The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

Members of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida at The Hatchetbury, May 13, 2021. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

A collaboration with a cause: The Hachetbury partners with Azazus to fundraise for Ronald Mcdonald House Charities

By Brenna Sheets | June 1, 2021

Alachua County’s first ax-throwing venue teamed up with local musician Azazus to create a song titled “Best Damn Moment.” Azazus will perform the single live at The Hatchetbury’s fundraising event on June 16. All proceeds will go toward supporting the families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a nonprofit charity organization that helps house the families of critically ill children at Shands Hospital.

At the 93rd Academy Awards, “Nomadland” director Chloe Zhao became the first Chinese woman and woman of color to receive the award for best director. Youn Yuh-jung, for her role as the spirited grandmother in “Minari,” became the first Korean woman to win best supporting actress.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Asian Women trailblaze in the film industry

By Bryce Brown | May 27, 2021

Two film industry figures’ recent wins at the Academy Awards provide hope for continued recognition of minorities’ cinematic talents moving forward.

“Hummingbird” is Thomas’s second single of the year under Spirit House Records. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Brooklyn’s Lea Thomas releases ‘Hummingbird’ under spirit house records

By Heather Bushman | May 26, 2021

Thomas’s newest single, “Hummingbird,” continues with these themes, conveying a sense of freedom and adventure through references to the natural world. The song, out now, is her latest release under Spirit House Records, which Thomas has been a part of since 2018.

Performer Saddy Daddy gets the crowd hyped in Emo Night’s comeback show.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Wooly brings back Emo Night to Gainesville

By Alexis Carson | May 24, 2021

After a 15 month long hiatus, pop-punk show Emo Night returns to Gainesville with a full capacity show Saturday.

Drag Queen performer Ceazia Giovanni Kreshé gets tipped for her dance moves.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Curia on the Drag brings newest drag show to the Gainesville community

By Alexis Carson | May 24, 2021

Lip syncing, dancing and fashion statements brought Gainesville community members together for food and entertainment during Drag Brunch Saturday.

As of Sunday, all 11 songs of “SOUR” are dominating the top spots of the Spotify Charts in the U.S., with only two songs in the top 13 not belonging to the album.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Rate and Review: Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album proves to be cathartic rather than “SOUR”

By Karter Nancy | May 24, 2021

Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album describes a sour breakup, but fans are left with a sweet after-taste of nostalgia. The debut “SOUR” dropped Friday, and many people are reliving high school through Rodrigo’s teenage angst, pensive lyrics and relatable topics.

Tomi Adesogan created the Instagram-based shop EarringsByTomi, a passion project she started just two months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days, she took on another mission to support racial justice causes.
(Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FASHION

EarringsByTomi: UF student starts handmade jewelry business

By Alejandra Zamora | May 24, 2021

Tomi Adesogan created the Instagram-based shop EarringsByTomi, a passion project she started just two months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days, she took on another mission to support racial justice causes.

The Swamp’s new building will be located in the Innovation District. It will feature a courtyard and walkway of personalized, engraved bricks and a dedicated area for the nearly 300 bricks saved from its Midtown demolition.
(Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

The Swamp Restaurant to transfer original design to new location

By Brenna Sheets | May 24, 2021

Expected to open by the start of UF’s 2022 football season September 4, The Swamp’s new building will be located in the Innovation District at 1026 SW Second Ave. It will feature a courtyard and walkway of personalized, engraved bricks and a dedicated area for the nearly 300 bricks saved from its Midtown demolition.

From drinks like cold brews and chai tea lattes, or bakery treats such as chocolate croissants and warm banana bread, Foxtail will offer Gainesville residents a wide variety of flavors. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Foxtail Coffee coming to Butler Plaza

By Bryce Brown | May 20, 2021

Foxtail Coffee will be joining over 150 other stores and restaurants at Butler Plaza in southwest Gainesville this Fall. From drinks like cold brews and chai tea lattes, or bakery treats such as chocolate croissants and warm banana bread, Foxtail will offer Gainesville residents a wide variety of flavors.

Gainesville Girls Rock Camp is a nonprofit organization that uses music, art and creative expression to amplify the voices of marginalized gender groups. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville Girls Rock Camp creates a safe space for girls and gender-expansive youth

By Brenna Sheets | May 20, 2021

The week-long camp, held from July 26 to July 31, is dedicated to teaching regional youths ages 10-17 how to play instruments individually and together in bands. As a chapter of the international Girls Rock Camp Alliance, GGRC actively works to dismantle racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory behaviors and expressions.

Students in Gainesville are ready to tune in to anticipated albums from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey and Maroon 5.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

New albums arrive just in time for the heat of the summer

By Karter Nancy | May 20, 2021

Gainesville students’ favorite musicians are dropping their new albums just in time for summer. Whether the new music will accompany upcoming Depot Park picnics, trips to the pool or stadium workouts, prepare to be plugged in to new music.

Attendees pet and fed the animals at the Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary on Sunday afternoon.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Vegan Farmer’s Moo-ket delights North Florida residents

By Melissa Hernandez de la Cruz | May 17, 2021

About 15 minutes north from the University of Florida, taste buds rejoiced Sunday afternoon at the Farmer’s Moo-ket. From pickled garlic to plant-based Oreo flavored macaroons, attendees perused the variety of options vendors offered. The farmer’s market, hosted by the Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, also had cows and pigs for attendees to pet and feed.

Linda Lockman creator of Woods and Tides Designs makes handmade jewelry using a piece of nature. Whether it be a shell, an acorn or a stone from a river, Lockman said she makes her artwork from things she’s collected.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Local High Springs artists and creators celebrate Artwalk

By Alexis Carson | May 17, 2021

Optimistic and eager to showcase their art, local artists and vendors gathered to provide patrons with unique art displays in High Springs Saturday.

From the neon-coated, hyper sounds of Korean pop music (K-Pop) like BTS, to the sweet melodies of singer-songwriter Conan Gray, a range of Asian and Pacific Islander musicians influence North American pop culture.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Asian and Pacific Islander influence in the U.S. music industry

By Karter Nancy | May 17, 2021

The Avenue reached out to three members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in honor of heritage month to discover which AAPI artists are in their playlists.

Owners of Studio TM Ceramics Sara Truman and Naomi Mostkoff said their daughter Hazel started hanging out around the shop, where she "likes getting her hands dirty," according to Mostkoff. (Courtesy to the Alligator)

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Studio TM Ceramics provides Gainesville a Creative Outlet

By Karter Nancy | May 13, 2021

In light of being home more often than usual, several of us have been looking for a new art form to indulge in and escape with. Fortunately, Gainesville’s family-owned Studio TM Ceramics has several opportunities for those who want to create using ceramic art.

The idea of the Science Bus originated in Tucson, Arizona, when Chris DiScenza founded the Physics Factory with a group of three other teachers. It is a refurbished school bus housing interactive physics exhibits.

THE AVENUE

Lectures and lessons come to life on Alachua County Science Bus

By Heather Bushman | May 13, 2021

The Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC) is sponsoring a Science Bus to aid in science education for underprivileged elementary students. The bus will house mini science exhibits and visit several schools, community centers, libraries and other public areas across Alachua County.

Starting last month, Sweet Dreams began its neighborhood ice cream truck tours in hopes of spreading the word about fully reopening again. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Shop plans for full reopening by mid-June

By Brenna Sheets | May 13, 2021

Sweet Dreams of Gainesville will be serving their local homemade ice cream after nearly half a year of COVID-19 pandemic closure. Known for its wacky flavors and strong community involvement, the ice cream shop plans to reopen its doors once Alachua County public schools let out for summer break in June.

The sister duo released their fourth full-length album “a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet and then into the sun” Friday. (Courtesy to the Alligator)

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Aly & AJ enter a new musical era with latest album

By Heather Bushman | May 10, 2021

The Disney alums take the alternative route with a release primed for summertime

Romero and Flores host crystal sales via Instagram Live.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Local business aims to connect with the community through crystals

By Kristin Bausch | Apr. 19, 2021

Rosemary and Flowers Crystal Shop encourages customers to find their own meaning in crystals.

Toth’s latest album, “The Autopsy of Jules Bouvier,” was released Aug. 18 and reflects a guitar blues influence.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Gainesville guitar playing persists on 'The Autopsy of Jules Bouvier'

By Manny Rea | Apr. 19, 2021

Greg Toth continues home recordings with his eighth album.