Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his arts and culture picks for the weekend.
Friday
Fabric of a Nation + Summer at the Cummer
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens | Riverside
The popular (and free) Summer at the Cummer series kicks off a new season of programming on Friday with live music indoors (Arvid Smith) and out (Mama Blue), food and drinks, outdoor games and art activities. The free event is every Friday through August 9. Summer at the Cummer is also a great opportunity to peep the just-unveiled Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories, a textile-heavy exhibition tof 44 works from the 17th century to the present day. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. More info.
Friday & Saturday
Slow Burn: The American Dream and The Zoo Story
San Marco Church | San Marco
Lumen Repertory Theatre presents two of the six remaining opportunities to catch the regional company’s production of renowned playwright Edward Albee’s powerful one-acts. Noted actor and director David Alford (best known for his role in the television drama Nashville) takes on directing duties for the dark satire The American Dream and co-directs and acts in the absurdist tragicomedy The Zoo Story. Both Friday and Saturday performances are held at 8 p.m. Tickets and more info.
Sunday
The Jazz Jam
Wildcrafters | Riverside
The popular summer musical happening known as The Jazz Jam returns to Wildcrafters for three consecutive Sundays, beginning July 21. Hosted each week by Duval-bred, Grammy-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., this Sunday’s jam features the Florida contingent of Owens’ Generation Y, an ensemble of emerging jazz talent. 7 p.m-10 p.m. Free to attend but space is limited, so get there early. More info.