BACKPAGE EDITORIAL FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send your submissions to [email protected] Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. story by JASON PEOPLES Our youth are the future. In an increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever that we arm children and adolescents with the tools they need to succeed through a well-rounded education—one that includes arts education. Throughout the last several decades, fewer and fewer students have received substantial …

THE BLACK BEACH Runs through May 27. Opening reception 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, Cathedral Arts Project, 207 N. Laura St., St. 300, capkids.org, Downtown, free Cathedral Arts Project207 N. Laura StreetJacksonville, FL 32202 View larger map story by MADELEINE PECK WAGNER “This is what it means to be an artist,” Malcolm Jackson said. We’re winding up a group conversation about art, design, fashion pop-ups, American Beach and what it means to make art in Jacksonville right now—how cross-platform, neighborhood and presentation models change and evolve and how art can exist at surprising and revelatory intersections. Dustin Harewood, Malcolm Jackson …

story by SUSAN CLARK ARMSTRONG It was the summer of 2018, and the folks in Clay County’s Russell Landing had prevented Solite from selling its contaminated industrial land to a residential developer. They knew they had not won the war, of course, only a small battle. But they hoped the next one would wait in the distant future. They were wrong. In the early 1950s, billion-dollar corporation Northeast Solite purchased some 900 acres of pristine farmland in Green Cove Springs from a county commissioner’s family. The Solite plant dug clay and baked it in kilns to produce building and drainage …

When the now-defunct announced it was closing its doors with an unrealized production of an all-female production of Romeo & Juliet in the works, it took the spirit of collaboration to help bring the story to life Players by the Sea partnered with , artistic director of Self Produced Theatre, Romeo & Juliet Director Amy Canning Love and Assistant Director to create a space for this groundbreaking production. Romeo & Juliet will be staged Feb. 20-23 at in (www.playersbythesea.org). “I knew the directors and the leads were passionate about the project, so I never had doubts that they were going …

It’s not hard to understand why ’ paintings are in such high demand. With subject matter as diverse as neon dive-bar brands, Hindu deities and Catholic saints, run-on catch phrase sentences, pop culture portraits, and under-water vignettes, Briggs has created a niche for himself that defies all definitions of the word ‘niche’. His style extends beyond the reach of any singular mode of painting because he is continually experimenting with his craft, and has become quite comfortable in the all-encompassing art land of what next?  Over the past three years, Briggs has made his presence known more so as a …

EU Talks with Bandstand’s Rob Clove Before each performance of the award-winning Bandstand: The Musical, Rob Clove takes pause to tap into the struggles facing young African American men returning home from war in 1945. He digs deep into the pressures of working hard to rise above the societal pressures and make a meaningful mark on the world. Clove found inspiration in his character, Jimmy Campbell who discovers music as a way to  cope with the horrors of war in his generation. “I have a ritual. At the beginning of each show, I just take a moment to myself and …

Jacksonville has quite a few ice cream and frozen custard shops, but there is only one place serving delicious, homemade gelato. Bambino Scoops is located in the Cobblestone shopping plaza in East , at the intersection of Monument and McCormick. Owners Maria Gallo and Manuel Ponce have been operating the shop since June of 2019, after buying the name from the previous owner. The inside of the shop is very whimsical with various posters and action figures throughout. “We brought our favorite characters,” Manuel explained. He collects figures from The Simpsons and various other comics, so they wanted to incorporate …

Company, a 1970 musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships and is not for young audiences (cautions on language and subject matter).  To quote Sondheim, “Broadway theater has been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems.  These people really want to escape that world when they go to the theatre, and then here we are with Company talking about how we’re going to bring it right back in their faces.”  The original production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six. Returning to …

BY LIZA MITCHELL The 3rd annual Lincolnville Porchfest returns to the historic St. Augustine neighborhood Feb. 15 with 38 local and regional performers on nine stages. Porch pickin’ isn’t inherently native to Florida but it’s a tradition as familiar and comforting as a jar of sun-sweetened tea. Unfortunately, hurricanes are also a well-documented part of our history that can dampen even the liveliest of porch parties. Such was the case in November, 2016 when Hurricane Matthew roared along the coastline, flooding parts of St. Augustine and sinking plans for the first annual Lincolnville Porchfest. The event was rescheduled and later …

curated by DALE RATERMANN Sports Picks: 02/12/2020 – 02/19/2020

Live Music Venues AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Davis Turner Feb. 12. Sam McDonald Feb. 13. Kevin Ski Feb. 14. Shawn Layne, Rob Peck Feb. 15. Joe King, Amy Vickery Feb. 16. Travis Harden Feb. 18 SJ BREWING, 463646 S.R. 200, Yulee Kevin Ski Feb. 15 The SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. Hupp Huppman Feb. 12. Sam McDonald Feb. 14. Justin Spivey Feb. 15 THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted) BEACHES MUSEUM, 381 Beach Blvd. Jack Broadbent Feb. 17 BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. Shawn Mullins Feb. 12. Laura …

LINCOLNVILLE PORCH FEST Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, Lincolnville, St. Augustine, lincolnvilleporchfest.org, free. story by GEORGIO VALENTINO Once an expanse of orange groves fringing the periphery of St. Augustine proper, Lincolnville became a haven for freedmen after the Civil War. Indeed, the neighborhood is named after President Abraham Lincoln, he who decreed the end of the peculiar institution. It later became a hub of activity during the civil rights era, serving as a beachhead for Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, Lincolnville retains its historic character, although it has also become a popular and (relatively) affordable place for the Ancient City’s …

story by SHELTON HULL This week’s Garrett Dennis profile touched on a number of topics, but our meeting ended with a discussion of the councilmember’s efforts to decriminalize cannabis in Jacksonville. “I don’t participate in marijuana,” he said, but he sees no value in locking up those who do. Bill 2019-0330 would have reduced the penalty for possession of 20 grams of cannabis or less to a $100 fine or 10 hours of community service. A UNF PORL poll from June 2019 puts local support for decriminalization at 84 percent, making it about the lowest-hanging fruit you can find in …

story by DAVI THE DACHSHUND In a day and age where scroll-through, swipe-left dating has killed romance, it’s good to know there’s one Valentine’s date that will be delighted to spend the whole day by your side. As it turns out, one in five people prefer spending Valentine’s Day with their pets rather than their partners. Here’s the lowdown on why dogs make a better date this Valentine’s Day. Dogs won’t leave you hanging. It might not text you back, but your pooch is not likely to stand you up. Chances are it will patiently wait for you at home, …

story by SHELTON HULL The fourth floor of Jacksonville City Hall was essentially a ghost town when “the Folio crew” (as the receptionist dubbed us) met with city Councilmember Garrett Dennis. It was the first Monday of February, balmy and beautiful, definitely not the kind of day you’d want to spend at work—but there he was, working. It seems like he’s always working. The 45-year-old father of two has been working in some form or fashion since he was a precocious pre-teen; his mother became disabled, and he became the man of the house. After shooting photos in Hemming Park, …

BACKPAGE EDITORIAL FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send your submissions to [email protected] Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. story by MINDY WADLEY There are some who say the cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” But what if sadness is the thing you need to be cured from? Tears are certainly a wonderful expression of sadness, but they do little to heal it at the source. Then …

curated by DALE RATERMANN Sports Picks: 02/05/2020 – 02/12/2020

BACKPAGE EDITORIAL FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send your submissions to [email protected] Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. story by SUSAN AERTKER State Rep. Jason Fischer’s HB 1079 (formerly local bill J-1) has been slowly congealing into law, with the objective of stripping our elected Duval County School Board of the power to scout and appoint the best possible superintendent—and its authority to keep that appointee accountable on the job. The …

curated by GEORGIO VALENTINO Our Picks: 02/05/2020 – 02/12/2020

Live Music Venues AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Davis Turner Feb. 5. Travis Harden Feb. 6. Justin Spivey Feb. 7. Eric Alabiso, Amy Vickery Feb. 8. Hupp & Ray Feb. 9. Jimmy Mowrey Feb. 11 SJ BREWING COMPANY, 463646 S.R. 200, Ste. 13, Yulee Jory Lyle Feb. 8 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. The Macy’s Feb. 5. Savanna Leigh Bassett Feb. 7. Sam McDonald Feb. 8 STORY & SONG BOOKSTORE, 1430 Park Ave. Rev. Todd Glacy Feb. 7   THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted) BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. …

story by DAVI THE DACHSHUND Even a capable canine columnist like me can find it difficult to make ends meet. So, I depend on my mom for most things: filling my bowl with kibble, taking me to the vet for regular exams, and replacing my old squeaky squirrel with a new squeaky hedgehog. But not every pet is as fortunate. Hundreds of pets—from dogs and cats to birds and ferrets (and let’s not get started on reptiles)—end up abandoned on the streets, surrendered at shelters, or put into homeless situations when pet owners find caring for them difficult or impossible. …

WINTERLAND III 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Feb. 7-9, Five Points, winterlandpresents.com, $30-$60. story by TRISTAN KOMORNY Riverside will be the focal point of Jacksonville’s vibrant music community, this weekend, as local record label Winterland presents the third edition of its eponymous music festival. Each annual outing has been an opportunity to serve the city’s artists and audience, according to Winterland co-founder Glenn Van Dyke. “We started Winterland as a way to help usher in a new era of music culture in Jacksonville,” Van Dyke told Folio Weekly. “We want to expand on the growing scene and make it exciting to be …

story by SHELTON HULL The sun is just going down in Riverside, but Jonah Pierre is rising, in every sense of the word. It’s been a steady upward trajectory for the 32-year-old musician since he first made an impact on our jazz scene a decade ago; 2020 has started out hotter for him than any year yet. He has at least two albums dropping this year, and he’s performing at venues almost every night of the week. On this particular night, he’s preparing to play with Al Reshard at The Island Bar. It’s a relatively new group in a venue …

If you haven’t already heard about Damascus Gate, you definitely will soon! Owners Raed Alshaikh and Mouhammad Maidani have already opened two restaurants in Jacksonville and have a third on the way. I can’t say much about the third location except that it will be located in the middle of Jacksonville and is very unique. As Raed puts it, “I’m gonna do something that everybody talks about.” Alshaikh is no stranger to the restaurant business. He owned seven restaurants in Dubai including one very fun concept called ROGO’s. In this restaurant, the kitchen was located on the 4th floor. When …

Art, in all it’s forms, is the common denominator that helps bring people together. The divisive nature of the current climate helped inspire a new Ritz Chamber Players music series designed to unify audiences for the love of music. Hosted by the Ritz Chamber Players, “We The People” is the group’s 18th mainstage concert season dedicated to creating public conversation centered around such challenging topics as race, religion, gender, and war. All the main stage concerts are held at 7:30pm at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. The performances are free and open to the public. Tickets for all main stage performances …

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.” – Albert Einstein Imagination. Say it out loud. Imagination! Even just the phonetic makeup of the word itself is somewhat magical sounding, isn’t it? Einstein, who is known for his findings in math and science and physics and all things brainy, valued the power of imagination above the security of knowledge. He said that he never actually thought in logical symbols or mathematical equations, but in images, feelings, and even musical architectures. He has been …

The Jacksonville Film & Television Office is hosting the Jacksonville Television, Digital Media & Music Forum on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 12:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium (303 N. Laura St. – 32202.) This free event includes the following panels of television and music industry professionals: • A Producer’s Journey: MTV’s SIESTA KEY: from Sizzle Reel to Worldwide Television Sensation • Movies, Entertainment and Music: Secrets to Getting Your Music Produced and on the Radio • Music Scoring and Licensing Panelists include: • Warren Skeels, an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker; Creator, Executive Producer and Director of MTV’s ‘SIESTA …

The seventh installment of Miami’s III Points music festival wowed fans with the release of this year’s lineup last week. After a very successful 2019 festival with performances by  Grammy-winning Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Rocky, Erykah Badu, SZA, James Blake and Beach House, organizers have again outdone themselves with another star-studded lineup, now jam packed into two days. Previously held over three days and in February, the festival will now take place May 1-2 and include headliners the Strokes, Robyn, Wu-Tang Clan, Disclosure, Kaytranada, Caribou and many more. With being many of the featured artists’ only Florida performances, this will …

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW by Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sansom “Forum” is based on the comedies of long-ago Greek playwright Plautus (251-183 BC), with a modern-day book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. An interesting little-known fact about the show occurred during pre-Broadway tryouts when it wasn’t doing well. Jerome Robbins was consulted; he advised presenting the show as a wild, ribald comedy, and got the talented Sondheim to write “Comedy Tonight” for the opening number. That did it: after opening on Broadway in 1962, it remained for almost 1,000 performances, garnered six …

story by SHELTON HULL The lights are out at Arnold Tritt’shome tonight. I can see his window from my balcony in the apartment building where we both live. He is closer to 90 than he is to 80. He is closer to Heaven than he is to Earth, and he gets a little bit closer every day, but he’s holding on with style and ferocity. I had a mind to knock on his door to get a couple quotes for this, an obituary for his best friend, former Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold, fallen at the age of 86. But I’m …