FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008 LEISURE News-Leader OUT Continued from 1B Guest speaker will be Michael Toomey, who will present "Internet/Technology Update for Genealogists." Toomey will share information on some of the newest tools and innovations of interest to genealogists. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 321-3460. Just Friends, a group for sin- gles over age 55, will hold its monthly dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Ms. Carolyn's on 14th Street. By invitation only. Free to join. Call 321-1116. The Amelia Island Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution will meet on Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Golf Club of Amelia, Summer Beach. NSDAR member Susan Lemesis of Atlanta, Ga., will speak on "The Revolution of Women's Rights." Prospective members may call 321-0828 to make reser- vations for the meeting. The Men's Newcomers Club of Amelia Island will hold its February luncheon meeting at the Femandina Beach Golf Club at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 21. The speaker will be Gerhardt Thamm. He will speak about his * years as an undercover operative in Germany for U.S. Intelligence during the Cold War. All men are invited. Tickets are $14 in advance and $17 at the door. For reservations, call Bob Keane at 277-4590. *0* * The Nassau County Community Development Corporation will present its annual Peck Banquet at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center. Yulee native Joanne Mitchell Martin, Ph.D., will speak. Martin, a 1965 graduate of Peck High School, co-founded the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Md., and currently serves as the museum's presi- dent and CEO. The banquet, "Restoring the Family," benefits the organization's scholarship fund. For information, call 261- 7854. Explore protected waters, spot birds and wildlife and sur- round yourself with beautiful scenery by joining Kayak Amelia and the North Florida Land Trust on Feb. 23 for a kayak tour of scenic Simpson Creek in the Timucuan Preserve from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. No previous kayak experi- ence is necessary. Cost is $55 and includes lunch' instruction - and a two-hour guided paddle. If you prefer to bring your own kayak, the cost is $35. *The tour is sponsored by Kayak Amelia and will be led by owner Ray Hetchka. Proceeds will benefit the North Florida Land Trust, which is dedicated to pre- serving natural areas and special places in North Florida. Call Kayak Amelia at 251-0016 for reservations and directions. * * The Amelia Community Theatre Guild will host Casino Night from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 23 at Amelia Island Plantation. Games will be provided by Stage Center Music and Events and a buffet dinner will be prepared by My Personal Chef. Also included in the evening will be a full cash bar, prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds go the ACT building fund. Tickets are $85 and are avail- able at the theater or by calling 261-6749. Dress is resort casual. * * Cummelia, an affinity group that supports The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, will hold its February meeting at The Cummer on Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. A presentation on the Wark Meissen Porcelain Collection will be given by Maarten van de Guchte, museum director. The museum is located at 829 Riverside Ave. in Jacksonville and free parking is available. There will be a cash bar and light refreshments after the presenta- tion. The cost is $10 for Cummelia members and $15 for non- Cummelia members. For tickets and information, call (904) 899-6007. * * Baptist Medical Center Nassau Auxiliary will host a $5 Jewelry Sale in the Conference Room of the medical center, 1250 South 18th. St., Fernandina Beach, on from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. March 7. Proceeds will benefit the medical center. Call the auxil- iary office at 321-3818. * * Come meet someone special on March 11 at Fionn MacCool's, 333 First St. North in Jacksonville. Singles ages 39-45 at 6:20 p.m. and ages 27-43 at 8:20 p.m. Fee is $35. With Cupid.com/PreDating you go on up to 12 six-minute dates in one evening. You can quickly determine whom you would truly like to hear from again. Registration is required at www.Cupid.com/PreDating. 0 0 * RM Auctions will celebrate its 10th annual "Automobiles of Amelia Island" auction event with the sale of some of the world's most significant and valu- able automobiles at The Ritz- Carlton, Amelia Island on March 8. The auction is in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d,Elegance. One of the star attractions of the auction line-up is an historic 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster, custom-built for Edsel Ford. An auction preview will be held March 7 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Doors open on March 8 from 9 a.m., with the auction from 11 a.m. Admission is by catalog only, which admits both the catalog holder and a guest. The full-color collectable catalog is available for $80 (plus shipping), by calling (800)-211-4371 or visiting www.rmauctions.com. The Amelia Arts Academy, located in the Peck Center, 516 South 10th St., offers a variety of classes. Call 277-1225. Monday, Art-After-School, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, The Photographer's Workshop, 5:30- 7:30 p.m., Academy Strings, 6-7 p.m.; Wednesday, Acting Class (18-adult), 6-7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Music Theory, 5:30-6:30 p.m., New Horizons Band, 6 p.m., Ballroom Dance (18-adult), 6-7 p.m.; Friday, "I used to play the piano" (adult group piano), 10 a.m.,; "I've always wanted to play the piano" (adult group piano), 11 a.m., Academy "Short Strings" Ensemble" (beginner violinists), 4- 5 p.m.; Saturday, Achieving Photographic Style, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Individual lessons on all instru- ments and voice are taught daily. Scholarships are available. FILM/THEATER The Amelia Island Film Festival is seeking volunteers to assist in the film selection process. If you would like to help pre-screen submitted films, call Diane at-261-3300. If you know anyone who would like to submit a film for consideration, visit web- site www.ameliaislandfilmfesti val.org and download the applica- tion form. The deadline for sub- missions is March 15. - Douglas Anderson School Of The Arts, 2445 San Diego Road, Jacksonville, presents two one-act plays, "The Chairs" and "Stage Directions," directed by Michael Higgins, tonight and Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in The Black Box Theatre, Douglas Anderson School Of The Arts. Tickets are sold one hour prior to show time. Call (904) 346-5620, ext. 122. * * Florida Community College DramaWorks presents readers' theater presentations of "Goodbye" and "Killing Game" tonight and Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts-Studio Theatre, Florida Community College South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. General admission is $5. Seating is limited. Readers Theatre performanc- es focus on text rather than the- atrical presentation; performers present with scripts in hand. Call (904) 646-2222. Both presenta- tions contain language some may find offensive and are not recom- mended for younger audiences. Monty Python's "Spamalot" comes to the Times-Union Moran Theater Feb. 19-24. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Call 1-888-860- BWAYor visit www.artistseries.fccj.org. On Feb. 22 Memorial United Methodist Church (downtown) will host a movie night featuring "Amazing Grace," directed by Michael Apted. The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Popcorn and coffee will be served. Amelia Community Theatre will hold auditions for the come- dy, "A Bench in the Sun," at 3 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at 209 Cedar St. Two men and one woman are needed for the cast and will play charac- ters living in a retirement home. Rehearsals begin in April and per- formances are between May 16- 31. The show is directed by Char Bachman. For more information, call 261-6749. * * "Movin' Out," the Tony Award-winning new musical con- ceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, comes to Jacksonville's Moran Theater on Feb. 29. Tickets are $31 to $75. Call 1-888-860- BWAY. "Company" runs through April 6 at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, 1200 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. Currently on Broadway, this is a trend-setting musical that fol- lows the anti-hero bachelor Robert as he makes his way through a series of encounters with several captivating females as well as with his married friends while weighing the pros and cons of married life. Call the box office at (904) 641-1212 or visit www.alham bradinnertheatre.com. Opera Jacksonville is the newest company on the opera cir- cuit. Established by Sonia Lewis, a retired mezzo-soprano who enjoyed a 20-year career .performing principal roles with opera companies worldwide, it promises lavish productions fea- turing world-class opera stars. The company's debut produc- tion in the spring of 2009 will be Verdi's Aida, which is an extrava- ganza of epic proportions. Ticket information will be avail- able at www.operajax.org, which is being developed. To donate to Opera Jacksonville, call (904) 269-3929. MUSIC/DANCE ON THE ISLAND The Armadillo Grill and Oyster Bar, 90008 Wade Place, Fernandina Beach (AlA just west of the Shave Bridge), presents The Instant Groove Band at 8 p.m. Feb. 29 with "Music on the Marsh." Come get your groove on with oysters, bocce ball, drink specials and live music. Call 261- 7765. For more on the Instant Groove, .e-mail TIGBand@aol.com. * 0 Beech Street Grill, 801 Beech St., John Springer on piano every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Call 277-3662. Cafe Karibo, 27 N. Third St. Call 277-5269. Carolyn's on Centre, 316 D Centre St. Call 277-6644. * * Florida House Inn, 22 S. Third St. Call 261-3300. .* * Frisky Mermaid Bar & Grille, '22 South Third St., bluegrass night Mondays; songwriting con- test every Wednesday 7 p.m.- midnight; blues and jazz Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.-midnight; shag dancing and lessons.4-8 p.m. Sunday. Call 261-3300. Green Turtle, 14 S. Third St. Call 321-2324. The Marti Latin Dance Club presents Latin dancing every Friday night at the Florida House Inn, 22 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach. Free lessons from 9-10 p.m.; dancing until 2 a.m. Free admission and full bar hosted by Kinder Studios. Call 261-3300 or visit www.floridahouseinn.com. O'Kane's Irish Pub and Eatery, 318 Centre St. Call 261- 1000. The Palace Saloon, 117 Centre St. Call 491-3332. * * The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Lobby Lounge, "Blues Night" with the Instant Groove each Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. River's Edge, 915 South 14th St. Call 491-3849. Seabreeze Lounge and Sports Bar, 2702 Sadler Road. Call 277-2300. Slider's Seaside Grill, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave. Call 277-6652. The Surf Restaurant and Bar, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. Call 261-5711. Wicked Davey's Fancy Saloon, 232 N. Second St. Call 321-4224. Nashville Songwriters Association International meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7-10 p.m. at the Florida House Inn conference room, 22 S. Third St. Songwriters of all genres and from all over are welcome. The intention is to support songwriters to grow in their art and craft and learn how to navi- gate the business side of the songwriting world. Visit www.nashvillesongwriters.com. Contact local coordinator Christine-Anne Platel at 491-8676 or,nsaijaxfern@bellsouth.net. * * The Historic Fernandina Business Association . announces the 2008 Sounds on Centre free community concert series will begin on March 7. This year's event will be held the first Friday of each month from March through October except for May. Concerts will be from 6-8 p.m. on Centre Street between Front and Second streets. * * On March 15 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Joel Pace's Piano stu- dents, many from Nassau County, will hold Pianothon 2008, a benefit concert for the Clara White Mission. Contact Pace at (904) 766-9544 or joel- pace@juno.com. * * The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival spring concert March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Saloon on Centre Street will feature the trio RPM, Chris Rex, cello, Elizabeth Pridgen, piano, and Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin. The program is "From Classic to Romantic, works by Beethoven, Schumann and * Mendelssohn." Call the AICMF offices at 261 -1779 for tickets. ART/EXHIBITS An "Alaskan Visions" art exhibit is at the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center Gallery through February. Featuring the work of Suzanne Hughes, the exhibit features 29 photographs depict- ing the wild life and natural beauty of summer in Alaska. A reception to meet the artist will be held Feb. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Room B-103 at the library. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday. The Nassau Center is located at 76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee. Call 548-4432. The Island Art Association will give a copy of the coffee table book, Artists ofAme/ia, to all patrons of the gallery who pur- chase $150 or more of art. The book, which fea- tures the work and narrative of 70 Nassau County artists, regularly sells for $29.95. The offer is good while current supplies last. The Nouveau Art Show for February/March is "Two Color Composition," on view through March. The Island Art Association is located at 18 N. Second St., Femandina Beach. Call 261-7020 or visit www.islandart.org. * * Scrap N Around Amelia announces upcoming classes: Birthday Book, Feb. 19, $20. Tuesday and Fridays, Make and Take, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., $5. Friday night is Crop Night, 5 p.m. till, $5. Offering chil- dren's birthday parties. Call 206- 4121 for more information and to register for classes. * * The Island Art Association, 18 N. Second St., Fernandina Beach, offers children's art education the last Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m.- noon. Children are asked to pre- register by calling the gallery 261 7020. An additional workshop by instructor Anne Howden is being offered Thursdays Feb. 21 and 28 from 3:30-5 p.m. The children will be working with paper m&ch6. Call the gallery 261 7020 to reserve a space. * * Beginning and advanced watercolor classes continue with artist Bill Maurer. Call Bill at 261- 8276 for more information. Thursday morning have fun sketching outdoors around town with Maurer. All you need is a pencil and paper. Meet for coffee first. Call Maurer for information at 261- 8276. Basic beginner acrylic paint- ing classes are now forming for March. If you've never painted before but always wanted to learn, this class is for you. Call Kathleen Hardin at 261-8276 for more information. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, presents Art in the House, an exhibition of works from children at the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, through Feb. 24. Admission is $10 for non-members. Members are admitted free. For more information, call (904) 355-0630. * 0 The Amelia Island Museum of History presents "The Fabric of Our Lives: Quilts of Nassau County" exhibit, in partnership with the Amelia Island Quilt Guild, through Feb. 28. This historical textile exhibit features 15 hand- made quilts on loan from private Nassau County collections. Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $4 for students and active military. Museum members are admitted free year-round. For more information, call 261-7378, ext. 100. The Blue Door Artists are hosting a Spring Open House & Studio Tour on the next First Friday, March 7, from 5-8 p.m. Come celebrate the anticipation of spring with "New Beginnings" and register to win a $100 gift certifi- cate redeemable with any one of the Blue Door Artists. The show runs through March. Featuring new work by Casey Matthews, Theresa Daily, Georganna Mullis, Sharon Badenoch and weaver Lynette Holmes, regular Blue Door hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery is located at 205 1/2 Centre Street. Call (904) 556- 1119 or visit www.blue doorartists.com. *The Automotive Fine Arts The Automotive Fine Arts Society will host its 13th annual show at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance March 7- 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The show will portray automo- tive subjects in a variety of medi- ums including watercolors, acrylics, oils, wood and metals. The concours will honor racing legend Parnelli Jones, while the iconic Thomas Flyer will serve as the featured marque and General Motors will celebrate 100 years,of automotive history. AFAS mem- bers create works for art connois- seurs and ,auto enthusiasts across the globe. Visit www.autoartgallery.com, call Luke DeRouen at (214) 520- 3430, ext. 301, or e-mail or Ider ouen@timepiecepr.com. * * The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., . Jacksonville, presents "A Kiowa's Odyssey: A Sketchbook from Fort Marion," through March 16. SI 1 O . * f I 9 O . * o __ bd 40 Abo p - "Cowpyrighted Maeria - Syndicated Content m AY8Vlho from ommerclil bes Provdes" *b en' 4w* domzm WA I 0 p 4w ~ ta" olp - AD - q-' U 0m 5 0 *0 * * * 0--P owa Imp 4w * - * * * B * * * * 0 5 0 5 * 0 * . 0 * 0 S * 0 a 6 1 S 0I 1 O o 4 0 g0 00 * * 0 S.. Oe S. *06 0 S S 0 qj- -no - T.~ * ~'- -~ * ~ * * * Sb - * '-.- * -- w - * - S - * - * 4MNO * * * * * * t' . *