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The Thomas Center Galleries, in conjunction with the Friends of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm, announce a weekend of activities as part of the “Year of Cross Creek,” which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the publication of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ “Cross Creek” and “Cross Creek Cookery.” This weekend of free activities includes an evening of social dance, an afternoon of fun and folksy entertainment and a concert inspired by Rawlings’ work. All three events will feature the music of virtuoso mandolin player Sam Bartlett and violin player and vocalist Eden MacAdam-Somer. These events are being held in anticipation of the Sept. 29 opening of the Thomas Center Galleries’ newest exhibition CROSS CREEK RISING The Consciousness of Land and Water.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., is pleased to welcome Billy Dean to the next Jewel Box Concerts at the Thomas Center on Friday, Sept. 8. Dean is a Florida Artists Hall of Fame member, Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association award-winner and Grammy nominee, and this concert is certain to be an up close and personal performance. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. General admission is $20 and VIP seating is $30 at the door. Seating is limited, and tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.evansmediasource.com. 

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., announce that the Thursday, Aug. 24 Jewel Box Concert at the Thomas Center featuring Linda Cole has been postponed, and will be rescheduled for a later date.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., is pleased to announce the next Jewel Box Concert at the Thomas Center Friday, July 20. The concert is being called "Both Sides Now," and is a tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The production is set for two, 45-minute sets, with a 20-minute intermission. Admission is $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.evansmediasource.com.

Rolling Stone called Mitchell "one of the greatest songwriters ever," and AllMusic has stated, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century."

Executive producer of this concert is Ernie Evans, and it features some of Gainesville's finest performers. The evening will be led by co-producer Cathy DeWitt and music director Richard Bassil.

"This will be a special evening dedicated to the biggest fan of Joni Mitchell, our dearly departed Joseph Saccocci, and held on the week of his July birthday," says Evan Evans. He goes on to say, "Gainesville is so rich and deep with talent, and I am excited to be working with one of the best, Cathy Dewitt. I have a lot of respect for her dedication to the music community, leadership skills, especially her ability to organize. It is also an honor to work with longtime friend of Joseph Saccocci's, Richard Bassil as band director."

A photograph of some of the artists performing may be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/gainesville/35375895620/.

Concert-goers may bring their favorite wine or champagne, and an attendant will tend their bottle. Plastic glasses will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own glasses, as well. Authentic, homemade Indian cuisine will be available for purchase.

The Jewel Box Concerts at the Thomas Center are a series of multi-genre musical events staged in the historic Thomas Center’s Spanish Court. They feature a spectrum of national and international touring artists from folk to classical and from jazz to bluegrass, with special holiday shows and surprise guests.

The Thomas Center is located at 302 NE Sixth Ave. in Gainesville. The ticket office for the Jewel Box Concerts is 904-886-8378.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., is pleased to announce the next Jewel Box Concert at the Thomas Center Friday, June 23, featuring The Grascals. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.evansmedisource.com.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., is pleased to announce the next Jewel Box Concert at the Thomas Center Friday, June 2. The concert features the return of international touring artists Flagship Romance.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Flagship Romance performs at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door - cash or check only, please. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at http://www.evansmediasource.com//index_files/shakeraghome.htm.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is happy to announce a new season of the popular Jewel Box Concerts in conjunction with Shake Rag Cultural Center. The concerts are a series of multi-genre musical events staged in the historic Thomas Center’s Spanish Court.
 
A tremendous amount of planning has gone into the development of the upcoming series and we are happy to announce that the first show of the series will feature returning national touring artists Flagship Romance Friday, June 2.  Their harmonic alternative folk performance will debut tunes from their latest CD. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. (www.facebook.com/events/1617778958295443). Admission is $20 cash or check only at the door on the day of the show or presale tickets can be purchased at www.evansmediasource.com or by calling 904-886-8378.   
 
Past concerts have included an array of legendary artists and Grammy award winners such as, the Lonesome River Band, Latin jazz pianist Chuchito Valdes,  the Claire Lynch Band, Helen Highwater String Band, featuring award winning bass player, Missy Raines, the Atlantic City Boys, Flagship Romance, Nothin Fancy, Tony Trishka and more.
 
Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc. is a community-oriented, non-profit arts organization promoting an atmosphere for the creation and appreciation of the arts, including community educational programs and workshops. “There are so many artists out there that don't get exposure through main stream media, and we couldn't be happier to present these worthy artists in this magnificent venue while enriching the community at the same time,” said Debi Evans, Shake Rag treasurer.
 
The concerts are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The concert series is another example of the 352Arts Roadmap, part of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department Master Plan.
 
For additional information, please contact Russell Etling, cultural affairs manager, at etlingrh@cityofgainesville.org or 352-393-8532, or contact Ernie Evans, vice president Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc. at eanddmedia@gmail.com or 904-886-8378.

Surely you jest? No, it's true! Jest Fest!, a free, fun, family-friendly event produced by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, returns Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Historic Thomas Center and Gardens. Now in its fifth season, Jest Fest! features a stellar lineup of international stars, performing some of the world's greatest comedy/variety and circus acts on five stages. There are even more roving entertainers, food and merchandise vendors and kids' activities located throughout the gardens.

Municipal Minutes is an electronic newsletter for the community. The monthly e-newsletter provides information about upcoming activities, projects and events in the City of Gainesville. For more information about this e-newsletter, please contact the Communications Office at 334-5017.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) is pleased to announce that Facilities Coordinator Erica Chatman has received the Planner of the Year Award from the central Florida chapter of the Society for Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP).

Chatman has been a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) since 2013, and is the first PRCA employee to achieve this certification. The CMP designation is recognized globally in 55 countries as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition and event industry.

The Society for Government Meeting Professionals was founded in 1981, and is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to government meetings. Their mission is to enhance and promote the expertise of government meeting professionals and to improve the quality of, and promote the cost-effectiveness of, government meetings.

The membership of the central Florida chapter is comprised of city, county, state and federal meeting p