MUSIC
Buffalo Rose: 7 and 9 p.m. today, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The modern folk/Americana band will perform.
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. today, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Jamey Michael King will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.
Air Supply: 8 p.m. today, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $39.50-$79.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Air Supply is the Australian soft rock duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock. They had worldwide success with the major hits “All Out of Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing At All,” “Lost In Love,” “Here I am,” “The One That You Love,” and many more. They are members of the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Leo Kottke: 8 p.m. today, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $30.50-$50.50. (pvconcerthall.com) The acoustic guitarist will perform.
Mr. Sipp: 8 p.m. today, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $20 general admission. $10 North Central Florida Blues Society members. (ncfblues.org) The Blues Music Award winner and 2023 BB King Entertainer of the Year nominee will perform as part of a North Central Florida Blues Society concert.
Isaiah Sharkey: 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Isaiah Sharkey and his band fuse their background in rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues and funk to create an original sound with an unmistakable dose of soul. Sharkey toured as lead guitarist with D’Angelo and John Mayer.
An Evening With Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra: 8 p.m. Saturday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $30.50-$50.50. (pvconcerthall.com) Ottmar Liebert founded the first incarnation of his band, Luna Negra, in 1989.
The Brit Pack: 8 p.m. Sunday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $34-$44. (pvconcerthall.com) Formed in 2011 by British session musicians based in New York City, The Brit Pack take their audience on a journey through a dynamic blend of British classics known and loved by all, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Oasis, Radiohead, The Police, Amy Winehouse and more.
Judy Collins: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $45-$59.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.
The Frontmen of Country: 8 p.m. Thursday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $35-$55. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) The Frontmen features the dynamic voices of ’90s country legends: Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart) and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas).
THEATER
“King Liz”: 8 p.m. today-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students. (spirit-of-soul-ensemble.ticketleap.com/king-liz) Liz Rico is a powerful sports agent who represents NBA superstars. When accusations start swirling around a young phenom, Liz must attempt to rebound his career or protect her own crown.
“Romeo And Juliet”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 12, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young, lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris.
“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays through Feb. 12, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) Mace is a professional wrestler. When he teams up with a young Indian man from Brooklyn, he sees his shot at the big time. But will he be allowed to take it?
BENEFITS
BBQ and Bacon Fest: 10 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday, Alachua County Equestrian Center, 23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry. Tickets: $6, free ages 2 and younger; $1 discount with canned-food donation. (newberryfest.com) Benefits the Food Bank of Green Cove Springs. Family event featuring beer and wine, art and crafts, food, bounce houses, live entertainment, rock painting, pony rides, relay, face painting, hula hoop contest, pie eating contest, petting farm, cutest baby contest, sack races, train rides, corn hole and more.
ET CETERA
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 9409 SW Archer Road. Tickets: $10 adults today, $20 adults Saturday-Sunday, $17 military with ID Saturday-Sunday, $17 ages 60 and older Saturday-Sunday, $5 ages 5-17 today, $10 ages 5-17 Saturday-Sunday, free ages 4 and younger. (hoggetownemedfaire.com) A medieval village comes alive showcasing more than 160 artisans and performers.
“Florida Skies (Winter)”: 7-8 p.m. Fridays through Feb. 24, 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. (news.sfcollege.edu/event/planetarium-florida-skies-winter/all) 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.
Yesterdays Festival: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, 6239 SR 21, Keystone Heights. Cost: $5 per vehicle. (floridastateparks.org/events/yesterdays-festival-walk-back-time) Annual event focusing on local history with re-enactors, demonstrations, displays, entertainment, antique machinery, crafts and more.
Guided Hike on Rim Ramble: 10 a.m.-noon 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. Future hikes planned for Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 30.
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.
Time Machine Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 SW U.S. 27, Fort White. Cost: Park entry fee $6 per vehicle; tour reservations $10 per person. (floridastateparks.org/events/time-machine-tour-3) Take a fascinating journey by van into the Ichetucknee’s past and learn about the history of human occupation on Ichetucknee’s lands. Participants will be taken into Ichetucknee’s forest to the site of the 17th century Mission de San Martin de Timucua and the ancient Timucuan capital of Aquacalyquen.
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.”
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Self-Guided Tours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, 5579 Darwood St., Melrose. Cost: Suggested $15 donation per person or $45 for a family of four. (rooterville.org) Take a map of the sanctuary at the gate to see highlights of Rooterville to help you find your way. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St., Williston. Tickets: $15.99 general admission in advance, $20 general admission day of event, $10.99 ages 3-9 in advance, $15 ages 3-9 day of event, free ages 2 and younger. (kirbyfarm.com) Wild west event with performances, food and a historic train.
Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest, 10625 NE Waldo Road. Free. (bit.ly/firenatfest) Celebration of Florida’s forests and the role of fire in maintaining and enhancing their beauty, diversity and habitat value featuring educational exhibits and activities; live animals; prescribed-burn demonstrations; visit from Burner Bob, the bobwhite quail; food trucks and live music.
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.
Winter Wonder Fest: 1 p.m. Saturday, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 14105 NW 298th St., High Springs. Free admission; food and items for sale. (bit.ly/winwonfest) Family event featuring inflatables, face painting, petting zoo and more.
Movie Night: 5 p.m. Saturday, Amber Brooke Farms, 3250 NE 140th Ave., Williston. Tickets: $14.95. (bit.ly/ambermoviejan23) Showing of “Zootopia.” Includes a blueberry popsicle and access to activities prior to movie starting.
Stargazing at Paynes Prairie: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Hickory Ranch, 9300 SE CR 234, Micanopy. Tickets: $10. (bit.ly/stargazing22) Learn more about the stars and planets with music and food. Bring chairs, blankets and beverages.
“Oasis In Space”: 7 p.m. Saturday, 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. (news.sfcollege.edu/event/planetarium-oasis-in-space-2022/all) A startling and beautiful voyage through the universe, the Milky Way galaxy and our solar system, in search of water — and water worlds like Earth.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks: 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays through May 31, 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 31, 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.
PAGES
Sunshine State Book Festival: 7-9 p.m. today plus 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Free. (sunshinestatebookfestival.com) Readings by festival authors, a keynote address by Janis Owens, a panel discussion on sci-fi and fantasy world-building, and children’s storytellers.
ART
4Most Gallery: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring Alison Burch, who explores the idea of deindustrialized spaces and their separation with the developing world, and Mark-C. Hilbert, who explores new media techniques and their larger implications through strategies of humor and the uncanny. 534 SW Fourth Ave.
A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring visual artist Kenneth Keith, who shares his journey of living across the tracks. The “I’m Coming Home” exhibition features a mixture of folk art, graffiti and acrylic paintings. 1013 NW Seventh Ave. (955-6840)
Artisans’ Guild Gallery: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring small works by Peter Senesac exploring the landscape as seen and imagined in oil and acrylic plus live music and light refreshments. 224 NW Second Ave. (378-1383, artisansguildgallery.com)
The AUK Market: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring RAKHU. 2031 SW Sixth St.
Bingo Deli & Pub: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring Larissa Maria Kulyk Williams, whose pieces are influenced by her family’s old-world Ukrainian culture that ultimately shaped her identity, including deep-rooted traditions, mountain air, lots of laughter, and talismans and superstitions. 619 S. Main St., Unit 1A. (451-4470)
Black C Art Gallery: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring Liliana Dvorianova, a Bulgarian painter invited for a month-long residency at Black C Art. She is a visual artist whose work spans several mediums including digital art, graphics, illustration and conceptual forms. 111 SE Second Place. (blackcproduction.com)
Cedar Key Arts Center: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Clay Hand Building with Chris VanAntwerp; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday Beginner Learn to Play the Ukulele #2; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday Advanced Learn to Play the Ukulele #2; 9 a.m. Wednesday Boat Builders; 2:30-5 p.m. Wednesday Shark Sewing Club; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday Pine Needle Baskets with Diane Boore. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 457 Second St., Cedar Key. (543-5801, cedarkeyartscenter.org)
City Church: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring drawings by students who participated in the UF in Lille Engineering and Arts study abroad program this past summer. The course is designed to help engineering students adapt to their international location by taking them into the streets and museums of Lille, France. 19 SW First St.
Civic Media Center: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event. 433 S. Main St. (373-0100, civicmediacenter.org)
Cypress and Grove Brewing Company: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring a curated selection of themes ranging from street art to portraiture to abstracted photography. 1001 NW Fourth St.
Florida Museum of Natural History: “Spiders Alive!” on display through Sept. 4. This exciting exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives with more than a dozen live species from around the world. Tickets: $8 adults; $7.50 Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $5.50 ages 3-17; free ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring “GFAA Board Members Past and Present” and “Friends of Elementary Arts Alachua County Student Art Show. Smaller artwork is available for sale in the gift shop; “GFAA Board Members Past and Present” on display through Feb. 18; “Friends of Elementary Arts Student Exhibition” on display through Feb. 18. 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)
Gainesville Opportunity Center: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring Anu Priyadarshini, an Indian folk artist originally from Bihar, India. 1210 NW 14th Ave.
Harn Museum of Art: “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” on display Tuesday–June 4. “Posing Beauty” explores the contested ways in which African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse range of media, including photography, video, fashion and advertising. This exhibit challenges the relationship between beauty and art by examining the representation of beauty and different attitudes about aesthetics through the themes of “Constructing a Pose,” “Body and Image” and “Modeling Beauty and Beauty Contests.” 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)
Hippodrome Gallery: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event. Gallery hours are noon-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. (thehipp.org)
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; “We’re Tired of Asking: Black Thursday and Civil Rights at the University of Florida,” which follows one slice of African American history in Gainesville, currently on display online and in person; “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 1 to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)
Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Decorative and functional stained glass and paintings by Dave Morris on display through Sunday. 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 Puigon display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.
The SL8: 7-10 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring an eclectic selection of artworks for sale by known and emerging artists. 10 E. University Ave.
Sweetwater Print Cooperative: 7-9 p.m. today Artwalk event featuring the opening of conceptual artist Charlotte Newman’s “Speak to Me,” an interactive piece that encourages people to write messages to people they have lost or are afraid of losing, and “Wallpaper,” an installation of salvaged paper. On display through Feb. 2. Gallery hours: By appointment. 117 S. Main St. (514-3838)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Viano String Quartet: 2 p.m. Feb. 5, Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Viano String Quartet performs chamber with a lust for life that few can rival. Formed in 2015 at the prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, the quartet has built a career on touring the globe and winning top prizes at international competitions, including the coveted First Prize at the 2019 Banff International String Quartet Competition.
Delfeayo Marsalis: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 9, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) For Delfeayo Marsalis, music runs in his family, and it’s in his blood! Marsalis is a Grammy award-winning trombonist, composer and producer who has toured internationally with jazz icons such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own group.
Jazz on the Green: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Live music by Decyo McDuffie and the Newcombs on the stage in the promenade, food and drinks, lawn games and more. Future concerts planned for March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
Gainesville Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St., E-127. Tickets: $16.44-$47.27. (gainesvilleorchestra.com) Stravinsky’s sparkling and beloved folk suite “Petrushka.”
Kings Return: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 24, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Kings Return’s tagline is simple: “We sing in stairwells.” The unique, harmonizing group turned Internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B, and has a reputation for performing diverse arrangements from “Ave Maria” to “How Deep is Your Love” and “God Bless America.” Kings Return has been featured on NPR and has performed on stages (and stairwells) nationwide.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the greatest orchestral music, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields has gained an enviable reputation for its distinctive, polished and refined sound. Combine this world-class orchestra with Johannes Moser, who is a passionate and fiercely graceful artist, and you’ll experience a performance like never before.
Jessica Vosk: 7 and 9 p.m. March 2, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Jessica Vosk is a celebrated singer and actress known for her starring role on Broadway and in the national tour of “Wicked.” Her strengths are in her stage presence and in her natural humor. She draws audiences in with her unique voice and by sharing real-life stories about her pandemic experience, journey to Broadway, her love life and her formative years.
Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva: 7:30 p.m. March 6, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Beyond his technical mastery, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman is known for his musical eloquence. Performing with Perlman is grandmaster pianist Rohan De Silva.
Stacey Kent: 7 and 9 p.m. March 9, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) When talking about Stacey Kent, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the accolades she’s earned during her 20-plus years as a jazz vocalist. The Gold, Double Gold and Platinum-selling artist has released hit records on legendary jazz label Blue Note, garnered a global following of diehard fans and received endless praise from critics along the way.
“Celebrating Elvis Presley’s Records from Sun Studio”: 7 and 9 p.m. March 10, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Tyler Hilton with the Hot Club of Cowtown. Known for its legendary music collection, including the early albums of Elvis Presley, Sun Studio left an indelible mark on the history of rock ’n’ roll. In 2005, Hilton was cast to play the legendary rock star in the blockbuster biopic “Walk the Line” (starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash). Now, he has teamed up with hot jazz and Western swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown to bring Elvis’ greatest hits from the Sun Studio years to life on the stage.
The Kingdom Choir: 7:30 p.m. March 20, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) London’s The Kingdom Choir were catapulted to worldwide fame after their show-stopping performance of “Stand By Me” at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since that day, the choir’s infectious joy and spirit, matched only by their raw gospel spiritual style, has taken them around the world performing soulful renditions of traditional gospel classics and popular contemporary hits.
Suwannee Spring Reunion: All day March 23-26, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: TBA. (suwanneespringreunion.com) Annual music festival featuring country, bluegrass and Americana music.
San Salvador: 7 and 9 p.m. April 13, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The members of San Salvador have made it their mission to search for what they call “universal folklore,” rooted in their region’s deep troubadour traditions yet oscillating between cultures and musical genres. Singing in Occitan — a language that is spoken primarily in southern France — this group of six singers composes hypnotic vocal harmonies cascading over shifting patterns of compelling polyrhythmic percussion.
Love Canon: 7 and 9 p.m. April 14, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Love Canon takes you back in time. The group’s performances reimagine pop hits of the ’80s and ’90s. Additionally, they deliver a fresh take on classics, crossing genres to recount music from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode and Paul Simon.
Risa Hokamura: 2 p.m. April 16, Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) At just 22 years old, Risa Hokamura is on the short-list of the world’s great violinists. She picked up the instrument at the age of 3 and by 10, Hokamura was already capturing top prizes at competitions in her native Japan.
Angélique Kidjo: 2:30 p.m. April 18, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today — a creative force with 16 albums to her name. Her striking voice, stage presence, and fluency have cross-pollinated West African traditions of her childhood in Benin, with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Stomp”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) “Stomp” is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique — an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
“You Can’t Take It With You”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 3-26, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before we realize that if they are mad, the rest of the world is madder. In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony, attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by the Kirbys, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores, however, though sympathetic to Alice, find it hard to realize her point of view. Meantime, Tony, who knows the Sycamores are right and his own people wrong, will not give her up, and in the end Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores, particularly since he happens in during a visit by an ex-Grand Duchess earning her living as a waitress. No mention has as yet been made of the strange activities of certain members of the household engaged in the manufacture of fireworks; nor of the printing press set up in the parlor; nor of Rheba the maid and her friend Donald; nor of Grandpa’s interview with the tax collector when he tells him he doesn’t believe in the income tax.
“Hipp Unplugged: A Staged Reading Series”: 6 p.m. Feb. 6, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: TBA. (thehipp.org) A finalist for the 2014-15 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, “Dry Land” by Ruby Rae Spiegel is an unexpected coming-of-age story. Set in Florida, the play is about Amy and Ester, two teens on the high school swim team whose aspirations can’t overcome their circumstances. A beautiful and brutal examination of abortion, female friendship and resiliency, and what happens in one high school locker room after everybody’s left.
“Alice”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style with their newest creation, “Alice,” inspired by the classic story “Alice in Wonderland.” As Alice’s body grows and shrinks and grows again, dancers extend themselves by means of props, ropes and other dancers.
Miles for Meridian: 8:30 a.m. Feb. 11, Tioga Town Center, 13006 SW First Road, Newberry. Cost: $35 ages 13 and older in advance, $40 ages 13 and older day of event, $30 ages 12 and younger in advance, $35 ages 12 and younger day of event. (bit.ly/milesfm23) Sixth annual walk, run and family fun 5K event. This year’s theme is “Chocolate.”
Demetri Martin: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Demetri Martin is one of the most recognizable comedic voices in a generation. Blending cerebral and fanciful jokes with hilarious songs and inventive illustrations, Martin has toured the world and released four one hour-long standup comedy specials, including his latest for Netflix, “The Overthinker.”
Ruby Gala: 6 p.m. Feb. 17, Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St., E-127. Tickets: $125 gala only, $165 gala and concert. (gainesvilleorchestra.com) Celebrating Gainesville Orchestra’s 40th anniversary with special guest artists Kyle Driggs and Andrea Murillo from Cirque du Soleil, the Big Apple Circus and other surprise guests. Followed by a concert by Gainesville Orchestra.
“Women Playing Hamlet”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17-March 5, Actors’ Warehouse, 2512 NE First Blvd. Tickets: $25 general admission, $20 students and ages 65 and older. (actorswarehouse.org) Show description TBA.
“Horse of a Different Color”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $27-$49. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Dance Alive National Ballet. A contemporary performance showcasing the thrill and excitement of change set to music by Stella Sung.
“Disney’s Winnie the Pooh”: 2 p.m. Feb. 19, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$75 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this beautifully fresh stage variation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood.
“Dreamgirls”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays March 24-April 16, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) A young female singing trio from Chicago get their big break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James “Thunder” Early. However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor Jr., makes Deena, and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams.” Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more,”Dreamgirls” explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry.
“Swan Lake”: 7:30 p.m. March 25, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35-$70. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Dance Alive National Ballet. “Swan Lake” is the story of a prince whose fiancee has been transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. With guest artists Oksana Maslova and Sterling Baca from Philadelphia Ballet, this performance transforms the stage into a world of beauty and artistry.
“Carmen”: 7:30 p.m. March 31-April 1, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by UF Opera Theatre and UF Symphony Orchestra. Set in 1830 Spain, “Carmen” is a roller-coaster ride of desire, passion and the relentless hand of fate.
“My Fair Lady”: 7:30 p.m. April 3, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” “My Fair Lady” tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But, who is really being transformed?
“Death by Chocolate”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 7-30, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the best advertisement. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself teaming up with Ed Parlor, mystery writer and amateur sleuth, in a wacky race against time. The clues point to a sinister box of chocolates, and the suspects include all the outlandish characters working for the resort. Could it be Lady Riverdale, owner of the resort and a woman with dark secrets? Or Ralph Deadwood, gym instructor and all around cad? Dick Simmering, the aerobics instructor? Anne, the panic-stricken nurse? Or could it be “Sweet Pea” Meadowbrook, overweight and grieving daughter of the recently deceased founder of the resort? Death by Chocolate combines all of the elements of classic murder mysteries with a scathing satire of today’s health crazes.
“Āhuti”: 7:30 p.m. April 22, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble in collaboration with The Chitrasena Dance Company. Nrityagram is a thriving community of artists dedicated to the practice of Odissi, a 2,000-year-old classical dance of India. The village is home to a school inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient teaching paradigm, and an internationally renowned dance ensemble. The mission is to nurture dance professionals through the gurukula system, perform on a global stage, and forge a community through outreach.
Alan Cumming: 7:30 p.m. April 23, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Alan Cumming is not acting his age. Hailed by Time Magazine as one of the three most fun people in show business, the Tony and Olivier award-winning theatre actor equally enjoys the stage and the big screen. However, he prefers center stage, which allows him to connect with audiences. Join Cumming for a hilarious night of storytelling, music and hijinks. This performance includes adult content.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. April 26, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Tickets: Prices vary; see website for details. (bit.ly/globetrotters23) 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.
“Clue”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 26-June 11, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie that was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party with murder and blackmail on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. “Clue” is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out … who did it, where and with what!
“Nunsense: The Musical”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, June 2-25, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) The show is a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements and a brand new song, this madcap musical was recorded for television starring Rue McClanahan as the Mother Superior.
“Kinky Boots”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 21-Aug. 13, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized … and discover that, when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship.
“The Wind in The Willows”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 27-Aug. 7, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) The famous English gentlemen, Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, sees his first motor car and promptly falls uncontrollably in love with motoring, so he buys a car that he then crashes. Another car is bought, followed by another crash and another — and another! For once at the throttle, Toad in his goggles and duster is a man possessed. Soon he is ruled off the road. Then he steals a car. For this he’s sent to jail for 20 years. While there, he learns that weasels have taken over his old family home and all of his friends have been thrown out. But the jailor’s daughter adores Toad for his charm and dash, and she helps him escape. In an exciting climax, Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole retake Toad Hall by storm.
“Lungs”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 28-Aug. 13, Actors’ Warehouse, 2512 NE First Blvd. Tickets: $25 general admission, $20 students and ages 65 and older. (actorswarehouse.org) Show description TBA.
Scene Calendar: Playlist at The Pointe, 'King Liz' and more – Gainesville Sun
