Fall Arts Preview

Fall Arts Preview

Falling for the Arts

Steve Williams says there’s a lot to love about our creative community

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Download the pdf version of the FalL arts preview here

Published September 11, 2012

A Jacksonville native, Steve Williams grew up in a family that owned and operated a local electrical sign manufacturing company. After a decade selling and designing signs and electrical graphics, Williams began pursuing the drawing, painting and sculpture that he’d begun during his college days. Williams – one of the most multifaceted personalities on the Northeast Florida art scene – is the owner of the Florida Mining Gallery, president of Harbinger Sign and a working artist.

Folio Weekly: What do you think of the Northeast Florida arts landscape these days?

Steve Williams: I have watched the arts landscape go up and down for over two decades now. I’ve seen very active times, as well as times where not much was going on at all. Currently, it appears to be at a peak and there is probably more to do on any given evening now than ever before (as far as arts events). The active museum system, local art galleries, music venues and events, as well as theater and the performing arts — you can do something in the arts almost every night of the week. I also have noticed an increase in the level of design awareness we have risen to as a city/community. It is nice to see. When you go to places like Atlanta and even smaller cities such as Charlotte or Asheville, even Greeneville [Tenn.], you notice a love and adherence to some kind of design integrity — each business trying to out-do the other. The result is a city that looks sophisticated and wellplanned, with a love for design and art. In turn, people want to be there, go there and live there.

F.W.: Who or what is most interesting in our community right now?

S.W.: I have noticed a lot of wonderful things going on in the arts community right now. MOCA Jacksonville has never been stronger. The Cummer Museum, under the leadership of Hope McMath, is thriving and creating bonds with the community like never before. Private galleries and consultants are making their way and doing interesting things. The appearance of CoRK Arts District making studios available and filling it up with working artists is imperative to a thriving scene. Artists are moving to Jacksonville from other cities, noticing the attractive locale and current interest in the arts. Theater groups — both small and large — seem to be sustaining and doing interesting programming. Our airport has been noticed as one of the top four airports for the arts in the world. I would say we are on our way. Let’s take a look at our neighborhood, really. We have Gainesville, Savannah, Fernandina and St. Augustine all within an hour or two nearby. Thinking about all of the wonderful museums, art focus, design thought, academic situations, galleries, artists and population, we will surely rise up to be one of the most significant art cities in the South. Our culture alone calls for it. We, as Southerners, are emotional. We cry and laugh and sing and we tell stories. Our very existence is artful.

F.W.: What are some current trends that you see?

S.W.: I see trends in experiential art and events. People want to connect; they want to do something interesting. People want creativity. They want eccentricity, even if they do not wake up in the morning and say, “Oh, wow, I want to see 300 people dressed in purple wigs and straightjackets dancing on the side of the river today,” you better believe they will be rushing over there to watch, and they’ll be entertained and never forget the experience.

F.W.: What do you think the future looks like for the Northeast Florida arts landscape?

S.W.: I hope it looks good. I hope it continues to grow and work together. I think one of the things in the past that has been a detriment to our city is the fact that people do not seem to work very well together here. It’s hard to get councils for the arts or committees or even just small groups to work together and get along.

Everyone is competitive in the arts naturally; however, we must find a way to work together to grow the community together without as much ego as I have seen in the past.

F.W.: Anything else you’d like to add?

S.W.: I think the larger question is about the Northeast Florida economic landscape, and without using our naturally fantastic arts and cultural resources, we, as a city, are not poised to see as much growth as we would if all of the community were involved. Jacksonville has many prominent resources and the arts is one of them and should be seen as such.

Kara Pound

Check out the making of the Folio Weekly Fall Arts Preview 2012 cover:

SEPTEMBER

BIG RIVER: A musical performance of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is staged Sept. 11-Oct. 7 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. $10-$25. 825-1164. limelight-theatre.org

REMEMBER ME: The romantic comedy starring Joyce DeWitt is staged Sept. 11-Oct. 7 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside. $42-$49. 641-1212. alhambrajax.com

THE COMEDY ZONE ALLSTARS: A showcase of Jacksonville’s talented comics do their standup routines Sept. 11 and 12 and every Tue. and Wed. at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. $10. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

JERRY’S GIRLS: Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents this musical Sept. 13-23 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. $20. 249-7177. abettheatre.com

EMO PHILLIPS: The sharp joke writer with a falsetto voice appears Sept. 13, 14 and 15 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. $12-$14. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

NEPHEW TOMMY: Actor/comedian Thomas Miles appears at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown. $29.25-$49.25. 355-2787. floridatheatre.com

MAD COWFORD IMPROV: The local comedy troupe performs at 8:15 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15 and every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown. Admission is $5. 860-5451.

AVENUE Q: The musical is staged Sept. 14-Oct. 13 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach. $25. 249-0289. playersbythesea.org

REASONS TO BE PRETTY: Flagler College Theater performs Neil LaBute’s play on the perception of “pretty” and how it affects relationships and life Sept. 14-16 at Flagler College’s Gamache-Koger Theater, 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. Tickets are $5. 829-6481.

ARNEZ J: The physical comedian, who has been on NBC, Comedy Central and BET, takes the stage Sept. 20, 21
and 22 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside the Ramada Inn), Mandarin. $25-$30. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, LIVE: Contestants can “come on down” in this interactive stage version of TV’S longest-running game show at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. $32-$52. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

ANOTHER SIGN: The musical, examining homelessness from multiple perspectives, is staged Sept. 25-30 at FSCJ’s Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside. $30. 646-2222. fscj.edu/wilsoncenter

ELEEMOSYNARY: The dramedy is staged at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-29 at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, 2445 San Diego Road, San Marco. $12. 346-5620 ext. 122. da-arts.org

DEATH TRAP: The thriller/comedy of murder and mayhem is staged Sept. 27-Oct. 13 at Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar St., Fernandina Beach. $20. 261-6749. ameliacommunitytheatre.org

BILL BURR: The regular on Letterman, Conan and Jimmy Fallon appears Sept. 27, 28 and 29 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $25-$30. comedyzone.com

THE COLOR PURPLE: The play based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg is staged Sept. 28-Oct. 7 at Stage Aurora Performance Hall, 5188 Norwood Ave. inside Gateway Town Center. $25. 765-7372. stageaurora.org

OCTOBER

GREG MORTON: The former DJ does his standup Oct. 3-6 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $10-$17. comedyzone.com

AMATEUR NIGHT AT THE RITZ: Modeled after Harlem’s “Amateur Night at the Apollo,” the host searches are held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and the first Friday of every month at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown. $5.50. 632-5555.

BALLET DE MARAIS: The Florida Ballet performs Oct. 5 at 300 E. State St., Downtown. 353-7518. floridaballet.org

PHANTOM: The musical is staged Oct. 10-Nov. 25 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside. $42-$49. 641-1212. alhambrajax.com

SUPER SCIENTIFIC CIRCUS: A kids science show with a comedic touch is performed at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 10 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River State College, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. $8. 276-6750. thcenter.org

TIM MEADOWS: The former “Saturday Night Live” cast member appears Oct. 11-13 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $20-$28. comedyzone.com

MYTHBUSTERS: BEHIND THE MYTHS: The Discovery series hosts conduct their experiments at 4 and 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. $37-$72. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

BEGINNERS DANCE PROGRAM: Dance Trance San Marco offers a fitness dance program starting Oct. 17 at 1515 San Marco Blvd., San Marco. 390-0939. dancetrancefitness.com

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE: The comic pastiche musical is staged Oct. 19-26 at Jacksonville University’s Swisher Theater, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington. $10. 256-7677.

GOD OF CARNAGE: Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents the comedy Oct. 19-Nov. 4 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. $15. 249-7177. abettheatre.com

RUMORS: The Neil Simon farce is staged Oct. 19-Nov. 3 at Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., San Marco. $25. 396-4425. theatrejax.com

JOSH WOLF: The comic performs his standup Oct. 19 and 20 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. $20-$25. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

SKIPPYJON JONES: The musical for children is performed at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 22 and 23 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River State College, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. $8. 276-6750. thcenter.org

RICH GUZZI: The adult comedy hypnosis show is held Oct. 23-27 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $10-$20. comedyzone.com

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: The musical with the ultimate cult following is staged Oct. 25-Nov. 3 at Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar St., Fernandina Beach. $20. 261-6749. ameliacommunitytheatre.org

BOEING-BOEING: The farce is staged Oct. 25-Nov. 18 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine.
$10-$25. 825-1164. limelight-theatre.org

IN THE BLOOD: The tragedy is presented Oct. 26-Nov. 10 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach. $20. 249-0289. playersbythesea.org

DRACULA: Bram Stoker’s classic horror tale, produced by Jacksonville University professors director Deborah Jordan and symphonic conductor Scott Watkins, is presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 and 30 at JU’s Terry Concert Hall, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington. $10. 256-7677.

DANCE IN THE DARK: A Halloween Dance Trance class and party are held at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at 1515 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville. $15 for non-members. 390-0939.

MUTZIE: The improv comedian appears Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside the Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $10-$12. comedyzone.com

NOVEMBER

MFA IN THE WORKS: Jacksonville University choreography students perform Nov. 1 and 2 in JU’s Dance Pavilion, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington. Free. 256-7677.

TWELFTH NIGHT: FSCJ’s DramaWorks performs the Shakespearean play Nov. 8-11 at Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside. Free. 646-2222. fscj.edu/wilsoncenter

LOUIE ANDERSON: The frequent TV actor and comedian performs Nov. 8-10 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $20-$25. comedyzone.com

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: The Church Basement Ladies perform a Christmas program at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, 283 College Dr., St. Johns River State College, Orange Park. 276-6750. $15-$38. thcenter.org

TAP DOGS: Dancers tap their way around a construction-site set at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. $47, $57. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: The musical is staged at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-17 at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, 2445 San Diego Road, San Marco. $12-$15. 346-5620. ext. 122. da-arts.org

SENIOR CHOREOGRAPHY CONCERT: Jacksonville University graduating seniors perform contemporary choreography of original works at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-17 at Swisher Theater, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington. $10. 256-7677.

AMY SCHUMER: The “Last Comic Standing” finalist has landed roles on TV and is performing Nov. 15-17 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. 292-4242. $18-$20. comedyzone.com

GRANDMA LEE: “America’s Got Talent” finalist and local comedienne performs Nov. 23 and 24 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (inside Ramada Inn), Mandarin. $15-$18. 292-4242. comedyzone.com

WHITE CHRISTMAS: The musical is staged Nov. 28-Dec. 24 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside. $42-$59. 641-1212. alhambrajax.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: The inspirational holiday story is staged Nov. 29-Dec. 15 at Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar St., Fernandina Beach. 261-6749. ameliacommunitytheatre.org

NUNSET BOULEVARD: Cindy Williams of “Laverne & Shirley” fame stars in the musical comedy at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River State College, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. $21-$58. 276-6750. thcenter.org

NIGHT OF ART AND DANCE: FSCJ students’ choreography showcase is held Nov. 30 at Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside. Gallery exhibit is free; dance showcase is $5-$10. 646-2222. fscj.edu/wilsoncenter

OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS: The farce is staged Nov. 30-Dec. 15 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach. $20. 249-0289. playersbythesea.org

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: The musical revue runs Nov. 30-Dec. 15 at Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., San Marco. $25. 396-4425. theatrejax.com

DECEMBER

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS: The Chinese touring company combines elements of acrobatics and traditional dance
Dec. 1 at FSCJ’s Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd. $34.50. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

WEST SIDE STORY: The Artist Series of FSCJ presents the musical of forbidden love Dec. 4-9 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDING: This family-friendly musical is staged Dec. 6-Jan. 6 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. $10-$25. 825-1164. limelight-theatre.org

THE NUTCRACKER: The Florida Ballet and guest dancers from the Houston Ballet perform the holiday favorite Dec. 7-9 at University of North Florida’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Dr., Southside. 620-2878, 353-7518. floridaballet.org

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents the family comedy Dec. 7-23 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. $15. 249-7177. abettheatre.com

CLAY COUNTY CHRISTMAS: The ensemble presentation of music and pageantry is performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River State College, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. $8. 276-6750. thcenter.org

THE NUTCRACKER: The St. Augustine Ballet performs the holiday favorite at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and at 2 p.m.
Dec. 16 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. $15-$30. 824-1746.

RITZ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: The event is scheduled for Dec. 15 at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown. 632-5555.

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE: The heartwarming Charles Dickens’ story is performed at 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. $36.50, $46.50. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE: The comedy is staged at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. Jan. 4, 5, 10-12, and 17-19, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 6 and 13 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach. New Year’s Eve: $60-$85; Other shows: $25. 249-0289. playersbythesea.org

JANUARY

CINDERELLA: The State Ballet Theatre of Russia performs the fairy tale at 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. $52-$82. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

MARY POPPINS: The Artist Series of FSCJ presents the Broadway hit Jan. 22-27 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

LOST IN YONKERS: Neil Simon’s play is performed Jan. 24-Feb. 17 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. $10-$25. 825-1164. limelight-theatre.org

CLARINDA: Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents the Scottish musical play Jan. 25-Feb. 10 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. $20. 249-7177.

FEBRUARY

CONVERSATIONS AFTER A BURIAL: The comedic play is staged Feb. 1-16 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach. $20. 249-0289. playersbythesea.org

THE CAPITOL STEPS: The satirical musical is performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5-7, at 8 p.m. Feb. 8, at 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 9 and at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at FSCJ’s Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Southside. $34-$46. 646-2222. fscj.edu/wilsoncenter

EXTRAVAGANZA: The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ show is staged at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. 346-5620 ext. 122. da-arts.org

SLEEPING BEAUTY: The Russian National Ballet Theatre performs the classic fairy tale at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, St. Johns River State College, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. $16-$48. 276-6750. thcenter.org

BILLY ELLIOTT: The Artist Series of FSCJ presents the Broadway dance hit Feb. 26-March 3 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. For ticket information, call 632-3373. artistseriesjax.org

SEPTEMBER

FOLIO WEEKLY INVITATIONAL ARTIST EXHIBITION: A juried show of 50 works, chosen from among 700 entries submitted by local artists, is on display and runs through Dec. 2 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside. 356-6857.

MIRADAS: ANCIENT ROOTS IN MODERN & CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN ART: The exhibit is on display through Sept. 16 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside. 356-6857.

HIGHWAY GALLERY: Lily Kuonen is the featured artist for September in the public art project on digital billboards throughout the city.

DOOMSTOWN: Doug Waterfield’s exhibit runs through September at space:eight gallery, 228 W. King St., St. Augustine. 829-2838.

THOMAS HAGER AND CHRISTINA FOARD: Recent works by the artists are on display through September at Haskell Gallery, Jacksonville International Airport, 14201 Pecan Park Road. Works by Louise Freshman Brown and Dustin Harewood are in the Concourse art display cases. 741-3546.

SEEN AND UNSEEN: The exhibit, “Exploring a Variety of Approaches to Painting in the Contemporary Art World,” continues through September at Cork Arts District, 2689 Rosselle St., Riverside. 655-6856.

RENDERING ITALY: University of North Florida Art & Design faculty exhibits works reflecting contemporary responses to the beauty, history and culture of Italy, on display through Oct. 7 at the UNF Gallery at MOCA, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown. 366-6911.

WORLD OF BOOKS: The juried show is displayed until Oct. 7 at Island Art Association Gallery, 18 N. Second St., Fernandina Beach. 261-7020. islandart.org

BEFORE AND AFTER 1565: The collaborative exhibit, “A Participatory Exploration of St. Augustine’s Native American History,” is displayed through Oct. 19 at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. Free. 826-8530.

PROJECT ATRIUM: TRISTIN LOWE: The sculptor’s three-dimensional installation is on display through Oct. 28 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown. 366-6911. mocajacksonville.org

SELECTIONS: The exhibit of Betsy Cain’s painting continues through Oct. 31 at Florida Mining Gallery, 5300 Shad Road, Southside. 425-2845.

PONTE VEDRA CLASSES: The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach offers art classes and workshops in the fall. The first session runs Sept. 12-Oct. 28, and the second session Oct. 31-Dec. 16, at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-0614 ext. 204.

THE UNTOLD STORY OF RUBY McCOLLUM: The film tells the story of a black woman who killed her white lover, a prominent Live Oak physician, in 1962. The premiere at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 is followed by a question-and-answer with filmmaker Claudia Johnson at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown. Free. 632-5555.