Gainesville
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Great Southern Music Hall 50th Anniversary

  • When: Friday, April 26, 2024,  7:00 pm
  • Location: 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601-5451
  • Cost: free

On April 26 at 7pm join us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Southern Music Hall. Hear from Jeffrey Meldon, Jim Forsman, John Moran, Albert Teebagy and others who were there at the start and helped make it the "Showplace of the South." Light appetizers, beer, and wine will be served along with music from the artists who performed at the theatre recreated by Trantham Whitley on the keyboard. Tour the "Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall" exhibition before and after the program, which showcases dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer.

Jeffrey Meldon and Jim Forsman joined forces in 1974 to create the Great Southern Music Hall at the former Florida Theatre location in downtown Gainesville. On April 26, 1974, the performing arts theatre had its premiere performance featuring the Earl Scruggs Review. Over the next five years some of the greatest performances in the history of Gainesville were presented at this unique forum. The theater experience was unique because the 800-seat theatre was intimate enough that every person in the house felt engaged in each performance.

The "Return to Forever" exhibition closes on Saturday, June 8.

  • Website: www.facebook.com
  • Contact Phone: 352-378-2280
  • Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Category: Tours/Informational

This event is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL; The City of Gainesville; and by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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