Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Jacksonville Film Festival 2009

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Jacksonville Film Festival kicks off again on Thursday May 14th with reception and the opening movie at the Florida Theatre. The opening film was actually completely shot in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra and is the acclaimed “Like Dandelion Dust” with Mira Sorvino and Cole Hauser.
The movie is based on the Karen Kingsbury’s best-selling novel
Like Dandelion Dust

There are lots of panels, workshops, and of course a variety of screenings from drama, to documentaries, animation and shorts.

Click here for Jacksonville Film Festival 2009 Program

There is an all access pass for $250, but you could also purchase individual tickets. The 10 punch pass for $60 seems to be the budget special.

Tickets are available from the website www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com

Film Festival Jacksonville

Jacksonville Green Expo Video

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Jacksonville Green Expo takes place twice a year. We visited the recent expo at Prime Osborne Center. There was so many vendor booths to visit with lots of interesting new technologies, sustainable products and ideas about green living. Coastal Companion was one of the proud sponsors for the Jacksonville Green Expo.

Take a look at this video from the event more…

The Players Downtown Experience – Jacksonville, Florida

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As you know, it’s nothing but golf – golf – golf – this week and as part of the upcoming PLAYERS Championship, THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience returns for the third time to Downtown Jacksonville on Tuesday, May 5, through Sunday, May 10.

Tuesday
On Tuesday, May 5, you can visit the beautiful Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for free from 4-9 p.m. sponsored by THE PLAYERS.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 6, the celebration continues at The Jacksonville Landing in conjunction with the First Wednesday Art Walk. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. Golf fans can enjoy highlights of THE PLAYERS on the big Jumbotron in the courtyard. There is also live music by Teddy Washington on the main stage. For those of you who want to play, how about trying out the “Nine Hole Challenge” (a nine-hole putting experience for fans of all ages) in the center Courtyard.

Besides participating in the art walk, you’ll also have the opportunity to actively participate and create art during Hospital Art PaintFest. At this event everyone is invited to help paint a series of murals that will be donated to a local hospital. No experience is necessary. The PaintFest will take place in the center Courtyard area and will be open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Golf

Thursday – Friday
The Golf Channel’s live coverage will be shown on the Jumbotron throughout the day on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8. The fun “Nine Hole Challenge” is open from 5-9 p.m. both days, and while you’re playing you can enjoy live music on the main stage.

Saturday
On Saturday, May 9, it’s all about the family from 4 – 8 pm at the Landing. Enjoy the “Nine Hole Challenge,” Jax4Kids.com activities with exciting activities such as SNAG Golf, face painting and bounce house, “You Made the Cover,” and Wii Games. An expo will also be set up by PGA TOUR Charities. Live music begins with Park Street from 4-8 p.m., followed by Freeze Frame from 9-2 a.m.

Sunday
NBC Sports’ coverage of THE PLAYERS will air live on on the Jumbotron on Sunday, May 10, and Gypsy Highway will play on the Courtyard main stage from 5-9 p.m.

Movies in the Park – Jacksonville

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Enjoy the nice weather with a free movie under the stars. This time it’s the funny family-friendly flick “Beetlejuice” from 1988 with Michael Keaton. This movie was directed by Tim Burton.

Movies in the ParkBring your own picnic blankets or chair to Treaty Oak Park for a night out with the family. Create your own dinner and a movie night. Show up early and enjoy your picnic while the radio station 96.9 The Eagle supplies the music. Lawn games are available before the movie to keep kids busy.

Free parking available in the Suddath garage on Flagler Street across from the Hampton Inn. Garage gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and stay open until 1:00 a.m. For more information, call 451-3344.

Click here for the listing in our events calendar about the
movie at Treaty Oak Park in our events calendar.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009

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Come downtown for the 2009 Jacksonville Jazz Festival on May 21-24, 2009. The event will feature renowned jazz performances in the heart of downtown Jacksonville on Laura Street. The whole downtown area will turn into a colorful, vibrant street festival. Besides music, you can enjoy the Heart Art Show & Sale, Wine Down Tasting Experience, jazz exhibits, children’s educational activities and much more.

Other highlights of the festival includes the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam and Sunday Jazz Brunches.
The 2009 Art in the Heart of Downtown art show and sale
This event features work of prize-winning artists and master craftspeople from around the country. Festival goers can enjoy both live jazz music while browsing art from talented artists

Wine Down Tasting Experience
May 22-24
Hemming Plaza – in the heart of downtown Jacksonville

Now festival goers can also participate in The Wine Down Tasting Experience. Tickets to the wine tasting can be purchased downtown. You’ll receive a souvenir wine glass and eight samplings of featured wines. Winery representatives will also be on-hand to discuss the intricacies of various

May Art Walk
Wednesday, May 6, 5 – 8 p.m.
Laura St. between MOCA Jacksonville and the Main Library

Don’t forget that you can meet and great and get your own poster signed by this year’s Jazz Festival poster artist Tom Farrell at the May Art Walk. Jacksonville Jazz Festival posters will be for sale, plus festival information and giveaways.

Jazz