Known for its eclectic music genres, Gainesville is home to not only legendary rock ‘n’ roll roots, but a thriving modern day music scene.
Whether you’re an incoming student at UF or a new resident in town, Gainesville’s music scene serves up something for every ear.
Gainesville native and rock legend Tom Petty once sang, “After all it was a great big world, with lots of places to run to,” so take his advice and run to the nearest music venue.
Local Bands to Know
You can only consider yourself a local music fan if you know some of the popular artists in town. These bands are breaking into the regional festival circuit and have EPs and/or albums under their belts. You can catch them performing at the various venues around town, so throw them a “like” on Facebook to keep up with their upcoming shows.
Savants of Soul
The Savants of Soul are a Motown soul band formed here in Gainesville. This 11-piece group combines blues, soul, jazz, rock, punk and ska (try saying that ten times fast) to create a sound unique to any other. Like the ever-popular Alabama Shakes, the Savants of Soul have a way of blending vintage influence with just enough modern. You can’t help but just feel good when you listen to them. Heck, I BOOGIE hard to “Second Chance Lover”…as if I had a lover myself. Head to their next show and make a fool of yourself on the dancefloor.
Gritt
If Jimmy Page and John Fogerty had a baby, Gritt would be their love child. Born and bred in Tampa, this four-person band consisting of Gytis Garsys, Jonathan Franklin, Max Rowe and Ian Heausier, launched their musical careers from Gainesville. After becoming familiar with the band in 2014, it was then I realized true rock ‘n’ roll might not be dead after all. Gritt reincarnates a psychedelic southern rock experience of the past, while remaining in touch with a unique modern sound. It’s a sound I have only heard from rock legends of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but I’d say a new legend has been born right here in the swamp. Rock on, Gainesville.
Flat Land
Flat Land is hands down the most versatile band in town. Despite the name, this quintet is anything but flat. The semi-local band has the ability to layer their music with one genre over another, creating something pretty magical. While a tune may start off as soft rock, suddenly a latin funk is introduced and then BAM! a violin turns it into classical blues medley. To put a cherry on top of the Flat Land rhythmic sundae, lead vocalist Fae Nageon de Lestang may very well be the next Florence Welch, with a voice that can bring most listeners to tears.
Locochino
If one doesn’t go absolutely LOCO after listening to this four-member band, then pack your bags and leave Gainesville. This local jam band puts a funky twist on progressive rock and keeps the crowd movin’ and groovin’. Their song “Be Groovy” makes me want to do the bump right then and there every damn time. Locochino creates an awesome blend of seemingly unblend-able genres, which showcases the group’s creativity and funky fearlessness.
Bells & Robes – no longer Gainesville-based
Whoever said it is impossible to see sound has obviously never listened to Bells & Robes. Sharing the stage with artists such as ODESZA and Lotus, this duo captivates listeners with their ability to translate electronic music into natural sounds. You can’t help but feel light as a feather when hearing Sipka and Spaniol’s musical talent. It’s like walking on water while seeing rain drops appear from inside a sound wave…if that makes any sense. Bells & Robes has already gained recognition, performing at Suwannee’s notable festivals like Hulaween, Purple Hatter’s Ball and Aura Music & Arts festival.
Hundred Waters – no longer Gainesville-based
Formed in Gainesville in 2011, Hundred Waters is a trio known for their unique blend of electronic and organic sounds. After performing many local shows and their first album released by independent label, Elestial Sound, the band dazzled a larger audience through a partnership with record label, OWSLA. With a sound similar to that of Pretty Lights, Hundred Waters provides a softer wave of adventurous electronic beats, creating a form of transcendence for all listeners.
Venues to Know
Local music doesn’t mean much if you don’t know where to experience it live. Luckily, Gainesville is home to handful of quirky venues that provide a stage for both local acts and big name tours.
Check them out here.
City Events to Know
Jewelbox Concert Series
Every Friday night until July 22, the Historic Thomas Center comes alive with a variety of artists showcasing their talent. For $20, the Gainesville community has a chance to come together and experience multi-genre acts in a classy, cool setting. Not to mention, you can bring a bottle of wine or a case a beer to loosen those dancing muscles. On the last night of the summer, the Lonesome River Band will close the concert series with bluegrass music good enough to make us all yearn for the good ole days.
Free Fridays
I don’t know which word is better, free or Friday, but the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department hosts “Free Friday’s” concert experience from 8-10 p.m. every Friday from May 6 to October 12. Grab a blanket and enjoy local and regional bands play music under the stars from the quaint comfort of downtown Gainesville.
With roots spreading as far as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Gainesville’s music talent doesn’t end with Tom Petty. The ‘ville is home to a thriving music scene, from motown funk to electric sound waves, there is a little something for everyone. Dive head first into the Gainesville music scene and support the homegrown tunes.
