Folio Vol.36, Issue 11

6.01

2022

THE NEW COFFEE HOUSE

by Molly Britt

Nick Kano & Silvana Bracero of Wildcrafters

INSIDE...

VOL. 36, ISSUE 11

7 Fathers Day Molly Britt

20 Karrissa Wade Interview Rob Nicholson

35 Diva Dance Casey Alixandra

11 The New Coffee House Molly Britt

23 Trivia, etc.

38 Concert Listings

24 Theater Listings

42 Guide to Pro-Wrestling in Florida Shelton Hull

12 Horoscopes Kale Boucher

25 Comedy Listings

14 Born in Barn Rob Nicholson

44 Nightlife Listings

27 Concert Reviews

16 LeAnn Rimes Rob Nicholson

53 Film Reviews Harry Moore

28 Art Listings 31 The Life-Saving Power of Art Nikesha Elise Williams

19 Pride Listings

TERESA SPENCER general manager

ROB NICHOLSON sales director

RAIN HENDERSON creative director

VINCENT DALESSIO staff writer/photo

HARRY MOORE contributor

KERRY SPECKMAN copy editor

CASEY ALIXANDRA account executive/ contributor

MOLLY BRITT account executive/ contributor

SHELTON HULL contributor

KALE BOUCHER contributor

JOHN M. PHILLIPS, ESQ. publisher

NIKESHA ELISE WILLIAMS contributer

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PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

TOGETHER REPORT HATE CRIMES

SUPPORT JAX PBS & THE PROGRAMMING YOU LOVE.

SCAN HERE TO GET TICKETS

CELEBRATING BILLY JOEL - AMERICA'S PIANO MAN JUNE 4 AT 8PM ON JAX PBS 7.1 (COMCAST 440) One of the foremost songwriters of the twentieth century, Billy Joel's music is beloved around the world. This show celebrates the songs and the style of Billy Joel, capturing the essence of his live performances with energy and passion.

SCAN HERE TO GET TICKETS

BENISE: STRINGS OF HOPE JUNE 4 AT 9:30PM ON JAX PBS 7.1 (COMCAST 440) Join the "Prince of Spanish Guitar" as he adds his signature touch to new songs and fan favorites. At a time when we need

1-800-CALL-FBI tips.fbi.gov

the healing power of music more than ever, Benise provides a deeply personal selection of songs.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT JAXPBS.TV

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Hello, my name is Dr. Rene Pulido

and I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida. I was born into a Cuban-Nicaraguan family and attended Assumption Catholic school and Bishop Kenny High School, where I played football. I spent my time off--eld helping my father at Pulido’s Automotive, which he co-established in 1965. My mother encouraged me to apply my mechanic skills to the human body, and after high school I went to med school and followed in the footsteps of my uncles Jesus and Alex, both of whom are local physicians.

After attending medical school in Costa Rica, I completed my residency at the Mayo Clinic here in Jacksonville. My experience at Mayo Clinic was very innuential in that it revealed to me what medicine can be through their multi-disciplinary teamwork approach to medicine. I carry that same philosophy to my practice today and have teams that specialize in Primary Care, Natural Medicine, Pain Management, Women’s Health, and Addiction medicine in our 25,000 square foot facility. We also have a pharmacy, in-house imaging, labs, and a vegan café on-site.

Primary Care Family owned Mayo Clinic Trained Physician Multiple Services In House Pain Management Women’s Health Pediatrics Senior Care Addiction Treatment COVID PCR Testing Auto/Worker’s Comp (904) 513-3240 emedprimarycare.com 2624 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL 32207

Natural Medicine Fast Easy Affordable Best Price Guarantee

New Patient $160 Transfer Patient $40 Followup Patient $80

(904) 586-0041 affordablemarijuanalicense.com 2624 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL 32207 6

FATHER’S DAY

by Molly Britt

Every year we take time to remind our fathers and/or father figures why we love and appreciate them. Whether we give them a funky gift or spend the day with them, we want to thank them for all they do, just as we do every Mother’s Day for our wonderful mothers and mother figures. In this day and age everyone has their own definition of father and father figure, but why do we celebrate it on a single day in the month of June? What is the story behind Father’s Day? The first known celebration honoring fathers was July 5, 1908. A church in West Virginia held an event in honor of fathers following the death of 362 men in the previous year’s explosions at a coal mine in Monongah. However, the celebration was a one-time event and was not repeated.

The following year, Spokane, Washington native Sonora Smart Dodd had an idea. Inspired by her father William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and single father of six, she set out to establish a way to recognize fathers for their efforts similar to Mother’s Day. She visited local shops and churches to garner support, as well as contacting government officials. Her efforts were successful and the first official Father’s Day was June 19, 1910, Dodd’s father’s birthday month. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge supported the holiday and urged others to as well, but it was not until President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation in 1966 recognizing the special day. It was officially a national holiday in 1972, after being signed into law by President Nixon.

At the time, many individuals disdained the holiday, which is celebrated as a religious day in other countries. According to history. com, men, in particular, opposed the domestication of “manliness with flowers and gift-giving” and the purchasing of gifts “paid for by the father himself.” Some did attempt to ax both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and were in favor of a single Parents’ Day, but their efforts were derailed once the Great Depression hit. Struggling business owners advertised products by considering Father’s Day a “second Christmas” for the men. After the beginning of World War II, many considered the day a way to honor those in the American troops and used it to support war efforts.

So, dads, just know we are thinking of you. We all give a big thank you to you, our fathers, father figures, soon-to-be fathers, fathers who have lost a child, fathers who have passed, foster fathers and all the fathers in-between.

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NOMINATE THE ARCHIVES Submit your favorite stories from over the years to archives@folioweekly.com

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THE NEW COFFEE HOUSE Move over coffee houses, there is a new café in town.

by Molly Britt

Kava, made from the ground root of a kava plant, has become

in a cup” and he wanted to “get everybody drunk on love.” Next

a new favorite in Florida. So much so, there new kava bars and

time you go for a night out, but do not want the awful hangover

cafes opening up all over. These bars offer a pleasant place to

the next morning, try a kava bar. Dance, meet new people, have

gather with friends where you can release pent up anxiety and

fun and get drunk on love.

feel relaxed, and no, I’m not exaggerating.

If you’re more of a homebody, do not fret! You can make your own Kava is a Western Pacific drink featuring a robust and earthy

kava drinks. After purchasing kava root powder, recommended

flavor. It is said to produce a state of calm and reduce anxiety.

by most enthusiasts, mix the powder in a strainer with some

Affecting parts of the central nervous system in the brain, kava

water. After kneading the mixture to combine it, a liquid will

produces certain chemicals said to help with the effects of

be produced. This liquid is what you can use to prepare many

anxiety and insomnia. It’s been described as if you’re getting

delicious drinks if you are looking to mask the bitter natural

high without impairing your cognitive functions. After all, the

flavor of kava.

Latin name for it is Piper methysticum, meaning “intoxicating pepper.” So, how is this psychoactive drink made?

Love chocolate and want to feel relaxed? A chocolate kava milkshake is just for you. Using the prepared liquid, add in

This special drink is prepared by grinding the root of a kava plant

coconut milk, cocoa powder, a little sugar and some ice into

into a powder and then soaking it in water. This allows for the

a blender and, boom, a chocolate kava milkshake to cool you

root to filter out but can also be done by kneading a mound

off during the summer. Maybe you are looking for a nice juice

of kava wrapped in cloth. The final product is a murky brown

during your break in the day. Just take a bottle of ginger ale and

substance with an earthy aroma. Traditionally, it can be served

a cup of your favorite fruit juice and add in a tablespoon or two

with various fruits, but it can also be made into delicious drinks,

of instant kava powder. Squeeze in a lime and there you have it,

as found at Wildcrafters Booze-Free Bar.

a delicious and quick kava fruit juice.

Locally owned and operated, Wildcrafters offers a relaxing

However, you still need to be cognizant of how much you drink.

environment surrounded by plants, comfort and good people.

It is reported there are possible effects the drink can have on

Owner Yhang Quintero opened the non-alcoholic kava bar in

your liver if too much is consumed, similar to alcohol. Be safe

2020 as a fun alternative to being at a local bar “without the

and have fun!

hangover.” Quintero decided to serve kava, in part, because it “works in a similar way to alcohol…you find yourself giggling, having fun, opening up, meeting new people.” What more do you need?

Chocolate Kava Milkshake

Located in the heart of Riverside, Wilcrafters hosts live music

Kava Liquid

and events, welcoming every person that comes through the

Coconut Milk

door. I did not realize how many drinks you could make with kava

Cocoa Powder

until I saw their menu. I couldn’t even decide, I just told them to

Sugar

“surprise me,” and they sure did.

Ice

Trying my first kava cocktail was a euphoric experience. As I sipped on the pretty purple drink, I tasted everything from earthy Kava Fruit Juice

to sweet flavors, thanks to the coconut and fruit added. I was able to sit down and feel myself release a sort of calmness I

Ginger ale

didn’t realize I could feel on a busy day.

Fruit Juice Instant Kava Powder

I wanted to know why kava was the drink of choice and Quintero

Lime

was quick to let me know that in Hawaii, they say kava is “love

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HOROSCOPES WORDS BY KALE BOUCHER

GEMINI

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

Happy Gemini season! Now more than ever,

Harboring a crush is your favorite pastime.

Articulation and persuasion: definitely

be honest with yourself. It’s OK to be a little

There’s nothing like pretending you’re the

strengths of yours. Knowing your audience:

blunt with others as you share this honesty.

main character in a rom-com to add some

eh, not so much. Remember no one is

Remember your values, though, and let

extra something to your day, but don’t let

going to listen if you come off insensitive.

them guide your truth.

daydreams interrupt your focus on your own

Kindness is a skill to implement not just a

life trajectory.

feeling toward others.

You’re feeling a little tired and stuck. Don’t

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

worry, it’s just your cue to take a little break.

Later in the month, you’re on the books for

Money, an imaginary number on a screen

It’s summer after all; give yourself a little

some major self reflection. In anticipation,

but with real life consequences. Recently, it

early birthday vacay.

start stretching those mindfulness muscles.

hasn’t really been in your favor. You could

Ask open-ended questions to those around

seek better financial literacy or reject it

CANCER

LEO

you. Try to get a sense of the distance

all and live in the woods until wages are

It feels like as soon as you start to feel

between what you intend to convey to

livable. (My vote, the latter.)

comfortable in your day to day life, you

others and what they’re actually getting

AQUARIUS

start to question everything. It’s OK to re-

from you.

You’ve been putting in the hours at work.

evaluate periodically, but don’t be scared

Maybe peel your eyes from the computer

of stability. Hard truth: you can’t be the star

SCORPIO

alllll the time so you need to be cool with

Feeling restless and unfulfilled, you may

Join your Cap friends and run away to the

average-Joeness (being Kevin) sometimes.

find it time to cut the ties holding you back.

forest.

screen and invest some energy elsewhere.

This isn’t to say you should drop everyone you find annoying this month. Instead, root

PISCES

out truly toxic situations you’re best off

You may be having difficulty adjusting

leaving behind.

from the softness of spring to a scorching summer. Focus on maintaining your compassion and eye for growth. You’ll rediscover your power quickly.

ARIES Gearing up to pursue some major goals, you’ll feel a spark of motivation and sustained determination come this June… if you don’t burn yourself out. In order to achieve the slow and steady pace, balance your efforts with social time.

TAURUS Your professional life is feeling scattered and complicated. Instead of forcing your way through the tangle with intense rationalization, tune in to your emotional

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A AP PR R II L L

K KA AR RR R II S SS SA A

F FR RE ES SH H

W WA AD DE E

K KA AT TH HR RY YN N

M MR R M MS S

N NE EV VE ET TS S

A AD DR R II E EN N

S SA AM MP PS SO ON N M MC CC CO OR RM M II C CK K

JUNE

2022

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S S T A R S N S ST T TA A AR R RS S S IIIIN N N

11 AM VIP RECEPTION 12 PM BRUNCH 1 UNF DRIVE JACKSONVILLE, FL 32224 JOHN A. DELANEY STUDENT UNION BALLROOMS

Tables are available for purchase.

For sponsorships contact: m.velasquez@unf.edu

C C O M C S CO OM MIIIC CS S & & Q U E E N S &Q QU UE EE EN NS S B B R U N C H BR RU UN NC CH H IT'S DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH WITH A TWIST FUNDRAISER CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH

An equal access/equal opportunity university

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$100 VIP SEATS $50 GENERAL ADMISSION FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS: UNF.EDU/LGBTQCENTER VIP perks include: Early admission to venue Special reception with bottomless mimosas and pastries Meet and greet with artists Special commemorative gifts

BORN IN A BARN

Local country and folk music fans are in the right place in 2022 with a concert calendar full of Grammy and CMA winners, Billboard chart-toppers and up-and-comers. So don’t wait until it’s too late: get your tickets now.

JUNE 2

JUNE 21

Country Night at the Oak featuring Rio Grande

American Aquarium

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

pvconcerthall.com Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Zach Bryan St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com JUNE 23 LeAnn Rimes: The Story… So Far Tour Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org Country Night at the Oak featuring Dewey Via Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com JUNE 30

JUNE 4

Brantley Gilbert & Jelly Roll: Son of the Dirty South

Brooks & Dunn Reboot Tour 2022

Daily's Place

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

dailysplace.com

vystarveteransarena.com Brothers Osbourne Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta, Georgia wildadventures.com JUNE 9 Country Night at the Oak featuring Cumberland Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com JUNE 10 Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit & Sheryl Crow St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com Patrick Bass: The Country Afterall Tour Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

Country Night at the Oak featuring Dean Winter & The Heat

JUNE 16

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine

Country Night at the Oak featuring Josh Ford and

thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

the Groove Bender Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

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LeAnn Rimes

by Rob Nicholson

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Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian is an American

Life: Inspirational Songs, which sold over 4 million

singer, songwriter and actress. She originally

copies. Over the next several years, Rimes’ singles

rose to success as a country music artist at age

demonstrated further crossover success including

13 with 1996’s “Blue.” Rimes was just 14 years old

“I Need You” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”.

when she won two Grammy Awards: one for best new artist and the other for best female country

Breaking away from her father’s management

vocal performance. This made her the youngest

in the 2000s, Rimes experimented with several

Grammy winner in history. She has since crossed

styles. In 2002, she released the pop-inspired

over into pop, contemporary Christian and other

Twisted Angel and in 2004 released the Christmas

musical genres. Rimes has placed over 40 singles

record What a Wonderful World. She returned

on international charts since 1996.

to her country origins with 2005’s This Woman, which produced three country hits. A similar album

Rimes was raised in Texas and demonstrated a

project followed in 2007 titled Family.

unique singing ability from a young age. Through her parents’ efforts, Rimes began performing

LeAnn Rimes has announced her new studio album,

in various programs, including musical theater

God’s Work, is set for release on September 16.

and local music contests. Developing a local

Three years in the making, Rimes’ songwriting and

following, Rimes recorded two studio albums

vocal skills are put on full display in the 12-track,

as a preteen. These records helped bring her

genre-bending album. Rimes also revealed that

to the attention of Nashville label Curb Records.

God’s Work includes a number of collaborations

She signed a contract with Curb at age 13 and

with other artists. Mickey Guyton, Ziggy Marley,

released 1996’s “Blue.” It became a top 10 hit on

Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper, Ledisi, Sheila E. and

the Billboard country songs chart. Her 1996 album

Robert Randolph are all featured on the album,

of the same name sold over six million copies and

giving each song a unique sound.

established her as a major country artist. In 1997, Rimes crossed over into pop music with “How Do

Rimessat down with Folio’s Rob Nicholson to talk

I Live.” The song became one of the best-selling

about the new album, her life today and the road

singles of the 1990s. An extended mix of the track

that she is paving ahead.

was included on her next album You Light Up My

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

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Hey, Northeast Florida: Your Pride is showing. And we love it!

Hamburger Mary's Anniversary featuring Miss Crackers from

From St. Augustine to Yulee, Northeast Florida is celebrating

RuPaul's Drag Race

Pride Month with a cavalcade of LGBTQ events, including Jumbo

Hamburger Mary’s

Shrimp Pride Night, Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festi-

hamburgermarys.com/jax

val, Rainbow Humanitarian Awards and Big Gay Rainbow Family Picnic.

Rainbow Humanitarian Awards 2022 WJCT Studios

Folio is kicking off the festivities with a VIP party in conjunction

rainbowevents.org

with Art Walk.

JUNE 12 Please note: Some events are kid-friendly. Others … not so much.

Comics and Queens Brunch hosted by Karrissa Wade John A. Delaney Student Union at UNF

JUNE 1

unf.edu/lgbtqcenter

Folio’s VIP Art Walk Party and Toast to Pride Month featuring BeBe Deluxe

JUNE 16

Folio HQ

Illusions Cabaret hosted by Karrissa Wade and the

folioweekly.com

Hamburger Mary's crew Ocean Breeze at Naval Station Mayport

JUNE 3

navymwwrmayport.com

JACK Pride Night Birdies

JUNE 19

facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints

Naughty Bingo hosted by Karrissa Wade Ann O'Malley's, St Augustine

JUNE 8

annomalleys.com

Equality Florida Mixer hosted by Karrissa Wade Tulua Bistro

JUNE 24

tuluabistro.com

Pride Drag Show The Walrus

JUNE 9

thewalrusjax.com

Jumbo Shrimp Pride Night 121 Financial Ballpark

JUNE 25

jaxshrimp.com

Drag Bingo Bold City Brewery–Riverside

JUNE 10

boldcitybrewery.com

Naughty Bingo Hyperion Brewing

Big Gay Rainbow Family Picnic

hyperionbrewing.com

Willowbranch Park Riverside rainbowevents.org

JUNE 11 Pride Brunch

Stonewall Anniversary Party

Tulua Bistro

The Boot Rack Saloon

tuluabistro.com

boot-rack-saloon.business.site

Pride Bingo

JUNE 27

Disco Witch Brewing, Yulee

Black Pride Charity Bingo hosted by Karrissa Wade

discowitchbrewing.com

Hamburger Mary's hamburgermarys.com/jax

Second Annual Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festival Downtown Fernandina Beach and Central Park fernandinabeachpride.com

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LISTEN TO THE KARRISSA WADE INTERVIEW HERE

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PRIDE

NIGHT

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TRIVIA, ETC. All trivia games are general knowledge unless otherwise noted. Don’t see your favorite trivia spot?

Drop us a hint at mail@folioweekly.com with “trivia” in the subject line.

MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

The Brix Taphouse (music bingo), 7 p.m.

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

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

V Pizza–Mandarin (pop culture), 6:30 p.m.

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard (music bingo), 7

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

p.m.

Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Julington Creek (music bingo), 7 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.

Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Pavilion Drive, 7 p.m.

Island Wing Company–Southside Boulevard (music bingo),

Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–River City/Northside, 7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7 p.m.

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

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

V Pizza–Fleming Island (pop culture trivia), 7 p.m.

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

Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS

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

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

Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

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

Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.

King Maker Brewing (Name That Tune), 7:30 p.m.

Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.

Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m

Hoptinger–5 Points (music bingo), 7 p.m.

The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

Hamburger Mary’s (drag bingo, 21+), 8 p.m.

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Julington Creek, 7 p.m.

Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 9 p.m.

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Neptune Beach, 7 p.m.

Island Wing Company–Southside, 7 p.m.

THURSDAYS

Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.

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

Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

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

Sahara Cafe, 7 p.m.

Whiskey Jax–Baymeadows, 7 p.m.

Southern Grill, 7 p.m.

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

Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–St Augustine, 7:30 p.m.

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

Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 9 p.m.

King Maker Brewing (Name That Tune), 7:30 p.m.

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

SATURDAYS

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

Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.

Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.

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

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THEATER/ DANCE THROUGH JUNE 5

JUNE 3-19

JUNE 17-26

Shawshank Redemption

August Wilson's The Piano Lesson

The Sound of Music

Foundation Academy

Players by the Sea Theatre

The Island Theater, Fleming Island

abettheatre.com

playersbythesea.org

theislandtheater.com

THROUGH JUNE 5

JUNE 10-19

JUNE 26

Pollyanna

Radium Girls

Duval The Musical

The Island Theater, Fleming Island

Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina

Friday Musicale

theislandtheater.com

Beach

duvalthemusical.com

ameliacommunitytheatre.org THROUGH JUNE 12

JUNE 30-JULY 10

42nd Street

JUNE 10-26

Anything Goes

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Ragtime, A Concert

Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fernandina

alhambrajax.com

Theatre Jacksonville

Beach

theatrejax.com

ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

Little Women

JUNE 16-19

ONGOING

Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine

Native Gardens

Jacksonville Dance Theatre

limelight-theatre.org

The Florida Ballet Theatre

• “In Here / Out There: A Digital Dance,”

THROUGH JUNE 12

the5anddime.org

virtual performance series

JUNE 2-3

• “Disorder,” virtual performance series

“Nurturing the Surreal”: Story and Art

jacksonvilledancetheatre.org

Exhibit by Kelli Suzanne BABS’ LAB at CoRK North barbaracolaciello.com

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COMEDY JUNE 2-4

JUNE 26

B. Simone

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes

Comedy Zone

Florida Theatre

comedyzone.com

floridatheatre.com

JUNE 3

JUNE 30

Ozrick Cooley, Barbara Carlyle

Carmen Vallone and

and Terry Harris

Craig Schaffer

2111 Restaurant and Comedy

Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club, St.

Lounge

Augustine

phattkatz.com

jackieknightscomedyclub.com

JUNE 4

JUNE 30-JULY 2

The Manns Concert & Comedy

Aries Spears

Show featuring Tamela & David

Comedy Zone

Mann

comedyzone.com

The Potter's House International Ministries

ON-GOING

kingdomculturecollection.com

Brass Anchor Pub First Coast Comedy: The Main

JUNE 9-11

Event Improv Comedy Show,

David A. Arnold

Fridays and Saturdays, through

Comedy Zone

July 30

comedyzone.com

firstcoastcomedy.com

JUNE 10

Colonial Oak Music Park

David Spade

Improv Night with First Coast

Florida Theatre

Comedy, Wednesdays

floridatheatre.com

thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

JUNE 12

The Justice Pub

Kurtis Conner

Bombs Away! Comedy Open Mic,

Florida Theatre

Wednesdays

floridatheatre.com

facebook.com/TheJusticePub

JUNE 16-18

The Walrus

Steve Trevino

Magical Mystery Mic hosted by

Comedy Zone

Daisy Tackett, Wednesdays

comedyzone.com

thewalrusjax.com

JUNE 18

Veterans United Craft Brewery

"Okay: A really good comedy

Comedy in the Tap Room, third

show!”

Thursday of every month

Eclipse Nightclub & Bar Riverside

vubrew.com

facebook.com/eclipseriverside JUNE 23-25 Matt Rife Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

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Faye Webster by Pooneh Ghana

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E W S A O W H , W WHAT WE THOUGHT HAIM/FAYE WEBSTER AT DAILY’S PLACE Newly-famed sister trio, HAIM, and Atlanta-based indie darling, Faye Webster, made a grand appearance at Daily’s Place last month, bringing fans from all sorts. Webster opened the show, singing sweet nothings to a lightly-packed crowd lost in a raucous chatter.

Webster is endearing and relatable, she has an awkward but confident air about her, she knows she’s funny…haha. Dressed in a cobalt-blue, oversized shirt dress she swayed her mullet and sang as perfectly as she does on her album. Webster was kind to her distracted audience and quickly left the stage after the set, expecting no encore from the HAIM-hungry crowd. The sisters finally took the stage after a prolonged set adjustment, waving the arms of their minimally dressed bodies just as eagerly as the crowd. I’m not keen on pop but the girls did put on a show, the fans ate up the planned set interruptions and quirky dialogue throughout. I was mainly focused on whether they were actually playing their instruments or not but no one seemed to care much about that and anyway that conspiracy was debunked by the blue-man-group-style drum solo they exploded into half-way through the show. The pit filled more and more throughout the night with fans finding their way through the wristband wranglers. By the end of the set, the rowdy bunch was called back for a planned encore where confetti cannons were ignited, they know their pop…haha. Overall, a very fun show though I wish Faye had gotten more attention. –Rain Henderson

THE LUMINEERS/CAAMP AT DAILY’S PLACE Fortunately for us, popular neo-folk group, The Lumineers, kicked off their North American leg of the “Brightside World Tour” here in Jacksonville with two concerts booked back to back at Daily’s Place. In attendance the first night, Daily’s was filled like I’d never experienced for a powerfully raw and honest performance. American folk group, CAAMP, got the crowd’s energy up with a twangy opener.

Lead singer, Taylor Meier, rocked a Jacksonville Jaguars jersey. The Lumineers opened with “Brightside”, performing on a special stage that wound throughout the pit, creating a dock for Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraits to walk amongst the sea of screaming fans. Everyone in the pit and all upper three decks of seats were on their feet moving, dancing and fully engaged with the performers, something I had never seen before. Even the row of eight frat boys sitting in front of me were caught red-handed singing along to their popular tune “Ophelia”. The setlist covered the entirety of their music catalog, including their covers of Talking Heads “Naive Melody” (my favorite song of all time) and Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”. As Wesley put it in our interview before the show, he finally feels as though “they have enough arrows in their quiver” to create a show filled to their liking. To hear more from Wesley tap below for a link to the interview. —Vincent Dalessio

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JUNE 1

Florida Mining Gallery

Super Wonderful Crazy Fun-Time Circus

• “Looking For Gravity,” featuring works by

502 N. Hogan St.

Addison Adams, Eugene Ofori Agyei and

904tix.com

Michael Dika, through July 1

Thrasher-Horne Center | Jack Mitchell and Lee Adams Galleries • Orange Park Art Guild Exhibition thcenter.org

floridamininggallery.com

Yellow House

JUNE 18 Afrofuturism Experience presents “AF3

Jacksonville University

• “Sit in Stand Up,” virtual exhibition

Digital Art Fest 2022”

• “Jesse Wright: A Retrospective/New

• “Still Not About a Hotdog and a Coke,”

WJCT Studios

Work,” June 9-July 12, Alexander Brest

afrofuturismexperience.com

Museum and Gallery, ju.edu

virtual exhibition • “Magic, Mirth, and Mortality: Musings on Black Motherhood,” virtual exhibition

JUNE 26

Karpeles Manuscript Library

S.H.E. Art Exhibition by Nykia Jackson

• “The Masks We Wear: Walpurgisnacht Art

SixThreeFour

Show,” through June 29, karpeles.com

904 Pop Up Seawalk Pavilion facebook.com/904popup

ONGOING

Art Walk: June 1

sixthreefourjax.com JUNE 26

yellowhouseart.org

Lightner Museum

Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first

• “Martha Ferguson: Beyond the Crowds,”

Wednesday of the month with art by local

June 3-July 22

artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson

• “Picturing a Nation: American Art from the Lightner Museum,” through Sept. 30 • “Bouke de Vries War and Pieces,” through

Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street

Beaches Fine Arts Series

Dec. 31

performers, free admission to MOCA and

• Visual arts by Pablo Rivera

lightnermuseum.org

complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway.

St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church beachesfinearts.org

dtjax.org/artwalk

MOCA Jacksonville • “Chiharu Shitoa: “Letters of Love,” a Proj-

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery • Featured art by Susan Smith, June 1-30

ect Atrium exhibition, through June 26 • “Creeks Rising: A City Reflected in Hogans

Fernandina Beach Arts Market: June 11, 25 Amelia Island's premier arts and crafts

• Works by Gerald Brummer, Michael Fitz-

& McCoys Creeks,” through July 10

market comes alive the second and fourth

patrick, Nancy Hamlin-Vogler, Jan Miller,

• “Jessica Hische: Covered,” through

Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Dee Roberts, Juliana Romnes and Ron Vellucci butterfieldgarage.com

The Corner Gallery at The Jessie • Erin Kendrick: “Shelter in Place,” through Aug. 3, dupontcenter.org

Aug. 21

fernandinabeachartsmarket.com

• “Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick,” through • “Express Your UNF Pride,” through Nov. 13

Riverside Arts Market: June 4, 11, 18, 25

• “FIFTY: An Alumni Exhibition,” through

Artists, artisans and makers display their

Sept. 25

Feb. 12, 2023

original paintings, jewelry, photographs,

mocajacksonville.unf.edu

prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday—rain or shine—from 10 a.m.–3

Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College • “Undercurrents,” through June 13 flagler.edu

MOSH

p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the

• Agnes Lopez: “I Am Here” and “The Pinay

canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge.

Project,” through June 21

riversideartsmarket.com

themosh.org

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

St. Augustine Art Association

St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk: June 3

• “Revolve: Spotlight on the Permanent

• “Annual Honors Invitational,” June 3-26

The first Friday of every month (hence the

Collection,” through Nov. 13

staaa.org

clever name) more than 30 galleries around

• “Frieseke in Florida: Memories of Jacksonville in the 1880s,” through Jan. 1, 2023 • “Jacksonville’s Norman Studios,” through Jan. 30, 2023

the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9

Stellers Gallery

p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and

• Works by Eileen Corse, Jim Draper, Fallon

interact with artists. A complimentary trolley

Pepper, C. Ford Riley, Alice Williams, Mac-

service provides transportation between

Truque and Jeff Foxwothy (yes, that Jeff

downtown venues.

projects available on the museum’s web-

Foxworthy)

artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

site cummermuseum.org

stellersgallery.com

• Virtual tours, videos and make-at-home

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THE LIFE-SAVING POWER OF ART The Performance Academy of Jacksonville seeks support from the community for its youth-minded programs

by Nikesha Elise Williams The arts saved my life. Piano lessons, dance classes, writing; as

These affirmations are a call to courage for students enrolled at

a child these were my outlets when feelings bigger than myself

TPA be it during the after-school program Squad Goals or the

overwhelmed my body. As an adult it is the discipline I learned in

three-week camp Just Like Me which has served more than 500

studying dance, the patience I learned in playing a song, and the

teens across the city over its 10-year tenure.

freedom I found in giving myself over to a blank page that I rely on in my work as a journalist and author.

As Just Like Me prepares to kick off next month, it will be doing so under the theme of “Reality Shows,” guiding the students

Artistic pursuits gave me purpose, gifted me with language,

through their classes in dance, music, poetry, visual arts, theater

though not always verbal, and communication sometimes in

fashion design and more and culminating in a final showcase

the form of movement. The artist within me is the purest form

at the Florida Theatre. During the performance, students will

of myself which at times was made to conform and assimilate

illustrate their reality of what it’s like to grow up in the foster care

to the world around me. When I stepped fully into my artistry

system and other challenges they face.

after leaving my successful news career in 2019, I returned to the most authentic version of me. The me who knew what she

This year’s Just Like Me comes on the heels of TPA’s spring

wanted at 3, 7 and 16 before collegiate pressure, subjective

recital by the Squad Goals Teen Studio after-school program.

opinions and rejection tried to tell me who I could and could not

During the event, The Visual Arts Squad had the privilege

be. What I could and could not do. When I returned to myself,

of unveiling a mural that was a collaborative project between

the artist within welcomed me back with open arms and a clear

Zende Randolph, a 13-year-old drawing and painting student

understanding of how I would work in the world.

at TPA, and Christopher “Cooli Ras” Clark, an internationally renowned visual artist who teaches at TPA.

It is for these reasons I gladly serve on the board of directors for The Performers Academy (TPA) in Jacksonville. The nonprofit arts

Zende, who named the mural “Intergalactic Transportation,” has

organization on Beach Boulevard in Spring Park has specialized

had several major artistic accomplishments since being enrolled

in arts programming as a behavioral intervention and mental

in Squad Goals. He placed first in his division at James Weldon

health resource for the last 11 years. TPA serves Jacksonville’s

Johnson Park’s “Art in the Park” chalk art competition as well

youth who reside in licensed or kinship care in the longest

as first place in the Art Center’s landscape “Going Camping”

running partnership with Family Support Services. Much of the

competition this year.

success of this partnership is thanks to TPA Executive Director Ebony Payne-English, a nationally-renowned poet, author and

Zende is just one example of how TPA contributes to the

performance artist. At the helm of TPA, Payne-English has used

community by building up the youth it serves in the art they love.

her arts curriculum to give the youth in her charge a choice and

As a nonprofit organization TPA depends on the community for

control—even if it is only over a small part of their lives—by using

support for its programs. On July 9, TPA will hold its annual Sweet

art as a vehicle for enrichment, love and success.

16 Gala and Celebrity Lip Sync Battle at the Jessie Ball DuPont Center featuring performances from WJXT’s Rance Adams, State

When interacting with her students Payne-English recites

Representative Angie Nixon, local performance artist Barbara

affirmations with them so that they may always know who they

Colaciello and more. The goal of the gala is to raise $32,000

are no matter how schools, systems and carceral institutions

to provide 2,000 hours of TPA programming for the 2022-2023

may try to label them. She says with them:

school year at no cost to the students and caregivers. It is a small ask from an organization doing the work to save the lives of Jacksonville’s youth through the arts, like the arts saved mine.

“I am whole and complete.

I am divinely capable.

Life is blessed by my presence.

And I am present.

And I am ready.

And I am willing.

Asé.”

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DIVADANCE

by Casey Alixandra

Passions are notorious for being put aside. It’s not always on

“I cheered for the Jaguars in 2004 when I was 32 years old, so

purpose (it’s easy for work and family to become a priority), but

I was older than your average NFL cheerleader,” said Darlene

in Jacksonville, groups of women are finding the time to dance

Clancy. “I was there for three seasons, then I got married and

back into their old passions or ignite new ones.

had kids. But I still missed dancing. I had taken some classes [at another studio]—and they were phenomenal—but I wasn’t at that

On Philips Highway past The Avenues mall is DivaDance, the

level anymore.”

bold pink lettering on its sign welcoming all who enter. There, everyone can learn real dance moves with a variety of music

But when she came to DivaDance, immediately she felt at home.

genres to pick from.

“When I came here, these were my peers. These are housewives, “You are actually learning real choreography moves from

these are stay-at-home moms, these are women from all walks

experienced instructors,” said franchise owner Jasmine Batista.

of life,” said Clancy. “Yeah, I have a dance background, but I still

“It’s also a fitness option because it’s cardio. You are moving,

struggle sometimes too. So, I feel like I found my place here.”

you are sweating in there, and you are doing different moves.”

DivaDance has become so popular that many are willing to drive Soon, DivaDance will be celebrating its year anniversary in

the extra mile just to dance specifically there. With so many

Jacksonville. While the studio already has a devoted following,

requests for another location, DivaDance is finally opening a

it is important for them to recognize the milestone to remind

second location across from the Orange Park Mall this summer.

visitors, old and new, they are welcome and that DivaDance is a place to feel free and beautiful.

At DivaDance, your age and your background don’t matter. This is a place to let go of everyday problems and to feel fabulous.

“Every woman loves someone to hang out and talk with and have a great time,” said Batista. “We want [DivaDance] to be a

“Walking through our doors is being able to provide an outlet,

safe space to let loose and have the OK to be sexy and be sassy,

an outlet to escape reality for a little bit and to be who we are.

not have to worry about anything.”

Because as a mother and as a wife, it is who we are, but it’s not specifically our identity. We’re more than that. You’re more than

Each class begins with participants having the opportunity

that, to be able to not be judged and to feel sexy,” said Batista.

to learn about the dancers next to them. DivaDance wants

The 60-minute classes aren’t just about learning dance moves.

everyone walking out the building excited to come back and

They remind people of community and self-acceptance. They

dance again with their new friends. And it’s not only women who

are changing lives, both mentally and physically.

can dance there.

Every week DivaDance features different songs, choreography “We occasionally have men who come in. Sometimes it can be

and opportunities for Jacksonville dancers. On specific days,

a little intimidating because they will see women coming in,

members are encouraged to wear heels or boots or use pom-

and we whack our hips,” said Jasmine. “But we definitely offer

poms. They even host bachelorette events, birthday parties and

options for the men that come in.”

virtual parties.

When learning these choreographed moves, many participants

Beyond DivaDance classes, dancers go out to shows, concerts,

are shocked they’re not as difficult as they thought. DivaDancing

bars and workshops together.

is for everyone, not just the experienced.

Recently, DivaDance had their own prom while the high schools “Believe it or not, all our classes are [for] all levels. Our routine and

had theirs. They hired a DJ, a bartender, decorated the studio

our trainers are specifically trained to target every demographic

with balloons and had a pink carpet. All who entered the studio

out there,” said Jasmine. “Whether you are a beginner or an

that night wore their best gowns with their plus ones.

advanced, we have options."

“People come from all walks of life, and we welcome them with All DivaDance’s instructors can relate to their dancers. They too

open arms, and I say you can still dance,” said Batista.

have once felt out of touch with their passion and got back into it by teaching it.

If you love to dance or really want to learn, DivaDance is waiting for you.

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C O N C E R T S

JUNE 1

JUNE 3-4

Josh Bennett Band and Cosmic

Brit Floyd

Jacksonville Symphony: The Music of

Highway

Florida Theatre

Queen

Underbelly

floridatheatre.com

Jacksonville Center for the Performing

underbellyjax.com

Arts Spite, Boundaries, Vatican, No Zodiac

jaxsymphony.org

and Bodybox

JUNE 8 Cannibal Corpse, Sanguisugabogg,

1904 Music Hall

JUNE 4

200 Stab Wounds and Rhythm of Fear

1904musichall.com

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Underbelly

Presents: Meráki Quartet and the

underbellyjax.com

JUNE 1-2

Latimer Quartet

Rebelution with Steel Pulse, Denm

Historic Nassau County Courthouse,

JUNE 10

and DJ Mackle

Fernandina Beach

Vaylor & Melody Trucks featuring

St. Augustine Amp

ameliachambermusic.org

Victor Wainwright & Pat Harrington

theamp.com

Blue Jay Listening Room Dancing With Ghosts, DigDog, Dakar

bluejayjax.com

JUNE 2

and Raichyl Sinversa

The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The

Jack Rabbits

Actus Reus, Yosemite in Black, Cult of

Union Gap, The Association, The

jaxlive.com

She and Once King

Buckinghams, The Vogues and

Jack Rabbits

The Cowsills return for the Happy

Forever Johnny Cash with Patsy’s

jaxlive.com

Together Tour 2022.

Daydream

Florida Theatre

Underbelly

Destroy Boys and Scowl

floridatheatre.com

underbellyjax.com

1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

JUNE 3

Oz Noy, Dennis Chambers, Jim Haslip

Barenaked Ladies with guests Gin

1904 Music Hall

JUNE 10-11

Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket

1904musichall.com

Jacksonville Symphony: Beethoven’s

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Ninth Symphony Ode to Joy JUNE 4-5

Jacksonville Center for the Performing

Fool's Paradise featuring Umphrey's

Arts

Steelln' Peaches Allman Brothers

McGee, Lettuce and more

jaxsymphony.org

Revue

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

1904 Music Hall

theamp.com

1904musichall.com

JUNE 11 Beachella Music & Arts Fair

JUNE 5

Seawalk Pavilion

Nardo Wick and Lil Oppop Present

The Doobie Brothers: 50th

beachella.com

Wicked Wildchild United Summer

Anniversary Tour with Michael

Basg

McDonald and The Dirty Dozen Brass

Best of R&B Bands

Florida Theatre

Band

Ritz Theatre & Museum

floridatheatre.com

Daily’s Place

ritzjacksonville.com

dailysplace.com Dakar and Juniper IV

The Black Crowes: Shake Your Money

Jack Rabbits

JUNE 6-7

Maker with Driving

jaxlive.com

Dave Matthews Band

Daily’s Place

Daily’s Place

dailysplace.com

Nick & Millie with Folk Is People

dailysplace.com

Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Peabod JUNE 7

Murray Hill Theatre Presents

The Cornet Conspiracy 19th Century

murrayhilltheatre.com

Schism (Tool tribute), Medal Militia

Brass Band

(Metallica tribute), Elite (Deftones

Friday Musicale

Burden Affinity, Four Penny Coffin

tribute) and Humanity Gone

fridaymusicale.com

and Killer on the Way

Underbelly

Jack Rabbits

underbellyjax.com

jaxlive.com

38

Bikini Kill by Pat Graham

JUNE 12

Airpark

JUNE 24

H.E.R: Back of My Mind Tour

Blue Jay Listening Room

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band with guest

Daily’s

Bluejayjax.com

Edgar Winter

dailysplace.com

St. Augustine Amphitheatre mewithoutYou: The Farewell Tour

Johnny & Heidi

Underbelly

Blue Jay Listening Room

underbellyjax.com

theamp.com Tedeschi Trucks Band: Wheels of Soul 2022

bluejayjax.com

Daily’s Place Scum FL, Flag on Fire, River City Sound

dailysplace.com

Flogging Molly & The Interrupters with special

System and Off the Rails

guest The Skints and Tiger Army

Jack Rabbits

Jarren Benton, Legit and guests

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

jaxlive.com

Jack Rabbits

theamp.com

jaxlive.com JUNE 19

JUNE 14

D-Nice Club Quarantine with Tank, Mase, Mya,

JUNE 24-25

Machine Gun Kelly

Carl Thomas and Lil' Mo

Jax Metal Fest

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Daily’s Place

Underbelly

jaxevents.com

dailysplace.com

underbellyjax.com

JUNE 15

JUNE 20

JUNE 25

Atheist, Suffocation, Soreption and Contrarian

Backstreet Boys

Will Blackburn

1904 Music Hall

Veterans Memorial Arena

Blue Jay Listening Room

1904musichall.com

bluejayjax.com JUNE 21

JUNE 16

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and

JUNE 25

Runaway Gin: A Tribute To Phish at 1904

Zach Bryan

Noel Freidline & Friends Jazz Series

1904 Music Hall

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Ritz Theatre & Museum

1904musichall.com

theamp.com

ritzjacksonville.com

JUNE 17

JUNE 22

Music and Art by the Sea

The Connells

Andy Grammer: The Art of Joy Tour

St. Augustine Beach Pier

Intuition Ale Works

Florida Theatre

sabca.org

intuitionaleworks.com Ships in the Night, Solemn Shapes, The Palace

Medal Militia, Legions Blind and Desert Will

Powfu, Rxseboy and Snøw

of Tears and The Valley Ghouls

Jack Rabbits

Underbelly

Underbelly

jaxlive.com

underbellyjax.com

underbellyjax.com

Robby Krieger of The Doors

JUNE 23

Train

Florida Theatre

Glimmers, The Maguas and more

Daily’s Place

floridatheatre.com

Underbelly

dailysplace.com

JUNE 26

underbellyjax.com Generator, Divided Truth, Suckerpunch and

JUNE 28

Sanctum

Hughes Taylor Band

The King Yellowman Show featuring K’reema

Jack Rabbits

1904 Music Hall

& The Sagittarius Band and guests

jaxlive.com

1904musichall.com

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

The Lee Boys

JUNE 23-JULY 2

Blue Jay Listening Room

St. Augustine Music Festival

JUNE 29

bluejayjax.com

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

mc chris, Crunk Witch and Just Tyler

saugustinemusicfestival.org

Jack Rabbits

JUNE 18

jaxlive.com

Rod Wave, Yo Gotti and Latto Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

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DON’T MISS A SHOW! FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/PVCONCERTHALL

41

THEN, NOW, FOREVER:

The third annual River City Wrestling Con, which takes place the weekend of June 11-12, will bring rising stars of the industry and all-time legends to the largest pro-wrestling autograph convention in the Southeast. There will be food and drink, panels and discussions, video games and merchandise and a whole slate of actual wrestling, featuring talent drawn from around the country, and from every level of the business.

The con is conveniently timed for the thousands who will be in attendance, as it coincides with the city’s Bicentennial Celebration. June 10 features a Bicentennial Pub Walk that starts at Bold City Downtown at 7 p.m. and ends at Ruby Beach Brewing at 9 p.m., followed by a game of #Jax200 Bicentennial Trivia (hosted by me). If that’s not your speed, there’s also Tough Junkie at 1904 and The Mountain Goats (noted pro wrestling aficionada) at Intuition Ale Works. Saturday, June 11, sees the official celebration of the city’s 200th anniversary with an all-day block party on Laura Street from Riverfront Park on the river to James Weldon Johnson Park in the heart of downtown.

A mark’s guide to pro-wrestling in Florida

With local history on the agenda, the RCWC fits the bill perfectly.

by Shelton Hull

The history of pro-wrestling in this area goes back to at least 1895, but the official lineage began when Cowboy Luttrell established Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) in 1949.

The Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa was home base for the territory, but they ran a circuit around the state, which included regular stops in Jacksonville, either the Snyder Armory or the old Veterans Memorial Coliseum. (They also did two shows at Wolfson Park in the ’80s.)

Luttrell’s protege, Eddie Graham, bought into the territory in 1961, then assumed full control in 1971. At that point, things really heated up–sometimes literally, since a lot of those buildings had no air conditioning. But 1973-74 was ground zero for the explosion of interest in Florida’s pro wrestling scene, due to two key developments: 1) Jack Brisco, who won the NCAA championship out of Oklahoma before becoming CWF’s top star in 1969, beat Dory Funk Jr. in Houston to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title on July 20, 1973. Funk reigned for exactly 1,563 days, the second-longest reign among all 55 men to hold that title; this was a time when the industry was presented as 100% real, thus requiring that any man holding the belt best be ready to defend his position in the ring, in the bar, on the streets, anytime—on the spot, legit.

In Florida and some other territories, it’s rumored that the wrestlers were instructed to never lose a public fight to a nonwrestler, no matter what, or they would be fired on the spot. The stories of drunken fans who fucked around and found out could fill this entire issue. The fact that Funk, a second-generation wrestler whose entire family consisted of genuine hard men

42

who went unbeaten four straight years, was finally felled by a

to this day. But competition has emerged of late, in the form

Florida man, was huge news. (Imagine if the Jaguars finally won

of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), created by Tony Khan in 2019 and

the Super Bowl next season, and then imagine if they beat Tom

based in Jacksonville. This new rivalry is bringing pro-wrestling

Brady to clinch it.) The Funk-Brisco feud was, at that point, the

to newer, younger audiences, and it’s helped give independent

apogee of technical wrestling, a standard not reached until Ric

wrestlers an unprecedented chance to establish themselves on

Flair and Ricky Steamboat in 1989. Brisco’s influence put CWF

a national level.

on the map. But there was a second, maybe even bigger factor.

This year’s RCWC will feature at least 10 WWE Hall of Famers, as 2) On May 4, 1974, a wrestler called Pak Song Nam made a

well as a number of the most loved (and hated) wrestlers of the

mistake that changed the entire course of wrestling history. The

past 40 years. Bret “Hitman” Hart is making his first appearance

barefooted South Korean madman was arguably the top villain

at the con, as are Booker T, The Hardy Boyz, Madusa Miceli,

in CWF, a mercenary hired by his manager, “Playboy” Gary Hart,

Lisa Marie Varon, Dan Severn, Johnny Gargano, Demolition and

who was hated even more. On this night they were terrorizing

Diamond Dallas Page. Legends like Arn Anderson, Kevin Nash,

the boss himself, Eddie Graham, who brought his own son Mike

Kevin Sullivan, Jimmy Hart, Billy Gunn, Butterbean and Ricky

to defend the family, and the promotion, in their own hometown.

“The Dragon” Steamboat are back for return appearances.

An errant throat chop was intended for Mike Graham, but Pak Song missed and struck his own partner, who fell to the floor,

These legends will be joined by top indie stars like Low Ki, Effy,

then came up seeing red and cleaned house on everyone.

Jon Davis, James Storm, Stunt Marshall, The Gunn Club, King Mo, Malakai Black, Swerve Strickland, Jacob Fatu, AEW Women’s

That man was born Virgil Runnels Jr., but on that night he was

Champion Thunder Rosa and even Danhausen (who was added

reborn as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, and over the

to the lineup just days ago). Some of these folks will be in the

next five years he would become one of the greatest, most

ring, as well, as part of a stacked card of fresh new matchups,

beloved and most influential performers in the entire history

scheduled to run throughout the weekend including:

of professional wrestling, ever. Rhodes did not achieve the mainstream success of people like Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Roddy

Jacob Fatu vs. Low Ki

Piper, Randy Savage, Steve Austin, the Rock or John Cena, but

Rey Fury vs. Effy

all of the above would name him as the industry’s dominant

Culture Inc vs. La Sangre

creative force of the past 40 years, second only to (maybe)

Jon Davis vs. T.I.M.

Vince McMahon himself. Rhodes was the centerpiece of CWF

Andrew Anderson vs. Vertigo

in the ’70s and early ’80s; he and Graham took the territory to a

Sumi Sakai vs. La Rosa Negra

commercial peak rarely seen before or since.

Josh Woods vs. King Mo Tiffany Nieves vs. Devlyn Macabre

With great weather and an easy road schedule, wrestlers could

Stunt Marshall vs. EC3

work all week, but still be home on most nights, if they wanted

DNC vs. Myles Millennium

to. CWF had weekly TV, and with their reputation as creative

Jonah Rock vs. James Storm

geniuses, wrestlers knew that being featured here was a sure

Kiki Harris vs. Scoot Andrews

way to get your name out to other promoters around the country.

The Renegade Twins vs. Kelsey Reagan and Persia Pierce

They could be certain of working with top talent for really good money, and of course there was no state income tax, so almost

The assembled roster represents three generations and six

every wrestler who worked Florida in that era eventually left

decades of wrestling history. It will also help shine a special

the territory with very fond memories, and the word of mouth

spotlight on Northeast Florida, where pro wrestling has factored

sent even more talent our way. As a result, almost every major

into local culture since the post-war era. It’s a long, somewhat

wrestler of the 1970s and ’80s worked here, while others got

complex history, as one might expect from one of the most

their start here, including people like Lex Luger, Ron Simmons,

creatively convoluted art forms ever invented. It makes perfect

Paul Orndorff, the late great Scott Hall and, most notably, Hulk

sense that a place like Florida would prove to be so crucial to its

Hogan.

growth, then and now.

That tradition continued after CWF folded in 1987, absorbed

by World Championship Wrestling (WCW), which became the primary competition for WWE in the 1990s. After WWE bought that company in 2001, they officially became the largest and most dominant promotion in history, a position they maintain

43

Things to know before you go:

DOWNTOWN

NIGHTLIFE

1. Dates and performers are subject to change.

2. Certain events have a cover charge.

Dos Gatos

3. Some venues may have a dress code.

Karaoke, Monday; DJ Hollywood, Thursday; DJs, Friday; DJ

4. Health checks or other entry requirements might be re-

NICKFresh, Saturday

quired.

dosgatosjax.com

Basically, call before you haul.

Myth Nightclub June 3 and 10: Thrive Friday; various DJs, Saturday and Sunday

And if we’re missing your favorite spot, holler at us at mail@ folioweekly.com and use “nightlife” in the subject line.

FLEMING ISLAND

ARLINGTON

Mr. Chubby’s Wings Live music, Friday mrchubbyswings.com

Cliff’s Bar and Grille Live music, Friday and Saturday

Whitey’s Fish Camp

cliffsbarandgrill.com

Live music, Saturday and Sunday

BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA

whiteysfishcamp.com

Gusto

Mercury Moon

Live music, Wednesday and Friday

Live music, Monday and Wednesday

gustojax.com

facebook.com/Mercury-Moon

Lemon Bar & Grille

Sunset Tiki Bar

Live music throughout the week

Live music Friday–Sunday

lemonbarjax.com

the-sunset-tiki-bar.business.site

Lynch’s Irish Pub

Volstead

Live music all week

June 19: Swing Dance Sunday

lynchsirishpub.com

thevolsteadjax.com

Mango’s

MANDARIN

Karaoke, Sunday and Wednesday Enza’s

mangosjaxbeach.com

Live piano music, every day except Monday enzas.net

Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill Live music, Friday–Sunday mavijax.com

MURRAY HILL

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern

Buchner’s Bierhalle

DJ, Tuesdays; live music, Thursday, Friday and Sunday; karaoke

Live music, Wednesday

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

buchnersbierhalle.com

monkeysuncletavern.com The Stout Snug

Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill

June 3: Pink Paisleys; June 4: Blood, Sweat & Whiskey; June 5,

Live music, Friday–Sunday

12, 19 and 26: The Kimball’s Band; June 10: Jig to a Milestone;

palmvalleyoutdoors.com

June 11: Spade McQuade; June 17: Mad Hatter Trio; June 18: FasTrain; June 24: Mr. Bill Show; June 25: 5 O’Clock Shadow thestoutsnug.com

Surfer The Bar DJs and dancing, Friday–Sunday surferthebar.com

44

ORANGE PARK 57 Heaven

Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge

Café Eleven

Spoken word poetry and DJ Swagg, Tuesday; live

June 1: Christie Lenee; June 3: The Old City

music, Friday and Saturday jazzysrestaurant.net

Gemel featuring Salt & Pine and Remedy Tree;

DJ Capone, Wednesday; DJ Jason, Thursday; DJ

June 17: Strayin’ Anchors with Cowford & Madison

Danny/DJ Paco, Friday

The Garage

Grace

facebook.com/57Heaven

Live music, Friday and Saturday; Reggae with DJ

originalcafe11.com

Brooks, Sunday Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant

garagejax.com

Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery

Karaoke/live music, Wednesday bigdawgsrestaurant.com

June 2: Ian Kelly; June 3: Gary Douglas Campbell The Loft

& Trey’s Amigos; June 4: Wes Register & The

Karaoke, Tuesday; DJ Robbie P Thursday; DJ

Carpetbaggers; June 5: Vinny Jacobs; June 9:

Cheers Park Avenue

Brooks/DJ Robbie P, Friday and Saturday

Tony Scozzaro; June 10: Jolie & The Committee

Live music Friday–Sunday

loftjax.com

Band; June 11: Vinny Jacobs & The Committee

cheersparkave.com

Band; June 12 and 16: Vinny Jacobs; June 17: SAN MARCO/ST NICHOLAS

The Daq Shack

Caleb Joye and Bread & Butter; June 18: Vibe RW & Atlantic Alibi; June 19: Vinny Jacobs; June 23:

Karaoke, Wednesday; live music, Sunday

Breezy Jazz House

Stephen Pigman; June 24: Tony Scozzaro and

thedaqshack904.com

DJ, Wednesday; live jazz, Friday and Saturday

Yael & Gabriel; June 25: TJ Brown & Phili Phili;

breezyjazzhouse.com

June 26: Vinny Jacobs; June 30: TJ Brown

Dee’s Music Bar and Grill

sansebastianwinery.com

Live music, Friday and Saturday

Cuba Libra Ultra Lounge

facebook.com/musicbarandgrill

Fire Fridays featuring DJ Dr. Doom

Prohibition Kitchen

cubalibrebar.com

June 1, 15 and 28: Shaun and Kristen; June 2 and

Locals Pub

18: Brady Clampitt Duo; June 3: The Band Drauck-

Karaoke, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; DJs,

The Mudville Grill

er, Lunar Coast and The Copper Tones; June 4:

Friday and Sunday

June 6 and 20: TBA Big Band; June 3: River City

Trae Pierce & the T Stones and Freddy For Peace;

localspub.co

Rhythm Kings

June 5: Jim Johnson and The Space Heaters;

themudvillegrill.com

June 6: Micah Gilliam; June 7 and 21: Jim John-

Tom and Betty’s

son; June 8 and 22: Corey on Sax; June 9 and

Live music, Friday and most Saturdays

Rain Dogs

30: Nick and Millie; June 10: Ginger Beard Man

tomandbettys.net

Live music throughout the week

and Cortnie Frazier; June 11: Honey Hounds and

instagram.com/raindogs5points

Bad Dog Mama; June 12: Rachel Akins and Soulo;

RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE

June 13 and 19: Sam Pacetti; June 14 and 28: SOUTHSIDE

Colton McKenna; June 16: Clairemont Duo; June

Brick Restaurant

17: Amy Hendrickson, Mellow Daze and Bold City

Live jazz on weekends

Culhane’s

Classics; June 18: The Band Be Easy and Freddy

brickofavondale.com

Karaoke, Saturday

For Peace; June 19: Christian Powers; June 20:

culhanesirishpub.com

Albert Cebollero; June 23: Whiskey Run; June 24:

Casbah Cafe

Chillula and Clairemont Duo; June 25: The Raisin

Live jazz, Sunday; belly dancing, Friday and

Jax Craft Beer

Cake Orchestra and Cover Boy; June 26: Soulo

Saturday

Live music, Friday

and Cortnie Frazier; June 27: Jim Johnston; June

thecasbahcafe.com

jaxcraftbeer.com

29: Soulo

Eclipse Bar and Nightclub

ST AUGUSTINE

pkstaug.com Karaoke night with DJ Turnikit, Sunday; June 25:

Tradewinds Lounge

Julia Gulia

Arnold’s Lounge

facebook.com/eclipseriverside

Acoustic music, Wednesday; karaoke, Thursday;

Live music throughout the week

live music, Friday and Saturday; acoustic night, The Garage Live music, Friday and Saturday; Reggae with DJ

Sunday arnoldslounge.com

Brooks, Sunday garagejax.com

45

tradewindslounge.com

46

47

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE. POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE, TOO.

TERESA@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

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TICKETS START AT JUST $5

WELCOME TO YOUR HOME FOR

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ON SALE NOW

JUNE 1 2 3

AUGUST

17 DISNEY JUNIOR

UNTOLD STORIES MATILDA

19 PAUL REISER

HAPPY TOGETHER

6 7

NARDO WICK & LIL POPPA

14 MY BIG FAT GREEK

BRIT FLOYD

SCIENCE

FREE SUMMER THEATRE

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

27 RANDY RAINBOW 28 MONSTERS, INC. SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

JULY 1 1

JOSH TURNER SPYRO GYRA

AT THE WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

3

X-MEN

6

FAIRY TALES OF GRIMM

9 JIM GAFFIGAN 10 JIM GAFFIGAN 13 COLLECTIVE SOUL

1

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL

7

MCKNIGHT 4

15 EL GRAN COMBO 16 TED NUGENT 17 LA BAMBA

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

22 PURE PRAIRIE

LEAGUE, FIREFALL AND ORLEANS

8 14 22 26 27 30

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

27 ALICE IN

WONDERLAND FREE SUMMER THEATRE

24 LETHAL WEAPON

ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH

THE FOUR SEASONS

21 CHRIS BOTTI

FEBRUARY 21 THE ELECTRIC

LIGHT ORCHESTRA BENISE - SPANISH EXPERIENCE NIGHTS 24 MANIA- THE ABBA HOTEL CALIFORNIA TRIBUTE -A SALUTE TO THE 25 JUSTIN WILLMAN EAGLES TAUREN WELLS SCOTTY MCCREERY JOSH GATES LIVE! DANIEL HOWELL BONEY JAMES RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

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NOVEMBER

24 THE PRINCESS BRIDE

JANUARY 14 FRANKIE VALLI AND

TODD BARRY

RACE

14 THE BRIAN

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS BALLET

MEAT LOAF CELEBRATION

OCTOBER

AND AUTOMOBILES 6 SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

AT THE WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

21 NUTCRACKER!

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16 JUDY COLLINS

10 PLANES, TRAINS 12 RUPAUL’S DRAG

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DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR PAULA POUNDSTONE

AND SWITCHFOOT

15 BAT - THE OFFICIAL

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

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1

SEPTEMBER

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

JOHNSON-REYES

DECEMBER

WEDDING

22 ANDY GRAMMER 26 MEN IN BLACK 26 ANJELAH

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS 10 DAVID SPADE 18 BLUES, BREWS & 12 KURTIS CONNER BBQ 17 ROBBY KRIEGER OF 21 DIRTY DANCING THE DOORS

21 TOYING WITH

LIVE ON TOUR: COSTUME PALOOZA

4

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL

11 CELEBRATING BILLY

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS

JOEL - AMERICA’S PIANO MAN

floridatheatre.com 904-355-2787

Follow us 128 E. Forsyth St. Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32202 @floridatheatre 6.1.22 Folio-Half Page-4.875x13 AD.indd 1

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135 W Monroe Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 | www.JamesWeldonJohnsonPark.org

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R CO L L E C T I O N S

51

JUNE FILM REVIEWS

by Harry Moore

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Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers Disney’s second-tier rodents and stars of the early ’90s Disney Channel series Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers are thrust back into the limelight in this family comedy that imagines a world in which real people and animated characters live side by side. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, best known as part of Saturday Night Live’s comedy rap troupe The Lonely Island and also as the director of comedy gems Hot Rod and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, the film takes on a meta, Roger Rabbit-style approach in reimagining the chipmunk adventurers. In the film, Chip and Dale are the former stars of the Rescue Rangers TV show, but after the cancellation of their series, the duo (voiced here by comedians John Mulaney and Andy Samberg) haven’t spoken in decades and have taken on decidedly different paths with Chip becoming an insurance salesman and Dale a meet and greet regular on the fan convention circuit. The pair are reunited when their former co-star Monterey Jack (voiced by Eric Bana) goes missing, and they find themselves engulfed in the mystery as they search for their friend. The film moves at a breakneck pace, packing jokes into every scene with a cacophony of background gags and cameos of famous cartoons that range from all eras of animation and, surprisingly, from properties owned by rival film studies, including appearances from classic Disney characters to Muppets and the more modern Adult Swim output. Disney allows for the filmmakers to poke fun at some of the films and characters from their catalog; most notably we see a villainous, middle-aged and bloated Peter Pan (voiced by Will Arnett) running a counterfeiting operation, among many other surprise appearances. The animation effects in the film are seamless with traditional hand drawn characters interacting with both computer animated creatures, puppets and real actors, while the talented voices of comic performers keep things entertaining for audiences both young and old.

The latest release on Disney+ marks a new high point for the feature film output on the streamer with this fun and funny family comedy. Available on Disney+ George Carlin’s American Dream The new two-part documentary film from HBO and directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio explores the life and work of George Carlin. Carlin, who is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential stand-up comedians of all time, alongside Richard Pryor, is a figure whose life story is well suited to the documentary format. The film delves into a trove of stand-up routines, archive footage from TV appearances, personal notes and letters, and new interviews with Carlin’s friends, family and famous fans. American Dream is an exhaustive documentary on its subjects,

digging into every aspect of Carlin’s life from his upbringing by a single mother after taking her children away from their abusive father to the early days of his career in comedy, leading to up his work as an establishment comedian before walking away from that lucrative career path to embracing the counterculture movement of the ’60s and pioneering a new brand of comedy that spoke truth to power and rallied against the constraints put on freedom of speech at the time.

The film goes to great lengths to demonstrate how Carlin would consistently reinvent his act for a new generation of audiences, maintaining his relevance in the comedy sphere for five decades, constantly spouting a cutting and unique point of view about the world around him, never shying away from the darker side of his world view. But while the film is a love letter to Carlin’s work, which continues to be just as relevant in our modern society years after his passing, it also shines a light on his personal demons, humanizing one of the great comic and social thinkers of the last half century. American Dream serves as both a well-rounded and thorough introduction to the mind and work of George Carlin for the uninitiated, and for the long-time fan it is an engaging deep dive into the comedian that is more than just a highlight reel of his greatest hits. Available on HBO Everything Everywhere All at Once Everything Everywhere All at Once is among the most daring and fresh films to come out in recent years, a decisively modern piece of cinema that is likely to become a touchstone work from this era of filmmaking. The film follows Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a dissatisfied Asian American woman who feels her life has passed her buy, as she runs a laundromat with her downtrodden and unhappy husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) and her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), keeps drifting further and further away from her. However, when arriving at an IRS building for a meeting with her auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), Evelyn is approached by a different, far more confident version of Waymond, who tells her he is from the Alphaverse and that every decision someone makes creates a new alternate universe. A dark force is destroying every universe, and the fate of the multiverse is in her hands.

By jumping into her many and various lives not lived, Evelyn acquires a range of highly competent skills that allow her to fight for the universe and her family. Filmmaking duo Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (also known as the Daniels) wrote and directed the film with such unique style and visual flair, telling a story that deftly combines world-ending stakes with a touching family drama and more than a few dashes of kung fu. Everything Everywhere All at Once is an excellent film that demands to be seen at once.

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