Liza Mitchell
It doesn’t have to rhyme to have a good time! The Florida Theatre will host its annual Blues, Brews, and BBQ event on August 25th to benefit the historic theatre. The event is held from 5:30-8:30pm and features the best local BBQ, ice cold craft beer, and red-hot blues from Mama Blue and Smokestack.
Sponsored by Publix Supermarket Charities, Inc., Blues, Brews, and BBQ tickets range in price from $50-$75. Ticket holders can sample BBQ and enjoy unlimited craft beer while enjoying continuous live blues music. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Florida Theatre Box Office at 355.2787 or at floridatheatre.com.
Blues musician and Jacksonville native Mama Blue is no stranger to the Florida Theatre stage. A graduate of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, her unique sound is reminiscent of legends such as Nina Simone, Tina Turner, Etta James and Aretha Franklin. Mama Blue was awarded a talent scholarship to Jacksonville University and she has performed throughout Europe and the United States. She performed with Dudley Moore, Michael Bolton, and Gregory Hines. She has also shared the stage with Arrested Development, JJ Grey & Mofro, Naomi Shelton and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and has appeared at Springing the Blues Festival, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and the Cummer Ball.
Based in Jacksonville Beach, Smokestack is keeping the blues fire burning with weekly showcases at Harmonious Monks. Influenced by the greats like BB King, Muddy Waters, Albert and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Smokestack is led by Mayport native Jack Corcoran. The band is a favorite with the Jacksonville blues community and strives to keep the blues alive in Northeast Florida with each show.
Wings, ribs, pulled pork and brisket, smoked turkey and grilled sausage will be provided by Jacksonville’s best BBQ establishments including: Mojos No. 4 Riverside; The Butt Hutt Smokehouse; The Bearded Pig; Woody’s BBQ and Bono’s BBQ. BBQ is sponsored by KPMG.
Guests will also enjoy unlimited craft beer provided by Bold City Brewery, River City Brewery, Seven Bridges Brewery and Grille, and Veterans United Craft. Brew sponsors for this year’s event are Brown & Brown Insurance and CK Direct.
The mission of the nonprofit Florida Theatre is to enhance the North Florida community’s quality of life by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences, and by preserving a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.
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