Scene Calendar: Suwannee Spring Reunion, ‘Once on This Island Jr.,’ more
MUSIC
Suwannee Spring Reunion: All day Friday-Sunday, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: Prices vary. See website for information. (suwanneespringreunion.com) This year’s celebrated artists include Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp, Hatti and Joe Craven Trio, The Grass is Dead, Habanero Honeys and more.
Live and Local Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/livelocal24) Live performances by Half Gone, Earworms and Boat Stuff.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Jamie Davis will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Saxsquatch with DJ Em of Future Joy, and Knob Ross: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. TIckets: $5-$17. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) A Saxsquatch live performance features original tracks and remixes of pop hits looped with live instrumentation and then blended with rhythmic house, trance and bass-backing beats.
Little River Band: 8 p.m. Friday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $49.50-$89.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Classic rock hit makers Little River Band are back! Forming in Australia in 1975, LRB credits a Jacksonville radio station (WAVE FM) as launching the band in the United States with the single “It’s a Long Way there.” LRB went on to bring us a string of hits including “Reminiscing,” “Lady,” “Lonesome Loser” and “Cool Change.”
Hotel California: “A Salute to the Eagles”: 8 p.m. Saturday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $51.75. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence have taken Hotel California: “A Salute to the Eagles” to a level of recognition normally reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists. By respectfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy Award-winning sounds of the generation’s Greatest American Songbook, this legendary Southern California group has touched the hearts of fans all over the world.
RiverFest Song Contest: 1 p.m. Sunday, Rum 138, 2070 SW CR 138, Fort White. Tickets: $10, free ages 11 and younger. (oursantaferiver.org/riverfest/buy-riverfest-tickets) Annual singer/songwriter contest in its 12th year featuring performances by Billy Ennis, Jesse Farnham, Bacon James, Leo G. Nico, Lee Pinkerson, Don Lorenzi, David Roberts, Rayvon “PurpleKloud” Rollins and Terese Thune.
UF Carillon Studio Concert Series: 1:55 p.m. Sunday, Century Tower Carillon, 375 Newell Drive. Free. (arts.ufl.edu/sites/carillon-studio/welcome) The University of Florida Carillon Studio is made up of students who have auditioned and committed to upholding the tradition of performing in Century Tower.
Pierre Bensusan: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. TIckets: $20. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) With a style all his own and influences stretching from Spain to France to Algeria, award-winning guitarist Pierre Bensusan brings his legendary act to the intimate soundstage.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 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.
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $49.50-$114.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Joe Satriani is the world’s most commercially successful solo guitar performer, with six gold and platinum discs to his credit (including one more gold award for the debut album by his band Chickenfoot), and sales in excess of 10 million copies. Steve Vai has awed fans of all genres with his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship for decades.
Juice: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. TIckets: $20-$25. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Blending rock, pop, R&B and hip-hop, Juice embraced the diversity of their signature sound early on.
Neil Diamond Celebration: “I Am … He Said”: 8 p.m. Thursday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $45-$59. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Matt Vee along with cousins Jeff and Tommy Vee, music industry veterans and sons of the legendary Bobby Vee, join forces with their family and friends as The Killer Vees to celebrate the music from a timeless catalog.
THEATER
Tom Papa: 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $51.50-$71.50. (pvconcerthall.com) The comedian will perform as part of his “Good Stuff” tour.
“Once on This Island Jr.”: 8-9 p.m. Friday, Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave. Tickets: $10. (tinyurl.com/ootij24) Through almost nonstop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest that will test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and even death.
Steve Hofstetter: 7 p.m. Saturday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $36-$46. (pvconcerthall.com) Hofstetter has a whopping 185 million views on YouTube and is the host of “Finding Babe Ruth” on FS1. His book (“Ginger Kid”) is a Top 5 pick on Amazon and debuted at No. 1 in its category. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Season 1 of “Laughs” (FOX), and he has been on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “E! True Hollywood Story,” “Comics Unleashed,” “Comedy All-Stars,” “Quite Frankly,” “White Boyz in the Hood,” “Countdown” and more.
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” Live: 2 p.m. Sunday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $28-$78. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Join Daniel, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday and more familiar friends for a brand-new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king.
“White”: 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday previews, then 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays March 29-April 14, 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.
“Ordinary Days”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through April 14, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) 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.
DANCE
“Giselle”: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 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.
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.
Weekly Walk and Talks: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Orange Lake Overlook, 19865 N. U.S. 441, Micanopy. Free; RSVP appreciated. (alachuaconservationtrust.org) Join Alachua Conservation Trust staff and occasionally guest experts to enjoy nature and learn about the ecosystems. Sunset hike.
“Florida Skies (Spring)”: 7 p.m. Fridays through May 31, 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-spring-4) 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.
Tioga Movie Night: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW First Lane, Newberry. Free. (tiogatowncenter.com) “Space Jam.” Michael Jordan makes his starring film debut opposite the celluloid skills of Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes. Jordan must help the Looney Tunes win a basketball game against a group of outer-space creatures who plan to kidnap the Looney Tunes and take them to an interplanetary theme park as the latest attraction.
UF Astronomy Public Night Observatory: 8:30-10 p.m. Friday, UF Astronomy Teaching Observatory, 211 Bryant Space Science Center. Free. (astro.ufl.edu) The Department of Astronomy operates an on-campus teaching observatory for educational and public programs.
Trail of Payne 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy. Cost: $15-$60. (runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/2016TrailofPayne10k) Annual event in its 12th year featuring a completely new course. This race has the potential to be very muddy depending on weather leading up to the event.
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, O2B Kids Supercenter, 7383 SW 17th Road. Admission: $15 per child for non-members, free for members, adults free with child admission. (tinyurl.com/ehe24a) Annual family egg hunt featuring carnival games, candy and egg hunts by age.
Stomp the Swamp for Autism: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive. Cost: $20, free ages 12 and younger. (tinyurl.com/sts24a) Individuals with autism or a related disability, their families, community members, UF students, faculty and staff walk/run the stadium steps or walk/run laps around the stadium to raise funds for the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Gator Fly In and Armed Services Appreciation Day: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, University Air Center, 4701 NE 40th Terrace. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/gfiasad24) Annual event featuring military and civilian aircraft, helicopter and airplane rides, vendors, food trucks and classic cars.
Suwanee Valley Quilt Festival: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Trenton Train Depot, southwest corner of North Main Street and Northwest Fourth Avenue, Trenton. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/svqf24) Annual event featuring quilts, old-time crafts, demonstrations, antiques, food trucks and more.
Spring Garden Festival: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 5-13. Cash Only. $2 discount for members of Kanapaha. Admission is only good for one day and can not be used for both days. (kanapaha.org) Annual event featuring more than 100 booths offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits and foods. Also featured are live entertainment on Sunday. The children’s area is included with the admission price.
Bradford Strawberry Festival: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Bradford County Fairgrounds, 2300 N. Temple Ave., Starke. Free; items and food for sale. (bradfordcountystrawberryfestival.com) Annual event featuring food, entertainment and more.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park Tour: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Road, Newberry. Cost: $5 per vehicle. (friendsofdudleyfarm.org) Follow a park staff or docent in period clothing as they talk about the homestead consisting of 18 restored buildings, farm animals, gardens and local history.
Guided Hike on Rim Ramble: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, La Chua Trail Horse Barn, 4801 Camp Ranch Road. Cost: $4 per vehicle. (prairiefriends.org) Rangers from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park will lead adventures through the La Chua Trail. Limited space available to the first 25 people who are present at the time of each event. Heavily suggested items for the trip include hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, drinking water and field guides. Insect repellent is highly recommended in warmer weather.
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.
Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, First Baptist Church of Gainesville, 14105 NW 39th Ave. Free. (fbcgainesville.net) Annual Easter egg hunt.
Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Star Martial Arts, 500 NW 60th St. Free; registration required. (tinyurl.com/smaeeh24) Easter egg hunt with more than 3,000 eggs plus special golden eggs that contain cash, gift cards, prizes and more. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos.
Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Westside Baptist Church, 10000 W. Newberry Road. Free entry; food for sale. (westsidebaptist.org) Egg hunts for toddlers, preschool students and elementary students plus food trucks, bounce houses and music.
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.”
Two Old Goats Farm and Playtime Open Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Two Old Goats Farm and Playtime, 245 Lynne Drive, Hollister. Cost: $7. (facebook.com/twooldgoatsfarmplaytime) Family friendly event featuring pony rides, petting zoo, games, farm tour and hay ride. Snow cones and hot chocolate for sale, farm shop open with farm-fresh eggs, alpaca items, handmade lampworked beads, and skin-nourishing goat milk soap and lotion.
Rock ’n’ Roll Easter Train: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St. Williston. Tickets: $15.99 general admission in advance, $20 general admission at gate if available, $10.99 ages 3-10 in advance, $15 ages 3-10 at gate if available, free ages 2 and younger. (kirbyfarm.com) Annual family event featuring historic train excursion, petting zoo, magic shows, kids’ dance party, Italian carousel, antique ferris wheel and other amusement rides, pictures with the Easter Bunny and his friends, and more.
Spring Fest: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Heritage Park, 116 N. Main St., Williston. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/wsf24) Annual event in its second year featuring food trucks, artisans and vendors, local businesses, live music, kids area and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday plus March 30, Amber Brooke Farms, 3250 NE 140th Ave., Williston. Cost: $15 children online, $18 children at gate, free for parents. (tinyurl.com/abfec24) Annual event featuring egg hunts, bunny photos, and strawberry and blueberry U-pick.
India Fest: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/indiafest24) Cultural event with food, fashion and cultural performances. The theme of India Fest 2024 is “Sky is the Limit.”
Strawberry Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, The Bryer Patch, 5700 SW 250th St. Newberry. Admission: $10, free ages 2 and younger. Military discount available. (tinyurl.com/tbpsf24) Inaugural event featuring U-pick strawberry patch, wagon troller, U-pick flower patches, hayride, barrel train, farm animals, play paddock, photo ops and more.
Easter Eggstravaganza: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/nbcee24) Family friendly event featuring Easter egg hunt, candy, bounce houses, snow cones, face painting, free lunch and more.
Kids Easter Party: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Amvets Post 444, 13751 NE 52nd Place, Williston. Free; registration required. (tinyurl.com/kep24a) Family friendly event featuring Bell’s Barnyard Babies Petting Zoo, bounce house, crafts, food and Easter egg hunt. Registration required in advance at Amvets Post 444.
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.
Kids Art Fest: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, AUK Market, 2031 NW Sixth St. Free. (tinyurl.com/kaf24a) Inaugural event featuring creative goods by crafty kids, a dance performance from Danscompany of Gainesville at 12:30 p.m., and on-site live chalk mural installations.
Easter on the Farm: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday plus March 30, Mayhem Ranch, 17830 SE 40th St., Morriston. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at gate, free ages 2 and younger. (https://tinyurl.com/eotf24) Annual event in its third year featuring egg hunts, petting zoo, hayrides, live music and more.
“Get After It” Performance Day and Grand American Launch Party: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Gainesville Harley-Davidson, 4125 NW 97th Blvd. Free. (tinyurl.com/gai24) Live motorcycle stunt show featuring Dyno Shootout, refreshments and the H-D Grand American Launch Party.
Easter Egg Hunt: 2 p.m. Saturday, Gainesville Raceway, 11211 N. CR 225. Free. (tinyurl.com/greeh24) Family friendly event featuring Easter egg hunt, sweet treats and the Easter Bunny.
“Tales of the Maya Skies”: 5-5:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 30, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $6.17-$8.22. (showpass.com/tales-of-the-maya-skies-2) Digital fulldome show that immerses the audience in Mayan astronomy, art and culture through a custom score and visuals. Produced by Chabot Space and Science Center, “Tales of the Maya Skies” inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the universe. The program is accompanied by an extensive educator’s guide.
International Food Festival: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St. Tickets: $50 general admission, $25 students (limited supply). (gnvic.org, tinyurl.com/iff24b) Experience a showcase of cuisine from around the globe prepared by local chefs, sharing their own heritage and story through food. All proceeds go to support Greater Gainesville International Center’s mission to elevate, celebrate and empower our local international community. There also will be a silent auction with unique items from around the world as well as items from local establishments.
“Eclipse”: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturdays through April 8, 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. (showpass.com/eclipse) “Eclipse: The Story of Our Nearest Neighbor in Space” takes you on a journey of discovery to our nearest celestial neighbor. Learn about the origins, composition and mechanics of the moon. Discover how the ancients were able to predict eclipses with great accuracy, and find out when/where you can view the next eclipse.
Gator Band 5K and Field Day: 9 a.m. Sunday, Gator Band Practice Field, 1273 Gale Lemerand Drive. Cost: $30 in advance, $25 UF students in advance, $35 at gate, $30 UF students at gate, $5 for only Field Day. (kkpsiah.org) Annual event to benefit the Gator Band and the College of the Arts. The 5K start and finish line is the Gator Band Practice Field. After you cross the finish line, participants can celebrate by enjoying refreshments and a photo-op. There will also be a field day occurring at the Gator Band Practice Field.
Egg-stravaganza: 10 a.m. Sunday, One Love Cafe, 4989 NW 40th Place. Free entry; food for sale. (tinyurl.com/ysfd8pux) Family friendly event featuring adult games, egg hunt for kids, face painting, food for sale and live entertainment.
Escape The City: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Gainesville. Cost: $60 per group (up to six players). (hourglassadventures.com) Outdoor escape room-style scavenger hunt. Teams will be sent instructions to begin planning for the event. Access code and location of where to begin the adventure are sent after registration. Teams will explore the city going to various locations, unlocking clues and solving puzzles. Keep an eye on the live leaderboard to see how other teams are doing.
Jewish Cultural and Food Festival: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Congregation B’nai Israel, 3830 NW 16th Blvd. Free entry; items and food for sale. (bnaigainesville.com) Annual event featuring Jewish deli, local brews and wine, artisan bazaar, children’s discovery zone and fun spot, Israeli dance lessons and more.
Kids FunFest: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Liberty Park, 268 N. Apopka Ave., Inverness. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/kff24a) Balloon twisting, hula hoop contests, bubble play area, board game area, DJ, Mommy/Me and Daddy/Me dances, maze, 60-plus vendors, hot cocoa, candy and more.
Easter Extravaganza: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Butler Town Center, 3217 SW 35th Blvd. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/bpee24) Annual family event featuring photos with Alice and her Wonderland friends, the Easter Bunny live performances by local groups and acts local vendors, face painting, magical balloon creations, giveaways and prizes.
Gainesville Bromeliad Society: 2 p.m. Sunday, Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Free. (gainesvillebromeliad.org) Terri Burt from South Florida will discuss “Aechmea, The Trashcan Genus — What’s In It?” Plants will be sold and given away.
Spring Plant Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Archer Farmers Market, 16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer. Free entry; plants, items and food for sale. (facebook.com/archerhistoricalsociety) Spring plant sale and free plant table for kids.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks: 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays through May 29, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Road. Admission: $5 per vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, vans and bikes. (alachuaaudubon.org) Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida’s premier birding hotspots during a two- to three-hour guided walking tour. Birders of all levels welcome. Walks are led by volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society with assistance from Sweetwater Wetlands Park rangers.
Barnyard Buddies: 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays through May 29, 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.
Celebration Pointe Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free entry; items and food for sale. (celebrationpointe.com/events/farmers-market-2023, [email protected]) Weekly farmers market featuring a wide selection of products, including grass-fed local meat, fruit smoothies and hand-poured soy candles. Discover the flavors of the season and support local farmers and small businesses.
ART
Artisans’ Guild Gallery: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday “Earth Bound,” featuring folk art and fine crafts from around the world along with a presentation from Laurie Wilkins about how she came to acquire the artifacts. Earth Bound is a nonprofit organization that works with women’s cooperatives worldwide whose members make unique folk art representative of their culture. Each artist creates her own designs that bear her name using resources that she has gathered or grown from her own village. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 224 NW Second Ave. (378-1383, artisansguildgallery.com)
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Imagination in Motion: Animation and Optical Illusions,” a world of endless possibilities where reality blurs and creativity takes center stage. Unveil the secrets of animation’s evolution, immerse yourself in optical illusions and discover the science behind your favorite animated films; “Reel Revolution: The Rise of Animation,” where attendees can explore how the future of animation is being shaped within the minds of visionaries just like them. Step through time to uncover the origins of some of the most well-loved movies, shows and characters of all time. 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 gallery; 9 a.m. Wednesday Boat Builders; 2:30-5 p.m. Wednesday Shark Sewing Club Fashion Show. 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: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday “Water Shapes Florida” Exhibit Opening Celebration featuring live entertainment, water workshops, food trucks and a refurbished cave. Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat, walk through a hammock forest, explore the aquifer and more as you learn about the state’s most important natural resource in this interactive experience. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “An Elegy to Rosewood” on display through Saturday; “Crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe — The Center for European Studies at UF” on display Tuesday-April 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: “Surrealism at the Harn,” a centennial celebration, on display through June 2; “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display through July; “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. 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 May 4; “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: Open Air Arts on display through April 28, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. April 5; Works by Julie Robitaille on display May 3-26, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. May 3; Works by Carron Wedlund on display June 1-30, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. June 7; July featured artist TBA 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.
Sweetwater Print Cooperative: “No Words,” an exhibit of watercolors and other works by Joon Thomas, on display through Tuesday. Gallery hours: By appointment. 117 S. Main St. (514-3838)
University Galleries: “Sense of Dwelling: Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition I,” featuring works by Dustin Adams, Courtney Boyd, Brendhan Garland and Noah Kellough, on display through April 5. 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
Community Choral Singing: 4-6 p.m. March 29, Oakview Community Center, 810 NW Eighth Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/ccsmar24) Come together to enjoy singing madrigals, anthems, spirituals, pop, jazz and holiday classics.
Live and Local Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. March 29, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/livelocal24) Second annual Teen Artist Showcase.
Eli Lev: 6 p.m. April 6, Satchel’s Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave. Free. (satchelspizza.com) The rising singer-songwriter pens lyrics and melodies for everyday enlightenment — songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt and earthy, and offer the wisdom he’s gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery.
Harold López-Nussa: 7 and 9 p.m. April 11, 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, 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.
Voices Rising Community Chorus: 3 and 7 p.m. April 20, First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St. Tickets: $10-$20 suggested donation. (vrccgainesville.org) The chorus concludes its 10th anniversary season with a spring concert titled “Singers’ Choice!” and featuring songs voted as the singers’ favorites from the group’s first 10 years.
UF Carillon Studio Concert Series: 1:55 p.m. April 21, Century Tower Carillon, 375 Newell Drive. Free. (arts.ufl.edu/sites/carillon-studio/welcome) The University of Florida Carillon Studio is made up of students who have auditioned and committed to upholding the tradition of performing in Century Tower. The UF Carillon Studio Concert Series offers a chance to hear the UF Carillon during a 45-minute recital. Listeners are encouraged to find a location at least 100 feet from the tower for an optimal listening experience.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. April 26, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) TJ Brown Band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Elements of Style”: 7:30 p.m. March 29-30, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $15 adults; $9 seniors, students, children and military service members; free for SF students, faculty and staff with college ID cards. (395-4181, showpass.com/elements-of-style-3) Thirty-six Dance Theatre of Santa Fe students will perform eight dances in styles that range from West African tribal celebrations through 1800s ballet up through 21st century contemporary modern dance, jazz and hip-hop.
Sunrise Hike: 7:20-8 a.m. March 30, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Road. Cost: $5 per vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, vans and bikes. (tinyurl.com/sh24a) Join a ranger on a 30- to 45-minute walk into the wetlands while you enjoy the sunrise and learn about the importance of the sun throughout the world in the past and present. End with a brief guided meditation to enjoy the sun’s energy throughout your day.
“On Your Feet!”: 7:30 p.m. March 30, 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.
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays April 5-28, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxury train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on Detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — in case he or she decides to strike again.
Pancakes on the Prairie: 9-11:30 a.m. April 6, Poe Springs boat ramp, 28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs. Free. (alachuaconservationtrust.org) Join ACT for a pancake breakfast at the cabin on Tuscawilla Prairie. This event is first come, first served; pancakes and coffee will be available while supplies last.
Perspectives in the Park Speaker Series: Noon-1 p.m. April 7, Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park 1500 NW 45th Ave. Free. (facebook.com/cityofgainesvillenature/events) Monthly event. Learn from experts in their field about nature, history and art, and hear some of their stories. “Wandering in Wiregrass” with Raelene Crandall.
Spring Arts Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 14, Santa Fe College Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83rd St. Free entry; items and food for sale. (sfcollege.edu) Artists and craftspeople from across the country and around the world will highlight their talents in mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics and more.
Big: Culture and Arts Festival: 1 p.m. April 13-2 a.m. April 14, downtown Gainesville. Tickets: $25-$100. (diondia.com/big) Multidisciplinary celebration of the diverse creative and cultural communities growing throughout the Sunshine State. Big will transform an empty lot between Porters Quarters Community and South Main Street into an immersive and collaborative meeting place showcasing all expressions of creativity, including live performances from national touring acts with sets from regional and local talent.
Yoga in the Park with Emma Sugarman: 2 p.m. April 13, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free. (mathesonmuseum.org) Yoga class on the front lawn of the historic Matheson House. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat or towel.
360 Allstars: 4 p.m. April 14, 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.
Houston Keen Band: 6-9 p.m. April 16, Celebration Pointe, Northwest Corner of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (facebook.com/celebrationpointeFL/events) Live music on the promenade stage. Seating is first come first served, so feel free to bring a chair.
“Beyond Therapy”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 4, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Bruce and Prudence, two modern, neurotic urbanites searching for love and sanity — with the questionable help of their offbeat therapists. This delightful comedy will keep you laughing as the couple learn to live beyond therapy.
Spring Youth Concert Featuring “Little Red Riding Hood”: 2:30 p.m. April 20, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $18 general admission, free ages 11 and younger if purchased through box office (not online). (tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu, 392-ARTS, 800-905-ARTS) Sun Country Dance Theatre will revive its original story ballet “Little Red Riding Hood,” which premiered in 2013. Choreographed by SCDT Artistic Director Judy Benton to the music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, this enchanting ballet has been adapted from the fairy tale and follows Little Red throughout many adventures on her birthday. Join Little Red and her best friend, the Duck, as they travel through the forest to Granny’s house, where they encounter many magical creatures — and, of course, the wolf is always lurking close by.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: 7:30 p.m. April 23, 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.
Ann Weimer Moxley: “Just Call Me Rae: The Story of Rae O. Weimer, Founder of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications”: 7 p.m. April 24, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Rae O. Weimer founded the University of Florida’s first school of journalism in 1949. Ann Weimer Moxley, Weimer’s daughter, has written an eye-opening chronicle of her late father’s lasting legacy to journalism in the state of Florida.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. April 25, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Tickets: Prices vary; see website for details. (bit.ly/globetrotters24) The trick-performing basketball team will go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team.
“Once Upon a Time in Florida: Roots and Rivers” with Jacki Levine, Jack E. Davis and Cynthia Barnett: 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. panel discussion May 1, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) This is the final stop in the Florida Humanities’ statewide book tour for “Once Upon a Time in Florida.” This book marks Florida Humanities’ 50th anniversary with a collection of 50 timeless stories from the archives of FORUM, the award-winning magazine of Florida Humanities. This tour stop will focus on Florida’s environment.
Floridiana Show: Time TBD May 4, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free. (mathesonmuseum.org) The Floridiana Show is back featuring Florida kitsch and vintage Florida from a variety of vendors from Gainesville and around the state.
I Heart Art: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. ([email protected]) Traditional arts-and-crafts demonstrations and items for sale. Items range from weaving, painting, wood working, soap making, photography and other handmade items.
“Treasure Island”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 24-June 9, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 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.
“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays June 7-23, 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 June 7-30, 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.
“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.
“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.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: RiverFest Song Contest, ‘Ordinary Days’ and more
