Scene Calendar: Old-Time Music Weekend, 'POTUS,' Walk and Talk, 'Florida Skies' and more
MUSIC
Stephen Foster Old-Time Music Weekend: 11 a.m. Friday-1 p.m. Sunday; see website for full schedule, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs. Tickets: $20 Friday-Saturday concerts; $10 Friday Florida Masters concert; $60 Friday or Sunday tuition; $10 Saturday Instructors Showcase concert; $120 Saturday-only tuition; $210 full-weekend tuition including all workshops, concerts and jams; $225 tuition with late fee including all workshops, concerts and jams. (stephenfostercso.org/event-5117433) Annual event featuring instruction in banjo, fiddle, guitar and vocals, as well as jams and concerts, and a Saturday mandolin track.
Zach Williams: 7:30 p.m. Friday, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Tickets: $39-$79. (904-209-0367, theamp.com) Music is meant to feel “lived-in,” not unlike a favorite old jacket or a first car. At least that’s what multiplatinum two-time Grammy Award-winning Arkansas-born and Nashville-based maverick Zach Williams would say. Through a fusion of southern rock spirit and country soul, Williams creates music with an exterior that is worn down in the best way, but all heart underneath rough guitar riffs and gravelly vocals.
Molly Hatchet: 8 p.m. Friday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $28 in advance, $32 day of show. (pvconcerthall.com) The rock band will perform with special guest DigDog.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Gainesville Community Band: 3 p.m. Sunday, Santa Fe College, Jackson N Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St., E-127. Tickets: $5 donation. (bit.ly/fsas23) The band’s first concert of the 2023-24 season will celebrate music from the stage and screen with both past and modern classics.
3 Doors Down: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Daily's Place Amphitheatre, 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville. Tickets: $19.50-$89.50. (dailysplace.com/events, 904-633-2000) The rock band will perform with special guest Candlebox as part of their “Away From The Sun” anniversary tour.
Christian McBride: 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Eight-time Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride fuses the fire of a virtuoso with the depth and grounding of a seasoned journeyman. Joined by some of the top names in jazz, these stellar musicians take an electrifying new direction featuring original compositions as well as fresh takes on classic songs.
THEATER
“POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Oct. 1, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25 previews, then $20-$50. (thehipp.org) Written by Selina Fillinger, “POTUS” is a foul-mouthed political funhouse farce. Roar with laughter as seven brilliant and beleaguered women panic, problem-solve and, ultimately, persevere to save the president from himself.
ET CETERA
Weekly Walk and Talks: 3-4 p.m. Friday, Santa Fe River Preserve, 27025 N. SR 121, Alachua. Free. (facebook.com/AlachuaConservationTrust/events) Flora and fauna hike.
“Florida Skies (Autumn)”: 7 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 29, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $7.19 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/florida-skies-autumn-2) Join James Albury, former co-host of the PBS TV Show “Star Gazers,” as he takes you on a personally guided tour of the night sky using the GOTO Chronos Space Simulator.
Family Fishing Day: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, 7922 NW 71st St. Free; cash donations welcomed. (ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu) Family oriented fresh-water fishing with loaner poles and bait available. Railed fishing deck with two handicapped accessible ramps.
Great Halloween Costume Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 16, Pofahl Studios, 1325 NW Second St. Free entry; items for sale. (bit.ly/costumesale23) Annual sale by Dance Alive National Ballet.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. County Road 225. Tickets: $25 adults, $10 ages 2-11, free ages 1 and younger; $45 motorized-vehicle tours. (carsonspringswildlife.org, 468-2827, contact@cswildlife.org) 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.
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.''
Trenton’s Almost Fall Festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Douberly Farms, 14351 NE CR 339, Trenton. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/almostfall23) Annual event in its second year featuring more than 75 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids' zone and more.
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.
Sarah’s Birthday Bash: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free. (mathesonmuseum.org) Join Jason and Sarah Hedges to celebrate Sarah Hamilton Matheson’s birthday featuring music from the front porch of the Matheson home. Matheson was the last resident of the historic Matheson House, which was bequeathed to the museum on her death in 1996. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and their appreciation for music for a relaxing afternoon in Sweetwater Park.
Music 360: “Gustav Holst's The Planets”: 5 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 4, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St.Tickets: $8.22 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (bit.ly/theplanets23) An immersive journey of sight and sound as audiences experience the majesty of Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets” while visiting the planets of the Solar System. Holst wrote “The Planets” between 1914 and 1916, and each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst.
Fabulous '50s Festival: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, downtown Newberry. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bit.ly/fab50s23) Inaugural sock hop and classic car show featuring car show, art walk, classic ’50s concert by Chrome 57, restaurants and food trucks, balloon animals, train rides and more.
September 11 Memorial Event and Stair Climb: 9 a.m. Monday, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive. Free. (bit.ly/911stair23) Annual stair climb to remember the men and women who lost their lives in the events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001. Annually, firefighters across the nation pay respects to those affected by the events by participating in a stair climb of 2,226 steps to replicate reaching the top of the World Trade Center. Come in Gate 18.
Lonnie Holley: 7 p.m. Monday, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25. (lonnieholley.com) The lauded visual artist and musician will give a special performance.
Barnyard Buddies: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave. Free. (bit.ly/barnbuds) Weekly program where youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding. Animals love donations of carrots, squash, apples, sweet potatoes and melons.
CASTING CALL
Flea Market: Vendor spaces available for event set for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, 20370 E. SR 20, Hawthorne. 15-by-15-foot spaces available. (481-4483) All proceeds will help local veterans and schools.
ART
Artisans' Guild Gallery: Fall Markets planned for Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. 224 NW Second Ave. (378-1383, artisansguildgallery.com)
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Tom Petty: Among the Wildflowers,” exploring the joys, pains and creative awakenings Petty experienced when pouring his soul into his magnum opus, on display through December; “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion,” featuring 40 full-scale machines that were built after in-depth study of Leonardo da Vinci’s designs by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen in Florence, Italy, on display through Jan. 7, 2024. 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)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “Co-Creation: Collaborations” on display through Sept. 23; “100 Years of Art — Anniversary Celebration Exhibition” on display Sept. 27-Oct. 21; “2016 Board of Directors” on display Sept. 27-Oct. 21; “Growth” on display Oct. 25-Nov. 18; “Winter Showcase 2023” on display Nov. 22-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, info@gainsevillefinearts.org)
Harn Museum of Art: “Global Perspectives: Highlights from the Contemporary Collection,” a celebration of global interconnectedness, on display through Oct. 1; “Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art,” commemorating a beloved UF artist, teacher, colleague and friend through an overview of his creative life, including 37 photographs laid out chronologically, on display through Feb. 18, 2024; “Under the Spell of the Palm Tree: The Rice Collection of Cuban Art” on display through Jan. 7, 2024. “Under the Spell of the Palm Tree” is drawn exclusively from the collection of Susie and Mitchell Rice, and offers a glimpse into the complexity of culture and history that has inspired Cuban art throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. Guest curators Gabriela Azcuy and David Horta will utilize the work of a broad range of artists in the Rice Collection to display an inclusive view of Cuban art, reflecting on its current dynamic and the existence of new geographies as an essential part of its reality. Through more than 70 works representing 53 artists, the exhibition will present the narrative of a “crossing” — a virtual crossing of the seas as well as a crossing of generations, of artists living or having lived both in Cuba and in the Diaspora; “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display Feb. 6, 2024-July 2024. 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: “Alachua’s Queer History” on display Oct. 14-28. Temporary gallery interpreting the history of the LGBTQ+ community featuring recently acquired collection from the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida. The gallery will take a broad view of Gainesville’s queer community and its important institutions during the fight for equality while displaying memorabilia and artifacts from that time; “We Are Here: Stories From Multilingual Speakers In North Central Florida,” an exhibition that illustrates the immigration journeys of the North Central Florida community through stories that hold power in multiple languages; “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; “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: Quilted fiber art wall hangings and pillows by Candace McCaffery on display through Sept. 24; Wood sculpture and carvings in cypress by Bob Bird on display Sept. 30-Oct. 29 with an Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Oct. 6; Special Pre-Holiday Gifts Show to be held Nov. 3-12 with an Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 3; 2023 Holiday Invitational to be held Nov. 18-Dec. 30 with an Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1. 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.
Sweetwater Print Cooperative: "Nature," a group show inspired by the natural world and fantasy featuring printmaking and mixed media art by Terence Stevens, handmade resin jewelry by Doni Planken, and stained glass by Elliot Grey, on display through noon Sept. 27. Gallery hours: By appointment. 117 S. Main St. (514-3838)
University Galleries: “Sound-Sites in the Age of Utopian Recoverism: Art, Technology and Exhibition Practices” on display through Sept. 30. The main purpose of this exhibition is to initiate a series of conversations about how the artists’ exploration of the connections between art and technology can lead to rethinking problems related to our ways of inhabiting the environment. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 400 SW 13th St. (arts.ufl.edu/university-galleries)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Third Friday Concert Series: 7 p.m. Sept. 15, St. Patrick’s Church, 500 NE 16th Ave. Free. (spccgnv.org/concert) Choral concert with composer Zachary Landress.
Suwannee River Jam: All day Sept. 20-23, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: TBA. (musicliveshere.com) Annual musical event featuring Trace Atkins, Brothers Osborne, The Frontmen, Red Clay Strays, LOCASH and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Sept. 22, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Music at Holy Trinity: 4 p.m. Sept. 24, Holy Trinity Church, 100 NE First St. Free; donations accepted. (holytrinitygnv.org) “Orchestral Potpourri” concert featuring Festival Orchestra, featured soloists and conductor Dr. John T. Lowe Jr. and the music of Handel, Beethoven, Rossini, Leonard Bernstein and more. Reception (wine and hors d’oeuvres) follow concert. Live streaming begins 5 minutes prior to the concert, and also can also be viewed afterward.
Chucho Valdés Quartet: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Pianist, composer and arranger Chucho Valdés is one of the most influential artists of our time. Blending jazz, classical music, Afro-Cuban traditional music and more into his unique personal style, Valdés is the winner of seven Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording, and was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Kat Edmonson: 7 and 9 p.m. Sept. 29, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Kat Edmonson is an award-winning singer and songwriter who embodies the spirit of the past while remaining absolutely au courant. Edmonson is known to perform familiar classics, interweaving humorous anecdotes, philosophical musings and her love of film — all with disarming candor and vulnerability.
Suwannee Roots Revival: All day Oct. 5-8, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: $175; $15 car pass purchased in advance, $20 car pass purchased at gate; free children 12 and younger when accompanied by parent or legal guardian. (bit.ly/rootsrevival23, musicliveshere.com, 386-364-1683) Initial lineup announced with Trampled by Turtles, Hot Tuna Electric, Donna the Buffalo, The Peter Rowan Band, Jim Lauderdale Band, Electric Larry Land, Big Richard, Jon Stickley Trio, Sunny War, The Last Revel, Stillhouse Junkies, Verlon Thompson, Jeff Mosier Ensemble, John Mailander’s Forecast and more.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 14, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Nobuntu: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Hailing from Zimbabwe, the all-woman a cappella quintet Nobuntu is recognized internationally for its sparkling energy, breathtakingly rich voices and inventive performances that cover the gamut from gospel to traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro-jazz. Augmented only using minimal percussion, they emphasize pure voices, authentic dance movements and the use of traditional instruments.
Nick Carter: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$90. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Sparking his career at 12 years old, Nick Carter became an international pop superstar as the youngest member of iconic boy band Backstreet Boys. Known for his boyish good looks and heartthrob status, Carter’s 23-year entertainment career has spanned far beyond the stages of sold-out arenas, with an array of projects in television and film, and as a philanthropist and author.
Balourdet Quartet: 2 p.m. Oct. 22, Squitieri Studio Theatre, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) One of the hottest new string quartets on the classical music scene, Balourdet Quartet is made up of individuals filled with raw passion for chamber music. Formed in 2018, the quartet received the Gold Medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition, and the top prize at the Borciani Competition in Italy in 2021.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 27, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Ndlovu Youth Choir: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Known for their soul-stirring performances and fresh from their “America’s Got Talent” showcase, Ndlovu Youth Choir brings a message of hope, love and togetherness. The choir’s repertoire is an exciting mix of traditional South African genres with pop, rock, jazz and EDM.
Steep Canyon Rangers: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Although they received a boost when they collaborated with Steve Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers built a large audience with their interpretations of bluegrass, folk and string music. The genre-defying sextet mixes elements of folk rock, country and pop to create something unique, innovative and completely original.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 11, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Alexa Tarantino Quartet: 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 17, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning jazz saxophonist. Named one of the Top 5 Alto Saxophonists by JazzTimes Critics’ Poll, Tarantino has established herself as a high-octane, dynamic performer. While she and her bandmates approach the set with tradition firmly in mind, they bring an invigorating way of looking forward.
Luca Mundaca: 7 and 9 p.m. Nov. 18, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. With more than 138,000 monthly listeners and millions of plays on Spotify, Luca Mundaca is an artist in her prime. Mundaca uses her stunning voice to bring about great intimacy and emotion. Her work has been featured in movies including “End of Watch” and “The Visitor,” TV shows such as “Californication” and “Mistresses,” and the Brazilian telenovela “Ti Ti Ti.”
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 24, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Make the holidays swing with Big Band Holidays. A celebrated tradition under the music direction of Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra features vocalist Ashley Pezzotti. An uplifting event perfect for the entire family. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year alongside fellow music lovers with soulful arrangements of classic holiday songs.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 15, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) A live band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
American Spiritual Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) American Spiritual Ensemble began as a dream of performing and preserving the music of the American slave spirituals to keep the art form alive. These songs now stand as a testament to the strength found through faith during times of hardship as well as a unifying force among all people. The chorale is made up of some of the finest classically trained soloists in the United States who have sung in opera houses and theaters around the world.
Young Concert Artists on Tour: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, 2024, Squitieri Studio Theatre, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Young Concert Artists on Tour is a new program that brings together a unique chamber ensemble of the most extraordinary young artists to cities in North America. This dynamic performance features rarely heard instrumentation that combines voice with violin, cello and piano.
Twisted Pine: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 1, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. New roots string band Twisted Pine draws audiences across the UK and the U.S. with their lush harmonies and daring, forthright and charismatic songwriting. Of bluegrass origin, this quartet has developed its own unique style with layered sound that echoes Indie pop. Their voices blend into unexpected harmonies and grooves together in instrumental interplay.
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 2, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Over the past decade, Cuban-born pianist Alfredo Rodriguez has gone from a young local artist to a globally recognized Grammy nominee with three critically acclaimed releases. Schooled in the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana, Rodriguez’s riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as by his heritage and jazz roots. Discovered at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival by Quincy Jones, Rodriguez has distinguished himself as the definition of jazz and improvisation without boundaries.
The String Queens: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 8, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Praised for authentic, soulful and orchestral sound, The String Queens is a dynamic trio that inspires audiences to love, hope, feel and imagine through stirring musical experiences. With a repertoire that spans from Baroque to jazz to the Hot 100 Chart, The String Queens act as a bridge between classical music and mainstream pop with an exhilarating journey through time and musical genres with arrangements from the heart.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $40-$65, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra crafts each performance with thoughtful consideration toward creative ways to merge the power of music with the spirit of exploration.
New York Voices: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 15, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. New York Voices has taken the best classic jazz and moved it to new levels. Shaped by Brazilian, R&B, classical and pop influences, their performances at top venues including Carnegie Hall allow them to be considered one of the most exciting vocal ensembles in the country.
Six One Five Collective: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 16, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Steeped in a mix of Americana, folk, country and pop, Six One Five Collective is a Grammy-nominated collaborative effort and creative brainstorm of four artists reminiscent of bands like Fleetwood Mac and Little Big Town. With an eclectic mix of high-energy music, original pieces and hit songs they have written for artists such as George Strait, Kesha, Kelly Clarkson and Sister Hazel, Six One Five Collective has carved a distinctive niche for themselves.
Arod Quartet: 2 p.m. Feb. 25, Squitieri Studio Theatre, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The Arod Quartet skyrocketed to international attention when they won the coveted First Prize at the 2016 ARD International Music Competition in Munich, having already taken First Prize at the Carl Nielsen Chamber Music Competition in Copenhagen in 2015. They later served as the BBC New Generation Artists from 2017 to 2019. Since then, they have firmly established themselves in performance and recording at the forefront of string quartets by dazzling audiences around the globe.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Ladysmith Black Mambazo has celebrated more than 60 years of joyous and uplifting melodies. Within this music are the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African traditions. The a cappella vocal group has created a spirit that has touched a worldwide audience, and garnered praise and accolades from a wide body of people, organizations and countries.
Ying Li: 2 p.m. March 17, 2024, Squitieri Studio Theatre, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Twenty-four-year-old pianist Ying Li has received top awards in numerous national and international competitions. Beginning piano at the age of 5, she has studied in Beijing, Philadelphia and at The Juilliard School. Since then, Li has performed with many leading orchestras such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony and the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, among others.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: 7:30 p.m. March 19, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music is coming to the Phillips Center — and they are bringing their family with them! Natalie and Donnell Leahy’s high level of skill and palpable joy at playing the fiddle together has earned them both industry acclaim and built up a loyal fan base. They combine their talents to give audiences an electrifying musical experience.
Pat Metheny: 7:30 p.m. March 20, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $40-$60, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Twenty-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist Pat Metheny is known to bring something unique to every performance. This show is no exception, focusing on the various ways of playing solo he has explored across the decades in an evening that will be very special. The set features personal and fan favorite tracks from his nearly 50-year career, creating an almost orchestral range from bass to soprano within the realm of guitar.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields: 7:30 p.m. March 24, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Music director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell returns to the stage to lead the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Retaining the flexibility and spirit of their origin as a small, conductorless ensemble, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields has gained an enviable international reputation as one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras. Renowned for their polished, innovative interpretations of distinctive orchestral music, they present both symphonic and chamber repertoire on a grand scale at prestigious venues around the globe.
Harold López-Nussa: 7 and 9 p.m. April 11, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Pianist Harold López-Nussa reflects the richness of Cuban music with his distinctive combination of classical, folkloric and improvisation. This fresh take is an exhilarating personification of the ritmo of the modern music scene’s bustling soul. With astonishingly fresh performances that showcase the full range and richness of the genre, López-Nussa has earned significant national and international awards in the classical and jazz worlds.
The Crane Wives: 7 and 9 p.m. April 12, 2024, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. A four-piece indie band, The Crane Wives defies musical stereotype with eclectic instrumentation and lively stage presence. They perform homegrown Indie folk with candor and touching, soulful harmonies, and are not afraid to experiment with jazz influences and instruments.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Weekly Walk and Talks: 3-4 p.m. Sept. 15, Blues Creek Ravine Preserve, Northwest 69th Avenue. Free. (facebook.com/AlachuaConservationTrust/events) Guided hike. Note: Entrance has a sign that reads “Private Drive,” but the road is open to the public and you can walk or bike down the road to access the trailhead.
Bags and Bingo Fundraiser: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 16, GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club, 23674 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Tickets: $30. (386-518-3276, Ext. 2.) Brunch and bingo to win purses. Proceeds will be donated to Unity Foster Ministries of High Springs. Limited seating.
Sunday Assembly: 11 a.m. Sept. 17, Pride Center located in the Springhill Professional Center, 3850 NW 83rd St., Suite 201. Free. (SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com, sagainesville.weebly.com) Sunday Assembly will host guest speaker Brett Buell, the development director of the Gainesville Opportunity Center. The title of his talk will be “The Clubhouse Model: The Best-Kept Secret in Mental Health.” Music will be provided by Sunday Assembly musicians with the opportunity to sing along. It also is possible to attend via Zoom.
Steve-O: 7 p.m. Sept. 17, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $36-$56, $126 VIP meet-and-greet. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Age restriction of 18 and older. The comedian will perform as part of his “The Bucket List” tour.
“Early Cuban Exiles: Memories of Loss, Struggle and Rebirth”: 7 p.m. Sept. 20, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Conversation about the experience of Cuban exiles who came to the United States from 1959 through 1973. Authors Mario Cartaya and David Powell will interview each other about their respective books — “Ninety Miles and a Lifetime Away: Memories of Cuban Early Exiles” and “Journey Back into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints.” This program is happening in conjunction with one the exhibition “We Are Here: Stories from Multilingual Speakers in North Central Florida.”
Weekly Walk and Talks: 3-4 p.m. Sept. 22, Santa Fe River Preserve, 27025 N. SR 121, Alachua. Free. (facebook.com/AlachuaConservationTrust/events) Guided hike.
Meet the Dancer: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Cade Museum, 811 S. Main St. Tickets: $75. (bit.ly/mtd23b) Annual event showcasing the Dance Alive dancers and the new stars from the Gainesville Dancing With the Stars Champagne Gala plus live auction, hors d’oeuvres, live music by DJ Elio Piedra and photo opportunities. Cocktail attire.
CircusPalooza: 7 p.m. Sept. 22-23, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at door. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Original live music circus show celebrating rock and pop classics alongside contemporary original music from Florida-based artists.
Boogie Woogie Rock ’N’ Roll Dance Party: 7-10 p.m. Sept. 22, Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE Seventh Ave. Tickets: $25. (cottonclubmuseum.com/events) Dance and fundraiser featuring hits from the 1950s through 1980s spun by live soul DJ LloverLord from Atlanta plus refreshments, dance contests and prizes, and cash bar with beer and wine.
“The Crucible”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 22-Oct. 8, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) In this exciting drama, the town of Salem falls into mass hysteria as a group of teenage girls accuse their neighbors of witchcraft in an attempt to avoid punishment after their own dabbling in the occult. This gripping retelling of the infamous Salem witch trials explores themes of the abuse of power, the destruction caused by false accusations, and the importance of standing up for truth and justice. Don’t miss this riveting story about the purge of witchcraft in old Salem.
Daniel Tosh: 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $42-$187. (performingarts.ufl.edu) This performance will contain adult content. The “Tosh.0” star will perform.
Weekly Walk and Talks: 3-4 p.m. Sept. 29, Fox Pen Preserve, near 10777 Holden Park Road, Hawthorne. Free. (facebook.com/AlachuaConservationTrust/events) Post-prescribed burn hike.
Joshua Kane: 7 and 9 p.m. Sept. 30, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Can he read your mind? Mentalist Joshua Kane’s “Borders of the Mind” will blow you away! With an eccentric childhood — including fire eating and knife throwing — Kane was destined for a career on the stage, or as an international spy. A fateful meeting with a mysterious mentor honed his powers of observation and intuition, leading to a career as one of the world’s top theatrical mind readers. Experience dazzling feats of lie detection, simultaneous telepathy — and possibly discover your own latent psychic abilities. A family-friendly performance full of mystery, intrigue, and endless possibilities, people of all ages leap to participate in the strange happenings at the “Borders of the Mind.”
Flea Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 7, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, 20370 E. SR 20, Hawthorne. Free entry; items and food for sale. (481-4483) Items for sale plus pancakes-and-sausage breakfast and a lunch special.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 13-29, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In this infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up … and the carnage has only just begun!
McIntosh 1890s Festival: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 14, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh. Free entry; items and food for sale. (mcintosh1890sfestival.com, facebook.com/mcintoshfestival) Annual event in its 50th year featuring live oak canopies up and down the streets and avenues of Victorian homes providing shade and a festive backdrop musical entertainment from bluegrass to country and gospel, food vendors and 280 juried vendors.
“Stories of Immigration: Sharing, Learning and Supporting Our Immigrant Neighbors”: 4 p.m. Oct. 14, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Stories about immigration from immigrant neighbors — and bring your own stories to share. Facilitated discussion about the different immigration journeys and experiences represented in the community plus resources for better supporting and learning about immigrant neighbors.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 21, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
“Swan Lake”: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35-$65. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The story of a prince whose fiancée has been transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) Tioga movie night featuring “Ghostbusters.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
Bored Teachers: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$50. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Bored Teachers presents the 2023 “We Can’t Make This Stuff Up” comedy tour featuring the funniest teacher-comedians in the world. Their hilarious skits have amassed hundreds of millions of views on the Internet, and they’re all joining comic forces on the stage.
Florida’s Heritage Gardening: All day Nov. 4, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Event focusing on fall gardening in Florida, including a lecture by Dr. Sarah Cervone of the Florida Heritage Foods program. She will talk about her work with the project, Florida’s traditional garden plants and the importance of promoting heritage gardening methods.
“Mean Girls”: 8 p.m. Nov. 8, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Direct from Broadway, “Mean Girls” is the hilarious hit musical from book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (“Legally Blonde”), and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon”). The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies.
Tracing Your Ancestors : 4 p.m. Nov. 11, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Genealogist Tatanya Peterson will share how she traced her family line back to Hampton and Grace Hathcock, her four-times great grandparents, who were enslaved on the plantation of James Chesnut near Alachua. Learn about the discoveries she made and the steps she took in her research. Karen Kirkman, a volunteer transcriber, will discuss how to access and query the online Alachua County Ancient Records, and what might be discovered there.
“The Addams Family”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 17-Dec. 10; no performance Thanksgiving day, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. Nonetheless, this quirky family still has to deal with many of the same challenges faced by any other family, and the spookiest nightmare faced by every family creates the focus for this musical: the Addams kids are growing up.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 18, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
“The Ultimate Christmas Show”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) This audience favorite is back! “The Ultimate Christmas Show” (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as these cheerful comedians celebrate all of our favorite holiday traditions — at the same time.
“A Christmas Carol”: 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays Nov. 25-Dec. 23 plus 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) “Bah, humbug!” to dashing through the snow and sleigh rides in Florida. Staying true to the weighty themes of the original novel while delivering a gripping story, cheerful holiday music and genuine laughs for the whole family, “A Christmas Carol” is one of Gainesville’s favorite holiday traditions.
Paula Poundstone: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$50, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Described as one of the bravest and best improv comics of our time, Paula Poundstone can be heard regularly on NPR’s news quiz “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” and podcast “Live from the Poundstone Institute.” Poundstone’s shows are a steady stream of self-deprecation, sarcasm, current events, and stories about her cats and kids.
“Twelfth Night”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 1-17, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino — confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia’s arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
Tioga Outdoor Movie Night: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) Tioga movie night featuring “The Santa Clause.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
“The Nutcracker”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. Everyone needs a hero, and in this case she’s a girl. Clara saves the Nutcracker prince, and to thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show.
Downtown High Springs Artwalk: Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 16, downtown High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (facebook.com/downtownhighsprings/events) Monthly event featuring local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses.
Class with Clara: 4 p.m. Dec. 16-17, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25, free for spectators. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Join the charming Clara, heroine of “The Nutcracker” ballet, for a princess-style ballet class onstage in the Kingdom of the Sweets. Training not required. Street shoes acceptable, but participants can dance in socks or ballet shoes. Company dancers will be available to help as well, so participants will have the most possible attention given. Special gifts will be handed out following the class. Intended for children.
“Little Women”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19-Feb. 4, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) A four-women adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy transform into women before our eyes and experience love, loss and the ever-glowing warmth of the March family hearth.
Parsons Dance: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Parsons Dance is known for its energized, athletic and joyous style. For more than 30 years, Artistic Director David Parsons has combined his choreographic gifts and talent for training passionate, highly skilled dancers into a solidified position as one of the world’s leading companies. Their stunning work flawlessly combines the movements and gestures of modern dance with the precision and discipline of classical dance to create a program that delivers a spirited evening for all ages.
“Next To Normal”: 7 p.m. Jan. 24-25, 2024, previews, then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays Jan. 26-Feb. 18, 2024, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25. (thehipp.org) Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride with “Next to Normal,” the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that explores the highs and lows of a modern-day family struggling with mental illness. With an electrifying rock score and heart-wrenching lyrics, this show will leave audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
“Kong’s Night Out”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2024, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) You think you know the whole story of the classic 1933 film “King Kong?” Think again! In the film, Broadway producer Carl Dennam sets out to capture a terrifying 40-foot ape, King Kong. The bait? Beautiful blond actress Ann Farrow. When first mate Jack rescues Ann from the beast, Dennam traps Kong and transports him to Manhattan to star in a Broadway show. But lovelorn Kong has other ideas! He escapes, rampaging throughout the city in search of Ann.Now, here’s the backstory: Producer Myron Siegel’s entire career has been constantly sabotaged by Dennam. So, Siegel is furious when he learns that Dennam has booked a “mystery” show to open in the theater next door to where Siegel’s next show will open the very same night. Siegel gathers his entourage — his sassy, ex-stripper mother, his gangster henchman, his Hungarian backer, and his wide-eyed niece — and concocts a plan to find out what the mystery show is all about and prevent Dennam from ruining his show. As this screwball comedy unfolds, there are mistaken identities, pies in the face, cat fights, kidnapping, ape fights, deceit, underhandedness and even some romance as Siegel and his entourage collide with Dennam, Ann and Jack to save Siegel’s show.
“Love in the Swamp”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $27-$55. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” more than Love, and DANB gives you love in abundance! A fun and fantastic show, it sets the mood with the DANB men in Gator orange and blue dancing exuberantly down the aisles. Brian Chung’s magnificent work of love, “Touch Closer,” and resident choreographer Judy Skinner’s ode to Paynes Prairie, “Another Time … Another Place,” with poetry by Lola Haskins and images from Matheson History Museum following. The finale is a joyous celebration of dance framed by remarkable video projections of Gainesville landmarks by Houston Wells. Family friendly event.
“Come From Away”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) On Sept. 11, 2001, the world stopped. On Sept. 12, their stories moved us all. This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town of Newfoundland that opened its homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on Sept. 11. During that fateful week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high — but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us.
“Misery”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, March 1-17, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) “Misery” follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “No. 1 fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Sheldon is convalescing, Wilkes reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Wilkes forces Sheldon to write a new “Misery” novel, and he quickly realizes Wilkes has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Wilkes has Sheldon writing as if his life depends on it — and it does.
Step Afrika!: 7:30 p.m. March 5, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Step Afrika! is dedicated to the tradition of stepping, blending percussive styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, and traditional African and contemporary dance into a compelling experience. Much more than just movement, they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. This blend of technique, agility and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with hearts pounding.
“Jesus Christ Superstar”: 7:30 p.m. March 13, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Celebrating its 50th anniversary, a mesmerizing new production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. “Jesus Christ Superstar” is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”
“Ordinary Days”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays March 22-April 14, 2024, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Experience the beauty of simplicity and the extraordinary in the ordinary with “Ordinary Days.” This intimate and introspective musical follows the lives of Deb, a graduate student who loses the notebook that contains all of her notes for her thesis somewhere on the streets of New York; Warren, a struggling artist and professional cat sitter who finds the notebook; and Jason and Claire, a couple inching toward marriage who can’t seem to completely figure each other out. Through a series of chance encounters and unexpected connections, their individual stories begin to intersect, revealing the profound impact that everyday encounters can have on our lives.
“Giselle”: 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 23, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35-$65. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet. The ultimate romantic ballet, “Giselle” is the tragic story of a beautiful, young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner. Ultimately dying of a broken heart, she becomes one with the “Wilis,” ethereal ghosts of unmarried girls. Family friendly performances.
“White”: 7 p.m. March 27-28 previews, then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays March 29-April 14, 2024, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25 previews, then $20-$50. (thehipp.org) When a major museum seeks to showcase diverse voices in its next exhibition, Gus, an artist, enlists Vanessa’s help to create an audacious new artistic persona of color to get him in the show. From there it all spins out of control in this modern comedy, exploring white privilege, racial politics and the fine line between appropriation and opportunity.
“On Your Feet!”: 7:30 p.m. March 30, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believe in their talent — and each other — to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
360 Allstars: 4 p.m. April 14, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) An energy-packed performance for the whole family complete with basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, BMX biking and more. 360 Allstars is a supercharged urban circus showcasing the phenomenal physical fusion of the artistry from street culture.
“Private Lives”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 5, 2024, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear, and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then apart, and new partnerships are formed.
“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 5, 2024, 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.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: 7:30 p.m. April 23, 2024, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is a world-famous, all-male, classically trained ballet troupe that delivers hilarious parodies while performing both men’s and women’s roles. Described as “a kick from a steel toe cap in a silky pointe shoe,” this irreverent, beloved dance troupe is celebrating its 50th anniversary season of toeing the line between high art and high camp with their humorous blend of deep knowledge of ballet with absolute silliness. Their performances offer satire of the rigid world of dance through their playful, fresh, tongue-in-cheek concept.
“Treasure Island”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 24-June 9, 2024, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Picture a world where pirates rule what we call Earth. Humanity’s desire to find hidden treasures will take them to heights they never imagined. 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 including the dangerous Billy Bones, the sinister two-timing Israel Hands, the brassy woman pirate Anne Bonny, and the hideous form of evil incarnate Blind Pew. Sail the vastness of space to find Captain Flint’s treasure in this coming-of-age tale that is out of this world! Join Jim Hawkins as he navigates the universe longing for adventure with the infamous Long John Silver, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time. Silver’s greedy quest for gold, coupled with his affection for Jim, cannot help but win the heart of every soul who has ever longed for romance, treasure and adventure.
“In The Heights”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 19-Aug. 11, 2024, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 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.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: Family Fishing Day, Great Halloween Costume Sale, more
