June really provides a grab-bag of fun opportunities in the Jacksonville area this year. It offers concerts by country superstars and '80s throwbacks, a lit-up Jacksonville Zoo, a cartoon dog on stage, the symphony's season finale, hundreds of little girls' performing in dance recitals and game action from the Jumbo Shrimp, Sharks, Dixie Blues, Axemen and JaxAxe Women, plus a host of Juneteenth activities.
Juneteenth Rodeo
1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Local and national Black rodeo performers will compete in bull-riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and other events. Info: blackrodeousa.com
Juneteenth Heritage Celebration and Luncheon
11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Renaissance St. Augustine
Civil rights activists who were in St. Augustine in ‘64 share their experiences. Info: lincolnvillemuseum.org
Lincolnville Juneteenth Community Festival
Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, in St. Augustine’s Lincolnville neighborhood
Parade, followed by an afternoon of lectures, concerts, lunches, artists and poets in a community first settled by freed slaves. Info: facebook.com
Jax Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration
3-8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard
More than 200 Black-owned businesses are scheduled to be on hand for a Juneteenth celebration on a street named for a pioneering civil rights activist. Info: jaxmelaninmarket.com
Juneteenth Concert
5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at St. Johns Cathedral
The Jacksonville Gospel Chorale performs. Info: jaxcathedral.org
Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom Concert
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Beaches Museum
The Ritz Chamber Players perform inspirational music. The show is free, but registration is required. Info: beachesmuseum.org
Marcus Roberts Trio
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 at Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine, $30
Renowned jazz pianist plays a Juneteenth Recognition Concert, including a performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Info: staugustinemusicfestival.org
Luke Bryan
7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $45.50-$259.50
If you’ve been around Jacksonville long enough, odds are you’ve seen Bryan at least once (this will be at least his ninth show since 2012), but he’s so engaging in concert that you just might want to see him again. Lily Rose and Josh Ross open. Info: lukebryan.com
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Anthony Hamilton
8 p.m. Friday, June 14, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $69-$199
Hamilton is the picture of perseverance; his 1996 debut album was mostly ignored, so he waited seven years and released its platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated follow-up. He hasn’t looked back since. Raheem DeVaughn and Lyfe Jennings open. Info: jaxevents.com
Bold Love Fest
4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Daily's Place. $40-$125
You want variety, you’ll find it at this show, which features “Sweet But Psycho” singer Ava Max, grown-up Disney Channel stars Aly & AJ, Australian drummer/singer G Flip, LGBT icon Vincint and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” veterans Monet X Change and Trinity The Tuck Taylor. Info: dailysplace.com
Jamey Johnson
6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $30.50-$100.50
Turns out the big bear of a country singer is a Jacksonville guy – Jacksonville, Alabama, that is. Johnson is a Jacksonville State grad and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the school last year. Info: theamp.com
Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, the Motels and Naked Eyes
8 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Florida Theatre. $55-$69
Everybody have fun tonight... The tour is billed as Abducted by the ‘80s and is jam-packed with MTV-era favorites. Info: floridatheatre.com
Other concerts coming to the area in June:
- Parker McCollum, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at Daily's Place. $39.50-$84.50.
- Celtic Throne, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at the Florida Theatre. $25-$65.
- A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, with NLE Choppa, Luh Tyler and Dess Dior, 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at Daily's Place. $49.50-$212.25.
- Happy Together Tour with the Turtles, Jay and the Americans, the Association, Badfinger, the Vogues and the Cowsills, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at the Florida Theatre. $35-$75.
- Billy Currington, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $44-$79.
- Mean Mary, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Cafe 11 in St. Augustine. $20-$30.
- Sunny Sweeney, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at Jack Rabbits. $20.
- Kierra Sheard, Naomi Raine, Koryn Hawthorne and Wande, 8 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Florida Theatre. $39.75-$99.75.
- Sheila E & the E-Train, 7 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at the Florida Theatre. $49-$89.
- Sean Mason Jazz Quartet, 8 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at the Ritz Theatre. $45.
- No Fraud, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Kona Skatepark. $10.
- Omari Dillard, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Terry Theater. $56-$95.
- The Convalescence, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Jack Rabbits. $15.
- Kairos Creature Club and Leah Senior, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Intuition Ale Works. $20.
- Jenny Lewis, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Intuition Ale Works. $35.
Tribute acts
- Michael Cavanaugh sits in with the Jacksonville Symphony and plays the music of Billy Joel. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1. $32-$84. Info: jaxsymphony.org
- Jeremy’s Ten plays Pearl Jam favorites, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Underbelly. $15-$20. Info: underbellyjax.com
- Ultimate Rush plays Rush tunes, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine. $20-$35. Info: originalcafe11.com
- Know Your Enemy plays Rage Against the Machine songs, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Underbelly. Info: underbellyjax.com
Clean Comedy Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Murray Hill Theatre. $20-$25
You wouldn’t expect foul-mouthed comedy at a Christian club, would you? Wes Johnson and Bobby Parker perform, Mike Freed serves as host. Info: murrayhilltheatre.com
Comedy Zone
The purpose-built comedy club in Mandarin has events scheduled all month, but three stand out. Bruce Bruce, who has been cracking people up for decades, is there for four shows June 7-8 ($35-$45); comedian/actor/radio and TV host Rickey Smiley is booked for June 17, 18 and 19 ($35-$45); and do-everything “Living Color” veteran Tommy Davidson puts on five shows June 21, 22 and 23 ($35-$30).
Other shows coming to the Comedy Zone in June:
- June 1: Jackie Fabulous
- June 2: Sammy Obeid
- June 5: River City Comedy Showcase
- June 13-15: Southern Mama
- June 28-29: Annie Liederman
Ali Siddiq
7 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Florida Theatre. $30-$125
Comedians find their voice in different ways; for Siddiq, it was when he could crack up his fellow inmates during a ‘90s prison term. Now he’s one of the hottest comics on YouTube. Info: jaxevents.com
Trae Crowder
7 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine. $40-$60
The “liberal redneck” has written two books and stars in the weekly WellRED podcast. Info: originalcafe11.com
Sherman Golden
8:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Breezy Jazz House. $40-$75.
The Phatt Katz comedy series brings in Atlanta powerhouse Golden, along with feature act King Quelz and music from Mizz Coco. Info: phattkatz.com
Nate Jackson
7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Florida Theatre. $43-$203.50
You might recognize Jackson from his role as Junk Yard Dog on “The Young Rock.” Info: jaxevents.com
TK Kirkland
7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Moran Theater. $32-$115
If you’re going to bill yourself as the King of Hip Hop Comedy, you better be funny. Fortunately, Kirkland can deliver on the promise. Info: jaxevents.com
Theater
‘Beauty and the Beast’
Through June 9 at the Island Theater, Fleming Island
Be our guest at the enchanted castle as the Disney version of the classic tale comes to the stage. Info: theislandtheater.com
‘Boeing Boeing’
Through June 16 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining
A swinging-’60s ladies’ man is engaged to three women at the same time and thinks he can get away with it. Info: alhambrajax.com
‘Rock of Ages’
Through June 20 at Orange Park Community Theatre
The “jukebox musical” stripmines ‘80s FM radio for a tale of a has-been rocker. Info: opct.info
‘Broken Promises, Distorted Truths’
June 1 at the Ritz Theatre
Story based on real-life events turns the spotlight on domestic violence. Info: ritzjacksonville.com
‘Cinderella’
June 1-23 at Orange Park Community Theatre
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical runs all month, followed by a Youth Edition of the show that opens June 28 and runs into July. Info: opct.info
‘Broadway and Brew’
June 3 at SJ Brewing Company in Yulee
Local singers perform showtunes at a place with all the beer you can handle. Info: bluefiretheatre.org
‘Shakesbeer’
June 5 and 20 at Intuition Ale Works
Lumen Repertory Theatre brings back its series of lighthearted Shakespeare-inspired performances at local breweries. Performances are also planned at Ruby Beach Brewing,King Maker Brewing and Bold City Brewery, but dates haven’t been announced. Info: lumenrep.org
‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’
June 6-16 at Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fernandina Beach
Will the ol’ blockhead finally get to kick the football? Don’t count on it. Info: ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992’
June 7-9 at Bab’s Lab
The 5 & Dime theater troupe holds a staged reading of Anna Deavere Smith’s first-person account of the Los Angeles riots. Info: thefiveanddime.org
‘First Date’
June 7-22 at Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach
First dates are rough enough without friends, family and social media getting involved. Info: ameliacommunitytheatre.org
‘Shout! The Mod Musical’
June 7-23 at Theatre Jacksonville
Big pop hits of the 1960s are used to tell the tale of a group of young women growing up in swinging London. Info: theatrejax.com
‘The Other Place’
June 7-23 at Players by the Sea
Things go awry for a successful doctor in this All Beaches Experimental Theatre mystery. Info: abetjax.com
‘Charlotte’s Web’
June 10-28 at Spotlight Events Center, Fleming Island
A new musical version of the classic children’s tale about a pig, a rat and spider comes to the stage. Info: spotlighteventscenter.com
‘The Sound of Music’ (Youth Edition)
June 13-15 at Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine
Olivia DeMaio, who recently graduated from Jacksonville’s Douglas Anderson School for the Arts, plays Maria in Apex Theatre Studio’s production. Info: apextheatrejax.com
‘Bluey’s Big Play’
6 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 20, at the Moran Theater. $35-$129.50
If you don’t know who Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are, you clearly don’t have young kids. The stars of the hugely popular Disney Junior show come to the stage as life-size puppets for a new story, "Bluey's Big Play." Info: fscjartistseries.org
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
June 20-Aug. 11 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining
By some estimates, more than 20,000 theater and school groups have brought “Dreamcoat” to the stage since its 1970 debut. Info: alhambrajax.com
Stories on Stage
7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at Theatre Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s TruStory Studios is putting on quarterly storytelling nights on Theatre Jacksonville’s San Marco stage. The theme for June is “Summer Lovin’.” Info: theatrejax.com
Jag Boilers Crawfish Festival
June 1 at James Weldon Johnson Park
Third annual fest includes vendors, kids’ zone and live music from Spice & Da Po Boys, Quinn Bass, Baba Caiman, Cajun Dave, Groove Coalition and Dat’s Pressure. Info: jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org
IllumiNights
June 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 20 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The zoo reopens its gates on Friday nights this summer for IllumiNights, an after-hours event that sees the landscaping lit up by colorful lights, an interactive laser show, stilt-walkers, jugglers and an opportunity to see what the animals do when no one’s around. Info: jacksonvillezoo.org
Eras Party
June 1 at Underbelly
Dance all night to the music of Taylor Swift. Info: underbellyjax.com
'We Could Not Be Silent'
June 2 at the Alan J. Taffet Building
LJD Jewish Family & Community Services commemorates the 60th anniversary of a St. Augustine civil rights protest involving Martin Luther King Jr. and several rabbis with a special showing of "We Could Not Be Silent," an exhibit about the event in the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery. Info: resisthatejax.com
Jax Beach Country Music Festival
June 2 at SeaWalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Free beachside concert features up-and-comers Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, Chase Fouraker, Jordan Fletcher, Jacksonville’s Emily Mikus, Middleburg’s Jonathan Lee, Madden Metcalf and Jax Beach’s Craig Smith. Info: jaxbeachcountryfest.net
Concerts in the Plaza
June 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine
Free concerts from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday in downtown St. Augustine. The Committee plays June 6, Paige King Johnson on June 13, the Crab Creek Band on June 20 and the Dewey Via Band on June 27. Info: visitstaugustine.com
‘Trolls Band Together’
June 7 at Klutho Park
See the animated 2023 film for free at JaxParks Movie Night. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Info: jacksonville.gov
Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festival
June 8 at Central Park in Fernandina Beach
The funky little town on Amelia Island celebrates its LGBTQ+ community. Info: fernandinabeachpride.com
Premiere Bride Expo
June 9 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
June is the heart of wedding season, even for those planning ahead. More than a hundred vendors, representing venues, photographers, bakers, florists, DJs, bridal shops, caterers and dance instructors will be on hand to help plan your big day. Info: premierbrideexpo.com
Mind of a Country Boy Afterparty
June 13 at Underbelly
When Luke Bryan wraps up his concert at the arena, stroll over to Underbelly, where Bryan’s DJ Rock will spin tunes. Info: underbellyjax.com
Randy Wayne White
June 14 at the BookMark, Neptune Beach
Gulf Coast thriller author signs copies of his latest novel, “One Deadly Eye.” Info: bookmarkbeach.com
‘Rights of a Father’ premier
June 15 at the Ritz Theatre
Junior Ashwood’s movie, shot in Green Cove Springs, deals with a couple who don’t agree on what to do about her pregnancy. Info: ritzjacksonville.com
James Weldon Johnson Birthday Celebration
June 15 at James Weldon Johnson Plaza
Join volunteers as they clean up the downtown plaza and put in new plantings. A DJ, poetry readings and food trucks are also planned. Info: dtjax.com
Duval Comics and Zine Fest
June 15 at the Main Library
Third annual festival celebrates independent publishers with a day of workshops and guest speakers. Info: dcazfest.com
River City Pride Springfield Drag Brunch
June 15 at Tulua Bistro Springfield
“Fun-filled fundraiser” for River City Pride. Info: jaxrcpride.org
COJ Career Fair
June 18 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
The City of Jacksonville employs a lot of people and is always looking for more. Job-seekers are advised to come prepared by dressing professionally and bringing a resume. Info: jaxevents.com
Planetarium Night Live
June 21 at MOSH
The James Webb Space Telescope has been in orbit for nearly two years. Meet up in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium for a discussion about what the device has discovered. Info: themosh.org
Battle of Bloody Mose
June 22 at Fort Mose Historic State Park
Travel back to 1740, when British troops launched an attack on Spanish-held St. Augustine as part of the War of Jenkins’ Ear, only to be driven back by Spanish troops and the free Blacks who lived in the community. Re-enactors will recreate the battle twice throughout the day. Info: fortmose.org
Zak Morgan: The Wonder of It All
June 25 at the Florida Theatre
During his kid-oriented shows, Morgan teaches science through music. Ideal for grades K-5. Info: floridatheatre.com
Christopher Rex String Seminar
June 1 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fernandina Beach
Three string quartets close out the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. Info: ameliachambermusic.org
‘Peter Pan’
June 1-2 at Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine
More than 80 dancers mix ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap and acrobatics to tell the tale of Neverland. Info: visitstaugustine.com
Hyunsoon Whang
June 2 at the Beaches Museum Chapel, Jacksonville Beach
Pianist Hyunsoon Whang joins the Florida Chamber Music Project for a season-ending performance. Info: flchambermusic.org
Mozart and Contemporaries
June 2 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
The San Marco Chamber Music Society closes its season with Mozart, Bologne and Vanhal. Info: sanmarcochambermusic.org
Dance recitals
‘Tis the season for students in area dance schools to show off.
- Heather Loveland Dance Academy, June 2-3 at the Florida Theatre.
- Wehner’s School of the Arts, June 8 at the Thrasher-Horne Center
- Jacksonville Centre of the Arts, June 9 at the Florida Theatre.
Celtic Throne
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at the Florida Theatre. $25-$65
Irish step dancers trace the origin of their art. Info: floridatheatre.com
‘Symphonie Fantastique’
June 7-8 at Jacoby Symphony Hall
The Jacksonville Symphony wraps up its season with a pair of performances of Hector Berlioz’s stirring work. Info: jaxsymphony.org
St. Augustine Music Festival
June 21-30 at the Cathedral Basilica, St. Augustine
Six performances are scheduled. Info: staugustinemusicfestival.com
- “Evolution,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21
- “Mystic Latin,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22
- “Mozart and Americana,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23
- “War & Romance,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28
- “Musical Saga,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29
- “A Reflective Journey,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30
Brawl in Duval
June 14 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center
Bare-knuckle fighting pits John “Lightning” McQueen against Jon Barnard and Red Sonya Dreiling against Red Queen Jamie Driver. Info: jaxevents.com
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
June 2, 11-16 and 25-30 at 121 Financial Ballpark
The Shrimp welcome the Durham Bulls, Indianapolis Indians and Nashville Sounds to town. Info: milb.com/jacksonville
Jacksonville Sharks
June 1, 8 and 22 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
The Arizona Rattlers, Tulsa Oilers and Massachusetts Pirates come to Jacksonville for arena football action. Info: jaxsharks.com
Jacksonville Dixie Blues
June 8 and 15 at Andrew Jackson High School
The Palm Beach Coyotes and Florida Legacy come to town for women’s football action. Info: dixiebluesfootball.net
Run for the Pies
June 8 at James Weldon Johnson Park
Competitive running and Moon Pies don’t really go together, but so what? This event, which raises money for local high school track and cross country programs, incorporates a 5K race and a mini Moon Pie eating contest, plus free beer for participants. Info: 1stplacesports.com
Jacksonville Axemen/JaxAxe Women
June 15, 22 and 29 at the North Rugby Fields at University of North Florida
Jacksonville’s now has two Rugby League teams, one for men and one for women. The women play the Tampa Mischief on June 15 and the Carolina Valkyrie on June 29. The men’s team plays the Tampa Mayhem on June 15, Copperheads RLFC on June 22 and the Atlanta Rhinos on June 29.Info: jaxaxe.com
