The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

Around 400 attendees, most without masks, partied to Taylor Swift's classics at The Wooly's Swift-themed dance party Saturday night, Jan. 22.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

Taylor Swift fans ‘shake it off’ at The Wooly’s sold-out show

By Alexis Carson | Jan. 27, 2022

A Taylor Swift-themed celebration for those at least 21 years old, was held at Downtown club The Wooly Saturday night. “You Need to Calm Down: A Taylor Swift Dance Party,” jammed on, blasting the entire discography of Taylor Swift’s music from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. About 400 people purchased tickets to the event, selling out within a few weeks of tickets being up online, said Courtney Gibson, 32-year-old CEO of Le Petite Fete, the touring company who hosted the dance party.

Orlando vendor Brent Palmer directs customers to his racks of vintage clothes at the Florida Vintage Market Jan. 6, 2022.

THE AVENUE

Despite official cancellation, Florida Vintage Market rocks on

By Ben Crosbie | Jan. 21, 2022

The 20 to 30 mph winds and temperatures that hung around the mid-to-high 50s were not enough to keep dozens of vendors from selling to the Gainesville community Sunday. The dismal weather couldn’t stop the hundreds of customers from perusing the racks of retro merchandise at the Florida Vintage Market either.

The Sahnobar Dance Ensemble performs on the gyspy stage at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire on Sunday, Jan. 16. The festival made its return this year in a new location after a hiatus.

THE AVENUE

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire brings back the Middle Ages

By Eileen Calub | Jan. 19, 2022

Rows of colorful tents and stands with shopkeepers lined the massive field in southwest Gainesville. In the distance, the raucous medley of sword-fighting, lively music and laughter rang out from different corners of the transitory village. The mouthwatering scent of turkey legs and fried treats filled the air.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Rate and Review: The Weeknd balances nostalgia and new age in “Dawn FM”

By Thandie Brown | Jan. 10, 2022

Producing an album like "Dawn FM" after experiencing a Grammy snub last year shows how The Weeknd’s artistry spotlights the things that bring him pain.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Live jazz band brings people to their feet at Celebration Pointe

By Erina Anwar | Jan. 10, 2022

Celebration Pointe hosts its Jazz on the Green event every two weeks, inviting different jazz musicians to perform in front of a live audience.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Was ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ really as good as everyone says it is?

By Alexis Carson | Jan. 10, 2022

The film was well received by critics and fans worldwide, earning a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98% audience score, respectively. However, is the story worth the hype?

Photo by Makiya Seminera | The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE

Shortened winter break may cause mental burnout for UF students

Jan. 5, 2022

The reduced break is part of the natural calendar shift for the university, UF spokesperson Steve Orlando wrote in an email. To create a UF calendar, the university developed 13 years worth of calendars ahead of time to ensure that official UF dates can be adjusted accordingly for each term.

Adam Bouhamdan, a 21-yearl-old UF microbiology and cell science third-year, founded the club in light of the challenges brought on by his own health.

THE AVENUE | HEALTH

UF Gastro Student Organization brings light to gastrointestinal health disparities

By Tara Carroll | Dec. 10, 2021

A UF student started the Gastro Student Association in light of the health disparities caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.

The Plant Life exhibit is seen at the Harn Museum of Art on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.

THE AVENUE | HEALTH

Harn Museum exhibit reflects on the connection between plants and humans

By Kendra Westmoreland | Dec. 8, 2021

The Harn Museum of Art's newest exhibit, entitled “Plant Life,” tcontains 12 pieces of artwork from the museum’s permanent collection that reflect the influence of plants on human society. The exhibit will remain open until Feb. 20 of next year.

The rally, High Dive's last of the year, raised $600 for local nonprofit Girl's Place.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Last High Dive Food Truck Rally of the year raises $600

By Serra Sowers | Dec. 8, 2021

At their last food truck rally of the year Dec. 4, High Dive hosted 10 food trucks for a night of food trucks and local musicians for patrons. The event raised $600 for Girl's Place, a local nonprofit.

Lake is set to perform at Simon's Dec. 8 in a two-hour set

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Chris Lake to headline Simon's Dec. 8

By Maia Botek | Dec. 7, 2021

EDM artist Chris Lake will be playing a two-hour set at Simon’s nightclub Dec. 8.

Zelaya, an 18-year-old UF business administration first-year, performed at High Dive in October.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Local artist “Zzz” finds himself with his music

By Alexis Carson | Dec. 7, 2021

Sam Zelaya, known by his artist name “Zzz,” is set to release his new single and accompanying music video, “Another Day,” Dec. 24.

Lebowski's Pup Pub is seen on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

#DrinkWithYourBestFriend: Outdoor dog bar barks up a storm in downtown

By Alan Halaly | Dec. 6, 2021

Lebowski’s Pet Pub, an outdoor bar and subscription-only dog park hybrid, opened its gates Dec. 3 with a launch party. The bar is ready to be a hangout space for dogs and humans alike.

Makena Vargo (left) and James Bilderback (right) act out a scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet on the Reitz Union North Lawn during the event hosted by UF Shakespeare in the Park on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Student actors shake up Shakespeare at Reitz

By Veronica Nocera | Dec. 6, 2021

UF's Shakespeare in the Park Fall Selected Scenes showcase was a celebration of Shakespeare in popular culture. The performance on Dec. 4 and 5 featured notable scenes from adaptations of Shakespeare works alongside corresponding scenes from the original plays.

Studies have shown that, contrary to stereotypes, young adults are more susceptible to struggle with addiction than other age groups.

THE AVENUE | HEALTH

Young adults struggle with alcohol misuse more than other age groups

By Luigi Bencosme | Nov. 29, 2021

While many may expect older people to be affected, data shows those aged 18 to 25 have the highest rate of alcohol use disorder.

The Live and Local series was founded by MusicGNV, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting Gainesville musicians.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Latest in Live and Local concert series takes place downtown

By Elliot Tritto | Nov. 25, 2021

Gainesville music lovers saw local artists Driveaway and Shane Malone at the latest installment of the Live and Local music series Nov. 18. The family-friendly concert ran from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Bo Diddley Plaza.

"Dying to Stay" is the first single from the Gainesville progressive rock band, which is composed of all UF students.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Gainesville band Red Letter Day releases new music

By Alexis Carson | Nov. 22, 2021

Local progressive rock band Red Letter Day released their debut single, “Dying to Stay,” Oct. 5.

The "Better than Black Friday" market encouraged attendees to shop local and buy from Gainesville vendors.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Market encourages customers to shop local this holiday season

By Veronica Nocera | Nov. 22, 2021

Sitting Swan hosted the "Better than Black Friday" market at 4th Ave Food Park Friday. More than 15 local vendors gathered in the outdoor area, selling art and thrifted clothing alongside the park’s existing food vendors.

Williamson, 21, launched "On Loop with Kara" in July.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

UF student launches music podcast

By Tara Carroll | Nov. 22, 2021

Kara Williamson, a 21-year-old advertising senior, created “On Loop with Kara” in July. She’s uploaded 13 episodes on Spotify since the podcast’s initial launch date.

The hyperpop-themed night on Nov. 20 is The Wooly's second, following a SOPHIE tribute night Oct. 15.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

The Wooly continues to give hyperpop a stage with themed night

By Kristine Villarroel | Nov. 20, 2021

Following last month’s Bubblegum Bass Dance Party honoring the late hyperpop pioneer SOPHIE, the Wooly will be hosting a hyperpop-themed night Nov. 20.