Don’t forget, Black Kids tonight on Letterman! As soon as someone posts the video to YouTube, i’ll post it here.

Kid Reggie on the Pitchfork 3.3 review

That’s right, a good old fashioned roller jam. Totally outside the Urban Jacksonville coverage zone, but my good friend Caz, of Royal Treatment and Home Team DJs fame, will be tearing it up that night. Along with DJs Dan and Nick Fresh. $10 make you holler!

I’ve heard lot’s of rumors flying around that TSI is closing and I have a good source that says TSI IS NOT CLOSING. There is no sense in mentioning the proposed date, just know there will be a massive party once they do open. Also The Outer Box has an update on the TSI Art and Music Variety Mixer.

Jacksonville was recently ranked dead last in an “America’s most walkable big cities” survey done by Walk Score, a Web site that helps people find real estate in walkable neighborhoods. The company did a study of the 40 largest cities in the U.S. and gave each a Walk Score of up to 100 – Jacksonville scored a 36. San Francisco came in tops with an 86. (Daily Record)

Update on Boston Tom from Dylan. It sounds like the benefit went off too. Thanks to everyone who went out and supported.

Janet just came into Shanty and told me Tom is now at Brook’s rehabilitation center where he’ll be for the next month. Great news.

The Springfield Community Garden class is FULL! They are asking if anyone is interested in starting a new garden in the Jacksonville area (preferably in Riverside), and is able to take charge of that, to give a shout. Also, the have seeds they need to get into the ground this season, or risk losing them entirely. If you’re interested in flying solo with your own garden, get in touch. They might be able to hook you up with some heirloom genetic material. Mmmm, that sounds scientific! Leave a comment and I can connect you if you are interested.

The Main Street Improvement Project between 4th -12th is on schedule. There is new temporary pavement in the middle of Main St. and work on the west side of the street will begin in about one week. Damn!

Links!
Quality of Life in Jacksonville (Metro Jacksonville)
JaxCal Redesign! Nice, I like it.
The Green Kids, or I’m Jealous of the Black Kids (JaxCal)
John Gorrie daydreams, a few steps closer to reality (RADO)
11E Starbucks is Closing (Jacksonville Confidential)
This, in my opinion, is a significant hit to downtown. Another vacant store front, Arrgh! A Caribou or Dunn Brothers would fit nicely.

Finally don’t forget Traumatic Tuesday tonight at Mark’s! Biggie Tea and I (Joe E Fresh) will be laying down the entire Black Kids album at Mark’s. It’s probably going to start late (around 11). $1 pbr $2 draft $3 jager all night.

This Tuesday Biggie Tea and I (Joe E Fresh) will be laying down the entire Black Kids album at Mark’s. It’s probably going to start late (around 11) since I have a work function that night, but expect it to be live, as in awesome! Not sure if we’ll play the whole thing all the way through or throw some other jams on in between.

$1 pbr $2 draft $3 jager all night.

Check out this article from Rueters that’s running on MSNBC: Black Kids are all right with blog buzz (thanks for the tip Jason!).

Building a long-lasting career out of a Web phenomenon won’t be easy, but Columbia plans to put significant muscle behind the record. Black Kids will be highly visible around street date, including appearances on “Late Show With David Letterman” (July 24), “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (July 30) and noncommercial KCRW Santa Monica, Calif.’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” (July 28).

and finally

A proper North American tour begins September 19 in Jacksonville.

Also I’d like to address a comment left on Sunday that, in part, reads:

the black kid’s aren’t the makings of any “modern musical legend” and i don’t think they’ve set out to be. they’re good at what they do, but no need to overly gush because they’re from jacksonville. that doesn’t really say much for the actual music.

I think there is every reason to gush. They’re bringing much needed positive press to our city. Especially in a segment where we get little if no press, lifestyle publications like music magazines and late night television shows. Anything we can do to generate buzz and show people that Jacksonville isn’t all greyhound racing and sprawl is fine by me and deserves attention and notice from the people in this city.

I love this Black Kids review from the Associated Press:

The Black Kids are, with their debut album “Partie Traumatic,” instantly the coolest “kids” in music. They’ve taken everything modern and relevant — from Killers-esque vocals to non-retro synth work — and rolled it into one of the best albums of the year without a sour track in sight.

They ought to sell iPods with this permanently burned into the memory so you’ll never lose it. Who knew Jacksonville, Fla., could produce a band this fun?

I agree, not because I’m a Black Kids fanboy, but because it is seriously good. The Wizard of Ahhhs EP should have been called the Wizard of Ehhhs. I wasn’t looking forward to the new album, but I’ve heard the whole thing now and I can concur with the review above. There isn’t (really) a bad track on the album. Everything has been reproduced from top to bottom and it doesn’t sound like the Black Kids you knew, but it’s still the Black Kids you love.

Hear for yourself on Traumatic Tuesday at Mark’s next week, July 22nd. Biggie Tea and I will play the entire album. We’ll Partie all night. Also, thanks for the tip Biggie!

Thanks for the tip Jeff!

UPDATE: Here is a fun, informal podcast with interviews and comments at the 3rd annual Jacksonville Tangerine Festival.

JaxScene posted some great photos from last weekend’s Tangerine Festival. It looks like there was a pretty good turnout despite the weather. Tangerine Festival Photoset

While you’re at it add JaxScene to your list of blogs to read daily. They’ve been pretty consistent about posting things to do in Jacksonville after work hours. The links in their sidebar tell the tale of what JaxScene is all about: Flickr, Nightlife, Bands.

Check out Owen and Reggie from Black Kids a few years ago when they played in the band Mata Hari. This was when TSI was still in Springfield. Ahh it seems so long ago… My how they’ve grown. Also Black Kids are playing at Coachella. Awesome.