Ambar Ramirez

1 month ago | folioweekly.com | Ambar Ramirez

Words by Ambar RamirezThe show begins like any other. Overhead lights dim, stage lights flare and the crowd roars. Backstage, a woman adjusts her smudged eyeliner and pulls her fur-lined coat tight as she watches the band take the stage. She’s not with the band or part of the crew—at least, not officially. She’s a groupie. The term “groupie” has long swayed between admiration and criticism. On one end of the spectrum, groupies were seen as sexual fanatics — symbols of anti-feminism and obsession.

1 month ago | folioweekly.com | Ambar Ramirez

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Photos by Amiyah GoldenEvery band has its origin story — and for Jacksonville’s own cold wave trio Glass Chapel, it all began brewing in 2022 at the Bold Bean in Jacksonville Beach. By day, frontman Jake Phillips was serving up matcha lattes and double shots of espresso; by night, he was lost in a haze of synth loops, carving out a solo sound under the name Falling Dots.

1 month ago | folioweekly.com | Ambar Ramirez

Words by Ambar RamirezDisclaimer: If you’re a dedicated gym bro or loyal to one workout spot, this article might not be for you. But if you’re open to trying new and exciting ways to break a sweat, keep reading. In just one week, I took a Pilates class, a barre class, a cycling class, and a hot yoga class — each at a different studio, all booked through ClassPass. But is ClassPass worth the monthly subscription, or is it better to stick with one gym or studio? Let’s dive in.

1 month ago | folioweekly.com | Ambar Ramirez

Words by Ambar RamirezWhen one closet door closes, another one opens. While few and far between, our Bold City is still home to several gay bars. And just as the history of such businesses is worth highlighting, it’s important to uplift the ones still standing today. After all, history is made every day. Park Place Lounge:Founded 31 years ago on Park Street, Park Place Lounge stands as one of Jacksonville’s oldest gay bars.