Fall is Entertainment Rich on First Coast

(This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgian on 8.29.07 and The Kings Bay Periscope on 8.30.07.)

The next few months are filled with the promise of great entertainment in our community and beyond. Whether you are an art aficionado, a music concert rocker, or if theatre going thrills you, there are many offerings pending for each of your personalities. So make plans now to get out of the house and attend an arts event, scheduled just with you in mind.

For those that like cultural heritage events, check out the 442nd birthday in St. Augustine next weekend. From demonstrations of the lifestyle of area natives to demonstrations celebrating the women of the 16th century, the birthday party eventually leads on Sunday to a re-enactment of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing and a special Mass from Bishop Robert Baker at the mission of Nombre de Dios. Call (904) 824-6830 for information.

A remarkable collection of American art is in exhibition now through January 2008 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville that reveals more than 70 years of artists’ endeavors, dating back to the 19th century and early 20th century. “Oh Say, Can You See: Art from the West Foundation Collection” contains more than 50 oil paintings and genres ranging from portraits and still lifes, to landscape sketches and finished marine and figurative paintings. The exhibit documents landscapes and scenes around the world that have mostly now disappeared. Commonly, the pieces are renowned for their use of light and color, as well as their depiction of ways of live that have long since faded from existence (if it ever existed at all). This exhibit will broadly satisfy lovers of nature, nostalgia, history, and art.

For those that eagerly anticipate the fall concert schedule, you will not be disappointed. The Dave Matthews Band will rock the O’Connell Center in Gainesville on Sept. 11, while calmer sorts can anticipate Acoustic Alchemy at The Florida Theatre on Oct. 23. Looking into the concert crystal ball even deeper reveals that post-modern bluegrass rockers Nickel Creek will be at The Florida Theatre on Nov. 12 for a pre-Thanksgiving concert, followed closely by those Australian Pied Pipers, The Wiggles, in “Racing to the Rainbow Live” at Veteran’s Memorial Arena on Nov. 15.

Theatregoers will face even more choices. Alhambra Dinner Theatre will close “Smokey Joe’s Café” on September 2 and follow it up with “Steel Magnolias” opening Sept. 5. The FCCJ Artist Series kicks off with “Shout: A Celebration of the ‘60s” on Sept. 12-16 at the Wilson Center and follows up with “Almost Heaven, The Songs of John Denver” on Oct. 12-14. The Broadway in Jacksonville season opens with “The Wedding Singer” on Nov. 6-11, which is followed by “Spelling Bee” on Dec. 21-23 at the Times Union Center.

Finally, don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers’ reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” will take the stage on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.

The following weekend, Camden County High School’s Advanced Drama will offer “Love Comics,” on the Auditorium stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.

8.29.07