THIS WEEK
‘The Drowning Girls’
Acrosstown Repertory Theatre presents “The Drowning Girls,” a darkly poetic true-crime drama running Jan. 16-Feb. 1. Written by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic and directed by Lola Bond, the play revisits the real Edwardian-era murders committed by George Joseph Smith through the voices of three of his wives — Bessie, Alice and Margaret — who appear as ghostly figures rising from bathtubs to recount the events leading to their deaths. Blending gallows humor with lyrical language and striking imagery, the production examines not only Smith’s crimes but the broader social forces that left the women vulnerable. Performances take place at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. For tickets and showtimes, visit acrosstown.org/season-202526.
‘Ocean Voyage – Immersive Concert III’
Dance Alive National Ballet will present “Ocean Voyage – Immersive Concert III” at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 SW Second Ave. The free, immersive concert plunges audiences into the deepest corners of the sea, surrounding listeners with underwater visuals while professional instrumental musicians perform alongside Dance Alive National Ballet, a festival chorus and the Gainesville Youth Chorus. The program spans Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals,” the sea shanty “Wellerman,” and dramatic selections from films including “Jaws,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Little Mermaid.” Artistic Director Kim Tuttle’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” features the men of the company, with DANB Principal Rosemary Deiorio performing “Dying Swan,” and Judy Skinner’s “Oceana” set to music by Stella Sung with video by Annie Crawley. Arrive early for a 6:45 p.m. prelude as UF string bass professor Dr. Alexander Pershounin improvises to the sounds of the sea. Admission is free; RSVP online at 1stpcmusic.org/event-details/oceanvoyage.
Sparrow Smith and the Resonant Rogues
Sparrow Smith and the Resonant Rogues will perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Rooted in western North Carolina, the band is led by songwriting duo Sparrow Smith and Keith Josiah Smith, whose music blends Appalachian old-time traditions with classic country and vintage soul. The show also features Brennan Page, a Southern Appalachian multi-instrumentalist, and Pechoa, the project of Samantha Jones and Stephen Marsh. Advance seated tickets range from $15 to $27, with day-of-show tickets available for $22. For tickets and details, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
The Steel Wheels
American roots band The Steel Wheels performs with Nolia Joy and the Ramblers at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. The Steel Wheels blend traditional and contemporary roots influences and are also the founders of the Red Wing Roots Music Festival in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Their recent album, “Sideways,” reflects on resilience and survival through thoughtful songwriting. Nolia Joy and the Ramblers, an emerging Americana-rock group from Central Florida, open the evening with a lively, roots-driven sound. The indoor show offers both seated and standing options and is suitable for all ages; children 12 and younger are admitted free. Advance tickets range from $20 to $25, with day-of-show tickets available. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Prague Philharmonia
The Prague Philharmonia will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Led by chief conductor Emmanuel Villaume, the program features violinist Blake Pouliot and pianist Andrew von Oeyen. Known for its energetic, refined approach to Viennese Classical repertoire, the orchestra presents works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Dvořák. Tickets range from $40 to $65; UF students are admitted for $12. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
MLK Lecture
Join the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lecture featuring speaker Kathi Earles Ross, MD, Physician and Artist. The lecture will begin at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at Pugh Hall Ocora, 241 Pugh Hall. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
Mary Gauthier
Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier is set to perform with Jaimee Harris beginning at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22-23 at Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. The concert marks the 25th anniversary of Gauthier’s debut album, “Drag Queens in Limousines,” a record that helped establish her as a distinctive voice in contemporary folk and Americana songwriting. Known for deeply personal songs that explore belonging, resilience and identity, Gauthier has spent decades connecting audiences through her narrative-driven work. The seated, all-ages show features advance tickets at $30, day-of-show tickets at $35, and a limited number of front-row seats available. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Jesse Cook
Guitarist Jesse Cook will perform two shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 22 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Cook is known for blending flamenco with classical, jazz, blues, Zydeco and Brazilian influences, creating a sound that is both technically refined and widely accessible. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage; the 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, while the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and a cash bar. Reserved seating tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show; UF students are admitted for $12. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
ONGOING
Horse feeding
The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks. They allow visitors to tour the property and feed treats — carrots, apple slices and bananas provided by the visitors — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses is located at 20307 NW CR 235A in Alachua. For more information, or to support the nonprofit, visit millcreekfarm.org.
Community Nights
Community Nights are free weekly events hosted by South Main Station and Heartwood Soundstage that include a rotating calendar of jams, skillshares, concerts, arts markets, food and drink specials, and other activities each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The event has grown in popularity with families, locals, musicians, and college students since its launch in 2024. The event takes place at South Main Station, an arts, food, and entertainment campus adjacent to Depot Park that spans the Southeast corner of Main Street and Depot Road. Community Nights always feature free live music and drink specials at Heartwood Soundstage’s lawn bar, but any given week can also include skillshares on music and videography, kids’ activities, film screenings, and opportunities to sample local food and drink at South Main’s businesses, which include Humble Pie Pizzeria, Grand Scheme Brewery, Bingo Deli, and Afternoon Coffee. The first Wednesday of every month always features an open-air arts market of local makers and an old-time music jam. More information is available at heartwoodsoundstage.com.
COMING SOON
‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the newest production from Gainesville Community Playhouse, is a darkly comic stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s iconic novel. Set in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s, the story follows Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious new patient who challenges the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched. As McMurphy rallies his fellow patients to reclaim their individuality and humanity, the play explores themes of freedom, control and the cost of nonconformity. With unforgettable characters and gripping emotional stakes, this acclaimed drama remains a searing and timely exploration of institutional power and the resilience of the human spirit. See the show from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 at Gainesville Community Playhouse, located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $25 with discounts for seniors, students, and children 12 and younger. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.
Kick-Off Party and Introduction to Afrofuturism
A family friendly celebration and introduction to Afrofuturism Week is set for 5-8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Santa Fe Blount Center, located at 530 W. University Ave. Attendees wll be able to take part in music, refreshments, a pop-up library, and comic- and print-making workshops. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
Afrofuturism Concert and Cipher
After the AFW Kickoff celebration, head to The How Bazar for an afterparty of innovative music. Pulp Arts will present experimental artists Chris Williams and Black Sun Black Moon, followed by a DJ set from We’re Sweet Girls. Tickets are $10 at the door. The afterparty runs 8-11 p.m. Jan. 24 at How Bazar, located at 60 SW Second St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
William Tyler and Atticus Dean
Acclaimed instrumental guitarist William Tyler and Toronto-based composer Atticus Dean will perform an intimate listening room concert Jan. 25 at Lyceum Concert Hall at Santa Fe College, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Tyler is known for his cinematic, minimalist approach to solo guitar, drawing from Americana and experimental traditions, while Dean performs contemporary instrumental piano compositions influenced by modern minimalism. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25; Santa Fe College students are admitted free with a valid ID. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/wtad26.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club Meeting: ‘Parable of the Sower’
Join the Lynx Bookstore from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26 to discuss the graphic novel adaptation of Octavia Butler’s classic dystopian novel “Parable of the Sower.” Books are available at the Lynx bookstore. The Lynx Bookstore is located at 601 S. Main St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
An Evening of Afrofuture Spirituality: Lecture and Music
Guest scholar and performer Dr. Louise Toppin and Dr. Joseph Brown will lead a discussion exploring the teaching of gospel and Black church music to new audiences, highlighting contemporary spiritual music. Hear their lecture from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28 at Greater Bethel AME Church, 701 SE 43rd St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
‘Some Enchanted Evening, The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein’
The Hippodrome Theatre invites the public to kick off 2026 with romance, passion, and the music that theatergoers have grown to love: “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma,” “The King and I,” “Carousel,” “Flower Drum Song” and more. The Hipp calls it a glorious parade of genuine hits from the golden age of Broadway that will lift spirits, brighten the audience’s souls and leave a melody in their hearts. The show runs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays plus 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 28 through Feb. 15 at the Hipp, located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets can be purchased at thehipp.org.
‘Technoskepticism’ Book Party
Guest scholars will discuss “Technoskepticism: Between Possibility and Refusal,” a book that explores the possibilities and skepticism of new technologies in the context of Afrofuturism, from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 29 at UF Innovate, 747 SW Second Ave., Suite 160. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
‘Ten Minute Plays’
Santa Fe College’s Department of Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology is set to present “Ten Minute Plays,” a student-directed and -performed showcase featuring scenes from some of Broadway’s most memorable works. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. The program offers a sampling of plays by celebrated playwrights, including Arthur Miller, Neil Simon and Suzan-Lori Parks, among others. The performance will take place at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are available for purchase at showpass.com/ten-minute-plays-2/seating.
TEDxGainesville
TEDxGainesville will take place at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the University Auditorium, 333 Newell Drive. The independently organized TEDx event features a program of speakers and performances focused on ideas, innovation and creative work across disciplines. Tickets are $39 for the general public, $29 for students and children, and $84 for VIP seating, which includes access to a pre-event lounge and post-show reception. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.Final Celebration, Fashion Show and Costume ContestCelebrate Afrofuturism Week’s signature Fashion Show event, showcasing mythology, fantasy and cosplay. Also featuring performances, music, AI demos and costume contests, the celebration will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Cade Museum, located at 811 S. Main St. For more information, visit linktr.ee/afrofuturismweek.
‘Swan Lake’
Dance Alive National Ballet will present “Swan Lake” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Phillips Center. Tickets range from $35 to $70, with discounted rates for children, students and seniors. “Swan Lake” is the story of a prince whose fiancée has been transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer, Von Rothbart. Featuring DANB Principal Dancer Carla Amâncio as the Swan Queen, the stage is transformed into a world of beauty and artistry for this family friendly performance. DANB’s “Swan Lake” will also be performed Feb. 27 in Ocala, March 8 th in Pembrook Pines, March 12 in Bunnell, March 14 in Boca Raton, and March 19 in West Palm Beach. Tickets can be purchased online at dancealive.org/2025/06/29/swan-lake or performingarts.ufl.edu, via phone at 392-2787 or 800-905-2787, or in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, located at 3201 Hull Road.
KPOP Warriors
Taconhy Entertainment will present KPOP Warriors at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the University Auditorium, located at 333 Newell Drive. The family friendly live production is inspired by the music and performance style of K-pop and features choreographed dance, colorful characters and interactive audience moments. General admission tickets are $34; children ages 2-12 are $24, and infants ages 0-1 are admitted free with tickets purchased through the box office. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Dinosaur World Live
Dinosaur World Live will be presented at 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Designed for families and younger audiences, the stage production brings prehistoric creatures to life through large-scale puppetry and storytelling. Following the performance, children are invited to participate in a post-show meet-and-greet with the dinosaurs. Tickets range from $20 to $40; UF students are admitted for $12. Box office information is available at 392-2787. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts two-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11-12, 2026, in Cedar Key. This year’s theme is “Stars of Cedar Key.” According to organizers, the festival was established in 1964 and was formerly known as the Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival. The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts returned to a juried fine art fair format in 2006. It features 100 artists and about 15,000 visitors annually. This free event benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center in addition to local nonprofit and Cedar Key school groups who serve food and beverages during the festival.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gainesville.com ’
