Even on a quiet Monday night, Greater Gainesville’s music echoes loud and clear.
Stroll through downtown and follow the beat to one of the area’s many live music venues. Catch a show at the University of Florida’s Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where world-renowned artists perform regularly. Check out classical music’s next generation at a University Symphony Orchestra concert.
Tom Petty said it best in “Gainesville”, a love song to his hometown, “you’re OK, anywhere you fall.”
No matter where GG’s melody leads, good music and good times are inevitable. Whether past, present or even into the future, music runs deep in Greater Gainesville. Its loud presence has been heard around the world.
Famous Musicians and Bands tied to Greater Gainesville
- Tom Petty — Greater Gainesville’s very own music legend. He grew up in GG and started several local bands, including Mudcrutch, which would eventually become Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch, Ron Blair, Mike Campbell — The founding members of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. All either born, raised or started out in Greater Gainesville
- Don Felder — The Eagles’ lead guitarist, born and raised in Greater Gainesville
- For Squirrels — American alternative rock band based in GG
- Sister Hazel — Alternative rock band formed in GG
- Stephen Stills — A musician, songwriter, producer associated with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He played in the Gainesville High School marching band as a teen.
- Less Than Jake — American ska punk band from GG
Famous songs that reference Greater Gainesville
“American Girl”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; rock
Well, it was kinda cold that night/
She stood alone on her balcony (Ooh)/
Yeah, she could hear the cars roll by/
Out on 441 like waves crashin’ on the beach
“Seminole Wind”
John Anderson; country
So blow, blow Seminole wind/
Blow like you’re never gonna blow again/
I’m calling to you like a long-lost friend
But I know who you are/
And blow, blow from the Okeechobee/
All the way up to Micanopy
“Lochloosa”
JJ Grey & Mofro; R&B/soul, blues, folk
Homesick but it’s alright/
Lochloosa is on my mind/
She’s on my mind
I swear it’s ten thousand degrees in the shade/
Lord have mercy knows, how much I love it
“Gainesville”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; alternative/indie
Homegrown in the headphone/
Sandy loading up the van/
Singing through the speaker/
You’re all right, anywhere you land
Gainesville was a big town/
Gainesville was a big town
“Gainesville Rock City”
Less Than Jake; alternative/indie, rock
All my past mistakes
And every misspent day
Proves that I’ll never change
I’ll always stay the same
I wouldn’t have it any other way ( x 4)
Gainesville Rock City ( x 3)
“A Little Like Heaven”
Drew Copeland (from alternative rock band Sister Hazel); indie, rock
It was out on Paynes Prairie where I got my first kiss
There’s the school yard where we would play as kids
We pulled arrow heads outa Hogtown Creek
And when the cops came ’round, we’d hide our drinks
“Deep Down in Florida”
Muddy Waters; blues
Yeah, I think I’ll go back to Gainesville
Just to see an old friend of mine
Yeah, I think I’ll go back to Gainesville
Just to see an old buddy of mine
Well, you know if we’re not too busy
I believe I’m gonna drop over Newberry sometime
A booming live music scene
Greater Gainesville has a considerable number of music venues that provide new bands a place to shine and live music for patrons to enjoy.
- Heartwood Soundstage — Heartwood is a laid-back venue with an outdoor, multi-stage sound space that hosts a variety of bands and musicians from jazz to indie to iconic classic rock cover bands.
- High Dive — One of the most popular venues for not only live music, but also events and entertainment acts, High Dive has a full calendar of events year-round in downtown Gainesville.
- Backyard Palomino — This is another outdoor space with a little more grit. When there is not an outdoor market or trivia night going on, the Palomino features a host of punk rock bands.
- Bo Diddley Plaza — The main stage for FEST keeps the entertainment running all year long here in the heart of downtown, with plenty of free shows and events. Downtown passersby often drift into the plaza when live events happen, drawn to the sound of music or cheering coming from the venue.
- The Wooly — Part of the Top empire, the Wooly is king when it comes to hosting a party. One of the main venues for FEST, the Wooly stays busy with touring bands year-round, in addition to their Record Fairs and Emo Dance Nights.
- The Bull — A more intimate setting at the Bull hosts a variety of jazz quartets, acoustic artists and open mic nights. It is perfect for a low-key date night with live music and a glass of wine.
- UpStage at the Phillips Center — This novelty musical event brings performers and audiences together onto the Phillips Center Main Stage. Attendees enter through the Phillips Center lobby, walk through the theatre and directly onto the stage, which has been transformed into a jazz club atmosphere complete with tables, chairs, and a cash bar.
Rock it out at these Greater Gainesville Music Festivals
The Fest
When: October 2023
Where: Various music venues throughout Greater Gainesville
This independent music festival has been a favorite of local rock fans and punk heads for more than 20 years. Over a span of three days the festival features various entertainment acts – punk and rock bands, comedy and even wrestling.
Bash
When: Dates to be announced
Where: Depot Park
This free (yep free!) festival is dedicated to spreading the love of music through stellar musical acts and family fun. Attendees can enjoy listening to tunes, buying wares from local artisans and eating delicious food.
Heartwood Music fest
When: February 2023
Where: Heartwood Soundstage
The popular music venue brings music lovers together at this annual three-day event. The festival features over 40 performers from a variety of genres, local art vendors, food trucks and more.
Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest
When: November 2023
Where: Morningside Nature Center
Pull out those cowboy boots and listen to some toe-tapping tunes at this free, family- friendly event. Guests can enjoy samples of fresh cane syrup and watch historic demonstrations while listening to American folk music.