UF has hosted concerts from some popular musicians in the last year, from pop duo Chainsmokers to country star Morgan Wallen. The last two Gator Growls included nationally recognized musicians like Dustin Lynch and Steve Aoki.
However, many students still complain.
They may envy Yale students for getting to hear Zara Larsson, or UC Santa Barbara and Dominic Fike, or maybe UPenn and Flo Rida.
Not everyone will be satisfied with any given musician. Some students prefer rap; others opt for country. Some prefer Drake; others, Kendrick Lamar.
Yet there’s a simple solution: Support Gainesville musicians.
UF has a long musical history. The first name that comes to mind is Tom Petty, who formed Mudcrutch in 1970 with fellow Gainesville native Tom Leadon. Later, Petty teamed up with Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch and Ron Blair – all of whom grew up in Gainesville – to form the Heartbreakers.
But the town has more to offer than Tom Petty.
The early 1990s gave rise to platinum-selling Sister Hazel, named after local advocate for the homeless Dr. Hazel Williams. Stephen Stills – from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – spent his childhood in Gainesville, attending Finley Elementary School and Gainesville High School.
The city’s influence is most felt in the punk scene, with bands like Against Me! and Less Than Jake getting their starts with college shows.
And, of course, there’s “The Originator,” Bo Diddley, who helped revolutionize rock’n’roll music and spent much of his early career in Gainesville.
UF, as a nationally recognized institution, has the unique opportunity to give local musicians a chance in the spotlight.
Its best chance to do so comes during Homecoming Weekend in October. At that time, swarms of alumni come to campus to relive the days they long for. Meanwhile, students flock to Gator Growl – UF’s annual student-run pep rally. The headliner is traditionally a musician, but this year welcomes comedian Nikki Glaser instead.
So, who will fill that musical void in the program? Why not a local musician?
Local musicians may not have the popularity or experience to headline sold-out shows in Ben Hill Griffin like Morgan Wallen did, but they could certainly open for bigger acts.
And students love the local music scenes.
Rapper Fie Scoobie has gained immense popularity in the last year alone, and students frequently repeat his catchphrase: “I'm from Gainesville, b****.”
Scoobie’s already made his intentions to play an on-campus show clear on his Instagram.
“I’m up next to perform at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium,” he wrote in the caption. “I really rep for my city.”
Indie rock band The Nancys is also popular among students. The group has been active in the musical scene over the last few years, and that momentum has paid off. The band’s merch is a relatively common sight around campus.
Not everyone will be pleased with whichever musical guest comes to Gainesville. But when that musical guest comes from only a few miles away, students may be more receptive because they feel connected to that musician’s early history.
The first time that artist plays in an arena won’t just become part of the musician’s history. It will become part of UF’s history — and students’ history — too.
Gainesville has a rich musical background. By inviting local artists to perform – even if just as openers for bigger acts – UF has the opportunity to be a part of that history, and thus give back to the city it calls home.
Contact Timothy Dillehay at tdillehay@alligator.org. Follow him on X @timothydilleh.
Timothy Dillehay is a political science and history sophomore and a Spring 2026 Opinions Columnist for The Alligator. He writes on issues related to university administration and student government. In his free time, Timothy enjoys journaling, reading comics and classics, and reviewing films on his Letterboxd.
