THIS WEEK
The Wire Birds
The Wire Birds is a folk group performing original songs with close harmonies and a string quintet. They are set to perform beginning at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Heartwood Soundstage, located at 619 S. Main St. Tickets are $18. Their most recent songs focus almost exclusively on Florida stories, places and themes. Musical influences include country, blues, jazz and traditional folk music. They have been performing together for two years and have completed two albums of original compositions. Their first album, “The Wire Birds volume 1,” is available on all streaming platforms. The group features Dan Stepp on vocals and guitar, Emma Rynear on vocals, Gabi Shapiro on bass, Dan Hardwick on cello, Cate Hancock on Viola, Andre Cox on violin and Maurya Dickerson on violin. For more information, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com.
Discover 200: A Bicentennial Celebration
Alachua County’s Discover 200: A Bicentennial Celebration, is a free, family-friendly event marking the start of a yearlong celebration honoring the founding of the county. The event, which will begin at 1 p.m. Jan. 11, includes music on two stages at Depot Park and Heartwood Soundstage. Musical acts include Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Chuck Ragan & The Camaraderie, Little Jake & The Soul Searchers, and The Cliff Dorsey Band. There will be food trucks, free face paintings and balloon animals for kids, a strolling magician, historical and county service exhibits, UF mascots Albert and Alberta and more. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St. Depot Park is located at 200 SE Depot Ave. For set times and more information, visit alachua200.com.
‘Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom’
First Presbyterian Church is presenting its series titled “Concert for a Cause.” For the next concert in the series — “Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom,” set for 4 p.m. Jan. 12 — music director Mitch Rorick pulled together Dance Alive National Ballet and Anew, along with Brazilian choreographer Cristina Helena. Helena is highly regarded by the government of Brazil as well as the world’s dance community. A representative to UNESCO, Helena has seen sexual trafficking in both Brazil and Africa. Join Dance Alive National Ballet, Anew, and First Presbyterian Church Festival Chorus and instrumentalists for a concert highlighting the struggle, freedom finding, and the journey to restoration for those impacted by human trafficking. The reality of sex trafficking: Florida ranks No. 3 for reported sex trafficking in the United States. In addition to music and dance, Anew, an organization committed to reaching and restoring lives impacted by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, will help tell the story. There is no charge for this program, but donations to Anew are welcomed. First Presbyterian Church is located at 106 SW Third Ave. For more information, visit anewflorida.com.
Pink Martini
A crowd favorite, Pink Martini will return to Gainesville to celebrate their 30th anniversary on a tour that promises to be packed with stylish fun. Drawing inspiration from all over the world — crossing genres from big band American jazz to old-fashioned French pop — the group tours the globe with their multilingual repertoire on a diplomatic mission to share a good time. The show also will feature China Forbes. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 to $60, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
COMING SOON
Pacifica Quartet
The Pacifica Quartet has established itself as one of the finest chamber ensembles to hit the stage. With their powerful energy and captivating sound, it is no wonder that this quartet has a career that spans nearly three decades and multiple Grammy Awards. Choose one performance or indulge in both distinct programs for an extraordinary experience of musical virtuosity at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Cirque Kalabanté
Cirque Kalabanté features gravity-defying acrobatics and jaw-dropping displays of contortion and strength. Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this performance is designed to share the beauty, youth and artistry of West African culture. Founded by Guinean-born Cirque du Soleil veteran Yamoussa Bongoura, Kalabanté means “ambitious child with exceptional courage” in West African Sousou. Cirque Kalabanté lives up to its name, showcasing explosive drumming and dance, and extraordinary feats of daring for adults and kids alike. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $25 to $45, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information — including other upcoming performances at the Phillips Center — visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s’
Dance Alive is set to present a new program, The Ballet Process. Choreographer Tales Ribeiro and dancers will include attendees on the journey as he creates a new work – “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s” With “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s,” what we love becomes eternal in our memory — but what happens when our memory is gone? When who we used to be also is gone? This is one story in which a fragment of memory, a moment of love, a treasure in time, is still there. Each “What Remains” experience includes a talk-back and refreshments. Ribeiro, recently promoted to principal dancer and company choreographer for Dance Alive National Ballet, is a recent member of International Dance Council CID, the official worldwide organization of all forms of dance. Among other benefits, he is able to offer International Certification to his students and nominate other persons for CID membership. Take part at 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at Pofahl Studios, located at 1325 NW Second St. For more information, call 371-2986 or email info@ dancealive.org.
Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes
A supergroup forms for the brand-new show, “Withers to Wonder,” where famed multi-Grammy Award-winners Take 6 join forces with illustrious jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and Vegas crooner Clint Holmes to celebrate the music of icons Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder. See the performance at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $35 to $55, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
’20th Century Blues’
Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg has said, “My face carries all my memories. Why would I erase them?” Maybe … but would you want to share your face over four decades and the tracks of those memories with everyone?! For 39 years, since the day they met in jail in their 20s, Sil, Mac and Gabby have all gotten together once a year with Danny, a well-known photographer, for a photo shoot, chronicling their enduring friendship and their changing visages. Each year they laugh, eat, drink, catch up, reminisce and cement their continuing bond. This year — year 39 — Danny tells her friends she wants to share the photos with the world in a retrospective of her works at MOMA in New York City. Come enjoy this heart-warming, funny and bittersweet day with these women exploring friendship and its complexities, aging and life! Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and $12 for students. Shows are set for 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 24 through Feb. 9 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, located at 4039 NW 16th Blvd. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit gcplayhouse.org.
Geneva Lewis
Hailed as “clearly one to watch” by Musical America, violinist Geneva Lewis is at the forefront of a new generation of performers carrying forward the classical canon with remarkable mastery. She has the power to dominate the music, yet handles it with elegance. Lewis is the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. She will perform at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $35 and $12 for University of Florida students. To purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Stella Cole
Let this performance transport you to a 1940s jazz club with moody lighting, and the sounds of soft chatter and clinking glasses that fade away as a star takes the stage. Raised on old movies and classic singers, Stella Cole captivates audiences with her soothing renditions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, and a remarkably mature voice reminiscent of Judy Garland. 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; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. See the show at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan 31 UpStage at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. seating, $35 for the 9 p.m. seating, and $12 for University of Florida students. Visit performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.
José Valentino and Charlton Singleton
José Valentino, a recipient of multiple Latin Grammy Awards, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a musical style that traverses R&B, Latin, jazz, fusion and beyond. Charlton Singleton is a multiple Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and a founding member of the acclaimed Gullah quintet Ranky Tanky. Together, Valentino and Singleton promise a fun, energetic evening filled with improvisational flair and fast-paced, funky Latin jazz. 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; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. See a performance at 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 1 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. seating, $35 for the 9 p.m. seating and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘The Odd Couple, Female Version’
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals, “The Odd Couple, Female Version” is the High Springs Playhouse’s first production of 2025. According to Concord theatricals, “Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic. … Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Constanzuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same.” Tickets for the show are $17 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors ages 65 and older. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays or 2 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 7 through March 2. The High Springs Playhouse is located at 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs. For more information, visit highspringsplayhouse.com.
‘Dangerous Liaisons’
Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet, this performance features Kim Tuttle’s “Dangerous Liaisons” with guest actors Nell Page Rainsberger and Gregg Jones; Judy Skinner’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with award-winning pianist Kevin Sharpe; and Tales Ribeiro’s “Revelation.” Recommended for ages 13 and older. See the show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $30 to $50. To purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Riverdance
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. To celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new, innovative choreography and costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time, Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. VIP tickets include early access to the hall to watch cast blocking/warm-ups, a VIP laminate, and a Q&A with select cast members prior to the performance. See the show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-13 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $45 to $75, $175 for VIP and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Filling concert halls for more than 30 years, the great Czech National Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the timeless power of music. Their program featured two soloists in the first half followed by a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “New World Symphony.” Their local show begins at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 to $65 or $12 for University of Florida students. Visit performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.
‘ Este Articulo puede contener información publicada por terceros, algunos detalles de este articulo fueron extraídos de la siguiente fuente: www.gainesville.com ’
