Headliners for this year's Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series (clockwise from left) Christian McBride's New Jawn, Mavis Staples, Rhiannon Giddens, Christone Ingram, Gladys Knight, Valerie June | Courtesy of the artists
Published on February 8, 2023 at 4:11 pm
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Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his top 3 arts and culture picks for the weekend.
Thursday
Dustin Harewood: I Feel It Fading
University of North Florida Art Gallery | Southside
Though the opening exhibition takes place Thursday night, find time to put your eyes on new work by Jacksonville visual artist and educator Dustin Harewood at the UNF Gallery (open by appointment on Fridays and Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m). Harewood’s abstract and representational paintings – which often make use of a tropical color palette – and his mixed-media work have been exhibited around the world, most notably of late: two consecutive showings at the annual UNTITLED art fair during Miami Art Week. With I Feel It Fading, Harewood presents his first solo exhibition of new works in some time. Gallery info.
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Friday & Saturday
Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series
Fort Mose Historic Park | St. Augustine
The site of the first free Black community in what is now the U.S., Fort Mose is continuing to make history with the Discover Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series, a run of six concerts in nine days featuring emerging artists and established icons of American music. Mavis Staples, the gospel and soul queen who has made an indelible mark on music (who else can say they performed at both the Harlem Cultural Festival and The Last Waltz?) kicks off the series on Friday. Jazz-bass phenom Christian McBride plays Saturday. Shows start at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the series support the construction of an on-site fort representation and the development of additional interpretive resources. Check out this feature from the Jacksonville Music Experience to peep the full lineup and learn more about the historical importance of the festival site. Tickets and more info.
Saturday
Brass, Organ & Percussion
Jacoby Symphony Hall | Downtown Jacksonville
While the Steinway & Sons model D concert grand piano might be the symphony’s pièce de résistance, the organization’s pipe organ still inspires awe. On Saturday night, principal organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra Greg Zelek will put his dexterous fingers on the Jacksonville Symphony’s world-class Bryan Concert Organ for a special performance. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more info.
