Hitler In Jacksonville from Solorio Bonaparte on Vimeo.

Tomorrow, February 25th, the Boys & Girls Club will announce it’s annual Youth of the Year competition winner. This year’s four nominees will represent Springfield, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach and the Westside (Ramona Boulevard).

I sat with Antwon Smith, the Springfield nominee, at 3 Layers and chatted for a bit. Antwon consistently surprised me with his answers and composure. Very smooth indeed.

Listen to our Conversation

Download audio file (Antwon-Smith-Boys-Girls-Club.mp3)

Antwon will receive a $1,000 scholarship for being a local nominee and the local winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the opportunity to move on to the state-level competition. The Youth of the Year competition will culminate with the national winner participating in a special White House ceremony with President Obama this fall.

Nominees are evaluated based on academic merit, obstacles to overcome, and community service.

Above is a screenshot of conceptual ideas for the Hogan’s Creek (and surrounding parks) revitalization master planning project. It was presented to Springfield community members for vetting at the SPAR Council general meeting held on October 29. I am told the concepts were favorably received and there will be additional meetings with government and corporate stakeholders in the coming weeks.

The scope of the master plan includes determining timing/cost for environmental remediation of soil and water, storm water management (flood control), preservation and restoration of historic assets where possible, and inclusion of beautification components. The master plan is scheduled for completion in January 2010.

Once the plan is complete and approved, then begins the long work of securing funding to execute the plans. Some interesting things to note from the plans which you can view/download below:

• The South Confederate Park Concept shows the removal of the Park View Inn (Yay!)
• The McPhearson & Schell Park Concept shows a skate park, creek expansions, a play ground and a fountain
• Still no playground at Klutho Park, but I have no room to complain b/c I was not at the meetings.

View and Download the Plans

Karpelles / Bethel Area Concept
Klutho Park Concept
McPhearson & Schell Park Concept
South Confederate Park Concept

Uptown Market Preview from Joey Marchy on Vimeo.

This is a preview of the Uptown Market in Springfield which is now open. Rejoice the new urban grocery, deli, market.

View Uptown Market in Springfield photoset

Looking through the window at Uptown Market in Springfield, Jacksonville’s newest urban market and deli. If you want to hear more, listen to this episode Urban Jacksonville Weekly about Uptown Market. You can also read First major project on Main Street in Springfield in 40 years.

Tough Junkie talks about Larry Otis at 23 minutes and 30 seconds on Urban Jacksonville Weekly yesterday and reveals Larry is officially working with him.

Thanks to Reax Magazine for this artist write up. They have a huge Summertime in the City feature in the most recent issue. Pick it up!

The MC also known as BlakHart is tough to keep track of – the guy’s Internet presence is, like, nil these days, which in this day and age is unheard of, and all the more intriguing for it. Hip Hop Hell says “Jacksonville legend … known for his work with The IG Camp and The Funkmonsta.

Proper EP release coming on HHH Records with Delectable Beats.” His older stuff at BlakHart’s Myspace page showcases a seriously listenable mix of old-school gangsta and clubby refrains, but with a bit of upbeat vibe thrown in. It’s a pretty undeniable style that could easily climb into the mainstream consciousness without sacrificing any cred.

Lah Lah Lah
Download audio file (Lah-Lah-Lah.mp3)

Nah Nah Nah
Download audio file (Nah-Nah-Nah.mp3)

myspace.com/iamblakhart

He is performing the second day of Summertime in the City at Shantytown in Springfield.

Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy

Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP
When: 10pm to 2am
Price: $5.00

Featuring live performances by: Mr. Al Pete, Dope Sandwich, Steadfast, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett and many more special guests.

Complete STITC 2009 schedule and more artist profiles at the Summertime in the City 2009 page. Join the Summertime in the City fan page on Facebook.

The Dope Sandwich website describes this collective better than I could:

Dope Sandwich is a Hip-Hop collective that has taken the city of Savannah GA by storm over the past years. What started as a secret society of MC’s, DJ’s, B-Boys, and Graph artists, DSP is quickly becoming the voice of alternative Hip hop around the coastal South East. The bio goes on to say:

They own a live show that plays like a nonstop party, and truly have something for everyone. You have to see it to believe it.

Blue Collar – Bottoms Up

Lucky you! They are playing the second day of Summertime in the City at Shantytown in Springfield.

Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy

Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP
When: 10pm to 2am
Price: $5.00

Featuring live performances by: Dope Sandwich, Steadfast, Grizleh (aka Blakhart), Mr. Al Pete, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett and many more special guests.

Follow Dope Sandwich on Twitter and check out their Myspace

Complete STITC 2009 schedule and more artist profiles at the Summertime in the City 2009 page. Join the Summertime in the City fan page on Facebook.

Steadfast was raised in Ft. Washington, MD. Whether it was his sister playing the flute or his grandmother practicing with the church choir, it appeared early on that music would be a mainstay in his lifelong diet. He began writting in 1993 after listening to Wu Tang Clan’s debut album and after cultivating his style he linked up with The Homeless Society, a group of emcees and producers repping the New York, Maryland and DC areas.

He’s now on Social Light Sounds records and will be appearing at Summertime in the City 2009. You can also find Steadfast on MySpace.

Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy

Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP
When: 10pm to 2am
Price: $5.00

Featuring live performances by: Steadfast, Grizleh (aka Blakhart), Mr. Al Pete, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett, Dope Sandwich and many more special guests.

Complete STITC 2009 schedule and more artist profiles at the Summertime in the City 2009 page. Join the Summertime in the City fan page on Facebook.

I love this new Regretman piece by Armageddon Visuals. 4ft X 6ft on wood. See the entire photoset here from Armageddon Visuals. It documents the construction of Regretman.

Stay up with the Armageddon Visuals blog where they posters for sale and other interesting projects.