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WasabiCon is Wasabi Anime‘s convention for fans of cosplay, anime, gaming and pop culture. The events are designed to create an inclusive environment for fans to immerse themselves in the otaku culture and celebrate the energy and creativity that surrounds the fandom and everything “geek.” The two-day convention features celebrity guests, local artists, exhibitors, gaming, panels, contests and much more. Daytime programming and events are designed for all ages with content appropriate for adult attendees scheduled in the evening. Tom Croom is the mastermind behind WasabiCon and its producing company Green Mustard Entertainment. Folio’s Rob Nicholson chatted with Croom via …

How to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month respectfully This year marks the 54th year the U.S. has officially recognized and celebrated Hispanic heritage. President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the first Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and 20 years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a 30-day event. Since then, Americans have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and acknowledging the stories, histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx individuals, as well as the contributions they have made, not only to America, but to the world. Political powerhouses like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; …

Karrissa Wade is the most booked, most visible and the “hardest working” drag performer in Northeast Florida. Go ahead and add numerous crowns and accolades for her performances including her comedy shows. Her domain runs as far north as Yulee, Florida and as far south as St. Augustine. She has raised thousands and thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations. Even while holding down a full time job it is not unusual for Karrissa to work as many as four to five shows in any given week.   Karrissa sat down with Folio’s Rob Nicholson to talk about her upcoming show …

Decreases your environmental impact (carbon footprint) If you’re an avid online shopper, it may come as a surprise to find out that shipping produces one billion metric tons of C02 yearly. It may also be a surprise to know that industrial pollution is responsible for about 50% of pollution in the United States. When you shop locally, there is less traveling by car, less resource depletion, and less habitat loss. Supports your local community and local economy It is estimated that for every $100 spent at local shops, $48 is restituted to the local economy. That is 68% of your …

If you’re from Jacksonville, there’s a good chance you have gone to a show at 1904 Music Hall. And when you were buying tickets, you most likely didin’t know it was going be at one of the oldest buildings in downtown Jacksonville. The building was originally built in 1904, one of the first structures to be established after Jacksonville’s Great Fire of 1901. It was mainly a place for commercial businesses, a furniture manufacturing company, a retail store and office space, then a tobacco shop for about 20 years. It wasn’t until 2011 that Jason Hunnicutt and two partners would …

How the Inflation Reduction Act will reach Florida’s communities On Aug. 18, a substantial piece of legislation was signed into law, the Inflation Reduction Act (aka the IRA Bill) or, as President Biden called it: “the biggest step forward on climate ever.” The bill invests $370 billion in spending and tax credits aiming to reduce health costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise taxes on corporations. The U.S. is finally taking a legitimate swing in the fight against climate change. Though it didn’t meet original expectations, it’s putting us on course to reduce our own pollution which is good for …

Self-published work pushes through the clutter of ‘likes’ by way of hands, not thumbs Before hopping on the phone with creators of Duval Comic and Zine Fest (DCAZ Fest)  to get the scoop on the previously postponed event happening in the Jacksonville Main Public Library on Oct. 22, I spent a brief period in the library’s Zine Zone. Lined chronologically on the wall, skinny pamphlets of neon blue and pink poked out of the sea of preserving plastic baggies. Unsure of the content due to the lack of a spine on most of the publications, I grabbed one at random, …

I didn’t know what to expect when walking through the double doors of the Cummer Museum, the sun beginning to set behind me. Would the paintings come to life? Would I need to save the outside world from angry statues that are tired of living a life in stone and marble? I watched Night at the Museum the day before and took some notes, just in case. Instead of statues dancing through the lively kids section, I found a peaceful studio full of easels and eager artists getting ready to draw with artist William McMahan. For the first 30 minutes …

Four local artists seek to answer three questions—Where has Jacksonville been? Where are we now? And where are we heading?—for JAXNext100, a week of creativity and collaboration envisioning Jacksonville’s next 100 years. The collaborative exhibition, “Past, Present, Future,” on display at The Corner Gallery at the Jessie DuPont Ball Center, showcases the minds and talents of artists Dustin Harewood, Malcolm Jackson, Toni Smailagic and Jordan Walter. The Bold New City of The South street sign, built for the photo featuruing Nicole Hamm and BeBe Deluxe, hangs on the outward facing wall behind the glass of the gallery, viewable to all …