Ready for a sun-soaked day of country music that won't cost you a dime? The Jax Beach Country Fest returns to the Seawalk Pavilion on Saturday, June 14th, bringing an impressive lineup of rising stars from Nashville, as well as talented local performers.

After drawing nearly 7,000 fans to its inaugural event last year, this free festival has quickly established itself as a must-attend summer concert. The 2025 lineup features The Voice Season 22 Winner Bryce Leatherwood, whose powerful traditional country sound and newly-released EP are generating serious buzz in Nashville. You'll also catch John Morgan, who's currently riding high with his #1 hit collaboration with Jason Aldean, "Friends Like That." Tigirlily Gold rounds out the national acts as headliner, bringing their energetic performance style to the beach stage. Local talents Darryl Rae, Emily Mikus, and The Voice alum Katie O complete the diverse lineup.

What makes Jax Beach Country Fest special is the opportunity to see tomorrow's country music headliners in an intimate beach setting before they're selling out arenas. As 99.9 Gator Country Program Director Brian Jordan mentioned, "This is the last time you're probably going to see John Morgan for free." The festival area will feature food trucks, vendor booths, and even a mechanical bull for those feeling adventurous.

Gates open at 2pm with music starting at 3pm. The event follows clear bag policies (similar to Jaguars games), and while coolers aren't permitted, attendees can bring one sealed water bottle per person. Public parking is available, though biking or rideshare is recommended. Don't miss what's quickly becoming Jacksonville Beach's signature summer music event – completely free and open to all country music fans!

The stars align this month as Jacksonville welcomes an extraordinary lineup of musical legends, and I've secured exclusive conversations with two icons who changed the sound of popular music.

First, I share a comprehensive guide to June's concert calendar—from Styx and Kevin Cronin (former lead singer of REO Speedwagon) to Luke Bryan and Avril Lavigne—offering a chronological roadmap to this month's must-see performances across Jacksonville's premier venues. Whether you're looking for country, rock, or nostalgic hits, this summer promises unforgettable live music experiences.

But the heart of this episode features my deeply personal conversation with Ron Dante—the voice behind The Archies' "Sugar Sugar," a song that literally changed my life, and set me on my path in music and radio. Ron shares incredible "behind-the-song" stories about recording this iconic hit (including how Andy Kim strummed with a matchbook when his pick broke!) and reveals that both Betty and Veronica's voices were actually sung by just one talented woman. Now touring as lead vocalist for The Turtles on the Happy Together Tour, Ron's musical journey comes full circle as he performs alongside other 60s legends like Little Anthony and Jay and the Americans.

I also speak with Tommy Heath (better known as Tommy Tutone), who discusses his upcoming album and offers refreshing wisdom about his "one-hit wonder" status. Tommy brings his signature hit and new material to the Florida Theater as part of the Totally 80s Tour with Big Country, Gene Loves Jezebel, and Bow Wow Wow.

Don't miss these legendary performers as they bring their timeless music to Jacksonville! Visit floridatheater.com for tickets and information, and join me next episode when we preview the Jax Beach Country Fest.

Ready to dive into Jacksonville's red-hot entertainment scene? Join host Amadeus as he unveils the most anticipated shows hitting Northeast Florida's premier venues.

The podcast kicks off with a comprehensive rundown of upcoming performances across Jacksonville's iconic venues. From Brit Floyd and Frankie Valli at the Florida Theater to Styx and Old Dominion at Daily's Place, music lovers of all genres will find something to mark on their calendars. The spotlight shines brightest on the St. Augustine Amphitheater's "I Want My 80's Tour" featuring Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung, and John Cafferty coming May 29th.

The heart of this episode features an engaging conversation with Wang Chung's Nick Feldman, who shares fascinating insights into the band's evolution as live performers. "I think we're like a fine wine," Feldman reflects, "I think we've hopefully matured well with age." He discusses the gratification of connecting with audiences spanning generations and even reveals his current musical obsession with genre-defying artist Lewis Cole – a recommendation worth checking out for anyone seeking fresh sounds.

Amadeus then shifts focus to Jacksonville's theatrical treasures with a spotlight on the Alhambra Theater & Dining, recently crowned the nation's best dinner theater by USA Today. Local actor Gary Webber discusses his role as Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady" (running through June 22nd) and eloquently captures why theater remains such a meaningful creative outlet: "Some people play golf, some people hunt or fish. I do theater and it's a great release."

Whether you're planning your concert calendar or looking to experience award-winning local theater, this episode delivers the essential guide to Jacksonville's most exciting entertainment offerings. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an update on the shows and performances making Jacksonville a must-visit destination for entertainment enthusiasts!

Ready for an insider's tour of Jacksonville's hottest summer events? We've got exclusive conversations with the legends and leaders making it all happen!

Rick Springfield joins us to chat about his return to St. Augustine Amphitheater on May 29th for the "I Want My 80s" tour. The rock legend shares stories about his friendship with fellow performers John Waite, Paul Young, and Wang Chung - all delivering full sets of their greatest hits. Springfield promises a "pedal-to-the-metal" performance that will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike. He even reveals the fascinating connection between his album "Tao" and Paul Young's bassist who now performs with The Who and David Gilmour.

The Florida Theater's president Numa Saisselin takes us behind the scenes of their spectacular annual fundraiser happening May 17th. This isn't your typical charity event - they're building a floor over the entire seating area to create an immersive 90s party featuring Jacksonville's own Quad City DJs (of "Space Jam" fame) performing live! Numa reveals how the theater has invested $17 million in renovations with another $15 million planned, while providing over $100,000 in free tickets to veterans and arts education for 25,000+ schoolchildren annually.

Looking for an incredible opportunity for your athletic kids? Former Roar of the Jaguars Director Robin Valetutto shares details about the NFL Alumni Youth Football and Cheer Clinic happening June 14th. Children can learn from 14 former NFL players (including Big John Henderson and Quinn Gray) and 16+ former Jaguars cheerleaders. This clinic welcomes boys and girls of all skill levels, whether they're interested in traditional football, flag football, or cheerleading/dance.

Want to know what's happening in Jacksonville's entertainment scene this summer? We've packed this episode with announcements about upcoming shows at Daily's Place, Florida Theater, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, and the Alhambra Dinner Theater. Join us for this celebration of Jacksonville's vibrant cultural landscape!

The Jacksonville entertainment scene is absolutely buzzing this May with an incredible lineup of must-see performances across our premier venues. From legendary rock stars to cutting-edge comedians, this episode delivers your comprehensive guide to everything happening live in The River City.

We kick things off with a complete rundown of the jam-packed calendar at St. Augustine Amphitheater. Meanwhile, the Florida Theater hosts an equally impressive slate including Kenny G, Brit Floyd, and the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

The heart of this episode features two fascinating, candid conversations with performers heading to Jacksonville. First, comedy powerhouse Marlon Wayans opens up about his creative process, revealing how personal tragedy transformed his approach to comedy. "I write from a place of pain and then I bring the humor," he shares. "That's when my humor got more relatable." Wayans also teases his upcoming role in a Jordan Peele production and confirms a new Scary Movie installment filming this summer.

Then, Gary Mullen takes us behind the scenes of his acclaimed tribute show "One Night of Queen," discussing his unwavering commitment to honoring Freddie Mercury's legacy. "You've got to do it with full commitment and be true to the music and true to the energy of the band," Mullen explains, offering fascinating insights into Queen's musical diversity and multi-generational appeal.

Whether you're a rock enthusiast, comedy fan, or theater lover, Jacksonville's May calendar has something special waiting for you. Subscribe to our podcast for regular updates on all the amazing live entertainment coming to our city, and never miss another unforgettable performance!

The Broadway in Jacksonville 2025-26 season is about to transform our city's cultural landscape with five spectacular premieres that will dazzle theater lovers and newcomers alike. From slapstick comedy to lavish spectacle, this lineup delivers unforgettable nights of entertainment that bring Broadway's finest directly to our doorstep.

We kick off the episode chatting with Cecilia Petrush from MJ: the Musical. This is a conversation I accidently forgot to include when this episode first published, so I'm calling it the Producers Cut.

Then we're joined by Amanda Scott from the FSCJ Artist Series who walks us through this extraordinary new season sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. The journey begins in November with "Clue," the nostalgic whodunit that brings the Hasbro board game and beloved 1985 film to life in a fast-paced, 90-minute theatrical experience at Boddy Manor.

The season continues with "Mrs. Doubtfire" in February 2026, featuring what might be Broadway's most impressive theatrical magic. Steve Edlund, Associate Director, reveals the incredible behind-the-scenes choreography that allows the lead actor to transform between Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire more than 30 times throughout the show – sometimes with costume changes taking less than 30 seconds. These lightning-fast transformations require a dedicated team (affectionately called "Team Effie") who execute every step like a precisely choreographed dance number.

March brings the lavish world of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," immersing audiences in crimson velvet draping, the iconic elephant statue, and windmill, while delivering a spectacular musical experience that spans over 160 years of popular music. April showcases "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical," presenting the untold story of an American icon whose emotional songwriting has touched multiple generations.

Closing the season in May, choreographer Connor Gallagher shares insights into "Beetlejuice," where Tim Burton's bizarre world comes alive with theatrical flair. The show features interactive elements where Beetlejuice breaks the fourth wall, making each performance unique. One showstopping number features nine Beetlejuices simultaneously dancing across couches, flipping off tables, and hanging from chandeliers.

Now entering its 60th season, the FSCJ Artist Series continues making professional Broadway accessible to Jacksonville audiences. Season subscriptions start at just $232 for all five shows, offering priority seating, flexible exchanges, and exclusive discounts while supporting both the arts and Jacksonville's downtown economy.

Don't miss "MJ: the Musical" coming April 22-27, 2024, for those who can't wait until 2025 to experience Broadway in Jacksonville. Visit fscjartistseries.org to secure your seats for what promises to be an unforgettable theatrical season.

Jacksonville's vibrant entertainment scene comes alive as we explore two of the city's most fascinating live experiences. At the heart of our journey is an exclusive conversation with Yuri Pool, the visionary behind The McCartney Years – the longest-running Paul McCartney tribute production in the world. For 17 years, Poole has meticulously recreated McCartney's 1970s concert experience down to the original instruments, microphone placements, and stage design.

Hear why Yuri says "Everything that you see in our show is not a coincidence." This extraordinary dedication creates an immersive time capsule that transports audiences back to the 1970s before they even take their seats. Even more remarkable are the personal connections between Poole's wife and Linda McCartney, and with Paul and Linda's first baby.

The podcast also features Craig Smith, owner of Jacksonville's historic Alhambra Theatre and Dining, now entering its 59th year. Smith shares fascinating stories from the venue's past, and hid behind-the-scenes anecdotes offer charming glimpses into theatrical history. Looking forward, Smith previews an impressive 2023 season featuring shows from "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" to "Come From Away" and the interactive "Mystery of Edwin Drood," where audiences vote on the ending.

Whether you're drawn to McCartney's timeless music or Broadway classics, Jacksonville's entertainment calendar offers remarkable experiences that blend nostalgia with fresh energy. As Smith perfectly puts it, "We're not in the theater business; we're in the business of memory." Don't miss your chance to create unforgettable memories at these extraordinary performances – tickets for many shows are selling quickly!

Grab your calendars because Jacksonville's entertainment scene is absolutely exploding with must-see shows and performances! From legendary rock stars to Broadway sensations, comedy headliners to musical icons, we've got the inside scoop on everything coming to The River City's finest venues.

The biggest news? Sting is heading to Daily's Place, and tickets are vanishing fast! Meanwhile, Rascal Flatts is reuniting for their Life is a Highway Tour at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, bringing all their greatest hits back to the stage. The St. Augustine Amphitheater isn't holding back either, with Chicago, Warren Zeiders, Travis Tritt, and Wilco all performing throughout April.

We dive deep with comedian Angela Johnson-Reyes, who's bringing her Family Reunion Tour to Florida Theater. Angela shares her hilarious and heartfelt journey into motherhood at age 41, discussing how becoming a "geriatric" mom (yes, that's actually what doctors call it!) has transformed both her life and her comedy. Angela explains, giving us a glimpse into how parenthood has enriched her already stellar performance style.

Broadway fans won't want to miss Les Miserables running April 1-6 at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. We chat with Jake David Smith who plays Marius, about this reimagined production described as "a Les Miz for the 21st century." Jake reveals how they're incorporating modern technology and contemporary perspectives while honoring the timeless story that audiences have loved for generations.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast, concert-goer, or comedy fan, Jacksonville's stages are lighting up with world-class entertainment. Listen now for all the dates, insider details, and exclusive conversations with the performers themselves! Which show will you be rushing to see first?