Matheson History Museum presents the 50th Anniversary of the Great Southern Music Hall

Press release from Matheson History Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On April 26 at 7 p.m., join us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great Southern Music Hall. Hear from Jeffrey Meldon, Jim Forsman, John Moran, Albert Teebagy, Barry Sides, and others who were there at the start and helped make it the “Showplace of the South.” Light appetizers, beer, and wine will be served along with music from the artists who performed at the theatre, recreated by Trantham Whitley on the keyboard. Tour the Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall exhibition, sponsored by Meldon Law, which showcases dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer.

Great Southern Music Hall marquee, courtesy of John Moran

Jeffrey Meldon and Jim Forsman joined forces in 1974 to create the Great Southern Music Hall at the former Florida Theatre location in downtown Gainesville. On April 26, 1974, the performing arts theatre had its premiere performance featuring the Earl Scruggs Review. Over the next five years, some of the greatest performances in the history of Gainesville were presented at this unique forum. The theater experience was unique because the 800-seat theatre was intimate enough that every person in the house felt engaged in each performance.

The Return to Forever exhibition closes on Saturday, June 8.

In-person registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/70156-great-southern-music-hall-50th-anniversary

Zoom registration (begins at 7:30pm): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6GwYo_kiRZaQdYFNbrANew

This event is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL; The City of Gainesville; and by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

  • What is it now? A disgusting s#hole. It’s a sister venue to the Jacksonville music venue, which is an awesome place to attend a concert.
    Our downtown is a disaster and city leaders are to blame.
    They are more concerned about their bloated $350,000 salaries than preserving history.

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