A couple of days ago, I stopped by the Back Bar Be-in and talked with owner Haley about the four-year anniversary of her bridal gown business and the little speakeasy she has tucked away in the back. The bar hosts vinyl nights and live music every weekend, and its anniversary party is Saturday, Oct. 3.
During our conversation, I noticed a pattern among the activities, events and businesses I spotlight in this weekly column: Many of them are owned by women, and I think that’s fantastic.
As the father of two teenage daughters, I think the number of cool, interesting women-owned businesses in our Beaches community is something to celebrate. There’s Haley at the Back Bar, Cara and her exquisite Bluejay Listening Room, Tiffany at Jax Surf & Paddle, Lauren at Brewhound Dog Park, Christine at the Beaches Museum, and Jennifer and Georgette, the editor and publisher of this paper. The list goes on. I’m very thankful to raise my kids in a community with so many good role models and interesting activities to enjoy.
If you have events or local digs you want to put on my radar to share with the world, reach out to me at mrjonlynn@gmail.com.
Jacksonville Beach
The Lee Boys play the Blue Jay Listening Room on Thursday, Oct. 8, and let me tell you what: If you’ve never seen them (or been to Blue Jay), do yourself a favor and get on up to catch the show at one of the country’s premier venues. The Lee Boys are a family ensemble rooted in the African American “sacred steel” tradition, blending fast-paced gospel fervor with hard-driving funk, blues grit, jazz and rock. They’ll make you shake your booty one minute and bring you to tears with the sweet sound of that steel guitar the next. The group received the prestigious Florida Folk Heritage Award in 2022 and has performed at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Jazz Fest, sharing stages with legends like B.B. King and Robert Plant. Not to be missed.
Neptune Beach
Fall is officially here, which means it’s time to pick up some pumpkins for your front porch. Yes, you can get them at Publix, but I recommend visiting the Christ United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch at 400 Penman Road in Neptune Beach. It’s open daily, and the highly rated, free-admission spot is perfect for family photo ops, choosing autumn pumpkins and letting the kids pick out seasonal treats. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Atlantic Beach
I highly recommend the Songwriters Concert in Gulliford Hall at the Adele Grage Cultural Center in Bull Memorial Park. It’s a relaxed evening of original music from local songwriters, hosted by Roy Peak. Seating is first-come, first-served in this intimate little theater just a stone’s throw from the ocean. If you’ve passed by and never been inside, this is an excellent opportunity to check it out and enjoy local musicians sharing their homemade tunes. The show is 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, after the Jags stomp the Bengals.
Atlantic Beach offers a variety of free wellness classes throughout the week. It’s important to take care of your body, mind and spirit because you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s a cliche, but it’s a cliche because it’s true.
Yoga: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Jack Russell Park.
Yoga: 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the Adele Grage Cultural Center.
Tai Chi: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, and 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Adele Grage Cultural Center.
