Lip-smackin' Sips and Bites at Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Held at Historic Florida Theatre, Jax

The Florida Theatre's Blues, Brews & BBQ,
presented by Publix Super Markets Charities

August 27, 2018: An entertainment venue such as The Florida Theatre usually evokes thoughts of "sights and sounds." On Thursday, August 23, attendees at the annual Blues, Brews and BBQ fest, held at the historic downtown Jacksonville landmark, could also add the sensory perception of "tastes" to the repertoire, as this event featured lip-smackin' sips and bites from local breweries and restaurants. From the bales of hay at the check-in doors to the red-checkered tablecloths and aromas of barbecue throughout, the theatre was transformed into a tasty night of food, craft beer, and music.  

The pictures pretty much tell the story, so let's get to it! While the photos are unable to convey the taste delights that undoubtedly made tongues and taste buds happy, this site cannot be responsible for any hunger pains or thirst that might result ... 

Singin' the Blues, Brews and BBQ at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, August 23

July 6, 2018: Get your summer checklist ready, Jacksonville! Local Barbecue. Local Beer. Local Music. Check! The Florida Theatre hosts its annual Blues, Brews and BBQ summer party on Thursday, August 23. 

One of the tastiest events to headline around the city, you'll be singin' the Blues, Brews and BBQ upstairs and downstairs at the historic theatre with the body-swaying sounds of blues music on the stage, while your taste buds delight in the revelry provided by the tantalizing barbecue, complemented by an assortment of craft beer.

View from upstairs, at 2017 Blues, Brews and BBQ
(photo: Linda Johnson)

Presented by Publix Supermarket Charities, a number of local favorites will once again serve unlimited samples of barbecue and beers, while the sounds of live continuous music by The Snacks Blues Band and Beale Street fill the air.

Keep going .... (photo: Linda Johnson)

"There is a natural alliance between the Florida Theatre, one of our city's premier arts institutions, and the best craft professionals working in our city's culinary arts' community," said Numa Saisselin, Florida Theatre President. "For $50, you get all the local craft beer you can drink and all the local BBQ you can eat, plus four hours of continuous live Blues music by two of our city's best Blues bands ... and it all benefits the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre."

Blues, Brews & BBQ at Florida Theatre, Jax: Eat, Drink, & Groove ... and Repeat!

It was tough to decide what to do first: get a craft beer from one of the local Jacksonville breweries or delve right into some saucy, lip-smackin' barbecue! Jacksonville's historic Florida Theatre hosted one tasty event last night at its annual Blues, Brews & BBQ fundraiser. The night featured seven local Jacksonville breweries and brewpubs, alongside six barbecue joints, with the sounds of smooth blues coming from the main stage. It was a night of sensory delight!

Located on the first floor were Engine 15 Brewing, Veterans United Craft Brewery, Intuition Ale Works, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Mojo No. 4, and Gilbert's Social. Upstairs on the level two were Bold City Brewery, Wicked Barley Brewing, Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery, River City Brewing, The Bearded Pig, Butt Hutt, and Monroe's Smokehouse & BBQ. Music was provided by Smokestack and The Snacks Blues Band. 

(Caution: You might get hungry and thirsty .....)

Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, Presents Tasty Blues, Brews & BBQ, August 24

[Updated: 8/13/2017]

It promises to be a winning recipe that'll satisfy your senses, and you'll be singing the brews all night long.  On Thursday, August 24, the Florida Theatre hosts its annual Blues, Brews & BBQ night which combines music, craft beer and barbecue dishes on both levels of the historic theatre. The fundraising event, once again presented by Publix Supermarket Charities, supports the historic theatre's mission of bringing celebrated arts and entertainment experiences to the community while preserving a historic landmark. The downtown Jacksonville venue has been a leading entertainment center since 1927, and it has hosted a number of different musical genres and entertainers over the years, to the tune of over 200 entertainment events annually. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Blues, Brews & BBQ: Singin' the Brews at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville

[Ed. Note: 8/22/2016: Late addition to the BBQ lineup: Bow Leg'z BBQ]

If you've ever attended a concert or show at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, you'll likely agree that every seat in the house is a good one and the acoustics enhance your experience at the historic ornate venue. After all, the theatre has been a leading entertainment center since 1927, and it's seen its share of different musical genres and entertainers over the years. As host of over 200 entertainment events annually, the Florida Theatre is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.