Country music fans in Jacksonville have more than just the George Straight concert to look forward to next week. Whisky River is gearing up for the Country Music Hall of Famer’s show by hosting the Official George Strait Warm-up Party headlined by James Wesley on Thursday night, January 27.

Wesley scored two songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2010 – “Jackson Hole,” which peaked at No. 41, and “Real,” which reached No. 25 on the chart. Both singles will be on Real, Wesley’s first album on Broken Bow Records, which is slated for a March release. Previously Wesley was signed to Warner Bros. Records and released an album as James Prosser entitled Life Goes On in 1999.

McDonald’s kicks off the new year with the national introduction of its new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, a wholesome and balanced menu option available during breakfast and throughout the entire day. Delivering two of the three recommended daily servings for whole grains and about a half cup of fruit, Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is McDonald’s first new breakfast offering since 2008.

Libretto’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen is set to open this weekend adjacent to St. Johns Town Center in The Markets at Town Center. Although the restaurant is new to Jacksonville, its roots can be traced to owner Mike Libretto’s childhood in New York.