The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE

Shabbat traditions give Jewish students home away from home

By Jared Teitel | Apr. 4, 2022

A full day’s celebration of completing a laborious week became a staple of Jewish tradition, occurring every week on Friday’s sundown and ending on sundown Saturday when the lights go out for bedtime. Although a holiday typically is observed at home in the company of family, Shabbat has become an important campus tradition of UF Jewish students’ lives — fostered by Jewish leaders, students and other observers. This common practice has allowed UF Jewish community members to surround themselves with each other and embrace their common heritage.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

“Night Before Gainesville” shines spotlight on talented Florida artists

By Dazion Prosser | Mar. 30, 2022

“Night Before Gainesville” screened more than 120 music videos and short films from Florida-based artists and filmmakers at the Hippodrome Theater.

Birdie Box's Maui Wowie Sando with grilled pineapple and Sweet and Spicy sauce added. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gourmet chicken sandwiches galore at Birdie Box’s grand opening

By Eileen Calub | Mar. 30, 2022

Birdie Box, a gourmet chicken sandwich food truck at 2216 SW 13th St, will have its grand opening as a cashless drive-up and curbside pick-up restaurant on April 1.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

LGBTQ+ nightlife, drag scene flourishes in Gainesville

By Jared Teitel and Amanda Friedman | Mar. 28, 2022

The downtown nightclub, located at 18 E University Ave, became Gainesville’s first gay club after opening its doors more than 30 years ago. It’s widely recognized as the heart of Gainesville’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Avenue roundtable: And the Grammy goes to…

By Avenue Staff | Mar. 28, 2022

The Avenue staff teamed up to give our breakdown of six Grammys categories — Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Rap Album — giving both our Grammys predicted winner and who we think deserves to win. Musical talent, lyricism, popularity and even drama are all on display in our analyses.

Families strolled through the festival's attractions at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on March 19 and 20.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Smelling the flowers at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ Spring Garden Festival

By Eileen Calub | Mar. 24, 2022

More than 100 white tent booths showcased plants, garden tools, arts and crafts and educational exhibits. Just beyond the designated festival area, the 68-acre expanse of flora provided a reprieve from the crowd of eager festival goers.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Women’s Student Association celebrates student talent for Women’s History Month

By Jared Teitel | Mar. 23, 2022

The Reitz Union will be lit up with the vibrant color schemes of artwork, the powerful punch of oral performances and the musicality of dance as students take to the stage to present their work honoring this Women’s History Month.

“Dia Days” musical production inspired by the music-making process featured record label Dion Dia’s signed artists as the playwrights Thursday, March 17 at Bo Diddley Plaza. (photo by Dazion Prosser)

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

'Dia Days' embodies the late Bo Diddley through music, art and fashion

By Dazion Prosser | Mar. 22, 2022

On St. Patrick’s Day, a swath of culture was on display as people from all ages rolled out their picnic blankets and lawn chairs to witness history. “Dia Days” played on for two hours at Bo Diddley Plaza on March 17. Dion Dia, a Gainesville-based record label, hosted the event featuring live performances by Florida artists and an eclectic fashion show; as well as a culmination of art and expression.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

‘Make art, not war’: Gainesville, UF community show solidarity with Ukraine

By Amanda Friedman | Mar. 21, 2022

Images of once-tall buildings and busy streets Iryna Kanishcheva used to walk in Lviv, Ukraine, are now billows of smoke and ashes on her television screen. “I understand that all this can be destroyed with just one missile,” Kanishcheva said. “It’s really terrifying.”

Oreo, a pitbull up for adoption at the Humane Society of North Central Florida, lies in the shade outside a play pen on Friday, March 18.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville groups and pet owners confront pit bull misconceptions

By Dazion Prosser | Mar. 21, 2022

Allison Martineau was surrounded by the affection of pit bull breeds at an early age. Now, the memory of the true nature of pit bulls motivates the 28-year-old substance abuse lead technician to foster the misunderstood dog type. “They love you like no other,” Martineau said. “Every dog has the ability to be a blessing.”

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

The hero Gotham deserves: How “The Batman” compares to “The Dark Knight”

By Alexis Carson | Mar. 15, 2022

“The Batman” brings us Bruce Wayne two years into being the hero and vengeance of Gotham. He battles The Riddler to save the city. The audience is immersed in his day to day life fighting criminals to seek justice for the loss of his parents.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Opus Coffee plans to host birthday party to celebrate its 20th anniversary

By Amanda Friedman | Mar. 15, 2022

Opus and other Gainesville favorites such as Feliz Flavors Ice Cream and Satch Squared Pizza and Waffles will sell food at the event. Live music performances by Gainesville-based artists Mr. Aullie, Richy Stano, Ali and Will, Bears and Lions and Dan Flok will run throughout the event. Attendees can take pictures in the photo booth and enter a giveaway for the chance to win different Opus merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, stickers, koozies, candles and hip bags repurposed from Opus Coffee bags. For kids, there will be face painting and balloon animals.

The hip-hop music scene in Gainesville has often been left unheard, five local artists are working to promote themselves in the area's emerging genre.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

New performance event will spotlight local rap talent

By Jared Teitel | Mar. 10, 2022

Rhymes, couplets, spoken word, metaphor and repetition promise to flood the stage at a small Gainesville bar during a night all about the art of rap. Five Gainesville artists will take the stage at Vecinos Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar on Friday, March 11, at 8 p.m. for the first Spring Break Rap Up. Tickets can be purchased in person or online through Eventbrite or Facebook.

Shane Malone, a Gainesville-based recording artist, plays his guitar in his home music studio on Wednesday, March 2. His new single "Waiting," dropped on music streaming services on March 4.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Indie-pop artist Shane Malone is tired of waiting and drops new song

By Dazion Prosser | Mar. 10, 2022

Love at first sight can quickly turn into frustration and impatience when you don’t get that call back from your crush. Shane Malone, a Jacksonville native and 20-year-old UF computer science junior, reckons with that feeling. His March 4 single, “Waiting” released via Havěa Records comes over seven months after his release “Split in Two.” Malone marches forward in the duet with Hannah Stomski or Sprig, a singer-songwriter out of Wilmington, North Carolina.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Food that feeds your soul: Gainesville African and soul food cuisine honors local Black community

By Jared Teitel | Mar. 1, 2022

Although much of the historic legacy of the Black community in America is commemorated through the work of civil rights trailblazers, local African and soul food pop-ups in Gainesville celebrate their culture through their culinary traditions.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

ACPS annual showcase highlights youth art at the Historic Thomas Center

By Alexis Carson | Feb. 26, 2022

The Alachua County Public Schools Art Exhibit, which is on display from Feb. 16 to Feb. 27, features over 100 pieces of artwork from the district’s K-12 students. Located at the Historic Thomas Center, the art exhibit aims to showcase the artistic talent of local youth.

Lion dancers perform at the UF Vietnamese Student Organization's Lunar New Year show at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 12. The performers are members of JiaTing, Surge and Pi Delta Psi.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The Year of the Tiger: Asian student groups celebrate Lunar New Year throughout February

By Eileen Calub | Feb. 24, 2022

On UF’s campus, the Vietnamese Student Organization, the Chinese American Student Association and the Korean Undergraduate Student Association hold yearly celebrations showcasing cultural traditions and student talent.

Teroy Roberts and Jay Nixon in the performance "Terrence." (Courtesy of Michelle Bellaver)

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

New Works Festival Returns in person to Hippodrome Theatre

By Ben Crosbie | Feb. 24, 2022

Last year’s New Works Festival took place over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marked the festival’s return from the digital stage.

The Cade Museum for Creativity & Innovation opened to the public Saturday, May 19. The museum encourages learners of all ages to think like an inventor, meet an inventor, and be an inventor. The grand opening event featured interactive activities in the museum’s Creativity and Fab Labs, as well as the unveiling of two completed exhibits.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

“Cade After Dark” event series inspires to be a first round pick for Gainesville nightlife

By Dazion Prosser | Feb. 21, 2022

The Cade Museum hosted its “Cade After Dark” event Feb. 18. The event featured a football party theme centered around the tailgate atmosphere of a Super Bowl celebration. For $15 per person, at least 50 attendees indulged in finger food, drinks, enthralling sports-themed activities and chances to win prizes upon entering in a free raffle during the three-hour event. The 21-and-up event catered to adults who wished to take a timeout from adulthood and tap into their inner child.

A worker at Zeezenia International Market delivers Mediterranean food to a customer on Friday, Feb. 11.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Avenue recommendations: the best Valentine’s Day date spots in Gainesville

By Avenue Staff | Feb. 14, 2022

Whether you’re meeting up with a last-minute Tinder match or celebrating an anniversary, each of the Avenue staff’s date night selections will put a smile on your face.