Magical MusiCal Comedy Show
2025-06-07 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Get Ready to Laugh Out Loud with Armand and Angelina!
Saturday, June 7, 4:00 p.m.
Looking for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment? Mark your calendars and prepare for an evening of pure joy as Armand and Angelina bring their latest musical comedy extravaganza to the stage!
This all-new program is more than just music—it’s a full-blown comedic journey packed with hilarious skits, playful parodies, and outrageous costumes. From side-splitting jokes to toe-tapping tunes, Armand and Angelina know how to keep the crowd smiling from start to finish.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their unique blend of humor and harmony, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Come ready to laugh, sing along, and leave with a heart full of happiness.
Join us for a night where music meets comedy, and laughter steals the spotlight!
Suggested Donation $20

8 Book-Writing Tips from an Award-Winning Novelist
2025-06-08 14:30 - 16:00 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville welcomes author and speaker Richard Gartee, who will share his top eight tips for book authors.
Richard Gartee is the author of 32 published books—eight of them fiction.

On Sunday, June 8, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Millhopper Library, he will offer key tips for keeping readers entertained and engaged by sharing examples of these elements:

Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than telling readers how characters feel, he will show how to reveal their emotions through actions and dialogue.
Strong Voice and Tone: He will demonstrate how establishing a unique voice can draw readers in and create a distinct atmosphere.
Point of View: Maintain a single character’s point of view per scene and avoid the dreaded head hopping. This allows readers to identify with a character.
Use of Dialogue: Dialogue can reveal character, advance the plot, and create tension. He will share dialog-heavy excerpts and demonstrate how to minimize over-use of speaker attributes.
Setting as Character: A well-developed setting can enhance the story and serve as a backdrop for character development. Gartee will share a passage that vividly describes Gainesville, making it feel alive and integral to the narrative.
Pacing and Structure: Varying sentence length and structure can control the story’s pace and keep readers engaged. Pacing shifts during a high-energy event build suspense or excitement.
Humor and Wit: He will share a scenario to illustrate how humor can be woven into storytelling to make the read more enjoyable and relatable.

Editing and Revision: He will emphasize the need for professional editing and share examples of developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing.

This program is free and open to the public. Come join us!

Youth Open Mic Night
2025-06-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Calling all young performers aged 13 to 18! Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and talent at Unity of Gainesville’s Youth Open Mic Night. Whether you’re a singer, poet, comedian, or musician, this is your moment to shine!

What to Expect:
A supportive and welcoming environment for all performers
A chance to showcase your unique talents
An opportunity to connect with fellow young artists
Don’t miss this chance to express yourself and be part of a vibrant community celebration.
We can’t wait to see—and hear—what you’ve got!
Bring Your Friends, Let’s make it a night to remember!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
Register at tinyurl.com/summerwithunity
For questions send an email to marcy@heartshiftcoach.com

Doors Open at 7:00 PM – $5 Cover Charge

U.S. History That All Writers Should Know – by Dr. Rik Stevenson
2025-07-13 14:30 - 16:00 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville welcomes historian Dr. Rik Stevenson, who will discuss the “Other Book” and underrepresented historical knowledge that allows writers to create more accurate storytelling.

The Writers Alliance of Gainesville’s Sunday, July 13, program with Dr. Rik Stevenson is the perfect follow-up to our historical Fannie Lou Hamer presentation by Pamela D. Marshall and the WAG/GFAA “Hidden Histories” exhibit at the Gainesville Fine Art Association’s gallery.

Stevenson’s presentation will discuss the concept of the “Other Book” and underrepresented historical knowledge that, when surfaced, allows writers to engage in expanded and deeper research, creating more accurate storytelling and writing.

Before schools were integrated, Black teachers taught from two books: the official book sanctioned by the government and the “other book,” which taught the truth about Black experiences and other untold accurate histories. Sometimes, one must dig deeper and go to the source material to learn the truth of our shared pasts to make our writing stronger and more accurate.

Without accurate and accessible history, our writing may lack the depth and authenticity that attracts a broader audience. Dr. Stevenson’s presentation will provide a few of his favorite research techniques and community engagement strategies for securing greater and more accurate historical and contemporary knowledge and awareness—methods that can create deeper understandings and compassions, and thus more story depth, for writers who envision the building of highly believable characters and plots with whom wide audiences want to engage.

Stevenson’s presentation will also provide a platform for writers, authors, and aspiring authors to raise questions about the awareness and interconnectedness of history, culture, and economics, and how such awareness can bring greater depth to our characters, character arcs, plots, etc. When writers leave this experience, they will likely see a familiar world with new eyes, awareness, and understanding that can help them more deeply create and bring richer stories into shared futures.

Stevenson is a historian. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in African American and African Studies. His research focus is the Middle Passage, suicide, and West and West Central African Cosmologies. He holds two master’s degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity in African American Church History. As a speaker, he is highly sought after for his cultural competency, knowledge, and skills. He teaches courses in Black Theology and African American Church History. He’s an Assistant Instructional Professor at the University of Florida. As a certified scuba diver, he has worked with Diving With A Purpose, seeking insight on the Slave Ship Guerrero.

This program is free and open to the public. Come join us!

2:30-4 PM
July 13

Millhopper Branch, Alachua County Library

Car seat check
2025-07-17 13:00 - 15:30 | UF Health Professional Park, 3300 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States
WHAT: UF Health and the Safe Kids North Central Florida Coalition are teaming up to keep children safe for road trips and other drives on the road. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This free event offers families the opportunity to have their car seats inspected by certified child passenger safety technicians, ensuring they’re installed and used correctly.
“A properly used and installed child safety seat can reduce the risk of injury by as much as 71 percent, but too many families lack access to the education and safety devices every child deserves,” said Jordyn Zyngier, Safe Kids North Central Florida Coordinator and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator. “Buckling up every ride every time in the correct safety seat is the most effective way to protect a child.”
From 2024-2025, data shows a 95% misuse rate of car seats. This data was gathered during events hosted by the Safe Kids North Central Florida Coalition in Alachua County. The CDC says car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71–82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17

WHERE: UF Health Professional Park, 3300 SW Williston Road, Gainesville

Heat, Heart, and Head Sports Injury Prevention Symposium
2025-07-26 08:30 - 14:00 | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
During the Heat, Heart and Head Sports Injury Prevention Symposium, UF Health physicians will share tips and best practices in handling sports emergencies, ranging from sudden cardiac arrest to concussions to heat illness. Gators basketball great and SEC Defensive Player of the Year Patric Young is this year’s featured speaker.
Reserve your spot now on Eventbrite.
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 26
WHERE: Gator Room (Gate 1), Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive

Judith T. Fisher: Your Road to Traditional Publishing
2025-08-10 14:30 - 16:00 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville welcomes author and speaker Judith T. Fisher, who will speak on securing an agent and traditional publisher while avoiding pitfalls and scams.

Author Judith T. Fisher will be WAG’s guest speaker on Sunday, August 10. Her presentation, “Your road to securing an agent and a traditional publisher while avoiding pitfalls and scams,” will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Room A of the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library.

The discussion will include:

Acquisition of agents

query letters
press releases
awards, speaking engagements, etc.

Publisher’s Process

submission acceptance calendar
forms required
secure submission portals

Pitfalls and Scams

they won’t call you
republishing scam
huge contract offers and the scams that go with them

A journalism major, Fisher first began writing a heartfelt blog to fill the time previously spent tending to her husband and two children. As she wrote and gained followers, she decided to try pure fiction. She knew that women who grew up in her generation, who struggled with fears, questions, and issues, had no voice. They were silenced. She wanted to give a voice to those who still carry baggage, coupled with shame, embarrassment, and skeletons that affect how they live their lives today.

She writes about experiences that affected her profoundly, with the hope that her fictional protagonists’ successful solutions will give her readers encouragement.

Four of her books include Voices from the Ledge, which deals with social issues. A Life, Well Lived is a fictional memoir. Okay, So I Lied is about following your own bliss. Backfired is a study in unrequited love. Her most recent novel, Two Lost Souls, examines miscarriages and infertility.
With two grown children and six grandchildren, Fisher currently resides in Central Florida with her husband and a four-legged “child,” Mitzi.

This program is free and open to the public. Come join us!

World Sacred Flutes
2025-08-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Please join us for a magical presentation featuring sacred flutes and music from the Native American tradition, Japan, Hawaii, India, Africa, and Ireland. Music by JS. Bach, Rimsky Korsakov, Borodin, original and traditional songs. Presented by Manuel Roberto, woodwinds, Bernice Roberto, Harp, and guest artists.

About the presenter: Manuel Roberto, flutist and poet, born in Spain, is past president of New Thought Center of Hawaii. With his wife, Bernice Roberto, they have performed concerts worldwide audiences and private events. Together, they have produced 6 nusic albums. You can hear their renditions of “Stairway to Heaven”, “Air on the G String,” or “Secret Wedding” on YouTube/Kona Harp Ensemble channel.

“Stepping Back on the Path - Conversations with St. Francis” and “How to Take Your Power Back”
2025-08-24 11:00 - 14:30 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Unity of Gainesville, Florida is excited to invite you to a unique and meaningful event as we welcome back Charley Thweatt on August 24th for Sunday Service at 11:00 a.m. titled “Stepping Back on the Path – Conversations with St. Francis” and afternoon Workshop “How to Take Your Power Back” at 12:30 p.m.

Charlie has spent over 20+ visits at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, receiving spiritual messages that have inspired and guided his path. He will be sharing these messages with us—along with three key spiritual principles that can truly change the way we live and reconnect us with our true inner power.

The special afternoon workshop will include: Live music – Brief teachings – Experiential practices.
It’s a heart-centered gathering open to everyone—where you’ll not only hear wisdom but experience it.
All are welcome – We hope you’ll join us. $20 Suggested Donation.

UF York lecture explores confluence of art and science through Florida’s springs
2025-09-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States
The University of Florida’s York Distinguished Lecturer Series returns Sept. 3 to the Harn Museum of Art with a free presentation about the marriage of art and science in the context of Florida’s freshwater springs.
The lecture will feature two speakers: Matt Cohen, director of the UF Water Institute and a professor of forest water resources and watershed systems; and Margaret Ross Tolbert, a celebrated, Gainesville-based artist who specializes in large-format, abstract paintings depicting spring scenes. At 2 p.m. Cohen and Tolbert will co-present their keynote address, “Seeing Versus Observing: Exploring Art and Science in the Liquid Light of Florida’s Springs.” A reception will follow at 3 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public. Additional information is available at ifas.ufl.edu/York. Register at tinyurl.com/York-Fall-2025.

How to Fit Writing into a Vibrant Life (without going bananas)
2025-09-14 14:30 - 16:00 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville welcomes master juggler (of a vibrant life), author Michelle Dunlap, who will share how she’s found ways to get writing done and help you develop your methods for consistently finding time to write.

Do you have significant responsibilities? Perhaps you are raising children or grandchildren, holding down multiple jobs, caring for aging parents, trying to improve the world through volunteerism, or dealing with health issues that sap your strength.

How can we also fit productive writing into our lives? And meet deadlines? How can we do a good job of incorporating our writing without seeming rattled? How and when do we find time?

On Sunday, September 14, let’s come together at the Millhopper branch of the Alachua County Library and figure it out.

This interactive workshop will offer strategies that writers and other creatives can use to write while juggling multiple roles. Participants should bring a notebook, calendar, and pen to sketch a writing plan.

This session will be led by WAG board member, educator Michelle Dunlap, who has never known a time when she wasn’t juggling multiple family, work, and community responsibilities. Yet, she has managed to write a dissertation and 50 other published pieces.

She has authored two books and co-edited three others. She managed all this while a single parent raising two children, caring for a terminally ill parent, and holding major ministerial, board, and other service responsibilities within her community.

“It was far from easy,” she said, but she had to find ways to get the writing done to achieve her goals. In this workshop, she hopes her strategies will help you develop your methods for consistently finding time to write.
​
This program is free and open to the public. Join us!
2:30-4 PM
September 14

Millhopper Branch, Alachua County Library
3145 NW 43rd St.
Gainesville, FL 32606
352-334-1272 (venue phone)
Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District

Gainesville Community Band Season Opener - Pop & Rock Through The Years
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Come enjoy the opener of the Gainesville Community Band’s 51st Season as we celebrate Pop and Rock history, playing music by The Beatles, Elvis, Queen, Chicago and more!!! The concert will be held at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at 3pm on Sunday, September 14th, 2025. A $5 donation requests at the door to help support us.

CONTRA DANCE featuring live music played by Coral Riff and calling by Angela DeCarlis.
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Rosa B Williams Center, 524 NW 1st St, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Contra is a dance done with a lively, walking step. You simply walk in time to the music-one step for each beat of music. There is no fancy footwork required. There is a caller for every dance who walks the dancers through the moves before the music begins and continues to call until the dancers are confidently moving through the dance. If you can walk, you can contra dance!
Suggested Donation: $10 (ages 26+), $5 (ages 16-25), Dancers ages 15 and under get in FREE when accompanied by an adult.
Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverage.
This is a friendly welcoming recreational activity and all are welcome.
No partner or experience is necessary.
Contra Dancing is fun and we’ll teach you how.

Mindfulness Techniques for Writers: A Workshop
2025-10-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville welcomes mindfulness expert Pamela Cappetta for an immersive mindfulness practice to help you connect with your five senses when writing.

Pamela Cappetta, Ed.D., a licensed professional counselor and mindfulness teacher, is excited to lead an experiential workshop designed to enhance your creativity, confidence, and creative writing through mindfulness practices. This presentation will be held at the Millhopper Library at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the art of paying attention on purpose by setting your intention, attitude, and attention. We will explore how to move toward more gentleness in your writing experiences, potentially opening new paths when you feel blocked in your writing. Additionally, these practices can aid in focusing on character development. Through an awareness of noticing your five senses, it is possible to have new ideas concerning set (internal state of mind) and setting (external surroundings) in your writing.

Please bring your journal or notebook and prepare to immerse yourself in actual mindfulness practices. This workshop aims to inspire and connect writers of all levels within the writing community.

Key Takeaways for Participants:

Here are the essential insights and benefits you can expect to gain from our mindfulness practices:

Enhanced Creativity: Learn how mindfulness practices can unlock new paths and ideas in your writing, especially when you feel blocked.

Improved Confidence: Gain confidence in your writing through mindfulness techniques that promote gentleness and self-awareness.

Character Development: Discover how mindfulness can aid in focusing on character development and bring depth to your writing.

Experiential Learning: Experience actual mindfulness practices that can be applied to your writing process.

Sensory Awareness: Understand how noticing your five senses can lead to new ideas concerning set and setting in your writing.

For the past 12 years, Cappetta has taught mindfulness to children, young adults, teachers, therapists, lawyers, parents, social workers, addiction therapists, patients with chronic pain, including folks with neurological deficits, and private psychotherapy clients.

Her book, Mindful Moments with Maude, published in 2022, reflects her teachings in mindfulness for children. https://www.drpamm.com/
​
This program is free and open to the public. Join us!

Gainesville Country Club Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale
2025-10-25 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
The Gainesville Country Club Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale will be held on October 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale will be community-wide, with a map posted at the link below. The neighborhood is near the intersection of I-75 and Williston Road.

See gcchoa.com for more information and updates.

Advanced Chakra Consciousness
2025-11-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Unity of Gainesville, Florida will host Advanced Chakra Consciousness Part 2 on Saturday, November 1, from 1-5 PM.

This transformative workshop, led by Rev. Marcy Neumann, The HeartShift Coach, will explore how to navigate, shift, and create from the highest frequencies of love through deep awareness of the chakras.

Attendees will dive into the mysteries of each chakra, learning how they communicate and interact, and discover how to align with their unique language of love. The event will be held in person at Unity of Gainesville (8801 NW 39th Ave) and live-streamed online for remote participants.

The cost is $55, and registration can be completed by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by using the registration link below. A replay of Part 1 and a companion workbook are also available for those who wish to review or catch up, and both Part 1 and Part 2 are available for $88.

All are welcome to attend and experience this empowering opportunity for energetic alignment and heart-centered transformation.

To register: https://www.marcyneumann.com/advancedchakralandingpage

1st UMC Holiday Marketplace 2025
2025-11-07 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-09 11:30 - 14:00 | First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
The 2025 Holiday Marketplace at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville is coming up! Holiday Marketplace features eight shops with something for everyone! Cash and credit cards are accepted. There is a $5 entry fee on Friday night for those 12 and older; free appetizers and beverages will be served this evening.

Endowed Scholarship Brunch
2025-11-08 10:00 - 13:00 | First Missionary Baptist Church, 1515 SE 15th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32641, United States
Save the date! November 8, 2025! This is the date we invite you to come munch at our endowed scholarship fundraiser
brunch. It will be held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to great food, there will be
amazing entertainment, recognition awards, prizes, and an inspiring message delivered by Comm. Charles “Chuck”
Chestnut. This event is presented by Tee Foundation Assistance Network, Inc., The Ruth and Walter Jenkins family, and
Minnie and Samuel Wheeler family. It raises funds for the Tiawana Michele Wheeler Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Fund at Bethune Cookman University (B-CU). In addition to the surprising fact that Tiawana attended the same
elementary school as Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, River Oaks Elementary in Houston, TX, you will learn other interesting
information about this phenomenal young woman who came into this life Nov. 9, 1969, and departed July 12, 1991.

Call or text Pat 352.459.8331 or email tfanserves@gmail.com for ticket, Cash App, Zelle, and
Sponsor information. Can also mail to P O Box 357685 Gainesville, FL 32635. Thank you.

Wolf's Message (movie)
2025-11-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Unity of Gainesville, Florida will host an in-person screening of the award-winning film Wolf’s Message on Saturday, November 8 at 6:00 PM. This thought-provoking documentary explores the connection between life and afterlife through the true story of a young man and his extraordinary communication from the other side.

All are welcome – We hope you’ll join us. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/knxb2wta
Click on the link to learn more about the film and view the trailer: https://www.wolfsmessage.com/about/

Readings by WAG Members
2025-11-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
Join the Writers Alliance of Gainesville for readings, fellowship, and refreshments at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Millhopper Library.

Since this event comes just before Thanksgiving, we are likely to hear some stories about Thanksgiving celebrations or expressions of gratitude.

In previous years, we held the Bacopa debut in November and readings in December, but this year these events are being switched. Both events are being held at the Millhopper Library.​

This program is free and open to the public. Join us!
2:30-4:30 PM
November 9

Millhopper Branch, Alachua County Library

Trinkets & Treasures Rummage Sale
2025-11-15 08:00 - 12:00 | First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st St, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Rummage sale conducted by United Women in Faith of First United Methodist Church. All funds raised support UWF missions impacting women, children and youth. Cash and credit cards accepted.

CONTRA DANCE featuring music played by Contra Fusion and calling by Joe DePaolo
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States
Contra is a dance done with a lively, walking step. You simply walk in time to the music – one step for each beat of music. There is no fancy footwork required. There is a caller for every dance who walks the dancers through the moves before the music begins and continues to call until the dancers are confidently moving through the dance. If you can walk, you can contra dance!
7 PM Friday November 21
United Church of Gainesville
1624 NW 5th AVE
Gainesville, FL 32601
Organized by Gainesville Oldtime Dance Society www.godsdance.org
Suggested Donation:$10 (ages 26+), $5 (ages 16-25), Dancers ages 15 & under get in FREE when accompanied by an adult.
• Please bring your own non-alcoholic beverage.
• This is a friendly welcoming recreational activity and all are welcome.
• No partner or experience is necessary.
Contra dancing is fun and we’ll teach you how.
• No special dress is required.
Wear comfortable, casual attire & soft-soled non-marking shoes.

Capella Nova Chorus of Gainesville presents “Ideas of Winter”
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 9700 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Capella Nova Chorus of Gainesville is a community chorus dedicated to presenting a diverse choral repertoire spanning from medieval to contemporary works. Our upcoming winter performance, Ideas of Winter, invites listeners to explore the beauty and reflection of the season through music both timeless and new.

Date & Time: Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM
Location: Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 9700 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL
Admission: Free and open to the public

The Annasemble Community Orchestra Annual Holiday Concert
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32605, United States
We are delighted to invite you to the Annasemble Community Orchestra’s annual Holiday Concert! This year’s program will take you on a musical journey around the world as we celebrate the season with a message of peace.
The Annasemble Community Orchestra of Gainesville, Inc. is a non-competitive, intergenerational community of musicians of all skill levels—beginner to accomplished—who are dedicated to music enrichment, education, and performance through a variety of orchestras and ensembles.
Each year, Annasemble celebrates the holidays with a joyful and inspiring musical performance, and we would be honored to have you join us. The program includes familiar holiday favorites as well as beautiful selections from around the world, all reminding us of the peace and hope the season brings.
We hope you will gather your friends and family and join us for this special celebration of music and community.

Holiday Harmonies Twelve... days before Christmas
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL, 32609, United States
The Barbergators Chorus and the Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus are producing their 12th annual holiday concert “Holiday Harmonies Twelve …days before Christmas” on Saturday Dec 13 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609. There will be two shows at 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

Tickets and more details are available here: https://HHXII.eventbrite.com.

Unity of Gainesville presents "Return of the Sun" Holiday Concert, December 14
2025-12-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32606, United States
Unity of Gainesville, Florida presents Kona Harp Ensemble, the magic of Harps, Woodwinds, Voices and Orchestration featuring world music and compositions by J. S. Bach, Pachebel, Turlough O’Carollan, traditional Scottish and Irish compositions on Sunday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Please join us for an unforgettable experience of Sacred Music and Ancient songs.

Performers: Bernice Roberto, Harp, Voices, Synth – Manuel Roberto, Bass, Soprano and Piccolo flutes – Vishaka Devi, Harp – Chris Das, Flute

Tickets available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976217317194?aff=oddtdtcreator

2025 Bacopa Literary Review – Debut
2025-12-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, 32606, United States
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville will feature debut readings from the 2025 Bacopa Literary Review.

Many of the prize-winning pieces will be read aloud. WAG members with works published in this journal will also be invited to read.

The Bacopa editorial board expects to have physical copies of the journal available (WAG members get a free copy!), and we will celebrate with refreshments.

Reserve this date on your calendar, and closer to the date, check here for more details about the program.

2025 Prize Winners

FICTION
Award: “Downpour” by Terry Sanville
Honorable Mention: “Knot” by Abhishek Sengupta
Best of WAG: “God and His Dog” by Bonnie T. Ogle

CREATIVE NONFICTION
Award: “Footsteps” by Joe Marshall
Honorable Mention: “Never Home in No Man’s Land” by Jenn Yee
Best of WAG: “Mam Exam” by Charlotte M. Porter

FORMAL POETRY
Award: “Real Spanish” by C. J. Grandorff
Hon. Mention: “Ty-Phoo” by Dion O’Reilly

FREE VERSE POETRY
Award: “Blanca” by Ines Bellina
Honorable Mention: “Isabelline and Beige” by Toni Holland
Best of WAG: “At The Gallery & Everywhere, She Talks with Her Hands” by Aliesa Zoecklein

VISUAL POETRY
Award: “The Ruckle” by S.D. Dillon
Honorable Mention: “My Mother’s Music” by J. Nishida
Best of WAG: “My Mother’s Music” by J. Nishida

This program is free and open to the public. Join us!

2:30-4:30 PM
December 14
Millhopper Branch, Alachua County Library
