“Free Fridays” Concert Series Returns to Bo Diddley

• Tweet

• Tweet

There are few things better than free outdoor concerts.

Add in the newly-renovated Bo Diddley Plaza and the charm of downtown Gainesville and you have yourself a perfect Friday night.

The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department announced the 2016 “Free Fridays” season concert schedule and it’s a groovy lineup. Featuring some of the funkiest local acts and regional musicians, the 2016 “Free Fridays” concerts open Friday, May 6, and will continue each Friday night from 8 – 10 p.m., through Oct. 21.

“We have a great mix of returning old favorites and bands that are new to the series. We always try to present a diverse selection of musical styles, and this season we have music genres that include rock, blues, jazz, soul, reggae, R&B, pop, folk, ska, funk, country, big band, punk and Latin fusion, all culminating with the world music extravaganza presented by the University of Florida School of Music ensembles,” said “Free Fridays” Event Coordinator David Ballard.

The new series opens with Tapestry Rewoven, a Carole King Tribute, on May 6. This marks the 45th anniversary of the release of King’s landmark, multi-award winning “Tapestry” album. “Carole King’s Tapestry… Rewoven” features some of Gainesville’s finest musicians, including Cathy DeWitt, Mike Boulware, Janet Rucker, Don David, Heather Hall, Maggie Rucker and Carolina Boulware, along with bassist Ron Thomas, drummer Rob Rothschild and other special guests.

“Tapestry” was the first album in which the prolific songwriter, who co-wrote many hit songs for others, sang all the songs herself and wrote her own lyrics. It was also the first album by a female singer/songwriter to win three Grammys.

Over the past several years, “Free Fridays” musicians have put together special band tributes for the concert series. New tributes for 2016 include Carole King, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bonnie Raitt and an Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale combination tribute.

So, grab a lawn chair, a blanket and a music-loving friend and head to Bo Diddley for some rockin’ Friday night fun under the stars.

View the full “Free Fridays” schedule here.

 

 

 

Have you checked out everything Gainesville has to offer? Download our free GainesvilleGuide here.

---