Author: EdArtsSouth

Bands set for Celebration of Mike Hamilton’s life in N. Florida

Band list for Celebration of Life for Mike Hamilton
Banner credit Melissa Smith

Managing musicians can be, to quote an old adage, like herding cats. One thing that’s sure to unite them is love, and that’s how the Celebration of Mike Hamilton’s life came about.

After Mike passed, and after the initial shock, his partner and friend Crystallea Monroe began to organize a gathering for the North Florida music community to honor an artist who gave so generously to all. The Celebration is set for Sunday, Oct. 6, at 1904 Music Hall in downtown Jacksonville (FL) from 3 PM until 9 PM. American Hearts Radio will film the celebration live. Crystallea has announced the lineup for the event. Continue reading “Bands set for Celebration of Mike Hamilton’s life in N. Florida”

Clay County hosts free family fun day to honor veterans

Banner from Clay County Government/Facebook

On Saturday, September 28, the Clay County Board of Commissioners will host a free family fun day as one way to honor military veterans. Activities kick off at 9 AM at Moosehaven (1701 Park Avenue; Orange Park).

If you’re a veteran seeking information about TriCare, or if you’re in search of a job in the civilian sector, there will be resources like the mini jobs fair to help you on these and other matters. The event also includes a pet adoption, military museum displays, and food trucks. Continue reading “Clay County hosts free family fun day to honor veterans”

Sturgill Simpson’s new tune just might blow your mind

Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Sturgill Simson is possibly the most intriguing figure at the top of today’s US music culture. Outspoken, brash, and even off-putting at times, Simpson doesn’t hesitate to criticize the corporate music industry. He made his chops in country, but like so many others before him, Simpson used that platform as a springboard to building a massive base. I don’t know what genre I’d put him in. I do know the video for the single he just released, “Sing Along”, blew my mind. Continue reading “Sturgill Simpson’s new tune just might blow your mind”

Jax music community rallies to help photographer who gave much, asked for little

Photo of banner for Celebration of Mike's life. Banner created by Melissa Smith.
Photo of banner for Celebration of Mike’s life. Banner created by Melissa Smith.

Friends and supporters of photographer Mike Hamilton will converge at 1904 Music Hall on Sunday, October 6, to celebrate his life.

Jacksonville’s music community is rallying to help the family of Mike Hamilton, the photographer who gave so much and asked so little in return. Spearheaded by Crystallea Monroe, Mike’s partner and friend, a celebration of his life will take place at 1904 Music Hall in Jacksonville on Sunday, October 6. A time for the event will soon be announced once all the plans are fully in place, so keep the date open. Continue reading “Jax music community rallies to help photographer who gave much, asked for little”

Ahead of toxicology tests, vehicle data indicate speed a factor in singer’s fatal crash

Highway 567, junction, near Taos, Taos, New Mexico. (John Margolies Roadside America Photograph Archive, US Library of Congress)
Highway 567 junction, near Taos, New Mexico. (John Margolies Roadside America Photograph Archive, US Library of Congress)

On September 10, friends and family of 16 year old Taos (NM) high school student Maria Elena Cruz held a memorial service to honor the young woman who had a bright future ahead of her. According to authorities, Miss Cruz died on a highway in northern New Mexico when Texas singer Kylie Rae Harris tagged the rear end of a black Chevrolet Avalanche truck. Officials believe Harris lost control of her Chevrolet Equinox, rapidly moving into the wrong lane where she crashed into Cruz’s Jeep. Authorities obtained the vehicles’ data recorders, and investigated the scene.
Continue reading “Ahead of toxicology tests, vehicle data indicate speed a factor in singer’s fatal crash”

Film ‘Crazy’ shines spotlight on Hank Garland who had ties to Orange Park

Film poster for 'Crazy'
Film poster/IMDB for ‘Crazy’

If you haven’t seen the film Crazy about the life of legendary guitarist, songwriter, and performer Hank  Garland, you’re missing a very interesting journey into the music world. Garland may not be a household name in general public quarters, but to serious musicians, Garland is most definitely a legend. The film does an excellent job getting across why he deserves so much praise. Continue reading “Film ‘Crazy’ shines spotlight on Hank Garland who had ties to Orange Park”

Area 51 celebrations ahead as towns prepare for UFOers; Brands capitalize

McMinnville McMenamins UFO fest
Marcher in the parade at McMinnville, Oregon’s, annual McMenamins UFO Festival. (Photo Carol M. Highsmith, 2018)

As the weekend approaches, September 20, 2019 could be the start of something bigger. Or not. No one knows how many people will head towards Area 51, the legendary US military complex in southern Nevada. A call for people to “storm Area 51” was, according to the college student who posted the original message on Facebook, “meant to be funny.” Continue reading “Area 51 celebrations ahead as towns prepare for UFOers; Brands capitalize”

North Florida music community loses a family member with Mike Hamilton’s passing

Flowers.Indie Art South photoSaturday was a pretty lousy day here all around. I came home late that afternoon after a situation involving a family member who’d been injured in a traumatic accident. I sat down to collect myself and look at my messages. I saw a text that said, “Damn. Mike passed away.” Continue reading “North Florida music community loses a family member with Mike Hamilton’s passing”

Demands of music slowed it down, but artist’s novel ready for release

Cover of Rebecca Day’s new novel, ‘Derelict’.

Most creatives are good at more than one discipline. I know photographers who can also draw and musicians who are great writers. It didn’t surprise me when Rebecca told me she was writing a novel. She and Jenn have both always been good writers.

I have to say it did surprise me when she told me the first draft was baked. I have to admit I had no idea what to expect. Continue reading “Demands of music slowed it down, but artist’s novel ready for release”

Chris Young pleased packed house, but disappointment over ‘Neon’

Chris Young, Lo Cash, Chris Janson concert Sept. 12 2019 Daily's Place Jax, FL
The concert featuring Chris Young as headliner with guests Lo Cash and Chris Janson drew a packed house on Sept. 12, 2019 at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo: Rebecca Day/The Crazy Daysies)

Chris Young, his opening act LOCASH, and second act performer Chris Janson delivered a crowd pleasing concert in Jacksonville (FL) at Daily’s Place on Thursday, September 12. Amid delight over the great music, there was some disappointment. If you asked a fan of Chris Young which song is probably the most well known, it would likely be “Neon”, from the album of the same name.  Continue reading “Chris Young pleased packed house, but disappointment over ‘Neon’”