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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• V Pizza announces changes, steakhouse.

• Top teams steady before Fortegra.

• A deep-dive into the life of Rita Coolidge.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

— Muhammad Ali

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Trivia

What is the name of the Jacksonville festival that celebrates the city's cultural diversity and international communities?

A) Jacksonville Cultural Festival

B) World of Nations Celebration

C) River City Multicultural Fest

D) Global Jax Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The beach in Jacksonville known for its large fishing pier and family-friendly atmosphere is C) Jacksonville Beach.

News

💼Business

V Pizza unveils new customer-driven pizza changes; steakhouse set for early 2025. (link)

Gateway Jax plans grocery store, residential tower for former First Baptist auditorium site. (link)

🏒Sports

Varsity 4 Super 6 boys basketball: Top teams hold steady as Fortegra tourney looms. (link)

Path to title game has been worth it for Raines coach Donovan Masline. (link)

🏦Finance

Commercial property in St. Johns near IGP sells for more than $5 million. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 UNC Asheville Bulldogs at North Florida Ospreys Womens Basketball
11852 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL
Monday, 16 December 2024 at 1:00 pm | (More info)

🎮 Senior Game Day! (Jacksonville Town Center)
4855 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 at 1:30 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Rod Wave - Last Lap Tour
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Mon • Dec 16, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Mindi Abair w/ Marcus Anderson
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Tue • Dec 17, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌻 Christmas Camp
10139 Hood Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Monday, 16 December 2024 at 9:00 am | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Jacksonville illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Jacksonville Historical Events

1978 - Jacksonville’s first jazz festival is held.

In 1978, Jacksonville, Florida, made history by hosting its first-ever jazz festival, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural landscape. The inaugural event brought together jazz enthusiasts, musicians, and artists from across the region to celebrate the rich and vibrant tradition of jazz music. Held in a lively and vibrant atmosphere, the festival showcased a diverse lineup of talented performers, captivating audiences with soulful melodies and captivating rhythms. This momentous occasion not only highlighted Jacksonville's growing prominence in the world of jazz but also laid the foundation for future jazz festivals that would continue to enrich the city's musical heritage.

The 1978 Jacksonville jazz festival was a testament to the city's commitment to fostering artistic expression and promoting cultural diversity. As the festival unfolded, it became a melting pot of musical talent, drawing attention to the dynamic and evolving jazz scene in Jacksonville. The event provided a platform for both established and emerging jazz artists to showcase their artistry, creating an immersive experience for attendees and leaving a lasting impression on the city's cultural identity. With its successful debut, the jazz festival set the stage for an annual tradition that would become an integral part of Jacksonville's cultural calendar, attracting music lovers and jazz aficionados from near and far.

The impact of Jacksonville's first jazz festival in 1978 reverberated throughout the city, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural heritage. The festival's inaugural edition not only celebrated the art of jazz but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among music enthusiasts. It served as a catalyst for the growth of Jacksonville's music scene, inspiring future generations of musicians and contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for artistic innovation. The legacy of the first jazz festival continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift the human spirit.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Rita Coolidge (1945–): Singer and songwriter, although not deceased before 2000.

Rita Coolidge: 1945–Present

Rita Coolidge is a renowned singer and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the music industry. Born on May 1, 1945, in Lafayette, Tennessee, Coolidge's career spans several decades, and her talent has earned her two Grammy Awards. Her life story is a testament to her passion for music, her deep connections to friends and family, and her enduring impact on the world of entertainment.

Professional Life and Career (1960s-1970s)

Rita Coolidge's journey in the music industry began in the 1960s, and she gained widespread fame in the 1970s as a pop, rock, and country singer. Her soulful voice and captivating performances endeared her to audiences around the world, establishing her as a prominent figure in the music scene.

Delta Lady: A Memoir (2016)

In 2016, Rita Coolidge made headlines with the publication of her autobiography, "Delta Lady: A Memoir." This memoir provided a glimpse into her lifetime of experiences, including her adventures on the road, her musical collaborations, and the wealth of knowledge she has acquired throughout her career.

Connection to Jacksonville

Rita Coolidge has deep ties to Jacksonville, Florida, where she graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. Her formative years in Jacksonville played a significant role in shaping her musical aspirations and laying the foundation for her future success in the music industry.

Mad Dogs and Jacksonville (1970)

Rita Coolidge's connection to Jacksonville is further highlighted by her participation in the famed 1970 Joe Cocker tour, known as "Mad Dogs and Englishmen." This tour, which included a one-off show at a Virginia music festival, showcased Coolidge's talent and cemented her place in music history.

Awards and Honors

Coolidge's contributions to the music industry have been recognized with prestigious accolades. In 2015, she was inducted into the Southern Museum of Music Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring impact on the world of music.

Summary

Rita Coolidge's life story is a remarkable journey of musical excellence, personal growth, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her deep connections to Jacksonville, Florida, and her influential role in the music industry have solidified her legacy as a celebrated singer and songwriter.

Key Achievements of Rita Coolidge:

• Two-time Grammy Award winner for her exceptional musical talent.

• Published her autobiography, "Delta Lady: A Memoir," providing insights into her life and career.

• Inducted into the Southern Museum of Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

• Made significant contributions to the pop, rock, and country music genres.

• Remembered for her enduring impact on the world of entertainment and her deep ties to Jacksonville, Florida.

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