Dive into the heart of Jacksonville's vibrant music scene as we take you behind the velvet rope at the historic Florida Theatre with board member and marketing committee head Carolyn Klucha. What begins as a chance meeting at a Dave Koz concert blossoms into a revealing conversation about one of Jacksonville's most treasured cultural landmarks.

Carolyn pulls back the curtain on the exclusive perks of Florida Theatre membership that most locals don't know about – from guaranteed premium seating and pre-sale access to the newly renovated VIP lounge where Jacksonville's music lovers connect. You'll discover why this 1,800-seat venue, hosting over 300 shows annually, just won the prestigious Outstanding Historic Theater of 2025 award and what exciting renovations are underway as it approaches its centennial celebration in 2027.

Our conversation weaves through unforgettable performances from Yacht Rock to Mummified funk bands, exploring how the theater creates magical first concert experiences while preserving musical legacies. We share laughs about Carolyn's mission to recruit new members (spoiler: she's ruthlessly persuasive) and her unexpected journey into bourbon appreciation through a fundraiser auction win.

The episode culminates with details about the upcoming Blues, Brews, Bourbon and BBQ fundraiser on August 21st at Bowie Oaks – a perfect opportunity to support this Jacksonville treasure while sampling the best local flavors. Whether you're a longtime Jacksonville resident or planning your first visit, this episode reveals why the Florida Theatre sits at the crossroads of the city's past, present, and future music culture.

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