Neighborhoods

The new season doesn’t begin until September, but at Players by the Sea a season of change is underway. Suzanne Hudson-Smith officially stepped into her new role as Executive Director June 1 and the public is invited to an open house at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 19 to welcome her into the theatre community. Hudson-Smith says she is excited to part of the family and is looking forward to “extending that hand out to the community to say ‘hey, here’s who we are, and this is what we’re doing, and we want you to come in’ which is why we’re …

Family dynamics take center stage in the original drama opening June 1 on the Players by the Sea studio stage. “A Seat at the Table” is written by local actor and playwright James Webb III, the winner of the 2nd annual New Voices program. “A Seat at the Table” follows the Churchill family who own and operate the Hillside Construction Company. Tensions rise after the parents pass the torch to their eldest son. Despite his experience within the company, he fails to meet expectations, and his younger brother subsequently receives control of the family business. “The parents are getting ready …

We’ve rounded up some of the notable bars, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida to grab a drink! Whether it’s a happy hour cocktail after work, a beer before the game, or a damn good view of Jacksonville’s skyline to cheers to, we’ve got you covered for drinking in the Urban Core. 1904 Music Hall  19 N. Ocean St., 434-3475, 1904musichall.com Resurrected from one of Downtown Jax’s oldest structures, this live music venue’s name comes from the year it was built: 1904. With 17 foot tall ceilings, brick walls, rustic wooden columns, and local art on display, the …

We’ve rounded up some of the notable restaurants on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida! For a complete list of all has to offer, including the and , go to DVI’s website. For dining hours, check the web or call, as these are subject to change. 20West Cafe 20 W. Adams St., 222-0695, fscj.edu/20-west-cafe Farm-to-table counter-service restaurant serving up breakfast and lunch.  Akel’s Delicatessen 21 W. Church St., 315 W. Forsyth St., 50 N. Laura St., 245 Riverside Ave. akelsdeli.com With four locations and New York flavor, you might mistake this family-owned-and-operated deli for an out-of-town franchise. Azucena Corner Deli 100 E. …

Change is a vital currency that helps a city like Jacksonville maintain a vibrant cultural presence. Much ado has been made about the continued evolution of the city’s downtown area. Among the stewards of the area is Downtown Vision, Inc., who offered an update on a few of the high-profile developments and the impact the plans will have on the city. VP of Marketing for DVI, , has a bird’s-eye view of the work as it happens in real time. It’s an exciting time in , and Hardwick can see the evolution of the city’s skyline from her office window. …

By Paul Vranesh A National concert has the potential to be marred in musical one-upmanship. The unironic characterizations of indie music fans found in James Murphy’s lyrics to Losing My Edge could run rampant and unchecked. This is The National, after all – Brooklyn darlings whose biting lyrics, humbling musicality, and NYC indie cred demand adoration and respect amongst all those in-the-know. These qualities also inspire a vicious sense of appropriation and “where were you when Alligator dropped” contention. As an unabashed devotee to all things National, I tried to imagine what I would find in the pit of the on May 5th. …

Historic Posters Feature Artist and Fan Since 1980, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has presented itself each year with striking visual imagery through the event’s official poster. Throughout the years, talented local artists have contributed their unique touch to what has become a much anticipated and collectible piece of art. This year, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is proud to feature two poster designs created by local artist . A rarity compared to previous years, the 2018 posters pay homage to the jazz performer and fan. Each piece of art incorporates Whipples’s distinctive and highly recognized three-line motif. “I use three lines …

Presented by the Downtown Investment Authority, Jazz Fest After Dark, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville and Downtown Vision, Jazz Fest After Dark returns to Downtown Jacksonville this Friday and Saturday. Building on early success and positive feedback, the event extends the experience for festival goers and introduces them to ’s vibrant nightlife options. Jazz Fest After Dark boasts twelve official host venues with more than twenty acts. Live music will begin at 6 p.m. at certain locations and run until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Entry is free. “We started Jazz Fest After Dark because we wanted to give Jazz Fest attendees a reason to stay …