Entertainment
Scene Calendar: Chomp the Block, ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Liberte’ and holiday music
THIS WEEK
‘What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s’
Dance Alive is set to present a new program, The Ballet Process. Choreographer Tales Ribeiro and dancers will include attendees on the journey as he creates a new work – “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s” With “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s,” what we love becomes eternal in our memory — but what happens when our memory is gone? When who we used to be also is gone? This is one story in which a fragment of memory, a moment of love, a treasure in time, is still there. Each “What Remains” experience includes a talk-back and refreshments. Ribeiro, recently promoted to principal dancer and company choreographer for Dance Alive National Ballet, is a recent member of International Dance Council CID, the official worldwide organization of all forms of dance. Among other benefits, he is able to offer International Certification to his students and nominate other persons for CID membership. Take part at 1 p.m. Nov. 15 and Jan. 24 at Pofahl Studios, located at 1325 NW Second St. For more information, call 371-2986 or email info@ dancealive.org.
Chomp the Block
Celebrate the Gators during Celebration Pointe’s Chomp the Block! The official block party of the Florida Gators is held every Friday before home football games. The events feature food and drinks from onsite restaurants and food trucks, live music, giveaways and games along with special appearances by University of Florida celebrities. The next event is set for Nov. 15 ahead of the Florida vs. LSU game. The event also will celebrate Saluting Those Who Serve, and will feature live music by Whiskey Jones. Celebration Pointe is located just off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. A Chomp the Block party is held each home-game Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. with a kids’ zone with child-friendly games such as a bounce house, face painting and balloon animals. The exclusive block parties are part of a comprehensive, ongoing partnership program with the Florida Gators. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com.
‘Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince’
With a passion for dance and a heart for worship, Doxa Dance Company is set to present its annual production of “Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince,” a classic tale of unconditional love. The performance will start at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $23. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘Murder at Abby Manor Mascarade Ball’
Solve a mystery during a dinner murder-mystery interactive game during “Murder at Abby Manor Mascarade Ball,” set for 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Hawthorne Woman’s Club, located on Southeast 66th Avenue in Hawthorne. Tickets to the event are $25, and reservations are required. Each guest will be a character in the mystery and have a role to play. The event includes hors d’oeuvres and “Around the World” dinner, dessert, prizes and raffle. For more information, call 305-975-4018 or 412-518-7154.
Parker Quartet
Internationally recognized for their fearless yet probingly beautiful performances, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has distinguished itself as one of the preeminent quartets of this time. Their numerous honors include winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the Grand Prix and Mozart Prize at France’s Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, and Chamber Music America’s prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award. See them perform at 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Chomp the Block
Celebrate the Gators during Celebration Pointe’s Chomp the Block! The official block party of the Florida Gators is held every Friday before home football games. The events feature food and drinks from onsite restaurants and food trucks, live music, giveaways and games along with special appearances by University of Florida celebrities. The final event for this year’s football season is set for Nov. 21 ahead of the Florida vs. Ole Miss game. The event also will celebrate Senior Day, and will feature live music by Chillula. Celebration Pointe is located just off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road. A Chomp the Block party is held each home-game Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. with a kids’ zone with child-friendly games such as a bounce house, face painting and balloon animals. The exclusive block parties are part of a comprehensive, ongoing partnership program with the Florida Gators. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com.
ONGOING
‘Nostalgia’
Join the Gainesville Fine Arts Association in celebrating their latest local art exhibition: “Nostalgia.” The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 23, and can be seen for free. The Gainesville Fine Arts Association is located at 1314 S. Main St. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, email info@gainesvillefinearts.org or call 328-5027.
Sylvia Zerbini’s ‘Liberte’
Equestrian trainer and performing artist Sylvia Zerbini is bringing her production, “Liberte,” ́ back to her Liberte ́ Equestrian Theater in Williston now through April 2025. The former star and lead trainer of “Cavalia” has performed across the globe for millions of fans. Zerbini’s multidimensional equestrian voyage features more than a dozen horses and world-class equestrian theatrical performers. Blending awe-inspiring horsemanship with imaginative stagecraft, intricate choreography, high-flying aerial stunts, and multi-talented live musicians, this horse lover’s extravaganza expands the definition of equestrian performance into a theatrical experience. Weekly performances will be held every Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. with both general seating, and VIP upgraded options that include food, beverages and a backstage tour. Located at the Grande Liberté Farms at 18550 NE 81st St. in Williston, the Liberte ́ Equestrian Theater offers an indoor theatrical experience. Tickets start at $35 and are available through SylviaZerbini.com or ordered directly on EventBrite.com.
Horse feeding
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. They allow visitors to tour the property and feed treats — carrots, apple slices and bananas provided by the visitors — from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses is located at 20307 NW CR 235A in Alachua. For more information, or to support the nonprofit, visit millcreekfarm.org.
COMING SOON
‘Songs of the Season’
Get into the holiday spirit early as the Santa Fe Singers, joined by special guests from the Gainesville Youth Chorus, present “Songs of the Season” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22. The performance will take place in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus, located at 3000 NW 83rd St. Tickets are $16 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military service members and children 12 and younger; and free for SF students, faculty and staff with college ID cards. Tickets are available from the Fine Arts Hall box office at 395-4181 or online from Showpass at showpass.com/songs-of-the-season-3. The Santa Fe Singers, led by SF Adjunct Associate Professors of Music Mitchell Rorick and Wendy Gunther, will be joined by the Gainesville Youth Chorus as special guests. The Chorus’s Concert Choir and Concertina Choir, featuring young vocalists ages 7 to 17, will perform both individually and in collaboration with the Santa Fe Singers, adding an extra layer of harmony to the evening. “Songs of the Season” will feature a mix of festive pieces performed by the Santa Fe Singers and the Gainesville Youth Chorus, including works by Mozart, Greg Gilpin and others, with several combined performances planned.
‘Sounds of the Season’
The University of Florida School of Music will present the 76th annual “Sounds of the Season: Songs of Hope & Joy” musical performance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Phillips Center. Featuring more than 300 performers, this year’s program features the UF Symphony Orchestra, UF Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, Gainesville Master Chorale, and the Latin Grammy Award-winning band, Maharajah Flamenco Trio. UF president Fuchs will narrate “Longfellow’s Christmas.” Admission is free, but tickets are required. Advanced tickets are only available in-person at the Phillips Center Box Office. There is a maximum of four advance tickets per guest. Advanced tickets only guarantee admission prior to 7:15 p.m. Remaining seats will be filled starting at 7:15 p.m. to the stand-by line on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu. The Philips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road.
‘The Nutcracker’
Thousands of people across the Southeastern United States will be transported to the Kingdom of Sweets with Dance Alive National Ballet’s adaptation of “The Nutcracker.” Presented by PNC Foundation, Dance Alive’s “Nutcracker” will be performed 21 times this holiday season. The company starts off the season with two free performances at Legacy Park Multicultural Center in Alachua on Nov. 23 before traveling to South Carolina, The Village, Belle Glade and Ocala. The company will return to Gainesville for five public performances and two school shows between Dec. 19 and Dec. 22. Special events include “Magic of Nutcracker” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 for special needs children and two “Class With Clara” opportunities at 4 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Dance Alive National Ballet Artistic Director Kim Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation features set design by Denis Mauldin and costumes by Soili Arvola, Chris Takashima and Rebecca Flake. In addition to the professional dancers, “The Nutcracker” showcases dance students from Gainesville and surrounding areas. The ballet follows the story of Clara, a girl who saves the Nutcracker prince. To thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show for her. Purchase tickets for “The Nutcracker” in Gainesville in person at the Phillips Center box office at 3201 Hull Road, by phone at 392-2787 or 800-905-2787, or online at performingarts.ufl.edu/events/the-nutcracker-6. See a local performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-21 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21-22 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $30 to $60. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Lemony Snicket
Author Daniel Handler, also known as Lemony Snicket, will make an appearance at the Phillips Center on Nov. 25. Handler will present an evening of readings and a Q&A moderated by award-winning novelist Lauren Groff. Handler’s body of work includes the beloved children’s books “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” adult works such as “The Basic Eight,” a variety of stage plays and even accordion performances with bands like The Magnetic Fields. His books have sold more than 70 million copies and have been adapted for film, stage and television, including the recent adaptation of “A Series of Unfortunate Events” starring Neil Patrick Harris, for which he was awarded both the Peabody and the Writers Guild of America awards. This event takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 and costs $15 for the public and $10 for students. Tickets and more information are available at performingarts.ufl.edu. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road.
‘Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular’
Get ready to twirl your tinsel, because “The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular” is here to lasso your heartstrings with a boot-scootin’, yuletide extravaganza! Join three sassy country gals as they saddle up for a festive reunion at “The Hillbilly Heaven Club” in Nashville. But hold onto your cowboy hats, because this year, they’re getting a little extra sparkle — a psychic, gospel soul sister is hitchin’ a ride to spread some holiday cheer! So, grab your candy canes and get ready to two-step into the Christmas spirit with a show that’s as sweet as pecan pie and as lively as a barn dance under the mistletoe! Yeehaw! This live production features special effects including fog, haze, minor strobe light and moving lights. This show has some mild profanity. See a performance at 8 p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21 and Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22; 7 p.m. Dec. 4-5, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 18-19; and 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place. Tickets are $10 to $30. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit thehipp.org/honky-tonk-angels-holiday-spectacular.
‘A Christmas Carol’
From “Bah, Humbug” to dashing through the snow in Florida, join the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption through music, dancing and haunting storytelling. The annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted by Niall McGinty from Charles Dickens. Tickets run $20 to $50. Catch a show at 1 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21 and Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 20, 4 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21 and Dec. 23; and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 17 and Dec. 22. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 25 SE Second Place. For more information, visit thehipp.org/a-christmas-carol-2024.
An Evening with David Sedaris
David Sedaris catches audiences off guard with his irreverent laugh-out-loud storytelling. His distinctively gentle and sardonic voice is instantly recognized by anyone who has tuned into his classic Santaland Diaries, broadcast on NPR each holiday season. A Grammy-nominated radio contributor, his autobiographical essays are written for the listener as much as for the reader, and organizers say the finest way to experience a Sedaris story is in person — delivered from the voice of the wordsmith himself. See for yourself at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Book signings precede and follow this performance. This performance is rescheduled from Oct. 9. Tickets from the previous date are still valid. For more information, visit performingarts.uf.edu.