Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee
April musical flowers just keep blooming.
The weekend gets rocking with The Revivalists on Friday, Cool Breeze Smooth Jazz Festival on Saturday and Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge on Sunday, all at Adderley Amphitheater.
Here's a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts online listings and elsewhere.
Motorcycles and music: BikeFest to unite for bicentennial celebrations in Tallahassee and Leon County
1. Rock on with The Revivalists
Eight-piece New Orleans rock 'n' roll collective The Revivalists check in at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, at the Adderley Amphitheater. They have made the journey from hole-in-the-wall gigs to sold-out shows.
They are known for their jam band groove, soulful alt-rock anthems, and mix of classic styles of American music, as well as their philanthropic Rev Causes initiative. The Revivalists broke through with 2015's "Men Amongst Mountains," which featured the double-platinum smash single and Billboard Hot 100 hit "Wish I Knew You.” Tickets are $40 for general admission, $60 for P2 reserved seating and $80 for P1 reserved seating. Visit theadderleyamphitheater.com
2. Melissa Etheridge brings 'I'm Not Broken' tour
Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge brightens the stage at Adderley Amphitheater for a show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14.
Etheridge returns to town with her I’m Not Broken Tour to play such hits as “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” “I Want to Come Over,” and more. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singer-songwriters for decades.
Tickets prices range from $40 to $80. Visit theadderleyamphitheater.com.
3. Harpist in concert with Javacya Orchestra
Celebrated Taiwanese American harpist Noel Wan, known for her emotive interpretations and technical precision, will perform the world premiere of “Strum” with the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral.
“Strum” was composed by renowned Filipino/Jewish harpist and composer Ariel Sol, who is flying in from his home in Los Angeles for the premiere. Javacya has devoted this season to Black and Asian composers, who are underrepresented in classical music circles. "Strum" promises to engage audiences with its intricate textures and compelling narrative. Opening the concert is the decorated Chinese harp master, Haiquong.
The concert will also feature Black composer William Grant Still’s "Ennanga" and two other short works by Javacya student composers-in-residence, Kenneth Hills and Catherine Potts, who will also be making their debut. Make a reservation at [email protected]. The concert is free, though a special collection will be taken to support artists. Learn more at javacyaarts.com.
Barry Jenkins and more: FSU Film School presents 'Origin Stories' of its most illustrious alums
4. Under the trees with Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival
The Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, is getting in the groove for the two-day Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival this weekend. Catch local bands playing jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Walk the Wildlife Florida Trail and explore the museum’s new Alligator exhibit. Tickets range from $14.50 to $10. Visit tallahasseemuseum.org.
Come early on Saturday, 8-11 a.m., for the Pioneer Breakfast and visit the Big Bend Farm for a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, Register’s sausage, grits and of course, piping hot coffee.
Jazz & Blues 2024 Schedule of Events: Saturday, April 13: 11 a.m. - Thursday Night Music Club; noon - TCC Jazz Band; 1 p.m. - Tallahassee Swing; 2 p.m. - Yellow Dog Jazz Band; 3 p.m. - Rhythm Remedy; and 4 p.m. - Warren Sutton. Sunday, April 14: Noon - Tillman & Taff; 1 p.m. Billy Rigsby; 2 p.m. Swingin’ Harpoon Blues Band; 3 p.m. Jerry Thigpen Trio; and 4 p.m. - Coastal Highway
5. Cool Breeze Art and Smooth Jazz Festival
Cool Breeze Art and Smooth Jazz Festival has various events this weekend with award winning jazz artist Adam Hawley and local musicians performing from 2-8 p.m. Saturday at Adderley Amphitheater. The FAMU Jazz Ensemble, The James Ward Band, Blaq Band and Lili Forbes are also in the lineup.
The 6th Annual Cool Breeze Art & Smooth Jazz Festival is celebrating 200 Years of Tallahassee-Leon County and paying a Tribute to George Benson & Miles Davis. General admission to this event is free. VIP tickets range from $30 - $40. Visit coolbreezejazzfestival.com.
Bonus event: Southside DIY Festival
S.C.R.E.W.S. Tool Library is holding its first-ever Southside DIY Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Anita Favors Plaza in the south side of Tallahassee. Enjoy children’s activities, DIY workshops, DIY tutorials taught by professionals, home repair demonstrations, food trucks, and local vendors. This event is not just a celebration of creativity and resourcefulness; it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact on our community and help launch an exciting nonprofit. The festival serves as a fundraiser and launch event for the newly formed S.C.R.E.W.S. Tool Library, an initiative dedicated to providing essential tools for revitalization in the much-needed areas of the south side of Tallahassee.
Bonus event: Ride out for BikeFest
The Tallahassee Annual Motorcycle and Music Festival gears up for another year as the city celebrates its bicentennial. The scenic Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway, will feature motorcycle rides, vendors, musical acts, and family-friendly fun.
Admission is free, welcoming riders, enthusiasts, and the general public to immerse in the community spirit. Legacy at the Riverfront, 9330 W. Tennessee St., is partnering with BikeFest organizers to provide the off-site venue to host Whey Jennings (7 p.m. Friday, $32-$52) and Twista (9 p.m. Saturday, $32-$45). For the latest updates and the full event schedule, visit tallybikefest.com.
Bonus event: Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist
In partnership with FSU’s Opening Nights, the 24th annual Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist Dean Mitchell will give a talk on Navigating the Art World: Building Success Against the Odds at 6:30 pm. Thursday, April 18, in the Jim Moran Building. Tickets are $40. LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival will be April 20-21 in downtown Tallahassee.
Dean Mitchell is well known for his figurative works, landscapes and still lifes. In addition to watercolors, he is accomplished in other mediums including egg temperas, oils, and pastels. Mitchell’s art can be found in corporate and museum collections across the country including Huntsville Museum of Art, The Rockwell Museum, and the Library of Congress.
Bonus event: Day one of Jazz Mini-Fest
Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., will hold its spring jazz Mini-Fest April 18-19. Seating is limited and advance tickets will be daily only, with a $5 advantage if you purchase early. Visit bluetaverntallahassee.com. Since this year is Tallahassee's bicentennial, Blue Tavern is producing this as a special bicentennial event. Thursday tickets are $20 advance and $25 day of show. Friday tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show. Thursday's Lineup: 5 p.m. - Therese Whichello, 7 p.m. - Chris Seepersaud Quartet and 9 p.m. - Richie Summa Trio.
OTHER EVENTS
American Legion Hall: The Rhythm Remedy with the FZB Horns, returns to fire up the dance floor at the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12. Reaching back to horn driven, old school rockin’ soul tunes the band will get you up and grooving. The band includes Mark Blair on vocals, Michael Brawer on bass, Kent Rodriguez on guitar, Stephen VanGorder on keys, Greg Moore on drums, and Bill Landing and Tom Buchanan as the FZB Horns. $10 cover.
BBC at the Legion: Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado plays 8-11 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. The man NPR calls “an icon” with “a huge voice,” is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. Visit bbclegion.com.
Blue Tavern: Happy hour with Two Clever from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 12, followed at 8 p.m. with Songwriters in the Round with host Craig Daniel Hardin featuring the sounds of Dave Leporati as performed by Kim Thomas, Bobby Cutts and Dave. $5 cover. 2nd Saturday Old Time Jam runs from 4-6 p.m., followed by Jacob Wright - Twin Tenors Volume 3. Jacob Wright brings the best in twin-tenor sax to the tavern once again. Lineup includes: Jacob Wright & Kyle Bramson – tenor sax, Thomas Greer - piano, Dane Harter - bass and Collin Hopkins - percussion. Two performances – the first starts at 7 p.m., the second starts at 9 p.m. $10 cover. Tuesday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.: Happy with Kelly Goddard, followed at 8 p.m. with Bluesday Tuesday with John Ford. $5 cover. Wednesday, April 17, 5-7 p.m.: Happy hour with Conor Churchill, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night.
House of Music: Free concert with The Mae West Band at 8 p.m. Friday, April 12, at House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. Revival returns to House of Music at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20-$30. Visit houseofmusictally.com.
926 Bar and Grill: Flying Bison w/ Curly Q, Danitza, Mutual Friends plays Saturday, April 13, at 926 Bar, 926 W. Tharpe St. Doors @ 8:30pm, show @ 9 p.m., $10 over 21, $12 under 21, all ages. Sunday, April 14: Cannibal Kids w/ The Forum, On The Edge, Love Hut. Doors @ 7 p.m., show @ 7:30 p.m. $13 advance, $15 day of show, all ages. Monday, April 15: The Brook & The Bluff w/ Hotel Fiction, Sofia Camille. Doors @ 7 p.m., show @ 7:30 p.m., $20 advance, $23 day of show, all ages. Thursday, April 18: Virginia Man w/ Oak's Experiment, npc luv. Doors @ 8: p.m., show @ 8:30 p.m. $12 advance, $15 day of show, all ages.
The Sound Bar: Hot Tamale will be joining other talented local artists at the “3rd Monday Songwriter Showcase” at the Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St., at 8 p.m. Monday, April 15.
Have event coming up? Email details to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 fun things to do around Tallahassee this weekend
