Folio Vol. 40, Issue 9

Letter From Our General Manager

About a week ago, I was at 8 Till Late picking up some adult beverages. Right by the door sits one of our “Folio” racks. Nothing flashy, just a stack of local stories, news, entertainment information and a sprinkle of opinions waiting to be picked up.

A customer walked in, grabbed a copy and did a double take.

“How much is this?” they asked the cashier.

The cashier didn’t miss a beat. “It’s free,” he said. Then, with a grin, added, “And that’s Miss Folio right there,” pointing straight at me.

I’ll admit, it’s not every day you get introduced like a roadside attraction. But the moment stuck with me, not because of the nickname, but because of the question.

“How much is this?”

We’ve been around since 1987, and somehow, that question still comes up. People assume there’s a catch. A hidden fee. A subscription prompt lurking around the corner. But there isn’t.

“Folio” is free. Always has been. And that’s not by acci dent.

We cover this city the way it deserves to be covered. Un filtered, curious, sometimes loud, sometimes a little irrev erent. From the issues shaping Jacksonville to the cul ture that gives it its pulse, we show up every issue with something to say. And we make sure anyone who wants to read it can. No paywalls, no gatekeeping, no “members or subscribers only” nonsense.

Because access to free press publications matters. Plain and simple.

Now here’s the part nobody sees when they grab a copy on their way out the door or on their way to their table: free doesn’t mean effortless. There’s a team behind ev ery issue putting in the work. Long hours, tight deadlines and constant hustle. There are designers, writers, editors, photographers, printers and drivers getting stacks out across the city to more than 600 locations as quickly as possible.

Ink and paper aren’t free. Neither is passion, though we seem to spend plenty of that anyway.

We’ve been doing this for nearly four decades. We’ve grown, shifted and adapted because that’s what you do if you plan on sticking around. And we do.

So if you’re one of the people who picks up “Folio” each time you see a new issue in the rack, flip through it over lunch or toss it on your coffee table for later, just know you’re part of something bigger than a free paper. You’re part of a long-standing commitment to keeping local voices loud and accessible.

And if you ever find yourself asking, “How much is this?” And the answer’s still the same. Nothing. And somehow, everything.

Want to be a distribution location? Want to grow your business and need some marketing that comes at a reasonable cost with maximum return on investment? Want to give us your opinion or want to help us continue our mission with an in-kind donation? Just reach out… we are here for you ALWAYS.

So thank you for being “Folio” fans. As we near turning

Teresa Spencer, General Manager

FOLIO STAFF:

KERRY

Community:

Guide to Jacksonville’s Microcelebrities for the Chronically Online

Carmen Macri

Subject: Iran War Letter

I am writing as a Combat Disabled Veteran who fought in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from 2010-2011. This is a response to a Story Released by WEAR ABC 3 out of Pensacola, Florida, where they only interviewed veterans who support the Iran War. Some of their answers were not factual and led people to believe that a majority of veterans support this war. The main false narrative was when one of the veterans pronounced that Iran controlled events in Iraq and Afghanistan and that veterans could now start a “Healing Process.” The war is not even over so how could a healing process start? The United States actually helped Iran when we removed Saddam Hussein, allowing Pro-Iranian Shia Parties to take over Iraq. I can assure you that every veteran and combat veteran I have spoken with opposes having troops on the ground for this war and the war in general. This was done without Congress’s approval, which represents the american people. After being lied to about Iraq WMDs (Report on Whether Public Statements Regarding Iraq by U.S. Government Officials Were Substantiated by Intelligence Information (2008) and the 20-year Afghanistan war we should always push to interview both sides so we don’t find ourselves in another mess overseas.

Thank you,

Matthew Swain

BOUQS & BRICKS

BOUQUETS

To the University of North Florida Women’s Tennis team for serving up excellence and earning their place on the national stage. As they head to Auburn to face the University of Miami in the first round of the NCAA Championship Tournament, this squad carries more than rackets—they carry the pride of Jacksonville and the grit it takes to get there. Game faces on, Ospreys! Go show them how it’s done.

BRICKBATS

To the Jacksonville City Council dragging their feet in the ongoing Jacksonville Electric Authority investigation. Jacksonville residents don’t need another committee—they need answers. The probe into JEA over allegations of uncollected fees, workplace issues and potential misconduct has already produced plenty of headlines but not nearly enough resolution. When millions in possible revenue gaps are on the table, “we’re still looking into it” starts to sound less like diligence and more like delay.

Here’s the reality: taxpayers and ratepayers aren’t a patient bunch when it comes to accountability. This isn’t a slow-cook recipe — it’s a public trust issue. The longer this stretches into months with no clear outcome, the more it looks like bureaucracy protecting itself instead of doing its job.

Wrap it up. Lay it out. Fix what’s broken. Because in Jacksonville, accountability shouldn’t be optional — or endlessly postponed.

By Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Horoscopes

Aries

The Full Moon in Scorpio on the 1st is hitting your transformation sector, so expect to finally shed that habit (or person) you’ve been clinging to for no reason. With your ruler Mars moving into Taurus, your focus shifts to your bank account — try to resist the urge to rage-purchase a new wardrobe just because you’re stressed. Take a breath; the universe isn’t out to get you, it’s just making room for better things.

Taurus

On May 2nd, Mercury sweeps into your sign and brings a sort of mental clarity with it. This movement lasts until May 17th, and it gifts you the ability to make something out of nothing. You have a gravitational pull right now, so take advantage of it. It would be rude not to use your powers for your own personal gain.

Gemini Cancer

Happy early birthday season, Gemini. Jupiter enters your sign on the 22nd, kicking off a year-long glow-up where everything feels possible. Before that, the New Moon on the 16th is your green light to start that weird passion project you’ve been gatekeeping. Just try to keep your 50 different personalities on the same page for more than 20 minutes.

So often you have your guard up, Cancer. Understandably so, you’ve been hurt too much for your own liking, but it’s spring. The flowers are blooming, and it’s time to draw back the curtains and let the fresh air in. While it’s OK to want to protect yourself, you may be closing yourself off to exciting, life-changing opportunities.

Leo Virgo

The Sun is highlighting your career sector for most of the month, making it the perfect time to demand the spotlight you already think you deserve. When the Full Moon hits early on, you might feel a professional tug-of-war, but don’t let a temporary mood swing derail your empire-building. Keep your eyes on the prize and your hair looking expensive.

The month of May starts off strong for you, Virgo, perhaps even verbally strong. The full moon in Scorpio on May 1st lights up your third house of communication and local connections. You’re magnetic at this time, and people will be seeking you for advice — and you’ll gladly give it.

Venus is moving through your travel and expansion zone, which means you’re probably itching to be anywhere but your living room. The Scorpio Full Moon might bring up some awkward conversations about shared finances or boundaries, so handle them with your usual charm before things get messy. You’re finding a balance between social butterfly and mysterious hermit, and honestly, it works for you.

Libra Scorpio

The Full Moon in your sign on the 1st is basically your personal New Year, so don’t be surprised if you feel like a completely different person by lunchtime. It’s a heavy dose of “out with the old,” forcing you to face the feelings you usually bury under five layers of sarcasm. Once Jupiter hits Gemini later in the month, your intimate connections get a major boost — just try to let someone in for once.

Sagittarius

You’ve had your fun, Sagittarius, and like clockwork, it’s time for some internal maintenance. I know, being the “bigger person” and doing the soul-searching is a drag, but the Full Moon in Scorpio on May 1st is hitting your twelfth house of healing and spirituality. It’s going to be intense, but look on the bright side: you’re clearing the heavy stuff out early. Shed what’s weighing you down and find your peace now so you can get back to the adventures you already booked tickets for.

Capricorn

You’re usually the one with the five-year plan, but the Taurus energy this month is telling you to actually enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. The New Moon on the 16th is perfect for a creative breakthrough or a sudden spark in your romantic life, provided you can stop checking your emails for five seconds. Loosen the tie a little; the world won’t fall apart if you have some actual fun.

Aquarius

Dimming your light doesn’t mean that it shines brighter for others, Aquarius. You’ve been working on a project for the last couple of months, and the stars are giving you yet another opportunity to share it with the world. All eyes are on you with this full moon in Scorpio lighting up your 10th house of ambition and public recognition. Stop waiting for the “perfect” time; if you don’t share it now, you never will.

Pisces

Clear the way, we’ve got a Pisces that’s ready to get out there and mingle. The Scorpio Full Moon on May 1st hits your ninth house of expansion, pushing you far beyond your comfort zone. With Mercury in Taurus fueling your communication house until May 17th, you have the perfect setup for electric nights and high-impact days. You’re not just dreaming up big ideas right now; you actually have the drive to see them through.

Jacksonville Humidity Is Back. You’ve

Been Warned.

Words by Abigail Bodenham

There’s hot, and then there’s Jacksonville hot, and every year people act surprised like it wasn’t the exact same last year.

Because it’s not really the heat: It’s the humidity. That thick sticky air that just sits on you the second you step outside. You check your phone, and it says 88°F, and you think, OK that’s fine. It’s not fine. It’s never fine.

There’s always that first moment when it hits, usually, walking from your front door to your car. You’re only outside for maybe 30 seconds, and somehow you already feel slightly damp. Not sweating properly, just… uncomfortable. Like having your car heater on when you’re trying to cool down.

Then you actually get in your car and sit there for a second, letting the AC do something. Anything! And remember, if you have black leather seats and you’re wearing shorts, be careful when sitting down.

Everyone has that one story. Like thinking you look good before leaving the house and then catching your reflection 10 minutes later and realizing your hair has completely changed direction or your mascara has swapped out for dripping eyeliner. Or deciding to “just walk” somewhere, and halfway through you’re questioning whether you really need the stepcount.

Even the beach doesn’t save you. You go thinking breeze = relief, and instead it’s just warm air moving slightly faster — think of a blowdryer on hot or opening an oven door that never closes.

The worst part of the heat is it’s not even at its peak yet.

Right now it’s just warming up. This is the warning stage … the “it’s kind of bad but manageable” phase. Give it a few weeks and suddenly you’re planning your entire day around not being outside between 12 and 4. You’ll start carrying water like it’s your phone, and parking closer to your destination will feel like a win.

You’ll see it in everyone too. People moving slower, choosing shade over everything, pretending they’re fine when they’re clearly not.

So if you’re new here, or if you somehow forgot, this is your reminder.

Jacksonville summer isn’t just hot. It’s humid in a way that makes everything feel harder than it needs to be.

And it’s coming properly, very soon.

All things happening

Special Events

MAY 1

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Great Fire Gathering Low Boil Jacksonville History Center jaxhistory.org

Puttin’ on the Ritz Talent Competition Ritz Theatre & Museum theritz.jaxevents.com

MAY 1-3

Vintage Market Days

Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs vintagemarketdays.com

Isle Of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Downtown Fernandina Beach shrimpfestival.com

MAY 2

Rooftop Kentucky Derby Party Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com

ExZOOberation: Seagrass Derby

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens jacksonvillezoo.org

MAY 6-9

St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival Ancient City Farmstead staugustinefoodandwinefestival.com

MAY 7

City Rescue Mission’s 80th Anniversary Dinner Southbank Hotel crmjax.org

MAY 9

Cultural Council Annual Arts Awards

DECCA LIVE culturalcouncil.org

In Full Bloom: A Celebration of Art in Bloom Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org

RnB Mimosa Festival 1750 Events eventbrite.com

MAY 15

First Coast Go Red for Women

GuideWell Florida Blue Conference Center goredforwomen.org

Catholic Charities Black & White Soiree

Deerwood Castle ccbjax.org

MAY 16

Florida Theatre Ball Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Children’s Home Society Evening of Taste

Jacksonville Golf & Country Club chsfl.org

FinFest

Timuquana Country Club shcjax.org

Dancing in the Street Beaches Town Center beachestowncenter.com

MAY 22

The Parables Tour with Father Mike Schmitz

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

MAY 22-25

Jacksonville Home & Garden Show Duval Hall duvalhall.com

MAY 24

Josh Gates LIVE! Florida Theatre Floridatheatre.com

MAY 25

Memorial Day Picnic & Concert Memorial Park memparkjax.org

MAY 29-31

The Colors of Africa Art Exhibit Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents.com

The Mother of All Holidays

Words by Teresa Spencer

Before Mother’s Day became a brunch reservation blood sport and a Hallmark-sponsored guilt trip, it was something far more radical, quiet, personal and rooted in real work. Credit goes to Anna Jarvis, a woman who wasn’t trying to create a holiday industry. She was trying to make sure mothers got the respect they had long been denied.

Her inspiration came from her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a woman who organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” in the 1800s to improve sanitation and health conditions in her community. In other words, she was doing the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps society functioning long before anyone thought to say thank you.

When her mother died in 1905, Anna decided that wasn’t good enough. In 1908, she organized the first official Mother’s Day service at a church in West Virginia, handing out white carnations — her mother’s favorite flower. She did this as a symbol of purity and love. No prix fixe menus. No shipping deadlines. Just meaning.

Jarvis didn’t just hold that single ceremony.

She went into full campaign mode. With letters, petitions and lobbying, she pushed relentlessly to make Mother’s Day a national holiday. And in 1914, she got her wish when President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

It was supposed to be a day of reflection. A day to sit down, write a letter and express gratitude, not a day to outsource it to a greeting card. But then capitalism showed up, and this is where things took a turn.

It didn’t take long for businesses to realize that emotions, especially guilt, are wildly profitable. Florists, candy makers and card companies moved in fast. What started as a heartfelt tribute turned into a fullblown retail holiday. Anna Jarvis hated it. She wasn’t mildly annoyed; she was in fact, furious. She spent years fighting the commercialization of Mother’s Day, protesting companies, filing lawsuits and publicly calling out the very industries that had hijacked her idea. The woman who created the holiday essentially spent the rest of her life trying to save it from becoming exactly what it is today.

Unfortunately, what we keep missing is the truth. Mother’s Day wasn’t built on consumerism; it was built on recognition — on the idea that mothers who often do the hardest, least glamorous work deserve to be seen, heard and appreciated in a real way.

Somewhere along the line, we swapped handwritten letters for overnight shipping and meaningful conversations for crowded brunches where no one can hear each other over the mimosas. And look, there’s nothing wrong with flowers or a good meal. But if that’s all it is, we all have completely missed the point. The original vision was simple: take the time to say something that actually matters to the person who raised you, supported you or stood in when no one else would.

The History of IRONMAN and it’s Duval Debut

Words by Carson Haines

Lace up, stretch your legs and get ready for the biggest race our city has ever held. On May 16, the full-distance IRONMAN triathlon will make its official unveiling in the heart of Jacksonville.

Consisting of a 2.4-mile swim in our St. Johns River, a 112-mile bike course and a 26.2- mile run, this well-known endurance event is sure to be one of the most challenging multisport races for locals and travellers to ever experience.

Started by triathletes Judy and John Collins, IRONMAN is a testament to those who love a little competition and a whole lot of challenge. In 1977, the Collinses made a big move from sunny California to tropical Hawaii. As former participants in the Mission Bay Triathlon (the first official American triathlon in San Diego), they brought their strong-willed mindsets along for the ride. Once settled, the couple decided to pursue their dream of creating a unique race for high-stamina athletes.

After speaking with locals, the Collinses put together a competition in Honolulu consisting of a sprint-run-swim structure called the “Around the Island Triathlon.” Making its official debut on February 18, 1978, the race consisted of a total of 15 athletes who were pushed to “Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles!” Since their first success, the Collinses and their mission have made a huge imprint on the global athletic community.

About a year later, the organization was mentioned in “Sports Illustrated,” and the popularity of IRONMAN increased around the world. Across numerous countries, athletes were extremely eager to participate; letters were received by many of them asking how to get involved and compete. As time progressed, the overall awareness of the triathlon was booming. After being granted permission, ABC was able to film the 1980 IRONMAN race for their Wide World of Sports. By 1985, the organization expanded its event locations past Hawaii with races also taking place in Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

It is quite apparent that the company was extraordinarily diverse in race, ethnicity and gender. From 1988 to 1996, Paula Newby-Fraser, the “Queen of Kona,” won a record eight times in Hawaii and 16 other times until 2002. The opportunities are endless for all competitors, and the earnings are equal across the board. By 1990, the company presented the IRONMAN World Series for three years in a row, giving the racing world its very own Olympics.

The introduction of the IRONMAN 70.3 took place in 2005, giving athletes with less endurance the opportunity to compete across half the distance of the full-length course. The competition was held in Clearwater and had two winners from Australia and Canada. Three years later, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary at the IRONMAN World Championship and had outstanding performances from an abundance of racers.

From 2002 to 2022, around 677,320 competitors have succeeded and crossed the finish line. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the triathlons had to come to a halt, to avoid even more of a viral spread. Now, IRONMAN triathlons take place in over 50 countries, making the Collinses’ dream truly a reality.

Whether you’re from Jacksonville, Virginia, or France, this persevering and competitive race is your opportunity to test yourself. Interested? The IRONMAN comes to Jacksonville May 16.

For more information, visit ironman.com.

MAY 2

Combat Night

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center jaxevents.com

Jacksonville Sharks vs. New Mexico

Chupacabras

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxsharks.com

“Hula Hustle” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Best Bet Orange Park 1stplacesports.com

MAY 3

Sporting Jax Women’s Super League vs. Brooklyn FC

University of North Florida – Hodges Stadium sportingjax.com

MAY 5-10

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Charlotte Knights

VyStar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville

MAY 6-9

2026 FHSAA State Championship

Track & Field

University of North Florida–Hodges Stadium fhsaa.com

MAY 8

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

MAY 9

DONNA Mother’s Day 5K Friday Musicale runsignup.com/donnamd5k

MAY 10

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Tulsa Oilers

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxsharks.com

MAY 15

Jacksonville Waves vs. Charlotte Crown

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena wavesupshot.com

MAY 19-24

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk TIdes

VyStar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville

MAY 23

Jacksonville Waves vs. Greensboro Groove

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena wavesupshot.com

Hope Starts Here 5K

Operation New Hope 1stplacesports.com

MAY 25

Memorial Day 5K Run

Town Hall Park, Orange Park 1stplacesports.com

MAY 27

Sporting Jax (Men’s) vs.San Antonio FC University of North Florida–Hodges Stadium sportingjax.com

MAY 30

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Fishers Freight

Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxsharks.com

Sporting Jax (Men’s) vs. Brooklyn FC University of North Florida–Hodges Stadium sportingjax.com

MAY 30

Kindness Matters 5K and Fun Run

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 1stplacesports.com

N.E. Florida’s Racing Scene

Is Alive and Kicking

Jacksonville isn’t Daytona. It doesn’t have the neon glow of NASCAR’s biggest stage or the tourist-packed grandstands. What it does have is something arguably better: a gritty, under-the-radar racing culture that hasn’t been polished into oblivion.

If you want real racing in Jacksonville, meaning the kind where people actually care about lap times and not just Instagram stories, you start with karting.

On the city’s west side, the North Florida Kart Club quietly delivers one of the most legitimate racing experiences in the region. This isn’t a kiddie track with bumpers and birthday cake. It’s a tight, technical circuit with a straightaway long enough to make you question your life choices mid-throttle. Local racers cut their teeth here, and more than a few have gone on to bigger stages.

For those who prefer their adrenaline with air conditioning and fewer mosquito bites, Jacksonville’s indoor and recreational tracks deliver speed without the chaos.

K1 Speed has built a following for its electric karts, quick off the line, surprisingly competitive and mercifully free of exhaust fumes. It’s where office rivalries go to settle scores and where first-timers suddenly realize they’re far more aggressive drivers than they thought.

Here’s the truth Jacksonville locals already know: if you want to push a real car to its limits, you’re going to have to leave the city just a little. About 45 minutes west sits The FIRM, a motorsports playground tucked into North Florida’s pine forests near Starke. This is where things get serious. Rally courses, road racing circuits, off-road terrain, and it’s all designed for drivers who want to test skill, not just nerve. It’s also one of the few places where you can drive like you mean it without ending up in handcuffs.

And then there is the new Callahan Speedway, which hosts go kart racing for all ages. And the Hicken Power Drag Strip (a ⅛ mile asphalt street legal racing strip), also in Callahan, is currently under construction. No doubt it will be a ton of fun for everyone racing and spectating once it’s open.

Head a little bit south, and Gainesville Raceway also delivers a different kind of thrill: straight-line speed. No turns, no strategy. It’s literally just raw acceleration and the kind of noise that rattles your chest. It’s home to major drag racing events, but it also opens its gates to everyday drivers looking to see what their car can really do.

If polished tracks aren’t your thing, North Florida’s dirt circuits are where racing strips back down to its roots.

Words by Teresa Spencer

In Lake City, the local speedway — All-Tech Raceway — throws weekly races that feel like a throwback to another era. With high-banked turns, cars sliding sideways and a crowd that knows exactly when to cheer and when to hold its breath. It’s loud, messy and completely addictive. That’s why some folks call it the hidden gem of the South.

The Tracks We Lost (And Still Talk About)

Jacksonville wasn’t always flying under the radar. Back in the mid20th century, Speedway Park brought NASCAR-level racing to the city. Engines roared, crowds packed in and Jacksonville had a legitimate place on the racing map. Over time, those tracks faded, shuttered and eventually disappeared altogether by 1974.

There was a smaller, more rough-around-the-edges kart track out in the Maxville area. Maxville Speedway, which became Jacksonville Speedway, hosted kart races for many years. Think less polished, more grassroots, folding chairs, families in pickup trucks and engines screaming under the Florida night sky. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a blast.

Northeast Florida’s racing scene isn’t flashy, and it’s not trying to be. It’s built on people who show up, wrench on their own machines and chase speed for the pure thrill of it. If you want a polished spectacle, go to Daytona. If you want real racing, the kind that still smells like fuel and feels a little dangerous, within an hour’s drive or so, no worries. They gotcha covered.

Feature sponsored by

TRIVIA

MONDAYS

• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m

• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.

• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.

• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.

• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–River City/Northside, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.

• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.

• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.

TUESDAYS

• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.

• V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.

• The Back 40, 7 p.m.

• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.

• Gator’s Dockside–Oakleaf, (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

• Island Wing Company–Bartram, 7 p.m.

• Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.

• Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

• Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood, 7 p.m.

• My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.

• Players Grille, 7 p.m.

• Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.

• Southern Grill, 7 p.m.

• Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• VooSwar, 7 p.m.

• Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.

• Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.

• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

• Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.

• Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

• Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.

• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.

• Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.

• Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.

• Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

• V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.

• The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.

• Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.

• Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.

• Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.

• Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.

• Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.

• Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.

• Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.

• Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.

• Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

• Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

• Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.

• Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

• Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m

• Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

• The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.

• Root Down (music trivia), 9 p.m.

* all games are general knowledge unless stated otherwise

THURSDAYS

• Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.

• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.

• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings– Nocatee (name that tune), 7 p.m.

• Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.

• Miller’s Ale House–Avenues, 7 p.m.

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.

• The Stout Snug, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings– St. Aug, 7:30 p.m.

• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.

• V Pizza–San Marco, 7:30 p.m.

• Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 8 p.m.

FRIDAYS

• Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 6 p.m.

• Time Out Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.

• Engine 15 Brewing, 7 p.m.

• MVP’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS

• Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.

• VooSwar, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo (pop culture), 7p.m.

• Ink Factory Brewing (name that tune), 7 p.m.

• Bottlenose Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.

ETC.

Words by Abigail Bodenham

Which Local Summer Festival Are you?

Spring and summer in Northeast Florida is basically a personality test disguised as festivals … at this point your whole vibe is just wherever you end up on a random Saturday.

So which festival are you really?

(May 1-3) Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

You like things that feel familiar. You showed up early, somehow managed to find parking, and you’re in no rush at all. Comfy outfit, crossbody bag, probably a hat. You’re walking to every stall, stopping to look at everything and buying the same merch as last year but this time it says “2026.” You’ll say it’s about the shrimp, but it’s really just the whole weekend. You actually enjoy walking around people like it’s an obstacle course — very on brand for you.

(May 9) JAX Anchor Fest

You’re there for the community as much as the event itself. You like things that feel local, intentional, a bit more meaningful than just showing up and leaving. You’re walking the waterfront, stopping at vendor booths, talking to people behind the tables instead of just passing by. You’ll end up at the naval museum at some point, maybe even on the USS Orleck, just because you’re curious. You’re social, but in a more grounded way, where you actually connect with people, not just run into them. You leave knowing a little more than when you arrived and probably with something you didn’t plan on buying.

ussorleck.com

(May 21-24) Jacksonville Jazz Festival

You’ve had this in your calendar for weeks, probably months, and maybe even since last year’s Jazz Fest. You have the lineup screenshotted, times checked, meeting spot decided. You’re in a linen shirt or something flowy, sunglasses on, drink in hand way earlier than you’d admit. You brought a chair or a blanket. You’re not just there for the vibe, you’re actually listening, and at some point you will turn to someone and go, “This set is really good,” like you’ve been waiting to say it. You’re the one who organizes everything, and because it’s you, it always works out.

jacksonvillejazzfest.com

(May 30)

This is one of those nights where every song hits, like the first few seconds, and you already know what’s coming. It’s all ’90s and ’00s R&B, so you’re either singing straight away or pretending you don’t know it and then joining in anyway. You keep turning to your friends like, “Wait! I forgot about this one!” every five minutes or screaming, “This is OUR song!” No one’s trying to be cool; everyone’s just in it. You came for a night out, and it ends up being way more fun than you expected. This is bonding time for you and your younger self. eventbrite.com

(June

5-7)

SuperFest 2026: A Southern Soul Weekend Experience

This isn’t a quick in and out; this is your whole weekend. Outfits planned, group chat active, everyone asking, “What day are we doing what?” You’re there for the concert, the tailgate, the afterparty… all of it. You know the songs, you’re singing, you’re moving, you’re not just standing there watching. It’s one of those where you keep running into people (and losing people), plans keep changing, and you somehow end up finding the energy you never knew you had. Don’t worry: it will hit you like a brick on Monday. eventbrite.com

(July 10-12) Jacksonville Taco and Margarita Festival

You said, “Let’s just go for lunch,” and now you’ve been there for four hours. No plan, no structure, just cash and an empty stomach. Denim shorts, sneakers for the tiresome food hopping, and one hand permanently occupied with either food or a drink. Your love language is receiving gifts … specifically food. You’re standing in lines like it’s part of the experience (because it is!), debating menus like it’s serious, saying, “This one’s the best so far” every 10 minutes and fully meaning it every time. You are the reason the group stayed longer than expected. instagram.com/jacksonvilletacofest

Racing the Wind

Words by Teresa Spencer

In Northeast Florida, summer doesn’t arrive quietly — it barges in with heat, humidity, and just enough wind to make sailors either look like geniuses or fools. Usually both in the same afternoon. Along the St. Johns River and out past the jetties into the Atlantic, the 2026 sailing season is already carving out a schedule that’s equal parts tradition, competition and stubborn determination.

It all begins with the race that defines this region: the Mug Race, set for May 2, 2026. Stretching roughly 38 nautical miles from Palatka down to Orange Park, it’s one of the longest river races in the country and a true test of patience and skill. The course sounds simple on paper — follow the river — but the reality is far messier. Wind shifts, currents and boats that looked dominant at sunrise can stall out before lunch. Running alongside it the same day is the Tall Ships Challenge, a shorter but no less intense course designed for larger, faster vessels that trade endurance for speed. Together, they mark the unofficial start of the serious sailing season in Northeast Florida.

Once summer takes hold, the spotlight shifts away from headline events and onto the races that quietly define the season. From May through August, the St. Johns River becomes a weekly battleground. Local clubs host evening and weekend races that might be casually labeled “beer can races,” but there’s nothing casual once the horn blows. Crews dial in sail trim, argue tactics and chase every advantage they can find in conditions that rarely cooperate. Handicapped PHRF racing runs throughout the summer as well, allowing boats of different sizes and speeds to compete on corrected time, turning every finish into a numbers game that’s often decided long after the sails come down.

Northeast Florida’s Summer Sailing Scene, 2026

Farther north, the Amelia Island sailing community keeps things moving with a summer series that runs from June through August 2026. These races strike a balance between competition and camaraderie, drawing a mix of seasoned racers and weekend sailors who claim they’re just out for fun — right up until they’re not. Offshore, smaller invitational regattas and informal races pop up along the coast throughout the summer months, giving sailors a chance to trade the river’s shifting currents for the cleaner, less forgiving winds of the Atlantic.

What makes summer sailing here different isn’t just the schedule: it’s the conditions. The wind is rarely steady, often unpredictable and, occasionally, is nonexistent. Heat and humidity wear crews down, turning even short races into endurance events. But then, just as quickly, a thermal breeze can roll in off the ocean and transform a drifting procession into a full-speed sprint. It’s a season that rewards flexibility over perfection, instinct over stubbornness — though you’ll still find plenty of stubbornness on deck.

And that’s really the story of sailing in Northeast Florida. It’s not polished, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a mix of veteran sailors who know every bend in the river, newcomers learning the hard way, and crews that can go from shouting at each other midrace to sharing drinks at the dock an hour later. The competition is real, but so is the community.

By the time August starts to wind down, the sunburns have settled in, the stories have grown taller, and the standings — depending on who you ask — are either well-earned or deeply questionable. But the races keep coming, the wind keeps teasing, and the sailors keep showing up.

Theater Dance Film

MAY 1-9

“The Pillowman” Lumen Rep Theatre lumenrep.org

MAY 1-10

“Morning After Grace” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com

“Anne of Green Gables” Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org

“Rounding Third”

A Classic Theatre, St. Augustine aclassictheatre.org

MAY 1-17

“Disaster” Players by the Sea playersbythesea.org

MAY 6

“The Cat in the Hat” Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org

Film at WJCT Studios: “The Paper Bag Plan” WJCT Studios wjct.org

MAY 7-14

“Once on This Island” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org

MAY 8

“Silence Unveiled” BABS’ LAB barbaracolaciello.com

MAY 8-9

“Coppélia”

University of North Florida–Lazarra Performance Hall floridaballet.org

MAY 9

Jacksonville Dance Theatre and Friends Florida Theatre jacksonvilledancetheatre.org

MAY 10

“The 5 & Dime Songbook” The 5 & Dime Theatre the5anddime.org

MAY 12-17

“Beetlejuice” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

MAY 14-24

“Sense and Sensibility”

The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com

MAY 14-JUNE 14

“1776” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com

MAY 15-16

“Rapunzel” Flagler College–Lewis Auditorium saintaugustineballet.org

MAY 20

MOCA Movie Night: “Persepolis” MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu

MAY 21

“At the Ballet” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jacksonvilledancetheatre.org

Movie Night at The Ritz

The Ritz Theatre and Museum theritz.jaxevents.com

MAY 22-24

“Alice By Heart” Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org

It’s Bad. It’s Bad. It’s Really, Really Bad

Review of ‘Michael’

Words by Harry Straussman

Starting with its title, virtually every aspect of “Michael” is uninspired. It’s far from surprising that Antoine Fuqua’s film offers a sanitized telling of the life of Michael Jackson, with every unsavory blemish excised away for a vision of the King of Pop that borders on saintlike. “Michael” plays like a mad lib of musician biopic cliches — much like Dewey Cox, Jackson must think about his whole life before he goes on stage.

There could be a hundred different takes on a Michael Jackson biopic that would be more compelling, revealing and daring than this film. Regardless of how you feel about him or the many allegations of deviancy (to put it lightly) that have tainted his legacy, Michael Jackson is inarguably one of the most fascinating public figures in modern history. He was a cultural fulcrum where fame, art, race and masculinity could converge, inspiring interesting conversations that dissect these social pillars. But alas, “Michael” does not seek to illuminate why its eponymous inspiration had the seismic impact on culture that he did and is little more than a hagiographic Wikipedia entry with some well-done, but mostly pointless, music video recreations. The message of the film appears to be that if you abuse your child just right, they’ll turn out totally normal and chill and really good at singing and dancing.

The original “Thriller” music video is easily accessible to anyone who is interested in watching it, so the appeal of watching a well-executed but inevitably substandard rendition of it doesn’t register for me. Even as a jukebox musical that takes us through the first half of Jackson’s life, “Michael” is largely a dud. Not only are the music scenes so heavily indebted to reenacting the real performances that they lack any cinematic invention, but also the majority of “Off the Wall,” one of the greatest albums of all time, doesn’t make the final cut. So out of whack are the filmmaker’s priorities that they include multiple extended scenes of Michael playing with his monkey, but neglect to have “Rock with You,” or even the album’s eponymous song “Off the Wall” play at all.

There is no interiority to any of these characters. The moments between the performances of hit songs feel more like skippable cut scenes than they do a movie with multidimensional characters. We don’t learn why Joe Jackson pushed and controlled his children the way he did, beyond seeing the character somberly sigh after getting home from work. Colemon Domingo gives an effective but one-note performance as Joe Jackson, making the father a Darth Vader-like villain, bringing a level of menace to all of his scenes. Jafaar Jackson, son of Jermaine, gives a fine performance as his uncle, who is one of the most impersonated people ever, but there is no indication as to what drives Michael or inspires him to create the music he does, beyond an undefined desire to be the best and his own man. Many of these music biopics run through the milestones of their

source’s life like a checklist, and “Michael” sticks with this method through a whirlwind of greatest moments and moments of trauma. The thin narrative thrust of the movie is around Michael wanting to grow independent from his family band, but none of his siblings amount to more than a glorified extra in this film that takes place in a universe where Janet doesn’t even exist. But don’t worry, executive producer John Branca is on hand to make sure you know what a great friend and lawyer he was to Michael Jackson. And if you’re asking yourself, “Who is John Branca?” He was Michael Jackson’s best friend and lawyer — and a producer on this film. He also has always given off a bit of a “Top Gun” vibe, which is why Miles Teller just had to be cast in this supporting part.

The best arguments in favor of seeing the movie are if you are interested in hearing some of the greatest pop songs ever recorded on a theater’s sound system, or if you are still desperately grasping at straws to be relieved of guilt for still loving his music. To which I say, it’s OK, don’t feel bad about it. Life is short, go listen to “Billie Jean.”

The Soundtrack of Childhood

Words by Carmen Macri

For many, the name “The Wiggles” is the unofficial soundtrack to their childhood. A neon blur of primary colors immediately springs to mind. Whether you’re reflexively shouting “Yummy, Yummy!” or bracing for the inevitable “Hot Potato” earworm, there’s no denying their global grip on pop culture. Now, the skivvy-clad icons are bringing that legendary energy to The Florida Theatre for their highly anticipated “Tree of Wisdom” live show.

For many of us, the definitive Wiggles lineup is etched in our memories: Anthony, Murray, Greg and Jeff — the iconic quartet in blue, red, yellow and purple. Yet, just as their original audience grew up, the band evolved too. Today’s Wiggles have expanded into a vibrant, modern ensemble. While the legendary Anthony Field remains at the helm, he is joined by a new generation of talent, including Tsehay Hawkins, Simon Pryce, Lachlan Gillespie, John Pearce, Lucia Field, Caterina Mete, and Evie Ferris. This expanded “Wiggles family” is further bolstered by a dynamic supporting cast, ensuring the Big Red Car is more crowded and more inclusive than ever.

In a real blast-from-the-past moment, Folio had the opportunity to chat with John “Big Strong John” Pearce ahead of their Florida show on Aug. 13.

“I grew up watching The Wiggles over 30 years ago as a child, and getting the opportunity to become a Wiggle myself didn’t feel real at the start,” Pearce explained. “My first initial time putting on the skivvy —the outfit— was on set filming an episode of Fruit Salad TV with the original guys. It was bizarre. It was out of this world, becoming my own childhood hero in a sense, but it did feel a bit fake.”

For Pearce, joining the world’s most famous children’s entertainment group wasn’t something he saw in his “bingo cards.” The performer, formerly of the pop-R&B group Justice Crew, said his transition into the skivvy happened organically through a chance neighborhood connection.

After getting married and moving just up the road from Wiggles founder Anthony Field, Pearce began crossing paths with the Original Blue Wiggle frequently. Their friendship grew just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to stall the music and travel industries. One day, Field reached out via social media, inviting Pearce to “Wiggles HQ” to meet the team — though the idea of joining the cast wasn’t even on the table yet.

“I grew up watching The Wiggles over 30 years ago as a child, and getting the opportunity to become a Wiggle myself didn't feel real at the start,” Pearce explained. “My first initial time putting on the skivvy —the outfit— was on set filming an episode of Fruit Salad TV with the original guys. It was bizarre. It was out of this world, becoming my own childhood hero in a sense, but it did feel a bit fake.”

When Field eventually proposed expanding the lineup to eight members and asked Pearce to step in as a new Purple Wiggle, the gravity of the moment didn’t register immediately.

“It didn’t hit me until I got home,” Pearce said, recalling the phone call to his wife. “I said, ‘I think he asked me to become one of the new Wiggles.’ I didn’t know how to take it, and it took a while to process.”

At the time, Pearce was a personal trainer and had his sights set on becoming a firefighter for New South Wales while simultaneously studying to become a nutritionist — a real jack of all trades.

“So in my head, I had this thing planned out. I was going to be a firefighter for two days on, five days off, and the five days off, I’d be a nutritionist, and that’s how my life would be. And did I know that I was going to be traveling the world? Back in the music industry with The Wiggles, dressing up as a firefighter and dressing up as a nutritionist, singing about fruit salad and vegetables?” Pearce questioned. Then, after a beat, “It makes sense when I look back in hindsight.”

Representing the Philippines on a global stage has become a defining part of Pearce’s time in the purple skivvy. Born to a Filipino mother and an Australian father, Pearce has seen firsthand how much it means for families to finally see their own heritage reflected in an iconic brand that, for a long time, was pretty much just four dudes in primary colors.

The impact is often deeply personal. Pearce regularly hears from parents whose kids feel an instant connection to him. “You do get families that say, ‘My child says you look like my dad,’” Pearce said, noting that those moments prove why diversity in kids’ media is vital.

But he isn’t just showing up; he’s bringing his culture into the setlist. Pearce took the initiative to introduce traditional Filipino nursery rhymes to the group, like the classic “Bahay Kubo.” It was a song the rest of the Wiggles had no idea about, but for Pearce, it was a cool way to share his roots and give the Filipino community a seat at the table.

“My mom’s very proud, and I’m very proud of my heritage,” Pearce said. While he didn’t necessarily set out to be a cultural ambassador, he’s leaned into the role as the group continues to blow up in the U.S. and beyond.

At the end of the day, Pearce sees his spot in the lineup as part of a much-needed evolution. By expanding to eight members with different looks and backgrounds, he believes the group finally offers a broad spectrum of children the chance to see a face like theirs on the screen.

“Having eight members from different backgrounds, different interests, different looks and different ages,” he said, “it gives a broader spectrum for children who consider themselves represented on TV.”

This tour takes its name from the legendary “Tree of Wisdom,” a role brought to life by Anthony Field’s nephew, Dominic Field. Now, I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for the entire Gen Z population when I say that The Wiggles hadn’t crossed my mind since elementary school — unless “Fruit Salad” decided to start playing on a loop in my brain while I was at Publix shopping in the produce aisle.

That was until about a year ago, when a video went absolutely supernova. It featured an incredibly ridiculous dressed tree, and when I say this tree was dancing, I mean it was dancing. This wasn’t some gentle sway in the breeze; this tree was on stage, absolutely throwing down. We are talking full-blown crumping to “The Rattlin’ Bog.”

That 45-second clip was inescapable. It was everywhere, and just like that, it single-handedly put The Wiggles back on the map for a whole new (old?) generation. That video has over 13 million views on YouTube alone.

When asked about the brand new energy brought on stage from the Tree of Wisdom, Pearce explained how fun it is.

“He’s such a funny character. It’s basically just a dancing tree, and he’s got all this knowledge, and dance is crazy. You’ve probably seen videos of him online somewhere, but in the live show is insane. The type of energy he brings is just hilarious. And we’re all laughing too. We’re all breaking character on stage and just genuinely having a good laugh with each other every time.”

This isn’t just a “sit still and watch” kind of show; it’s a full-blown production designed for the parents who are white-knuckling their way through toddlerhood as much as it is for the kids. Pearce promises a high-energy experience that functions as a “first concert” for the younger set, blending nostalgia with modern chaos.

The setlist hits all the classic notes — yes, “Fruit Salad” is a given — alongside appearances from the heavy hitters like “Dorothy the Dinosaur and Henry the Octopus. But Pearce noted the show also leans into the sensory overload, featuring “inflatable animals everywhere” and a high-intensity, “mini rave section” specifically for the parents to lose it for about 10 minutes.

“It’s full of dynamics, full of colors, and it’s very interactive,” Pearce said. He emphasized that the group doesn’t just stay on stage; they’re really in the crowd and amongst the fans.

Ultimately, the goal is to bridge the gap between a TV screen and a tangible family experience. Pearce said the show is a prime opportunity for families to “share those core memories together,” proving that the Wiggles’ brand of fun is as much about the shared experience as it is about the music.

Toys from the Crypt

Words by Ambar Ramirez

Jacksonville is a city defined by its layers: the gritty roots of Southern Rock, its beach bars and the resilient spirit born from the Great Fire of 1901. We’re a town of historic neighborhoods and Mayport shrimp, but tucked within our DIY punk and goth subcultures, a new kind of local artifact is emerging, and it’s made of plastic.

Yes, Jacksonville officially has its own set of collectibles.

Toys from the Crypt isn’t your standard toy aisle fare; these are highly curated, limited-edition figurines that immortalize the icons of our underground. If you haven’t been living under a rock, or have been, you’ll recognize these faces from the stages and dimly lit corners of the scene. From the haunting presence of JoHanna Moresco and Rogue of The Crüxshadows to the legendary Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy, these figures take local legends off the pedestal and put them right on your shelf.

At the helm of this project is Max Michaels, a man who is woven into the very fabric of this city. A Riverside native, Michaels has spent a lifetime documenting our culture through “Movement Magazine,” “Jax Nerds Zine” and the “CONcentric” convention guide. If there is a community pulse to be found, he usually has a finger on it. But beyond the publishing and the event organizing, Michaels is, at his core, an artist. And Toys from the Crypt is his latest, most tactile creation yet.

Folio: In a world that is increasingly digital, what draws you to the physical art form of toy making versus traditional canvas or print?

Michaels: I’ve always offered traditional prints of my art and photography, but I’m a nerd who loves unique, limited-edition statues on my shelves. So having the chance to produce something distinctive like this was an exciting challenge.

Folio: What was the catalyst for turning real-life local figures into “toys”?

Michaels: One of our great sponsors for Ancient City Con is Shrunk 3D Jacksonville. They scan people in person and print scale statues. I came up with the idea for them to scan our cosplay contest winner and print a statue as part of their prize package. I then designed our first-place trophy to hold the figure as its centerpiece, so the cosplayer would have a physical scale replica as a keepsake of their winning outfit. Seeing that come together—and the reaction to it—was the inspiration for creating something similar that combined my love of collectibles and music.

Folio: How did you select the figures for this first run? What is it about JoHanna Moresco, Rogue and Nivek that makes them “collectible” pillars of the Jacksonville scene?

Michaels: Having produced a music magazine, run goth nights and booked live bands over the past few decades, I have been privileged to befriend a number of legendary acts—Rogue of The Crüxshadows being one of them. He is originally from Jacksonville, and we met before he moved to Tallahassee, where he would start the band. We’ve been friends, and I have worked with the band in some capacity ever since, especially after he relocated back to Jacksonville.

I know JoHanna from when she joined The Crüxshadows as a violinist, and we’ve since become friends and are currently partners in the goth night Sanctuary that we produce at Myth on the second Sunday of each month. When I first came up with the idea for a collectible statue line featuring music and goth culture icons, they were the first two people I had in mind.

Rogue has a vast history in the music scene, from classic dance floor tracks to chart-topping singles and albums to tours around the world. JoHanna has built her own fan base outside of The Crüxshadows with her makeup line, Endless Nights events and local goth events like Bite Club (voted Best Speakeasy in the Folio Readers Poll). Most critically, they are both local and were willing to take a chance on trying this concept.

Nivek Ogre is the lead singer of Skinny Puppy, the Canadian band that is one of the forefathers of the industrial music scene and a huge influence on countless bands and fans like myself. I have covered the band and interviewed him numerous times over the years, and we’ve kept in touch. I booked him last year at Ancient City Con for a personal appearance, and while he was there, I showed him the figures of Rogue and JoHanna. He was on board to get scanned by Shrunk 3D on-site and be included in this first release.

Folio: People don’t always associate Northeast Florida with a thriving goth scene. How does Toys from the Crypt serve as a tribute to the darker, alternative corners of our local culture?

Michaels: The goth scene is not known for getting the recognition or respect it deserves and has largely gone unnoticed by the mainstream unless it’s Halloween, a new Crow movie or a Nine Inch Nails show. Yet it has thrived below the radar throughout the years in the U.S.

My first goth nights in 1994 drew a couple hundred attendees every weekend, and I’ve consistently produced a night year after year ever since. I’ve seen the numbers ebb and flow and the genera -

tions turn over, but there has always been a loyal core of supporters who have kept the scene alive and thriving.

More recently, goth has become more popular and more mainstream, and much like many other cities across the country, we’re seeing more nights being produced and the scene having more options than ever. Right now, there are at least six different monthly goth nights or events in Jacksonville.

Most everything I produce in some respect pays tribute to and supports the goth scene, and being able to immortalize my friends and music icons through these unique, limited-edition craft collectibles that fans can enjoy and cherish is as rewarding as it is surreal.

Folio: Tell me a little bit about the process that goes into making a toy. We are so used to seeing the toy in a box on a shelf and accepting its existence, but how do you go about choosing the clothing, getting the details and the branding right?

Michaels: This is a side project, and I’m just testing the waters with it. I wanted it to be separate from all the other work I’m doing—to have a life of its own. So I came up with the name DEAD RINGERS for the line, which I think works perfectly for scale replicas of goth culture icons.

These are on a much smaller scale compared to traditional mass-produced figures and collectibles, so the process is quite different. It is more streamlined since the figure is created from a direct scan of the artist, and the clothing and colors are exactly what they are wearing at the time of the scan. The final product is a solid, static, full-color rendering.

While each artist was in the scanning booth, we captured multiple poses and facial expressions and selected the best version for this first run. As a collector myself, I wanted to create something that didn’t have to be removed from the packaging to be displayed. I also wanted to source everything for this project locally.

So I partnered with local artist Kustum Kreations to bring to life a design I had in mind for a hand-painted wood display box with laser-engraved branding. The box is internally lit and shelf-ready, including a plexiglass viewing window and a backdrop behind the figure printed locally by 904 Printing.

These are made-to-order craft collectibles, and there will only be as many produced as there are pre-sale orders. They will then be assembled, packed, and shipped. After that, those exact designs will be retired—and I’m already working on Wave 2.

For more information and to see videos of the artists being scanned, along with the final packaging, visit toysfromthecrypt.com.

The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org

Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org

FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org

First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org

Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu

Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu

Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com

Gallery 725 gallery725.com

Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu

Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com

Hillary Whitaker Gallery hwhitakergallery.com

Jacksonville Main Library tacjacksonville.org

Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa

The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org

MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu

PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com

Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com

Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com

St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org

Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com

Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org

Touché Gallery touchegallery.com

Amplified Avondale Creating New Community

Words by Carson Haines

If you know Riverside, then you know Avondale, the equally historic neighborhood that neighbors Riverside. This sweet spot in our city is home to boutiques, incredible restaurants and a huge park smothered in vegetation. As someone who was raised 10 minutes away from this neighborhood, I can whole-heartedly say it is a must-visit for Jax locals and out-of-towners.

On the last Friday of every month, except July and August, Amplified Avondale consumes the sidewalks with art, music, food and more. Started back in 2022 by the Historic Avondale Merchants Association, the monthly get-together strives to create awareness of the neighborhood, especially the Shoppes of Avondale on St. Johns Avenue. Ron Rothberg, one of the founders of Amplified Avondale, works on the strip leading bike tours for Art Bikes Jax. Rothberg has lived in the area for the past 11 years and has been dubbed the “Mayor of Avondale.” Luckily, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the legend himself.

In order to have a well-run event, with great vendors, it’s important to get strong sponsors, according to Rothberg. “For the past three years, we have worked with Community First Credit Union, and two years ago, Ascension St. Vincent’s, our neighbor, also joined us,” he added. From 6-9:30 p.m., artists, musicians, food vendors and even balloon artists take over every sidewalk and corner of the street. “My favorite part of the event is seeing all my friends,” said Rothberg. “There’s so many people that come here to enjoy themselves and dance in the street with strangers.” At the beginning of the evening, as the sun begins to set, restaurants slowly open their windows and doors, allowing the musicians inside to pour their songs onto the street. Tents and tables are filled with clothes, jewelry, artwork and food (and believe me, it’s hard not to stop at every single one).

In addition to St. Johns Avenue, Amplified Avondale has made its way a little up north, now partnering with the Murray Hill Farmer’s Market.

“We think it’s important to grow and create community,” Rothberg said. “With them being less than a mile away from us, I truly think they need to be a part of this experience.”

With each event consisting of different performers, pop-ups and antique cars, Amplified Avondale is never the same twice. April’s gathering showcased bands Front Porch Marmalade, MJ and the Lollygaggers, and Blue Muse Jazz, a community art walk on both sides of the road, and even inside restaurants!

“We activate spaces with music with tons of different bands. We’ll have highlights for different musicians, and even theme our events, like Hispanic Heritage Month during September,” said Rothberg.

Since its debut, Amplified Avondale has tugged at the heart strings of many Duval residents and visitors. The opportunities to meet new people, make friends and bond over artistry and community are endless.

“We’ve truly grown into our own and have matured,” Rothberg added. “I feel good about what we have done and how we have grown into our space authentically and organically. We are so grateful to our sponsors. All the funds go towards the pay of our artists, musicians and restaurants, and we couldn’t be happier to volunteer.”

If you happen to be free the evening of May 29, stop by and see what it’s all about!

For more information, visit instagram.com/amplifiedavondale.

A Guide to Jacksonville Micro-Celebrities for the Chronically Online

Words by Ariana Alcantara

2026 is the year of the influencer takeover. In previous years, influencers and Internet personalities were a faraway concept confined to hellish places like Los Angeles or Austin, Texas. Now, with a rise in vanity and a dip in the economy, influencers have taken root in cities across the world. In some places this may seem like people making a desperate attempt at fame, itching for a seat at a Coachella after-party but other places are not Jacksonville. Here, the Internet personalities popping up are creating content that truly encapsulates the special place that is Duval. This article comes with a disclaimer: If your screen time is under four hours, then these Jax “celebs” may not have made it to your reels yet.

To be specific, this list consists of micro-celebrities, a term that varies based on where you live. For example, in New York, this would be a person who goes to FIT or NYU and their dad owns a record company so everyone in the city knows who they are, but they're no Kardashian. The same applies for Jacksonville but with different parameters. While Trevor Lawrence is an A-list Jacksonville celeb, he does not qualify because he is not niche enough. A Jacksonville micro-celeb hails from the most chaotic part of the city: Instagram; uniting citizens of Duval through a shared language: memes.

We all know “Florida man” but this guy embodies “Duval man.” He is a social anthropologist of the city, capturing in his semi-viral videos the aspects of the city that only a native would know. His appeal seems to be that he is side-of-town ambiguous, looking like he could be from Arlington, the Beaches, Southside or a very specific part of Riverside: a Jacksonville every-man. His videos are a crash course in niche content, with captions like, “Atlantic Blvd going from Beverly Hills to Detroit in like [two] lights” and “who [want’s to] go get Auntie Anne’s and touch all the new IPads at the Town Center?” He says what everyone is thinking, except for Ron DeSantis, who tweeted about one of McCrone’s posts: “It’s an example of complete ignorance of Florida history and culture.” According to his 15,000 followers though, McCrone knows Florida culture, at least Jacksonville culture.

02

Did you spend the summer of 2025 under a rock? That would be the only reasonable explanation for why you don’t know this guy. Let me give you a hint: “I’m a mommy.” Nic stole the hearts of America and (maybe) the heart of Olandria on season seven of “Love Island.” Are they together in real life? Somebody research that for me. When he is not touring DJ sets, he is rumored to occasionally be found at Pete’s Bar and a certain Chuze fitness, according to my friend’s cousin. His online presence, though not specifically geared toward Jacksonville, embodies the essence of the city. He DJs and seems to live in a bathing suit; a well-meaning smile gets him through awkward misunderstandings; his curly hair looks perpetually ocean-sprayed. This just described almost every guy who lives in Neptune Beach. Even as he gets on magazine covers and hangs out with Kardashians, he represents Jacksonville.

What’s up, dirtbags? Only those with a mortgage in doom scroll city will know this one. More of a niche pick, “dirtbag guy” is a popular non-influencer with 1.3 million followers on instagram, making content that is not specifically for the Jacksonville community, but obviously rooted in it. It is only if you know a guy who knows this guy, or pay close attention to his videos, that you realize this is, in fact, a Duval-ian. His content brings the viewers into a chaotic world fueled by beer and audacity, tied together by an all-around cool guy. Everyone knows a guy like Steiner, always shirtless with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in another. Though, what makes his videos truly enticing is his expression of free-will, with videos like “all American lunch challenge” where he ingests “pigs feet, a four loko and one uncooked glizzy.” Steiner’s videos embody the energy of the city: strange and a bit unnerving, allowing the internet a glimpse into what living in Jacksonville is like.

Live from Folio Weekly offices: If you have been personally victimized by JaxbeachTV catching you at your drunkest at the beach bars, you may be entitled to compensation for the hangxiety you experienced the next day. JaxbeachTV scours the beach bars looking to “document” the status of each bar, reporting how busy it is on a given night. A great concept in theory, but good luck to anybody a couple shots deep and wallowing in self-pity after a breakup because you might just get caught in the background of one of his videos. Well-intentioned, though, Manny, the man behind the camera, emphasizes spreading positivity, a much-needed sentiment to survive whatever is in the air at Jacksonville Beach on a Friday night.

Comedy & Magic

MAY 1

Jerry Seinfeld

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

Johnny Mac Really Good Beer Stop–Nocatee comedysuperfriends.com

Friday Night Live

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

MAY 1-2

Anthony Rodia Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

MAY 2

Danae Hays

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

Don’t Tell Comedy

Somewhere in Murray Hill (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com

Unscripted

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott

Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

MAY 3

Chris Andrade Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

MAY 6

Lemaire Lee

Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Comedy & Candles

Painting With a Twist paintingwithatwist.com

MAY 7

Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

Comedy at Mocama Mocama Beer Company, Fernandina Beach eventbrite.com

MAY 7-9

Benji Brown Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

MAY 8

River City Comedy at Buchner’s Bierhalle Buchner’s Bierhalle rivercitycomedy.com

First Coast Comedy

First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

Classic Comedy Night

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

MAY 9

Don’t Tell Comedy

Somewhere in Murray Hill (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com

Carmen Vallone

Bonkerz at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville bonkerzcomedyproductions.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott

Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

MAY 10

Ellen Skrmetti Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

MAY 14-16

Jared Freid: The Table For One Tour Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Don’t Tell Comedy Somewhere in 5 Points (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com

MAY 15

River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com

Drag Bingo With a Comedy Twist

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

MAY 15-16

First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

MAY 16

Jim Breuer Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

MAY 17

Peter Antoniou Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Eric Bailey Grey Matter Distillery eventbrite.com

MAY 21

River City Comedy Voodoo Brewing rivercitycomedy.com

Speakeasy Comedy Show The Volstead eventbrite.com

MAY 22

Tim Meadows Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com

Smart Women in Comedy

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

MAY 22-23

George Wallace Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

MAY 23

Spill the Tea: True Confessions Third Space Improv 3rdspaceimprov.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

MAY 28-30

Phil Hanley Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

MAY 28

Rob Schneider Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

René Vaca FIVE fivejax.com

TUESDAY,

TUESDAY,

Salt Cave Comedy

Earth Salt Stone earthsaltstone.com

MAY 29

John Crist

Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

River City Comedy

Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com

MAY 29-30

First Coast Comedy

First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

MAY 30

Mike Rivera

Bonkerz at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville bonkerzcomedyproductions.com

KISS Comedy Show

Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk eventbrite.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott

Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

MAY 31

Santi Espinosa

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Comedy Night

Refinery Restaurant refineryjaxbeach.com

Improv Night

Adele Grage Cultural Center firstcoastcomedy.com

NEW MUSIC RELEASES

Made For You By Ambar Ramirez

THE BLACK KEYS

“Peaches”

The Black Keys are the kind of band that never truly goes out of style. They might slip to the back of your mind for a moment, but the second you hear the fuzz of “Gold on the Ceiling” or the soul of “In Our Prime,” you’re instantly reminded why you fell in love with them. Their sound remains a masterclass in raw, psychedelic blues, and their upcoming album, “Peaches,” feels like the start of a brand-new era. It’s a record that hints at images of sun-drenched summer days and boots caked in thick mud.

ZARA LARSSON

YOUNG THE GIANT

“Victory Garden”

For 15 years, Young the Giant have stayed relevant, traveling through different sonic eras. Progressively, and rightfully, they have solidified themselves as one of the most consistent and influential alt-rock bands of the 21st century. “Victory Garden” is a full circle moment for the band, a reconnection to where it all started, with collaboration and radical empathy.

MAY 22

BLEACHERS

“Midnight Sun: Girls Trip” “everyone for ten minutes”

Zara Larsson has everyone in a total tizzy right now, and for good reason. She has the looks, the choreography and the powerhouse vocals to back it all up. She is the definitive modern pop sensation, and her success is well-earned. Her upcoming release, “Midnight Sun: Girls Trip,” is a deluxe edition of the project that helped cement her fame. It promises to build on that legacy, potentially offering new collaborations alongside the tracks we already know and love.

Honestly, there are two things I know for certain when it comes to the longtime rock band Bleachers. For one, Jack Antonoff is the longest-standing member and, really, I imagine, the brains behind the whole operation. And second, Antonoff is married to Margaret Qualley and tends to make her the main subject of his music videos (I would too). What I don’t know is how Antonoff has any time to rest when he is composing albums yearly and also producing music for artists like Lorde, Lana Del Ray and Sabrina Carpenter. Maybe that’s why he titled his upcoming album “everyone for ten minutes.”

Listen Locally

A NEW ASCENSION “The Implicate Order”

A New Ascension is an Alt-Rock band from Jacksonville, FL. The album features several Jacksonville-native industry veterans as guest performers, like members from Inspection 12, Yellowcard, Evergreen Terrace and Flag on Fire.

ANNIE DUKES

“No One to Claim” [Single]

Following their 2025 standout “Mother’s China,” the femme-fronted rock powerhouse returns with a brand-new single. It delivers that signature Annie Dukes energy — a raw, distinct sound that truly stands alone. Even better, the track arrives alongside a fresh music video. To dive deeper into their story and the new music, check out the full feature in this issue.

Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.

Sunset Sessions and the Revival of the House Show

Words & photos by Carmen Macri

What started as a fun passion project has ultimately turned into the revival of a once-booming scene in Jacksonville, and we have Jacob Smith and Harry Chodorow to thank.

Before Sunset Sessions became a Jacksonville staple, the vibe lived at Shim Sham Room (pour one out) back in 2016. Under the “House Music Night” banner, Smith carved out a space dedicated entirely to EDM, later handing Chodorow his first residency in the process.

At the time, finding a consistent house beat in Jacksonville felt like chasing a ghost. According to Smith, the scene was basically flatlining — a far cry from the late ’90s era when he first started spinning actual vinyl in local dives and dimly lit clubs. He wasn’t just watching the trends; he was the one lugging crates of records (62 crates to be exact) through the front doors of the city’s nightlife, waiting for the rest of Jax to finally catch back up to the rhythm.

Fortunately, the city’s bar scene didn’t stay in the dark for long. It only took a few years for the rest of Jacksonville to catch the fever, especially with groups like House Hats breaking into the Jacksonville space. And once Smith saw an opening at one of the most coveted spots in Jax Beach, he came knocking.

The connection came through David Murphy, a former Shim Sham manager who actually learned the ropes under Smith before moving over to Casa Marina. That link was the catalyst Smith and Chodorow needed to transition their “House Party” pipe dream into a reality.

The early days of Sunset Sessions kicked off on the Casa rooftop, which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly designed for a mob of kids hellbent on losing themselves to the music. Smith knew the rooftop was just a stepping stone; he had his sights set on the courtyard. He knew they could pack the place out — it was just a matter of convincing management to let them loose in the larger space.

“Our first event [in the courtyard] was the Fourth of July in 2022,” Smith recalled with Chodorow chiming in, “Out the gate, yeah. Fourth of July is always a big event here in Jax, so we got pretty lucky.”

“It’s like our Super Bowl now, the Fourth of July,” Smith added.

The initial vision for Sunset Sessions was always anchored to Sundays — that’s the one thing that, at the time, rarely wavered. Early on, the duo played it cool, planning just one installment a month. They didn’t want to overdo it; they wanted to keep the vibe exclusive, making that free entry feel like a coveted ticket.

“I didn’t think we’d still be doing it this long, you know what I mean? And I didn’t think that the party would grow as big as it did,” Smith expressed. “Because, and Harry can quote me on this, I said we’re only going to do it once a month. We don’t want to oversaturate the scene. And here we are now in May; We have one [show] every weekend.”

But you can’t argue with gravity. As the crowds swelled, the demand for more bass and more Sundays hit a fever pitch. Smith and Chodorow quickly realized Sunset Sessions was evolving into a monster they couldn’t have dreamed of. Before they knew it, that once-a-month “maybe” transformed into a weekly residency, taking over almost every Sunday of the month.

Growth brings its own set of headaches, and Sunset Sessions eventually hit a wall at Casa Marina. Because, as previously mentioned, it’s one of the most sought-after event spaces usually choked out by weddings and private parties. Instead of fighting for calendar space, they branched out. Now, the rotation hits other local staples like Lemon Bar, The Grande, Decca and Myth Nightclub and is no longer strictly tied to Sundays.

“But it’s gotten to the point now where, I mean, you see it. We can throw two or three events [a month] at different venues, and they’ll still pack out,” Smith shared.

Venues shift and the calendar days rotate, but Smith and Chodorow are dug in on two non-negotiables: keeping Sunset Sessions free and keeping it local. Aside from the occasional outlier — like when they pull in a bigger headliner that requires a bit more overhead — the mission remains the same. They aren’t interested in selling out the vibe; they want to keep the heart of it exactly where it started: for the people who actually live for the music and local DJs looking to break into the scene.

“Our first event [in the courtyard] was the Fourth of July in 2022,” Smith recalled with Chodorow chiming in, “Out the gate, yeah. Fourth of July is always a big event here in Jax, so we got pretty lucky.”

“It’s like our Super Bowl now, the Fourth of July,” Smith added.

“I’m pretty firm on the parties always being free. We want everyone to be able to come and not have to worry about paying a cover at the door,” Smith expressed. Though he did toss around the idea of eventually hosting more gig swaps — a DIY networking strategy where bands or artists in different cities agree to book each other as opening acts— similar to the one hosted a few weekends prior with Cocodrills.

“I would like to maybe start doing gig swaps here eventually with people from Miami, Orlando or Denver or something like that. I mean, we’ve taken our time with this event, and it’s not a sprint — it’s a marathon. Everything has to be just right. You don’t want to rush anything because then you can ruin the party.”

Chodorow shared his sentiment, “We’ve always kind of had the idea for the party to grow to a point where everyone is talking about it like, you know, ‘hey, it’s Sunset Sessions. That’s what’s going on.’ And this last weekend kind of confirmed it for us.”

Chodorow is referring to the Cocodrills takeover at Casa Marina. And calling it a “party” doesn’t really do it justice. From 4 to 10 p.m., the courtyard was basically unrecognizable. It was a full-on rave dropped right onto the beach.

The place was a total zoo — just a massive, humid wall of people packed shoulder-to-shoulder from the DJ booth all the way back to the walls.

It had that specific energy where you’re losing your mind to a light show while the bass hits so hard you can feel it in your teeth. Between the dancers and the sheer volume of the sound, it felt less like a Saturday at a hotel and more like one of those underground European raves you see in the movies.

While Smith and Chodorow are the ones pulling the strings, handling the stress of booking DJs, scouting venues and all that noise, they’ve brought in some backup. They expanded the crew to include two sound magicians, Albert Adkins and Tyler Mathes. Or, as the duo calls them, “the heart of the party.”

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without them. And the party, we’ve always said, starts with the sound,” Chodorow shared.

Smith cut through to add, “They [Adkins and Mathes] really are key people to the party. The sound is like 85% of it.”

Beyond the core DJ duo, they’ve locked in a handful of resident DJs who know exactly how to command the booth — Colton Snowden being at the top of that list. Both Smith and Chodorow are the first to admit that Snowden has shifted from just another name on the lineup to a vital organ of the operation, especially as Sunset Sessions starts pushing past the horizon.

And what initially started as this once-a-month Sunday House Party has now turned into the definitive heartbeat of Jacksonville.

Who is Annie Dukes?

“I think everything kind of started from that moment, and we have just evolved throughout the years with our sound and who we are as people. And it’s just really cool to, like, kind of look back at the beginning of it and where we’re at now. It’s just so different, you know.”

Before they were Annie Dukes, touring the country and channeling shared female experiences into anthems of rage for packed rooms, they were just girls. Talented, sure, but just girls.

I think every woman hits a point where the “all-girl punk band” fantasy feels like a life calling. You can probably picture the scene now. You’re with your inner circle, a few drinks deep, and it feels like the most revolutionary idea you’ve ever had. “We should start a band,” you say. “We have so much to say!” Then morning comes, and the plan dissolves back into a pipe dream because, let’s be honest, do any of you actually know how to play an instrument? Probably not. But I digress. For Cassidy Lee and Emma Moseley, the spark that formed Annie Dukes was far less cliché. It wasn’t born over cocktails or after watching the movie “The Runaways”; it happened five years ago, forged in the wake of losing a mutual friend.

“So originally, when we first started, we were kind of just sitting around with acoustic guitars and kind of singing ‘Kumbaya’ around a fire and thinking that that was how our sound was going to be. And then when we first started playing together, it was like, oh my God, actually we’re going to be a rock and roll band,” Lee remembered. “And I’ll never forget like that first moment and that first feeling of playing together and the first shows of like, wow, this is something special, and it’s completely different than what we thought it was going to be.”

With Lee on vocals and bass, Moseley on guitar and Julie Papili on drums, you’re probably wondering who Annie Dukes is. And I don’t mean that in a metaphorical sense of who they are, we’ll touch on that soon, but where did the name Annie Dukes come from? Well, I’ll tell you. Actually, I’ll let Moseley do the honors, as it was her great-grandmother after all.

“Annie Duke was my great-grandmother. I never knew her. I’ve seen pictures of her and [heard] stories of her. And my dad says she’s the scariest woman he’s ever known in his whole life. And, you know, all my years playing in other bands and, like, touring and all that kind of stuff, I always wanted to be in a girl band,” Moseley shared. “And then when Cassidy and I met, I had mentioned I always thought it would be cool to be called Annie Dukes, and I know my great-grandmother is rolling in her grave right now, but it just kind of stuck.”

While we laughed at the fact that Annie Dukes was this sort of ironic name, being that Moseley’s great-grandmother would not have jumped up and cheered at the idea of her great-granddaughter shredding on

stage, the name became more than that. It became a representation of strong, independent women, a fictional character who didn’t shy away from feminine rage, a quality each of the band members embodies. And the way that Moseley, Lee and Papili took control of the narrative of this name, which belonged to someone very real, and made it relatable, says more about the band than you know.

“I think my whole life changed because of Annie Dukes, the band, and I do feel like I pull my strength from this mascot,” Lee added. “Basically, it’s like, I’m Annie, you’re Annie, we’re all Annie.”

Annie Dukes set the tone early on with their sound. One of the first songs they wrote and produced together was “Snake Charmer.” From there, it was a constant state of not fitting into one genre but at the same time being a whole new genre. Annie Dukes is a juxtaposition personified, or rather, musicified. It’s Fleetwood Mac meets Black Sabbath — ’70s grooves meets ’90s grunge and storytelling. And they gladly stay in this flux stage of sound because, as they put it, it’s the “Annie sound.”

“I think that the thing about Annie Dukes is, like, it’s always evolving and changing. We’ve never really been able to be put into one genre. So just like looking back at all of our music, you can see the growth and the sound changing, right before your eyes. So it’s hard to, like, describe that sound. It’s just the Annie sound,” Lee said.

“I think my whole life changed because of Annie Dukes, the band, and I do feel like I pull my strength from this mascot,” Lee added. “Basically, it’s like, I’m Annie, you’re Annie, we’re all Annie.”

While the Annie sound happens organically and naturally through collaboration, the mastermind behind the lyrics is Moseley.

“When we released our first EP, the main track on that was ‘Did I Say Yes??’ And you know, as a songwriter, there are certain songs that have a concept and meaning and, like, this is what this song is about, and ‘Did I Say Yes??’ had that. And it was written for anybody that’s experienced domestic violence or date rape or sexual assault, anything like that. So, that was really like a moment in time for Annie Dukes. It was like our first big music video, we had an open call for women who wanted to be in the music video. It was such a monumental, important thing about our sound at the time,” Moseley shared. “And then comparing to the other songs that were on the EP that had more of a visceral kind of open concept that was subjective to the listeners. I think not boxing ourselves into, like saying, OK, this song is about XYZ and leaving it open to interpretation. I love the fact that we could do both, that we could have

such, like, a poignant concept of a song as well as you can listen to a song like ‘The Fog,’ and it can be taken in so many different ways, you know? So I think the evolution of that has been really, really cool to be able to stand on.”

At its core, Annie Dukes is a femme-fronted rock powerhouse, and there is perhaps nothing more inherently “femme” than the art of making something out of nothing. It is that classic feminine ability to adapt, to multitask, and to do it so seamlessly that onlookers assume you couldn’t possibly have done it all alone. Better yet, the band leans into their quirks; they don’t just navigate challenges, they invite them. In many ways, this trio represents a collective voice for women everywhere, publicly singing the very things the rest of us are internally screaming.

OCTOBER

JUNE

JULY

“In a lot of the ways that we’ve been writing recently, we’ve been celebrating, at least I feel like that’s what’s been inspiring me, is celebrating the things that make Annie Dukes, Annie Dukes, and so much of it is doing a lot with very little,” Papili expressed. “Cassidy’s been trying to get the fattest bass tone, and Emma, you went back to getting that amp that you fell in love with years ago. And it’s like, I don’t know, it’s just doing a lot with a little, and so much of that was like one of the first things I fell in love with before I was even a part of the band. So I feel like with the latest song, so much of that inspired me to be like, you know, what would the Hex Girls do? It was so Hex Girls inspired or something like that of just doing as much as you can with a good foundation, good bones and good tone.”

Despite their strictly DIY roots, booking their own tours, organizing their own lineups, and handling every step of the writing and recording process, Annie Dukes has seen significant success. Lee competed on season 26 of “The Voice,” and the band has shared stages with heavy hitters like ZZ Top, Maggie Rose, Nita Strauss and the Plain White T’s.

Now, they are gearing up to release their new single, “No One To Claim,” on May 15, accompanied by a fresh music video.

Yet, after spending 30 minutes with them, it’s clear that their success isn’t measured by sold-out rooms or streaming metrics. For Annie Dukes, the real win is the impact they leave on their community. They don’t create just because they have the talent; they do it because they know there is someone in the crowd who needs to hear exactly what they have to say.

“We’re here for the queer community, we’re here for women, we’re here for minorities, but we’re also here for the poets and the readers and the dreamers. I think that’s what is really important for us as artists,” Emma said.

Get to know the band

Your astrological big three.

Emma: Libra sun, Virgo moon, Libra rising

Cassidy: Gemini sun, Pisces moon, Capricorn rising

Julie: Pisces sun, Scorpio moon, Leo rising

First album or vinyl you bought with your own money?

Emma: “Decoration Day” by Drive by Truckers

Cassidy: Jonas Brothers’ self-titled album…don’t judge me haha

Julie: Both “Riot” and “Brand New Eyes” by Paramore when I got my first iPod.

Who in the band is most likely to find the best vintage shop in a new city?

Emma: Probably me

Cassidy: Me

Julie: Emma would find the coolest spot by happy accident/ intuition… Cassidy is practically a cartographer and studies the map of wherever we go and already knew of the spot Emma thought she just happened to find… I never know where we are geographically, but I’m down for epic side quests. No questions asked.

What are some of the favorite venues or cities where you guys have performed?

Julie: From our last tour, my favorite was definitely Boston.

Cassidy: Yeah, I really liked Boston too.

Emma: Boston was cool. I really liked Akron, Ohio. And Chattanooga is always like one of my favorites that we play.

Cassidy: We’re actually going on tour in May, and we’re playing in the Carolinas. And then this September we’re going to be going back out to Ohio, New York and Boston. So we’ve been doing really well in that area.

Any pre-show rituals?

Cassidy: I have to paint my nails black before every show. I also sage myself and everybody else and use protection oil on myself and everybody else, but fully, I am in charge of making sure the vibes and the show go well.

Emma: A shot of tequila and then I usually always look at the girls, and I’m like, “OK, are you ready for a rock and roll show? We got a rock and roll show to do.”

Cassidy: Julie has to nap. That’s her pre-show ritual.

Julie: My “pre-” everything.

What are some of your biggest non-musical influences?

Emma: I love to read. I have so many books that are inspiring to me, poetry and stuff like that. I’m also inspired by, like, just the everyday woman. The strengths of seeing so many, like, independent women just handling business and standing on business. So I think the mixture between the art world and the physical world of just, like, what an everyday experience for a woman is like, inspires me heavily, especially when I’m writing.

Cassidy: I’ll second that.

Julie: Just to add to that, especially because this is one of Emma’s biggest influences, but it is kind of musical still. But I would definitely say drag queens because nothing inspires Annie Dukes like the drag format.

What are some themes, moods or stories that you find yourself constantly returning to in your music?

Emma: Political rage. Feminine rage. Rage in general. Sexuality. Romance. Drugs. Yeah, I don’t know. Spirituality, being condemned by faith. I find inspiration in all of those things. Most recently, I’m trying to find more of the beauty in things because I was almost disgusted at myself at all of the horrible, negative, just rageful things that were coming out of me. And I’m like, there’s got to be more, you know what I mean? But, at the same time, I do think that the foundational concrete block of rock ’n’ roll is spawned from rage and angst. And I don’t think that we would have something like the genre of rock and roll or punk or grunge without those feelings fueling it. So I allow myself to be the negative void and at the same time pulling from more of a not-so-damning conclusion to everything.

Julie: I feel like you do a good job of channeling a lot of that negativity into creating something beautiful out of it, but I think that we also complement each other in that way because, like, Cassidy has a very innocent, pure quality to her voice with the dichotomy of your negative raged lyric, and it really does make you reflect on what she’s saying because of how she sings. You know, I mean, with the three-part harmonies, I feel like it comes

out more beautifully than you think.

Are you guys working on any new music?

Cassidy: We do have a single coming out May 15. It’s called “No One to Claim” And we’re really, really excited about that one.

Emma: And we have a music video with it too, coming out.

And can you tell me a little bit about the song and what inspired it?

Emma: So we were kind of deciding what we were going to say about this song because it was written in two separate phases. It started with one verse, and then it was written a week later. I wrote most of the lyrics the week of Alex Pretti. But we are feeling more so that we don’t want to make this song a political song just because the rest of the lyrics were kind of written to be subjective to the listener about relationships that you just try so hard, and you just get to the point where you’re like, ‘OK, you know what? This is not working because we’re just not the same. We’re just not the same person. We don’t have the same morals.’ And that’s OK. Sometimes I think society presses us to always be the bigger person, to always overcome these battles with your family or your loved ones, your spouses, your friends. But sometimes, when it comes down to, like, human values, sometimes we are not the same. So that’s basically what the song is about, if that makes sense.

How has being in this band changed you guys in a way you didn’t expect? Either musically or personally.

Cassidy: This band completely changed my life musically and personally. I feel like when all of us are together, I have this, like, giant light inside of me that’s just beaming out. And I find my strength through them as people and as musicians. I think we all kind of challenge each other to be better in every way.

Julie: I think that, in the obvious way, being in this band has given me some of my best friends that I’ve ever had, but I also feel like you guys really empowered me to lean into the rock n’ roll nature of, like, not just music, but just in general. Living the true meaning of rock n’ roll, you know, just being true to yourself.

Emma: I agree with them. I think it’s changed me in every sense, physical and spiritual. I find my strength in being in Annie, too, because I find my strength as being a woman in music. I find strength in providing safe places for female femme artists, creating shows for them. I find strength in being in an independent female band, traveling all over the country and doing what we do. I honestly think I would be f*cking lost without this band.

CONCERTS

MAY 1

Pat Travers FIVE fivejax.com

Hit the Lights

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Loud Luxury DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

MAY 1-2

Graham Nash Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Jax Symphony: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

MAY 1-17

Romanza Festivale

Various locations, St. Augustine romanzafestivale.com

MAY 2

Logan Crosby Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

MAY 3

Floetry Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Purity Ring FIVE fivejax.com

Cesar Franck’s Piano Quintet Friday Musicale fridaymusicale.com

MAY 4

Pure Prairie League Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

MAY 5

Devon Allman’s Blues Summit Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

MAY 7

Greg Zelek in Concert

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Soulja Boy FIVE fivejax.com

MAY 8

Ethel Cain

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Sam Bush

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

The Intercoastals

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Dance With the Dead

The Albatross albatrossjax.com

Runaway Gin–A Tribute to Phish FIVE fivejax.com

MAY 8-9

Chicken Fried Rock: Brooks, Shania & More

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

MAY 9

New Found Glory FIVE fivejax.com

En Esch

The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 10

October London

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

Curren$y FIVE fivejax.com

The Richie Scarlet Band

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Convictions

Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

MAY 11

Drug Church

The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 13

Midrift

The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 14

Black Tusk

The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 15

A Foreigner’s Journey to Boston

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Dansyn DECCA Live deccalive.com

Ram Miriyala FIVE fivejax.com

MAY 15-16

Beethoven’s Triple & Brahms

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

MAY 16

Journey

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Sin City Saints

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

The Pharcyde

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

Yo Quiero Bailar

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

The Calling FIVE fivejax.com

Tom McDermott with Molly Sweet Friday Musicale fridaymusicale.com

MAY 17

Iration & SOJA

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

MAY 19

Chicago Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

MAY 21

Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Willie Nelson & Family

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

MAY 21

Solar Circus

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

MAY 22

Quail B

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Redferrin

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

Tayler Holder

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

MAY 23

Sam Barber

St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

The 502s Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Duval Music Jam

DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

MAY 24

Confessions of a Traitor

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

MAY 26

Shinedown VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

Happy Together Tour Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Punch Brothers

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

MAY 27

Duane Betts & Palmetto Hotel Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Andres

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Nite The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 28

Wiz Khalifa DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

Going for Broke Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Love Song–The Cure Tribute The Albatross albatrossjax.com

MAY 29

The Music of Elton John Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

49 Winchester Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Dead All Over Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

These Beautiful Ruins

Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

MAY 30

Cooper Allen Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Dr. Fresch DECCA LIVE deccalive.com

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band FIVE fivejax.com

MAY 30

Wage War FIVE fivejax.com

MAY 31

The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

Echoes of Paris: A Tribute to the Quintette Instrumental de Paris Friday Musicale fridaymusicale.com

Words by Teresa Spencer

Clara’s Tidbits Delivers Scratch-Made Charm in San Marco

There’s a certain kind of place you don’t dress up for. No reservations. No pretense. You walk in a little hungry, maybe a little skeptical, and you hope quietly that somebody in the kitchen still gives a damn.

That’s Clara’s Tidbits in San Marco.

The “Folio” crew ordered it delivered in for our monthly editorial meeting, equal parts business and appetite. When we opened the bag, it wasn’t flashy. No towers of microgreens or foam experiments. Just real food. Pitas stuffed with chicken salad that looked homemade, not assembled just them under fluorescent lights.

Most of us went for the chicken salad pita with potato salad on the side. One brave soul opted for the veggie pita, which she raved about. It was full of veggies topped with avocado and feta, and a side of homemade pita chips that didn’t last long enough to be polite about. Another kept it oldschool with chicken salad on marbled rye. Someone else grabbed the turkey pita. It was a working lunch, but nobody was rushing.

Now, let’s not pretend it was perfect.

The chicken salad sparked a debate that could’ve turned into a bar fight if we’d had another round of water. A little dry, some said. Too much mayo, others fired back. One more said it’s the best chicken salad in town.

That’s the thing about chicken salad, it’s personal. You grow up on a version, and everything else is either wrong or negotiable.

But here’s where it gets interesting. A few of us got the avocado chicken salad pita, and it came with a side of ranch. Not fancy. Not revolutionary. But it worked. Suddenly, the dryness wasn’t a problem, it was just a detail. A quick dunk, and everything clicked into place. What stuck with me wasn’t the debate. It was the feeling that the food wasn’t coming out pre-made right off the Sysco truck. The pita tasted fresh. The sides felt like they had a point of view. This felt homemade. Honest, imperfect, human.

We gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. Not because it blew our minds but because it didn’t insult our intelligence. It showed up, did the job, and didn’t try to be something it’s not. Sometimes you don’t need a culinary revolution. You just need a place that feeds you well, let’s you argue about mayonnaise and sends you back to work a little happier than when you walked in.

Clara’s Tidbits also has locations in Baymeadows and Fleming Island.

NIGHTLIFE

ARLINGTON

Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax

Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com

Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com

BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com

Bedlam bedlamlive.com

Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com

Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com

Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com

Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon

Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com

Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com

Gusto gustojax.com

Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com

Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com

Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com

Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley

Kicker’s Country Bar instagram.com/kickersbar

Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com

Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab

Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch

Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com

Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com

Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com

Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com

Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com

Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com

Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com

Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com

Reve Brewing revebrewing.com

The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com

Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com

Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com

Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com

VooSwar Restaurant & Lounge instagram.com/vooswar

DOWNTOWN

The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

The Circuit Arcade Bar instagram.com/thecircuitbarcade

De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe

Decca Live deccalive.com

Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com

Element Bistro Bar & Lounge elementjax.com

Hardwicks hardwicksbarjax.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Keane’s Tavern keanestavern.com

Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax

Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com

Myth Nightclub & Bar mythexperience.com

Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila

Pour Taproom jaxpourtaproom.com

Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com

SIP Cocktail bar sipontheroof.com

Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.com

That Bar At The Arena facebook.com/ThatBarattheArena

The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com

FLEMING ISLAND

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com/ fleming-island

Mercury Moon facebook.com/mercury-moon

Mr. Chubby’s Wings mrchubbyswings.com

Sunset Tiki Bar doctorslakemarina.com/tiki

Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com

INTRACOASTAL WEST 9 Zero Pour 9zeropour.com

Brew and Barrel Tavern bbtjax.com

MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille

The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax. com

Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com

MANDARIN/JULINGTON

CREEK/FRUIT COVE

2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/iggysgrill

Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com

Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysunclemandarin.com

Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar

Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com

Murray Hill Axe Champs axechamps.com

Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com

Emerald Vine Room theemeraldvineroom.weebly.com

Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com

The Flamingo theflamingojax.com

Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com

Silver Cow silvercowjax.com

Spruce sprucejax.com

The Walrus thewalrusjax.com

NORTHSIDE

Coppertop Bar and Restaurant coppertopbarandrestaurant. com

Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com

ORANGE PARK/ MIDDLEBURG

57 Heaven facebook.com/57heavenop

Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com

Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com

The Daq Shack thedaqshack904.com

Dee’s Music Bar and Grill facebook.com/musicbarandgrill

The Fresh Spot Lounge thefreshspotlounge.com

LeaderBoard Arcade leaderboardarcade.com

Locals Pub localspub.co

Nakama Anime Bar nakamabar.com

Park Avenue Billiards parkavenuebilliards.com

Pinglehead Brewing Company pinglehead.com

Southern Social Whiskey Bar & Lounge southernsocialbar.com

RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE Bartaco bartaco.com

Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints

Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com

Burlock & Barrel burlockandbarrel.com

Dart Bar & Games facebook.com/dartbarjax

Eclipse Bar & Nightclub facebook.com/eclipsebarjax

The Garage garagejax.com

The Green House thegreenhousebar.com

Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com

Incahoots incahootsnightclub.com

Kanine Social kaninesocial.com

Keg & Coin kegandcoinjax.com

Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com

Lemonstreet Brewing Company lemonstreetbrewing.com

The Loft loftjax.com

Myrtle Avenue Brewing instagram.com/myrtleavebrewing

Night Lights facebook.com/nightlightsjax

Park Place Lounge parkplaceloungejax.com

River & Post riverandpostjax.com

Riverside Liquors riversideliquors.biz

Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1

Root Down facebook.com/rootdownjax

Shores Liquor and Bar instagram.com/shoresliquoravondale

5 Points Liquor Lounge instagram.com/5ptslounge/

SAN MARCO/ST. NICHOLAS

1937 Spirits & Eatery 1937sanmarco.com

Aardwolf Brewing Company aardwolfbrewing.com

Bar Molino barmolino.com

Breezy Jazz House breezyjazzhouse.com

Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge cubalibrebar.com

Fore Score Golf Tavern forescoregolf.com

The Grape & Grain Exchange grapeandgrainexchange.com

Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com

The Mudville Grill themudvillegrill.com

The Players Grille playersgrille.com

Posting House posting.house

Sherwoods sherwoodsbar.com

Sidecar instagram.com/sidecarjax

Voodoo Brewing instagram.com/voodoojax

SOUTHSIDE/ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER

Austin Karaoke facebook.com/austinkaraoke

Bottlenose Brewing bottlenosebrewing.com

Cataluna Jax catalunajax.com

Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Jax Craft Beer jaxcraftbeer.com

Medusa Restaurant and Hookah Lounge facebook.com/medusa-loungejacksonville

Rio Restaurant and Lounge instagram.com/riorestauraunt.jax

Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery 7bridgesgrille.com

Sugar Factory instagram.com/sugarfactoryjacksonville

The Block Jax theblockjax.com

Trio Lounge triohookahlounge.com

Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com

Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com

WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com

SPRINGFIELD

Crispy’s crispysspringfieldgallery. com

Juice Wine Bar juicewinebar.com

The District thedistrictspr.com

Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com

Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax

Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House stumpyshh.com

Tulua Bistro instagram.com/tuluabistro

ST. AUGUSTINE

Ancient City Brewing ancientcitybrewing.com

Arnold’s Lounge arnoldslounge.com

Beacon Listening Room beaconstaug.com

Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery sansebastianwinery.com

Dog Rose Brewing dogrosebrewing.com

Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen instagram.com/odd_birds

The Original Café Eleven originalcafe11.com

Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com

Shanghai Nobby’s nobbysfl.weebly.com

Tradewinds Lounge tradewindslounge.com

The Bar with No Name instagram.com/nonamebarstaug

Tini Martini tini-martini-bar.com

Boat Drinks boatdrinksbar.com

Bin 39 bin39.wine

Westside Duval Hall instagram.com/duvalhalljax

Elevation Lounge elevationjax.com

Lillian’s lillianssportsgrill.com

The Phoenix Bar & Bowling facebook.com/thephoenixjax