness. Russell is Calamity Jane, undercover for the government to find who’s running guns to the Indians. For her disguise, she hitches up to “Painless” Peter Potter (Hope), a cowardly apprentice dentist as inept with teeth as with six-shooters. Still, he becomes a local hero after he’s credited with holding off an Indian attack, shooting nearly every attacker. (It’s sharpshooting Jane, of course, who really saves the day, but no one—including Potter— knows it.) Naturally, the timid dentist gets cocky, believing his press, and gets in one fix after another as the bad guys try to do him in. And again, Jane bails him out. Howard Hughes made Jane Russell a major attraction in The Outlaw, but her second film for the eccentric obsessive producer, Young Widow, was a big bomb. Russell wasn’t an accomplished thespian in The Paleface, but the movie does show her flair for comedy, a talent that held her in good stead in later films. A contemporary viewer of the film might take umbrage with the film’s portrayal of Native Americans, depicted as fools. I believe that to do so is to badly misunderstand The Paleface, in both intent and effect. The movie is an American Western burlesque. Everyone is a caricature of the Hollywood stereotype—the white hats, the black hats and the war bonnets. In fact, prominently featured in the cast as fictional tribal leaders are the real-life Chief
Yowlachie and Iron Eyes Cody; who became famous in early ’70s environmental PSAs as the Native American weeping at the blighting of America. (Ironically, it was later discovered Iron Eyes Cody was actually of native Italian descent, his “Indian heritage” totally bogus.) Moving on to the even more popular Son of Paleface, one of the top 10 box-office films of ’52, Hope plays Painless Potter’s son (and Harvard grad to boot) who goes West to claim his dad’s inheritance and thus win the heart of his girlfriend back East. Russell plays Mike ‘The Torch’ Delroy, head of a gang of stagecoach robbers; Roy Rogers is Roy Barton, undercover Fed out to bust up the ring. Even more nuttiness occurs, particularly since Son of Paleface was co-written and directed by Frank Tashlin, one of the few filmmakers to make a successful transition from animation (in his case, Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes) into feature films. Consequently, there are cartoonish sight gags in the sequel—like spinning heads and ears blowing smoke. The film makes good use of the same innovations that made the Hope-Crosby Road movies so popular. The Paleface ended with Hope’s character addressing the audience, breaking the fourth wall, a gimmick used even more extensively in the sequel. There are several musical sequences (including another rendition of “Buttons and Bows”), giving both Russell and Rogers a chance to strut their vocal stuff. For Russell, in particular, this was great preparation for two of her best films (also musicals) the next year: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe and The French Line. Chief Yowlachie and Iron Eyes Cody return, and Bing Crosby makes a brief wordless cameo. Six months later, Jane Russell returned the favor at the conclusion of Road to Bali. Silly but thoroughly enjoyable nonsense from “the entertainer of the century,” both Paleface films still deliver the expected goods. Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com
NOW SHOWING CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Polina (in French, Russian), Wind River and Julie & Julia run. 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com. SUN-RAY CINEMA Kingsman: The Golden Circle and It run thru Oct. 5. Blade Runner 2049 starts Oct. 5. Mother! and Brad’s Status start Oct. 6. 1028 Park St., 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. IMAX THEATER Kingsman: The Golden Circle and American Made run thru Oct. 5. Blade Runner 2049 starts Oct. 5. World Golf Village, 940-4133, worldgolfimax.com. OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 51
ARTS + EVENTS PERFORMANCE
NORINE DWORKIN-McDANIEL “Parenting snarkologist” Dworkin-McDaniel brings her thoughts and reflections to life in the show The Science of Parenthood Live! 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at MOSH, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, $20/ members, $25/nonmembers, themosh.org. GEORGE WILLBORN Willborn has appeared on The Real World, Def Comedy Jam, ComicView and Showtime at the Apollo. He talks about funny shit at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7 at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 646-4277, $19-$35, jacksonvillecomedy.com. GREG MORTON Comic Morton performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-7 and 9:45 p.m. Oct. 7 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, $15-$18, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. OPEN MIC NIGHT Open mic 8 p.m. every first Thur. at The Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 646-4277, $13-$30, jacksonvillecomedy.com.
CLASSICAL + JAZZ
CALLS & WORKSHOPS
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA’S JAZZ COMBO CONCERT The concert is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at UNF’s Fine Arts Center, free, 620-2961, unf.edu. ESCAPE 10 PERCUSSION DUO Formed by Dr. Annie Stevens and Dr. Andrea Venet, the duo explores musical genres through percussion, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at UNF’s Fine Arts Center, $5/adults, students free, 620-2961, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx. DELFEAYO MARSALIS The trombonist, composer and jazz producer performs 8 p.m. Sept. 29 at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton St., Riverside, $35, riversidefinearts.org. SCOTT BAZAR The guitarist performs 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St., $10, sologallery.org. GENERATION SERIES CONCERT EVENING OF SONG The concert is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at University of North Florida’s Fine Arts Center, free, 620-2961, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx. JAZZ FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT The concert is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at UNF’s Robinson Theater, $8-$15, 620-2961, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx. THE TEXAS TENORS Marcus Collins, John Hagen and JC Fisher perform 8 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., 354-5547, $19-$79, jaxsymphony.org. FALL INVITATIONAL BAND FESTIVAL The fest is held 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall, free, 620-2961, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.aspx. CRESCENDO AMELIA Sounds on Centre features the group, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Second and Centre streets, Fernandina, free, ameliaisland.com. ORLANDO JAZZ ORCHESTRA with LINDA COLE The orchestra plays 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, $30, emmaconcerts.com. JACKSONVILLE SINGS The University of North Florida holds an annual concert, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Lazzara Performance Hall, $10/adults, students/free, 620-2961, unf.edu/coas/ music/calendar.aspx. THE CIVIC ORCHESTRA OF JACKSONVILLE Members of the community perform with members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 5 p.m. Oct. 8 at St. John’s Cathedral, 256 E. Church St., Downtown, free. JAZZ IN THE PARK Presented by Amelia Island Jazz Festival, a community concert by the 21-piece University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 2, directed by Dennis Marks, is 2-4 p.m. Oct. 8 at Amelia Park (between 14th Street and Citrona Drive), Fernandina, 504-4772, free, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. JAZZ FESTIVAL SPONSORS PARTY The party is for Bronze Sax Level sponsors and above, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 9 at Horizons Restaurant, 5472 First Coast Hwy., Fernandina, 504-4772, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. JAY PEELE Peele performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 9 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St. (Hoptinger Building, second floor), $10, sologallery.org. JASON IRVIN Irvin performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 10 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St., $10, sologallery.org. DAN REAVES Reaves performs 7-9 p.m. Oct. 10 at SoLo Gallery, 1037 Park St., $10, sologallery.org. LOUIS vs BIX The music of Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke is featured 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at University of North Florida’s Fine Arts Center, free, 620-2961, unf.edu/ coas/music/calendar.aspx. WINE TASTING, JAZZ with BILL PRINCE Prince performs 5-7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Amelia Island Wine Company, 4924 First Coast Hwy., Ste. 1, Fernandina, 504-4772, $30, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT CONCERT & DANCE Featuring The Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band with Bonnie Eisele, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Sandbar & Kitchen, 2910 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina, $30, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. TRIO CALIENTE The trio plays 7-10 p.m. Oct. 12 at Sandy Bottoms, 2910 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina, 504-4772, $30, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY WIND ENSEMBLE The ensemble performs James Barnes’ Third Symphony (The Tragic), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, ju.edu.
52 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
TAYLOR ROBERTS The jazz guitarist is on 7-10 p.m. every Wed. at Ocean 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com. Also 4 p.m. Thur. at lobby bar; 6 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Salt Restaurant, Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., 277-1100, ritzcarlton.com.
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ A musical recounting of the story of legendary hitmakers Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber runs Oct. 5, 6 and 8 at Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth St. N., Jax Beach, $20-$28, 249-0289; playersbythesea.org. THE ADDAMS FAMILY In this ghoulish clan, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of dreams; staged Oct. 4-Nov. 12 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $38-$57, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD A staged reading of a play about two women of opposing political sides who get stuck in an airport, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at Amelia Musical Playhouse, 1955 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, $10, liveinktheatre.com. JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY CIVIC ORCHESTRA Members of the community perform the Fall Civic Orchestra concert with members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 5 p.m. Oct. 8, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., $10, jaxsymphony.org. EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL Presented by The 5 & Dime a Theatre Company the show runs 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 27, and midnight Oct. 21 and 28 at 112 E. Adams St., Downtown, $22, the5anddime.org.
COMEDY
ST. AUGUSTINE YOUTH CHORUS Singers ages 8-18 may call 806-7781 or email kfradley@staugustineyouthchorus. org to arrange an audition for the community youth chorus; staugustineyouthchorus.org. FRIENDS OF ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE Seeking artists interested in donating talents to this free Oct. 15 event, contact Carol Gladstone, grambini1@comcast.net.
ART WALKS + MARKETS
FIRST WEDNESDAY ART WALK: OKTOBERFEST Don your most elegant dirndl and lederhosen and practice your fanciest polka! Held 5-9 p.m. Oct. 4, Art Walk has more than 60 venues, live music, restaurants, galleries, museums, businesses and hotspots (some open after 9 p.m.) spanning 15 blocks Downtown Jacksonville. iloveartwalk.com. FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK: St. Augustine There are 30 participating galleries open 5-9 p.m. Oct. 6, rain or shine, throughout St. Augustine’s historic area, from Aviles to King, St. George Street and over the Bridge of Lions; visitstsugustine.com. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET It’s Oktoberfest along with local, regional art; 9 a.m. yoga, live music—Al Poindexter, Robert Lester Folsom, Kimball Duo, Elvis Kabong!—farmers market, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. under Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com. MOBILE GROCERY STORE Saturiwa Trading Company offers affordable, healthy foods for Downtowners, 11 a.m.2 p.m. every Wed. at The Court Urban Food Park, along Hogan between Bay Street and Independent Drive.
MUSEUMS
CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu. Fall artistin-residence Jamaal Saber is on the gallery grounds– through Oct. 20–contact the museum for events and talks related to the residency. Artist Gamaliel Rodriguez’s exhibit, A Third Way to Look at You runs through Oct. 20. Performance: Implement For Removing Foreign Bodies by Terri Witek, Matt Roberts and Dengke Chen is mounted 7 p.m. Oct. 6. BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK 381 Beach Blvd., 241-5657, beachesmuseum.org. Tide Runs Quiet: The Photographic Works of Thomas Hager, through Oct. 15. CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 29 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummermuseum.org. Poetry of Landscape: the Art of Eugene Louis Chavot, is on view through Oct. 22, A Collector’s Eye: Celebrating Joseph Jeffers Dodge, and Mediterranea: American Art from the Graham D. Williford Collection, through Feb. 4; an opening reception is held for Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris opens Oct. 13. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM 101 W. First St., Springfield, 356-2992. 10 Years Of Monsters & Mayhem, the unsettling works of Jerrod Brown, is on display through October. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., 366-6911, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. Project: Atrium installation, Plexus No. 38 by Gabriel Dawe, through Oct. 29. Margaret Ross Tolbert: Lost Springs through December. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, 396-MOSH, themosh.org. The exhibit Ancient Rome: Epic Innovators and Engineers! features artifacts and ancient technology reconstructed using designs dating from the height of the Roman Empire; through December. THE RITZ THEATRE & MUSEUM 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010. Puttin’ on the Ritz, the best amateur night in town, 7 p.m. Oct. 6, $9. VILLA ZORAYDA 83 King St., St. Augustine, villazorayda. com. Steve Anderson’s works exhibit through Oct. 29.
GALLERIES
ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM & GALLERY Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, 256-7371, arts.ju.edu. An opening reception for Alan Skees, American Glitch: Neo-Regionalism is 5-7 p.m. Oct. 5.
THE CATHEDRAL ARTS PROJECT 207 N. Laura St., Ste. 300, Downtown, madeleinewagner.com. The Labor of Learning, by artist Madeleine Peck Wagner, exhibits through Dec. 14. An opening reception (that’s twice been rescheduled) is held 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 12, madeleinepeckwagner.com. THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH 50 Executive Way, ccpvb.org. Penumbra: The Space between Light & Dark, exhibition of works by Julianne French, Debra Mixon Holiday and Masha Sardari, and works by Jacksonville Coalition of Visual Artists is mounted in Scene Gallery. Opening receptions are 6 p.m. Oct. 6; both exhibits are up until Nov. 3. FSCJ’S KENT CAMPUS GALLERY 3939 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside, 646-2300, fscj.edu. Solar-Powered Spacesuit a group installation by Shaun Thurston, Christy Frazier, Matthew Abercrombie, Mark Ferreira and John O’Brian, runs through Oct. 17. FLORIDA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS St. Johns River State College, 50001 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, floarts.org. An opening reception for The Indiscriminate Beauty of Riff Raff, digital photography by Mozart Dedeaux, is 7 p.m. Oct. 19; show runs through Nov. 30. GALLERY 1037 Inside Reddi Arts, 1037 Hendricks Ave., San Marco. Robert Hall and Enzo Torcoletti exhibit through October. MAKERSPACE GALLERY Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, 630-2665, jaxpubliclibrary.org/jax-makerspace. Survive to Thrive: Life Beyond Sexual Violence runs through Oct. 22. MONYA ROWE GALLERY 4 Rohde Ave., St. Augustine, 217-0637, monyarowegallery.com. Artist Vera Iliatova explores coming-of-age melodramas and themes in the show Views, Scenes & Other through Oct. 8. PLUM GALLERY 9 Aviles St., St. Augustine, plumgallery.com. An opening reception for The Colors of Water by artist Sharon Goldman is 5-9 p.m. Oct. 6; the show runs through October. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY Bank of America Tower, 50 N. Laura St., Downtown, southlightgallery.com. Kevin Arthur is October’s guest artist. SPACE 42 2670 Phyllis St., Riverside, 888-421-9222, spacefortytwo.com. “Candy” The Land of Donks, photos by Malc Jax, Andre Burgess, Esdras “Phototea” Thelusuma and Aaron J. Jackson display; by appointment through October. STELLERS GALLERY 3139 Philips Hwy., Southside, 396-9492. Southern Grown, an exhibit of works by artists living and working in the South, runs through October. THE ART CENTER AT THE LANDING 2 Independent Dr., tacjacksonville.org. Call of the Wild, a juried show, through Oct. 6. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., 824-2310, staaa.org. Fall Members Show and Aftermath: The Healing Power of Art, a display of works created in response to Hurricane Matthew, run though Oct. 29; an opening reception is 5-9 p.m. Oct. 6. THE YELLOW HOUSE, CORK NORTH & BAB’S LAB 577 King St., Riverside, 419-9180, yellowhouseart.org. and someone gets lost along the way, a group show of works inspired by Al Letson’s Chalk, a play about bullying, is up through October.
EVENTS
ENVIROFEST The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens holds the fourth annual fest, designed to cultivate curiosity, respect and understanding of our natural environment: yoga, museum tours, art projects, urban reefs, bees and manatees are among the neat things to learn about! 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, cummer.org. THE COLORS OF CUBA The Jacksonville Artists guild presents sailor, scholar and traveling painter Paul Ladnier. The opening reception is 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at 44945 Roosevelt Blvd., Ste. 304, Ortega, members free, nonmembers $10, jacksonvilleartistsguild.org. FLORIDA OKTOBERFEST & MUSIC FESTIVAL Three days of music, artisan market, food, dancing, kids’ fun and cover bands, is 5-11 p.m. Oct. 6, noon-11 p.m. Oct. 7 and noon-10 p.m. Oct. 8 at Metro Park, Downtown, thefloridaoktoberfest.com. THE DISCOVERY OF THREE SHIPWRECKS Dr. James Delgado of SEARCH Inc. discusses recently discovered historic shipwrecks that influenced the course of American history, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu. ST. AUGUSTINE BLACK HERITAGE & CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR Reserve a spot in a free walking tour of important civil rights sites in the oldest city, 825-0087, staugcitywalks.org. GUANA RIVER HARVEST MOON PADDLE An evening group paddle at North Guana Outpost in Ponte Vedra Beach, free but registration required, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 5, northfloridalandtrust.org. THE HAUNTED BREWERY ZOMBIE HUNT Zombies and zombie-hunters take over the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 111 Busch Dr., Northside, $10-$179, thehauntedbrewery.com. ART FUSION MOCA Jacksonville hosts a child’s art experience: hands-on projects related to works in the museum, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4 and 8 at 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, free, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.com. THE MAKERY FALL MARKET A curated market where independent makers, designers and creative entrepreneurs gather to share wares and ideas, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Glass Factory, 601 Myrtle Ave. N., Downtown, $5, themakeryjax.com.
_________________________________________ To list an event, send time, date, location (street address, city), admission price, contact number to print to Madeleine Peck Wagner; email madeleine@folioweekly. com or mail 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville FL 32202. Items run as space is available. Deadline noon Wed. for next Wed. printing.
FOLIO A+E : MUSIC That’s what rings true to me. It brings me peace to listen to it because I understand it and that was before auto-tuning and when you made a record, everybody made it at the same time. And there’s magic there. These days, there’s the ability to auto-tune so anybody can be a singer. That’s become what it is. It’s not talent: It’s technology. You give some asshole a mic and turn on auto-tuning … in my opinion, it’s just pandering to a bunch of idiots. It’s the spectacle and has little to do with music. But nobody gives a shit what I say anyway, so it won’t make any difference. [Laughs.]
Delbert McClinton is too busy making GOOD MUSIC to care about all the BS
KICKING AGAINST
THE PRICKS D
elbert McClinton has hardly mellowed with age and does not mince words. Which is unsurprising considering the road he’s walked. His teen years in his native Texas were spent in blues joints rockin’ with the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Jimmy Reed, among others. When many of his peers were going full hippie in the ’60s, McClinton was lighting up the roadhouse, forging his own hard-as-nails, electric-blues-and-soul sound. Rising out of these roots, McClinton grew into a formidable singer-songwriter, guitarist, blues harp player and pianist. Emmylou Harris hit No. 1 in 1978 with a version of his song, “Two More Bottles of Wine” and in 1980 he hit No. 8 with “Giving It Up for Your Love,” which has become a de facto soul and R&B standard. McClinton soon enjoyed greater notoriety—but, true to form, his audience learned to buckle up and follow the lead of one of the more raucous sons of the original electric blues. Over the years, the now 76-year-old McClinton has continued to top both the U.S. blues and country charts and has scored two Grammy wins. But it’s onstage where McClinton is most at home. That’s where he began and, quite frankly, that’s where it might end; his tour schedule and pace might find him keeling over in the spotlight of some darkened venue. McClinton swings back through to Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in support of his 19th studio album, Prick of the Litter (Hot Shot Records/Thirty Tigers). Once again, he’s backed by the Self-Made Men, featuring Bob Britt (guitar), Kevin McKendree (keyboards), Mike Joyce (bass), Jack Bruno (drums) and Quentin Ware (trumpet). The album also has guitarist Jimmie Vaughn and vocalist Lou Ann Barton guesting. We spoke to McClinton as he paused in Nashville, where he was candid, blunt and humorous—three qualities that have surely served him well in a life of bringing it on home with the blues.
Folio Weekly: I’m going to go ahead and give you Album Title of the Year Award with Prick of the Litter. Was that an autobiographical title? Delbert McClinton: Why not? [Laughs.] Have you tried to name anything lately? Try to name a band. Somebody’s already got a variation of Blood, Snot and Tears … whatever. Somebody’s already got it. So we were sitting on the bus one night, before this record came out, trying to think of a title, and somebody said, “What about Pick of the Litter?” And then there was a pause, kind of like, “Ehhhhh.” And then Bob, the guy who plays guitar with me, he said, “What about Prick of the Litter?” And we all just lit up and laughed our asses off. So we knew that was it. Hell, if somebody can’t take a joke, you better get a grip, because that is funny. Tell me about the Self-Made Men. They’re a helluva band and it seems like you have a real rapport with those dudes. Well, I’ve been working with all of these guys now going on about five years. And it’s the best band I’ve ever worked with in my life. We co-wrote most everything on the record and there’s just been a kind of magic that came about. Everybody’s close friends and we enjoy playing so much. It’s really a rewarding thing after this long in my life to play with guys like this. At this point in my life, I feel like I’m 50 again. [Laughs.] I got ya—lightning in a bottle. I want to dip into the new stuff. It seems like half of these tunes on the new record are quite laid back. Was that a deliberate vibe you were trying to cultivate? Man, you think that was accidental? [Laughs.] I guess now I don’t. No, man I’m nearly 77 years old, so I have a great influence of music from the ’40s; that’s what I listen to on Sirius—the ’40s channel.
“Don’t Do It” features Jimmie Vaughn on guitar and Lou Ann Barton on vocals. Someone like Lou Ann seems to be an example of a player who’s crucial to Texas. She plays with everybody out there. I first heard her sing on a Roky Erickson record. She isn’t totally unknown but she’s pretty unknown to a larger audience. That’s almost like a Texas Career Move. What’s up with that kind of regional thing? Man, I don’t know. Texas has got its own feel, music-wise, and some of it’s exceptionally good and some of it’s very repetitious of other things. But it is what it is. You know, having lived this long, I can look back and see how all the pieces fit together. Texas was a big deal in the ’70s, when that progressive or outlaw country was big. And of course we know what that did: It was a major “lah di da.” But also partly because of Clifford Antone [late founder of the famed Austin blues club, Antone’s] who, for many years, had the guys come through his club who were the real deal. People like Jimmie and Stevie [Vaughn brothers] had the world looking at that scene. But Texas has always been a major, major blues spot for white people. You know? Back in the ’70s, I acquired a book called The Folk Songs of North America, by John and Alan Lomax, and it details musical influences of the world that came to North America and where they came in, through New York and New Orleans. And those influences spread across the nation, through Texas. This is color-coded, I assure you, and there are more colors coming through Texas than anywhere else; just because of the influences through the Port of New Orleans. Those influences are very, very heavy so Texas has a really colorful combination of those styles that have been born and bred and grown—and sometimes stay—in Texas.
DELBERT McCLINTON & SELF-MADE MEN
8 p.m. Oct. 6, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, $53-$73, pvconcerthall.com
Blues artists and ’60s rockers generally aren’t known for hanging out in health spas. How do you think you’ve survived the lifestyle that still wipes out many musicians? Me? Survived? [Laughs.] I’m just lucky, man. I grew up taking every damn thing that came along and we didn’t know it was killing us. When you’re 21 years old and someone gives you a nice Dexedrine pill and you’ve never felt that good, and you take that motherfucker and you can play the blues all night long and into the next day? We all did that. But I knew some great players that had the worst self-esteem of anyone I’ve ever known. They hated themselves and they were just incredible players. I know of at least three guys who drowned in their own vomit from shooting heroin. So it was a learning curve. [Laughs.] Daniel A. Brown mail@folioweekly.com OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 53
FOLIO A+E : MUSIC Hunting for IMMEDIACY & EMOTION with St. Augustine singer, songwriter and revered guitarist Sam Pacetti
ONCE MORE,
WITH FEELING W
54 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
What journey is Sam Pacetti on right now? hen I moved to St. Augustine in 2001, That’s a difficult question and I don’t have a the best way to find out about weekly clear, concise, coherent answer to it. Right gigs was the old-fashioned way: in print now, I’m in the Carolina Highlands on a (Folio Weekly specifically) and by word of bit of a quest. Many years ago, I had an mouth. As a voracious FW reader, I noted all incredibly intense experience of what Carl the regular names at the regular bars I loved. Jung might call the numinous, or the deep But one artist came to me wholly through unconscious making itself manifest. I didn’t giddy recommendations given in worshipful have the skill set at the time to understand whispers: “You have to see Sam Pacetti at the what had happened, so I shut it off and Mill Top on Wednesdays.” compartmentalized it. About five or six years As many musicians in St. Augustine did after that, I lost interest in music—I saw that then and still do today, Pacetti performed I was going to have to make sacrifices that I solo, with an acoustic guitar. But what he did wasn’t willing to make, and I didn’t possess with that guitar was rhapsodic: a fingerstyle the maturity to do it. So I walked away. I technique hailed by critics and fans alike as essentially lost my vision and my sense of revelatory upon the 1997 release of his album vitality. I floundered for a period of time. But Solitary Travel. He inherited a masterful the magic came back. ability to spin a fanciful yarn after spending a year with Florida folk legend Gamble Rogers. A mid-life crisis, perhaps? Sam’s Cuban grandfather imparted flamenco In Western terms, yes. Or an existential crisis influences; a year in Ireland enhanced his of meaning. As Goethe said, for a person who’s love of Celtic tradition. Stints in Chicago and been imbued with certain gifts, their greatest Virginia strengthened Pacetti’s consummate joy will be found in using those gifts to the grasp of the American primitive guitar style. best of their ability. I’m most interested in In short, Pacetti has built an aura celebrated healing. Our world has a lot of healing to do— both here in the Ancient City and anywhere certainly in Western culture, where so much folk enthusiasts trade their own Top Five lists. has been suppressed in the psyche. There’s so Equal parts spiritual, mystical and intense, it’s much that’s seeking to come to the surface. an ambience impossible to capture in a column We would call this, perhaps, shadow material: or review—you truly have to see it to believe the loathsome, terrifying, dark, diabolical, it. Even better, feel it—the resonant intimacy malevolent, unbalanced, infantile, repressed of Sam’s florid technique burrowing into your parts of human consciousness. This is the chest, his razor-sharp, sage-like wit sinking mythological journey of going down into the into your consciousness. I’ve spent years underworld and attempting to come back up listening to his albums, reading his interviews and following his intermittent tour dates, all as a more integrated and more whole being. while acknowledging that, like the best artists, Sam Not an easy thing to SAM PACETTI Pacetti for me will always accomplish. How does that 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, Mudville Grill, represent a time and a translate to your music? 3105 Beach Blvd., 398-4326, $15, place—that moment when What I’m attempting to raylewispresents.com St. Augustine’s creative do in shows these days is possibilities seemed to create an environment limitless and I felt, drunk on strong Mill Top where we might energetically explore these drinks and staring starry-eyed out over the ideas in a relatively safe space, but without Castillo de San Marcos to the Atlantic Ocean, too much language. Let people feel their way upon which Pacetti’s Minorcan forebears came into some of this stuff. That’s the big issue in the West—we’ve killed intuition, creativity in the 1700s, like I had finally found a home. As and imagination. We’ve abdicated our Sam reminded me in this interview for Folio personal power and vitality; we’re a culture Weekly, mundane information has nothing on desperately searching for meaning. I want visceral emotion, even when it’s melted into the more immediacy and feeling. As she was haze of nostalgia. discovering her own creativity, Joni Mitchell said that she knew how she felt, and she Folio Weekly: You’ve been through a lot knew she wanted to bring those emotions— lately, Sam—our condolences on the death of those nebulous feelings—into her music. your mother. That’s where music does its work; that’s Sam Pacetti: That was certainly meant to be— where it cuts into someone. That’s what art is what a strange synchronicity, my mother’s supposed to do. Get us out of our heads and name being Irma and her passing while the back into our hearts. storm was right on top of us. I have really Nick McGregor strong beliefs about what’s in store, so I think mail@folioweekly.com she’s on another journey.
Downtown’s Metro Park will be going off Saturday, Oct. 7 with a full day of music featuring CITIZEN COPE, NEON TREES (pictured), THE EXPENDABLES and more.
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK
REDFISH RICH 6 p.m. Oct. 4, Boondocks Grill & Bar, 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove Springs, 406-9497. The MAIN SQUEEZE 8 p.m. Oct. 4, 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St., Downtown, $12 advance, $15 day of. DJ CAPONE 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4, Cheers Park Avenue, 1138 Park Ave., Orange Park, 269-4855, $3. HARD WORKING AMERICANS, LOS COLOGNES 7 p.m. Oct. 4, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., 209-0399 $39.50. LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS, BLOODSHOT BILL 8 p.m. Oct. 4, Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496, $12. EMAROSA, A LOT LIKE BIRDS, JULE VERN 7 p.m. Oct. 5, 1904 Music Hall, $15. TOM GOSS, HEATHER MAE 7 p.m. Oct. 5, Metro Entertainment Complex, 859 Willow Branch Ave., Riverside, tomgoss.com, $10. IVAN SMITH Oct. 5 & 8, Boondocks Grill & Bar. SEU JORGE presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute to David Bowie 8 p.m. Oct. 5, The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, $49.50-$79.50, 355-2787, floridatheatre.com. SECOND DEATH 9 p.m. Oct. 5, Rain Dogs, 1045 Park St., Riverside, 379-4969. ELEPHANT REVIVAL 7 p.m. Oct. 5, P.V.C. Hall, $26-$29. MELODY TRUCKS BAND, GINGERBEARD MAN, BLACKWATER GREASE, SOMATIC 8 p.m. Oct. 6, 1904 Music Hall, $12/advance $15/day of. MARTY FARMER, JAKE COX 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Boondocks Grill & Bar. DAIKAIJU, BASK, HOLLOW LEG, APPALACHIAN DEATH TRAP, COUNT THE DEAD 8 p.m. Oct. 6, Nighthawks, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd., Riverside, $10/advance, $12/day of. DELBERT McCLINTON & the SELFMADE MEN 7 p.m. Oct. 6, P.V.C. Hall, $53-$73. NAVIN AVE, CAPGRAS BROTHERS, FLOSSIE + THE FOX, BILLY & BELLA 8 p.m. Oct. 6, Shanty Town, 22 W. Sixth St., 798-8222. HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD 8 p.m. Oct. 6, Mavericks Live, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, maverickslive.com, $25. SAM PACETTI 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Mudville Music Room, 3105 Beach Blvd., St. Nicholas, raylewispresents.com. OCTOBER’S FLAME, THE NED, HALF MY HOME 9 p.m. Oct. 6, Sarbez, 116 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, $5. LOVE MONKEY, ZEB PAGETT 9:30 Oct. 6 & 7, Cheers Park Avenue, 269-4855. FLORIDA OKTOBERFEST & MUSIC FESTIVAL 5 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 & 8, Metro Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Downtown, eventbright.com, $15-$125. AUSTIN JOHN WINKLER, SMILE EMPTY SOUL, STAYNE THEE ANGEL, STONE BONE, SKY ABOVE 6 p.m. Oct. 7, 1904 Music Hall, $12-$15. KUBLAI KHAN, NO ZODIAC, LEFT BEHIND, I AM, DISDAIN 6 p.m. Oct. 7, Nighthawks, $15. CLIFF DORSEY, ERIC COLLETTE & BAND 7 p.m. Oct. 7, Boondocks Grill & Bar. SOUND TRIBE SECTOR (STS9), JADE CICADA, SUNSQUABI, DAILY BREAD 4 p.m. Oct. 7, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, $33-$44. STS9 After Party: The UNDERHILL FAMILY ORCHESTRA, OBSERVATORY, FLO WAV! 10 p.m. Oct. 7, Sarbez, $5. CITIZEN COPE, NEON TREES, The EXPENDABLES, MAGIC!, more 5 p.m. Oct. 7, Metro Park, $15-$125. J RODDY WALSTON & the BUSINESS, SLEEPWALKERS 8 p.m. Oct. 7, Jack Rabbits, $18.
IVAN SMITH 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Boondocks Grill & Bar. The VIBRATORS 6 p.m. Oct. 8, 1904 Music Hall, $10-$20. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: JAZZ in the PARK 2 p.m. Oct. 8, Amelia Park between Centre and 14th, free, ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. MICHAEL FUNGE 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8, Culhane’s Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, culhanesirishpub.com. RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Mudville Music Room. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: JAZZ FESTIVAL SPONSORS PARTY 7 p.m. Oct. 9, Horizons Restaurant, 5472 First Coast Hwy., $100. JUDAH & the LION, The ACADEMIC, TYSON MOTSENBOCKER 7 p.m. Oct. 10, Mavericks Live, $22-$47. The BASTARD SUNS, BLACK CREEK BASTARDS 8 p.m. Oct. 10, Jack Rabbits, $8. MARTY FARMER 6 p.m. Oct. 10, Boondocks Grill & Bar. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: WINE TASTING & JAZZ 5 p.m. Oct. 10, Amelia Island Wine Company, 4924 First Coast Hwy., $30. DJ CAPONE 9:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Cheers Park Avenue. SEASONS AFTER, ANOTHER LOST YEAR, BLACKLITE DISTRICT 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Jack Rabbits, $10. Amelia Island Jazz Festival: JUMP, JIVE & WAIL SWING NIGHT 7 p.m. Oct. 11, The Sandbar & Kitchen, 2910 Atlantic Ave., $30. ALEX AFFRONTI 6 p.m. Oct. 11, Boondocks Grill & Bar.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
The Smooth Tour: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, NELLY, CHRIS LANE Oct. 12, Veterans Memorial Arena LICH KING Oct. 12, Nighthawks JAKE COX Oct. 12, Boondocks Grill & Bar Amelia Island Jazz Festival: TRIO CALIENTE Oct. 12, The Sandbar & Kitchen Suwannee Roots Revival: BÉLA FLECK, ABIGAIL WASHBURN, STEEP CANYON RANGERS, The WOOD BROTHERS, DONNA the BUFFALO Oct. 12-15, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park DAVINA SOWERS & the VEGABONDS Oct. 12, Ritz Theatre LONELY HIGHWAY, DJ CAPONE Oct. 12, Cheers Park Avenue LYNYRD SKYNYRD, The OUTLAWS Oct. 13, St. Augustine Amphitheatre PAUL CONNER, ERIC COLLETTE & CODY Oct. 13, Boondocks Grill & Bar ST. AUGUSTINE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Oct. 13 & 14, Prohibition Kitchen, Colonial Oak Music Park GUY, TEDDY RILEY, MONICA, JAGGED EDGE, GINUINE, DRU HILL Oct. 13, Veterans Memorial Arena Amelia Island Jazz Festival: ROSEANNA VITRO IN CONCERT Ella Fitzgerald Tribute Oct. 13, Fernandina Beach Golf Club JULIA GULIA Oct. 13, Cheers Park Avenue INTERSTELLAR ECHOES Oct. 13, 1904 Music Hall KINGS of HELL, HATED 3, GHOSTWITCH Oct. 13, Jack Rabbits Amelia Island Jazz Festival: LATE NIGHT JAM, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE, KEVIN JONES Oct. 13 & 14, Dizzy’s Den at Sliders IGOR & the RED ELVISES Oct. 14, The Original Café Eleven FOND KISER, BRYAN WAINWRIGHT Oct. 14, Boondocks Grill & Bar WILDFIRE RISING Oct. 14, Cheers Park Avenue Amelia Island Jazz Festival: NESTOR TORRES Oct. 14, Fernandina Beach Golf Club MOTOGRATER Oct. 14, Nighthawks WILL HOGE, DAN LAYUS Oct. 14, Jack Rabbits
AGNOSTIC FRONT, COLDSIDE Oct. 15, Nighthawks REDFISH RICH Oct. 15, Boondocks Grill & Bar DIGITOUR Oct. 15, 1904 Music Hall Amelia Island Jazz Festival: DIXIE to SWING SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH, The SPARE RIB SIX Oct. 15, Horizons Restaurant DANCE WITH the DEAD, GOST Oct. 15, Nighthawks SET AND SETTING Oct. 16, Nighthawks DWAYNE McGREGOR Oct. 17, Boondocks Grill & Bar The JAMES HUNTER SIX Oct. 16, P.V.C. Hall CONOR OBERST, The FELICE BROTHERS Oct. 17, P.V.C. Hall The MARCUS KING BAND, BOBBY LEE RODGERS Oct. 17, Jack Rabbits GHOST, The DEAD Oct. 18, Nighthawks IVAN SMITH Oct. 18, Boondocks Grill & Bar Once a Month Punk: SCATTER BRAINS, LOOSE BEARINGS Oct. 19, Blue Water Daiquiri & Oyster Bar ERNIE EVANS & The FLORIDA STATE BLUEGRASS BAND Oct. 19, Mudville Music Room JASON EVANS BAND Oct. 19, Cheers Park Avenue ALEX AFFRONTI Oct. 19, Boondocks Grill & Bar The CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS Oct. 19, P.V.C. Hall PROPENGANJAH Oct. 20, The Roadhouse SOUTHERN RUKUS, MATT KNOWLES Oct. 20, Boondocks Grill & Bar The TEMPTATIONS, The FOUR TOPS Oct. 20, Florida Theatre Broken Crows Tour: MATISYAHU, COMMON KINGS, ORPHAN Oct. 20, P.V.C. Hall Party in the Pines: KEITH URBAN, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JAKE OWEN, MAREN MORRIS, BROTHERS OSBORNE, EASTON CORBIN, RYAN HURD Oct. 20 & 21, Bienville Plantation, White Springs ONE EYED DOLL, DOLL SKIN Oct. 20, Jack Rabbits BLISTUR Oct. 20 & 21, Cheers Park Avenue CLIFF CORSEY Oct. 21, Boondocks Grill & Bar SPOON, MONDO COZMO Oct. 21, Mavericks Live The AVETT BROTHERS Oct. 21, St. Augustine Amphitheatre RANDY, MR. LAHEY’S NEVER CRY SHITWOLF TOUR Oct. 21, 1904 Music Hall PJ MORTON Oct. 21, Jack Rabbits LORDS of ACID, COMBICHRIST, CHRISTIAN DEATH, EN ESCH of KMFDM, WICCID Oct. 22, Mavericks Live FOND KISER Oct. 22, Boondocks Grill & Bar The DEVIL’S CUT Oct. 22, Jack Rabbits RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Oct. 23, Mudville Music Room REDFISH RICH Oct. 24, Boondocks Grill & Bar LYLE LOVETT, JOHN HIATT Oct. 24, Florida Theatre TWIZTED, MOONSHINE BANDITS, BLAZE YA DEAD HOMIE, WHITNEY PEYTON Oct. 24, 1904 Music Hall SANTANA Oct. 24, Daily’s Place MARTY FARMER Oct. 25, Boondocks Grill & Bar GRIFFIN HOUSE Oct. 25, Mudville Music Room BROADWAY’S NEXT HIT MUSICAL Oct. 25, Ritz Theatre KINGS of LEON, DAWES Oct. 25, Daily’s Place DOPE, HED(PE) Oct. 25, 1904 Music Hall PUNK ROCK BURLESQUE, IVY LES VIXENS, ANITA NIGHTCAP, JESS A. BELL, MUDTOWN Oct. 25, Nighthawks FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL Oct. 26, Cheers Park Avenue IVAN SMITH Oct. 26, Boondocks Grill & Bar ANDY MINEO Oct. 26, Mavericks Live DEANA CARTER, SWEET TEA TRIO Oct. 26, P.V.C. Hall MERCYME, RYAN STEVENSON, UNSPOKEN Oct. 26, T-U Center for the Performing Arts MDC Oct. 26, Nighthawks TOAD the WET SPROCKET Oct. 27, P.V.C. Hall ERIC COLLETTE & BAND, FOND KISER Oct. 27, Boondocks Grill & Bar MIKE SHACKELFORD Oct. 27, Mudville Music Room Suwannee Hulaween: STRING CHEESE INCIDENT, BASSNECTAR, RUN the JEWELS, NATHAN RATELIFF & the NIGHT SWEATS, more Oct. 27-29, Suwannee Music Park IVEY LEAGUE Oct. 27 & 28, Cheers Park Avenue ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Oct. 28, Florida Theatre DWAYNE McGREGOR, CLIFF DORSEY Oct. 28, Boondocks Grill & Bar The MOVIELIFE, IRON CHIC Oct. 28, 1904 Music Hall DAN BERN Oct. 28, The Original Café Eleven LIVING COLOUR Oct. 28, P.V.C. Hall CASEY JAMES Oct. 28, Jack Rabbits JIM LAMB Oct. 29, Boondocks Grill & Bar The MAGPIE SALUTE Oct. 29, Florida Theatre The SOCIAL ANIMALS Oct. 29, Jack Rabbits VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & the TRAIN Oct. 29, The Original Café Eleven MICHAEL LAGASSE & FRIENDS Oct. 29, Music in the Box, Limelight Theatre HARMS WAY Oct. 30, Nighthawks DWAYNE McGREGOR Oct. 31, Boondocks Grill & Bar The CONVALESCENCE, WINGS DENIED, OBLITERATE, DEATH RATTLE Nov. 1, Jack Rabbits PAUL CONNOR Nov. 1, Boondocks Grill & Bar JOHNNYSWIM Nov. 1, P.V.C. Hall GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE Nov. 2, Mudville Music Room MARTY FARMER Nov. 2, Boondocks Grill & Bar RESINATED Nov. 3, The Roadhouse GRACE PETTIS Nov. 3, Mudville Music Room ROGER DALTREY, EDGAR WINTER Nov. 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre JOYCE MANOR, WAVVES, CULTURE ABUSE, FRENCH VANILLA Nov. 3, P.V.C. Hall FREDERICK The YOUNGER Nov. 3, Jack Rabbits SHENANDOAH Nov. 3, Thrasher-Horne Center CANNIBAL CORPSE, POWER TRIP, GATECREEPER Nov. 3, Mavericks Live JOHN CLEESE screens Monty Python & the Holy Grail Nov. 4, Florida Theatre
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 55
LIVE + LOCAL AL M MUSIC USIC US Drop in on the hipster extravaganza Tuesday, Oct. 10 when JUDAH THE LION (pictured), THE ACADEMIC and TYSON MOSTENBOCKER crank it up Downtown at Mavericks Live.
56 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
SISTER HAZEL Nov. 4, P.V.C. Hall The WORLD is a BEAUTIFUL PLACE & I AM NO LONGER AFRAID to DIE, ROZWELL, ADJY Nov. 4, Nighthawks BLUE OCTOBER Nov. 4, Mavericks Live JETHRO TULL Nov. 7, Daily’s Place NOBUTU Nov. 7, Ritz Theatre MADI CARR Nov. 7, Mudville Music Room TOUBAB KREWE, LPT Nov. 8, Jack Rabbits CHRIS SMITHER Nov. 10, Mudville Music Room VON STRANTZ, NATIVE LAND Nov. 10, Sarbez BUMPIN’ UGLIES Nov. 10, Jack Rabbits BEN FOLDS Nov. 10, Florida Theatre BON IVER, AERO FLYNN Nov. 10, St. Augustine Amphitheatre SAMMY HAGAR & the CIRCLE (Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, Vic Johnson), COLLECTIVE SOUL Nov. 11, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CHRIS STAPLETON’S All American Road Show: MARTY STUART, BRENT COBB Nov. 11, Veterans Memorial Arena LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM, CHRISTINE McVIE Nov. 12, Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater OTTMAR LIEBERT, LUNA NEGRA Nov. 12, P.V.C. Hall BARBWIRE DOLLS, SVETLANAS Nov. 12, Jack Rabbits MICHAEL FUNGE Nov. 12, Culhane’s Irish Pub RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Nov. 13, Mudville Music Room BROCCOLI SAMURAI Nov. 15, Jack Rabbits The YOUNG DUBLINERS Nov. 16, The Original Café Eleven WINTERTIME Nov. 16, Jack Rabbits SON VOLT Nov. 17, St. Aug. Amp’s Backyard Stage ROY BOOKBINDER Nov. 17, Mudville Music Room TABI P, BAND of SILVER Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits MILES ELECTRIC BAND Nov. 18, P.V.C. Hall COLTER WALL Nov. 18, Jack Rabbits BLU & EXILE 10th Anniversary: DAS SAVAGE, CHOOSEY, CASHUS KING Nov. 22, Jack Rabbits JOHN McLAUGHLIN, JIMMY HERRING (play Mahavisnu Orchestra) Nov. 24, Florida Theatre MIKE SHACKELFORD Nov. 24, Mudville Music Room GLAZED, FAZE WAVE, DENVER HALL Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits HODERA Nov. 25, Rain Dogs DAVE KOZ, PETER WHITE, RICK BRAUN, DAVID BENOIT, MAYHEM, IMMOLATION, BLACK ANVIL Nov. 25, Mavericks Live LINDSEY STIRLING Nov. 25, St. Augustine Amphitheatre LINDA COLE & JAZZ MUSICIANS Nov. 26, Music in the Box, Limelight Theatre RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Nov. 27, Mudville Music Room The BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA Nov. 29, Florida Theatre FLORIDA BRASS QUINTET Nov. 29, Mudville Music Room 98° AT CHRISTMAS Nov. 30, Florida Theatre CAROLINE COTTER Nov. 30, Mudville Music Room The Big Ticket: WALK the MOON, BLEACHERS, ANDREW McMAHON in the WILDERNESS, SAINT MOTEL, NEW POLITICS, MONDO COZMO Dec. 1, Metro Park KANSAS LEFTOVERTURE Dec. 2, Florida Theatre Hip Hop Nutcracker: KURTIS BLOW Dec. 3, Florida Theatre Psychic Warfare Tour: CLUTCH, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, The OBSESSED Dec. 5, St. Aug. Amp’s Backyard Stage ALLEN SHAD Dec. 5, Mudville Music Room D.R.I., KAUSTIK Dec. 6, Nighthawks Jingle Jam for St. Jude: GRANGER SMITH, LAUREN ALAINA, MIDLAND, DYLAN SCOTT Dec. 7, T-U Center Moran Theater PIERCE PETTIS Dec. 7, Mudville Music Room Inaugural Christmas Caravan Tour: SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS Dec. 8, Ritz Theatre The WERKS, PASSAFIRE, The RIES BROTHERS, BIGFOOT BAREFOOT Dec. 9, Mavericks Live BIRTHDAY BENEFIT Dec. 9, Mudville Music Room RIVER CITY RHYTHM KINGS Dec. 11, Mudville Music Room SHOOTER JENNINGS Dec. 12, Jack Rabbits JANET JACKSON Dec. 12, Veterans Memorial Arena
OF MONTREAL, CHRISTINA SCHNEIDER’S GENIUS GRANT Dec. 13, Mavericks Live RITTZ, SAM LACHOW, DENVER HALL Dec. 13, Jack Rabbits JOHN PRINE Dec. 13, Florida Theatre BEN HAGGARD Dec. 13, P.V.C. Hall The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Dec. 14, Veterans Memorial Arena DAVE RAMIREZ Dec. 14, Jack Rabbits MARE WAKEFIELD Dec. 15, Mudville Music Room LUKE COMBS Dec. 15, Florida Theatre GIDEON, WAGE WAR Dec. 16, 1904 Music Hall HARLEY FLANAGAN (Cro-Mags) Dec. 17, Nighthawks Horton’s Holiday Hayride: REV. HORTON HEAT, JUNIOR BROWN, The BLASTERS, BIG SANDY Dec. 19, P.V.C. Hall TEN TENORS Dec. 20, Florida Theatre JERROD ALLEN, HERE COMES the HERO, KELLY WHITE Dec. 29, Jack Rabbits DONNA the BUFFALO Dec. 29, P.V.C. Hall MIKE SHACKELFORD BAND Dec. 29, Mudville Music Room UNF JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1 Dec. 30, Mudville Music Room The ZOMBIES: Odessey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Jan. 12, P.V.C. Hall A TEMPTATIONS REVUE, BO HENDERSON Jan. 13, Ritz Theatre JONNY LANG Jan. 16, Florida Theatre BLACK VIOLIN Jan. 27, P.V.C. Hall Take Me to the River: WILLIAM BELL, BOBBY RUSH, DON BRYANT Jan. 30, Florida Theatre MARY WILSON (The Supremes) Feb. 3, Ritz Theatre JOHN McCUTCHEON Feb. 8, P.V.C. Hall LITTLE RIVER BAND Feb. 10, Florida Theatre The LANGSTON HUGHES PROJECT Feb. 10, Ritz Theatre The HOT SARDINES Feb. 13, Florida Theatre BOTTLE ROCKETS, CHUCK PROPHET & the MISSION EXPRESS Feb. 16, P.V.C. Hall SIERRA HULL Feb. 17, P.V.C. Hall DANIEL O’DONNELL Feb. 17, Florida Theatre GEORGE WINSTON Feb. 23, P.V.C. Hall MICHAEL McDONALD Feb. 27, Florida Theatre JOHN HAMMOND March 3, P.V.C. Hall JUSTIN MOORE, DYLAN SCOTT March 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre TIERNEY SUTTON BAND March 4, Ritz Theatre ANA POPOVIC March 7, P.V.C. Hall GET the LED OUT March 16, Florida Theatre MIKE + the MECHANICS March 21, P.V.C. Hall STEEP CANYON RANGERS March 22, Florida Theatre LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III March 30, P.V.C. Hall CHRIS BOTTI April 13, Florida Theatre BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: Sgt. Pepper’s 50th Anniversary Tour April 27, Florida Theatre
LIVE MUSIC CLUBS
AMELIA ISLAND + FERNANDINA
EMERALD GOAT IRISH PUB, 96110 Lofton Sq., 441-2444 Chuck Nash 9 p.m. Oct. 7 LA MANCHA, 2709 Sadler Rd., 261-4646 Miguel Paley 5:30-9 p.m. every Fri.-Sun. Javier Parez every Sun. THE SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811 Dan Voll & Michelle 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 THE SANDBAR & KITCHEN, 2910 Atlantic Ave., 310-3648 Touch of Gray Oct. 7. Trio Caliente Oct. 12 SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 2776652 Pili Pili Oct. 4. Tad Jennings Oct. 5. Davis Turner Oct. 7. Mark O’Quinn Oct. 10 SURF RESTAURANT, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 261-5711 Katfish Lee Oct. 4 & 5
AVONDALE + ORTEGA
CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966 Goliath Flores every Wed. Jazz every Sun. Live music every Mon. ECLIPSE, 4219 St. Johns Ave. KJ Free 9 p.m. Tue. & Thur. Indie dance 9 p.m. Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance Fri.
LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)
1st STREET LOFT, 502 N. First St., 241-7848 Open stage night 8 p.m. Oct. 6. Open mic 7 p.m. every Thur. BLUE WATER DAIQUIRI & OYSTER BAR, 205 N. First St., 249-0083 Live music most weekends BRASS ANCHOR PUB, 2292 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, 249-0301 Joe Oliff 8 p.m. Oct. 4 CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 967 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 249-9595 Michael Funge 6:30 p.m. every Sun. FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR, 207 Atlantic Blvd., NB, 853-5680 3 The Band Oct. 5. Live music every weekend FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB, 177 Sailfish Dr., AB, 246-4293 Live music on weekends GREEN ROOM BREWING, 228 Third St. N., 201-9283 Live music most weekends GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd., 372-9925 Groov 7:30 p.m. every Wed. Michael Smith every Thur. Milton Clapp every Fri. Under the Bus every Sat. Robert Eccles 6 p.m. every Sun. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 First St. N., 249-5181 Split Tone every Thur. Chillula every Sun. K-Sick every Mon. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 Third St. N., 241-5600 Live music most weekends MEZZA Restaurant & Bar, 110 First St., NB, 249-5573 Gypsies Ginger every Wed. Mike Shackelford, Steve Shanholtzer every Thur. Mezza Shuffle every Mon. Trevor Tanner every Tue. OCEAN 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., AB, 247-0060 Taylor Roberts 7 p.m. Oct. 4 RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., AB, 241-7877 Live music every Wed.-Sun. SEACHASERS, 831 First St. N., 372-0444 Live music every weekend SOUTHERN GROUNDS & CO., 200 First St., NB, 249-2922 Jazz Corner 6 p.m. every Tue. SURFER The BAR, 200 First St. N., 372-9756 Live music nearly every night WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy., 853-5973 Tuesday Night Blues Club 8 p.m. Oct. 10 ZETA BREWING, 131 First Ave. N., 372-0727 Live music every weekend
CAMDEN COUNTY, GA.
CAPTAIN STAN’S Smokehouse, 700 Bedell Dr., Woodbine, 912-729-9552 Live music Wed.-Sat. J’S TAVERN, 711 Osborne St., St. Marys, 912-882-5280 Live music most weekends
DOWNTOWN
1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N., 345-5760 The Main Squeeze 8 p.m. Oct. 4. Emarosa: Bradley Scott Walden, Er White, Jordan Stewart, Matthew Marcellus, A Lot Like Birds, Jule Vera Oct. 5. Melody Trucks Band, Gingerbeard Man, Blackwater Grease, Somatic 8 p.m. Oct. 6. Austin John Winkler, Smile Empty Soul, Stayne Thee Angel, Stone Bone, Sky Above 6 p.m. Oct. 7. The Vibrators Oct. 8 DE REAL TING, 128 W. Adams St., 633-9738 Ras AJ, De Lions of Jah 7 p.m. Oct. 6 DOS GATOS, 123 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666 DJ Brandon Thur. DJ NickFresh Sat. DJ Randall Mon. DJ Hollywood Tue. FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jacksonville Landing, 374-1247 Spade McQuade 6 p.m. Oct. 4. Live music most weekends HOURGLASS PUB, 345 E. Bay St., 469-1719 Singersongwriter open mic every 7 p.m. Sun. Live music 9:30 p.m. Fri. JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 2 Independent Dr., 353-1188 Live music most weekends MAVERICKS LIVE, Jax Landing, 356-1110 Hollywood Undead, Butcher Babies Oct. 6. Judah & The Lion, The Academic, Tyson Motsenbocker Oct. 10. Joe Buck, DJ Justin every Thur.-Sat. MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St., 707-0474 DJ Law, Artik, Killoala, D2tay Wed. Latin Nite DJs Sat.
FLEMING ISLAND
BOONDOCKS GRILL & BAR, 2808 Henley Rd., Green Cove, 406-9497 Redfish Rich 6 p.m. Oct. 4. Ivan Smith 6 p.m. Oct. 5 & 8. Marty Farmer 7 p.m., Jake Cox 10 p.m. Oct. 6. Jake Cox Oct. 6 & 12. Cliff Dorsey, Eric Collette & Band Oct. 7. Marty Farmer Oct. 10. Alex Affronti Oct. 11 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Ctr. Blvd., 541-1999 Felix Chang 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5. Dopelimatic 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6 WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Conch Fritters 5 p.m. Oct. 8. Live music every weekend
INTRACOASTAL
CLIFF’S Bar & Grill, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162 Open mic every Tue. Live music every Tue.-Sun. JERRY’S Sports Bar & Grille, 13170 Atlantic Blvd., 220-6766 Live music Fri.
MANDARIN
ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109, 268-4458 Brian Iannucci Oct. 4 & 7 IGGY’S GRILL & BAR, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101, 209-5209 Boogie Freaks Oct. 7. DJ Greg 7 p.m. every Wed. TAPS BAR & GRILL, 2220 C.R. 210, St. Johns, 819-1554 Live music every weekend
ORANGE PARK + MIDDLEBURG BIG DAWGS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 135, 272-4204 Live music every weekend CHEERS PARK AVENUE, 1138 Park Ave., 269-4855 DJ Capone 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Love Monkey Oct. 6 & 7. DJ Capone, Ivan Pulley, Buddy Crump Oct. 11. Lonely Highway, DJ Capone Oct. 12 DEE’S MUSIC BAR, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140, 375-2240 DJ Troy every Wed. The HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Rd., 272-5959 John Michael on the piano every Tue.-Sat. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Live music every Fri. & Sat. The ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611 Live music every Fri. & Sat. SHARK CLUB, 714 Park Ave., 215-1557 Digital Skyline 9 p.m. Oct. 4. Tom Bennett Band 9 p.m. Oct. 5
OVERSET
PONTE VEDRA
PUSSER’S GRILLE, 816 A1A, 280-7766 Live music every Wed.-Sat. TABLE 1, 330 A1A N., 280-5515 Live music every Wed., Thur. & Sat.
RIVERSIDE + WESTSIDE
ACROSS the STREET, 948 Edgewood Ave. S., 683-4182 Live music most weekends HOBNOB, 220 Riverside Ave., Ste. 10, 513-4272 Live music every Fri. NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Daikaiju, Bask, Hollow Leg, Appalachian Death Trap, Count The Dead 8 p.m. Oct. 6 Kublai Khan, No Zodiac, Left Behind, I Am, Disdain Oct. 7. Lich King Oct. 12 RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St., 379-4969 Second Death Oct. 5. Live music most weekends RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 Live music 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7 SOUTH KITCHEN & SPIRITS, 3638 Park St., 475-2362 Live music most weekends
ST. AUGUSTINE
DOS COFFEE & WINE, 300 San Marco Ave., 342-2421 Live music every weekend MARDI GRAS, 123 San Marco Ave., 823-8806 Justin Gurnsey & Friends 9 p.m. Oct. 6. Fre Gordon acoustic open mic 7 p.m. Sun. Justin Gurnsey, Big Logic & the Truth Serum Musicians Exchange 8 p.m. every Mon. ORIOLES NEST, 9155 C.R. 13 N., 814-8298 DJ Alex every Fri. Live music most every weekend PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St., 209-5704 Leelyn Osborn, Danielle & The Cookin’ in the Kitchen Band Oct. 4. Raisin Cake Orchestra, Chillula Oct. 6 SARBEZ!, 115 Anastasia Blvd., 342-0632 October’s Flame 9 p.m. Oct. 6. STS9 After Party: The Underhill Family Orchestra, Observatory, Flo Wav! Oct. 7 TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Pl., 342-0286 Jax English Salsa Band 6 p.m. Oct. 8. Bluez Dudez, Solou Oct. 10 TRADEWINDS LOUNGE, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 The Down Low every Wed.
SAN MARCO
JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Legendary Shack Shakers, Bloodshot Bill 8 p.m. Oct. 4. Hollywood Undead, Butcher Babies, Demrick Oct. 6. J Roddy Walston & The Business, Sleepwalkers Oct. 7. The Bastard Suns, Black Creek Bastards Oct. 10. Seasons After, Another Lost Year, Blacklite District Oct. 11 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Sam Pacetti 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. River City Rhythm Kings 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9
SOUTHSIDE, ARLINGTON & BAYMEADOWS
MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955 Barrett Jockers Oct. 5. Ryan Crary Oct. 6 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., 634-7208 Live music every weekend WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 619-3670 Live music every weekend
SPRINGFIELD + NORTHSIDE
CROOKED ROOSTER BREWERY, 1478 S. Sixth St., Macclenny, 653-2337 Open mic 7 p.m. every Wed. FLIGHT 747 LOUNGE, 1500 Airport Rd., 741-4331 Live music every weekend KNUCKLEHEADS Bar, 850532 U.S. 17, 222-2380 Live music every weekend MELLOW MUSHROOM, 15170 Max Leggett Pkwy., 757-8843 Live music most every weekend OCEANWAY BAR, 12905 Main St. N., 647-9127 Live music most every weekend SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth, 798-8222 Navin Ave, Capgras Brothers, Flossie + The Fox, Billy & Bella 8 p.m. Oct. 6. Live music every weekend
_____________________________________ To list your band’s gig, please send time, date, location (street address, city), admission price, and a contact number to print to Madeleine Peck Wagner, email madeleine@folioweekly.com or by the U.S. Postal Service, 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville FL 32202. Events run on a space-available basis. Deadline is at noon every Wednesday for the next Wednesday’s publication.
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 57
PET PARENTING FOLIO LIVING DEAR
DAVI
SWEETER THAN
SACCHRINE CHILDREN’S BOOK tells of rescuing the perfect dog
THERE’S A CERTAIN TIME DURING THE DAY when the sunlight strikes the hardwood just right, where it’s warm on my back, but my cheek still rests on the floor’s cool spot. See, finding the right spot is all about timing. The same can be said about finding the right dog. It takes the right dog, right time and right reasons to make a fulfilling and lasting bond. Too Licky, authored by local six-year-old identical twins Gigi and Ryan Giles, tells the tale of one family’s journey to find the perfect rescue dog. I met with the sisters to find out more about their incredible journey.
hard to know where to start, where to go. Through that journey we learned so much and want to make it easier for other families to find their forever friend. Why is it important for a family to find a dog that’s ‘just right’? Every breed has its own unique temperament, appearance, activity level and set of needs. You should do some serious and careful research to determine which breed of dog is right for you and your family. What search tips can you offer to someone looking for a forever friend? Have an idea of the type of dog you want and know how much time you’re able to devote. Be open to all breeds. Get to know the volunteers at the shelters; they know the dogs best. Find out if any dogs are being fostered. That allows you to meet a dog that’s been in a home setting where the foster p parents know how the dogg will thrive.
DAVI: How did you know Sugar gar was the ‘just right’ dog for you? u? Gigi & Ryan: We knew immediately when we met her.. She rolled over on her back and just st wanted love. Where did you find Sugar? We found Sugar at Clay County ty Animal Care & Control. She was being fostered along with her three puppies by a Friends of Clay County Animals volunteer. How many dogs did you visit before finding your perfect match? Dozens! What valuable lesson did you learn from your journey? We learned so many things! We learned about discrimination many breeds face. We also learned about incredible rescue organizations that support these dogs as well as the ones that help support shelter dogs. What characteristics make a dog ‘just right’? Much like people, every dog is different. What may not be ‘just right’ for one family may be for another. Why is it important to share your story? Rescuing a dog can seem daunting. It’s
Why did you decide instead Wh d id to adopt d i d off shop? h ? We wanted to save a life. So many beautiful dogs deserve furever homes. OCTOBER IS ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by bringing home a furry friend from your local shelter. With canines of all kinds available for adoption, you are sure to find one that’s just right for you. For more information about Too Licky, go to toolicky.com. Half the proceeds benefit animal welfare and rescue organizations. Davi mail@folioweekly.com ____________________________________ Davi the dachshund is “just right” for Folio Weekly readers every week.
PET TIP: KEEP THAT HEDGIE MOVIN’ JUST LIKE HUMANS ARE PRONE TO VEGGING OUT ON the couch watching Netflix 10 hours nonstop, ingesting nothing but cheese puffs and soda, so too is your buddy Mr. Hedgehog. He may not actually eat junk food or watch TV– except for the occasional Will & Grace episode (original)–but if he’s not motivated to exercise, he won’t. When hedgehogs can’t exercise, they gain weight like Trump’s approval rating has been going down: fast. So, keep ’em active with some toys or a wheel. A prediabetic hedgie on a Hoverround may sound funny, but it’s actually kinda sad. 58 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 59
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY
DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by
WINE JUGS, CARRIE FISHER, ANGELS & PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society
San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741
Ponte Vedra
THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA
330 A1A North 280-1202
Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. 388-5406
FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1
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Surfer’s device Horse play Dolphins’ home Pinot ___ Rank and vile Milk dispenser Honor for Florida born Ben Vereen Anglers’ gear Some nerve UF frat letter Quote the raven Molly Browns Pub quaff Jumbo Shrimp bat wood Honor for Nease HS’s Tim Tebow British john Mayo’s place Pablo’s Grill lady Like Ragtime’s draft beer Magic org. Thesaurus guy Spotted wildcat Sphere Jax summer clock setting Honor for Florida writer Dave Barry “Sure thing!” Ray-___ (sunglasses)
54 One of the Little Women 55 Speak of with contempt 58 Words of wisdom 62 Add up 65 Honor for Jacksonville’s Bob Hayes 67 Go in circles 68 Burrowing spy 69 Tim Deegan weather word 70 Abe’s coin 71 Final word 72 “Got Milk?” ad partner
DOWN 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 10 11 12 13
Dividing word Ship deck Grammatical goof Solidified CO2 Seat for the Masses Daytona 500 figure Euro forerunner Pops The “who” in a whodunit “The very ___!” Lime drink Treasure hunter Fisher Taxing letters
60 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
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ACROSS
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In accordance with astrological omens, slow down and create a wealth of spacious serenity. Use an unhurried, step-by-step approach to soothe yourself. With a glint in your eye and a lilt in your voice, say sweet things to yourself. Can you handle that much self-love? It’s high time to be a genius of relaxation, attending to the little details to make you feel at ease and in love with the world.
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44 Russian ruler (var.) 46 Part of a twopiece suit 49 Conundrum 50 Mosque VIP 51 Cajun genre 55 “Rats!” 56 Dire fate 57 Fashion mag 59 Jewish month 60 John Gaughan’s big blow 61 Seaman’s saint 62 The Crab Trap kitchen meas. 63 Be in debt 64 Atomic No. 50 66 Iniquity site
18 Exotic berry 22 Metro Diner sandwiches, briefly 24 NYT alternative 26 Orbital extreme 27 Rip up 28 Marriott rival 29 Suite spots 30 One overboard 31 Shady spot 32 Musical Yoko 33 Nutso 34 At the right time 38 Will Smith title role 39 Kind of stove 41 Dada daddy
SOLUTION TO 9.27.17 PUZZLE D E A R O S H A G L I B B C A B I C S I S H A Q S T I D U M P E P A F L Y L I O T A N A A N E D G E
B E A I K N S C H R I O C S S S I K I M P
L A S E O A K S W E D E S
A S I A
R E D C A O P M E A G P A T A I D A
B O I L
E L E C I T M P E E B L A Y R W I R M A M
C H A D
R E C E D L E E O W N I S A H D L A A R I K
U R A N I A
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You wouldn’t expect a five-year-old child to paint a facsimile of Picasso’s Guernica or sing Puccini’s opera La Boheme. You shouldn’t fault your pals and you for not mastering the art of intimate relationships. In fact, most of us are amateurs. We may have had classes in math, science, literature and history, but have never a lesson from teachers whose expertise is in the hard work required to create a healthy partnership. The next seven weeks will be an excellent time to remedy this deficiency. Assignments: What can you do to build emotional intelligence? Learn more about the art of creating vigorous togetherness.
E D I T E D
C E O L O O L A E A E A
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “If an angel were to tell us something of his philosophies, I do believe some of his propositions would sound like 2 x 2 = 13.” So said German scientist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742-’99). Maybe you don’t believe in the existence of angels, and so you reckon his idea doesn’t apply to you. I’m here to tell you an influence equivalent to an angel will soon appear in your vicinity. Maybe it’ll be a luminous figure in your dreams, a charismatic person you admire, a vivid memory resurrected in an unexpected form, or a bright fantasy springing to life. That “angel” will present a proposition that sounds like 2 x 2 = 13. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Unless you have an off-road vehicle, you can’t drive directly from North America to South America. The Pan-American Highway stretches from Prudhoe Bay in Northern Canada to Ushuaia, Argentina, about 19,000 miles, except for a 100-mile patch of swampy rainforest in Panama. There’s a comparable break in continuity that affects your inner terrain: a grey area where two important parts of your life are unlinked. The weeks ahead will be a good time to close the gap. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Based in Korea, Samsung is a world leader in selling smartphones and other information technology. But it didn’t start that way. In its original form, back in 1938, it primarily sold noodles and dried fish. By 1954, it had expanded into wool manufacturing. More than three decades after its launch as a company, it further diversified, adding electronics to its inventory. According to my astrological omen-reading, the next 10 months should be a great time to do the equivalent. And the next six weeks are quite favorable for planning. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In my opinion, you’re not quite ready to launch full-tilt into the rebuilding phase. You still have a bit more work to do tearing down old stuff in the way of where the new stuff goes. Put an “Under Construction” sign outside your door, preferably with flashing yellow lights. This should give you protection from those who don’t understand the complexity of your process. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’re a good candidate for these roles: 1. a skeptical optimist both discerning and open-minded;
2. a robust truth-teller who specializes in interesting truths; 3. a charming extremist capable of solving stubborn riddles; 4. a smooth operator who keeps everyone calm even as you initiate big changes; 5. an enlightened game-player who reforms or avoids games that abuse beauty’s power. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Actress and author Carrie Fisher wrote three autobiographies. Speed-skating Olympics star Apolo Anton Ono published his autobiography at age 20. The rascal occultist Aleister Crowley produced an “autohagiography.” “Hagiography” is an account of the life of a saint, so adding “auto” means it’s the biography of a saint by the saint himself. Ponder at length on your life story. If you don’t have time to write a whole book, take a few hours to recall in detail the gloriously twisty path you’ve trod from birth until now. According to my astrological omen-reading, the best way to heal what’s hurt is to steep in a detailed meditation on the history of mysterious destiny. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you go to Germany’s Historical Museum of the Palatinate, you’ll see a jug of wine bottled in 1687. In accordance with astrological omens, find a metaphorical version of this vintage beverage, then metaphorically drink it! Time to partake of a pleasure that’s been patiently waiting for you to enjoy it. The moment is ripe to try a postponed experience, call in favors owed and finally do fun things you’ve been saving for the right occasion. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If a latenight TV talk show called and asked me to be a guest, I’d say no. If People magazine wanted to do a story on me, I’d decline. What good is fame like that? It might briefly boost my ego, but it wouldn’t enhance my ability to create useful oracles. The notoriety that would come my way might even distract me from doing what I love to do. So I prefer to remain an anonymous celebrity, as I am now, addressing your deep self with my deep self. My messages are more valuable if I remain an enigmatic ally instead of just another cartoony media personality. You’ll soon face a comparable question. Your choice? Between what’s flashy or what’s authentic. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Canadian Harold Hackett likes to put messages in bottles that he throws out in the Atlantic Ocean from his home on Prince Edward island. Since he started in 1996, he’s tossed over 5,000 missives into the deep, asking the strangers who might find them to write to him. To his delight, he has received more than 3,000 responses from as far away as Russia, Scotland and West Africa. If you launch a comparable mission, your success rate won’t be that high, but still good. What longrange inquiries or invitations might you send out in the frontier? PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Intensify” is one of your power words. So are “fortify,” “reinforce” and “buttress.” Anything you do to intensify devotion and focus will be rewarded by an intensification of life’s gifts. As you take steps to fortify a sense of security and stability, you activate dormant reserves of resilience. If you reinforce your connections with reliable allies, you set in motion forces to bring help you didn’t even know you needed. If you buttress the bridge that links past and future, you ensure your old way of making magic will energize your new way. Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com
NEWS OF THE WEIRD AUDACIOUS
Kristi Lyn Goss, 44, former administrative assistant to Arkansas’ Garland County judge, went all out when she racked up about $200,000 in debt on the county credit card between 2011 and May 2016, according to The Hot Springs Sentinel-Record. Among the many items Goss bought on the county’s account were tickets to Arkansas Razorbacks games, sequined throw pillows and a tuxedo for her dog. Goss pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to six felony fraud counts; her sentencing is set for Nov. 22. Garland County Judge Rick Davis issued a statement at Goss’s arrest, noting he’d “inherited” her from a former judge.
IT’S COMPLICATED
As Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida in early September, the Pasco County Sheriff ’s Office announced that registered sex offenders, who wouldn’t be able to shelter with other citizens, “need someplace to go just like any other citizen.” The Tampa Bay Times reported they were directed to Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel. Pasco County Sheriff ’s spokesman Kevin Doll noted that offenders found in other shelters where children were present were subject to arrest, but said the predator shelter would take offenders from other counties. In nearby Polk County, officials weren’t as generous, telling sex offenders, “If you are a predator, find somewhere else to go,” announcing they’d be checking IDs at the door and arresting anyone with an outstanding warrant.
IT’S A SYMBOL FOR SOMETHING ELSE, CHUCK
Incumbent mayoral candidate Charles Pender put up campaign signs in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on Aug. 30, but when he woke up on Aug. 31, he found they’d been vandalized … with hot dogs. CBC News reported someone cut round holes in the signs and inserted hot dogs to look as if Pender was smoking a cigar. Pender called it “minor mischief ” but noted the signs are costly. He called the cops, but he feels it’s unlikely the frank bandit will be caught. He hopes to turn the incident into a good laugh with a “bun-raiser” later in the election season.
MISCHIEF? IT’S JUST TRASHY
Lisa Faye Stout, 53, came up with an unusual scapegoat for the mess police officers found in her room on Sept. 10 at New Castle, Indiana’s
Raintree Inn, according to the Muncie Star Press. Vampires “destroyed everything,” Stout told the cops, who were responding to reports that she’d gone to the hotel bar wearing no pants or undergarments. The front desk clerk also said Stout spit on her and threatened to kill her. As she was taken into custody, Stout spit some more and threatened to “slice” officers’ throats. Stout was charged in Henry County court with two counts of battery by bodily waste, intimidation and criminal mischief.
RECALCULATING ...
Well, it WAS dark ... Gabriel Bishop of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, put all his faith in his car’s GPS system on Sept. 9, even as it directed him to follow a bike path running along the Lehigh River in Easton. According to Lehighvalleylive.com, when the path led under a low bridge, Bishop realized his mistake and tried to back up, but rolled his car into the river. Easton police reported Bishop was uninjured, but was cited for multiple traffic offenses.
ROLL WITH IT
A movie stuntman in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, put his skills to work when a potential buyer of his Mercedes Benz tried to take off with the car on Sept. 13. The Telegraph reported Matt Spooner met the “buyer” and gave a test drive in the car, but the thief wouldn’t get out and started to take off. So, Spooner told reporters, “I ran round to the front and asked him politely to step out. I then ended up on the front of the vehicle and it began to move.” The driver entered a highway, but when he finally slowed, Spooner let go and “skidded off to the side of the curb,” suffering cuts and bruises to his face. While Spooner creates stunts for film crews, he advises, “It’s a bad plan to do them yourself.”
BAKED-IN BADNESS
The Fremont, California Police Department responded late on Sept. 17 to a Safeway store where 39-year-old Adam Kowarsh, armed with a French baguette, was on a rampage. According to SFGate, workers told Kowarsh he needed to pay for his items and leave, but when one employee tried to calm him, Kowarsh pushed him, then hit him across the face with the baguette. The Safeway employee was unhurt, but Kowarsh was charged with suspicion of battery and a parole violation. weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com
Folio Weekly helps you connect with the paramour of your dreams. Go to folioweekly.com/i-saw-u.html, fill out the FREE form correctly (40 words or fewer, dammit) by 5 p.m. Friday (for the next Wednesday’s FW) – next stop: Bliss!
Oct. 9 is LEIF ERIKSON DAY – time to embark on fall-off-the-edge-ofthe-world treks. Get out your “authentic” Viking helmets and drinking horns & wear ’em with pride – nearby, your soulmate wields a hammer. Folio Weekly’s stalwart editorial staff is lading our ship for the journey – hop aboard – we’re off to Valhalla! The hell with true love. You know the drill: Go to folioweekly.com/i-saw-u.html and do this: One: Write a five-word headline so the person recognizes the moment y’all shared, like “Odin awaits of arrival!” Two: Describe the person, like, “You: Wrapped in skins, drunk, hollering about finding a New World somewhere, making no sense.” Three: Describe yourself, like, “Me: Hauling a shield, sword, horns aplenty, hoping you’ll offer to help carry the burden.” Four: Describe the moment, like, “ISU grab a leg o’ lamb, bite off a piece. Classy.” Five: Meet, fall in love, reserve a knorr.* No names, emails, websites, etc. And HEY, it’s 40 words or fewer. Get a love life with Folio Weekly ISUs! THINGS I’D LIKE TO DO With you. Take you into the woods. No sleeping bag, no tent. Want to lie under the stars and watch a meteor shower while we talk about nothing and everything. And wait for the rain. When: Aug. 26. Where: Shantytown. #1672-1004 YOU LOVE ART, MUSIC Nature. I like slow cooking, good people. Want to stay up all night, play Nintendo, eat junk food, hike outside the city at sunrise; then be too busy to see you for a while. Or fish. When: Lomax Street. Where: June 11, 2010. #1671-1004
GLORIOUS ICE-BLUE EYES You: Short brown hair, geeky (JAWS T-shirt), with friends. Wanted to talk; in Red Robin’s bottomless decadent gluttony pit. Too shy to roll over. Me: Tall, dark, mildly handsome, gray shirt, with purple-haired man; knew your friend. When: July 30. Where: Red Robin, Town Center. #1664-0809 HOLY BUT STUBBORN You are holy, but too stubborn to see that I loved you even when you thought you weren’t. Always. When: August 2016. Where: Carlton. #1663-0802
LIGHTNING STRIKE AT THE MARKET You: Gorgeous brunette, tank top, camo pants, heels, shopping with young son on Saturday. Butcher made you laugh. Me: Serious, coplooking guy trying to make eye contact. I’d love to shop with you. When: Sept. 16. Where: Earth Fare, Atlantic Blvd. #1670-0920
ARE YOU MY AGENT MULDER? You: Young white guy, late-model gray Camry; drove by, X-Files song full blast. Me: Adorable black gentleman smoking cigarette on porch. Think I’m in love. Let’s be Mulder & Mulder; no Scully. When: July 19. Where: Riverside. #1662-0726
HURRICANE IRMA COLD BREW We were in line at Publix stocking up for Irma; you noticed my organic, dark roast cold brew. It piqued your interest, you wanted it, so I gave it to you. But you piqued my interest... When: Sept. 5. Where: Riverside Publix. #1669-0920
LONG DISTANCE LOVE You: Squirrel, picked me up at airport with flowers. Me: Rooster, bursting with joy inside. We hugged; our love story began. Will you hold my hand until the end of our days? When: July 12, 2016. Where: JIA. #1661-0712
HOME DEPOT RETURN LINE CUTIE You: Dark hair, great smile. Me: Blonde, special order counter with friend. A gentleman, you let us go first. We made eye contact, you smiled at me as I left. Meet for drinks? When: Aug. 31. Where: Southside Home Depot. #1668-0906
SELF CHECKOUT WALMART FRUIT COVE You: Wearing cute little sundress, picking up a few things for the family and dog. Me: Trying to make small talk but not so much you’d think I’m flirting in the grocery store. When: June 23. Where: Fruit Cove Walmart. #1660-0712
I’LL ALWAYS COME BACK FOR YOU You: Prideful, emotionally hidden/distant from those closest, but ISU in a way others didn’t. Me: Love to travel, low self-esteem, brunette. No matter where I am, I’ll always come back for you. When: July 19, 2016. Where: Hospital. #1667-0830
SPACE GALLERY ARTIST ISU on a Monday night. Bought you drinks; you showed me your studio. You: little black printed dress; I wore a blank shirt. We went on the roof. Let’s hang again? When: June 26. Where: Dos Gatos. #1659-0705
DANCIN’ AT THE FOOD TRUCK You: In line behind me, dancing to the music. My order was out before yours. All that was missing were umbrella drinks, a beach to dance on. Shall we meet, plan adventures? When: Aug. 17. Where: Latin Soul Grill food truck, Riverplace Tower. #1666-0823
YOU PAINT MY WORLD BEAUTIFUL You: Tall, handsome, stark blue eyes, witty sense of humor. Me: Smiling green-eyed brunette whose heart skips a beat every time you look my way. ISU at hardware store; crazy for you ever since. When: February 2014. Where: Neptune Beach. #1658-0628
I’M SO SHY! LOL You: On a bench in nasty storm 7:30ish, black hair, brown shirt. Me: Short girl, black uniform, wearing pigtails. Thought you were super-cute; couldn’t muster up a conversation aside from how nasty it was outside. When: Aug. 14. Where: Whole Foods San Jose. #1665-0823
CAR WASH SUPER-CUTIE You: Sweet, polite girl cleaning grey Honda Civic. Sharing vacuum not romantic; can’t get u off my mind. Me: Average sweaty guy, blue Infinity g37. Too sweaty, shy to flirt; we felt something. Meet for coffee, dinner? When: June 10. Where: Mayport Road Car Wash. #1656-0621
*or any other appropriate site at which folks can engage in a civil union or marriage or whatever … OCTOBER 4-10, 2017 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 61
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HELP WANTED
MARKETING DIR: set up new business opportunity mtgs for comp execs & directors; drive online sales leads via promotion of comp blog, social media & downloadable material; coord Marketing Campaigns, inc. write & optimize email & letter content; build relevant target mailing lists; post msgs on HCI’s social media accts to promote HCI news, blog posts & downloads; optimize new & current web content to inc. industry key & search terms. Min. req’ts: 3 yrs. rel. exp. Send res & cover letter to: CJS Solutions Group, dba HCI Group, 6440 Southpoint Pkwy, Ste 300, Jacksonville, FL 32216. No emails or tel. EOE.
MIDDLEWARE MQ/IIB DEVELOPER required to design, develop, debug and implement IBM WebSphere MQ Series middleware framewrk components and integr. infrastr. pursuant to proj reqs. Create and monitor MQ objects. Utilize Integration Bus(IIB)/Message Broker(MB) and WebSphere Transf. Extender WTX),and Datapower to config. multi-protocol gateways and web srvc proxy srvcs. Req’d: MS degree in Comp. Sci/Engineering, IT, IS, Engg.,or related field plus 0 yrs of exp.,or alternatively, employer will accept a Bach. degree in one of the same/related fields + 5 years of progressively responsible IT exp req’d. Mail Resumes to Judge Software Professionals Inc. Attn: HR, 11481 Old St Augustine Rd St 105, Jacksonville FL 32258 MIDDLEWARE DVLPRS req’d to design, dvlp, test & admin. SOA based apps in Windows and Unix Environments using IBM Middleware tools and products.Monitor Web Sphere App Srvr, wrk closely with DBAs, IT Analysts and other dvlprs, docum. dvlpmnt wrk, provide rpts to mgmt and comply with proj. delivery timeline. Req’d: Bachelors in Comp. Sci, IT, IS, Math, Engg.(including CE/EE/Electron./ME/Civil/ Archit. Engg Techn.) or rltd field. Mail Resumes to Judge Software Professionals Inc. Attn: HR, 11481 Old St Augustine Rd St 105, Jacksonville FL 32258 TERMINAL OPERATIONS MANAGER NEEDED at Jade Software Corp USA in Jacksonville, FL to mng imps/exps transp & logistics systs. Deputize for Global Service Director when req at proj initiation on site, running projs, sptg & coord ProjMgmt Team whilst continually impr Methodology & Proj Documentation. Reqs 3 yrs of exp in job offered or rel pos wkg in Term /Port ind. Such exp to incl mngng term opn projs incl consultancy with Term /Port senior mgrs; imp of Jade Master Term Opns Software across multi locs & term types; Mixed Cargo, Break Bulk, Container, RORO & Warehousing; configuration of & training users in use of Jade Master Term & wrtg term rprts. Send resume: Attn: hr@jadeworld.com MARKETING DIR: set up new business opportunity mtgs for comp execs & directors; drive online sales leads via promotion of comp blog, social media & downloadable material; coord Marketing Campaigns, inc. write & optimize email & letter content; build relevant target mailing lists; post msgs on HCI’s social media accts to promote HCI news, blog posts & downloads; optimize new & current web content to inc. industry key & search terms. Min. req’ts: 3 yrs. rel. exp. Send res & cover letter to: CJS Solutions Group, dba HCI Group, 6440 Southpoint Pkwy, Ste 300, Jacksonville, FL 32216. No emails or tel. EOE. BARTENDERS, SERVERS AND COOKS NEEDED AT CRAB TRAP RESTAURANT. Apply in person; Mon. through Fri., 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. or
62 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | OCTOBER 4-10, 2017
Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. No phone calls. Family restaurant with 2 full bars. 31 North Second St., Fernandina Beach PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 A Week Mailing Brochures From Home! No Experience Required. Helping home workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity. Start Immediately! www.AdvancedMailing.net (AAN CAN)(10/4/17) INTERACTIVE RESOURCES LLC IS CURRENTLY looking for a Computer Systems Analyst. The principal place of employment for this position will be at our offices in Jacksonville, FL. Applicants must have a B.S. in Computer Science/Programming or an education & experience equivalency and 8 years programmer/analyst/development experience. CONTACT: Please direct all questions and applications in response to this ad to: interactive__6531@irtalent.com HAWKERS IS OFFERING AWARD-WINNING Asian street cuisine to residents and visitors alike in our new Neptune Beach location. Line cooks with two or more years’ experience are advised to fire up a cover letter, attach a recent résumé and shoot to: Brian Chapnick, Brian@EatHawkers. com. A career in good taste awaits. BRAND AMBASSADOR Folio Media House, publishing Folio Weekly for 30 years, is seeking a Brand Ambassador to represent our Go Folio Weekly publication. Go Folio Weekly is produced weekly, distributed to hotels and other locations that are frequented by travelers visitingNortheast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Our Go Folio Weekly Brand Ambassador would be responsible to contact possible advertisers to set up a meeting with our publisher to discuss inclusion in Go Folio Weekly as an advertiser. The ideal person likes to be out and about and meet with business owners, travel associations and attractions and has an interest inpublic relations, advertising, events and promotions. • This is a 1099 position • $ 25 per completed appointment with • potential advertiser • 20% commission on paid advertising • Mileage reimbursement • Available areas: Jacksonville, St. Augustine, • Amelia Island, Fla. Interested applicants please respond via email to fpiadmin@folioweekly.com, with questions, resume and a short paragraph of why you would be a good Brand Ambassador for Go Folio Weekly. HAIRSTYLISTS WHO KNOW STYLE - TAKE A CHAIR! Experienced, licensed and lively stylists who crave creativity, positive vibes and the cool heads of Riverside and 5 Points apply through BlowOutHairStudio.com and earn 50% commission with retail 10% and sliding scale percentage.
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