The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Seven out-of-the-ordinary spots to spend your Valentine’s Day

By Emma Witmer | Feb. 13, 2018

It’s Valentine’s Day and you still don’t know what to do? Gainesville has plenty of ways to impress your valentine with something different than last year. If the standard dinner and a movie isn’t your style, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here are seven nontraditional ways to spend the holiday with that special someone.

The Impossible Burger is a meatless option that tastes, looks and feels like real meat.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Loosey’s becomes first Gainesville venue to serve vegan ‘Impossible Burger’

By Gabriella Paul | Feb. 13, 2018

It was a Midtown fairytale.

Richard Stehli, a veggie fest volunteer, uses an apple cutter and corer for granny smith apples during the VegFest at Plaza of the Americas in 2011.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

VegFest returns to Gainesville this weekend

By Taylor McLamb | Feb. 13, 2018

VegFest, a celebration of a healthy, sustainable and compassionate lifestyle, will return due to high demand Saturday at Depot Park.

Changeville, a festival dedicated to social change, hits Gainesville this week.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Avenue Staff’s Guide to Changeville 2018

By Avenue Staff | Feb. 6, 2018

Downtown Gainesville might give New Orleans a run for its money Thursday and Friday.

FEST Wrestling turns stereotypical wrestling on its head, bringing men and women to compete while emphasizing a supportive community.

THE AVENUE

FEST Wrestling returns with The Love Cup

By Emma Witmer | Feb. 6, 2018

FEST Wrestling is a showcase for the vibrant independent professional wrestling community that strives for inclusivity above all and a place where, sometimes, people get hit with chairs.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

King Complex releases new music video

By Sofia Arriaga | Feb. 6, 2018

Local experimental indie-electronic duo King Complex released a new music video for their popular song “Pulling Strings” Thursday on YouTube.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

Neon Liger dance party to celebrate 10-year reunion

By Taylor McLamb | Feb. 6, 2018

After seven consecutive years, Neon Liger’s exclusive dance parties reached icon status within the Gainesville community. They not only created a safe space for marginalized citizens but also a home for many up-and-coming DJs and electronic music fans.

Billy Buchanan, pictured here (foreground), will come together with his Rock 'n Soul Revue for Sunday's show.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Free concert downtown to celebrate Black History Month

By Gabriella Paul | Feb. 6, 2018

David Ballard said Black History Month is celebrated in many ways over many years.

The Original Food Truck Rally will have 12 food truck vendors, free live local music from Glory Presents and, for the first time, Over Easy Creative will also host a silent disco in the beer garden with 200 headsets for $5 each.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally to celebrate 5-year anniversary

By Gabriella Paul | Jan. 30, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Dynamo and Electric Kif to perform at Heartwood Soundstage

By Emma Witmer | Jan. 30, 2018

Saturday brings an evening of dynamic jazz with an edge of rock as performers Dynamo and Electric Kif bring the funk to Heartwood Soundstage.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Reggae rockers Propaganjah, Ellameno Beat and Burn Every Thing to perform

By Taylor McLamb | Jan. 30, 2018

Gainesville residents can expect a night filled with a fusion of Caribbean-inspired reggae-rock Thursday when popular Ocala band Propaganjah performs at the High Dive alongside Ellameno Beat and Burn Every Thing.

Digital Ethos, a New Jersey-based heavyweight of a producer who’s grown in popularity since collaborating with Bassnectar on wonky dubstep track “Slather,” will bring his talents to Simon’s toward the end of the month with a handful of local support.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

February Events: Who to see and where to see them

By Natalie Rao | Jan. 30, 2018

As 2018 slowly but surely progresses, the diverse events, concerts and other entertainment that Gainesville has to offer only get bigger and better. In honor of the start of February this week, here’s some of our favorite upcoming events that will hold you over until spring break.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Where to spend your Super Bowl Sunday in Gainesville

By Brooke Steinberg | Jan. 30, 2018

Super Bowl Sunday is finally here, and Gainesville is getting ready to celebrate. Whether you’re a fan of the New England Patriots or the Philadelphia Eagles or just watching for the commercials and beer, there are plenty of places around Gainesville to go to root for your favorite team. Find some of the best spots below.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Los Angeles bluesman The Reverend Shawn Amos to perform

By Taylor McLamb | Jan. 23, 2018

Legendary Los Angeles-based bluesman The Reverend Shawn Amos will be playing alongside local band The Shakedown this Sunday, using their music to transform High Dive into a 1960s Chicago blues club.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

‘Take Me To The River’ to Perform at Phillips Center

By Gabriella Paul | Jan. 23, 2018

Sit back and dive deep into America’s rich musical history Monday night at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Ahead of Friday’s concert, Flipturn wins Destination Okeechobee contest

By Emma Witmer | Jan. 23, 2018

Earlier in the month, local indie group and Swamp Records flagship artist Flipturn claimed the Destination Okeechobee Round One top spot, securing their place on the south Florida festival lineup and among artists on the rise.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris speaks at the 24th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP)

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Women take over the stage at the SAG Awards

By Alex Watson Tremellen | Jan. 23, 2018

Sunday night’s 24th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards had a lot of firsts. The SAG awards have always adhered to a “no host” policy, but this year’s ceremony made an exception with its first-ever host, Kristen Bell.

Signs posted around Madison Square Garden promote the return of the Grammy Awards to New York, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in New York. The Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The Grammy Awards 2018: Our Predictions

By Natalie Rao | Jan. 23, 2018

The new year is officially in full swing, and along with the resolutions comes one of music’s biggest events: the Grammy Awards. Airing on Sunday, the 60th anniversary of the awards show will celebrate captivating records from across genres over the past year. In honor of the event, here are a few predictions for The Grammys’ most prestigious awards of the night.

Members of the indie rock band Prawn are pictured above. They along with bands Dikembe, Caravela and Alumine are set to take the stage at the downtown venue Loosey’s on Friday night.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Indie rockers Prawn, Dikembe, Alumine and more to perform

By Emma Witmer | Jan. 16, 2018

Indie rock bands Prawn, Dikembe, Caravela and Alumine are set to take the stage at the downtown venue Loosey’s on Friday night.

The Top is hosting a winter barbecue at 201 SE Depot Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit GRACE Marketplace, a local homeless shelter.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

The Top to host Winter barbecue benefitting local homeless shelter

By Gabriella Paul | Jan. 16, 2018

This weekend at the Depot Event Space, you can find beers and briskets that will give hope to the homeless.