Brunch & Brass event aims to revive historic landmark in East Gainesville

Press release from Leadership Gainesville Class 51

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Leadership Gainesville Class 51, a leadership development program hosted by the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, will host Brunch & Brass: A Perryman Revival — a one-of-a-kind event combining live jazz, a southern brunch, and cultural celebration — to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Perryman Grocery Store located on the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center campus.

The Perryman building, a once-thriving neighborhood market in East Gainesville, served as a community anchor during the mid-20th century and is now the focus of a restoration effort to preserve it as a historic relic and cultural asset. The building’s renovation is part of the broader mission of the Cotton Club Museum to preserve African American history, promote cultural heritage, and build a vibrant future for the Gainesville community.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser,” said Hillary Turlington, a member of Leadership Gainesville Class 51. “It’s about honoring Gainesville’s history, strengthening community bonds, and ensuring future generations have access to these stories and spaces.”

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Location: Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, 837 SE 7th Avenue, Gainesville, FL
• Brunch (Ticketed): 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Southern fare, mimosa bar, live music, guest speakers
• Jazz Festival (Free & Open to the Public): 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Live performances, food trucks, face painting, educational Perryman Walk tour

Attendees can expect a soulful blend of music, food, and history. The Perryman Walk — an immersive tour through the property — will provide insights into the significance of the site’s historic structures, including the Cotton Club building, shotgun houses, and the grocery store.

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Brunch Tickets: $125 per person
• Sponsorship packages ranging from $250 to $10,000 are available to support the event and restoration efforts.

Tickets: https://members.gainesvillechamber.com/events/details/brunch-brass-a-perryman-revival-38503
Sponsorship Info: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:d72a7990-054b-45e1-a0fb-82a78e82cfd9

The event is supported by a growing list of community sponsors, including:
Foresight Construction Group Inc., First Federal Bank, Gainesville Health & Fitness, Lester’s Garage Doors, Le Petite Beignet, MKKS Events Decor & More, O2B Kids, Scherer Construction, The Bull, The Good Pour, and W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.