Recently we visited Cumberland Island to for the TV show “I Know Jax” broadcast on CW 17 in the greater Jacksonville area. The story about Cumberland Island is going to air in the Hit the Road Jax segment of the TV show on Saturday November 19 at 11 pm.

The episode is showcasing the beautiful nature of Cumberland Island with its live oaks and vast, sandy beaches.  The island is also an important stopover point for migrating birds on the transatlantic migratory flyway, but maybe it’s most known for its wild horses.

Joe visits Cumberland Island - I Know Jax on CW17

Here is a video that our friend Lisa made for the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance showcasing our beautiful surroundings in Camden County. Take a look…

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.

Local author Harold Cohn from St. Marys recently released his children’s book “Three Buzzards and Apple Pie” through Tate Publishing Company. For many years Harold told the story to his son, and finally he decided to write it down.Three Buzzards and Apple Pie is a Lesson in choices. The main characters are the three boys—Hade, Bo, and Drew. The boys decide to disobey their parents and venture past their usual play area one day. That decision sets off a journey for the boys and everyone involved.
Click here to check out the book Three Buzzards and Apple Pie

We talked to Harold Cohn about how the book came about in this video.