Neighborhoods

  Three simple words define how Jim Alabiso greets a new day. “To the Sea” is a spiritual roadmap that leads him to the sandy shores at sunrise and a metaphor for his relationship to the water. A distance swimmer, author, water conservationist and professional strategist, Alabiso rises before dawn several times a week for a mile swim up the coast just as the day breaks on the horizon. It’s a transformative experience that he shares with his tribe of co-swimmers in the Duval Ocean Swimmers. Any number of swimmers may appear at daybreak; as little as two or three …

Directed by Tricia Williams Choreographed by Javier Fernandez Music Direction by Christine Phillips Monty Python’s Spamalot was entertaining and provided a lot of humorous moments intertwined with amazing choreography and musical numbers. I really enjoyed watching the actors as I tried to figure out the plot.  is loosely based on Camelot. I do not want to spoil it for others that have never watched it on screen before, but I will say it is a bit naughty with some interesting twists. The play was comprised of two Acts. Act I contained 15 songs and Act II 12 songs. I don’t …

Every city is defined by a number of contributing factors from the landscape to its residents and the history of the town itself. In Laramie, Wyoming, the place once recognized as a prominent railroading community where small-town, conservative views meshed in a comfortable contradiction with its panoramic scenery and heaven-meets-earth skies became the epicenter of hate following the death of a young, gay man named Matthew Shepard. Created by a collection of students at the Tectonic Theater Troupe, is the result of over 200 interviews conducted by members over a series of visits to Laramie to understand and explain how …

Joey Santiago is feeling contemplative. As the guitarist and original member of the Pixies, he is wrapping up a full day of press ahead of the band’s 2018 tour. The questions dredge through the triumphant years, the miserable breaks and the ugly truths about it all. But Santiago isn’t focused on the fall and rise of one of the best bands in the alternative music. He’s thinking about aluminum foil. The Pixies will perform to a sold-out crowd June 24 at the Florida Theatre. There will be no filler talk between songs, no interplay with the audience, no set list, …

“I should be wearing a Beverly Beach swimsuit and a straw hat.” It was a steamy July night in 2016 the last time Culture Club played in northeast Florida. Boy George made it through the sweaty show at the Morocco Shrine Auditorium without a hiccup and only a brief mention of Jacksonville feeling like the surface of the sun. So, when announced that a co-headlining tour with the would get underway at the end of June in St. Augustine, it seemed the band was heading from the frying pan into the fire. “I’ve had a lot of conversations about some …

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to being a working band. Even more if the members all work “regular” jobs. It’s tricky to reconcile all the pieces, but for the guys in , it’s all part of the grind. “Trying to play shows out of town and plan ahead, it’s hard,” says , lead vocalist, guitarist and the band’s primary songwriter. “I work nights, so knowing ahead of time when the other guys can practice, I can accommodate my schedule. Rudasill works in the service industry and is the only member who works nights. Bassist , …

Like California sunshine on an Appalachian mountain stream She’s a little bit California cool and a little bit country soul. is combining the best of both genres into a fluid style that’s earning attention on both coasts. As an “Artist You Should Know” in the Summer Country Concert series, Sandra Lynn is excited to showcase a fresh interpretation of contemporary country music with a subtle west coast vibe June 30 at the (www.ritzjacksonville.com). Sandra Lynn will perform songs from her recent EP “Fight” which she divided into a three-part project. The first record was released early this year, and she …

The phenomenal musical “Mamma Mia!” danced its way onto Theatre Jacksonville’s stage on Friday, June 8th, 2018, where it will remain until the final performance — a matinee — on Sunday, June 24th. Call 904-396-4425 or visit theatrejax.com for reservations. The production is being sponsored by Industry West, a home furnishings company featuring modern design, with a newly opened store in San Marco Square. We describe “” as phenomenal for three reasons. First, the production is a jukebox musical which debuted in 1999 and was built around the songs of ABBA, a Swedish pop group which was immensely popular in …

PLAYERS BY THE SEA THEATRE REVIEW Jacksonville Beach’s Players by the Sea staged the World Premier of “” on June 1st, 2018; the production runs through June 10th. The theatre is located at 106 6th Street North in , Florida. For reservations call 904-249-0289 or visit playersbythesea.org. The evening began with , Vice President of the PBTS Board of Directors, introducing , the theatre’s new Executive Director, to the audience. She has an impressive background in theatre production, management and development. She will indeed bring her special form of leadership and creativity to the theatre and the beaches community. The …