For two days a year, historic downtown Gainesville transforms into a mecca of fine art, a celebration of jazz and blues and a buffet of cuisines from around the world. In its 25th year, the Downtown Festival & Art Show brings these festivities to the city once again, showcasing excellence in art and musical expression.
On Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., neighbors and friends will stroll from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, through the tree-lined cobblestone streets, certain that their newest artistic piece is hidden under the cloak of an artist’s white tent.
Visual artists from all over the country will exhibit and sell their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans will compete for more than $14,000 in cash prizes and $4,000 in purchase awards. With such a diverse array of unique art displayed for sale and competition, the Downtown Festival & Art Show is a great way to begin your holiday shopping.
All weekend long the festival will feature continuous, live entertainment on three stages. During the day, street performers and local musical acts will awe festival goers as they travel along the streets of the art show. Musical performances will continue into the night, serenading enthusiastic audiences with the soulful sounds of blues and jazz.
On Friday at 7 p.m., the Downtown Blues Concert, presented by the North Central Florida Blues Society, will kick off with Gainesville’s own Used Blues Band. Then, at 8 p.m. prepare to travel back in time with JW Gilmore and the Blues Authority to the days of Muddy Waters and B.B. King as the band brings listeners old-style blues. Nationally acclaimed blues artist Eddie Kirkland, who has worked with legends such as Otis Redding and Little Richard, will bring audiences to their feet with his energetic dance beats when he takes the stage at 9 p.m.
On Saturday evening, the music continues as the 5th Annual Downtown Jazz Festival introduces world-renowned artists to the local music scene. At 6 p.m., Billboard World Music Award nominee, Ginetta’s Vendetta, will take the stage. The NYC trumpet-led trio of musicians features Ginetta, a triple threat dynamo who plays, sings and composes. She creates a spontaneous combustion of soul as she belts sultry vocals and plays fiery jazz on her pocket trumpet.
Gainesville’s most talented smooth jazz band, Gruv Therapy will follow at 7:30 p.m. Gruv Therapy will have everyone jamming to its funky, neo-soul, jazz grooves.
At 9 p.m., jazz flautist Bradley Leighton will take the stage. A funky fusion of styles will be ignited as Leighton introduces his partner for the night, Jason Miles, a Grammy award winning contemporary jazz artist. These musical treats are absolutely free and open to the public. Please join us for these two extraordinary evenings of music under the stars.
Guests won’t be able to resist the festival’s mouth-watering treats from around the world. Visitors can delight their taste buds with everything from Mediterranean pitas to sweet barbecue ribs.
All festivities are free and open to the public. For more information call (352) 334-ARTS or visit www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.
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