Jax Music on Display

There are no greater musical ambassadors that Jacksonville can lay claim to than Lynyrd Skynyrd . . . but long gone are the days that monolithic labels define the city's musical climate. The area is home to myriad musicians that brilliantly represent a wide spectrum of genres, many that have commanded national attention. Be that guy or gal that can say, "I saw them in a club before they were super popular," you know, in that self-rewarding, haughty way. There is no better occasion than the Conmoto Art & Music Festival to get the chance.

In addition to the ol’ DIY ethic and talent, we can thank the supportive, unique venues that have helped foster what the kids like to call the scene. Great beer specials, fantastic sound systems and the intermittent touch of shanty chic . . . the Conmoto has enlisted the best Jacksonville spots for this tremendous event.

The various Conmoto sites will feature different types of music. Below you will find a guide to what genres will be featured where. Don't be afraid to try a little of everything, frankly, it's all quite delicious.

Florida Theatre, Opening Night
The meticulously restored Florida Theatre is celebrated as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast. Since 1927, it has served as Jacksonville’s premier entertainment venue hosting everything from ballet and opera to contemporary rock, jazz and country acts.

The opening night of the Conmoto Art & Music Festival will be held at the beautiful Florida Theatre and feature headlining acts from the Jacksonville area.

Burrito Gallery, Live in the Urb Garden
The Burrito Gallery has quickly made itself a downtown Jacksonville cultural and dining staple. Tasty fare made with fresh ingredients, a full bar and outside seating with a stage that hosts frequent live music are just a few of the reasons why the Burrito Gallery has become so popular. My personal fav is the blackened shrimp burrito, just the right amount of bite to necessitate a cold beer.

The Free Family Stage at the Burrito Gallery will feature entertainment appropriate for all ages, no ticket required.

The London Bridge, Punk Rock. Hardcore. Metal.
The London Bridge is an English pub and eatery that offers a full bar with numerous beers on tap, pool tables, hearty pub fare and that neighbourhood touch that makes you feel like, "I could definitely get sloshed here tonight."

What more fitting a venue than The London Bridge to deliver the punk rock quotient of the festival. Fists up, snarl on and authority be gone!

The Sinclair,Indie Shoegazer, Post Rock, and Alt-Country
The Sinclair is a new, but already popular night spot in downtown Jacksonville. Enjoy the wide selection from their full bar and cozy atmosphere conducive to fantastic live experiences . . . that's a euphemism for it being kind of small, but it's awesome, so quit complaining.

Get arty and literary while you drink some craft beer or sip on some wine.

Cafe 331, Hip-Hop
Enjoy deli fare with Mediterranean flare at Café 331.

What what! Jacksonville has an amazing hip-hop movement and it is on display in town almost any day of the week when Ian Ranne throws Hip Hop Hell at various venues in the area. He already does Jax hip-hop so well that we asked him to do it for the Conmoto.

TSI, Indie Rock & Pop
TSI offers a wide selection of beer and wine, pool tables and a spacious stage perfect for an intimate live music experience. Sit back and drink in the hipster scene with outdoor seating—an unbeatable space when the elements are cooperative.

Dive Bar, Rock, Roll & Jazz
It's loud, it's boisterous and it's fun. The Dive Bar is a preferred spot of Jacksonville residents of all walks for the wide selection of music and atmosphere. A full bar, dance floor and several enclaves make for a night of drunken revelry.

Although not usually a live music venue, they make an exception for Conmoto. Come enjoy this classic downtown pop culture themed bar in a whole new light when filled with live rock. 21 and up only.

Conmoto Art & Music Festival

For fifteen years, the Conmoto Trench Festival has brought dedicated music lovers and hundreds of local bands together in the name of supporting HabiJax.

This year, festival participants will be able to experience the visual expression of Jacksonville’s artists, hence our brand spanking new name, the Conmoto Art & Music Festival. In keeping with this year’s motif (the Vedic goddess Kali), the theme for Conmoto Art will be Destroy/Rebuild. Though not required, all participating artists are encouraged to create and display artwork inspired by the Destroy/Rebuild theme.

The Conmoto Art Show is a juried show offering awards for Best of Show and Best Thematic Work, as well as three Honorable Mentions. The panel of jurors will soon be announced.

Hey There Mr. or Mrs. Artiste . . . What Say You Get Involved?
The Conmoto Art & Music Festival wants artwork from Jacksonville artists to be displayed at all participating music venues as well as a space designated specifically for the Conmoto Art Show. If you’re an artist in the Jacksonville area and interested in participating in the Conmoto Art & Music Festival, send an email to imartsyfartsy@gmail.com with your name and 7 or more images of your work with titles, sizes, price and media or fill out the form on this page.

If you have chosen to create and/or display a work inspired by the Destroy/Rebuilt theme, please email a photo of that work as soon as possible.

Artists will receive an email confirming his/her acceptance with instructions for drop-off, hanging, pick-up and claiming awards.

Art for Sale to Festival Goers

What better way to adorn your walls than with the perfect piece produced by local talent? The days of Klimt prints and tattered band and movie posters can be long gone as you display an original work from one of the many local artists participating in the Conmoto Art & Music Festival. Proceeds are split between the artist and Americans for the Arts (artsusa.org). Further information will be available at the participating venues.