• A long way from bangers and mash: If you’re at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a meal catered by Levy Restaurants, you may notice a couple of familiar faces under the chef’s hats. Martin and Ginger Readion, former proprietors of the London Bridge Pub at the corner of Ocean and Adams streets, are now on Levy’s staff. “I only have to worry about one paycheck a week now – mine,” said Ginger Readion.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is currently negotiating for a world-class exhibit. Director George Kinghorn said he will know in about two weeks if internationally-known glass artist Dale Chihuly will be bringing part of his collection to MOCA in January.
• Jacksonville University has completed its first manatee count of the year and the numbers are higher than normal, according to Dr. Quinton White of JU. Monday’s count from the air detected 171 manatees in the Northeast Florida area. Forty were spotted in the Intracoastal Waterway while many others were concentrated in the Doctors Lake area. There were between 6 and 16 spotted in the Downtown area. White said the mild winter has contributed to the early and high manatee count. JU conducts its airborne count every two weeks.
• Ever wonder why bagpipe players walk while they play? According to Meninak’s Secretary Dave Tuttle, they’re trying to get away from the sound. Tuttle, with his penchant for what he refers to as “mediocre comedy,” decided to crack a few jokes at Monday’s meeting. Among his victims were trumpet players as well as trombone players.
• The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents “Simply Sinatra” at 7:30 p.m. April 26, 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. April 27 and 8 p.m. April 28 in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the T-U Center. The show features crooner Steve Lippia performing renditions of Frank Sinatra’s classics like “Come Fly With Me,” “New York, New York” and “My Way.”
• The Jacksonville Irish Festival will be held April 28 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center. The yearly event features modern and traditional Celtic music, dancing,food, whiskey tasting and live music from Flogging Molly. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 514-5063.
• The First Tee celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and the organization will mark the occasion with a three-day meeting at the Hyatt Nov. 3-5. Executive Director and Jacksonville Economic Development Commission member Joe Barrow is expecting attendees from 46 states and five countries.
• Amsouth Bank’s new name and logo debuted Tuesday. Regions Bank sponsored the souvenir notecards given to attendees at the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s 31st Annual Arts Awards luncheon at the T-U Center.
“You translate paint to fabric, somebody gets into it and the ballet begins.”
– Alain Vaës