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Heavy Petty returns to the “Free Fridays” Concert Series with a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Friday, Aug. 17 from 8-10 p.m. Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty is one of the most famous musicians to hail from Gainesville, Florida. Heavy Petty is Gainesville’s own Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band.  The band first played on Valentine's night in 2010 at Common Grounds in downtown Gainesville. Since then, the five-piece rock ‘n’ roll band has played many different events and venues in and around Gainesville. Heavy Petty prides itself in playing Tom Petty songs with attention paid to strict interpretation, but also in being able to rock out, have a lot of fun and get the crowd involved. 

The Duppies are a high-powered, seven-piece band formed in Gainesville in 2004. Since that time, this popular ska, rocksteady and reggae band has received the attention of audiences beyond the local scene by touring throughout the U.S. Band members include The Duppies founder, Brian Hiebel (lead vocals/percussion), Tony Farah (bass), Ryan Bonner (keyboards), Daniel Kinney (drums), Chris Chiares (guitar) and Jose Pineiro (sax/backing vocals).

The Bridget Kelly Band is playing at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series at the Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville Friday, Aug. 3 from 8-10 p.m.

The band Crooked Counsel will play at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville Friday, July 27 from 8-10 p.m.

The band Pine will play at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville Friday, July 20 from 8-10 p.m.

The band Wax Wings will play at the “Free Fridays” Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville Friday, July 13 from 8-10 p.m.

Showtune Shenanigans premiered in 2018 at the City of Gainesville’s JestFest. Created by John Lowe, the celebrated director of music and organist at Gainesville’s Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and talented actor/singer/musician Will Winter, the duo played, sang, acted and danced their way through a variety of popular show tunes.  Now with an expanded repertoire and additional musicians, they will play at the All-American Song Fest. This celebration of America’s birthday is held annually at “Free Fridays” on the first Friday in July.

The Savants of Soul will play at “Free Fridays” Friday, June 29 at 8 p.m. They are a nine-piece Motown soul band built on a foundation of blues, soul, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, punk and ska. In 2015, the band released the EP “Sunday Best,” which followed the release of 2014's full-length LP “Downtown Sound.” The band performed at the Red Gorilla Festival at South by Southwest in 2017, and they have shared the stage with acts such as Charles Bradley, The Original Wailers, Thomas Wynn & The Believers and Selwyn Birchwood.