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Scene Calendar: Live music, Riverdance and more in Gainesville and Alachua County

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Scene Calendar: Live music, Riverdance and more in Gainesville and Alachua County

THIS WEEK

Locals Expo

Hotel Indigo will host live music and local art from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 3. The evening will be filled with appetizers, works by local artists and free drinks. Entrance is free. Hotel Indigo is located at 5020 SW 30th Lane. For more information, visit celebrationpointe.com.

Voices Rising Community Chorus Registration

Voices Rising Community Chorus will hold new-singer registration for spring term from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Oak Hall School, located at 1700 SW 75th St. Drop in any time during the event. This intergenerational chorus is open to adults and to youths ages 8 and older. The only requirement is the ability to carry a tune and match pitch.  For more information, visit vrccgainesville.org or call 284-1107.

ONGOING

Sylvia Zerbini’s “Liberte”

Equestrian trainer and performing artist Sylvia Zerbiniis bringing her production, “Liberte,” back to her Liberte ́ Equestrian Theater in Williston now through April. 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

‘Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom’

First Presbyterian Church is presenting its series titled “Concert for a Cause.” For the next concert in the series — “Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom,” set for 4 p.m. Jan. 12 — music director Mitch Rorick pulled together Dance Alive National Ballet and Anew, along with Brazilian choreographer Cristina Helena. Helena is highly regarded by the government of Brazil as well as the world’s dance community. A representative to UNESCO, Helena has seen sexual trafficking in both Brazil and Africa. Join Dance Alive National Ballet, Anew, and First Presbyterian Church Festival Chorus and instrumentalists for a concert highlighting the struggle, freedom finding, and the journey to restoration for those impacted by human trafficking. The reality of sex trafficking: Florida ranks No. 3 for reported sex trafficking in the United States. In addition to music and dance, Anew, an organization committed to reaching and restoring lives impacted by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, will help tell the story. There is no charge for this program, but donations to Anew are welcomed. First Presbyterian Church is located at 106 SW Third Ave. For more information, visit anewflorida.com.

Pink Martini

A crowd favorite, Pink Martini will return to Gainesville to celebrate their 30th anniversary on a tour that promises to be packed with stylish fun. Drawing inspiration from all over the world — crossing genres from big band American jazz to old-fashioned French pop — the group tours the globe with their multilingual repertoire on a diplomatic mission to share a good time. The show also will feature China Forbes. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 to $60, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Pacifica Quartet

The Pacifica Quartet has established itself as one of the finest chamber ensembles to hit the stage. With their powerful energy and captivating sound, it is no wonder that this quartet has a career that spans nearly three decades and multiple Grammy Awards. Choose one performance or indulge in both distinct programs for an extraordinary experience of musical virtuosity at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Cirque Kalabanté

Cirque Kalabanté features gravity-defying acrobatics and jaw-dropping displays of contortion and strength. Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this performance is designed to share the beauty, youth and artistry of West African culture. Founded by Guinean-born Cirque du Soleil veteran Yamoussa Bongoura, Kalabanté means “ambitious child with exceptional courage” in West African Sousou. Cirque Kalabanté lives up to its name, showcasing explosive drumming and dance, and extraordinary feats of daring for adults and kids alike. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $25 to $45, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information — including other upcoming performances at the Phillips Center — visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

‘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. Jan. 24 at Pofahl Studios, located at 1325 NW Second St. For more information, call 371-2986 or email info@ dancealive.org.

Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes

A supergroup forms for the brand-new show, “Withers to Wonder,” where famed multi-Grammy Award-winners Take 6 join forces with illustrious jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and Vegas crooner Clint Holmes to celebrate the music of icons Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder. See the performance at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $35 to $55, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Geneva Lewis

Hailed as “clearly one to watch” by Musical America, violinist Geneva Lewis is at the forefront of a new generation of performers carrying forward the classical canon with remarkable mastery. She has the power to dominate the music, yet handles it with elegance. Lewis is the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. She will perform at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $35 and $12 for University of Florida students. To purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Stella Cole

Let this performance transport you to a 1940s jazz club with moody lighting, and the sounds of soft chatter and clinking glasses that fade away as a star takes the stage. Raised on old movies and classic singers, Stella Cole captivates audiences with her soothing renditions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, and a remarkably mature voice reminiscent of Judy Garland. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. See the show at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan 31 UpStage at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. seating, $35 for the 9 p.m. seating, and $12 for University of Florida students. Visit performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.

José Valentino and Charlton Singleton

José Valentino, a recipient of multiple Latin Grammy Awards, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a musical style that traverses R&B, Latin, jazz, fusion and beyond. Charlton Singleton is a multiple Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and a founding member of the acclaimed Gullah quintet Ranky Tanky. Together, Valentino and Singleton promise a fun, energetic evening filled with improvisational flair and fast-paced, funky Latin jazz. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. See a performance at 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 1 at UpStage at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. seating, $35 for the 9 p.m. seating and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’

Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet, this performance features Kim Tuttle’s “Dangerous Liaisons” with guest actors Nell Page Rainsberger and Gregg Jones; Judy Skinner’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with award-winning pianist Kevin Sharpe; and Tales Ribeiro’s “Revelation.” Recommended for ages 13 and older. See the show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $30 to $50. To purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Riverdance

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. To celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new, innovative choreography and costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time, Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. VIP tickets include early access to the hall to watch cast blocking/warm-ups, a VIP laminate, and a Q&A with select cast members prior to the performance. See the show at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-13 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $45 to $75, $175 for VIP and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

Czech National Symphony Orchestra

Filling concert halls for more than 30 years, the great Czech National Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the timeless power of music. Their program featured two soloists in the first half followed by a performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “New World Symphony.” Their local show begins at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 to $65 or $12 for University of Florida students. Visit performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.

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