EVENTS
LEADERSHIP SPEAKERS BUREAU
University of North Florida’s Institute for Values, Community and Leadership presents Dave Reed, Student Affairs Community Councilmember, local entrepreneur and former Hollywood agent, 6 p.m. April 10 in Bldg. 58 W., Student Union Ballroom, Rm. 3703, Southside. Reed discusses his Hollywood career, business and the community. Free. To register, go to unf.edu/ivcl. 620-5934.
MOCK RAPE TRIAL
University of North Florida’s Women’s Center and UNF’s Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice present a mock rape trial 7 p.m. April 10 in Robinson Theater, Bldg. 14A, 1 UNF Dr., Southside. This stage production will depict one woman’s story of an alleged sexual violation to a jury of peers, offering a realistic view of the criminal justice system. UNF students serve as members of the prosecution, defense and crime lab teams, the victim, accused perpetrator and jury. Practicing attorneys, a forensic scientist and other legal professionals are also featured. Free; doors open at 6:30 p.m. 620-2528. unf.edu/womens-center
HOT TOPICS LUNCHEON
Sandra Parks discusses “Current Issues in Florida Public Education Legislation” 11:30 a.m. April 10 at University Club, 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville. Admission is $20 for members and students; $30 for nonmembers. 613-9480.
WELCOME HOME FOR ALLISON TANT
Beaches Democratic Club welcomes Tant, who was recently elected chair of the Florida Democratic Party, 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 10 at South Beach Park Community Center, 2508 South Beach Parkway, Jax Beach. Tant discusses Florida party politics and the Democratic Party’s direction. Beaches Democratic Club gathers 6:30-8:30 p.m. the third Tue. each month at the public library in Neptune Beach. 401-4790.
FIRE & ICE BENEFIT
This benefit for autism awareness is held 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 12 at Suite, 4880 Big Island Dr., Ste. 1, St. Johns Town Center. Tapas-style hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction and a raffle are featured. Tickets are $20. Proceeds benefit Little Star Center, a local school for children with autism and developmental delays. 928-0112.
DON’S FRIENDS 5K RUN & FUN FEST
The fourth annual Don’s Friends 5K Run/Walk & Standup Paddleboard Race kicks off with a disco party and costume contest 5-9 p.m. April 12 at St. Augustine Beach Pier, 350 A1A S. Race day starts with a 5K Run/Walk 8:30 a.m. and a Standup Paddleboard Race 11:30 a.m. April 13. A cook-off, climbing wall, beer tent and kids’ activities are featured. Proceeds benefit the Don Ausman Foundation’s Alternative Break program. 687-5939. donsfriend.com
VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Florida Coastal School of Law’s organization Law Students Against Violence present this powerful stage production 7 p.m. April 13 at Fire Fighter Hall, 618 Stockton St., Riverside. Tickets are $10. Proceeds benefit Hubbard House. vdaylawtudentsagainstviolence@gmail.com
AMELIA ISLAND HOME & GARDEN TOUR 2013
The 13th annual Amelia Island Home & Garden Tour, themed “Passport to Collections Through a Lifetime,” is held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 13 at Osprey Village, Amelia Island Plantation. Four homes and two model properties at Osprey Village open their doors in an active retirement community. A $20 buffet luncheon is served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Villas of Osprey. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit Micah’s Place, Nassau County’s shelter for victims of domestic abuse. 491-6364. micahsplace.org
WALK MS
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida Chapter holds a walk and festivities starting 8 a.m. April 13 at Town Hall Park, 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park. 332-6810. nationalmssociety.org/fln
POKER RUN The sixth annual Bikers Against Child Abuse poker run kicks off 10 a.m. April 13 at Greybeard’s, 3382 Commonwealth Ave., Jacksonville. Raffles and live music. $10 a bike, $5 a rider. 384-5090.
WALK TO CURE DIABETES
This walk begins at 9 a.m. (check-in at 8 a.m.) April 13 at Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Downtown. Live music, kids’ activities, food and games are also featured. Proceeds benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation programs. 739-2101. jdrf.org
CHILD CANCER FUND BENEFIT
Aqua Grill celebrates its 25th anniversary with a fundraising, 1-4 p.m. April 14 at 950 Sawgrass Village Dr., Ponte Vedra. Complimentary food and live music are featured. Proceeds, donations and raffle ticket sales benefit the CCF. childcancerfund.org aquagrill.net
COMEDY FOR CRITTERS
The seventh annual event is held 7 p.m. April 13 at Hotel Indigo, 9840 Tapestry Park Circle, Southside. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and First Coast No More Homeless Pets. 608-1148. aspca.org fcnmhp.org
ANCIENT CITY OYSTER ROAST
The Cathedral Parish School PTO holds its annual Oyster Roast noon-4 p.m. April 13 at the school, 259 St. George St., St. Augustine. Live music, steamed oysters, chowder, shrimp, hot dogs, hamburgers, wings, fries, beer, wine, soda and water are featured. All-U-Can-Eat oyster tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the gate. General admission: $5 for adults, $2 for kids 16-4, kids 3 and younger free. Proceeds benefit Cathedral Parish School improvement programs. 824-2861. cpspto.com
GLOBAL ISSUES EVENINGS
World Affairs Council of Jacksonville wraps up the series with Joseph Nye, chairman of U.S. National Intelligence Council, at 7 p.m. April 15 at University of North Florida’s UNF Center, 12000 Alumni Dr., Southside. Nye discusses “The Future of American Power.” 280-8162, 620-2117. worldaffairscounciljax.org
COSMIC CONCERTS Laser shows are Laser Mania 7 p.m., Laser Beatles 8 p.m., Laser U2 9 p.m., Laser Hypnotica 10 p.m. April 12 in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank. Online tickets are $5. Saturday shows are held noon and 5 p.m. 396-7062. moshplanetarium.org
RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Performers include FSCJ DanceWORKS, 10:30 a.m.; Mama Blue, noon-2:15 p.m. and Scott Jones Dancers, 2:45 p.m. April 13 at the market, under the Fuller Warren Bridge at Riverside Avenue, Downtown. Local and regional art and a farmers market are also featured from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat. Admission is free. 554-6865. riversideartsmarket.com
FERNANDINA BEACH MARKETPLACE The market offers fresh baked goods, organic vegetables and jellies, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. at North Seventh Street, Fernandina Beach, 557-8229, fernandinabeachmarketplace.com
AMELIA FARMERS MARKET The market offers farm-direct fruits and vegetables 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, ameliafarmersmarket.com.
FARMERS & ARTS MARKET This market is held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sun. of the month at 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park. Everything is handmade or homegrown. Live entertainment, kids’ activities and food are featured. 264-2635. townoforangepark.com
ST. JOHNS RIVER FARMERS MARKET Local produce, arts and crafts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 S.R. 13, Switzerland. 347-8900.
FARMERS MARKET OF SAN MARCO Fresh local and regional produce is offered 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. at 1620 Naldo Ave., Swaim Memorial United Methodist Church parking lot, San Marco. Family fun day is the third Sat. 607-9935.
ANCIENT OAKS ARTS & FARMERS MARKET An open-air farmers market, held noon-4 p.m. every other Sun. at Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd. 607-9935.
POLITICS, BUSINESS, ACTIVISM
AQUISITION CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
University of North Florida’s Small Business Development Center presents this conference and trade show 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 10 at UNF’s Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr., Southside. Training tracks focus on government contracts, small business set-aside programs and education programs for government acquisition professionals. RADM (Ret.) Seán Crean, director, Office of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Navy, is the featured speaker. Admission is $175 and includes access to breakout sessions, conference materials and meals. To register, go to jacksonvilleacquisitionconference.com or call 620-2476.
FREETHOUGHT SOCIETY The group meets 6:30 p.m. April 15 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 7405 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville. Liz Murad, a former Catholic nun, discusses “From Nundom to Freedom.” 419-8826. firstcoastfreethoughtsociety.org
SOUTHSIDE BUSINESS MEN’S CLUB Drew Slover, Jacksonville Axemen Rugby, is the featured speaker; Chuck Houck is the spotlight speaker, 11:30 a.m. April 10 at San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin. Admission is $20 for members, with lunch; $25 for nonmembers, with lunch. 396-5559.
JACKSONVILLE JOURNEY The oversight committee of this crime-fighting initiative meets at 4 p.m. April 18 in the Eighth Floor Conference Room 851, Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville. 630-7306. coj.net
BOOKS & WRITING
CREATIVITY WORKSHOP First Coast Romance Writers offer this writers’ event 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 13 at West Regional Library, 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville. Kieran Kramer discusses “Why Buy YOUR Book? The Top 10 Reasons.” firstcoastromancewriters.com
ELIZABETH RANN ARROTT Author Arrott discusses her book, “Shortcut to a Miracle: How to Change Your Consciousness and Transform Your Life,” 10:30 a.m. April 14 at Residence Inn, 10551 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside. A workshop follows the discussion. 398-4353. csljax.org
COMEDY
MIKE EPPS LIVE
Comedian, writer, rapper and actor (“Next Friday,” “The Hangover”) Epps appears 7 p.m. April 12 at the T-U Center, 300 W. Water St., Downtown. Tickets range from $54.20-$112.70. ticketmaster.com
JOHN HENTON
Living Single’s Henton appears 8 p.m. April 10, 11 and 12 and 8 and 10 p.m. April 13 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Road (in Ramada Inn), Mandarin. Tickets range from $10-$17. Comedy Zone Showcase 8 p.m. April 16 and 17. 292-4242. comedyzone.com
COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE
Bryan McCree appears 8:04 p.m. April 11 and 12 and 8:04 and 10:18 p.m. April 13 at the new club, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, Southside. Tickets range from $6-$25. 646-4277. jacksonvillecomedy.com
THE GYPSY COMEDY CLUB Danny Niblock and Mark Viola appear 8:30 p.m. April 12 and 13 at 828 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 and $12. 461-8843.
MAD COWFORD Mad Cowford Improv performs 8:15 p.m. every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown. Admission is $5. 860-5451.
NATURE, SPORTS, OUTDOORS
SHANNON MILLER 5K RUN/WALK
The Children’s 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8 a.m., the Women’s 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent dr., Downtown. Lunch specials, a health fair and free health screenings are featured after the race.
PUMPKIN HILL PROJECT
Volunteers are needed to help State Park personnel shape up the Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve, 8:30 a.m.-noon April 13 at the park, 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, 696-5980. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring gloves, water bottle, sunblock, bug spray and snacks. 696-5980. floridastateparks.org
JACKSONVILLE SHARKS’ HOME OPENER
The other hometown football team takes on the New Orleans VooDoo at 8 p.m. April 12 (Nerd/College Night) at Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Tickets range from $12-$133. The Sharks take on the Iowa Barnstormers April 19. 630-3900.
MATT RASTA GRAY MEMORIAL SURF/SKATE
The sixth annual skate contest is held 5 p.m. April 12 at Atlantic Beach Skatepark, 800 Seminole Rd., Russell Park. The surf contest is held 8 a.m. April 13 on the beach between 18th and 19th streets, Atlantic Beach. Competitions range from Grom to Emperors, male and female. Registration is $20 per contest; mini-groms are free. A raffle, giveaways, food, live music and fun are featured. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund. 241-0822. floridasurfing.org
TALBOT ISLANDS A park ranger discusses the lifecycle of the sea turtle and the importance of these creatures 2 p.m. April 13 at Ribault Club, Ft. George Island Cultural State Park, 11241 Ft. George Road. Free. 251-2320. floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland
JACKSONVILLE SUNS The Suns return for a homestand against the Chattanooga Lookouts, 7:05 p.m. April 20 (Bark in the Park) at newly renamed Bragan Field, 301 Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville. Games continue 3:05 p.m. April 21 (Disabled Services Day, Kids Run the Bases) and 12:05 p.m. April 22 (Senior Citizens Day), 7:05 p.m. April 23 (Folio Weekly Fifty Cent Family Feast) and 1:05 p.m. April 24 (Businessperson’s Special). Come on out and cheer for your hometown team! Tickets are $7.50-$25.50. 358-2846. jaxsuns.com
DINOTREK AND TIGERS The new exhibits are open at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway. Lifelike animatronic “dinosaur” creatures are featured. Admission is $3 for members, $3.50 for nonmembers, plus Zoo admission. Zoo hours are extended until 6 p.m. weekends and holidays through Labor Day. Check out the new Land of the Tigers, too! 757-4463. jacksonvillezoo.org
KIDS
THE UGLY DUCKLING The kids’ play about beauty being only skin deep is presented 10:30 a.m. April 12, 17 and 26 and May 1 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $9, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com.
UPCOMING
ST. JOHNS SUP RUSH April 20, Rudder Club of Jacksonville
ANTHONY BOURDAIN April 25, T-U Center
12TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
April 27, Tree Hill Nature Center
ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL
May 3-5, Fernandina Beach
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP May 6-12, TPC Sawgrass
KEVIN JAMES June 9, The Florida Theatre
GREAT SOUTHERN TAILGATE COOK-OFF
Aug. 23 & 24, Amelia Island
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NAACP MEETING This group gathers at 7:15 p.m. on April 11 at 1725 Oakhurst Ave., Jacksonville. 764-7578. jacksonvillenaacp.com
FRIDAY NIGHT DRUM CIRCLE A drum circle is held 5:30 p.m. every Friday all summer at 18th Avenue North, Jax Beach, on the beach. meetup.com/jaxdrumcircle
MILITARY VETERAN COLLEGE READY BOOT CAMP
The Boot Camp is held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 13 at University of North Florida, Bldg. 9, Schultz Hall, Rm. 1401, Southside. It’ss designed to help veterans and their families transition from a military life to a college campus. Admission is free; lunch is provided. To register, go to unf.edu/military-veterans or call 620-5131.
GEARS FOR YEARS
Keep It Together Florida Inc. and St Johns County present this program, which collects bicycles for kids in need. They need donations — children’s bikes, spare parts, tire tubes, chains seats, handle bar grips, bike locks and new helmets — and volunteers to help refurbish bikes and help at the June giveaway. gearsforyears.org
LGBT WORSHIP SERVICES Services are held 10:30 a.m. every Sun. at First Coast Metropolitan Community Church, 2915 C.R. 214, St. Augustine. 824-2802.
CLASSES & GROUPS
HERB SOCIETY
The Jacksonville Herb Society meets 10-11 a.m. April 16 at Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church, 6429 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville. Members are available to answer questions on growing, harvesting and culinary uses of herbs. Admission is free. 238-8825.
NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
Florida Native Plant Society, Ixia Chapter, gathers 6:30 p.m. April 18 at Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville. Chapter president Barbara Jackson discusses “Florida Native Wildflowers for the Four Seasons.” Admission is free. 655-2550. ixia.fnpschapters.org
LANDSCAPING & GARDENING
Duval County Extension Offices/UF IFAS offer a free workshop on seasonal landscape and gardening tips 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 11 at Highlands Branch Library, 1826 Dunn Ave., Jacksonville. Bring soil samples for free testing for pH. To register, call 255-7450. ο
To have your events or club meetings listed here, email time, date, location (street address and city), admission price and contact number to print to events@folioweekly.com or click the link in our Happenings section at folioweekly.com. Deadline is 4 p.m. Wed. for the next Wednesday publication.
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