If you’ve ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of great songwriters like Carole King, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon, come August 21, you just may get your first break in St. Marys.
Jamaster Productions is hosting a Songwriters Showcase and is inviting talent from around the region to compete for prizes that include 12 hours of recording studio time, a trip to Nashville, a $1500 press photo session, media coverage, and cash. The Songwriters Showcase will be held at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park in St. Marys.
The brainchild of local musicians Dave Duggan and Arlie McLendon, the Songwriters Showcase presents area talent with the opportunity to get their original music heard by several recording representatives as well as talent scouts from Florida to Nashville. The event is designed for songwriters of all genres. According to Duggan, many artists have gotten their start by participating in regional competitions such as this one.
“All it takes is for one person with connections to be impressed by a song,” said Duggan. “If you have the talent, you can make an impression, and who knows…end up in Nashville.”
McLendon, who has been writing songs and playing locally for more than 20 years agreed.
“You never know where these types of competitions can lead you,” he said. “You just have to pick your best material and sparkle on the stage to get the talent scouts’ attention. And with the new roof over our waterfront amphitheatre, we have the perfect venue for showcasing the talent.”
Judging will be based on originality, authenticity, and difficulty; overall lyrics, melody, and performance, and stage presence as in the performer’s ability to capture the audience.
There will be a first, second, and third place winner plus a People’s Choice Award that will go to the songwriter voted on by attendees at the event
For more information, call 904-535-3955 or visit www.jamasterproductions.com.
Last year, we filmed at the Songwriters Contest at Treehill Nature Center in Jacksonville, Fl. Here is that video.
St. Marys resident Tom Hayden, motion picture producer, Coast Guard Auxiliary member, and experienced actor, has been on location in
St Marys, GA, and Fernandina Beach, FL, for the last four weeks filming a television pilot tentatively titled Semper Paratus (Always Ready).
Along with co-writer and director of the pilot, Mark Hildebrand, who is known for his work with Farragut Films, Hayden developed a script focusing on the local U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX) and their many experiences on the local waterways. Hayden and crew began shooting the TV pilot in June at the Riverview Hotel and Seagle’s Restaurant in St. Marys. They then moved to on-the-water scenes with CGAUX members and their boats, and private actors and their boats.
According to Hayden, the U.S. Coast Guard is very interested in the project and is providing technical support and will review the final script and production schedule before final approval.
As the result of an open casting call facilitated by the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance, Hayden was able to secure all the talent he needed to make the pilot. Main character roles are being played by seven local actors, and extras are from the southeast Georgia/northeast Florida area as well.
According to Hayden, “We could not have completed the project without the help of the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance.” Hayden said that he appreciated the Film Alliance’s continued support in providing talent, prop assistance, and logistics in making the TV pilot a success.
Most of the action in Semper Paratus is centered on the local CGAUX members and their boats (called Operational Facilities) with many scenes in St. Marys, GA and Nassau County, FL.
The story begins with a safety patrol on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) where they advise a novice boater on safety regulations. Later, during another patrol, they help rescue bikini-clad ladies aboard a boat with engine trouble.
During night training, two of the CGAUX facilities approach suspected drug runners who make a run for it.
Future series story lines will have oil spill disaster activity; mass casualty accident (commercial airplane in the water); stolen vessels; safety cordon for space shuttle launch; CGAUX in Katrina & Haiti; Kings Bay Submarine Base training with Coast Guard units; USCGCIS (NCIS for the USCG), and much more.
The production of a pilot for a full television series is the first step in selling a TV series.
Click here to go to the interview with Barbara Ryan from the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance
This year the Independence Day Celebration in St Marys is going to be held on July 3, 2010, instead of Sunday.
4th of July Parade
This is the 42nd Independence Day Celebration, with “It’s a Family Affair” being the theme for 2010. The parade starts at 10:00 a.m.
To registration for the parade, click here.
4th of July Race
As usual, there is a 1,5K – 5K – 10K race on the Fourth of July morning. Pre-registration is suggested. To apply, click here.
4th of July Festival & Fireworks
More than 100 vendors participate as well as incredible musical entertainment and local fun including a Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest and a Watermelon Eating Contest for all ages. Children’s rides and activities are offered throughout the festival.
The highlight of the festival is of course the fantastic fireworks display at the waterfront.
For the best seats in the house to watch the stunning fireworks display over the St. Marys River the St. Marys Kiwanis are once again inviting the public to come aboard the Cumberland Queen or Cumberland Princess. According to St. Marys Kiwanis president Allen Rassi, “these will definitely be the best ringside seats for viewing the spectacular fireworks display.” Rassi says that this year’s fireworks production will match most elaborate fireworks display in the history of the festival with 25 minutes of continuous fireworks.
River cruise tickets are available for $20 at the St. Marys Welcome Center and the Tribune & Georgian office in Downtown St. Marys, and at the Kingsland Welcome Center. The cruise departs the dock at 7 p.m. and returns following the fireworks display. For more information, call 912-467-2119 or visit www.smkiwanis.com.
Call 912-467-2119 for more information.
The Jacksonville Sharks are pleased to announce their First Annual Military Appreciation Night presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. To help honor the military, all active and veteran military personnel will be offered a buy one, get one free ticket promotion as the Sharks take on the Dallas Vigilantes on Sea Best Field at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Along with the ticket promotion, military personnel will also be offered a 10% discount on all Sharks merchandise.
To take part in the promotion, simply present a valid military ID at the arena box office or any Ticketmaster outlet, or use the promotion code MILITARY on Ticketmaster.
Click here to purchase your tickets at Ticketmaster now!
Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster can be picked up at the arena box office with valid military ID only. Tickets will be subject to availability and limited to four free tickets (eight total) per order.
Tickets purchased anywhere in the arena will be accompanied by a free ticket in the same section. Tickets can be purchased at the arena box office or Ticketmaster.
Attack Dance Team Swimsuit Calendar
The Jacksonville Sharks announce the 2010-2011 Attack Dance Team swimsuit calendar will be released on Friday, May 14th. The calendars will be available for purchase during the home game against the Dallas Vigilantes.
The calendar begins in June and features the beautiful girls of the Sharks Attack Dance Team. Each month will feature one dance team member in a stunning swimsuit provided by Aqua East Surf Shop.
The calendars are available for $10 each at the Sharks merchandise stands. The calendars will be available for purchase beginning at 5:30 pm at Sea Best Field during SharkFest, the pregame party before each and every Sharks home game. Fans can get their calendars signed by the Attack Dance Team after the game on the field during the traditional autograph session.
On April 30, 2010, several live oak trees were planted on Conyers Street outside the fence at Orange Hall. Special thanks to the Georgia Forestry Commission, Woodbine Better Hometown, Camden County FFA, St. Marys Masonic Lodge # 109, St. Marys City Officials and guests for attending the event. Special thanks to U-Haul of Southeast Georgia for the generous donation of the trees.
After weeks of research and discovery of potential film locations for Braveart’s filming of “Eye of the Hurricane,” Hollywood Producer Susan Johnson has announced the project will be filmed in St. Marys, Georgia.
“Eye of the Hurricane” writer and director Jesse Wolfe said it was more than the beauty of the area that helped make his and Johnson’s decision.
Actor Campbell Scott will play the leading role in “Eye of the Hurricane.” Son of Hollywood icon George C. Scott, more than 20 movies comprise his film dossier including the poignant “Dying Young” that co-starred Julia Roberts. Jose Zuniga also plays a leading role in “Eye of the Hurricane.” His credits include the film “Twilight” and others, as well as starring roles in television series “Law and Order,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Ghost Whisperer.”
A plot synopsis of “Eye of the Hurricane” describes it as: “A compelling family drama about a small Florida community struggling to put their lives back together in the wake of a devastating hurricane. In the spirit of ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ is told through the eyes of a determined child, a troubled adolescent, a wounded parent, and a loyal friend.”
With filming set to begin in August, Writer/Director Wolfe sees “Eye of the Hurricane” as a prequel to much more filming in the Southeast.
“I originally wanted to shoot the film in Florida, as it is a story based in Florida,” Wolfe said. “But from the moment we drove into St. Marys, I knew I would change my mind. Potential locations leapt out at me each time we turned a corner, and the hospitality, enthusiasm and charm of the townsfolk, sealed the deal. I will be making my ‘Florida film’ in St. Marys, Georgia.”
“We are thrilled to be shooting ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ in St. Marys, due in no small part of the folks at the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance. Initially we were looking for a location that could match the Florida Everglades, but once we saw St. Marys, the possibilities were endless,” Johnson stated. “We saw every location we needed in the span of four hours and became so enamored of the look of St. Marys that the script has been rewritten to utilize the entire town. And we could not have received a warmer welcome. By the time we finish production, I’m sure one of us will have moved in permanently!”
Janet Brinko, Director of the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau, sees the economic effect impacting long after the production is finished.
“People love to visit places where movies were filmed,” Brinko said. “After the filming of ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ in Savannah, their area tourism soared. Having ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ filmed here will be like having a two-hour picture postcard for St. Marys distributed all over the world.”
To see the kind of picture postcard Brinko envisioned, one can visit www.havensfoot.com and view the location visuals posted by the production company showing the beauty of St. Marys and the surrounding area.
For more information about “Eye of the Hurricane,” visit www.havensfoot.com.
For more information about the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance, visit www.coastalgeorgiafilm.org.
Amelia River Cruises has two unique extended trips available for the Spring and Summer season of 2010. On Saturday May 8, 2010, Amelia River Cruises will offer a full day trip out of Fernandina Beach, FL. The trip is a full day exploring history and culture on the coast and includes a tour of Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline. Passangers will also get an opportunity to enjoy the lively narration of owner and captain, Kevin McCarthy. Lunch will be served aboard compliments of Nicole’s on the River. This trip is a fundraiser in conjunction with the Amelia Island Museum of History. For tickets and pricing visit www.ameliarivercruises.com
On Saturday, May 15, 2010, Amelia River Cruises will sail to Jekyll Island. Passangers will enjoy both a narrated, historic and wildlife sightseeing tour along the way. The trip also includes a variety of Jekyll activities including lunch at the Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Trolley Tour of the Historic District and entry into the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Return transportation via Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours and all taxes, tips and gratuities is all inclusive in this $100 per person non-taxed fare.
For itineraries, pricing and other details visit www.ameliarivercruises.com.
We wish everyone a wonderful Easter Weekend. Enjoy the beautiful weather and spend time with family and friends.
According to Jacksonville’s Channel 4 News it’s a strong possibility that Kingsland, Georgia, can get a new Mega Mall. Kingsland is in a perfect location for a mall, right next to interstate 95. The new development could bring thousands of jobs to Camden County as well.
What do you think? How would a shopping mall of this size impact Kingsland and Camden County in general? Will it change Camden from small town to Jacksonville suburb, or is it something we need to get more jobs and more money to the county?
You can post your comments below.
Here is the link to the news video
On Saturday, March 13, 2010, many volunteers showed up to help with a City of St. Marys beautification project. The delivery truck arrived at the new medians downtown and everyone went to work. St Marys Public Works, the St. Marys Tree Board, Elected Officials, St. Marys DDA, St. Marys Earthkeepers, St. Marys Garden Club, Kiwanis Club Members, St. Marys Fire Department, St. Marys Elementary School and many others who wanted to make a difference in their town, helped to plant 1000 Asiatic jasmine plants. Make sure to check out the new medians next time you’re visiting downtown St Marys!
