Folio Vol. 40, Issue 1

12.3 0

PG. 50

NO. BRO... IT’S THE FRONT BOTTOMS

2025

PG.10

YEAR OF THE HORSE PG.23

FOLIO’S FILM AWARDS PG. 39

CURIOUS AND MYTHICAL: SOPHIE SANTOS

YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA 1

CONTENTS

VOL. 40, ISSUE 1

COLUM N S 6

FE AT U RE S 10

39

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Teresa Spencer

Ambar Ramirez

9

14

47

Year of the Horse

HOROSCOPES

Duuuval is No Longer a Punchline

SPECIAL EVENTS

Teresa Spencer

12

16

SPORTS

The Anti-Resolution Resolution

20

Carmen Macri

TRIVIA, ETC.

23

Folio’s Film Awards

26

Harry Straussman

THEATER/ DANCE/FILM

28

36

2025 Books in Review

ART

Carmen Macri

44

35

COMEDY & MAGIC

More Than a Crown: How Mrs. Florida Petite is Fighting for Those Without a

64

Voice

CONCERTS

Curious and Mythical: Sophie Santos

New Music Releases Ambar Ramirez

50

No, Bro...It’s the Front Bottoms Carmen Macri

73

Nikayla and The Phunk Ambar Ramirez

74

In Memory of Joe Starkey Teresa Spencer

83

Maple Street Biscuit Company Teresa Spencer

Emily Roles

76

FOLIO’S TOP PICKS: BITE BY BITE

85

NIGHTLIFE

FOLIO STAFF:

BEHIND THE COVER: “No, Bro...It’s the Front Bottoms”

JOHN PHILLIPS President

EMILY ROLES Writer

TERESA SPENCER General Manager

HARRY STRAUSSMAN Writer

Photo by Carmen Macri

KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director CARMEN MACRI Social Media Manager/ Lead Writer AARON BERKSHIRE Photographer

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Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.

TARGETED TREATMENTS RAPID RECOVERY

904-549-5647 gobiotarget.com

BOUQS & BRICKS

BOUQUETS

To Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and the Developing Artists Foundation DA students for being selected as 2026 YoungArts honorees: one of the nation’s most respected awards for young artists. Honorees include: Eiana Claire Nova — Dance / Hip-Hop, Winner with Distinction Jayden Giselle Register — Theatre / Spoken, Winner with Distinction Rory Ames — Jazz / Piano, Winner Ean Bricknell — Jazz / Trombone, Winner Spencer Carnochan — Jazz / Sax / Tenor, Winner Leila Warren — Classical Music / Violin, Winner

BRICKBATS

To the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Not used as a pause button on basic law enforcement procedure.

And the delay isn’t just theoretical. It has real consequences.

A few weeks ago, Jacksonville musician Joe Starkey was killed in a road-rage incident. Killed. Not injured. Not roughed up. Dead. And as of now, no arrest.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the case is “under investigation” and that they are waiting on forensic results because the shooter is claiming Stand Your Ground. That phrase — claiming — is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Let’s be clear about what we know, because facts still matter, even when they’re inconvenient.

Because while JSO waits, the victim’s attorney is being delayed in preserving evidence. Memories fade. Digital data disappears. Physical evidence degrades. The longer the clock runs, the more the balance quietly tips — away from justice, and toward convenience.

Let’s also dispense with another uncomfortable truth: If this were a different neighborhood, a different set of circumstances, a different kind of suspect — would we still be “waiting”?

Jacksonville deserves an answer to that question.

According to an eyewitness, Joe Starkey was not armed. He was not the aggressor. Yet the man who shot and killed him went home that night. No handcuffs. No mugshot. No jail cell. Just a claim.

Here’s where this stops passing the smell test.

No one is saying the accused isn’t entitled to a fair trial. Of course he is. That’s foundational. But fairness cuts both ways. The victim — Joe Starkey — and his family are entitled to a system that doesn’t freeze the moment someone claims a defense before the process even begins.

If you get caught shoplifting a tube of toothpaste at Walmart, you are arrested on the spot. You don’t get to say, “Hold on, Officer, I’ve got a defense — let’s wait for forensics.” You’re processed first, you argue later. That’s how the system works for everyone else.

Arrest is not a conviction.

An investigation does not require paralysis.

And public trust does not survive silence.

But apparently, if you kill someone and utter the magic words Stand Your Ground, the rules shift. Arrest becomes optional. Time stretch-

JSO doesn’t need to rush to judgment — but it does need to move.

Because right now, the message being sent is chillingly simple: in

es. Accountability goes on layaway.

Jacksonville, killing someone might earn you more patience than stealing a stick of gum.

That should concern every single person in this city.

Stand Your Ground is a legal defense — not a get-out-of-arrest free card. It is meant to be argued in court, weighed by a judge, scrutinized by evidence.

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

YELL AT US TEAM@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 5

Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Horoscopes

2026 Preview 6 Folio Weekly

Aries Momentum is yours, Aries, but early setbacks teach patience.

Leadership and creative opportunities bloom by spring.

Sparks fly in relationships, and honest communication keeps the peace. Focus on routines to stay energized and stressfree.

Taurus New year, new you? Well, yes. This is your year of deep healing and gaining wisdom, Taurus. 2026 is your soft exhale after years of cosmic turbulence. With Uranus taking its final bow in your sign before exiting in April, the chaos gives way to clarity. You’re no longer reacting — you’re choosing with steady confidence and crystal-clear direction.

Gemini Curiosity drives you this year. Social and professional connections thrive if you stay clear in communication. New hobbies or learning experiences reshape your perspective. Love is lively but may feel fleeting—balance excitement with reflection.

Cancer Your hard exterior shell is no longer a place to hide behind but more like a piece of shining armor, Cancer. This is your year of learning and exploration. You’re taking bigger risks and reaping the rewards.

Leo Patience pays off, Leo. Recognition comes with steady effort, not theatrics. Romance heats up in bursts, and creative experiments flourish. By year-end, your social circle stabilizes with those who truly appreciate you.

Virgo This year, you are front and center, Virgo. About damned time, isn’t it? You’re shedding old labels, perfectionist pressure and the need to stay neatly in the background. Confidence grows quietly, then all at once. This year invites you to be seen as you are, not just for what you do.

Libra Harmony is your anchor, but 2026 nudges you to reassess priorities. Relationships demand clarity, and career growth favors collaboration. Playful romance may confuse at times; stay grounded with good rest and mental breaks.

Scorpio Your intensity finds purpose this year. Career and finances benefit from attention to detail. Relationships deepen through vulnerability, while midyear brings transformation in habits or spaces. Emotional self-care is key.

Sagittarius You’ve never needed any saving, Sagittarius, and this year you’re rewriting yourself as the hero. Themes of purpose, routine and well-being come into focus, helping you build a life that supports your big dreams instead of burning you out.

New opportunities arrive when you commit to what truly matters — not just what sounds fun in the moment (though there’s still plenty of that).

Capricorn Structure with room for spontaneity defines your year. Work efforts pay off, and steady financial planning wins. Relationships thrive on reliability, while midyear invites personal growth. Surprising romantic sparks may appear through shared goals.

Aquarius 2026 is about letting go and letting God (or whatever you believe in). Loosen your grip and trust the pull of what’s meant for you, Aquarius. Eclipses in your sign mark unmistakable turning points, clearing away what’s already cracking beneath the surface. These moments may feel sudden, but they’re divinely timed — making room for beginnings that feel fated, not forced.

Pisces Bravery, recalibration and trusting yourself again are just some themes you will find yourself visiting this new year, Pisces. You’re building your empire from the ground up, but it’s not a race. Progress doesn’t have to be loud to be real.

7

g n i n e p p a h All things

in Ja ck so nv ill e

Click here for our events calendar

8 Folio Weekly

Special Events JAN. 1 Annual Jacksonville Beach Polar Lunge Jacksonville Beach Lifeguard Station facebook.com/wavemasterss JAN. 11 Premier Bride Expo Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center premierbrideexpo.com WinterJam 2026 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jamtour.com JAN. 16 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center events.jacksonville.gov/special-events/martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast JAN. 19 45th MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Jacksonville mlkfdnorg.com JAN. 24 JAX Urban Book Festival 2026 James Weldon Johnson Park jaxurbanbookfest.com

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Year of the Horse

Words By Teresa Spencer

10 Folio Weekly

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 COMES IN HOT

Chinese New Year doesn’t tiptoe in. It kicks the door open, lights firecrackers, feeds everyone within a five-mile radius, and dares the future to keep up. In 2026, that future arrives on Feb. 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse—a sign that doesn’t do subtle, slow, or safe. This is not a year for sitting quietly and waiting your turn. The Horse hates that.

Chinese New Year — also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival — marks the reset button of the lunar calendar. It’s part ancient ritual, part family reunion, part street party and part spiritual tune-up.

Homes are cleaned to sweep out bad luck, red envelopes stuffed with cash are handed to kids and elders, and tables buckle under the weight of symbolic foods meant to invite prosperity, longevity and joy. The celebrations run for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival — because one good night isn’t enough.

But the real story of 2026 is the animal leading the parade … enter the Horse. In Chinese astrology, the Horse is fast, restless, charismatic and allergic to nonsense. Horse years are associated with movement, independence, ambition and risk-taking. Think momentum. Think road trips, bold decisions, sudden career pivots, creative surges and the quiet realization that staying put is no longer an option. A Horse year is about freedom. Horses don’t like fences. They don’t wait for permission. They run.

Traditionally, Horse years favor people willing to act decisively. This is a time when entrepreneurs launch, artists create and institutions either adapt—or get trampled. It’s not reckless energy, but it is unapologetic.

The Horse rewards courage and punishes hesitation. Overthinking? The Horse already left the barn.

On a global level, Horse years tend to amplify change already in motion. Economies shift. Culture accelerates. Old systems feel creaky. New ideas move fast and spread faster. On a personal level, it’s a year that asks a blunt question: Are you living the life you chose—or the one you settled for? The Horse doesn’t judge your answer. It just keeps moving. That’s why Chinese New Year matters beyond the fireworks and dumplings. It’s a reminder, older than empires, that time moves in cycles, energy changes, and renewal isn’t optional. You either ride the wave or watch it pass.

So when Feb. 17, 2026 rolls around, wear red, eat well, call your family, and make a little noise. The Year of the Horse isn’t about luck falling into your lap. Grab the reins and get going.

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Photo by Aaron Berkshire 12 Folio Weekly

JAN. 3 Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits Veterans Memorial Area jacksonvilleicemen.com Cannon Ball Run Main Beach Park, Fernandina Beach 1stplacesports.com JAN. 9 Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears Veterans Memorial Area jacksonvilleicemen.com JAN. 10 IQ FIBER Winter Beach Run 10 Mile & 5K Seawalk Pavilion 1stplacesports.com

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JAN. 17 Resolution Run bestbet, Orange Park 1stplacesports.com JAN. 23 Jacksonville Icemen vs. Savannah Ghost Rabbits Veterans Memorial Area jacksonvilleicemen.com JAN. 23-26 Jacksonville Boat Show Prime Osborn Convention Center boatjax.com JAN. 24 JAXPAL 5K Ed Austin Regional Park 1stplacesports.com Matanzas 5K 29 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine 1stplacesports.com JAN. 24-25 Jacksonville Icemen vs. Iowa Heartlanders Veterans Memorial Area jacksonvilleicemen.com

After School Classes Available to ages 3 & Up! Register online or Call for more information!

(904)612-7557

www.childrensartclasses.com

JAN. 31 DONNA Marathon Weekend 2026 Various locations breastcancermarathon.com Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina Stingrays Veterans Memorial Area jacksonvilleicemen.com

Where a kid can be an artist 13

DUUUVAL IS NO LONGER A PUNCHLINE Words by Teresa Spencer For years, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the NFL’s favorite cautionary tale — a franchise other teams used like a ghost story to scare rookies. Behave, or you’ll end up in Jacksonville. Cute joke. Outdated now.

Trevor Lawrence has quietly become the most dangerous thing in football: steady. He’s not chasing headlines or forcing throws for social media highlights. He’s reading defenses, taking what’s there, and punishing mistakes.

Because here’s the truth, the Jaguars aren’t rebuilding anymore. They’re arriving.

That’s how Super Bowl quarterbacks are made. Not with miracles — with patience and Lawrence now looks like a guy who understands that playoff football isn’t about heroics. It’s about survival. And that evolution should scare the rest of the AFC stiff.

This season, Jacksonville has planted its flag firmly in the AFC conversation — not as a cute dark horse, not as a “maybe next year,” but as a team nobody wants to draw in January.

The standings back it up. The eye test backs it up. And for the first time in franchise history, the question isn’t can they compete? — how far can this go?

The AFC is a knife fight this year. Power quarterbacks, veteran defenses, franchises with banners already hanging. That’s the neighborhood. And somehow, the Jaguars aren’t just surviving there — they’re winning.

They’ve handled business in the AFC South, asserting control the old-fashioned way: consistency, discipline, and a refusal to beat themselves. No gimmicks. No smoke. Just a team that shows up prepared and executes.

14 Folio Weekly

Here’s the part casual fans miss: this Jaguars team plays defense with intention. They force turnovers. They close drives.

They make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable in the fourth quarter — the only quarter that truly counts.

Teams that win championships don’t rely on shootouts. They rely on moments — a third-down stop, a tipped pass, a short field. Jacksonville is stacking those moments.

SO… SUPER BOWL? LET’S NOT BE STUPID — BUT LET’S NOT BE BLIND.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, the AFC, and a Very Real Super Bowl Conversation

Photo by Aaron Berkshire

Are the Jaguars the favorites to win the Super Bowl? No. And that’s fine. Favorites lose all the time. But can they win the AFC? Yes. Absolutely yes.

This Jaguars team isn’t borrowing confidence. They’ve earned it. They’re balanced, disciplined, and built for the kind of football that breaks prettier teams.

If Jacksonville locks up the division and earns a home playoff game, everything changes. Momentum matters. Weather matters. Crowd noise matters. Ask any quarterback who’s had to deal with a fired-up Duval crowd when something real is on the line. From there, it’s simple math: win one, then win another. Suddenly, you’re playing for a conference title. Suddenly, the Super Bowl isn’t a fantasy — it’s logistics.

Jacksonville has waited a long time for this moment. And for the first time, hope isn’t reckless — it’s reasonable. The AFC has been warned. Duuuuval isn’t coming. Duuuval is here.

Feature sponsored by

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16 Folio Weekly

Photo by Jet Bailey on Pinterest

Words by Carmen Macri

The Anti-Resolution Resolution It’s that time of year again — when we all pretend that hitting “reset” on Jan. 1 will somehow fix our lives. When we shackle ourselves with an unrealistic set of resolutions that we know we won’t keep past February.

I’m going to eat healthier. I’m going to start going to the gym. I’m going to go out less. I’m going to pick up some obscure hobby. Or the worst: I’m going to start running. Yeah, no thanks.

We set these expectations early on, only to leave ourselves feeling worse off when we inevitably abandon them.

Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I sat down and made a resolution — until a few months ago, when I actually thought about it. Turns out, New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be all pep rallies and high fives.

The idea came to me on my daily commute home from work when I was abruptly and aggressively cut off on the highway. Normally, I’d curse their entire bloodline silently in my car, slinging a long list of curse words that would have my grandma rolling in her grave. I’ve never been one to abuse the horn — other people honking makes me anxious — so I usually keep it to myself. But that day, I thought, f*** it. This idiot just cut me off, so I slammed my hand on the steering wheel. Instant satisfaction.

And just like that, I made my first New Year’s resolution in years: I’m going to start honking more. When it’s necessary, of course.

And that led me down a spiral. Why do we only make “positive” New Year’s resolutions? Why not aim for something actually achievable? So I came up with a list of 10 resolutions that actually feel good — ones that give you instant gratification and won’t make you sign up for a gym membership you’ll forget about two weeks in, only to be haunted by the monthly payment and guilt. Just think about all the money you’ll save.

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Stop biting your tongue and start arguing more Practicing seven seconds of silence has saved my ass more times than I can count. But let’s be real, there have been plenty of moments I wish I’d said something. Times I held back when I should have gone full throttle. Times I wish I’d unleashed the exact level of anger a situation deserved. And I’m willing to bet most of you know that feeling too. So in 2026, stop biting your tongue. When someone crosses the line, don’t hold back — go for the throat.

Stop pretending to be “on time” and embrace being fashionably late Some people just aren’t great at time management, and honestly, that’s fine. Unless you absolutely have to be somewhere on time, like a work meeting or anything job-related, who cares if you’re 10 minutes late? At least you showed up! Yeah, maybe leaving 30 minutes earlier would’ve been smarter, but it’s your life — play it how you want. And if you’re already running late, why not stop and grab a coffee on the way? Might as well enjoy it.

Start saying ‘no’ to plans Sometimes “no” is enough. No need to invent some elaborate, totally unrealistic excuse for why you don’t want to grab drinks on a Thursday night. Just say “no.” And if you reluctantly agreed a few days ago when your mood was better? No shame in bailing at the last minute. “Hey, sorry, I just don’t want to go anymore.”

Perfectly fine. I respect it — because I do it all the time. No shame in the game. This does not include big plans that are detrimental to maintaining friendships. Don’t be an ass.

Stop pretending to like people you don’t like This isn’t a free pass to be mean — unless it’s deserved, then by all means, go for it. But we’ve all had that one person in a friend group who makes you wonder how anyone actually enjoys being around them. Don’t like them? Dislike them unapologetically.

Who cares. Why waste your time on people you couldn’t care less about? Screw protecting the peace.

Spend more weekends rotting I fall into this trap all the time. Worked all week, finally get a weekend to myself, and suddenly feel like I have to do something because, you know, I earned it. Wrong. It’s perfectly fine to stay in bed for 48 hours straight, ordering DoorDash for every meal. Just because it’s sunny outside and your friends are out doesn’t mean you have to be. It’s OK to do nothing, rot a little, and not feel bad about it. Just remember to shower.

18 Folio Weekly

Flirt more Put yourself out there — what’s the worst that can happen? They say “no”? Big deal. Flirting is a game, and getting flirted with is the jackpot. See someone cute at the bar? Don’t wait for them to make a move; storm their world first. Throw out the most ridiculous pick-up lines you can think of. Be outrageous. Be bold. Have fun.

Stop apologizing for things you don’t regret If you’re going to say something, say it with your chest. Ruffle a few feathers while you’re at it. Who cares. You’re speaking up about what matters to you — no apologies needed. There are obvious stipulations to this resolution, but use it as you see fit. I’m not a cop.

Be more annoying Talk loudly at a restaurant. Laugh even louder. Dance in public. Belt out a song stuck in your head. Tell terrible jokes and be your own target audience. As long as you’re laughing, who cares if anyone else is?

Pull more pranks What happened to the art of pranks? Where did the whoopee cushion go? Why aren’t we Saran-wrapping doorways and calling our friends out of their rooms for a fake “emergency”? Putting ketchup packets under toilet seats? Swapping sugar for salt? Where did the whimsy go?

Sing more karaoke Oh, you’re too shy? Too embarrassed to get on stage and butcher your favorite song? Grow up. Get over yourself, grab that mic, and while you’re at it, throw in a choreographed dance. There’s something insanely freeing about standing in front of a room full of strangers and singing a song no one else likes.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Honk more If someone is driving like it’s their first time behind the wheel, let ’em know.

Don’t respond to stupid texts No excuses needed. If it’s that important, they can call — but it’s probably not.

Overuse sarcasm Because why not?

•

•

St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster

•

Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.

House, 6 p.m

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Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

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V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.

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Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.

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Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.

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Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.

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9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards,

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Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.

7 p.m.

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Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.

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Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.

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Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia),

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Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park,

TRIVIA

MONDAYS

7 p.m.

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Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–River City/Northside,

7:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS •

Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

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Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.

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Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.

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The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

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Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.

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Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.

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Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS

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Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.

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St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.

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Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.

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Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (mu-

•

Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.

sic bingo), 6:30 p.m.

•

Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine,

•

Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

•

Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint,

•

Mellow Mushroom–Avondale,

• •

V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.

•

The Back 40, 7 p.m.

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Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

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Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach,

•

Gator’s Dockside–Oakleaf, (music bingo),

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

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Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.

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Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine,

•

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boule-

7 p.m.

vard, 7 p.m.

•

V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

Island Wing Company–Bartram,

•

V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.

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Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.

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Veterans United Craft Brewery,

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Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

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Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood,

•

7 p.m.

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Burrito Gallery–Town Center (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island,

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My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.

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Players Grille, 7 p.m.

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Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.

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Southern Grill, 7 p.m.

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Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine,

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Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

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Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.

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V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.

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Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

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VooSwar, 7 p.m.

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King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

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Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St.

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Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m

Johns, 7 p.m.

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Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

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Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.

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The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia),

•

Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

20 Folio Weekly

King Maker Brewing (name that tune),

7:30 p.m.

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Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

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Root Down (music trivia), 9 p.m.

* all games are general knowledge unless stated otherwise

THURSDAYS •

Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.

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Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.

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Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings– Nocatee (name that tune), 7 p.m.

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Justice Pub (music bingo), 7 p.m.

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Island Wing Company–Southside (music bingo), 7 p.m.

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Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.

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Miller’s Ale House–Avenues, 7 p.m.

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Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.

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The Stout Snug, 7 p.m.

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V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 p.m.

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Burrito Gallery–Brooklyn (’80s, ’90s & 2000s), 7:30 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings– St. Aug, 7:30 p.m.

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Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.

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V Pizza–San Marco, 7:30 p.m.

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Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 8 p.m.

FRIDAYS •

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 6 p.m.

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Time Out Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.

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Engine 15 Brewing, 7 p.m.

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MVP’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

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Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS •

Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.

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VooSwar, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

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Dick’s Wings–San Pablo (pop culture), 7p.m.

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Ink Factory Brewing (name that tune), 7 p.m.

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Bottlenose Brewing (name that tune),

ETC. 7:30 p.m.

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22 Folio Weekly

Folio’s Film Awards Words by Harry Straussman

As awards season looms with the new year, this year’s gold rush appears to have been decided before it even began, with the academy poised to anoint a revered artist who has made their most commercial, but still admired, film yet. Paul Thomas Anderson appears destined not to go the way of Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch or numerous other luminary filmmakers who were never awarded the industry’s highest prize, as his contemporary epic “One Battle After Another” looks to be an inevitable victor in multiple categories this year. Anderson has virtually sewn up the Best Picture and Director races, while Teyana Taylor will be difficult for anyone to topple from the Supporting Actress podium, and it remains to be seen if Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro cancel each other out if someone not in the film’s ensemble is hoping to walk away with the Supporting Actor statuette.

If you’re looking for an engaging race during awards season, look to this year’s best actor category, which has become a showdown between a student and his sensei. The prognosticator consensus is that the competition has boiled down to an intergenerational battle between two wispy-boy stars, Timmy and Leo face off as the leads of a pair of acclaimed thrillers, with Chalamet having drawn raves in Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” as DiCaprio did in the aforementioned “One Battle.” As for Best Actress, “Hamnet”’s Jessie Buckley has been tipped as the frontrunner since it was announced that Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel would be adapted into a film.

No major contender has emerged to rival Buckley, a widely respected actress who I hear (since I didn’t get a chance to see “Hamnet” because it only played for like a week here. What’s up with that, Cinemark?) gives a predictably moving performance, but watch out for Jennifer Lawrence, who is hitting the campaign hard for her critically lauded performance in “Die My Love.” Otherwise, the safe prediction is leaning toward “One Battle After Another” in any category it ends up being nominated in, such is the groundswell of adoration toward the movie in both the industry and critics circles. But enough about who may or may not win a glorious Oscar or a cheap Golden Globe, it’s time for the awards ceremony that matters second most around here: the Folio Film Awards, earnestly nicknamed as the Harrys. See the winners of our traditional and unique categories below.

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Best Picture:

“One Battle After Another.” It may be the boring choice, but it’s also the easiest choice. A luxuriously lengthened film that doesn’t waste a minute and moves like a Mustang speeding down a barren desert road.

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.” Well, of course, he won, who else would?

Best Actress:

Emma Stone in “Bugonia.” Stone has gone from strength to strength throughout her career and is considered by many to be among the finest leading performers of her generation. In “Bugonia,” she continues her fruitful working relationship with writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos in this sci-fi tinged black comedy that is arguably their most successful collaboration yet. Stone gives a committed, dramatic performance that utilizes her comedic sensibilities, which brought her much recognition in the earlier stages of her career.

Best Actor:

Michael B. Jordan in “Sinners.” Not only did he lead the film in a deceptively subtle dual role that would have easily fallen flat in the hands of many other actors, but in an era where Hollywood has been crying out for leads who can draw crowds, Jordan definitively showed why he should be at the top of every executive’s wish list.

Best Screenplay:

“Weapons” by Zach Cregger. I am nearly certain that hundreds of young screenwriters hit the typewriter hard after walking out of this original and unpredictable horror epic.

Best Scene:

The party in a time machine in “Sinners.” I don’t think anybody could have seen this majestically constructed scene coming during their first watch of Ryan Coogler’s period piece horror film. But as the director himself said of the transcendent moment, where else but the movies could you see something like that?

Best Kiss:

David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Superman and Lois Lane. These two had more chemistry than any of the Avengers had with their girlfriends. An honorable mention to “One Battle”’s Teyana Taylor and Leonardo DiCaprio, who looked like he actually enjoyed kissing someone he didn’t have to give pointers to.

Best Line:

“…I’ll leave you guys with this; we should still be in Afghanistan, and I don’t know why we pulled out the way that we did” from “Friendship.” Maybe the funniest line in any movie for the past 10 years.

Best SZA in “One of Them Days.” A competitive category this year with Ariana Grande and A$AP Rocky also Performance in the mix. But SZA is the winner here in a very capable comic turn that opens a new lane for her. The by a Musician: Weeknd was not considered.

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Best Actress to Derail Their Momentum by Getting Knocked Up by an Athlete Right After Starring in the Biggest Hit of Their Career: Hailee Steinfeld – I’m sure her manager is thrilled!

The Who Keeps Hiring This Guy Award: Jared Leto in “Tron: Ares.” While actors can sometimes be credited with a “With” or an “And” in a film’s billing, it should be a requirement that Leto always be tagged with a “But” whenever he’s in a cast.

Best Nepo Baby:

Jack Quaid, for having Meg Ryan’s good side and none of Jack Quaid’s right side.

Worst Nepo Baby: Nick Reiner, coming out of nowhere to snatch this award from Dakota Johnson.

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THEATER/DANCE/FILM

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JAN. 2

JAN. 16-25

Brass Transit: The Musical Lega-

“Theory of Relativity”

cy of Chicago

The Island Theater, Fleming

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Island

alhambrajax.com

theislandtheater.com

JAN. 3

JAN. 21

Dionne Warwick Show

Grant

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Wild World of Animals

alhambrajax.com

Jacksonville Center for the

Kemmerer

&

Friends:

Performing Arts JAN. 8-15

jaxevents.com

“Menopause The Musical” Alhambra Theatre & Dining

JAN. 22

alhambrajax.com

Blue Man Group Jacksonville Center for the

JAN. 9-11

Performing Arts

“Ann”

jaxevents.com

Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

JAN. 28 Geoff Tate’s Operation:

JAN. 9-18

Mindcrime

“Trail to Oregon”

Florida Theatre

Orange Park Community Theatre

floridatheatre.com

opct.info JAN. 29-FEB. 15 JAN. 15

“I Love You, You’re Perfect,

Tango After Dark

Now Change”

Florida Theatre

Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine

floridatheatre.com

limelight-theatre.org

JAN. 16

“Mamma Mia”

Story Slam: The Messy Middle

Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fer-

BABS’ LAB

nandina Beach

barbaracolaciello.com

ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

JAN. 16-19

JAN. 30-FEB. 15

Ringling Bros. and Barnum &

“Dear Evan Hansen”

Bailey presents The Greatest

Players by the Sea

Show On Earth

playersbythesea.org

Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

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Words by Carmen Macri

2025 Books in Review 2025 was a huge year for book lovers, and whether you’ve been living under a rock or just starting your reading journey, I’ve got you covered with the best books of 2025.

I’ll admit, I fell a bit short of my 100-book goal this year — but don’t worry, I’m still more than qualified to write this.

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For our romantasy lovers:

This is my wheelhouse, so, yes — some bias will sneak into these reviews… I have a lot to say. But if you can set that aside and trust my impeccable taste, we’re good to go.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” (“The Hunger Games”) “Sunrise on the Reaping” is Suzanne Collins’ 2025 prequel to “The Hunger Games,” taking us 24 years before the original series. It dives into the 50th Hunger Games — the second Quarter Quell — where twice the usual number of tributes are thrown into the arena. The story follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he fights not just for survival, but for love, all while navigating the deadly games and the Capitol’s tight grip. This is also the most anticipated movie of 2026.

“The Knight and the Moth” (“The Stonewater Kingdom,” #1) “The Knight and the Moth” kicks off Rachel Gillig’s gothic romantasy series, “The Stonewater Kingdom.” It follows Diviner Sybil as she teams up with a heretical knight, Rory, to track down her missing sisters. Set against a world full of powerful gods and dream-based magic, the story mixes enemies-to-lovers tension (YES!) with mystery, intrigue and unforgettable atmosphere.

Gilllig’s previous duology, “The Shepherd King,” was the only series I confidently rated 5 stars. She is arguably one of the most talented authors of this generation.

“Onyx Storm” (“The Empyrean,” #3) “What did you do?”

“What you asked me to.”

Rabecca Yarros destroyed me. Truly. I cried for days.

Following “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame,” “Onyx Storm” throws Violet Sorrengail further into danger as she ventures beyond her home to find allies. There are deadly secrets, cutthroat politics and battles that keep escalating, all wrapped up in rich dragon lore and even deeper magic. And yes… Xaden Riorson. I’m not kidding — I’m in love with him. The tension, the banter, the moments that make you swoon… this book nails it, building on relationships we already obsess over while giving us even more.

“Fearless” (“The Powerless Trilogy,” #3) Lauren Robberts knows what the girlies want. And what the girlies want is a morally gray MMC with incredible banter. And she delivered. Again.

This one follows ordinary-born Paedyn Gray as she returns to the Kingdom of Ilya, torn between a political marriage to King Kit and following her heart with Kai Azer.

The kingdom itself is a mess — war-torn, divided between Elites and Ordinaries — and Paedyn’s choices carry huge stakes. Love, loyalty, sacrifice… It’s all on the line, and the tension doesn’t let up until the very last page.

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“Shield of Sparrows” (“Shield of Sparrows,” #1) “Shield of Sparrows” is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy that will have you hooked from the first page. Think enemies-to-lovers sparks (there is clearly a theme here), monsters lurking in a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess who rips off her crown to become the warrior she was always meant to be. If you love Sarah J. Maas or Rebecca Yarros, this one’s going to destroy you in the best way.

“The Primal of Blood and Bone” (“Blood and Ash,” #6) I just finished the “Flesh and Fire” prequel series and am diving back into the “Blood and Ash” books, so I can hit this one with a fresh mind. And let me tell you… buckle up. You’re not ready for what’s coming.

This one picks up Poppy’s story as she and Casteel face the terrifying return of the Great Conspirator and other awakened gods. It’s all about impossible choices, ancient powers and a destiny where new gods rise from blood and ash. Dark, intense and completely unputdownable.

Plain Ol’ Fiction: “Great Big Beautiful Life” A romance-meets-historical-fiction twist from Emily Henry, set in a fictional Georgia town, where two journalists are thrown into a competitive scramble to write the biography of reclusive former heiress Margaret Ives. Along the way, they’re untangling her secrets — and their own messy history. It’s a sharp left turn from Henry’s usual romance-forward lane, folding in mystery, family drama, and just enough longing to keep things emotionally charged.

“Mona’s Eyes” “Mona’s Eyes” is a quietly powerful bestseller from French author Thomas Schlesser, following a young girl facing the very real possibility of losing her sight. Over the course of a year, Mona and her grandfather make their way through Paris museums, standing before 52 masterpieces and committing beauty to memory before it slips away. It’s tender, reflective, and ultimately about art as survival.

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Mystery and Thriller: “The Secret of Secrets” “The Secret of Secrets” is Dan Brown’s sixth Robert Langdon outing, dropping the symbologist into a globe-hopping chase through Prague, London and New York.

This time, the stakes are personal: Langdon is searching for Katherine Solomon— a noetic scientist whose radical research into consciousness has put a powerful organization on her trail. It’s classic Brown: big ideas, shadowy forces and a ticking clock wrapped in history and intrigue.

“The Intruder” Freida McFadden simply does not miss. She is the godmother of mystery and thriller.

“The Intruder” is a high-stakes psychological thriller that wastes no time pulling you in. When Casey, alone in her isolated cabin as a hurricane bears down, opens the door to find a blood-soaked girl clutching a knife, things go off the rails fast. What follows is a claustrophobic spiral of suspense, sharp turns, and one seriously dark secret that flips everything you thought you knew on its head.

Sci-fi and Fantasy (not to be confused with romantasy): “Alchemised” GIVE SENLINYU HER FLOWERS. A dark fantasy debut with a serious gothic edge, this novel drops you into a war-ravaged world run by necromancers and rotten guilds. At the center is Helena Marino, a former alchemist with no memory of who she was, now a prisoner under the watch of the terrifying High Reeve. As she claws her way toward the truth of her past, the story digs into war, oppression, and what power really costs — bloody, brutal and impossible to look away from.

“The Strength of the Few” The highly anticipated follow-up to James Islington’s “The Will of the Many,” this next chapter in the “Hierarchy” quartet throws Vis back into the fire — this time carrying a secret powerful enough to tear history apart across dimensions. Bigger stakes, deeper consequences, and the kind of slow-burn tension that makes putting the book down feel impossible.

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Horror: “Never Flinch: A Novel” This list simply would not exist without our king of horror, Stephen King.

“Never Flinch” is Stephen King doing what he does best — slow dread, big stakes and a familiar face. Holly Gibney returns to chase down a killer promising to take out “thirteen innocents and one guilty,” all while moonlighting as a bodyguard for a feminist activist with a dangerous stalker. Two seemingly separate threads, tightening page by page, until they collide in a nerve-shredding finish.

“King Sorrow: A Novel” “King Sorrow” is Joe Hill in full horror mode. A group of college friends make one very bad decision — summoning a demon dragon to fix a problem — and end up locked into a years-long deal from hell. Every year, the creature comes to collect its price, and the cost only gets uglier. It’s about friendship, regret and the kind of bargain you never, ever outrun.

“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” is a brutal, razor-sharp work of historical horror from Stephen Graham Jones. It follows a Blackfeet man turned vampire, driven by revenge for the genocide of his people, especially the systematic slaughter of the buffalo. Told through a discovered diary and confessional interviews, the novel blends history and horror into something furious, mournful and unforgettable.

Romance (regular and boring): “Problematic Summer Romance” A contemporary romance that’s equal parts heat and heart. Maya, a 23-year-old grad student, gets stranded at a Sicilian destination wedding with her brother’s 38-year-old best friend, Conor. Sparks fly, boundaries blur and a summer fling takes off despite the obvious age gap and power imbalance. Packed with witty banter, a stunning Italian backdrop, and a spicy mix of romance, female agency and workplace drama, it hits all the tropes you secretly love.

“Say You’ll Remember Me” A contemporary romance that hits you right in the feels. Samantha and Xavier spark the instant they meet at his veterinary clinic, a connection too electric to ignore — but life has other plans. Just as things ignite, Samantha has to move across the country to care for her mother, who’s battling dementia, turning their perfect timing into a heartbreaking challenge.

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Honorable Mentions:

“Brimstone” Callie Hart isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel with the “QuickSilver” sequel, but it’s a fun ride for what it is.

“Heated Rivalry” and “The Long Game” HEAR ME OUT. Neither of these books actually dropped in 2025, and they’re not even the first in their series. But the show just premiered, and I am officially obsessed. Gay hockey, you guys!

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INVESTING IN CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS Celebrating the completion of the City of Jacksonville’s history-making milestone, the first-ever piloted Individual Artist Grant Program. This strategic allocation of operating dollars demonstrated the undeniable value of supporting creative entrepreneurs directly, fueling the Northeast Florida workforce, strengthening Jacksonville’s ability to retain and attract top talent, and enhancing small creative businesses.

This pilot program demonstrates real impact into the City of Jacksonville’s economic bottom line and real incentive for private funders to partner in elevating the creative workforce through ongoing professional development opportunities, optimizing financial literacy, and matchmaking innovation with destination builders.

60 ARTISTS

$10,000 EACH Professional Development Session Marketing & Public Relations

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Invest in Jacksonville’s Future. More Art. More Culture. More For You. culturalcouncil.org/donate As the City of Jacksonville’s premier Local Arts Agency, 92¢ of every dollar the Cultural Council stewarded went back into the creative economy last year.

For more information about public and private grants administered by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville visit culturalcouncil.org

More Than a Crown: How Mrs. Florida Petite Is Fighting for Those Without a Voice Words by Emily Roles

It has been nine months since Devyani Griffith won the Mrs. Florida Petite Pageant, and since then, she’s gained more than a title — she’s gained a platform. And she’s using it to speak for those who cannot.

Griffith has made animal advocacy the center of her reign, focusing on responsible pet ownership and local rescue support. She says the role has allowed her to amplify causes she has cared about long before stepping onstage.

Her advocacy took shape after volunteering at the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), where she first witnessed the effects of chronic overcrowding.“I visited the JHS shelters and the ACPS shelter, where I first noticed the overcrowding. The shelter had to keep two dogs in a small kennel. Seeing how the volunteers worked to get all the dogs adopted impacted me.

When people are abandoning their pets at an alarming rate, I knew in that moment I would never purchase a pet, and I now advocate to everyone I meet.”

Animal advocates say the issue is essential to address, especially during the holiday season, when pets are often given as gifts.

Many may not be financially or emotionally prepared for the responsibilities, and frequently return those “gifts” to already full shelters. “This is the time of year when we see the most pets adopted, which makes shelters very happy. In January, they see the most people around them who have abandoned the same pets or are returning the same pets because the charm wears off very quickly. “ Griffith said.

Support your local shelters by donating through their programs, contacting them for volunteer opportunities and using social media to rally community participation. Every effort makes a difference.

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The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org

Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com Gallery 725 gallery725.com Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu

Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com

First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org

Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com

Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com

Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu

Hillary Whitaker Gallery ​​h whitakergallery.com

St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org

Jacksonville Main Library tacjacksonville.org

Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com

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Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org Touché Gallery touchegallery.com The Unicat instagram.com/the_unicat_jax

THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE

University of North Florida unf.edu/gallery The Vault at 330 thevaultat1930.com Yellow House yellowhouseart.org

Art Walk Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org Fernandina Beach Arts Market Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com

SCAN HERE

ONGOING

BENISE & PAVLO | JANUARY 15, 2026 LIVE at the WJCT Soundstage

St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. staaa.org Vilano Beach Artisan Market Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road. facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial

SCAN HERE

Riverside Arts Market Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday — rain or shine — from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com

JESSE COOK | January 23, 2026 LIVE at the WJCT Soundstage

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Words & photos by Ambar Ramirez

The face behind Middle Path Tarot

Curious and Mythical: Sophie Santos “My name is Sophie, which means wisdom. And no, I don’t claim to be wise. I am someone who has always been spurred by an interest and curiosity and philosophy. That is just something that I think is kind of a core part of my personality, the desire and love of learning.”

Each morning, before the day fully settles in, Sophie Santos reaches for her tarot deck. The first ritual of her day is a single card pulled in quiet reflection. Today, it’s the Ten of Wands—a card tied to astrological timing and cycles coming to a close. Santos laughs at the synchronicity. With the year winding down, she finds herself thinking about what has been carried, what is nearing completion, and which long-simmering projects are finally beginning to take shape.

Tarot, however, hasn’t always been part of Santos’ daily rhythm, nor was it something she once believed in. Until the age of 26, Santos was a Jehovah’s Witness, fully immersed in the religion she had been raised in.

“As I kind of alluded to, tarot came during a very painful and destabilizing part of my life. You know, I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. I very much consider that a high-control organization. I was fully immersed in that world, in that religion for my entire life,” Santos shared. “And, I think, when you leave any kind of experience where you have really effectively upended everything, you know to be true, it does leave you with a lot of questions.”

At her core, Santos is deeply curious — someone drawn toward asking questions, even when answers feel just out of reach. That curiosity may have closed certain doors, but for her, it opened far more.

She credits that instinctive pull toward understanding as what eventually led her to tarot.

Long before tarot entered her life, Santos had been fascinated by psychology. Despite it being considered taboo within her religious upbringing, she attended therapy on and off, quietly nurturing an

interest that would later guide her forward. Once she was able to pursue her education freely, she dove more deeply into psychology and philosophy. When tarot entered the picture alongside these studies, she began to recognize striking parallels, shared language in symbolic archetypes, the imaginal and the subconscious mind.

“It really did become something that helped me start to anchor and understand myself better. And it also started to feel really like something that gave me kind of a portal or a keyhole into my own practice, like whether or not you would call that religious or spiritual or even just like, you know, having a practice like I have something that I did daily for myself, and it really opened up my world in a way that I don’t think anything else that I’d done to try to help myself did,” Santos said.

When Santos’s external authority, or rather, her belief in one, collapsed, tarot offered her a way to build something new. In its place, she learned to become her own authority, her own guide. She became her own hierophant.

“That kind of brings me to one of the cards in the Major Arcana, this card called the Hierophant, and it’s a very intimidating card. It relates to religious authority, and in this particular version of the card, it literally depicts a pope. It shows this vision of an external authority or someone with a hierarchical view that mediates the divine,” Santos said, pointing to the card. “And I think that for many people like myself, who have religious trauma and have experiences of being pinned by institutions, this can be a very provocative image. And I think that just in trying to better understand this particular card, you know, not to tell the story of it, but like the application of that idea, it really did kind of turn me on to this idea of being one’s own hierophant, being one’s own arbiter, or connection to truth if you want to call it that.”

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“I think that’s probably the biggest thing that tarot has taught me. Just an interconnectivity of all things.”

Over time, Santos found herself repeatedly pulling cards like the Hierophant, as well as darker, more confronting imagery like the Devil and symbols once loaded with fear. She didn’t just have to look at these cards; she had to sit with them, to confront what they stirred internally. As she slowly disentangled their meanings from the rigid interpretations of her past, the images lost their power over her, and in that space, she found power within herself.

“I think that’s also just another thing I want to add about tarot is that it can make us question why we’re feeling triggered or provoked. There’s a charge around, and it’s like, if you really think about this, this is a piece of paper, it is, you know, a piece of art,” Santos shared. “And so if I see this and I really, like, frown or I feel disgusted or upset, it does give me an opportunity to reflect. And I think that’s something that can be deeply empowering — being able to be the one who reflects on your own emotions and your own internal state.”

Santos began offering tarot readings only after sitting on the other side of the table herself. While learning the cards, she sought out readings from others, often leaving with a hollow feeling — as if something essential had been missed, as if the cards had spoken at her rather than with her. It was from that quiet dissatisfaction that Middle Path Tarot emerged.

She doesn’t consider herself an astrologer, nor is she deeply tethered to horoscopes or chart interpretations, but she’s quick to acknowledge the irony embedded in the name of her practice. As a Sagittarius, Middle Path Tarot aligns almost too perfectly with the symbolism and themes associated with her birth sign. To Santos, Sagittarius embodies the middle path, the middle way—an esoteric current within tarot that moves between extremes, acting as a bridge rather than a destination. That liminal space, where opposites meet and tension softens into understanding, is exactly what she hoped to create when she first began reading for others.

“I always tell people I know the cards, but you know your life,” Santos said.

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Getting my cards read:

Where I am: The Lovers

Tarot became a bridge for Santos, a bridge that brought her closer to herself. She continues that by being a bridge for others. A lot of the time, when someone sits across from her for the first time, she recognizes that they just want answers, validation and clarity. Sitting in the unknown is where most are uncomfortable and Santos uses tarot to soothe those aches.

“I think most of us are looking to hear what we already know externalized from someone else. And I think one of the beautiful things about tarot is that I speak to a lot of people who are strangers, and for that reason alone, it can be even more impactful that they’re hearing the thing that they’ve already known or understood their, you know, higher self say, or their inner voice or their conscience,” Santos said. “Even if it feels like a cliché answer, we are all looking for validation and reassurance. And that is, I think, you know, the most common questions are matters of our path, are we doing the right thing? Are we making the right decision? You know, is this the correct choice?”

Santos typically takes a Jungian psychological approach when it comes to tarot reading. After she herself had readings where the tarot reader told her things about her life, Santos takes a hands-off approach; she wants you to find your own path.

“I think approaching things from a more psychological and also a more mythic perspective gives us two opportunities. One, from a psychological perspective, it’s a lot about what is within our control, what is within our power,” Santos explained. “And then from the mythic standpoint, I think the tarot gives us an opportunity to see our lives in a greater scale than just the myopic, workaday world.

Yes, there are cards that you relate to, things in the world for money and the stresses that we have, or even family dynamics. But there are also cards that represent the hero’s journey or represent, you know, sages and magicians and people who we can embody if we choose to live as a person who fits in our lives.”

I didn’t necessarily have anything on my mind when it came time to read my cards. So Santos offered me a few options as to how we could go about my reading as I shuffled the deck. One of her go-to spreads is a straightforward check-in that examines where a person currently is, where they want or need to be, and what steps might bridge that gap. Another approach focuses on balance, reading the cards through the lens of mind, body and spirit.

These frameworks can also be understood in more traditional tarot terms—past, present, and future.

I chose option one. Where I am, where I want to be and how to get there.

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“I really love this card because it is one of the cards in the tarot that I think most people like feel excited to see. I think that, first of all, it has this obvious and beautiful connotation of romantic love and of meeting or connecting with someone deeply. But ultimately, the lovers and the tarot really models for us how in the human life we have, the experience and just through a traditional like masculine-feminine, if you’re comfortable with those terms, the idea of polarity, the idea of opposites, that’s kind of a deeper layer of the lovers card.

This card gets at the question of what makes me, me and what makes you you, and also what makes me still me. So as you can probably also gather, what this card shows is the story in Genesis of Adam and Eve. And there really is this interesting depiction where you notice there are two trees, the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. This immediate connotation of choice happens. That is sometimes the deeper kind of territory that we’re working with when we see this card, especially for this to be where we’re at. This can represent being in a part of our life where we’re starting to make contact with the other aspects of self and to bring them into a full and complete integration, and might not be there yet, but there’s kind of an offer. The thing about this card that’s really fascinating is the angel that presides over them represents the idea that we do have the capacity to make the right choice. All human beings have a conscience, have a sense of morality, have an ability to choose the right thing.

And so part of what this can reaffirm is that you do know the right thing. You do know the next step. You can trust yourself.

So here’s the moment that we use our wise mind to discern what it is that we want best. So it’s an exciting place to be.”

Where I want/need to be: Three of Cups

“Here, I think we are bringing in the heart to the mind, and we’re able to feel good about our actions. This card, I have an association with it, being a keyword, emotional intelligence.

So that’s why I just re-emphasize what I said about this (The Lovers card) because it’s a really interesting transition when you think about that. So here I think the image actually shows the kind of fecundity and relationship and happiness that can come when we simply apply a little bit of practicing what we preach or just applying what we know. Because I think for most of us, there’s an understanding of, like, the right path or the right thing to do, but it’s really that the application of it is that much harder. And I mean, personally, I can say, at least from my experience, it’s because the emotion is much more overwhelming than the intellect. So here I think we befriend the emotion. We put it in alignment with the intellect, and we begin the slow but steady process of being able to be in that space and to also expand. The other thing is there’s a real deep creativity. Obviously, I have the advantage of knowing that you’re a writer. I associate the cups too, with things like songwriting, painting, anything that’s like this kind of highly emotive expression.”

How to get there: Queen of Swords

“Oh, and we have the Queen of Swords, this is like all heart and mind.

The Queen is part of a court card succession in the tarot. That starts with the Page, The Knight, The Queen and The King. The Queen is always elemental water, and she’s the queen of the element of air.

So the swords are in the tarot, the element of air, they’re the intellect, the mind, they are communication. They are things like marketing, writing, you know, doing things on computers, things that allow us to engage the intellect, which is a lot of what we’ve been talking about. So here we have the person who guards the heart, who’s also the intellect, and we really see what happens when we put those two things together. And how I perceive the actual imagery here is that it means that we don’t show all sides of ourselves at once. We allow ourselves to have boundaries. She so clearly demonstrates, like, I’m on my throne, I’m seated, I’m comfortable, I am stable, and you can approach me, but I’m only going to show you part of my face. And I have a sword up and I have the strength and ability to use it. And I also think there’s this kind of way of like she’s holding control. And so within that, I think it does actually kind of ask you if how you get through is to kind of be unrelenting and being able to confront and negotiate your emotions. This can really, like, actively look like doing deep work around things like therapy, excavating our past, writing letters to parts of ourselves. It could also simply mean having a willingness to shut the door on other things that distract us or prevent us from being able to be focused and intelligent. And, the last thing I’ll say about that is that we have these little pumpkins growing here, indicating this bounty and goodness. In a way that’s very much like we have everything we need. And her sword is the instrument that allows her to tell the land of the seeds. But first, she has to actually dead the brush. So that can also be part of what makes this happen.”

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CO M E DY

JAN. 2 Friday Night Live Third Space Improv 3rdspaceimprov.com JAN. 2-3 Rodney Perry Comedy Zone comedyzone.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE, SO ARE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. Email teresa@folioweekly.com or call us at 904-239-5736

JAN. 3 Knock Knockers Comedy & Burlesque Showcase 3rd Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com JAN. 9 Substance & Style Comedy The Emerald Vine Room eventbrite.com Classic Comedy Night Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com JAN 9-10 First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com JAN. 9-11 Mike Epps Comedy Zone comedyzone.com JAN. 10 Third Space Two-Year Anniversary Show Third Space Improv, St. Augustine eventbrite.com Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, S. Augustine magichideaway.com JAN. 11 Rooftop Comedy Show with Charlie Mac Southbank Riverwalk Hotel eventbrite.com JAN. 15-17 Bubba Dub Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

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JAN. 16 Bored Teachers Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

JAN. 24 Ali Siddiq Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

Drag Bingo With a Comedy Twist Third Space Improv, St. Augustine eventbrite.com

Comedy after Dark Hurricane Grill & Wings, Neptune Beach eventbrite.com

JAN. 16-17 First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

Magic Hideaway With Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com Spill the Tea: Fresh Brewed Comedy Third Space Improv, St. Augustine eventbrite.com

JAN. 17 KISS Comedy Show Southbank Hotel eventbrite.com

The Third Space Saturday Spectacular Third Space Improv, St. Augustine eventbrite.com

JAN. 31 Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com Friday Night Live Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

Magician Asi Wind Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

JAN. 26 Hampton Inn Comedy Spill Hampton Inn Oceanfront, Jacksonville Beach eventbrite.com

JAN. 18 Wyatt Feegrado Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

JAN. 28 Gabriel Rutledge Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com

JAN. 19 Wyatt Feegrado Southbank Riverwalk Hotel eventbrite.com

JAN. 29-31 Arnez J Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

JAN. 22 Salt Cave Comedy Show Earth Salt Stone eventbrite.com

JAN. 30 Legends of Laughter Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

JAN. 23-25 DeRay Davis Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

JAN. 30-31 First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

JAN. 25 Reza, Edge of Illusion Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

Mind Magic LIVE with Mentalist Joshua Seth MOCA Jacksonville eventbrite.com

JAN. 23-24 First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

Comedy and Cocktails The Grove at Orange Park Country Club eventbrite.com

& Magic

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NEW MUSIC RELEASES

JAN. 9

Made For You By Ambar Ramirez

ALTER BRIDGE

THE KID LAROI

ZACH BRYAN

“ALTER BRIDGE” (SELF-TITLED)

“BEFORE I FORGET”

“WITH HEAVEN ON TOP”

Discovered at just 13 in 2016, The Kid LAROI quickly emerged as a global force. The Australian singer, rapper, and songwriter — known for his emotionally raw lyrics and melodic blend of pop, hip-hop and alt-R&B — has collaborated with artists like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. He’s spent the last four months shaping his fourth studio album, “BEFORE I FORGET,” continuing to evolve his confessional, hook-driven sound.

After nine years in the Navy, Zach Bryan recorded a raw, acoustic album with fellow sailors in a one-bedroom Airbnb in Jacksonville— an unassuming beginning that changed his life and launched a coast-to-coast recording career. Nostalgia runs through every chapter of his songwriting, a defining thread across his catalog. His upcoming release follows the massive success of his self-titled record and “The Great American Bar Scene.”

Formed in 2004 by four lifelong friends from Florida, Alter Bridge has spent two decades

JAN. 16

building a hard rock legacy. Now an international force, selling out arenas and surpassing a billion streams, the band continues to push forward with their bold, self-titled eighth studio album.

A$AP ROCKY

MADISON BEER

“DON’T BE DUMB”

“LOCKET”

Harlem-born A$AP Rocky is a multi-hyphenate artist, entrepreneur and fashion icon. After working with some of the industry’s biggest names, he’s spent the last three years keeping fans guessing with cryptic teasers for “DON’T BE DUMB”. With an album cover designed

by Tim Burton and early hints — like a standout 2022 collaboration with a superproducer — Rocky has offered glimpses into a bold, experimental sound that’s been years in the making.

Madison Beer is a platinum-selling, two-time Grammy–nominated singer, songwriter, producer, author and social media force, known for her uncompromising authenticity. With singles “Yes Baby” and “Bittersweet” already released, she’s giving her audience of millions a glimpse into the intimate, polished pop sound of her upcoming album, Locket.

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JAN. 23

LOUIS TOMLINSON “HOW DID I GET HERE?”

JAN. 30

I don’t think he needs an introduction, but just in case, Louis Tomlinson was a member of the infamous boy band, One Direction. He’s always been a storyteller, and with his third full-length album, he’s finally getting the space to tell his story. As he’s said, this is the record he’s always deserved to make. Listeners can expect a new side of Tomlinson as he pushes himself as a lyricist and songwriter, holding nothing back.

JOYCE MANOR

LABRINTH

“I USED TO GO TO THIS BAR”

“COSMIC OPERA ACT I”

California pop-punk mainstays Joyce Manor return with their seventh studio album. Known for their raw, fast-paced songs and emotionally blunt lyrics, the trio built a cult following with tracks like “Constant Headache,” their most beloved anthem. “I Used To Go To This Bar” continues the band’s evolution, tapping into new approaches to songcraft while keeping the urgency, distortion, and confessional bite fans expect — short, sharp songs that hit hard and don’t overstay their welcome.

Labrinth is a multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer and composer, best known for shaping the sound of HBO’s “Euphoria,” one of 2019’s most defining shows. (He also earned an Emmy for “All For Us,” winning Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.) His music feels like stepping into a coming-of-age film where bright colors meet intimate, sometimes dark themes. “COSMIC OPERA ACT I” promises to expand that world even further, leaning into grandeur, vulnerability and atmosphere.

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What’s Happening in Springfield?

Springfield is the Front Porch of Jacksonville and home to to an incredible community of artists, creatives, small businesses, and eclectic shops. Find out what’s happening in Springfield in 2026 and save the date for the signature events that make this neighborhood such a gem.

FEBRUARY 7

SPARDI GRAS IN SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK

MARCH 14

ST. PATRICK’S DAY ALLEYWAY ACTIVATION

APRIL 25-26

HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS FOURTH OF JULY THROWBACK BASEBALL GAME

JULY 4 SEPTEMBER 18

2026 BOLD CITY BALL

OCTOBER 23

BIKE-A-BOO! BIKE SOCIAL

NOVEMBER 7

JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST

DECEMBER 5

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MARKET

DECEMBER 8

HOLIDAY RIDE BIKE SOCIAL

Visit our website for more information:

sparcouncil.org

Events sponsored by Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated since 1974 to improving the quality of life in the Springfield Historic District.

No, Bro… It’s The Front Bottoms Words & photos by Carmen Macri

I’ll be honest: when the email landed offering an exclusive interview with Canadian punk sensation Nobro, I said “yes” for one very specific reason — five magic words: opening for The Front Bottoms.

The Front Bottoms have been a permanent fixture on my many playlists since sixth grade (I’m 26 now), back when I’d blast “Twin Size Mattress” on the school bus, stare out the window and dramatically romanticize my very boring life. For years, I daydreamed about finally seeing them live — screaming every lyric in a sweaty, packed venue, crushed against a sea of equally loud and sad fans.

So when that email hit my inbox, I didn’t hesitate. This was my moment. What I didn’t see coming, though, was falling completely and utterly in love with the opening act.

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Prior to the interview, I did a full deep dive of the band, as all esteemed journalists do. What I found was impressive — viral notoriety, award wins, a stack of nominations. At face value, Nobro was a force to be reckoned with. The interview felt less like work and more like catching up with old friends. We traded karaoke disasters and laughed over Slipknot-inspired romcom montages like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Hopefully you’ve already read that article. So, let’s get into the concert review.

I brought my go-to concert buddy — my brother — along for the ride. Like me, he’s a die-hard Front Bottoms fan, and he’s always generous enough to let me tag along when he buys his concert tickets in bulk. This time, it was my turn to return the favor.

We arrived at FIVE about five minutes before Nobro was set to take the stage, assuming most people would already be inside.

What we didn’t expect was a line wrapped around the building — the show was completely sold out. Luckily for us, media perks kicked in, and we skipped the line entirely, heading straight into the venue where Nobro was already waiting.

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It’s not uncommon for bands to sound good live, but it is rare for them to sound noticeably better than their studio recordings. Live performances leave far less room for polish, relying instead on precision, chemistry and presence. Nobro rose to that challenge with ease.

From the opening riff, they commanded the room. Their vocals were tight and complementary, blending with a natural cohesion that felt intentional rather than rehearsed. There was a clear sense that this was a group meant to perform together — five musicians aligned by instinct as much as skill. Each member brought a special something to the stage, and it was impossible to look away.

I was genuinely in awe. At one point, I completely forgot I was there to work. I found myself perched on the barricade, head nodding along, camera hanging forgotten around my neck.

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Middle fingers were raised, inhibitions were abandoned (or “pussies were set free”), and the entire venue shouted “let’s do drugs” in unison — punk in its purest form.

Even my brother — a six-foot-something, burly presence who came strictly for The Front Bottoms — couldn’t help but nod along. After the set, he summed it up simply: “I can respect good live music. That’s exactly what that was.” And that really said it all.

Those who showed up for The Front Bottoms left with something extra: a new band to obsess over. I know I did.

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Which brings us to the main event — the band that didn’t just shape my music taste, but arguably shaped me: The Front Bottoms. Nothing could have prepared me for their set. Not years of radio play, endless playlist rotations or even the TikTok clips I thought had spoiled the magic.

The sound that escaped my body when the opening riff of “Motorcycle” hit the speakers was fully involuntary. Pure, guttural joy. This tour is in honor of the 10th anniversary of their third studio album, “Back on Top,” meaning they run through every track on the album and then some.

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Much like Nobro’s set, there were moments where I forgot I wasn’t just another fan in the room watching my favorite band — that I actually had a job to do.

Between screaming the lyrics, I was darting along the barricade, camera up, trying to capture The Front Bottoms as they held the entire venue in a trance.

With my left ear essentially touching the speakers, I was shocked to notice that the crowd was singing along just as, if not louder, than production.

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Apparently, the concert also doubled as an impromptu costume contest. Front Bottoms frontman Brian Sella pulled out his wallet mid-set and started handing out actual cash to audience members who showed up in costume. The grand prize? A moth costume took home a whopping five dollars, while a group of elves walked away with what Sella deemed “rare and even more valuable” — a two-dollar bill.

Capitalism is alive and well.

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Maybe as a thank-you, or maybe just for the hell of it, a fan tossed a pair of (clean, thankfully) socks onto the stage. Without missing a beat, Sella hopped off, grabbed them, and slid them on right there in front of the crowd.

As the band powered through a deeply Midwest-emo set — fans singing, screaming and openly crying along — something else impossibly sweet unfolded in the crowd. Someone got engaged. I almost missed it entirely, which feels criminal in hindsight. The band had launched into my all-time favorite song — one that wasn’t even on the setlist (I checked), “Wolfman” — and I was fully consumed. It wasn’t until my brother tapped me on the shoulder and told me to turn around that I realized the moment I’d nearly screamed my way past.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it a hundred times more, but until something tops it, this was the best concert I’ve ever been to. Sella’s voice was even better than I could have imagined, perfectly matched by a crowd screaming every bar back at him. The energy in that room was electric, the kind of raw, unfiltered intensity you don’t feel every day — not for years, maybe not ever.

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As the set started winding down, there was one song left — the one I knew would absolutely bring the roof down: “Twin Size Mattress.” Going in, I’d assumed it would be saved for last, and sure enough, when Sella announced only two songs remained, the entire crowd collectively knew what was coming. This song has stood the test of time, arguably their most iconic track, even after all these years.

Then he belted out, “This is for the lions living in the wiry, broken-down frames of my friends’ bodies,” and something primal overtook me. I don’t think I’ve ever screamed that loud in my life. Shockingly, I didn’t pop any blood vessels — or completely lose my voice — but it felt like some part of me was healed. For those few minutes, I was 13 again, singing every word with reckless abandon, heart and soul fully on fire.

A single tear even fell down my cheek as my brother and I were face to face, screaming the lyrics like our lives depended on it.

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CONCERTS JAN. 1 Donna the Buffalo The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com JAN. 2 Purple Space and more The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com JAN. 3 Elvis Birthday Bash Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com Organ Chamber Music Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org New Year’s Throwdown The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com JAN. 6 Junhee FIVE fivejax.com JAN. 7 George Lynch: Honoring Dokken Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com JAN. 8 Classic Seger: Bob Segers’s Rock & Roll Never Forgets Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com Twinsick DECCA LIVE deccalive.com Carolyn Wonderland Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com

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JAN. 9

JAN. 12

Medal Militia—Metallica Tribute

End It

Band

The Albatross

The Albatross

thealbatrossjax.com

thealbatrossjax.com JAN. 13 David Wilcox

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

Florida Theatre

originalcafe11.com

floridatheatre.com

JAN. 9-10

Al DeMeola

John Williams’ America

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Jacksonville Center for the

pvconcerthall.com

Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

Jonathan Brooke Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

JAN. 10

originalcafe11.com

Orchestra Noir Florida Theatre

JAN. 14

floridatheatre.com

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights

Los Lobos

Florida Theatre

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

floridatheatre.com

pvconcerthall.com Judy Collins Dombreksy

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

DECCA LIVE

pvconcerthall.com

deccalive.com Griffin House Ultimate Floyd

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

originalcafe11.com

originalcafe11.com JAN. 15 JAN. 11

Benise & Pavlo

Winter Jam

WJCT Soundstage

Jacksonville Center for the

floridatheatre.com

Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

Ritz Chamber Players: Freedom and Liberation

Colin MacKnight

Friday Musicale

St. John’s Cathedral

fridaymusicale.com

beachesfinearts.org Twisted Pine

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Right Here Right Now

The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale

The Albatross

Works

thealbatrossjax.com

intuitionaleworks.com

Acoustically Speaking

Mindy Smith

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

originalcafe11.com

originalcafe11.com

JAN. 16

I’m With Her

The Purple Xperience, A

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Tribute to Prince

pvconcerthall.com

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Emmy and more

jaxevents.com

The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT SINCE 1927

Marc Broussard Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Chrome Horses: Bob Dylan

pvconcerthall.com

Tribute Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

Electric Avenue

originalcafe11.com

FIVE fivejax.com

JAN. 19 Gregory Alan Isakov

Sauce Boss

Florida Theatre

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

floridatheatre.com

originalcafe11.com Riff Raff JAN. 16-17

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

Bruckner’s Majestic Eighth

originalcafe11.com

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

JAN. 20

jaxsymphony.org

Gaelic Storm Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

JAN. 17

pvconcerthall.com

Leo Kottke

JANUARY

3

NEW WAVE ORCHESTRA

5

CHOIR OF MAN

10 ORCHESTRA NOIR

6

13 MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE

AIA - JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE SHOW

7

14 HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS & OTHER DELIGHTS

9

15 BENISE & PAVLO

11 DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB

15 TANGO AFTER DARK

13 THE FLORIDA BALLET “SWING-SWING-SWING”

3

ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH

WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

16 BORED TEACHERS 18 DIANA KRALL

JACKSONVILLE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

19 GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV 20 HEROES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FOR SCHOOLS

23 JESSE COOK

WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Southern Culture on the Skids

23 YACHT ROCK REVUE

pvconcerthall.com

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

25 ASI WIND: MORE THAN MAGIC

originalcafe11.com Chris Janson Thrasher-Horne Center,

JAN. 21

Orange Park

The Weight Band

thcenter.org

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Cinema Stereo The Albatross

Vanessa Collier

thealbatrossjax.com

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

26 AN EVENING WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN 27 PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO 28 GEOFF TATE’S OPERATION MINDCRIME 29 ALICE IN WONDERLAND FOR SCHOOLS

30 YELLOW BRICK ROAD: A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN

FEBRUARY

originalcafe11.com Freddie Gibbs DECCA LIVE

JAN. 22

deccalive.com

GHOST Jacksonville Center for the

JAN. 18

Performing Arts

Diana Krall

jaxevents.com

1

MUTTS GONE NUTS

1

JOHN WAITE

2

CLICK, CLACK, MOO

POUT POUT FISH

FOR SCHOOLS

14 SHENANDOAH 15 KATHY GRIFFIN 17 FREEDOM SONGS FOR SCHOOLS

18 CIRQUE FLIP FABRIQUE: BLIZZARD 20 WHEN A WOMAN’S FED UP 21 TOM PAPA 22 CHRIS BOTTI 25 THE THREE ITALIAN TENORS 26 NEIL DIAMOND CELEBRATION 27 PINK MARTINI 28 MJ LIVE: MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT

MARCH

1

A TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSON FEAT. AL JARDINE AND THE PET SOUNDS BAND

5

CHRISTOPHER CROSS

6

TUSK: THE CLASSIC TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL FOR SCHOOLS

NEEDTOBREATHE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST BROOKE LEE

7

LITTLE RIVER BAND

WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Shattered Realm and more

jaxevents.com

The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

BUY TICKETS ONLY AT THE FLORIDA THEATRE BOX OFFICE Floridatheatre.com 904-355-2787 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville, FL 32202

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Silverada

SpaDuet: Folk and Film in Concert

DECCA LIVE

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

deccalive.com

originalcafe11.com

originalcafe11.com JAN.30 Yellow Brick Road: A Tribute to Elton

James McMurtry

JAN. 25

John

The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works

Shane Smith + The Saints

Florida Theatre

intuitionaleworks.com

The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works

floridatheatre.com

intuitionaleworks.com Ronnie Baker Brooks

Silly Love Songs

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

JAN. 26

Jacksonville Center for the Performing

originalcafe11.com

An Evening With Itzhak Perlman

Arts

Florida Theatre

jaxsymphony.org

JAN 22-23

floridatheatre.com

Viola’s Dialogue: Intimacy and FIre

Forever Motown

Friday Musicale

The Beach Boys

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

fridaymusicale.com

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

pvconcerthall.com

pvconcerthall.com JAN. 23

Mike Mattison & Trash Magic

Jesse Cook

Glenn Miller Orchestra

The Albatross

WJCT Soundstage

Jacksonville Center for the Performing

thealbatrossjax.com

floridatheatre.com

Arts jaxevents.com

Yacht Rock Revue

DECCA LIVE

Florida Theatre

Vio-lence

floridatheatre.com

The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

Shadowgrass JAN. 27

pvconcerthall.com

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

JAN. 24

The Floozies + Too Many Zooz fivejax.com

Florida Theatre

JAN. 31

floridatheatre.com

A Taste of Ireland

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

deccalive.com

FIVE

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

MAX STYLER

Allele

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Carbon Leaf

Arts

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

jaxevents.com

originalcafe11.com

The Empire Strikes Back: In Concert

Bayer Blankenship

Jacksonville Center for the Performing

JAN. 29

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Arts

Los Lonely Boys

pvconcerthall.com

jaxsymphony.org

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

The Brit Pack

The Albatross

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Neko Case

pvconcerthall.com

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

SpaDuet: Folk and Film in Concert

thealbatrossjax.com Arkansauce The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works

Friday Musicale

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

fridaymusicale.com

FIVE fivejax.com

Kathleen Edwards

intuitionaleworks.com Albert Castligia Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works

Goldpine

intuitionaleworks.com

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine

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Rushfest

originalcafe11.com

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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Nikayla and the Phunk Words & photos by Ambar Ramirez

Before she became “Nikayla and the Phunk,” she was simply Nikayla Byirt. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Byirt grew up in a house where music was ever-present, weaving itself into the everyday rhythms of life. Gospel and R&B spilled from the speakers her mother kept on, while hip-hop soundtracked family gatherings and backyard cookouts courtesy of her dad. There was always something playing, always a beat to mark the moment.

“Ever since I was a kid, ever since I heard funk music, that’s all I wanted to do,” Byrit said. “I just wanted to be a great entertainer.”

Traditionally, the cello and orchestral elements live in the background of music, especially when you look back at the disco era, where strings were often used as texture rather than a focal point.

Byirt wanted to flip that entirely, placing the cello, the strings, the orchestra right at the front of her sound. It’s her hidden card, the thing she carries with her that immediately sets her apart.

“I’ve always wanted to push out positive stuff, or like what I like to say is, feel good music,” Byrit said.

We met at BREW in Five Points, where Byirt arrived in what I would soon learn was her unofficial uniform: a denim jacket splashed with ’80s-inspired colors and shapes, mom jeans, circle-frame glasses and a hot pink top. But her love for the ’80s doesn’t stop at fashion.

It shows up in her sound, too. Bold, expressive and unapologetically fun. Drawing from funk, classical, soul and R&B, Byirt folds these influences together, bending them into something entirely her own, anchored by her foundation as a cellist.

Byirt attended nearly every art school Jacksonville has to offer, including LaVilla School of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, before eventually making her way to Berklee College of Music. What began as a childhood curiosity — strings stretched across a shoebox — slowly transformed into a dream, and then into a life shaped by sound.

“I knew as a cellist that there weren’t many places where you could go outside of classical. So when I got to Berklee, I knew that I could do that because they had so many different ensembles that you can join,” Byrit shared. “And just from there, I was just like, you know what? I really, really like this music. I’m just going to do it and just see what happens.”

Drawing from funk pioneers like P-Funk, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and James Brown, Byirt blended their swagger and groove with the polished pop and soul of artists like Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind & Fire. She filtered it all through her own lens — shaped by years as a cellist and multi-instrumentalist — and from that fusion, “Nikayla and the Phunk” was born.

“The Phunk,” the title of her debut album, serves as both an introduction and a mission statement. Self-produced from start to finish, Byirt composed and arranged the music, wrote the lyrics, sang every vocal, and played and programmed every instrument (save for the live drums), cementing the project as a fully realized extension of her vision.

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In Memory of Joe Starkey Words by Teresa Spencer

#JusticeforJoe Joe Starkey was shot and killed on Dec. 10, 2025. Prior to getting into his car, Starkey had a nice dinner with his wife, Tina.

As they headed home, the Starkeys noticed an unusual looking Jeep. It was older and matte black in color. It swerved and darted into their path repeatedly. At first, the Starkeys debated whether he may be drunk or texting and driving and just chose to stay away. However, at one point, the driver of the Jeep aggressively and intentionally passed their car and then hit his brakes (“brake check”) in an effort to get their attention or cause them to swerve off the road.

Jacksonville lost a real one.

Joe Starkey wasn’t chasing fame, algorithms or glossy nonsense.

He was chasing the note that felt right, the lyric that told the truth, the moment when a room went quiet because everyone knew something honest was happening. That’s the kind of musician he was. The old-school kind. The kind that shows up, plugs in and means it.

Starkey was woven into Jacksonville’s music fabric — the bars, the back rooms, the late nights, the places where music still breathes without permission. He played for the love of it, and you could hear that in every chord. No ego. No shortcuts. Just soul, grit, and heart.

If you knew him, you knew his kindness came without conditions.

If you heard him play, you knew he believed in music the way people used to — like it could save you, at least for a song or two. He reminded us that local music matters, that community matters, that art doesn’t need polish to be powerful.

His passing leaves a silence that feels wrong. But the thing about musicians like Joe is this: They don’t really leave. They live on in memories, in stories told over beers, in songs replayed a little louder than before, and in every Jacksonville artist who keeps going because someone like Starkey once showed them how.

Rest easy, Joe. Thank you for the music.Jacksonville won’t forget you.

74 Folio Weekly

Given he did not want to lead the person to his home, Starkey pulled over, hoping the Jeep would just drive by. It did not, so Joe sought to speak to him. Starkey was particularly concerned because his wife had recently had spinal surgery and a wreck or further aggravation could be catastrophic. He just wanted to see what in the world was going on and why they couldn’t be left alone.

At no time did Starkey use, threaten, intend or have any ability to use imminent use of unlawful force. In fact, he was the victim of prior attempts at the Jeep driver using deadly force on him and his wife by reckless and/or criminal use of his Jeep. The driver of the Jeep did not have a legal right to harass, stalk and attempt battery. Those actions were criminal. Further, at all times, the driver of the Jeep was the first (and sole) aggressor, so is not entitled to Stand Your Ground protection. Finally, in no way did the shooting of Starkey by the shooter inside the Jeep meet any potential threat he could have subjectively feared. The driver of the jeep could have just driven away. He did not. One man was out of his car unarmed. One man was in his car armed.

The family is still looking for answers and an arrest. They don’t even know the name of his killer, and police have told them it may take “many months.

John M. Phillips, the attorney for the family, is requesting any information the public has about this incident or this driver. The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on Dec. 10th. The road rage began on St. Johns Bluff and ended on Theresa Drive. The Jeep was an older model and matte black in color. Anyone with tips or information that may help the investigation can call (904) 4444444 or email help@floridajustice.com. You may remain anonymous.

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Folio’s Top Picks:

Arlington Catullo’s Italian facebook.com/catullositalian Galaxy Burgers Bar & Grill galaxyburgersjax.com

Jax Beaches Dockside Seafood Restaurant docksideseafoodrestaurant.com Oaxaca Club theoaxacaclub.com O-Ku o-kusushi.com

Just Kitchen Jax justkitchenjax.com

RP’s Fine Food & Drink rpsjaxbeach.com

Spices Caribbean Restaurant spicesjax.com

Sizemore’s Coastal Kitchen sizemorescoastalkitchen.com

Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe taboulehjax.com

Neptune/Atlantic Beach Arepa Please arepaplease.com Coop 303 coop303.com North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com Mamasamas mamasamas.com Salumeria 104 salumeria104.com The Local thelocaljax.com Downtown Bellwether bellwetherjax.com Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com Mayport Egg Boy eggboybreakfast.com The Juicy Seafood Mayport thejuicycofl.com La Casa Leon lacasaleonfl.com

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Sub Cultured subculturedsubs.com

Dorothy’s Downtown dorothysdowntown.com Indochine Downtown indochinejax.com

Bite by Bite Murray Hill Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com Chancho King chanchoking.square.site Community Loaves communityloavesjax.com Solazo Taqueria solazofl.com

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Northside & Airport Green Papaya greenpapayaus.com Eleon Pizza & Pastry eleonpastry.com Flying Fish Taphouse flyingfishtaphouse.com New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar newberlinfishhouse.com

Jacksonville 77

Folio’s Top Picks:

San Marco The Bearded Pig thebeardedpigbbq.com Taverna taverna.restaurant Tepeyolot Cerveceria tepeys.com Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com

Riverside and Avondale Bartaco bartaco.com Carolina Jax carolinajax.com Hawkers eathawkers.com Josephine josephineavondale.com Taqueria Cinco taqueria5points.com Springfield Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfield.com Othello othellospringfield.com Tulua Bistro Springfield tuluabistro.com 1748 Bakehouse 1748bakehouse.com

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Bite by Bite

Southside Purple Roots purplerootsjacksonville.com Rustic 21 Bistro rustic21.com RH Rooftop Restaurant rh.com/us/en/jacksonville/restaurant Zen Dumpling zendumplings.com

Orange Park/Fleming Island/Middleburg Grumpy’s Restaurant grumpysrestaurantco.com Kyodai Sushi Rock facebook.com /KyodaiSushiRock Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen palermopuertoricankitchen.com The Toasted Yolk Cafe thetoastedyolk.com

Jacksonville 79

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Butler Beach & Crescent Beach Back 40 A1A back40a1a.com Paladar Cuban Eatery + Bakery paladarcubaneatery.com Violas eatviolas.com Anastasia Island Beachcomber St. Augustine beachcomberstaugustine.com Nalu’s nalus904.com Terra & Acqua terraacquarestaurant.com Santiago’s Florida Kitchen & Craft Bar santiagosfloridakitchen.com Downtown/Old Town Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila casareinastaug.com Forgotten Tonic forgottentonic.com Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com River & Fort riverandfort.com The Scarlett House thescarletthousestaug.com

80 Folio Weekly

Bite by Bite Ponte Vedra/Vilano Anejo Cocina anejococinamexicana.com Barbara Jean’s barbarajeansonthewater.com Nona Blue Modern Tavern nonablue.com Trasca & Co Eatery trascaandco.com 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop 1912oceanbarandrooftop.com

Vilano Beach Aunt Kate’s aunt-kates.com Cap’s On The Water capsonthewater.com Pesca Vilano pescavilano.com The Reef thereefstaugustine.com Surfside Kitchen surfside.kitchen St. Augustine 81

82 Folio Weekly

Words by Teresa Spencer

Maple Street Biscuit Company A Breakfast Revelation in Every Bite If comfort food had a crown, Maple Street Biscuit Company would wear it proudly. From the moment you step in, the aroma of freshly baked biscuits hits you like a warm hug — flaky, buttery, and begging to be smothered.

Let’s talk biscuits and gravy: This is the stuff breakfast dreams are made of. The biscuit itself is perfectly tender with just enough structure to hold the velvety, savory sausage gravy without collapsing. Each bite is a harmonious mix of fluffy biscuit and rich, peppered gravy that feels like it was made with love (or some kind of culinary magic). Note: They have a mushroom gravy for those who don’t eat meat, and it is ever so delicious as well.

The smashbrowns are the unsung heroes of this breakfast haven. Crispy edges, soft centers, and just the right touch of seasoning make them dangerously addictive. I found myself wishing I had a second order before finishing the first. They serve it with a sour cream ranch dill sauce that is the perfect dip for this flavorful handheld.

Maple Street doesn’t just serve breakfast — they serve a full-on, feel-good experience. It’s the kind of place where you linger over coffee, secretly plotting your next visit while wiping the last bit of gravy from your fingers. For anyone serious about starting their day with a plate that delivers both comfort and craftsmanship, this is your spot.

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84 Folio Weekly

NIGHTLIFE ARLINGTON Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com Bedlam bedlamlive.com Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon Fly’s Tie Irish Pub facebook.com/flystieirishpub Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com Gusto gustojax.com Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com

Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com 85

Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com Reve Brewing revebrewing.com The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Brew and Barrel Tavern bbtjax.com

Justice Pub facebook.com/thejusticepub

MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille

Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax

The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com

Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com

Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com

Myth Nightclub & Bar mythexperience.com

MANDARIN/JULINGTON CREEK/ FRUIT COVE 2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com

Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com

Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila

Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com

Pour Taproom jaxpourtaproom.com

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Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com

DOWNTOWN The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

SIP Cocktail bar sipontheroof.com

The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com The Circuit Arcade Bar instagram.com/thecircuitbarcade

Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.com That Bar At The Arena facebook.com/ThatBarattheArena The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com

De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe

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86 Folio Weekly

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/iggysgrill Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysunclemandarin.com Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com MURRAY HILL Axe Champs axechamps.com Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com The Boot Rack Saloon boot-rack-saloon.business.site Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com The Flamingo theflamingojax.com Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com

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Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1

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Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com

Root Down facebook.com/rootdownjax

The Walrus thewalrusjax.com

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Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com ORANGE PARK/MIDDLEBURG 57 Heaven facebook.com/57heavenop Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com

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Riverside Liquors riversideliquors.biz

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Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com SPRINGFIELD Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfieldgallery.com The District thedistrictspr.com Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com 89

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“The Night Is Young” Dos Gatos early on a Saturday night. Nov 2025

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