A Message from the Florida Theatre about Ticket Brokers: www.floridatheatre.com is the Only Authorized Website and Ticket Seller for the Florida Theatre!

Press Release & Photo

Orlando Resident Wins Coveted Florida Theatre Annual Ticket Drawing in Jacksonville

Press Release & Photo

Jamie Kent, Programming Manager of Theatreworks at the Florida Theatre, wins the 2023 Excellence in Arts Education Award from the Florida Alliance for Arts Education

Press Release & Photo

Auld & White Constructors Receives An Associated Builders & Contractors Excellence In Construction Award For The Second-Floor Members’ Lounge At The Florida Theatre

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre Wins CREW Jax Impact Award

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The Red Velvet Curtain From The Historic Florida Theatre Lives On Through Pine Castle And At Hardwicks

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The Florida Theatre Announces Distinguished Committee Chairs & Members For The Florida Theatre Ball In 2024

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The Florida Theatre Announces Changes To Their 2023 Board Of Directors

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Florida Theatre's Attendance Ranks #4 In The Nation for 2023

Press Release

Florida Theatre Issues Annual Report For Fiscal 2023:

A Monumental Year Of Shows And Ren"ovation"

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The Florida Theatre Ball: Vegas-Style

Saturday, May 18^th at the Florida Theatre

Press Release

Florida Theatre and Duval County Public Schools to host three, free, private sensory-friendly Theatreworks shows for students on the ASD spectrum in April of 2024

Press Release

Get Married by Elvis or Renew Your Vows at the Florida Theatre Ball – Vegas Style!

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Florida Theatre Announces The 2024-2025 Theatreworks Season

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The Florida Theatre Ball: Vegas-Style, Presented By DEX Imaging Raises Over $200,000 For The Historic Venue

Press Release

WJCT Public Media Shares New Season of Hit Podcast:

Untold Stories Returns This Summer for Another Season of Audio Storytelling

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The Florida Theatre Welcomes Two New Board Members

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre Adds New Show To The 2024-2025 Theatreworks Season

Press Release

Florida Theatre & Theatreworks Are Celebrating National Arts In Education Week September 9-13, 2024

Press Release

Annual Florida Theatre Ticket Drawing Starts September 13, 2024

Get Yours Today For A Chance To Win Exclusive Show Tickets

Press Release

11th Annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Raises Over $47,000 For The Historic Florida Theatre!

Press Release

2024 Board of Director Updates at the Florida Theatre

Press Release

The Florida Theatre’s Haunted History

Fact Sheet

Florida Theatre Is The #1 Most-Attended Live Performance Venue In The Region!

Press Release

Jacksonville Resident Wins Coveted Florida Theatre Annual Ticket Drawing

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Florida Theatre Wins Three “Folio Best of Jax Awards” For 2024!

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Florida Theatre Issues Annual Report For Fiscal 2024: “In The Groove”

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Board of Directors Update at the Florida Theatre

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Just Announced! David Benfield, Co-Host of First Coast Living, to be the MC/Auctioneer of The Florida Theatre Ball: 90’s Style on Saturday, May 17^th

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The Florida Theatre Ball: 90’s Style Raises More Than $230,000!

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Florida Theatre Announces The 2025-2026 Theatreworks Season

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Save The Date/August 21st/Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ/Support The Florida Theatre/Tickets On Sale Now!

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Pollstar mid-year numbers are out: Florida Theatre is still the most-attended venue of any size in the region!

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Florida Theatre wins prestigious "Outstanding Historic Theatre Award" from the League of Historic American Theatres!

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The annual Florida Theatre ticket drawing starts! Only 1,500 drawing tickets will be sold!

Press Release

12^th Annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ raises over $50,000 for the historic Florida Theatre!

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre’s VIP Member Lounge Gets New Name with PNC Bank Sponsorship

Press Release & Photo

Florida Theatre & Theatreworks are celebrating National Arts in Education Week: September 14-20, 2025

Press Release

The Florida Theatre celebrates being the 2025 Outstanding Historic Theatre in the Nation!

Press Release & Photos

Corporate Partner Press Releases

Florida Theatre announces a new corporate partner: First Horizon

Press Release & Photos

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: The Haskell Company

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Florida Blue Continues 17-year Partnership with Historic Florida Theatre

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Liberty Landscape Supply Renews Their Corporate Partnership With The Florida Theatre

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Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Remedy Staffing

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Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Wingard

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Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Jon Smith Subs

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Citi Continues 27-Year Partnership With Florida Theatre And Theatreworks

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Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: JEA

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Bono’s Pit BAR-B-Q Continues Partnership With Historic Florida Theatre

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Florida Blue Continues 18-Year Partnership With Historic Florida Theatre

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Ameris Bank Continues Partnership With Historic Florida Theatre

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Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Ammerman Wealth Management

Press Release

Florida Theatre Announces A New Corporate Partner: Westminster Teak

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Liberty Landscape Supply Continues Five-Year Corporate Partnership With The Historic Florida Theatre

Press Release & Video

Citi Continues 29-Year Partnership With Florida Theatre And Theatreworks

Press Release & Video

Florida Theatre announces a new corporate partner: O’Steen Automotive Group – the official car dealership of the Florida Theatre

Press Release & Video

The Florida Theatre Was Nominated For Theater Of The Year By The Academy Of Country Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

THE FLORIDA THEATRE WAS NOMINATED FOR THEATER OF THE YEAR

BY THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

JACKSONVILLE, FL, April 14, 2023 – The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards nominations have been announced, and the Florida Theatre has been nominated for Theater of the Year. Hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, the ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11^th at 8 p.m. from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Theater of the Year nominees includes Crystal Grand Music Theatre - Wisconsin Dells, WI, Florida Theatre - Jacksonville, FL, Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN, Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE and Stiefel Theatre - Salina, KS.

Northeast Florida garnered two venue nominations. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was nominated in the Outdoor Venue of the Year category. Outdoor Venue of the Year nominees includes Bank of NH Pavilion - Gilford, NH, FirstBank Amphitheater - Franklin, TN, Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA, Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA, St. Augustine Amphitheatre - St. Augustine, FL and The Wharf Amphitheater - Orange Beach, AL.

Awards are voted on by Academy of Country Music members, which boasts a record-high membership this year of nearly 5,000 members and serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running country music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively live stream in partnership with Prime Video. This year’s show marks its return to Texas since the landmark 50th ACM Awards, which broke a Guinness World Record in 2015 for being the most-attended awards show with more than 70,000 attendees at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions, with Raj Kapoor, Barry Adelman, and Fonda Anita serving as executive producers and Damon Whiteside serving as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music. Patrick Menton is the co-executive producer.

Follow the Academy of Country Music on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, join the conversation with #ACMawards, and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for the latest news + updates in your email inbox.

About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 150 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.

About the Academy of Country Music

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in almost 60 years since into a leading association for the country music industry. Now headquartered in Nashville, TN, and boasting record-high membership of nearly 5,000 nationwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2023 looks to be another monumental year for the Academy, with the ACM Awards returning to Texas on May 11 and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. Still, the only major awards show to live stream. The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, and over the last year, has launched both ACM LEVel Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, and OnRamp, a guaranteed income program for Black members of the Nashville music community, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition. For more information, log onto ACMcountry.com or ACMLiftingLives.org.

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A Collaboration Between Community Organizations Provides New Access to Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

Thousands of Elementary School Students Participate in Pilot Field Trip Initiative

A Collaboration Between Community Organizations Provides New Access to Arts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 12, 2023 – The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP), in partnership with Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), the Florida Theatre, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, announced today the launch of a pilot collaborative field trip program for elementary school students.

On June 20, 2023, approximately 3,400 elementary school students from both public and charter schools are invited to attend a live performance at the historic Florida Theatre. The effort is meant to increase student interest and access to the arts.

“The very first step in improving access to arts education is piquing students’ interest in the arts,” said Kimberly L. Hyatt, CAP president & CEO. “We are excited to implement this research-backed initiative with a group of community partners who share CAP’s vision for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education.”

CAP's Landscape of Education in the Arts in Duval (LEAD) survey data shows the main priority in service of improving access to arts education for Jacksonville's children is implementing a field trip initiative for all elementary school students. Through CAP’s work with the University of North Florida’s Data Science for Social Good program, data showed that even one field trip experience to a cultural destination like a museum or theatre drastically improves student grades in literacy, math, and science.

The students will attend the show Doug Berky’s Gems: The World’s Wisdom Stories. The performance will introduce attendees to fables from cultures across the globe and will include a literacy component. DCPS summer learning packets will be distributed to students attending the event, including reading materials to enhance the field trip experience.

“School field trips are not just play-time out of the classroom; they’re an opportunity to take what was learned in the classroom and see it brought to life in the real world,” said Numa Saisselin, president of the Florida Theatre. “That is especially true in a theatre setting. Whether it’s watching an acrobat apply the laws of science or a theatrical adaptation of a story told in a book, the impact on a student’s academic success is profound.”

Funding for this initiative is provided by PNC Foundation and Rice Family Foundation. In addition, KHA and DCPS will provide bus transportation for all participants.

“Exposing youth to the arts encourages creativity, opens pathways to expression and introduces a world beyond limitations," said Kenneth Darity, chief programs officer with the Kids Hope Alliance.

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About the Cathedral Arts Project:

The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) is a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of quality visual and performing arts instruction for school-aged children in Northeast Florida. CAP’s mission is to empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field and advocate for access and equity in arts education. Learn more at capkids.org.

About the Florida Theatre:

About Kids Hope Alliance:

With the vision that every child and youth will reach their academic, career, and civic potential, Kids Hope Alliance: The Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families (KHA), a fiscal agency of the City of Jacksonville, is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of children and youth programs, services, and activities, accomplished through third-party service providers. For more information, please visit www.kidshopealliance.org.

About PNC Foundation:

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

The Historic, Nonprofit Florida Theatre Will Undergo A Historic Renovation This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridaTheatre.com

THE HISTORIC, NONPROFIT FLORIDA THEATRE WILL UNDERGO A HISTORIC RENOVATION THIS SUMMER

JACKSONVILLE, FL, June 30, 2023 - The Florida Theatre will be closed from July to October of this year for the next round of renovations in its Centennial Campaign, which started in 2019. The Centennial Campaign was launched to prepare the historic theatre for its 100^th anniversary in 2027.

During the closure, the Florida Theatre will repair all the flaking and peeling decorative plaster in the auditorium, paint the lobbies and the auditorium with fidelity to the 1927 color palette, replace the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, move the building’s electrical vault from the first to the third floor and update all the public restrooms.

These projects build upon projects that have already been accomplished at the Florida Theatre, which include replacing the Theatre’s 1,865 fixed seats, doubling the wheelchair seating capacity, installing a new assistive listening system for the hard of hearing, improving aisle lighting and handrails, especially in the balcony, installing a new concert sound system and lighting system and repurposing the second floor of the office building into the new Remedy Lounge; which was the first expansion of the venue’s public space in 95 years.

Auld and White is the general contractor for the project, and Sauer is doing the HVAC work. Clark Advisory Services is the Theatre’s representative, and the plaster/paint work is being done by EverGreene Studios, who drilled core samples to match the original color(s) of the Theatre.

Saul Lucio, who has been the Technical Director of the Florida Theatre for 40 years, said this is the most extensive work he has seen done at the Theatre (except the Remedy Lounge) since it reopened almost 40 years ago in 1983. “We have replaced the A/C and have painted the place before – but we have never done it all at once. This will be a huge undertaking,” said Lucio.

The City of Jacksonville has been an important partner in financing this endeavor, matching private donations dollar for dollar. The Florida Theatre’s Capital Campaign has been funded by 138 donors and a restoration fee is assessed on all ticket sales.

“We want to make the building functionally better for how we use it today by improving it with 50-year solutions so we can be financially solvent for the next 100 years,” said Ed White of Auld & White Constructors, who is also a member of the Florida Theatre’s Capital Campaign Committee.

“By the end of this calendar year, over the last four years, we will have raised and spent $15 million on building improvements to the historic Florida Theatre,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “After this, there’s about $8 million left of work to do to get the rest of the building where it needs to be, including expanding the entry lobby; a new artist hospitality space; dressing room improvements; marquee restorations; and administrative office improvements,” said Saisselin.

“I have been going to the Florida Theatre for years,” said Don Cameron, Florida Theatre First Vice Chair and Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors. “It has always been great, but this renovation will improve the intimate experience. Not only will the Theatre be restored to its original splendor, but it will also include the modern tech/sound system, social spaces (lobby, VIP lounge), and conveniences (new restrooms) that you would expect at a new venue. It will offer the best of both worlds – as it will be vintage and new. While still offering great entertainment at a great price.”

While the Florida Theatre is closed for renovations, it will continue to book and put great new shows on sale for the fall and have off-site events, member events, and more.

To learn more about the Florida Theatre, visit floridatheatre.com.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,900-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. Learn more at floridatheatre.com.

Florida Theatre Ranked 39th Most Attended Theatre In The World

JACKSONVILLE, FL, July 5, 2023 – Concert industry trade magazine Pollstar released its attendance charts for the first half of 2023 (December 12, 2022, through June 26, 2023); and the Florida Theatre has been ranked the 39^th most-attended theatre in the world in the auditorium and theatre category and is ranked 50^th in ticket sales, based on gross receipts.

Notable venues in this attendance chart include Radio City Music Hall in New York City (ranked #1 in tickets), the Fox Theatre in Atlanta (ranked #8 in tickets), and the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles (ranked #17 in tickets). Notable venues the Florida Theatre out-ranked include the Theater at Madison Square Garden (ranked #47 in tickets), the Grand Ole Opry House (ranked #82 in gross receipts), and Royal Albert Hall (ranked #88 in gross receipts).

The Florida Theatre earned its status on this chart the hard way, one night at a time… which, according to Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre, speaks to the support of Jacksonville and the success of the Theatre’s programming at the 1,865-seat venue.

In 75% of the time, the Florida Theatre has done 90% of the number of shows they did last year (117 in 2023 versus 126 in 2022) and 85% of the number of tickets they did last year. To date, the Florida Theatre has sold 102,057 tickets with $5,138,361 in gross receipts during the 2023 season.

This ranking is especially significant because the Florida Theatre will be closed from July to October for $8 million in renovations (re-plastering and repainting the interior, replacing the HVAC, updating the bathrooms, and moving the electrical vault from the 1^st to the 3^rd floor) and will lose 10 to 20 shows during the shutdown as well as the last quarter of its fiscal year.

Pollstar tracks attendance across the top 200 theatres worldwide each year based on gross sales and the number of tickets sold.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,865-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. The Florida Theatre is Season Sponsored by Community First Credit Union.

10th Annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Raises Over $55,000 For The Historic Florida Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

(904) 562-5988 / beth@floridatheatre.com

10^th ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS, BOURBON & BBQ

RAISES OVER $55,000

FOR THE HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATRE

JACKSONVILLE, FL, September 14, 2023 – The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre raised over $55,000 during its 10^th annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event last week at Bowing Oaks. Many thanks to all the vendors, sponsors, members, and Theatre supporters who donated their services and purchased tickets to this amazing fundraiser!

Publix Charities was the Presenting Sponsor of the September 7^th event benefitting the historic Florida Theatre. “Publix Charities is proud to support the Florida Theatre as they provide diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences. We are happy to help in their important work,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, Executive Director of Publix Charities.

Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ, was held at Bowing Oaks this year, as the Florida Theatre is still under renovation with plans to reopen in October. Bowing Oaks has been a Corporate Partner of the Florida Theatre since 2019. "Bowing Oaks is proud to be a Corporate Partner with the Florida Theatre and was honored to host this year's Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event,” said Jim Efstathion, Owner of Bowing Oaks. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Theatre and hosting many more events for the Jacksonville community."

“Blues, Brews & BBQ has been a regular part of the Florida Theatre schedule since 2013. Adding a fourth ‘B’ to the equation, Bourbon, gave the event another dimension of Southern food and beverage culture to explore, and having the event at Bowing Oaks also added another dimension,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “The Florida Theatre is closed for renovations this summer, and we’re so grateful to owner Jim Efstathion and his staff at Bowing Oaks for taking us in. We’re also grateful to the sponsors, including Publix, Bold City, Manifest, Bono’s, and the ticket buyers for supporting the nonprofit Florida Theatre. We’re open again on October 28th with a full slate of shows now on sale at floridatheatre.com.”

Attendees of this annual event enjoyed an electrifying evening of live Blues music from the Snacks Blues Band and Henry Jones, unlimited local BBQ, the best craft beer, and a curated bourbon selection.

“We always love supporting the local gem that we call the Florida Theatre, but when you include Bourbon, Local Brews, Blues Music, and tasty BBQ, the decision is a no-brainer! It's one of our favorite events of the year,” said Brian Miller, Owner of Bold City Brewery.

“Thanks so much for the great partnership,” said Jim Webb – VP Development/Partner with Manifest. “It was a great event, and we enjoyed meeting new people and seeing tried and true supporters of the Florida Theatre. Can’t wait to be there on (re)opening night in October.”

“Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ is one of our favorite events of the year. It truly allows us to showcase our food and catering capabilities at Bono’s Pit BBQ with one of our favorite partners, the Florida Theatre,” said Josh Martino, President of the Home Team Restaurant Group. “We are excited for the many upcoming shows and performances at one of our favorite venues in town and can’t wait to see the amazing renovation.”

The Florida Theatre wishes to thank all the generous vendors and sponsors below who made this wonderful event possible:

VENDORS -

Blues

Snacks Blues Band

Henry Jones

Brews

AIBC (Amelia Island Brewing Co.)

Ancient City Brewing

Bold City Brewery

Legacy Ale Works

Ruby Beach Brewing Co.

Seven Bridges Grille

Southern Swells Brewing Co.

Veterans United Craft Brewery

Wicked Barley Brewery

Bourbon/Spirits

Blue Note Bourbon

Manifest

Post Meridiem Canned Cocktails

BBQ

Bono’s Pit BBQ Since 1949

G’s Slow-Smoked BBQ

Legacy Ale Works

Mojo BBQ

Seven Bridges Grille

The Bearded Pig

The Grub Brothers Competition BBQ

Underbelly

Wicked Barley Brewery

Desserts

Cinotti’s Bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Small Cakes

Venue

Bowing Oaks

Miscellaneous

Axe Champ

Jacksonville Jaguars

SPONSORS -

AVL – In-Kind Sponsor
CK Direct – Brew Sponsor
Community First Credit Union – VIP Sponsor
Eisman & Russo – Blues Sponsor
Millennium Physician Group – Brew Sponsor
Publix – Presenting Sponsor

Click here to see photos of the event. All proceeds from the annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ fundraiser will go to the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre, which will reopen after the next phase of renovations is complete on October 28^th for The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Since its inception in 2013, Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ, formerly Blues, Brews & BBQ, has raised $351,697.98 for the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre.

To see all the exciting events that are coming up and for tickets to all future shows, please visit www.floridatheatre.com.

About the Florida Theatre

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The Newly Renovated Historic Florida Theatre Is Set To Reopen October 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Beth Carper, Press & Media Relations Manager

Florida Theatre (904) 562-5988 / beth@floridaTheatre.com

THE NEWLY RENOVATED HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATRE IS SET TO REOPEN OCTOBER 28, 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL, October 9, 2023 – The wait is over. The paint and plaster are dry. The newly renovated historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville is set to reopen on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 8 p.m. for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Mayor Donna Deegan and other dignitaries will participate in a ribbon cutting on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. inside the lobby/auditorium for the big reveal.

The Florida Theatre has been closed since mid-July (2023) to renovate the 96-year-old facility. All the flaking and peeling decorative plaster in the auditorium has been repaired, the lobbies and the auditorium have been painted with fidelity to the 1927 color palette, the entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system has been replaced, and the building’s electrical vault has been moved from the first to the third floor. But probably the thing people will notice the most is that all the public restrooms have been updated. Ironically, the Florida Theatre will reopen around the 40^th anniversary of the last major renovation that took place in 1983. See photos of the summer 2023 restoration here.

These projects build upon projects that have already been accomplished at the Florida Theatre, which include replacing the Theatre’s 1,865 seats, doubling the wheelchair seating capacity, installing a new assistive listening system for people who are hard of hearing, improving the aisle lighting and handrails, especially in the balcony, installing a new concert sound system and lighting system, and repurposing the second floor of the office building into the new Remedy Lounge, which was the first expansion of the venue’s public space in 95 years.

This project has been a labor of love…from The City of Jacksonville (who has matched private donations) to the Centennial Campaign donors to Florida Theatre Members to the Principal Artisans below who have been feverishly restoring the building to its original grandeur over the summer…and everyone in Northeast Florida who has ever bought a ticket to a show at the Florida Theatre and paid the $4.50 restoration fee…to maintain and preserve this Jacksonville jewel.

“The Florida Theatre is one of downtown Jacksonville's gems. With its 100th birthday approaching, this is an exciting time to restore the Theatre to its full splendor,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “I look forward to seeing the Theatre’s facelift and supporting our City’s vibrant performing arts scene by attending a show when it reopens – and I encourage everyone to do the same.”

Auld and White Constructors was the general contractor for this project. Sauer Mechanical did the HVAC work. EverGreene Architectural Arts did all the plaster/paint work and restored the tapestries. And Beacon Electric moved the electrical vault from the first to the third floor so it would no longer be a flood risk.

“Auld & White Constructors is honored to have been Florida Theatre's Construction Partner for its renovations and next-generation mechanical system upgrades. AWC recognizes that the timely completion of the recent work at Jacksonville's iconic cultural hub was critical in enhancing the patron experience for the Theatre's upcoming shows and Centennial Celebration. I'm proud of our team's hard work and unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy and building the future of this historic Northeast Florida landmark for years to come,” said Nate Marty, CEO of Auld & White Constructors.

“Sauer Mechanical is proud to participate in the historic Florida Theatre renovation. During the shut-down period, we have replaced the aging rooftop chillers with new Daikin air-cooled chillers and the sixth-floor custom-built air handler and outdoor air unit with all associated chilled water piping air distribution. HVAC upgrades during this phase also included demolition of the boiler system no longer in use, replacing restroom exhaust fans, and upgrading the controls system,” said Heather Staggs-Miller, Project Manager with Sauer Mechanical.

“There were several things that were unique about the Florida Theatre project,” said Jeff Greene AIC-PA, Executive Chairman & Founder of EverGreene Architectural Arts. “Like the mysterious connection to John Eberson, one of America’s most prominent architects known for movie palace designs in the atmospheric theatre style (the outdoor feel inside). The original four faux tapestries that hang in the Florida Theatre were painted. Since they are the same size and have the same imagery as the ones in the Tampa Theatre (which Eberson did), we were able to replicate them. When we did our forensic research and put all the Theatre finishes under the microscope, we realized they were painted with the same paint and style that Eberson used. His signature, per se. It was fascinating to see what his influence did.”

Greene said, “A big part of what we do at EverGreene is connect back to history. We wanted to return the Florida Theatre to its original, authentic self. When the building was renovated in the 1970s, they moved away from that a bit. We wanted to return as accurately as possible to what it looked like in 1927. The challenge was the short time frame we had. The surprise or mystery was the Eberson connection. But we did our research, added some interpretation, and found the harmony and balance we were striving for.”

“As a lifelong resident of Jacksonville with many wonderful memories surrounding the Florida Theatre, this project has been a challenging opportunity for Beacon as well as an honor to be part of,” said Shawn Heath, Owner of Beacon Electrical Contractors. Beacon moved the building’s electrical vault from the first to the third floor and replaced most of the electrical panels and the conduit systems that supply power to the electrical panels.

“Over the last four years, by the end of this calendar year, we will have raised and spent $15 million on building improvements to the historic Florida Theatre,” said Numa Saisselin, President of the Florida Theatre. “After this, there’s about $8 million left of work to do to get the rest of the building where it needs to be, including expanding the entry lobby, a new artist hospitality space, dressing room improvements, marquee restorations, and administrative office improvements,” said Saisselin. According to Saisselin, the cherry on top would be bringing the original vertical blade sign back (pictured here) that used to adorn the Theatre.

All of these projects, under the banner of the Centennial Capital Improvement Plan, which started in 2019, aim to prepare the historic Florida Theatre for its 100^th birthday in 2027 and the next 100 years.

“Our $15 million renovation has intensified the already unique Florida Theatre experience - it’s truly at a new level. And we can’t wait for our customers to see! As the Theatre approaches its 100th birthday in 2027, we must remember – this is one of the last remaining theatres of its kind in our country! And we have to take care of it, nurture it, and support it so we can continue to laugh, cry, dance, sing, and do all that we do in our beloved Florida Theatre,” said Dr. Leslie Gordon, Ed.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Florida Theatre.

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About the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a 1,865-seat historic theatre located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, that first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1987 to manage, program, and preserve the historic Florida Theatre in a public/private partnership with the City of Jacksonville, which owns the building. Learn more at www.floridatheatre.com.

The Florida Theatre Tapestry News Coverage