Music of all genres, classical performances, Broadway tours and two circuses are on the schedule in the first month of the new year at Downtown's entertainment venues.
The Jacksonville Symphony Association presents B.B. King Jan. 7 at Jacoby Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. On Jan. 10, the association presents Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy. The shows are part of a new venture for the association, a series of offerings without the orchestra.
The orchestra will begin its 2014 schedule Jan. 9 with the Florida Blue Masterworks Series program of Barber, Britten and Schuman led by guest conductor Perry So.
The Mayo Clinic Coffee Series for 2014 debuts Jan. 17 when Michael Butterman conducts "Stars of the Symphony," a program featuring the orchestra's resident artists.
For the complete schedule, visit jaxsymphony.org.
Also in the classical category, the Artist Series is bringing the Rudolf Nureyev State Ballet to perform "Sleeping Beauty" Jan 11 at the Times-Union Center. On the Broadway in Jacksonville schedule in January are "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus Live!" Jan. 14-17 and Blue Man Group from Jan. 21-16.
Visit artistseriesjax.org for details.
The Florida Theatre has a line-up of live entertainment beginning Jan. 11 when former 10,000 Maniacs vocalist Natalie Merchant performs with a symphony orchestra.
The tribute band Waterloo brings its "ABBA: The Concert" show to the theater on Jan. 16.
Kevin and Cindy Spencer, 2009 International Magicians Society Magicians of the Year, present their "Theatre of Illusion" at the Florida Theatre on Jan. 17.
"Swamp Radio" will celebrate the arts, culture and history of North Florida on Jan. 19 with music, storytelling and visual art. The group is the recipient of a Spark Grant from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
The historic venue at 128 E. Forsyth St. has on its schedule two "blasts from the past" in January. "Shatner's World" brings Star Trek's original Capt. Kirk, William Shatner, to the stage for an evening of anecdotes, storytelling and songs. Engelbert Humperdinck is scheduled to perform "Release Me", "After the Lovin'" and other Top-40 hits Jan. 21.
Country music artist Rodney Atkins is scheduled Jan. 24, followed Jan. 30 by ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.
For details and ticket information, visit floridatheatre.com.
Veterans Memorial Arena has booked a pair of popular music icons this month. Billy Joel's return to Jacksonville is scheduled Jan. 22, and Barry Manilow performs the next day.
Circus fans have two options in January, starting Jan. 16-19 with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus's annual visit to Jacksonville, followed Jan. 28-Feb. 2 by the UniverSoul Circus at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
For show times, visit jaxevents.com.
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