THIS WEEK
The Psycodelics
The Psycodelics will bring their high-energy blend of Black American music to the Heartwood lawn during a free Live on the Lawn show at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at Heartwood Soundstage. Drawing on funk, blues, gospel and R&B influences — and earning comparisons to Parliament Funkadelic, Prince and Morris Day and the Time — the rising band has built festival buzz with appearances at Peach Fest, Joshua Tree Music Festival and Jam Cruise while supporting artists including Neal Francis, Fearless Flyers and Durand Jones amd the Indications. The outdoor concert is open to all ages, and lawn chairs are permitted as space allows. Admission is free, but advance RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St.
‘Happily Ever After: A Wedding Comedy’
High Springs Playhouse is set to present “Happily Ever After: A Wedding Comedy,” running through March 1. Written by Mark Dunn and directed by Jenny Martinez, the family-friendly farce follows a bride who barricades herself in a church nursery moments before her wedding, convinced she is destined for another man — if he ever wakes from a coma. As her determined mother pushes to keep the wedding on track, the day spirals into chaos with a dog funeral, a flirtatious caterer, a looming presidential visit, and a miraculous recovery that upends everything. With a Texas twang and plenty of twists, the play evokes the spirit of classic Kaufman and Hart comedies. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays at the theater, located at 23416 W U.S. 27 in High Springs. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit tinyurl.com/heaawc26.
Robert Jon and the Wreck
Robert Jon and the Wreck will bring their signature blend of Southern rock and West Coast soul to Heartwood Soundstage on Feb. 21 for a 7 p.m. show. Formed in 2011, the band has built an international following with searing guitar work, rich harmonies and road-tested songwriting, sharing stages with Joe Bonamassa, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons, Samantha Fish and Buddy Guy. Their 2023 release “Live at the Ancienne Belgique” drew strong praise, and the new album “Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes,” produced by Kevin Shirley, continues the group’s momentum. The indoor concert features hybrid seating based on ticket purchase and is open to all ages. Advance standing-room tickets are $30, day-of-show standing tickets are $36, and advance seated tickets are $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
Dance Alive National Ballet will present “Romeo & Juliet” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Back by popular demand, the ballet brings Shakespeare’s tragic love story to life through sweeping choreography by the late Tom Pazik, featuring breathtaking lifts, dramatic sword fights and a powerful depiction of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. Principal dancer Rosemary Deiorio will dance Juliet opposite Principal Tales Ribeiro as Romeo, supported by original sets designed by Carlos Asse with reconstruction by Matt Pollard and costumes by Chris Takashima and Rebecca Flake. The production is set to music combining Sergei Prokofiev’s 1935 “Romeo and Juliet” with selections from the 16th century. The presentation is family-friendly, with sword fighting involved. Tickets are $35 to $75. For more information, visit dancealive.org. To purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Holy Trinity Concert
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will host a special performance of Mozart’s beloved “Gran Partita (K. 361)” beginning at 4 p.m. Feb. 22. This masterwork for small wind ensemble showcases Mozart at his most elegant and expressive. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow the concert. The event is free. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 100 NE First St.
‘TINA — The Tina Turner Musical’
“TINA — The Tina Turner Musical” will take the Phillips Center stage on Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., presented by the University of Florida Performing Arts. The electrifying Broadway hit traces the inspiring rise of Tina Turner — the barrier-breaking artist known as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll — and features many of her most beloved songs. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, the production celebrates the life and legacy of one of the world’s best-selling artists. Recommended for ages 14 and older, the show includes scenes depicting domestic violence, racist language, loud music, strobe lighting, haze and gunshots. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road.
Teen Open Mic
Teen Open Mic with We Rock Gainesville will spotlight young local talent at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Heartwood Soundstage. Musicians and songwriters ages 10 to 17 are invited to perform; advance sign-up is encouraged by emailing admin@werockgainesville.com to secure a spot. The all-ages indoor event has no cover charge, with drinks and snacks available for purchase throughout the evening. RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit heartwoodsoundstage.com. Heartwood Soundstage is located at 619 S. Main St.
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
‘Hansel and Gretel’/’18th Annual Spring Youth Concert’
Sun Country Dance Theatre will present its 18th annual Spring Youth Concert at 2:30 p.m. March 1 at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. The family-friendly program features an encore performance of “Hansel & Gretel,” an original story ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Judy Benton that brings the beloved fairy tale to life with humor, imagination, and heart as the adventurous siblings journey through an enchanted forest, encounter whimsical characters, and outwit the eccentric Cotton Candy Witch. In addition to the story ballet, the concert includes a diverse lineup of new works performed by the dancers of Sun Country Dance Theatre, with original choreography by resident artists and the premiere of three new works created exclusively for the company by guest choreographers from New York City, spanning classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern dance, and musical theatre. Distinguished guest artists from Florida and New York City — including professional dancers from The Florida Ballet — also will appear. All seating is general admission; tickets are $20, with free tickets available for children 17 and younger when obtained in person at the Phillips Center box office. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Stomp The Swamp for Autism
The University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will host the 17th annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness event on March 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The community walk and run begins at 9:30 a.m., with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. at Gate 7. It brings together self-advocates, families, community members, and UF students, faculty and staff to support individuals with autism and their families. The event includes vendor and UF organization tabling, performances, children’s activities, fitness activities for all ages, a silent auction, and event T-shirts available with a $25 donation. Proceeds support UF CARD’s education, training, and community outreach programs. For more information or to register, visit card.ufl.edu.
The Other Book Part 2: The Shoulders We Stand On
Before school integration, Black educators often taught from an official textbook and an “other book” that preserved the truth of Black history. This lecture series examines the overlooked and often whitewashed contributions of Black Americans. The March 14 session, set for 10 a.m. to noon, focuses on politics with Dr. Sharon Austin. Lectures are held the second Saturday of each month from January through April. A $5 suggested donation is requested. Registration is encouraged but not required. All are welcome. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register for the event, visit mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/92731-the-other-book-part-2-science-and-engineering.
Interrogating the ‘Johns Committee’: A Reckoning for Florida’s Red Scare War on Blacks and Queers
Journalist and scholar Robert W. Fieseler examines the history and legacy of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee — often called the Johns Committee — a McCarthy-era group that targeted Black and queer Floridians between 1956 and 1965. Drawing from his book “American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives,” Fieseler explores the committee’s actions and their lasting impact, including in Gainesville. The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 25 and is free with registration. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register, visit https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/95896-interrogating-the-johns-committee.
The Other Book Part 2: The Shoulders We Stand On
Before school integration, Black educators often taught from an official textbook and an “other book” that preserved the truth of Black history. This lecture series examines the overlooked and often whitewashed contributions of Black Americans. The April 11 session, set for 10 a.m. to noon, focuses on faith communities and resistance with Dr. Rik Stevenson. Lectures are held the second Saturday of each month from January through April. A $5 suggested donation is requested. Registration is encouraged but not required. All are welcome. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. For more information or to register for the event, visit mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/92731-the-other-book-part-2-science-and-engineering.
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.