PRCA News

The band Fast Lane will feature funk, soul and R&B at its “Free Fridays” concert, held Friday, June 22 from 8-10 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Plaza.

The “Free Fridays” Concert Series, as part of its celebration of June as African-American Music Appreciation Month, presents The Shakedown Friday, June 15 from 8-10 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Plaza.

The Gainesville Big Band kicks off the Memorial Day weekend at “Free Fridays” on Friday, May 25. The Gainesville Big Band began as the Gainesville Community Jazz Band. Since 2007, the band has brought big band jazz to Gainesville and the surrounding areas. They are an 18-piece jazz band that plays a wide range of big band styles, such as traditional swing, dance, Latin and contemporary jazz.

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department presents the Nancy Luca Band with Anna Marie as part of the “Free Fridays” Concert Series Friday, May 11 from 8-10 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Plaza

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department announces the highly anticipated 2018 “Free Fridays” season concert schedule. The public is invited to join us for our annual series of free, family-friendly concerts at the Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville.

The soulful sound of blues will usher in the Downtown Festival & Art Show weekend Friday, Nov. 10 with a free Downtown Blues Concert on the Bo Diddley Plaza from 7-10 p.m. The North Central Florida Blues Society is pleased to announce an evening under the stars featuring three incredible blues performances.

A representative of National Policy Institute (NPI) is scheduled to speak at the University of Florida’s (UF) Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Thursday, October 19th. To assist law enforcement with ensuring public safety in the Downtown Gainesville business district, the Bo Diddley Plaza will close to the public immediately following the Union Street Famer’s Market event scheduled from 4 pm – 7 pm this evening.

The University of Florida’s World Music Ensembles present a “Free Fridays” concert at the Bo Diddley Plaza Friday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. The event features student and faculty musicians and dancers from UF’s College of the Arts. The lively evening of music and dance also features a guest appearance by internationally-renowned Brazilian percussionist Renato Martins.

The Gainesville City Commission will host its second Telephone Town Hall, talkGNV, to discuss the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department’s (PRCA) master plan, PRCA Vision 2020. City officials will answer caller questions about the master plan, including future enhancements to Gainesville’s park facilities and recreation opportunities, as well as discuss potential funding methods.

Kicking off this year’s “Free Fridays” concert series on Friday, Aug. 7 is Little Jake Mitchell and The Soul Searchers, featuring old school blues and rhythm and blues artist Jake Mitchell.