Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee

Another wave of musical magic is rolling into town this weekend.

The Tallahassee Symphony is rocking A Classical Mystery tour celebration of The Beatles for Opening Nights on Saturday.

The Brook & The Bluff, an indie-folk group with Alabama roots and a new album, "Bluebeard," lands at the 926 Bar & Grill on Monday.

The Anderson Brickler Gallery presents a talk for their "Reflections & Reckoning: Brown v. Board of Education at 70" exhibit and Gadsden Arts opens a traveling show featuring a series of prints by celebrated artist Jacob Lawrence.

Here's a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts online listings and elsewhere.

1. The Brook & The Bluff

Taking their name from neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama, Nashville-based The Brook & The Bluff splash down at 926 Bar, 926 W. Tharpe St., at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in support of their third studio album, "Bluebeard." Willis and Tallahassee's Sofia Camille open the show, presented by Glory Days and Cow Haus. Tickets are $20 advance, $23 day of show.

Frontman Joseph Settine grew up in Bluff Park and bassist Fred Lankford grew up in Mountain Brook. The duo founded the band in 2015 during their senior year at Auburn University, and rounded out the sound with drummer John Canada, keyboardist Kevin Canada and Guitarist Alec Bolton.

Last year, the band celebrated sold-out North American headline tour dates in New York, DC, Nashville, Chicago, Boston, Austin and Toronto. Early fan response to "Bluebeard," released Sept. 15, 2023, suggests it will be a breakthrough. Singles “Long Limbs,” “Tangerine,” “Headfirst,”& “Hiding,” are tracks that show the depth of the album, a mix of indie folk, fused with touches of funk and deep groves.

The Brook & The Bluff seem to be perched at folk-rock’s contemporary edge, fusing the craft of the past with the ideas and avenues of the present.

Show: Texas songwriter James McMurtry brings Florida stories to concert at The Moon

2. Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles with Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

The Beatles come to life with a little help from friends like the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Tickets for Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles are $35-$65. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu.

Since its initial performance in 1996, Classical Mystery Tour has become the #1 Symphony Pops attraction over the two decades. The group has been performing consistently for nearly 25 years with more than 100 orchestras in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia and has performed with America’s most prestigious orchestras, including The Cleveland Orchestra, The Boston Pops and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

3. American Legion finds Rhythm Remedy

The Rhythm Remedy takes the stage for its first show of the year at the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive, on Friday, Feb. 16. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and there is a $10 cover charge.

The Rhythm Remedy includes frontman singer Mark Blair, Michael Brawer on bass, Greg Moore on drums, Stephen Vangorder  on keys, and Bill Landing and Tom Buchanan as the FZB Horns.  This week former Acme Rhythm & Blues member Rick Redmond will be filling in on guitar. The band is known for getting folks on the dance and covers a big list of rockin' soul, Motown, funk and more.

4. Young Actors take on a first with 'Romeo & Juliet'

Young Actors Theatre will open William Shakespeare’s "Romeo & Juliet" at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, running through Feb. 25. The production marks the first time Young Actors has presented a work by William Shakespeare, and the two households of Fair Verona have been given a modern setting.

Beyond the tragic ending, the director Jessica Cavanagh, a YAT alum, emphasizes the case for unity and understanding in our society. “It’s sobering to realize how little human beings have changed since Shakespeare’s day,” Cavanagh said. “What does it take for us to stop villainizing each other and recognize our common humanity? Shakespeare seemed convinced that the deaths of two cherished young people, one on each side, would be enough to wake up their community and bring people together.”

The production features a cast of YAT Highschool Company Members, including Grahntham Durham and Yanni Xifaris double-cast as Romeo, and Brooke Baum and Emma Cheatham as Juliet. YAT Alumni Kassidy Canova and Tyler Brown serve guest artists, and the show includes original art by Matthew McCarron, costumes by Colleen Towey, set design by Derek Nieves, and lighting by Emma Smith.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $15. Visit youngactorstheatre.com.

5. Cirque Italia goes nostalgic

Cirque Italia’s Gold Unit performers zoom back to a time when hula hoops and soda fountains were abundant, Elvis Presley dominated the airwaves, greased hair was all the rage, and street racing was a parent’s greatest concern.

Catch the show Feb. 15-18 at Governor's Square parking lot, 1500 Apalachee Parkway under the white & blue big top tent. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17; and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.

Tickets range from $10-$50. Cirque Italia offers one free child admission with every full priced paying adult ticket in levels 2 or 3. . Visit cirqueitalia.com/tickets.

Bonus event: Breaking barriers at Anderson Brickler Gallery

Anderson Brickler Gallery, 1747 S. Adams St., presents "Reflections & Reckoning: Brown v. Board of Education at 70," running through May 18. Featured artists include Debra Ambush, Ted Ellis, Melvin McCray and Tavini Williams. A talk on "Breaking Barriers: Desegregation Era in America will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

Althemese Barnes, a local historian and preservationist, and Harold Knowles, a noted Tallahassee attorney and one of the first Black students to attend desegregated Leon High School, will be the guide through the tumultuous journey of dismantling racial segregation in education. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the past, reflect on the present, and envision a more inclusive future. Doors will open at 2 p.m.

Bonus event: Gadsden Arts features acclaimed artist

The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum will be exhibiting three famous series of prints by artist Jacob Lawrence from Feb. 17-May 4, with a public Opening Reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, and an informative talk at 5:30 p.m.

Lawrence is a widely celebrated artist from the 20th century who has captivated viewers worldwide since his work was first acquired by major museums in 1940. Lawrence created artworks that share important chapters in human history through his colorful, emotionally evocative style.

OTHER EVENTS

Blue Tavern: Steve Malono plays happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., followed at 8 p.m by Ric Edmiston, who has written some of the most beautiful, expressive, and twisted songs ever to come out of our fair city. $10 cover. 3rd Saturday Traditional Irish Session cranks up from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, followed by a double header. Miles Sullivan will open the show at 7 p.m. with blues guitar work. At 9, Jen Clark will be joined by Chris Seepersaud on guitar and vox, Therese Whichello on keys and vox, and Jack Straub and Reo Morris holding down the rhythm. $10 cover. Conor Churchill plays happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Jon Copps. $5 cover. Donny Shrum is on from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. On Thursday at 5 p.m. it's Rachel's Reading Club, followed at 7 p.m. with Haiku Jam & Movie Night.

Theater: History and drama merge in play with Tallahassee ties to Bricklers, Tubman, DuBois

Descendants Speak: Quincy-native Chad Lawson Cooper will bring his production of his own off-Broadway play, “The Descendants Speak,” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at Florida A&M’s Lee Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $100; purchase by phone: 212-786-6460 or eventbrite.com; Riley House offering special $50 tickets for limited time at 850-891-3560.

Furaha: Black Heritage Festival: The Furaha Festival is a celebration of joy, culture, and community. Held annually, the festival features local food vendors, artists, and musicians, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Black community, from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, HalisiAfrica at Railroad Square Art District.

House of Music: The Mae West Band is back at 8 p.m. Friday, 2011 S. Monroe St., celebrating 10 years. Steve Lewis (original member), covering the bass guitar and vocals. Cliff Sherry (original member), covers drums and vocals, Dave Bennage (original member) covers guitar and vocals, and Dan Owens (newest member) has the lead vocal role. $10. Singer/songwriter, and the powerhouse vocals behind the band 850, Maurice Mangum performs in the bar at 5 p.m. Sunday, followed by karaoke.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: With the weather warming up, Great Oaks Pub is moving outside from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, with the blues power group, Big Poppa and the Shuffle Brothers. Great food and a full bar. No cover, public welcome, call 850-942-4653 for reservations.

Goodwood Museum and Gardens: Vines of Diversity: An Exploration of Black-Owned Wineries, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at Goodwood, 1600 Miccosukee Road. Tickets are $40. Indulge in a delightful selection of wines from talented Black winemakers (curated by Hummingbird Wine Bar). Visit goodwoodmuseum.org.

LeMoyne Arts: Radiant Wonders: Exploring Nature's Brilliance With Nancy Jefferson, Jim Miller, & Dan Taylor runs through Feb. 24, artists talk at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, featuring photographer Jim Miller, painter Dan Taylor, and ceramist Nancy Jefferson. LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St. Beer by DEEP Brewing Co. Free for LeMoyne Arts members, $5 for non-members.

926 Bar: Daddy's Beemer w/ Homemade Haircuts, Copyright Claim at 926 Bar, 921 W. Tharpe St., on Thursday. Doors open at 8 p.m. show at 9 p.m.  $13 advance, $15 day of show.

The Sound Bar: Jack Lovely & The Queen High Straight perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. Mae West Band takes the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee this weekend