Scene Calendar: Mindwalk, Elio Piedra, Gruv Therapy, EG Kight, more
MUSIC
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Mindwalk will perform contemporary jazz.
Elio Piedra: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW First Lane, Newberry. Free entry; food for sale. (tinyurl.com/eliopiedrajune24) Elio Piedra is a musician, drummer, entertainer, singer, arranger, composer and voting member at LARAS & NARAS Academy. He was born in Cuba and began his musical career at the age of 10 at the Arts Conservatory Raul Sanchez. At 15, he gained entry into the National Conservatory of Music Carlos Hidalgo, where he continued to hone his craft, even touring Cuba with the symphony orchestra.
Feel the Music 2: 11 a.m. Saturday, High Springs Lions Club, 26900 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Tickets: $10, free ages 11 and younger. (tinyurl.com/ftm224) Proceeds will benefit the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Music event featuring local bands, vendors, auction and raffles. Bring your own chairs. No coolers. No pets; service animals welcome.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Gruv Therapy will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
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Billy Currington: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets: $44-$79. (904-209-0367, theamp.com) Billy Currington’s latest album bears the breezy title “Summer Forever,” but the Georgia native has spent more than a decade in the spotlight proving he’s truly a man for all seasons.
EG Kight: 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $20-$25. (ncfblues.org, heartwoodsoundstage.com) The North Central Florida Blues Society brings EG Kight to Gainesville for a solo acoustic gig. Bear and Robert open the show.
Mean Mary: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Lightnin' Salvage, 1800 NE 23rd Ave. Free. (meanmary.com) The international touring musician will perform songs from all of her albums and many old favorites as well.
Sunny Sweeney: 8-10 p.m. Thursday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $20-$25. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Sunny Sweeney, a genre-bending, songwriting spitfire who has spent equal time in the rich musical traditions of Texas and Tennessee, returns with “Married Alone,” the celebrated singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album and the follow-up to 2017’s critically acclaimed “Trophy.”
THEATER
Ali Siddiq: 7 p.m. Friday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $30-$125. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Ali Siddiq is stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston. His unique style of stand-up began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories.
“Treasure Island”: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Based on the masterful adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Treasure Island” is an epic adventure from Ken Ludwig. It begins at an inn on the Devon coast of England, and quickly becomes an unforgettable tale of treachery and mayhem featuring a host of legendary swashbucklers.
“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through June 23, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish master of ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all of their troubles at the Cabaret. With the emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles.
“Dead Man’s Cellphone”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through June 30, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) An incessantly ringing cellphone in a quiet cafe. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man — with a lot of loose ends. So begins “Dead Man’s Cellphone,” a wildly imaginative new comedy by Sara Ruhl. A work about how we memorialize the dead — and how that remembering changes us.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays through July 21, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $10-$30. (thehipp.org/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee) Join an eclectic group of six young people who compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Content Advisory: PG-13. Play discusses race, LGBTQ+ themes, and has some profanity and strong language.
DANCE
Cameron Dancenter Annual Production: 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $6, free ages 2 and younger. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Cameron Dancenter’s 41st annual production.
“Room to Dance”: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $15 adults; $9 seniors, students, military service members and children 12 and younger; free for SF students, faculty and staff with college ID cards. (395-4181, showpass.com/room-to-dance-3) Students in the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe will present the student-choreographed audience favorite with a question-and-answer “talkback” between the audience and the student choreographers following each performance.
“Gameday”: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, University Auditorium, 333 Newell Drive. Tickets: $17, $12 ages 2-10, free ages 1 and younger. (performingarts.ufl.edu) IndepenDANCE’s 15th annual production.
ET CETERA
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Visit: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday plus Thursday, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, 5579 Darwood St., Melrose. Cost: Suggested $10 donation per person. (tinyurl.com/rasvmar24, rooterville.org) From playful pigs to gobbling turkeys, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Connect with rescued animals and learn about the importance of animal welfare. All proceeds help care for the animals. You are welcome to bring snacks to feed the critters or buy them on site. They love baby carrots, strawberries, grapes, sliced apples and some veggies. Tickets are limited to 20 guests per 1.5-hour time slot.
Summer at the Library: Florida Wildlife Safari Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through summer, Archer Library,13266 SW SR 450, Archer. Free. (aclib.us) Every week throughout the summer, the library will unveil a photo of a Florida bird or animal track for you to identify. These photos will feature QR codes that lead to recordings of the animals' calls.
Summer at the Library: Adventures Around the World — Anna Moo: 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (aclib.us) Travel with Anna Moo to hear songs and stories from around the world. Celebrate animals, people and the planet with songs from Florida to Mexico and Africa to China.
Summer at the Library: Dungeons and Dragons Summer Shivers: 3-5 p.m. Fridays through June 28, Newberry Library, 110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry. Free. (aclib.us) Children ages 8-14 will play through a Dungeons and Dragons campaign in four parts over four weeks while learning the basics from an expert Dungeon Master. Along the way, they will practice and learn skills in math and teamwork. All supplies will be provided, but you can bring your own dice, figure, etc. if you prefer.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. County Road 225. Tickets: $35 adults, $15 ages 2-11, free ages 1 and younger; $45 motorized-vehicle tours. (carsonspringswildlife.org, 468-2827, [email protected]) Take a tour — on foot or in a tour vehicle — of Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation with big-cat feeding demonstrations and up-close encounters with the animals.
Reader Palooza: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. Free. (aclib.us/Summer) Kickoff to Summer at the Library featuring Santa Fe College, Fun 4 Gator Kids, Matheson Museum, UF HealthStreet, Okito America, Sun Country Sports, Lynx Bookstore, NAMI Gainesville, Florida Virtual School and more.
Historic Haile Homestead Tour: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 Archer Road. Entrance: $5 ages 12 and older, free ages 11 and younger. (hailehomestead.org) The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the nation for its "Talking Walls.''
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Cost: $15-$20. (lubee.org) Visit with the world’s largest bats in a small-event setting. Speak with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, and explore the Lubee grounds.
Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks.
POSTPONED - Brew at the Zoo: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 Northwest 83rd St. Tickets: $60, $25 for non-drinkers. (showpass.com/brewatthezoo2024) For ages 21 and older. All ticket sales include admission to the zoo, animal encounters, beer and food tastings, live entertainment, food trucks, games and commemorative souvenir cup. All funds raised will directly support the zoo and its mission to educate, inspire and secure a future for wildlife. Held rain or shine.
Journey to Juneteenth: Film Festival Meet the Artist and Reception: 5-6 p.m. Saturday, A. Quinn Jones Museum, 1013 NW Seventh Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Evening showcasing independent films crafted by local filmmakers. Among the highlights, award-winning shorts filmmaker Myquel Lewis presents "A Time to Heal," a narrative exploring the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship as the daughter embarks on a new chapter of her life.
Carnival Classic: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Balance 180, 6527 NW 18th Drive. Tickets: $5. (balance180.org) Annual competition event featuring games, bounce houses, obstacle courses, performers, treats and more.
Haile Equestrian Center Movie Nights: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Haile Equestrian Center, 7680 SW 46th Blvd. Cost: Free for Haile Equestrian members, $40 for non-members. (haileequestrian.com) From classic horse movies to current films, these movie nights are all about horses. Popcorn and drinks provided, bring other movie snacks if you wish and a comfy blanket to watch with.
Journey to Juneteenth: Greatest Graduation Party "For the Culture": 6-9 p.m. Saturday, MLK Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th St. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Community event featuring DJ Sed, games, food and the PowerUp Experience. Explore future opportunities at the career fair and honor outstanding young leaders at the Standing on Business youth awards.
Gainesville Cars and Coffee: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Road. Free. (tinyurl.com/gccmarch242) Family friendly gathering open to all automotive enthusiasts. Get together for a cup of coffee and show off each other’s vehicles regardless of if it’s an import, exotic, classic or jalopy.
Journey to Juneteenth: Smooth Flava Line Dancing Party: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Join Smooth Flava for a line-dance party.
Journey to Juneteenth: The History of the Seminole Nation: “Unchained and Unconquered”: 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE Seventh Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Discussion and Q&A session with renowned writer and professor Dr. Anthony Dixon, the author of “Florida’s African Diaspora Timeline” and his most critically acclaimed work, “Florida’s Negro War: Black Seminoles and the Second Seminole War.”
Summer at the Library: Amazing Animal Adaptations Santa Fe Zoo: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, High Springs Library, 23779 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Free. (aclib.us) Join the zookeepers and meet animals from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to learn about the traits animals have to survive in their homes.
Summer at the Library: So You Want to be a Songwriter?! Anna Moo: 3-4 p.m. Monday, Newberry Library, 110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry. Free. (aclib.us) Do you watch “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice?” Somebody has to write the songs and music being used. Have you ever wanted to write a song? Join award-winning songwriter Anna Moo to learn about the basics of songwriting, and then write a song together.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
Summer at the Library: “Reading in Motion” SeanTmusic: 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Waldo Library, 15150 NE U.S. 301, Waldo. Free. (aclib.us) Blend poetry and rhythm with global drums for a captivating engagement with the written word. “Reading in Motion” is a dynamic and innovative program designed to enhance engagement with the written word through the captivating synergy of poetry and rhythm. By integrating the power of music with the art of storytelling, "Reading in Motion" provides an enriching and immersive experience that inspires students to explore the written word with enthusiasm and creativity. Maximum of 40 attendees.
Summer at the Library: “Reading in Motion” SeanTmusic: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Cone Park Library, 2801 E. University Ave. Free. (aclib.us) Blend poetry and rhythm with global drums for a captivating engagement with the written word. “Reading in Motion” is a dynamic and innovative program designed to enhance engagement with the written word through the captivating synergy of poetry and rhythm. By integrating the power of music with the art of storytelling, "Reading in Motion" provides an enriching and immersive experience that inspires students to explore the written word with enthusiasm and creativity. Maximum of 40 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Science Surprises: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Alachua Library, 14913 NW 140th St., Alachua. Free. (aclib.us) The Florida Museum of Natural History presents Science Surprises. In this program, participants will explore natural phenomena and how they occur by understanding the nature of science. Attendees will become better observers and problem solvers while also learning to use their creativity and communication skills. Maximum of 20 attendees.
Summer at the Library: Science Surprises: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (aclib.us) The Florida Museum of Natural History presents Science Surprises. In this program, participants will explore natural phenomena and how they occur by understanding the nature of science. Attendees will become better observers and problem solvers while also learning to use their creativity and communication skills. Maximum of 20 attendees.
Summer at the Library: So You Want to be a Songwriter?! Anna Moo: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Hawthorne Library, 6640 SE 221st St., Hawthorne. Free. (aclib.us) Do you watch “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice?” Somebody has to write the songs and music being used. Have you ever wanted to write a song? Join award-winning songwriter Anna Moo to learn about the basics of songwriting, and then write a song together.
Summer at the Library: Bats at the Library: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Archer Library,13266 SW SR 450, Archer. Free. (aclib.us) Visit with real, live bats and flying foxes from the Lubee Bat Conservancy.
Summer at the Library: Amazing Animal Adaptations Santa Fe Zoo: 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Newberry Library, 110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry. Free. (aclib.us) Join the zookeepers and meet animals from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to learn about the traits animals have to survive in their homes.
Summer at the Library: So You Want to be a Songwriter?! Anna Moo: 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Alachua Library, 14913 NW 140th St., Alachua. Free. (aclib.us) Do you watch “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice?” Somebody has to write the songs and music being used. Have you ever wanted to write a song? Join award-winning songwriter Anna Moo to learn about the basics of songwriting, and then write a song together.
CASTING CALL
“Lightning Thief”: 7 p.m. Sunday-Monday, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave. Free. (acrosstown.org) This is an ARTy production that focuses on providing opportunities for youths to participate, but several parts also will be played by adults. Ages and genders are flexible, at the discretion of the director. All races, colors, sizes, genders, gender identities and experience levels welcome. Some actors may play multiple roles.
Capella Nova: Auditions beginning at 5 p.m. July 23, Abiding Savior, 9700 W. Newberry Road. Free; registration required. (904-535-4779) Singers can audition for the 2024-25 season with the unaffiliated, classically oriented ensemble. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings September through April. No preparation is needed. For those with unavoidable conflicts, additional and later dates may be available.
ART
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Turning Tides: Save the Ocean Through Invention!” The museum is staying green and going blue. The ocean blankets the planet, covering a staggering 70% of its surface. As humanity brainstorms ways to keep our home-sweet-home happy and healthy, visionaries are no longer looking to the stars, but to the sea for solutions. Embark on a journey through inventions that are fostering a planetary partnership toward a greener future and bluer planet; “Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention!” Created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with the Heirs of Rube Goldberg, the exhibition showcases Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions and celebrates his humorous storytelling and inventive cartoons. Inspired by Goldberg’s original illustrations, the exhibit contains a collection of new 3-D, life-size machines and hands-on, interactive components that connect Goldberg’s iconic cartoon contraptions to the way things work in the physical world; “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers.” This exhibit explores the joys, pains and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his second solo studio album, “Wildflowers” (1994). Featuring artifacts previously on display at the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the exhibit allows guests to listen to first-hand accounts from Petty and the Wildflowers team about the album’s spirited creation. On display through Oct. 20. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org)
Cedar Key Arts Center: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday open studio; Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 457 Second St., Cedar Key. (543-5801, cedarkeyartscenter.org)
Florida Museum of Natural History: “Science Up Close: Incredible Insects” exhibit on display through summer. Visitors will have opportunities to interact with live bugs from Florida, view a busy ant colony at work and learn all about the insects that live among us. Tickets: $10 adults; $9 Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 ages 3-17; free museum members and ages 2 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “Weeklong Solo/Curated Shows and Member Postcards” on display through June 22; “Invitations to Presence,” featuring works by Melody Lozano, on display June 5-8; “My Journey,” featuring works by Bob Senesac, on display June 11-15; “Botany to Biomorphia,” featuring works by Linda McVay, on display June 19-22; “Summer Showcase 2024” on display June 25-July 20; “Hair” on display July 23-Aug. 24; “Biennial National Juried Exhibition — Heat” on display Aug. 27-Oct. 19; “Nostalgia” on display Oct. 22-Nov. 23; “Winter Showcase 2024” on display Nov. 26-Dec. 20. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, [email protected])
Harn Museum of Art: “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display through July; “Windows and Mirrors,” staff selections from the photography collection, on display through Nov. 3; “Metamorphosis: Reshaping Contemporary Art,” featuring artists who are rethinking traditional materials and techniques to create innovative works of art, on display through Oct. 26, 2025; “Kaleidoscope of Colors in Asian Art,” introducing a fresh perspective for visitors’ exploration and appreciation of Asian art through the prism of colors, on display through April 26, 2026. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)
Matheson History Museum: “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall,” showcasing dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer. Also featured is a display of Bo Diddley artifacts, including one of Bo’s signature square box guitars. Written by music journalist Bill DeYoung and designed by historian Rick Kilby, this unique exhibit celebrates a golden age in the University City’s musical history, the likes of which may never be seen again. On display through Saturday; “Voices and Votes: Alachua County,” which focuses on the local history of elections, civil rights, and more, on display June 26 through early 2025; “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” traveling exhibition on display July 20-Sept. 7 with a grand opening on July 20; “Weaving a Community: 30 Years of the Matheson History Museum,” an all-encompassing view of the Matheson’s history and its origins; “When Johnny Came Marching Home: Some Gave All – All Gave Some,” remembering those who came home from war with both physical and mental wounds, on display outside. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)
Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Works by Carron Wedlund on display through June 30, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Friday; Gainesville Modern Quilters on display July 5-28, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. July 5; August featured artist Linda Zidonik Aug. 2-25, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Aug. 2; Works by Candace McCaffery on display Aug. 31-Sept. 29, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6; Works by Kay Deuben on display Oct. 4-27, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Oct. 4; Special Pre-Holiday Gifts Show to be held Nov. 1-10, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 3; 2024 Holiday Invitational to be held Nov. 16-Dec. 29, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)
Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puig on display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. June 14, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Loosey’s Downtown Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. June 21, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Little Wings Studio Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. June 28, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Mei, Now Leaving Space and The Mermers will perform.
Bryan Bielanski: 10 p.m. July 1, University Club, 18 E University Ave. Free. (ucnightclub.com) Imagine Nirvana and the Beatles had a kid together who became an acoustic rock singer-songwriter — that's Bryan Bielanski. Although he is inspired by some of the rock greats like Tom Petty and REM, he has a distinct musical style and lyrics that make audiences think deep thoughts and feel like they're really alive.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 5, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Pet Detectives will perform ’90s alt-rock covers.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 12, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The ox Showcase featuring Short Stack, Cooper and Wiley Gaby.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. July 13, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) D.R. Band and Soul Fire will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 19, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The Gainesville Big Band will perform jazz/swing.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. July 26, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) MusicGNV Showcase: Tribute to Gainesville Bands.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 2 Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) TBD.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 9, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Stereo Vudu will perform rock, blues and funk.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 10, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Swing Theory will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 16, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) D.R. Band and Soul Fire will perform R&B, neo-soul and funk.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 23, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) PULP Arts Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 30, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) The Lions of Jah will perform reggae.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 6, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) FEST 22 Showcase.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 13, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) TBD.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Brazil Side B will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 20, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Morningbell will perform psychedelic rock and soul.
“Free Fridays” Concert: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 27, Bo Diddley Plaza amphitheater, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Free-Fridays-Concert-Series) Savants of Soul will perform soul.
Suwannee Roots Revival: All day Oct. 10-13, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: $160-$275. (suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets) Artists include Old Crow Medicine Show, Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan Band, Della Mae, Henhouse Prowlers, The Ain’t Sisters, Kaleta and Super Yamba Band, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Sloppy Joe, Quartermoon and Magic Moon Traveling Circus.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 12, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Marty Liquori Jazztet will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Ed Roth Trio will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Natalie Rella Jazz will perform on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Journey to Juneteenth: Freedom Walk 5K: 7-10:30 a.m. June 15, Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Walk meant to educate and engage the community on the rich history, legacy and resilience of Black Americans locally and nationally.
Journey to Juneteenth: Freedom Fest 2024: 3-9 p.m. June 15, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free; items and food for sale. (gainesvillefl.gov) Annual music and arts festival in its third year featuring live performances, art exhibits, food trucks, small-business vendors, community organization booths, children’s activities including bounce house and popcorn machine, elder's corner and more.
Movie Night: 6:30 p.m. June 15, Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE Seventh Ave. Free; registration requested. (cottonclubmuseum.com) June is Black Music Month, and in celebration the museum will be showing the 2022 Academy Award-winning documentary “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Sunday Assembly: 11 a.m. June 16, Pride Center located in the Springhill Professional Center, 3850 NW 83rd St., Suite 201. Free. ([email protected], sagainesville.weebly.com) Sunday Assembly will host Michael Hall, a senior advisor at the International Medical Corps, the Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization that has delivered health services and training in conflict and disaster zones in more than 80 countries since 1984. The title of Hall’s talk will be “International Medical Corps Working in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Around the World.” Music will be provided by Sunday Assembly musicians with the opportunity to sing along. There will be a potluck lunch following the talk and program. It also is possible to attend via Zoom.
Journey to Juneteenth: Tha Cookout: A Juneteenth and Fatherhood Celebration: Noon-6 p.m. June 16, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Tickets: $0-$40. (gainesvillefl.gov) Celebration of Black unity and fatherhood featuring food, music, lawn games, card games, dancing and family centered competitions. Spades enthusiasts will have an opportunity to participate in a spades tournament to become the 2024 reigning champion.
Journey to Juneteenth: “Justice on Trial — Reloaded:” Off Broadway Play: 6 p.m. June 16, Upper Room Ministries, 3575 NE 15th St. Tickets: See website for details. (gainesvillefl.gov, thechadcoopercompany.com) Time-traveling witnesses, including Harriet Tubman, Medgar Evers, Emmett Till, and Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois testify on behalf of civil rights attorneys suing the U.S. Justice Department for $14 trillion in reparations. The play showcases these historical figures sharing their stories with a modern multicultural jury, culminating in discussions around Juneteenth.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. June 18-19, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “The Angry Birds Movie 2.”
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. June 25-26, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Despicable Me 3” and “Migration.”
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Cost: $15-$20. (lubee.org) Visit with the world’s largest bats in a small-event setting. Speak with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, and explore the Lubee grounds.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 9-10, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” and “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.”
Water Park Community Days: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 14, Kulaqua River Ranch, 23400 NW 212th Ave., High Springs. Cost: $18, free ages 3 and younger. (kulaqua.com) Annual discounted swimming days. Operators request that modest swimsuits be worn. Also, feel free to bring food and coolers, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the water park.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 16-17, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Sonic The Hedgehog.”
24|25 Season Preview: 7 p.m. July 16, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Free. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Attendees will get a sneak peek of more than 40 performances by Grammy award-winning and world-renowned artists slated for the upcoming season. Director Brian Jose will introduce artists through a presentation in which he shares his excitement about season highlights.
“In The Heights”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 19-Aug. 11, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) “In the Heights,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can decide which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.
Black Business Expo: Time TBA July 20, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Free entry; registration requested. (GBPinc.org) Event dedicated to celebrating and promoting the achievements of Black-owned businesses in the community.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 23-24, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Trolls Band Together” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. July 30-31, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” and “Kung Fu Panda 3.”
“The Wizard of Oz — Youth Edition”: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July/August, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a scarecrow with no brain, a tin man with no heart, and a lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness — and self-awareness — is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.
Baturdays of Summer: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 3, Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. Cost: $15-$20. (lubee.org) Visit with the world’s largest bats in a small-event setting. Speak with bat experts, sit in on educational presentations, and explore the Lubee grounds.
Summer Movie Express: 11 a.m. Aug. 6-7, Regal Royal Park, 3702 W. Newberry Road. Tickets: $1. (regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express) “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “Sing 2.”
Zach Williams and Tim Tebow: 7 p.m. Sept. 5, O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Ticket prices vary; see website for more information. (tinyurl.com/williamstebow) An evening of worship and inspiration, with a message of love, hope and God’s grace highlighting the importance of persevering in Christ through life’s challenges.