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Category Archives: Entertainment

Looking for entertainment? You can always find something exciting to do in Northeast Florida.

Rock Horror Encore Presentation

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Rock Horror Encore PresentationAmelia Musical Playhouse presents an encore production of The Rocky Horror Show November 5th-8th, with a 7:30pm curtain. Audience participation is key so feel free to shout out your favorite one-liners to the actors and come dressed up as your favorite character. We will have prop bags for sale in the lobby as well as complimentary refreshments at intermission.

Tickets are $20.00 general admission ($15 students) and are available at the theatre, on the Web site www.ameliamusicalplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at (904) 277-3455. Amelia Musical Playhouse is located at 1955 Island Walkway in Fernandina Beach.

If you have never experienced this audience parici-(SAY IT!)-pation movie, be prepared to witness people throwing props, and expect to hear “Asshole!” shouted multiple times.

Finally, if this is your FIRST time… be sure to let them know you are a “virgin” and they will take special care of you, I promise.

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Free Benefit Concert for Chef Thomas Tolxdorf Family

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Where Once was a Wall is now light

Where Once was a Wall is now light

Several months ago Angela Wallace Pierson of Wallace Pierson Travel (formerly The Travel Agency) and myself started working on an idea for a Benefit Concert for Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island’s Executive Chef Thomas Tolxdorf, who sadly passed away in a car crash on June 7 this year.

The day we finally chose was Sunday November 9, in commemoration of the fact that 25 years ago on that day, the Berlin Wall came down. Chef Thomas was born in East Berlin in 1965, four years after the Wall was erected and cherished the day in 1989 the wall came down and his journey to becoming an internationally recognized chef really began.

The concert is performed by local band Island Vibe with a little help from well-known musicians Chris Kellam and Blistur, Jennifer Burns, Jay McPerson and others at The Green Turtle in downtown Fernandina Beach.

With the help of monster guitarist Chris Kellam and Blistur, the Fall of the Berlin Wall will be commemorated with some Pink Floyd covers, while Jennifer Burns will attach her magnificent voice to a selection of well and lesser known hit songs. Jay McPherson will treat us to some good old Allman Brothers tunes, while other local musicians will sit in as Island Vibe runs down the list of some of the most popular tunes of the sixties, seventies and eighties. The program that kicks off at 3pm also includes several auctions and raffles and offers free food.

The auction items include gift certificates for free hotel and b&b stays, dinners, liquors and spirits, a signed guitar and other valuable mementos and objets d’art. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Wallace Pierson Travel on 14th St/Courson, the Green Turtle and the Luxury Travel Show at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island on November 8.

Make sure to keep your agenda open for Sunday afternoon, November 9 from 3-7 pm at the Green Turtle. Free admission, free food, lots of auction and raffle prizes.

DOCtoberfest at Fernandina Little Theatre

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DOCtoberfest at Fernandina Little Theatre

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

An astonishing story of obsessive love, the uplifting chronicle of a renowned critic’s love affair with the movies and life itself, a hip-shaking exploration of the tiny Alabama town that created some of the greatest pop music ever made, a look at the reviled paparazzo who helped foster today’s celebrity-media complex, and a provocative examination of the prosecution of one’s of the United States’ most notorious gangsters will all screen as part of the Fernandina Little Theatre’s second annual DOCtoberFest.

This three-day celebration of the art of documentary film making will take place October 31-November 2 at FLT, 1014 Beech St. in downtown Fernandina Beach.

Individual tickets are $7; a festival pass for admission to one showing of each of the festival’s five selected new and award-winning documentaries is $30. Advance tickets are available at The UPS Store in Fernandina Beach, located next to Publix on Sadler Road. FLT is an intimate space and filmgoers are urged to purchase tickets in advance.

For complete screening schedule, visit www.ameliaflt.org.

Crazy Love
2007, 92 minutes
“I couldn’t stop watching. A shockingly fierce and funny spell-binder that leaves your head spinning. Electrifying” – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Dan Klores’ Crazy Love tells the astonishing story of the obsessive roller-coaster relationship of Burt and Linda Pugach, which shocked the nation during the summer of 1959. Burt, a 32 year-old married attorney, and Linda, a beautiful, single 20-year-old girl living in the Bronx, had a whirlwind romance, which culminated in a violent and psychologically complex set of actions that landed the pair’s saga on the cover of endless newspapers and magazines. With the cooperation of the principles, Klores examines the human psyche and the concepts of love, obsession, insanity, hope and forgiveness. Crazy Love earned the Best Documentary award at the 2007 Santa Barbara Film Festival.
Screening: 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 31; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 2

Life Itself
2014, 120 minutes
“A thrilling tale with unforgettable characters. Ebert’s life contained as much melodrama, tragedy and uplift as any weepie movie he reviewed. Any biographical documentary demands onscreen star quality, and this one has a hero and a heroine worth rooting for.” – Richard Corliss, Time

Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present Life Itself, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, Life Itself explores the legacy of Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.
Screening: 6 p.m. Saturday, November 1; 4 p.m. Sunday, November 2

Muscle Shoals
2013, 111 minutes
“Hugely entertaining – a soulful musical feast. It’s mandatory viewing for fans of the classic rock, soul and R&B of the ’60s and ’70s.” – Walter Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle

Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is the unlikely breeding ground for some of America’s most creative and defiant music. Under the spiritual influence of the “Singing River,” as Native Americans called it, the music of Muscle Shoals has helped create some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. At its heart is Rick Hall who founded FAME Studios. Overcoming crushing poverty and staggering tragedies, Hall brought black and white together in Alabama’s cauldron of racial hostility to create music for the generations. He is responsible for creating the “Muscle Shoals sound” and The Swampers, the house band at FAME that eventually left to start their own successful studio known as Muscle Shoals Sound. Gregg Allman, Bono, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals’ magnetism, mystery and why it remains influential today.
Screening: 11 a.m. And 8:30 p.m. Saturday, November 1

Smash His Camera
2010, 87 minutes
“Ridiculously entertaining – a deceptively complex look at the fluid nature of celebrity, glamour, privacy and art.” – Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sued him, Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Steve McQueen gave him a look that would have killed, if looks could kill. To the celebrities he pursued, photographer Ron Galella was the beast who threatened beauty. As it turned out, he gave them a strange and lasting beauty they might never have known without him. Inherent in the story of this notorious paparazzo are the complex issues of the right to privacy, freedom of the press and the ever-growing vortex of celebrity worship. He sneaked around and invaded and bribed and held up his camera and shot till he dropped (or someone dropped him). His was the artistry of the sniper. Yet Galella found something essential in his real-life subjects, and he gave it permanence. Director Leon Gast (When We Were Kings) won the Documentary Directing Award at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
Screening: 4 p.m. Saturday, November 1; 11:30 a.m. Sunday, November 2

Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger
2014, 107 minutes
“Berlinger is a stone-cold master at chronicling this kind of legal reckoning. This tough-minded true crime doc vibrates with the same municipal unease as Chinatown.” – Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out NY

From Academy Award-nominated director Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost trilogy) Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger is a sweeping and revelatory documentary film that follows the trial of the infamous gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, using the courtroom action as a springboard to examine accusations of multi-faceted corruption within our nation’s law enforcement and legal systems.
Screening: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 1; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 2

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Georgia, Florida and the Swingin’ Medallions

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Georgia, Florida and the Swingin' MedallionsFrom 1986 to 2010, a favorite annual event at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation was the big Georgia/Florida (or Florida/Georgia if you are so inclined) bash thrown the night before the big game featuring the “Party Band of the South”, The Swingin’ Medallions.

The tradition ended when the property changed ownership in 2010, BUT… Omni AIP has decided it’s time to bring it back! On Friday, October 31, 2014, The Swingin’ Medallions will return to kick off the weekend festivities with a poolside party from 7-11pm on the largest poolscape in Northeast Florida, and it will be open to the public!

Tickets are $25 per person and include two drinks, with additional food and beverage available for purchase.

Tickets are available by CLICKING HERE.

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SearchAmelia Has Posted 10,000 Blogs

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SearchAmelia Has Posted 10,000 BlogsSearchAmelia has just posted their 10,000th blog! That is indeed a lot of writing, researching, soul sharing, laughter and sometimes tears.

We began in the spring of 2008 by building a website and publishing local articles. Stories about history, news or events that we feel are relevant to those living in or visiting, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee and most of Nassau County, were considered ideal content. Since 2008 we have posted something damn near every-single-day!!!

Our website strives to be a familiar place, both interesting and informative, for folks to go to learn about the things and the people our wonderful community offers.

SearchAmelia has introduced us to new friends, opened our eyes to new ideas, and opened our hearts to those in need. We have tried to focus on the good news in Fernandina, but still we share some of the bad that occasionally shows up in our “in-boxes”.

Our articles are often press releases submitted by your neighbors telling of new business offerings, non-profit events, and local news stories. Often we write from our heart. My Personal Experience with Hospice let me share a very private moment with “you” – our readers, subscribers and viewers. “You” were there when we lost our partner and Han’s brother, Thom. “You” were with me when my daughter and her young son’s community of Henryville, Indiana was all but destroyed during a tornado outbreak in March of 2012.

We have shared anniversaries, childbirths and weddings.

We ARE your neighbors; we live here, we work here and we hope you consider us your friends.

Our articles 2012 Doomsday The End is Near, Haiti One Year after the Earthquake, ‎and How to Keep Flies Out of Your House or Patio have been read tens of thousands of times. We’ve had an enchanting variety of guest writers submit their pieces, too.

We don’t charge for subscriptions, we don’t charge for your local news or a link back to your businesses, and we don’t post affiliate advertising. The ads we do have are partners with SearchAmelia, strengthening the “shop local” mantra.

I’m proud to say our calendar is one of the most comprehensive ones in town and we welcome your submissions. It’s simple, just CLICK HERE. (By the way, our calendar entries are not included in the 10,000.)

You may not think 10,000 stories is much to brag about, but we sure do! Here are the numbers:

We’be been blogging for nearly six years and five months. Call it 334 weeks if you’d like, but no matter how you do the math we have published, on average, just over four articles – every single day – for the past 2,343 days (give or take a day or two).

…and so, I raise my glass to my partner, Han, “Here’s to 10,000 more! Cheers!”

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Jazz at the Farmers Market in Fernandina

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Jazz at the Farmers Market in FernandinaThe Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market dishes up local music throughout the year and on October 4th we are having a Celebration of Jazz!

Shop in the crisp, October air to a selection of prerecorded music featuring the artists performing in the 2014 Amelia Island Jazz Festival. Visit with the growers and producers that work hard preparing their fresh and tasty treats for the Market Place, while jazz music sets the ambiance.

Returning for fall is Mina’s Bakery. Mina, who is from Sarajevo, Bosnia, specializes in Mediterranean and Eastern European desserts, tortes, cakes, pastries and cookies. Everything she makes is from scratch. European cakes are not too heavy, nor are they overly sweet and many of the recipes she uses have been passed on to her in really old notebooks.

All About U.S. is returning this week with wild Sockeye salmon, Alaska weathervane scallops and smoked salmon. Unlike genetically modified farmed salmon, you will find no antibiotics, high levels of PCBs, added pigment or growth hormones in their Sockeye fillets. They are wild, all natural and pure.

jazz-at-the-farmers-market-amelia-islandJay’s Marketplace brings a delicious olive salad, and their olive juice is perfect for your next “Dirty Martini”. Stop by their booth for a variety of great recipes, but their olive salad is intended to help you make the world’s best Muffuletta sandwich.

Volunteers from the Amelia Island Jazz Festival will be on hand to tell you about all of the different concerts taking place on Amelia Island between the 16th and 19th of October, as well as the free concert in the park on October 12th. Jazz Greats and Founders of the Festival Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele will be making a special appearance at the Market Place to tell you more about their scholarship program that helps fund college education for aspiring jazz musicians.

We invite you to join us in historic, downtown Fernandina Beach for what is likely, Florida’s friendliest farmers market, and introduce yourself to any of our vendors who have become “family” in the Market Place.

Located on North Seventh Street, the Market Place is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, every Saturday, rain or shine, and your well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

For more information, please visit FernandinaBeachMarketPlace.com, like us on facebook, or call (904) 557-8229.

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Va Va Vamp an Homage to Vaudeville

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Va Va Vamp an Homage to VaudevilleVa Va Vamp, an homage to vaudeville, will be playing at the Amelia Musical Playhouse for one performance only on September 20, 2014, at 9:00 PM.

This production is a fast paced variety show featuring singing, dancing, comedy and beautiful ladies and handsome gents! There is a little something for everyone. Acts ranging from balloon animals to belly dancing promise the audience an evening to remember.

This ONE NIGHT ONLY, 90-minute spectacle features local talent and actors from throughout Northeast Florida – all waiting to entertain you!

Due to mature content, under 18 not admitted.

Amelia Musical Playhouse is located at 1955 Island Walkway right off 8th St in Fernandina. Tickets are $15.00 and are available on the website www.ameliamusicalplayhouse.com, or call the theatre box office at 277-3455.

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Island Tales Storytelling Slam

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Island Tales Storytelling SlamSix entertaining local storytellers will compete for the Story Slam Championship on Friday, September 19, 2014 to raise funds to help furnish the growing Fernandina Beach Library.

The event takes place at Burns Hall, St. Peter’s Church, 801 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach. Warmup reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for reception and show are $50 per person and are available at fernandinaFOL.org, the Fernandina Beach Library and Amelia Island Museum of History.

A limited number of free tickets for the program only are available at the Library. Co-sponsors with Friends of the Library are the Amelia Island Museum of History and the Florida Humanities Council.

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Backwoods County Jam

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Backwoods County JamBackwoods County Jam featuring Justin Moore, Jason Michael Carroll, Jon Langston and Amber Delacruz will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014.

The concert will be in Callahan, Florida at the NE Florida Outdoor Recreational Park.

Gates open at 3:30, advance ticket sales are only $40.00

All proceeds will benefit Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library, but you have to purchase tickets at Callahan, Fernandina Beach, Hilliard or the Yulee libraries.

Laugh In Revue at Amelia Musical Playhouse

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Laugh In Revue at Amelia Musical PlayhouseAmelia Musical Playhouse’s presentation of “Laugh in Revue” will be August 29 and 30th, at 7:30 PM.

Amelia Musical Playhouse, the newest theatre in Fernandina Beach, is presenting Laugh In Revue, a musically comic “blast from the past”, directed by Linzy Marie Lauren Kennedy. This variety show features an entertaining, nostalgic blend of comedy sketches and songs from the 60’s that will light up the end of summer. This show will bridge the generation gap while providing a wistful walk down memory lane featuring go-go dancers and a group of soloists and backup singers singing some of the favorite songs of that era.

The theatre is located at 1955 Island Walkway right off 8th Street in Fernandina Beach. Tickets are $15 and are available at the theatre, or on the website www.ameliamusicalplayhouse.com, or call the theatre box office at 277-3455.

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2014 Georgia vs Florida Rates on Amelia Island

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Georgia vs Florida Rates on Amelia IslandGet Your Game On with Special Rates and Offers on Amelia Island During the Georgia vs. Florida Football Weekend

Amelia Island, FL – On Saturday, November 1, the University of Georgia Bulldogs and University of Florida Gators will hold their annual rivalry game at Everbank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. Football fans from both teams will enjoy Amelia Island’s all-star line-up of special offers, discounts and a chance to win a three-day vacation. Located 45 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Amelia Island is home to several award-winning hotels, resorts, and inns offering discounted packages. Gator and Bulldog fans can turn a game day trip into a weekend getaway or enjoy watching the game from the comfort of their hotel room or favorite sports bar.

Amelia is also running the “Gridiron Getaway” contest in which one lucky fan will win a three-day, two-night stay at Omni Amelia Island Plantation and two tickets to the Florida vs. Georgia football game on November 1 as well as round-trip transportation to the game. To enter the contest, visit www.floridageorgiaweekend.com.

The following packages and specials are available:
-Stay at the Amelia Hotel at the Beach with a special starting rate of $149 and enjoy a Manager’s Reception on Friday evening (Oct. 31). Sunday’s breakfast for guests will also include $4 mimosas and Bloody Marys. ameliahotel.com

-Amelia Rental and Management Services is offering a 10 percent discount on stays of three or more nights at their popular rental properties located on Amelia Island Plantation, Summer Beach Resort and Surf & Racquet Club, during the Georgia vs. Florida Football Weekend. ameliarentals.com

-The 11-room Amelia Island Williams House is providing Gator and Bulldog fans with a 15 percent discount. Guests can enjoy the inn’s daily breakfast and evening social. williamshouse.com

-ERA Fernandina Beach Realty Vacation Rentals, along with Amelia by the Sea, Oceans of Amelia and Amelia South, is featuring a 15 percent discount for the Georgia vs. Florida Weekend. The discount will apply to stays between October 29 and November 1 on select properties for reservations made on or after August 18. Ameliavacations.com

-The Hampton Inn at the Beach is offering a special $1 rate for Sunday, November 2 for guests who stay Friday and Saturday night. Rates start at $159 plus tax, for Friday and Saturday nights and include complimentary breakfast each day. Offer is only available by calling the hotel directly at 904-321-1111. ameliaislandhamptoninn.com

-The Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Fernandina Beach is featuring guests a festive Bulldog and Gator welcome reception on Friday, Oct. 31. The reception, held from 4 to 7 p.m., will feature complimentary beer and wine, as well as an assortment of food and game day paraphernalia. hamptoninnameliaisland.com

-The Omni Amelia Island Plantation is offering fans of both teams a special overnight package, including luxurious accommodations, transportation to and from the Georgia vs. Florida game, tickets to the property’s Georgia vs. Florida Bash, and arrival amenity with tasty treats representing each state. The property will also be offering a number of special events during the weekend, including a pumped up bash on Friday night, spa services tailored to devoted fans, and a special sale at The Shops. omniameliaislandplantation.com

-The Residence Inn Amelia Island is gearing up for the return of one of the biggest college football rivalries with rates starting at $159 per night. Guests will receive all the Florida and Georgia fan party favors they can handle, an invitation to a Kickoff Cookout on Friday night, as well as the hotel’s full, hot complimentary breakfast, free island shuttle, evening socials, and more. Must visit http://bit.ly/1lRXTGV or call 866-245-6099 to book. residenceinnameliaisland.com

In addition to the packages, guests can celebrate before the big game by participating in the Omni Amelia Island Plantation’s Florida-Georgia Bash. Taking place on Friday, Oct. 31 from 7 to 11 p.m., the event will feature live music from the Swingin’ Medallions, costume contests, food, drinks and more. Please visit www.flgabash.com for more information.

About Amelia Island:
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.

The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.

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Monkey Movies Are Dumber Than Those That Make Them

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Monkey Movies Are Dumber Than Those That Make ThemWhen I was a young sports writer for the Tampa Tribune many years ago a good friend was the theatre and movie critic who I used to tease about being paid to watch movies and stage plays.

He returned fire saying I was a hypocrite since I picked up a weekly paycheck to attend sporting events, a job that had no value whatsoever as the competitions I reported on had no lasting value.

He had a point, but over the years as I’ve read reviews, of movies in particular, I’ve become convinced that film critics surely must be on the studio’s payroll because their slobbering, over-the-top evaluations of dreadful films and interviews with insipid actors and actresses read like fawning studio press releases and People Magazine pap.

dawn-of-the-planet-of-the-apesJohn Podhoretz, the movie critic for the conservative Weekly Standard is an exception. If he’s ever done an interview with an actress or actor, I’ve never seen it, and his critiques of films are a delight to read as he takes no prisoners, with his commentary “Monkey Business” in the July 28 issue on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes being one of my favorites.

I saw the 2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and suggested to my wife, Linda, less than halfway through it, that I go to the box office and request our money back, but she nixed that thought. These days I don’t go to many films, but the reviews of that one were so overwhelmingly positive and the creativity of the 1960s original Planet of the Apes staring Charlton Heston were still vivid in my mind, so I sucked it up and sat through what today I call “that stupid monkey movie.”

Podhortez wasn’t impressed with the film I saw either and his opinion calls this new cinematic disaster, “…the comedy highlight of the summer – even though that’s the last thing it wants to be.” For example Podhoretz questions the film’s logic when he reports that an ape who is supposed to be verging on genius points to San Francisco and says, “Human. Home.” then says, pointing to the suburbs; “Ape. Home.” If they’re so smart asks Podhortez: “Why can’t they speak in complete sentences?”

But my favorite part of his review is when he compares the stupid ape geniuses to the late comedian Ernie Kovacs’ 1950s Nairobi Trio, a threesome of apes that wore bowler hats and long coats, with one conducting with a banana and sucking on a cigar, while the other two played the piano and a drum and they all moved around like they were wind-up dolls. I won’t attend this or any other monkey movie, but I sure would like to see some of those hilarious Nairobi Trio segments again.

(Dave Scott writes a weekly blog www.davescottblog.com that includes musings, opinions, observations, questions, and random thoughts on island life, Fernandina Beach and more.)

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Sounds on Centre and 4th of July Fireworks 2014

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Sounds on Centre and 4th of July Fireworks 2014Fernandina Beach, FL – Sounds on Centre (SOC) presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association (HFBA) will present the next concert of their 2014 season on Friday, July 4th in downtown Fernandina from 6-8 p.m.

Centre Street is closed between Front and 2nd Streets and the musical group Island Vibe will entice you to party in the streets for this Independence Day celebration that will also feature a special patriotic salute.

Island Vibe, a group based in the Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach area, is composed of five seasoned musicians, generating occasional 5 part harmonies. Their repertoire is as eclectic as our island’s residents and covers tunes from the past 10 decades. Including timeless classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Bob Seger, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Denver, Lionel Richie, The Eagles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Billy Joel, Leeanne Womack and Jason Mraz.

IslandVibeBring your dancing shoes and join costumed Pirates at this FREE, and family friendly event. Those Pirates are usually the first ones to hit the dance floor and boogie with the kids. You are invited to bring lawn chairs for the entire family while you join your neighbors for this fabulous community street party.

Sounds on Centre is a free event and fun for the entire family. T-shirts and raffle tickets will be available for purchase with drawings held throughout the event. Great prizes have been donated by local community businesses and retailers and all proceeds go to advertising efforts of the organization.

Enjoy the Nassau County Community Band in front of the Historical Train Depot located at 102 Centre Street from 8-9pm.

Fireworks to follow at the Waterfront.

About The HFBA
The Historic Fernandina Business Association is a not-for-profit organization with over 40 business members primarily in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. As an organization, its mission is to promote the downtown business district of Fernandina Beach as well as the vibrancy of our city. You do not have to own a downtown business to become a member.

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Independence Day Freedom Festival at Main Beach

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Independence Day Freedom Festival at Main BeachWatercolor image by William Maurer. Learn more at www.MaurerFineArt.com.

Kick off your 4th of July at the Freedom Festival, hosted by the City of Fernandina Beach, being held this year at Main Beach from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

There will be food trucks, arts and crafts, service vehicle display, unlimited water slide rides for $10, a Kids Zone with water games and live music including Island Vibe and Jennifer Burns.

jennifer-burnsThis picture of Jennifer Burns was taken the first time I saw her perform, over two years ago.

Jennifer Burns is a tremendously talented guitarist and singer who enjoys sharing her talents with many local, non-profit organizations.

The members of Island Vibe are all very involved in local community events and have known each other for years.

The 5 members hail from very diverse hometowns, Denver, Dayton, Hawaii, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Band members include:
• Kim Crutchfield
• Han Ramakers
• Loren Lum
• Philippe Boets
• Ronnie Stoots

Some members played the very same songs 30 years ago, thousands of miles apart, and not necessarily in the same language, proving that music is the universal language.

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Omni and Ritz July 4th Activities 2014

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Omni and Ritz July 4th ActivitiesOmni
The Omni Amelia Island Plantation will host its annual independence weekend celebration with fun festivities for all. Weekend options will include the Freedom Fest in Canopy Park, with exciting yard games and family activities, as well as the Boardwalk Bash and the Steak Out at the Shops event, both located at the Shops of Omni Amelia Island Plantation.

For more information and to plan your Fourth of July fun at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.

The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island will host a Red, White and Deep Blue Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2014.

The lavish barbecue on the Ocean Front Lawn features a buffet including, seafood, barbeque favorites, sides and delectable desserts. Guests can participate in various games and enjoy live music in the evening, followed by fireworks at nightfall.

Tickets are $25 for children and $93 for adults. For more details and reservations, call 904-277-1100 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.

Feedburner If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!




SearchAmelia on TwitterYou can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!