Scene Calendar: Gator Jam, 'Mary Poppins,' 'State of Wonder' and more

MUSIC

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: 8 p.m. Friday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $29.50-$79.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Postmodern Jukebox is a rotating musical collective founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011 and is known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz.

The SteelDrivers and Troubadour Blue: 8-11 p.m. Friday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $30-$35. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) What began as a casual jam session more than a decade ago has become one of today’s leaders in the Americana/bluegrass music world.

Eli Lev: 6 p.m. Saturday, Satchel's Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave. Free. (satchelspizza.com) The rising singer-songwriter pens lyrics and melodies for everyday enlightenment — songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt and earthy, and offer the wisdom he’s gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery.

Turnpike Troubadours: 7 p.m. Saturday, Daily's Place Amphitheatre, 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville. Tickets: Starting at $49. (dailysplace.com/events, 904-633-2000) The band will perform with special guests Elle King and Colby Acuff.

Orchestra Noir: 8 p.m. Saturday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $49-$99. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Two iconic eras side by side with the biggest Hip-Hop and R&B hits from the ’90s and 2000s played by the renowned all African American orchestra.

Charles Wesley Godwin and Erin Viancourt: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $35-$120. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) The soulful songwriter and singer will perform.

The Gainesville Orchestra Youth Concerto Recital: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Fellowship Hall of Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd St. Cost: $10. (gainesvilleorchestra.com) Senior Division (ages 16 to 21) and Junior Division (ages 10 to 15) of the Gainesville Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition will perform.

Maoli: 7 p.m. Sunday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $30-$35. (pvconcerthall.com) Heralded as one of Polynesia's No. 1 commercial recording artists, Maoli has been credited with more than 21 No. 1 regional island reggae hits.

The Classic Rock Show: 8 p.m. Sunday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $39-$65. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Paying tribute to its favorite rock heroes, The Classic Rock Show thunders through performances from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, The Who, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and more.

Gator Jam: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Country Way Town Square, 1739 SW 248th Drive, Suite 20, Newberry. Free. (tinyurl.com/gj24a) Live music performed by Timothy Krutzfeld, Cliff Dorsey, Houston Keen, Cam Wheaton, Justin Lee Partin, Rilynn Jean, Propaganjah and Hays.

Sneezy and Matcha: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $15-$20. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Best friends since first grade, sharing the groove one beat at a time. Sneezy brings the funk and soul from Chicago. Opening the show is Matcha with Jon Catino and Ivan Padilla on vocals and guitar, Riley Sechrest on vocals and bass, Austin DiVito on vocals and percussion, Sebastian “Tati” Sayavedra on guitar, Ryan Gamberino on saxophone and Brian Burwell on trombone.

Of Good Nature and The Hulagans: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $15-$20. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Of Good Nature incites and unites listeners with a fusion-friendly approach to today’s music, uncovering a highly accessible sound that concentrates on positive and feel-good lyrics, uplifting energy and technical musicianship, packed into a potent blend of alternative, soul, world, rock, groove and reggae.

BoDeans: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $33-$40. (pvconcerthall.com) Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Kurt Neumann, the band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as “Good Things,” You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho” and “Closer to Free.”

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $53-$95. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Following another sell-out tour of the UK & Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight returns with an epic, new 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.

Harold López-Nussa: 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. Pianist Harold López-Nussa reflects the richness of Cuban music with his distinctive combination of classical, folkloric and improvisation.

The Guess Who: 8 p.m. Thursday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $59.75-$69.75. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) The Guess Who is a legendary Canadian band with a legacy that includes chart-topping hits in the late ’60s and early ’70s with an impressive catalog of songs including "American Woman," "These Eyes" and "No Time."

Josh Meloy and Wyatt Baker: 8-10 p.m. Thursday, Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S. Main St. Tickets: $25-$30. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Oklahoma native Josh Meloy recently released his new record, “Oklahoma,” in May of 2020. The record consists of a collection of songs written over five years. Meloy considers this his “best and most honest work to date.” Meloy recorded and produced the album at home, giving it an undeniably authentic sound.

THEATER

“Mary Poppins The Musical”: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Eastside High School Auditorium, 1201 SE 43rd St. Tickets: $12 general admission, $8 students. (tinyurl.com/mptm24) Eastside High School brings the magic of one of the world's most famous nannies to the stage.

“White”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through April 14, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $20-$50. (thehipp.org) When a major museum seeks to showcase diverse voices in its next exhibition, Gus, an artist, enlists Vanessa’s help to create an audacious new artistic persona of color to get him in the show. From there it all spins out of control in this modern comedy, exploring white privilege, racial politics and the fine line between appropriation and opportunity.

“Ordinary Days”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through April 14, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) This intimate and introspective musical follows the lives of Deb, a graduate student who loses the notebook that contains all of her notes for her thesis somewhere on the streets of New York; Warren, a struggling artist and professional cat sitter who finds the notebook; and Jason and Claire, a couple inching toward marriage who can’t seem to completely figure each other out.

Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through April 28, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxury train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on Detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — in case he or she decides to strike again.

DANCE

Spring Concert and "State of Wonder" Show: 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Phillips Center, 315 Hull Road. Tickets: $15. (danscompanyofgainesville.org, performingarts.ufl.edu) "State of Wonder" will feature original music by Florida composer Dave LaGrande and songs by local band Sister Hazel. Audiences will enjoy original jazz, lyrical, tap and contemporary movement as they take a fictional journey with young Marj. ​Inspired by the works of activist and writer Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Marj learns the importance of caring for the natural world.

ET CETERA

Santa Fe Plein Air Paintout Public Observation Day: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, O'Leno State Park, 410 SE O'Leno Park Road, High Springs. Admission: $4 per person or $6 per car. (lanzagallery.com, 474-1049) Annual event in its seventh year with public viewing for four days in downtown High Springs and three parks. Twenty-four artists will be painting this year.

Antique Tractor and Engine Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs. Admission: $5 per vehicle with up to eight passengers. (stephenfostercso.org) Annual event in its 34th year featuring antique tractors and farming equipment reflecting 200 years of rural American history.

Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Visit: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday plus Thursday, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, 5579 Darwood St., Melrose. Cost: Suggested $10 donation per person. (tinyurl.com/rasvmar24, rooterville.org) From playful pigs to gobbling turkeys, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Connect with rescued animals and learn about the importance of animal welfare. All proceeds help care for the animals. You are welcome to bring snacks to feed the critters or buy them on site. They love baby carrots, strawberries, grapes, sliced apples and some veggies. Tickets are limited to 20 guests per 1.5-hour time slot.

Afro Roots Fest: 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, throughout Gainesville; see website for exact locations. Cost: $10-$160. (tinyurl.com/arf24b, tinyurl.com/arf24tickets) Afro-Cuban convening featuring dance and percussion workshops, Afro-Latin shorts, Afro-Cuban percussion, African dance, Afro-Cuban orisa, special dance party, concert by the  Odara Afro-Cuban Allstars and film screening of the documentary "Roman Diaz — Como el Agua.”

Seedlings Plant Show and Sale: 1-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Van Ness Park, 5835 Ave. G, McIntosh. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/spssspring24) Annual event in its 19th year featuring plant and yard art, food trucks, plant giveaways, music and more. Rain or shine.

Frogs and Friends Friday: 2-3 p.m. Friday, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (bit.ly/frogfriday22) Family friendly event held every first Friday of the month at the picnic pavilion. Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join Morningside’s animal caretaker and learn about the canter’s amphibian and reptile friends.

“Florida Skies (Spring)”: 7 p.m. Fridays through May 31, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $7.19 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/florida-skies-spring-4) Join James Albury, former co-host of the PBS TV Show “Star Gazers,” as he takes you on a personally guided tour of the night sky using the GOTO Chronos Space Simulator.

First Fridays Movie on the Lawn: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Barry Park, 25440 W. Newberry Road, Newberry. Free. (tinyurl.com/ffmotlapril24) Outdoor screening of the film “The Lorax.” Bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs, and grab snacks and beverages from restaurants and shops along Main Street.

Gator Steps for Lung Disease 5K Run/Walk Event: 7:30-11 a.m. Saturday, UF Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, 2033 Mowry Road. Cost: Free for spectators, $35 adults, $20 children. (tinyurl.com/gsfld24a) Inaugural event benefiting the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. This 5K walk/run aims to expedite research that could help with understanding various lung diseases and the development of treatments as well as patient education. All proceeds support patients and their families undergoing treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis at UF Health.

Yard and Bake Sale: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, High Springs New Century Woman’s Club, 23674 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (386-518-3276, Ext. 2) Rain or shine. Homemade baked goods and treasures for sale.

Gator Clot Trot 5K and Fun Walk: 9 a.m. Saturday, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St. Cost: Donation of your choice. (secure.qgiv.com/event/13thannualgatorclottrot) Annual race event in its 13th year featuring food, games, raffle and more.

Cars and Coffee: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW First Lane, Newberry. Free. (tinyurl.com/cacapril24) Family friendly opportunity for local car enthusiasts to get together for a cup of coffee, and to show off each other's vehicles regardless if it's an import, exotic, classic or jalopy.

Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Free; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/sgdw24) Family friendly event includes a 3K walk and a dog-friendly party in the park featuring music, food, vendor and sponsor booths, raffle drawing and more.

Pancakes on the Prairie: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Poe Springs boat ramp, 28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs. Free. (alachuaconservationtrust.org) Join ACT for a pancake breakfast at the cabin on Tuscawilla Prairie. This event is first come, first served; pancakes and coffee will be available while supplies last.

Spring Fling Family Carnival: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW Fifth Ave. Free. (ucgainesville.org) Family event designed to be sensory friendly, trauma-informed and accessible for kids with differing abilities featuring carnival games, sensory play, crafts, quiet room, dance party, parent respite space and more.

Bike Rodeo, Safety and Health Fair: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, UF Health Professional Park, 3300 SW Williston Road. Free. (tinyurl.com/brsahf24) Learn how to help keep children safe and healthy this summer. Children will have the opportunity to win a free bicycle. Enjoy interactive games, music, free bike helmets, free refreshments, a bike obstacle course and the Touch a Truck activity where children are given the opportunity of a hands-on learning experience about emergency vehicles and pedestrian safety.

Spring Family Fun Day: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 SW U.S. 27, Fort White. Admission: $6 per vehicle. (tinyurl.com/sffd24) Environmental extravaganza featuring 25-cent games, dunk tank, bounce house, animal rescue, junior ranger program, local vendors, student dioramas and more.

Party for the Planet: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets: $10 adults; $6 ages 4-12, seniors (60 and older), active military and veterans, teachers, police, firefighters, first responders, EMT/EMS, health care workers (all with valid ID), and UF students and staff with Gator1 ID; free ages 3 and younger. (sfcollege.edu/zoo) Explore the zoo and participate in games, crafts, training demonstrations, keeper talks, animal encounters and more. Learn to build like a beach mouse, save a sea turtle, make a backyard habitat and spring into action to save species.

Spring Festival: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Newberry historic district, Main Street, Newberry. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/sf24b) Annual family friendly event with local vendors, food trucks, children's activities, live entertainment and more.

Living History Saturday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave. Free. (bit.ly/frogfriday22) Interpreters will portray day-to-day life on an 1870 Florida farm.

Guided Hike on Rim Ramble: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, La Chua Trail Horse Barn, 4801 Camp Ranch Road. Cost: $4 per vehicle. (prairiefriends.org) Rangers from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park will lead adventures through the La Chua Trail. Limited space available to the first 25 people who are present at the time of each event. Heavily suggested items for the trip include hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, drinking water and field guides. Insect repellent is highly recommended in warmer weather.

Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. County Road 225. Tickets: $35 adults, $15 ages 2-11, free ages 1 and younger; $45 motorized-vehicle tours. (carsonspringswildlife.org, 468-2827, contact@cswildlife.org) Take a tour — on foot or in a tour vehicle — of Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation with big-cat feeding demonstrations and up-close encounters with the animals.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 ages 5-13, free for ages 4 and younger; free for members; group rates available. (kanapaha.org) Guided tour of the gardens.

Bugfest: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Steinmetz Hall, 1881 Natural Area Drive. Free. (entnemdept.ufl.edu) Annual event featuring insect petting zoo, maggot art, cockroach racing and a scavenger hunt.

Health Fair: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Waldo Community Center, 13558 NE 148th Ave., Waldo. Free. (562-5384) Community event designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, prevent and manage disease, and connect the community to local community resources. Free dance and yoga classes, health screenings and consultations, vaccinations, community sponsor information booths, food, kids' activities and more.

Historic Haile Homestead Tour: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays, Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 Archer Road. Entrance: $5 ages 12 and older, free ages 11 and younger. (hailehomestead.org) The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the nation for its "Talking Walls.''

Roots Plant Studio Third Birthday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Roots Plant Studio, 4780 NW 39th Ave. Free entry; items for sale. (tinyurl.com/rps3b) Celebration featuring sales, free food and drinks, raffles, giveaways and treats.

Old Florida Celebration of the Arts: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Second Street, Cedar Key. Free entry; items and food for sale. (cedarkeyartsfestival.com) Annual family event featuring 100 high-quality artists. Benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center, and local nonprofit and Cedar Key school groups who serve food, beverages and goodies during the festival.

Spring in a Small Town Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, WaterShed Life, 17520 NE SR 26, Hawthorne. Free entry; $5 to pet alpacas; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/siastm24) Alpaca petting zoo and local artisans in one event. All proceeds go to their “mommy” (owner), walking in the 60-mile Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk in England this year.

Spring Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Shoppes at Thornebrook, 2441 NW 43rd St. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/sm24b) Annual family event featuring food trucks, music with Kiss 105.3 and pop-ups from local vendors.

Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) 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.

Viva Europe: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (tinyurl.com/ve24a) Annual cultural festival promoting awareness of the diversity of European cultures with kids’ activities, puppet show, Irish dancing, musical tributes and language lessons.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Haile Village Bistro, 5323 SW 91st Terrace. Cost: $35 adults, $15 children; registration required. (tinyurl.com/mhtp24a) Mad Hatter-themed tea party complete with trivia and a crazy hat contest.

“Tracing Florida Journeys: Explorers, Travelers, and Landscapes Then and Now”: 4 p.m. Saturday, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave., and online via Zoom. Free; registration required. (tinyurl.com/tfjinperson, tinyurl.com/tfjzoom) Dr. Leslie Kemp Poole will share from her latest book, “Tracing Florida Journeys.” How has Florida’s land changed across five centuries? What has stayed the same, and what remains only in memory?

Santa Fe Plein Air Paintout Art Reception: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies, 23645 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. Free entry; items for sale (lanzagallery.com, 474-1049) Annual event in its seventh year to celebrate the work of all of the plein air artists. All works are for sale.  Light refreshments will be served. A percentage of all paintout sales will go to the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute for the preservation of our springs and rivers. Twenty-four artists will be painting this year.

Brazil Fest: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Depot Village, 404 SE Second St. Tickets: $20, $10 students. (tinyurl.com/bf24f) Annual festival featuring musicians, dancers and artisans. Performances by Hermogenes Araujo, Fernanda Noronha and Peu Pereira, Flores do Samba, Adriana Blanco and others.

“Eclipse”: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, 3000 NW 83rd St.Tickets: $8.22 for adults; $6.17 ages 4-12, ages 60 and older, UF affiliates, military and first responders. (showpass.com/eclipse) "Eclipse: The Story of Our Nearest Neighbor in Space" takes you on a journey of discovery to our nearest celestial neighbor. Learn about the origins, composition and mechanics of the moon. Discover how the ancients were able to predict eclipses with great accuracy, and find out when/where you can view the next eclipse.

Firefly Encounter: 8-9 p.m. Saturday and April 13, O'Leno State Park, 410 SE O'Leno Park Road, High Springs. Cost: $15 per vehicle with up to eight people. (ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/FireflyEncounter) Learn about fireflies and see thousands of them light up the night. A short educational presentation about fireflies followed by a guided light hike of no more than 3/4 mile in little-traveled areas of O’Leno State Park. Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Avoid using insect repellent. No flashlights or cellphone lights allowed.

Sunrise Hike: 7-8 a.m. Sunday, La Chua Trail Horse Barn, 4801 Camp Ranch Road; see website for map. Cost: $10 per person per hike; registration required. (prairiefriends.org) Join a park ranger at sunrise on La Chua Trail for a hike and learn about the natural and cultural history of the North End of Paynes Prairie. Hike will be limited to the first 25 people.

Perspectives in the Park Speaker Series: Noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park 1500 NW 45th Ave. Free. (facebook.com/cityofgainesvillenature/events) Monthly event. Learn from experts in their field about nature, history and art, and hear some of their stories. “Wandering in Wiregrass” with Raelene Crandall.

The Gainesville Oddities Market: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free entry; items and food for sale. (tinyurl.com/tgom24) Inaugural event featuring 70-plus vendors selling wares such as bones, bugs, taxidermy, art, fashion, jewelry, witchy items, crystals and more plus live music and entertainment on stage, and food trucks.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Ranger-Led Hikes: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 Williston Road. Cost: $5 per vehicle, $2 pedestrians and buses. (sweetwaterwetlands.org, 554-5871) Short guided walk that covers the history, function and ecosystem of the park.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks: 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays through May 29, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Road. Admission: $5 per vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, vans and bikes. (alachuaaudubon.org) Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida's premier birding hotspots during a two- to three-hour guided walking tour. Birders of all levels welcome. Walks are led by volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society with assistance from Sweetwater Wetlands Park rangers.

Barnyard Buddies: 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays through May 29, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave. Free. (bit.ly/barnbuds) Weekly program where youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding. Animals love donations of carrots, squash, apples, sweet potatoes and melons.

Celebration Pointe Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free entry; items and food for sale. (celebrationpointe.com/events/farmers-market-2023, info@celebrationpointe.com) Weekly farmers market featuring a wide selection of products, including grass-fed local meat, fruit smoothies and hand-poured soy candles. Discover the flavors of the season and support local farmers and small businesses.

ART

Artisans' Guild Gallery: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Art Supply Sale featuring gently used and new frames, jewelry supplies, beads and beading supplies, needlepoint, crochet and fabric, glass, metals, craft books, storage containers, paper and canvas, easels, painting supplies, art books, tools, stained glass supplies and more. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 224 NW Second Ave. (378-1383, artisansguildgallery.com)

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Imagination in Motion: Animation and Optical Illusions,” a world of endless possibilities where reality blurs and creativity takes center stage. Unveil the secrets of animation’s evolution, immerse yourself in optical illusions and discover the science behind your favorite animated films; “Reel Revolution: The Rise of Animation,” where attendees can explore how the future of animation is being shaped within the minds of visionaries just like them. Step through time to uncover the origins of some of the most well-loved movies, shows and characters of all time. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org)

Cedar Key Arts Center: 9 a.m. Wednesday Boat Builders. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 457 Second St., Cedar Key. (543-5801, cedarkeyartscenter.org)

Florida Museum of Natural History: “Antarctic Dinosaurs” on display through April 21. Today, Antarctica is a forbidding land of snow and ice, but 200 million years ago it was a lush, wooded habitat where dinosaurs thrived. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family friendly experience. Tickets: $10 adults; $9 Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 ages 3-17; free ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery: “Contemporary Slovak Poster Art — The Center for European Studies at UF” on display through April 20. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1314 S. Main St. (gainesvillefinearts.org, info@gainsevillefinearts.org)

Harn Museum of Art: “Surrealism at the Harn,” a centennial celebration, on display through June 2; “Gateway to Himalayan Art” on display through July; “Windows and Mirrors,” staff selections from the photography collection, on display through Nov. 3; “Metamorphosis: Reshaping Contemporary Art,” featuring artists who are rethinking traditional materials and techniques to create innovative works of art, on display through Oct. 26, 2025. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)

Lanza Gallery and Art Supplies: “Santa Fe Plein Air Paintout” paintings on display Saturday-May 4. 23645 W. U.S. 27, High Springs. (lanzagallery.com, 474-1049)

Matheson History Museum: “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall,” showcasing dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer. Also featured is a display of Bo Diddley artifacts, including one of Bo’s signature square box guitars. Written by music journalist Bill DeYoung and designed by historian Rick Kilby, this unique exhibit celebrates a golden age in the University City’s musical history, the likes of which may never be seen again. On display through May 4; “Weaving a Community: 30 Years of the Matheson History Museum,” an all-encompassing view of the Matheson’s history and its origins; “When Johnny Came Marching Home: Some Gave All – All Gave Some,” remembering those who came home from war with both physical and mental wounds, on display outside. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)

Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Open Air Arts on display through April 28, with Artwalk reception 6-9 p.m. Saturday. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)

Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puig on display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.

University Galleries: “Sense of Dwelling: Master of Fine Arts Candidates Exhibition I,” featuring works by Dustin Adams, Courtney Boyd, Brendhan Garland and Noah Kellough, on display through Friday.Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 400 SW 13th St. (arts.ufl.edu/university-galleries)

UPCOMING CONCERTS

The Crane Wives: 7 and 9 p.m. April 12, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m., $35 for 9 p.m., $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. A four-piece indie band, The Crane Wives defies musical stereotype with eclectic instrumentation and lively stage presence. They perform homegrown Indie folk with candor and touching, soulful harmonies, and are not afraid to experiment with jazz influences and instruments.

UF Concert Choir and Symphony Orchestra: 7:20-9 p.m. April 13, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 public, $12 UF students and veterans. (392-1900, performingarts.ufl.edu) “A Choral Tribute to D-Day.” Remembering D-Day 80 years later. On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed on a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified coastline in Normandy, France, to fight Nazi Germany. The concert will honor the more than 9,000 Allied soldiers who were killed or wounded. More than this, the concert will remember all veteran heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This performance of Antonin Dvořák’s powerful, solemn Requiem and John William’s “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie “Saving Private Ryan” are dedicated to them.

Third Friday Concert: 7-8:30 p.m. April 19, St Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NW 16th Ave. Free; freewill offering for performers accepted. (spccgnv.org/concert) Live performance by theAnnasemble Chamber Orchestra. The 10 to 12 musicians will perform music by Italian baroque composer Arcangelo Corelli, and American and Irish roots music plus music by local composers Bill Paine, and Marie Anna and David Evans.

Voices Rising Community Chorus: 3 and 7 p.m. April 20, First United Methodist Church, 419 NE First St. Tickets: $10-$20 suggested donation. (vrccgainesville.org) The chorus concludes its 10th anniversary season with a spring concert titled “Singers’ Choice!” and featuring songs voted as the singers' favorites from the group's first 10 years.

UF Carillon Studio Concert Series: 1:55 p.m. April 21, Century Tower Carillon, 375 Newell Drive. Free. (arts.ufl.edu/sites/carillon-studio/welcome) The University of Florida Carillon Studio is made up of students who have auditioned and committed to upholding the tradition of performing in Century Tower. The UF Carillon Studio Concert Series offers a chance to hear the UF Carillon during a 45-minute recital. Listeners are encouraged to find a location at least 100 feet from the tower for an optimal listening experience.

Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. April 26, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) TJ Brown Band will perform. Food will be available from area restaurants.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Great American Cleanup: 9 a.m.-noon April 13, meeting at Albert "Ray" Massey (Westside) Park, 1001 NW 34th St., then dispersing throughout the city before meeting back at the park at noon. Free. (kacb.org) Individuals, businesses, groups and service organizations across Alachua County are invited to help beautify the community. Projects include removing invasive plant species, planting native and pollinator plants, painting over graffiti and picking up litter from public areas. All supplies will be provided. Event ends in a party.

Spring Arts Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 14, Santa Fe College Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83rd St. Free entry; items and food for sale. (sfcollege.edu) Artists and craftspeople from across the country and around the world will highlight their talents in mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics and more.

Big: Culture and Arts Festival: 1 p.m. April 13-2 a.m. April 14, downtown Gainesville. Tickets: $25-$100. (diondia.com/big) Multidisciplinary celebration of the diverse creative and cultural communities growing throughout the Sunshine State. Big will transform an empty lot between Porters Quarters Community and South Main Street into an immersive and collaborative meeting place showcasing all expressions of creativity, including live performances from national touring acts with sets from regional and local talent.

Yoga in the Park with Emma Sugarman: 2 p.m. April 13, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free. (mathesonmuseum.org) Yoga class on the front lawn of the historic Matheson House. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat or towel.

360 Allstars: 4 p.m. April 14, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) An energy-packed performance for the whole family complete with basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, BMX biking and more. 360 Allstars is a supercharged urban circus showcasing the phenomenal physical fusion of the artistry from street culture.

An evening with Judith Raanan: 7:30 p.m. April 15, Chabad UF Jewish Student and Community Center, 2021 NW Fifth Ave. Free; donations accepted. (JewishGator.com/Judith, 336-5877) Refreshments will be served. Judith Raanan, 59, and her 18-year-old daughter Natalie, from Chicago, had traveled to Israel to celebrate the 85th birthday of Judith's mother at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. On Simchat Torah, Oct. 7, they were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. After a horrifying two weeks, they were the first to be released from the roughly 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Houston Keen Band: 6-9 p.m. April 16, Celebration Pointe, Northwest Corner of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. Free. (facebook.com/celebrationpointeFL/events) Live music on the promenade stage. Seating is first come first served, so feel free to bring a chair.

“Beyond Therapy”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 19-May 4, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) Bruce and Prudence, two modern, neurotic urbanites searching for love and sanity — with the questionable help of their offbeat therapists. This delightful comedy will keep you laughing as the couple learn to live beyond therapy.

“16th Annual Spring Youth Concert” Featuring “Little Red Riding Hood”: 2:30 p.m. April 20, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $18 general admission, free ages 11 and younger if purchased through box office (not online). (tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu, 392-ARTS, 800-905-ARTS) Sun Country Dance Theatre will revive its original story ballet “Little Red Riding Hood,” which premiered in 2013. Choreographed by SCDT Artistic Director Judy Benton to the music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, this enchanting ballet has been adapted from the fairy tale and follows Little Red throughout many adventures on her birthday. Join Little Red and her best friend, the Duck, as they travel through the forest to Granny’s house, where they encounter many magical creatures — and, of course, the wolf is always lurking close by.

Cinema Verde Film Festival: 4 p.m. April 20-22, Cypress and Grove Brewing Company, 1001 NW Fourth St. Tickets: $15 two-hour film block, $60 three-day pass. (cinemaverde.org/events/cinema-verde-2024-environmental-film-festival) Annual festival in its 15th year featuring 35 different environmental films.

Sunday Assembly: 11 a.m. April 21, Pride Center located in the Springhill Professional Center,  3850 NW 83rd St., Suite 201. Free. (SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com, sagainesville.weebly.com) Sunday Assembly will host Emily Westerholm, who serves as the executive director of the Released reentry program. In addition, she works as a mental health therapist specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. She holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and is a registered mental health counseling intern in Florida. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Society of Criminology and Social Justice Division. The title of her talk will be “Invisible Consequences: Exploring the Stigma and the Trauma of Incarceration.” Music will be provided by Sunday Assembly musicians with the opportunity to sing along. It also is possible to attend via Zoom.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: 7:30 p.m. April 23, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $12 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is a world-famous, all-male, classically trained ballet troupe that delivers hilarious parodies while performing both men’s and women’s roles. Described as “a kick from a steel toe cap in a silky pointe shoe,” this irreverent, beloved dance troupe is celebrating its 50th anniversary season of toeing the line between high art and high camp with their humorous blend of deep knowledge of ballet with absolute silliness. Their performances offer satire of the rigid world of dance through their playful, fresh, tongue-in-cheek concept.

Ann Weimer Moxley: “Just Call Me Rae: The Story of Rae O. Weimer, Founder of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications”: 7 p.m. April 24, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) Rae O. Weimer founded the University of Florida’s first school of journalism in 1949. Ann Weimer Moxley, Weimer’s daughter, has written an eye-opening chronicle of her late father’s lasting legacy to journalism in the state of Florida.

The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. April 25, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Tickets: Prices vary; see website for details. (bit.ly/globetrotters24) The trick-performing basketball team will go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team.

“Once Upon a Time in Florida: Roots and Rivers” with Jacki Levine, Jack E. Davis and Cynthia Barnett: 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. panel discussion May 1, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free; registration required. (mathesonmuseum.org) This is the final stop in the Florida Humanities’ statewide book tour for “Once Upon a Time in Florida.” This book marks Florida Humanities' 50th anniversary with a collection of 50 timeless stories from the archives of FORUM, the award-winning magazine of Florida Humanities. This tour stop will focus on Florida’s environment.

Floridiana Show: Time TBD May 4, Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Free. (mathesonmuseum.org) The Floridiana Show is back featuring Florida kitsch and vintage Florida from a variety of vendors from Gainesville and around the state.

I Heart Art: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs. Free entry; items and food for sale. (artinmypark@yahoo.com) Traditional arts-and-crafts demonstrations and items for sale. Items range from weaving, painting, wood working, soap making, photography and other handmade items.

“Treasure Island”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 24-June 9, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Picture a world where pirates rule what we call Earth. Humanity’s desire to find hidden treasures will take them to heights they never imagined. Based on the masterful adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, “Treasure Island” is an epic adventure from Ken Ludwig. It begins at an inn on the Devon coast of England, and quickly becomes an unforgettable tale of treachery and mayhem featuring a host of legendary swashbucklers including the dangerous Billy Bones, the sinister two-timing Israel Hands, the brassy woman pirate Anne Bonny, and the hideous form of evil incarnate Blind Pew. Sail the vastness of space to find Captain Flint’s treasure in this coming-of-age tale that is out of this world! Join Jim Hawkins as he navigates the universe longing for adventure with the infamous Long John Silver, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time. Silver’s greedy quest for gold, coupled with his affection for Jim, cannot help but win the heart of every soul who has ever longed for romance, treasure and adventure.

“Cabaret”: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays June 7-23, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW Second Ave., Suite O. Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students, seniors, military and teachers. (acrosstown.org) In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish master of ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all of their troubles at the Cabaret. With the emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles.

“Dead Man’s Cellphone”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays June 7-30, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) An incessantly ringing cellphone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man — with a lot of loose ends. So begins “Dead Man’s Cellphone,” a wildly imaginative new comedy by Sara Ruhl. A work about how we memorialize the dead — and how that remembering changes us.

“In The Heights”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 19-Aug. 11, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $24 general admission, $20 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) “In the Heights,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can decide which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.

“The Wizard of Oz — Youth Edition”: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July/August, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave., High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a scarecrow with no brain, a tin man with no heart, and a lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness — and self-awareness — is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: Afro Roots Fest, Gator Clot Trot, Spring Fling, more