Benjamin Miller

Kaelin Ellis performs at BIG: Culture & Arts Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Big: Culture and Arts Festival transforms downtown Gainesville into artistic epicenter

By Benjamin Miller and Alexandra Burns | Apr. 15

Gainesville residents and music enthusiasts gathered outdoors at a renovated lot between Porter’s Community and South Main Street Saturday to celebrate “Big: Culture and Arts Festival.” Produced by How Bazar and Dion Dia Records, the festival featured local businesses and more than 50 solo artists and musical collectives playing between two individual stages.

Quail Hollow performs during Indie Night at High Dive on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Adriel Bolocon

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Indie Night packs High Dive full of music and music-lovers alike

By Benjamin Miller | Mar. 24

On Saturday night, local bands Half Gone, Quail Hollow, Rohna and Madwoman energized a colorful crowd of indie music fans in an exhilarating concert as part of the Indie Nights Florida tour. Indie Night, established in 2021 by Rohna bassist Andres Hernandez, seeks to bring local music together all across Florida.

A circus performer entertains attendees during the Big Sho at Celebration Catering Warehouse on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Gabriella Aulisio

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Big: Culture & Arts Festival brings creatives across the state to Gainesville

By Benjamin Miller | Mar. 18

Big: Cultures & Arts Festival is set to take place in an empty lot between Porters Community and South Main Street, breathing life into the venue with Florida’s music, fashion, visual art and film scene. Musical artists based in Gainesville and cities across the state, including Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami, are set to appear in numbers April 13.

Lucas Zelnic performing at High Dive on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

Ryan Friedenberg

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

New York based-comedian, social media sensation sells out seats at High Dive

By Benjamin Miller | Feb. 24

At 8 p.m. Friday night, Lucas Zelnick, a 28-year-old stand-up comedian from New York City, took the stage at the High Dive, aiming to deliver a memorable stand-up routine to a diverse audience.

Local Gainesville musician JulyART performs a 45-minute set at The Hippodrome’s February edition of “Basement Sessions” Thursday night.

Clare Meyers

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Independent Black talent push creative boundaries in Gainesville’s art scene

By Benjamin Miller | Feb. 19

Gainesville’s local art scene is home to a diverse array of fashion designers, musicians, writers and artists. An important component of its culture is the Black creatives that have paved the way for many following in their tracks.

Quail Hollow vocalist Ashley Griffith performs at Playground Music + Arts Festival on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Adriel Bolocon

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Twelve local bands performed at sold-out Playground Music and Arts Festival 2024

By Emilia Cardenas-Perez and Benjamin Miller | Jan. 22

The Playground Music and Arts Festival Jan. 20 featured 12 band performances, food trucks, merchandise stands and clothing vendors. The sold-out event at the Heartwood Soundstage occurred from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., ending with a two-hour set from the group of UF alumni, Flipturn.

Big: Culture and Arts Festival transforms downtown Gainesville into artistic epicenter

Indie Night packs High Dive full of music and music-lovers alike

Big: Culture & Arts Festival brings creatives across the state to Gainesville

New York based-comedian, social media sensation sells out seats at High Dive

Independent Black talent push creative boundaries in Gainesville’s art scene

Twelve local bands performed at sold-out Playground Music and Arts Festival 2024

More articles »