Page 6 - January 2012 Issue 1

by James Walsh Radio Presenter at Radiodowntown.ca
Jacksonville, Florida, a beach town on the Atlantic coast of North Florida, is the Birthplace of Southern Rock, and a great city to be a guitar player. Jacksonville, or “Jax” as it is known locally, has rich Music roots, origins of Jam Band Culture and a diverse live downtown Music scene, which includes, local and national artists, Southern Rock, Indie, Underground, Country Western/Cross-Over Rock, Christian Rock, Hip Hop and Punk.
Due in part to Lynyrd Skynryd’s over 40-year Southern Rock legacy, Jax natives encourage guitar playing, and original songwriting regardless of age or skill level. For those who want to jam and get a start in town, the Wild Wing Café in the Tinseltown area has open mic night on Thursdays with a full backing band. Garey Lucas, who also works at Guitar Center in Orange Park, runs this gig, and he says, “the goal is to have fun, hone your chops, and play, play play!” For seasoned local talent, Metro Jacksonville recommends the premier yet rootsy Surfer The Bar Live concert venue, the popular 1904 Club, the hipster locale Blue Jay Listening Room, popular dive bar Shantytown Pubz, the intimate and grungy Jack Rabbits and the multi-faceted Brewster’s. Discover these Jacksonville venues:
1. Surfer The Bar, in Jacksonville Beach, attracts national talent, regional acts, and has local bands open for them, so it’s a great exposure for young talent. They boast food and bar born from Surfer Magazine, and seeing how a local band owns the “big stage” is a huge benefit to young musicians. Surfer’s Event Director, Megan Ramsey prides herself on quality food and sound. Are you forming a band? Come watch and learn. This is the place to go to get your start.
https://surferthebar.com/jacksonville-beach-florida/ surfer-concerts/
2. Shantytown Pubz is “Your neighborhood Springfield pub.” Downtown and open to 18+ crowds, aspiring guitarists and graffiti artists can get in. Intimate. The real benefit to us is that Saturdays are Record Label Night. Regulars know it’s a chance to hob nob with Label Owners and Reps, shop a demo and get tips on getting started in the music industry. Some musicians who met here formed their own bands. Artists and their dogs welcome. Owner Russ is cool with it. No URL available;
James Walsh Singer/songwriter
Playing Guitar
in Jacksonville, Florida
6
just drop in. Everyone is welcome, so your folky style set can be booked. Says local regular Jenna Richey: “The best hole-in-the-wall you’ve ever been to. The first time I ever came to Shantytown it was filled with smoke, there’s country music playing and there were kids in the corner doing ‘Shoe boats’. “Call (904) 798-8222
3. Jack Rabbits Live is an edgy experiment by the owners and friends who recall the Burro Bar and the old London Bridge Pub. Music is on every night. This is a cool place to see and meet new bands. Young Guitar Players will find craft beer and eclectic art by the gang of 9 friends, who are Veteran Pub Owners, Baristas and Clothing Designers collectively participating in this cool vibe. Simply submit your music to be accepted to the downtown fun, and set up and play. They have tech meets, live music, and a growing bunch of regulars – all aspiring artists are networking here! Local bands are encouraged to register. www.jackrabbitslive.com
4. 1904 Music Hall was voted one of the Top Music Venues in Florida. Guitar players would do well to frequent this hot spot not far from the beach. Tedeshi Trucks played here, and their After Party is famous for extended jams. If you love music, this is it! It’s for: “Finding those moments of magic that will stay with you forever. We sell magic in all sizes.Many bands had CD Release Party here, and so can you! If you think you’re ready, it is also a chance to observe, get up and play, jam with humble seasoned professional touring artists and learn from them. Guitarist Derek Trucks is as soft spoken and friendly as the owner of this venue. They even have famous TV Comedians and an Artist painting on canvas during shows from time to time! Great atmosphere. I love it. https://www.1904musichall.com/
5. The Bold City Brewery is for national and local bands, just south of downtown. This is a small venue and bar located just across the St. John’s River from Willow Branch Park where The Allmans had played Sunday afternoons for free. It doesn’t look like much on the outside but inside its a-hoppin’! The Bartender is hilariously funny. The Staff are nice people, the sound system is stellar, and the beer is not overpriced and is good for Core beers and Specialty Beers. Best of all the stage is “roomy” so you don’t feel cramped when playing live. To get your licks in on guitar is not a problem as this place is “built for