A look at what’s happening in the arts locally.
Spycraft for thriller writers is meeting topic
Intelligence is one of the world’s oldest professions, and possibly the most misunderstood.
Much of what the public believes it understands about espionage in general and the CIA in particular, comes from spy fiction novels, television series and movies. Sometimes writers get it right. More often, they do not, to the detriment of the public’s understanding of what intelligence officers do for our country.
Northeast Florida Sisters in Crime is planning a dynamic presentation by former CIA operative and noted author Dr. Edward Mickolus, an expert on CIA-related intrigue. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. April 1 at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd. The public is invited.
Mickolus served in analytical, operational, management and staff positions at CIA for 33 years, where he was CIA’s first full-time analyst on international terrorism; analyzed African political, economic, social, military and leadership issues; wrote political-psychological assessments of world leaders; and managed collection, counterintelligence and covert action programs against terrorists, drug traffickers, weapons proliferators and hostile espionage services.
In retirement, he taught at CIA, the FBI Academy, ODNI and numerous universities.
Sisters in Crime welcomes misters and sisters who want to learn more about writing, promoting and enjoying crime fiction.
For further information, contact floridasistersincrime@gmail.com.
Sundays at Stetson’s concerts announced
The monthly Sundays at Stetson’s performance schedule for the rest of 2023 has been announced. Events are free, though a $10 donation is recommended. Concerts are 2-4 p.m. and are held at Beluthahatchee Park.
The park opens at 1 p.m. with tours of Stetson Kennedy’s house and museum before and after the concert. Space is limited and reservations are required. To make reservations or get more information call 904-206-8304.
The park is located at 1523 S.R. 13 in Fruit Cove, just south of the intersection at Roberts Road.
Concerts are scheduled as follows: April 2, Rod MacDonald; May 21, Scott Jackson and Joe Mark; June 11, Lee Hunter; July 9, Bob Patterson; Aug. 13, Woody Guthrie Tribute (NFFN); Sept. 10, Ashley Gang (25th anniversary); Oct. 8, Songs For Stetson; Nov. 12: Bear and Robert; and Dec. 10, Feed You Neighbors (NFFN).
Program teaches kids about Broadway shows
The FSCJ Artist Series will present Next Stop Broadway, a weeklong musical theater program, on June 12-16 at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville. Registration is now open at fscjartistseries.org.
Next Stop Broadway is a five-day intensive for ages 10-17 that focuses on being in the ensemble of a classic Broadway show. Participation in the program requires no previous experience.
The program consists of classes, workshops and rehearsals and focuses on the “Golden Age of Broadway.” The staff of Broadway professionals will teach songs and choreography from classic Broadway productions and replicate the process of putting on an authentic Broadway show at the same break-neck speed as the real thing. The week culminates with an “opening night” performance for family and friends.
Registration is now open. Go to fscjartistseries.org to pay tuition and fill out the Next Stop Broadway application upon paying tuition. Space is limited.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and program hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday will run until approximately 7 p.m. for the “opening night” performance.
The cost is $575 for returning cast members and $595 for new cast members for the week, and includes lunch, snacks, two T-shirts and a professional head shot.
Email nextstopbroadway@fscjartistseries.org for more information.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
