We are meant to Create, but who's taking the leap of Faith?

[Lionasoarus]

"The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for." ― Bob Marley

For a majority of the artists in Jacksonville, the quote above reminds them of the indecision they have overcome or still tussle w/ everyday. Truth is, as creatives that take the leap of Faith, We discover our Being through our craft with full awareness that the next piece working may be the one we sacrifice everything for.

Whether a person's outlet is the performing arts or the message in which they bring comes to us visually, through paints, the process that bridges idea into action is a first world taboo. Why?

No matter if poems, stories, or songs are the venue for creativity or a person channels music through an instrument, their perceived freedom inspires the sense of awe and are lifted in admiration for their bravery. What does it take?

What do the modern forces look like that reach deep within the human psyche and force us to chose between a predefined idea of suffering and success? Is there a truly happy balance between "normal" functioning as a citizen of this city and the wildly colorful, often unstable life as an artist?

Are we aiming to achieve this ambiguous balance?

What does the process and motivations for artistic creation in Jacksonville look like for many of its best kept secrets?

Join the journey as we trek through concrete jungles, following the trails blazed by artists not afraid to venture into the vast unknown.

[Lionasoarus]

Oh, the air of a Friday night floating through a burnt orange sky carries an allure with it all its own.

All universal possibilities converge in the city this night, or this is what We believe should be and We make it so.

It is when the implementation of a new school year loosens its grip for one of the first times and We can feel the collective energy swell upward.

The feeling of being alive can emerge from the cast iron box of mind identification and dance happily, renewed and re energized.

Excitement moves us closer to the realm of readying ourselves to Create. It gives us our spark, lighting the fire that shines over the paths down the valleys and up mountains towards our Happiness.

I think I'll use my antenna to hone in on the Happiness seekers tonight...

[Lionasoarus]

Friday night's smooth breeze slowed my eagerness to stumble around the bars in search of the calm sooth of live tunes.

As I rhythmically strolled through dimly lit concrete paths, hearing the natural metronome and breathing deeply, music bounced off the walls of the concrete structures encasing True music. I stopped and looked at the imaginary line separating a spotty neighborhood and the BeachBars and asked myself, "Do I have my ID?"

That question then triggered the response, "I just want to listen to great music. Why do I need an "official" certificate?"

Naturally, I then let the northern breeze nudge my body and I shifted with a sway back in the direction from which I came.

Are bars the only successful venue for these bands, where alcohol fueled enthusiasm overcrowds the lines and elbow led paths connect alienated strangers in search of direction? Where else could they go?

As usual, my stomach was leading my feet and shortly after reconnecting with the northern winds, I notice my stride is comfortably brisk. I was directed to a locally owned restaurant/bar and wished for live music, as my hunger managed a poor attempt at hiding its agenda.

Not long after moment after moment.. after moment, I arrived. The food satisfied my taste and the lone guitarist in the corner of the newly upgraded restaurant/bar filled me up.

After his 2nd set pushed defiantly through the night and he had hit his last note, we spoke.

He projected confidence and a talked with a natural excitement. After transitioning from our introduction, he eventually unveiled that is band had lost, their intentions spider webbed into each comrades' separated direction. He was all that as left.

What pushes a group of compatible people so far apart that they no longer can Create together? What keeps an artist moving after a support system collapses?

His short story stood out for me as a normality, the same as a peacock in his flock.

I wandered all the way home after our departing handshake.

[Lionasoarus]

The music brought the listeners back to the 1992 era of pop culture's iconic sweep of the mainstream and the musician is there every Friday. I am confident his name will supersede his presence one of those days long enough for it to stick with me.

I had to order green peppers on the bar's "philly cheese steak" and once it arrived over 20 minutes later, I decided then that the name of this branded environment would not be publicized by I. Tighten Up! 

[Lionasoarus]

Every Sunday night people of the beaches shrug off the imposing claustrophobia and strict schedules waiting for them on Monday morning and flock to Fly's Tie Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach to listen to the Jammin' Salmons.

Since opening its doors in 1994, Fly's Tie has been a hub for local talent who have yet to breach through the waters of struggle and into the fresh air of musical success. It is nestled quaintly on Sailfish Drive and looks like it could be your kooky grandmother's house; homey yet bursting at the seams with unique style.

One of the first things I notice when walking up to Fly's Tie is how unmistakably Irish the scene is.

Now, I've never been to Ireland nor have I ever found myself deeply immersed in the culture, but after walking through the heavy, wooden doors of Fly's Tie I am convinced that I have been transplanted to the motherland of blissful intoxication anchored by a strong community bond.

There is a patio to the right of the entrance, which has my vote for #1 outdoor seating accommodations. Cushioned bench seats line the walls until they meet an enormous stone fire place in the middle. A small bar top traces the opposite wall and if the random vintage decorations hung in even more random places don't distract you with their mystery, a sliding glass window at the far end opens to the bar and allows you to place your order while still enjoying the beach's night air.

Once inside, the bar is on the right and stretches to the back wall. A 90 degree angle then shoots it to the left giving space for 3-4 chairs. There you can either order a cold drink from one of the irreplaceable staff members or stew in regret, jabbing at yourself for missing Fly's Tie brunch earlier that day.

The beams that support the roof are made of thick, skillfully cut timbers and as my eyes follow the craftsmanship I am blanketed with a peace that only nostalgia can bring forth.

They don't make 'em like this anymore.

There is a middle divide in the floor plan about 3 1/2 feet tall and 3 wooden, high top tables on both sides  accommodate surprisingly comfortable, tall chairs. If you can pull yourself away from the dense array of historical, comedic, and beachy placards making up the side wall then you might be able to locate a set of church pews that sit underneath and run parallel to the wall.

As you make your way into Fly's Tie the stage commands your attention.

It screams local and underground and hushes any idea of change. It's not broke, why fix it?

The stage is about 10 feet long and maybe 6 feet wide. A 3 piece band, consisting of a bass player, lead/rhythm guitar, and a drummer barely squeeze in comfortably. The wall behind the stage is blasted with almost every piece of bar decoration you've ever seen. Ever. Above the fireworks of colors is a long, thin shelf holding up 5 different stylistic representations of the Mother Mary next to a religious depiction of Elvis.

It feels like you are in a time capsule when at Fly's Tie, only allowed to experience whenever the best moments for you were and will be.

Sunday nights add to the history of this place's consistency in supporting local talent and stands strong in its defiance of the mainstream.

Up next.. Jammin' Salmons...