Jacksonville Today Arts and Culture Editor Matt Shaw shares his arts and culture picks for the weekend.
Friday & Saturday
A Visual Testimony: The Jazz Jam Photography Collection
Main Branch Library | Downtown Jacksonville
In the early days of the pandemic, when social-distancing was mandated, local photographer Felicia Bass trained her lens on the city’s music scene, capturing intimate moments of joy and levity during what were uncertain and heavy times. Bass’ series of black-and-white photos, the Jazz Jam Photography Collection, is currently on view in the gallery at Jacksonville’s Main Branch Public Library through Sept. 23. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sunday. The exhibit is free and open to the public. More info here.
Friday
Artists in the House: A Conversation with Poets and Writers
Yellow House | Riverside
Two local artists, writers and poets Niveah Glover and Reign Supreme, will be on hand for an artist talk in conjunction with the Yellow House’s latest exhibition, Freedom Ride: The Young Advocates for Racial Equality. The exhibit, which opened in late July, features the work of nine young Black poets and visual artists drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights movement. Friday’s artist talk is free but attendees are encouraged to RSVP, as space is limited. More info here.
Saturday & Sunday
LOL Jax Film Festival
WJCT Studios | Downtown Jacksonville
The LOL Jax Film Festival, the annual all-local celebration of filmmaking and comedy, returns this weekend for its seventh installment. Night one on Saturday offers film screenings and stand-up comedy, plus an after-party with a live musical performance by Jeremy Ryan. The fest commences Sunday with more screenings, more stand up and an awards ceremony. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on both nights. Tickets and more info here.