The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

An interview with the writer and producer of CTMA

By David Hoffman | Apr. 30, 2017

Today, we sat down with Michael Smith, a UF mechanical engineering near-graduate, to discuss his thesis project: “Casey’s Tedious Multimedia Adventure.” CTMA is a short story, a short film, and a text adventure bundled into one program that tells the narrative of a day in the life of Casey. It’s currently available for download from its Facebook page, and the film can be seen on YouTube.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Swamp Head Brewery to combine beer, conservation

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Apr. 12, 2017

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that 52,000 trees were planted last year.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Local band HEDGES to play show, celebrate album release

By Taylor McLamb | Apr. 12, 2017

When asked to describe the sound of his band, HEDGES, lead singer Jason Hedges said his band’s classic rock vibe plays tribute to the influential trailblazers of the genre.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Swamp Records to hold showcase

By Rebecca Rubin | Apr. 12, 2017

Clarification: This article has been updated to reflect that Twelve'Len is a featured act, not a headliner. There will also be two outdoor stages instead of one.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Drinking Game: Finals week edition

By Kirsten Chuba | Apr. 12, 2017

As you surely know, finals week is here. This means lots of time studying, right? Or it means lots of time spent thinking about studying, texting your friends about how you don’t know anything and, in the end, seeking alcohol. Well if the latter is the case, we have you covered.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Album Review: Gainesville band UV-TV releases ‘Glass’

By Jeremy Haas | Apr. 12, 2017

In March, Gainesville-based punk trio UV-TV released their debut full length album, “Glass.” Having spent the last couple of years making their rounds through Gainesville clubs and going on brief tours of the East Coast, UV-TV made a name for themselves in Florida. However, 2017 finds these three Gainesville punks thinking bigger. They signed to Canadian-based label Deranged Records, which released “Glass,” and they are currently on a tour of the U.S. lasting about a month, which will be their longest to date.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

April showers bring new music

By Mackenzie Duffy | Apr. 12, 2017

“Sign of the Times” — Harry Styles

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Producer Ardalan to perform in Gainesville

By Natalie Rao | Apr. 12, 2017

Dirtybird Records has made quite the name for itself in the tech house world since it’s inception in 2005. The label, founded by techno king Claude VonStroke, seeks to present fans with a sound VonStroke describes as “tech funk,” a more lively type of techno that keeps it light and fun.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

The difference between cover and tribute bands

By Janiece Sebris | Apr. 12, 2017

Allen Stokes doesn’t think he’ll ever be famous.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Producer Herobust to perform at Florida Theater

By Natalie Rao | Apr. 5, 2017

Herobust had a formidable start to 2017 with the February release of his “Vertebreaker” extended play. The Atlanta-based producer’s collection of six tracks is gritty, powerful and heavily influenced by hip-hop, with a title that makes perfect sense after listening to it.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Third Fandomonium Comic Con comes to Gainesville

By Taylor McLamb | Apr. 5, 2017

Speaking on the phone with New York Times best-selling author Kami Garcia, there was a moment interrupted by the excited yipping of her two dogs.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

‘King Lear’ to open at UF

By Rebecca Rubin | Apr. 5, 2017

UF School of Theatre and Dance’s staging of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” will encapsulate the deception and intrigue of tragedy.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

The Hippodrome celebrates Spirited Away’s 15th year

By Jeremy Haas | Apr. 5, 2017

This weekend, the Hippodrome State Theatre will celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s hit 2001 animated film “Spirited Away.” The Hippodrome’s re-release screening of this classic anime will be shown Friday at 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

UF grads start Arizona music festival, now in fourth year

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Apr. 5, 2017

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the cost of "glamping" is $2,500 for two people.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The best and worst: shopping second hand in Gainesville

By Mackenzie Duffy | Apr. 5, 2017

With summer break approaching, it is important to save money for vacations, internships, study abroad and so on. However, with the changing weather comes the need for a changing wardrobe. That is why shopping second hand is so great for college students: Besides being environmentally friendly, it saves money. Through extensive research (and probably too much money and time), I have amassed a list of some secondhand clothing stores to check out, and others to steer clear of.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

UF student groups give back with 2017 MusicFest

By Taylor McLamb | Mar. 29, 2017

The sixth annual UF MusicFest, hosted by the Asian American Student Union, the Hispanic Student Association, Student Government and Health Educated Asian Leaders, will be on Flavet Field on Sunday.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gainesville restaurant to host food and wine festival

By Rebecca Rubin | Mar. 29, 2017

Foodies and wine connoisseurs alike will appreciate the second annual Embers Wood Grill Food and Wine Festival on Sunday.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

#TBT: Throwback tracks to put on your latest playlist

By Mackenzie Duffy | Mar. 29, 2017

This year has given listeners countless tracks to add to their playlist. Whether looking for a love ballad, a head-banger, a road-trip soundtrack or anything in between, 2017’s new releases have had it. However, the best playlist is achieved through diversity, and that means incorporating tracks from various genres that have been released throughout time. In honor of Throwback Thursday, here are some throwback tracks you should consider adding to your playlist.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Famous reggae band The Wailers to perform at High Dive

By Natalie Rao | Mar. 29, 2017

Reggae legends The Wailers are set to perform at High Dive this week for what is expected to be a sold-out crowd.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Thoughts on seeing artists perform past their prime

By Jeremy Haas | Mar. 29, 2017

My dad bought me a set of tickets for my last birthday that he hyped up for weeks leading up to their reveal. He’d ask me what I wanted for my birthday, to which I’d reply with the names of expensive music gear I knew he wouldn’t recognize. Then he’d say something like, “Well I got you something even better. A set of tickets that are going to blow your mind.”