Life in Jacksonville

I'm still working on my first cup of coffee, but if I remember correctly, there were a total of six different acts last night. A lot of variety and good music was going on all night long. If you went, then you know.

I went mainly to see Shangrala and they did not disappoint. I spoke to Brian Jerin (guitar & backup vocals) after the show and he seemed to think they were a bit off, but I didn't notice. There are too many variables involved with a live performance to expect perfection, but there's an energy that goes with it that you can't get from a studio recording.

Speaking of studio recordings, I asked about their upcoming release, "This is How We Communicate", and he said they're trying to have it ready for consumption sometime in October. They were originally shooting for a September release, but they're still finishing up some tracks that they decided to add and working on production. I'm cool with that. I'll wait a little longer if it means getting a few more tracks and a more finished product. When it's ready, it should be available on Shangrala's myspace page, iTunes, and my personal favorite, eMusic.

The American National Rugby League Championship Final is happening right here in Jacksonville this Saturday, August 25th at Hodges Stadium at UNF. The two teams that made the cut are the Connecticut Wildcats, undefeated in the last two seasons, and the Aston Delco Sports Club Bulls. These two teams have somewhat of a rivalry going, seeing as this will be the fifth year in a row they have faced each other in what might be considered the Super Sunday of Rugby (except it's on a Saturday).

I'm not a Rugby fan in any sense of the word. In fact all I know about the sport is what I've heard on the street. And word on the street is it's a rough and tumble game, full of violence, blood, and other various forms of gore. Not that I'm into that kind of stuff, but it sounds like a spectacle I should not miss. You know, since I'm expanding my horizons and all that.

The deets:

• $5 admission ($1 of that will be donated to the Jamaican Rugby League to assist them with the rebuilding effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean)

• $1 Beers (I'm assuming soft drinks and other snacks will also be available, but the beer was the only thing mentioned on the official site)

• Prizes to be given away during the half-time raffle.

• Gates open at 5:00pm for a planned 5:45pm kickoff.

Some of you might be familiar with this local group of talented musicians, but I discovered Shangrala just a few months ago through Virb, and ever since, I've been wanting to hear more from them.

According to their profile page; "Layered with complex levels of melodies to create an enormous, almost symphonic sound, Shangrala transports you from the smoky club where you're watching them to some ethereal plane that is exciting." After listening to some of their tracks, I would agree with this description. This Friday will be my first opportunity to hear them live and I'm anxiously looking forward to it.

It also seems they are getting ready to release an album in mid-September, titled "This Is How We Communicate"

Give them a listen to on Virb or Myspace, or join me at Jack Rabbits and hear them live this Friday. map

When you hear "sandwich shop" you probably don't think "taco salad", but that's the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear mention of Cleo's Sandwich Shop. Also, I begin to salivate... immediately. It's a natural reaction.

Many people who work north of town are familiar with Cleo's, but for those of you who aren't, trust me when I tell you it's worth a little trip off the beaten path to give it a try. The first thing you'll notice is that it's not your standard-issue cookie-cutter strip-mall lunch-spot. This place is one-of-a-kind (ok enough with the hyphens). The small red building is unassuming and nestled among other cozy looking houses and structures, one of which is a barber shop. The next thing you'll probably notice is a bunch of hungry folks lined up out the door waiting to place their order. What's good, you ask? Most people, including me, will tell you it's the taco salad. Sure, they actually do serve excellent sandwiches and burgers too, but honestly, most come for the best thing on the menu.

Once inside, you will be greeted by some of the nicest ladies I've ever had the privilege to know (If they aren't nice to you, then you are probably a very very bad person). Seating inside is fairly limited because the place is pretty small, but if the inside is full, there are gazebos outside, nicely screened in, where you can enjoy your lunch. So place your order, collect your little wooden spoon (the number written on it is your order number), and wait for heaven on a plate.

In the seven or so years I've been going to Cleo's, I've almost always ordered the taco salad. So I'll make a few observations on that and leave the sandwich reviews to someone else. On the plate (or in your to-go box), you'll find a perfect combination of shredded iceberg lettuce, seasoned ground beef and beans, shredded cheddar cheese, onions (or not), and even jalapeños if you want, tossed in a nice ranch dressing and resting on a generous pile of crunchy tortilla chips. And of course there is a bottle of hot sauce on every table in case you want a little more kick to your salad. I think of it as a Tex-Mex inspired Florida original and I love it. And so do a lot of other people, as evidenced by the crowd that shows up at lunch time. They serve breakfast too by the way.

If you have room after lunch, or even if you don't, try the banana pudding or peanut brittle. Both are made from scratch and with much love. You can always get some to go and eat it later at the office... that's what I do. And when you go, be sure and say hi to Charlie and the rest of the ladies at this fine establishment.

You can find Cleo's at 1438 Eastport Road in Jacksonville, FL. I believe you can even phone in your order ahead of time at (904) 757-7264. And finally, here's a map. Now go and enjoy.

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(The bar from my perspective - Robocop playing on the TV)

Some might confuse my quest to "broaden my horizons" with checking out all the bars in town to which I haven't yet been. Either way, Shantytown Pub is my new discovery. May not be new to some of you, but it is to me, so hence this post. Shantytown opened up their doors in Springfield last November. My first time there was during a brief visit last Saturday. I stopped in with a friend. We both thought it seemed like a cool place, unfortunately we were on a schedule and couldn't stay long. So today I stopped by to check out the happy hour action.

A few observations: It's small. DAMN SMALL*. But this place makes small seem neighborhood-y and cozy. Locals seemed to be the main category, but they were chatty and seemed friendly. I even ran into someone I knew. Bonus points. Pints of Yuengling are 2 bucks on Wednesdays. More bonus points.

* The inside is small, but there is a rather large patio out back.

(The tiny stage - taken with my crappy camera phone)

I checked out their list of happenings and they seem to have a varied schedule of acts on different nights. If you are looking for live bands of all different styles in a very intimate setting, this is a good place. I didn't stay for the main act tonight, but I did see an act of sorts. I'm not sure if it was an opener or just some guy who happened to get on stage. He had a device that made different buzzing sounds... reminded me of a radar detector. He held it up to the mic and people gathered around the stage to watch and listen. After a few minutes of some really experimental music, he stopped, and people clapped! I was moved.

I still need to check out this place during the main event and experience the whole enchilada, but so far, I give it a thumbs up.

Shantytown is located in Springfield on 6th at Main Street.
Read a more in depth and thorough review of Shantytown at Urban Jacksonville.

Cheers!

Blogged with Flock

Japanese Invasion at TSI

I've just learned from Urban Jacksonville about a show at Club TSI this Friday night.  Elekibass is a Japanese 60's throwback pop band, and that alone sounds too good to miss.  Add to that two other bands, Casper and the Cookies & Jaguar Club, and it sounds like a fun night.  I'm going.  Who's coming with?

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As I was leaving the house today to run out and get a chimichanga for lunch, I noticed this very unusual spider hanging out in my yard. It almost looks like it has a happy face on his back.
P.S. - You will never know how freaked out I was to get close enough to take this picture.

(picture credit: I Can Has Cheezurger)

One of my "Twitter Friends" just commented about my avatar after seeing a different, non-altered, picture of me:

"@gojeffery...LOL from your twitter picture I assumed you were a black man..."

I went to the Friday the 13th Monster Art Show in Jacksonville and took a few pictures. See the entire set here ... if you dare.