The Gainesville Sun
ET CETERA
Winter Reading Challenge: Online through Feb. 14, aclib.beanstack.org. Free. The Alachua County Library District is launching the first Winter Reading Challenge, calling on the community to read 1,000 hours today through Feb. 14 to win local prizes and help the library district compete against libraries across the country. Participants can register at aclib.beanstack.org or by using the Beanstack app. Nine local readers will receive $20 gift cards to local restaurants.
Sing in the New Year: Noon-5 p.m. today and Saturday, Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. Free. (depotpark.org) Two days of family friendly activities to celebrate the new year including a children’s sing-along, chalk art and food trucks.
The Week Ahead Dec. 28, 2020 - Jan. 2, 2021
PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE OR CALL THE VENUE FOR COVID-19 UPDATE BEFORE ATTENDING AN EVENT
Celebrate ‘D’ Holidays: 6-11:30 p.m. through Dec. 30, Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. Free. (depotpark.org) More than 200,000 LED lights installed for the holiday season. Depot Park restrooms close at 9:30 p.m.
Spark Wonder Sounds of the New Year : 6 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, free virtual celebration for all ages at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Learn how to make thrilling sounds during this fun Virtual New Year s Eve party. (https://bit.ly/2KCuEjY)There will be Cade Museum activities for Little Sparks (ages 0-5) and for ages 6 and older and adults. Register now to receive an email with the links to the event a few days before. With the emailed links, you will be able to enjoy the Spark Wonder fun even if you aren t free on New Year s Eve. This event is free. Kits of supplies to follow along with the activities in the video a
The Gainesville Sun
PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE: Celebration Pointe offers Playlist at the Point, a music event with an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres including country, rock, soul and more. This month, from 7 to 9 tonight, Whiskey Jones will perform. When five guys from two separate bands decided to get together and try something new, the chemistry was there and Whiskey Jones was formed. Band members include JC Moretta on lead guitar and vocals, Danny Gray Playa Bowers on rhythm guitar and vocals, Charlie Chachi Delatorre on vocals, Chris Brisket Coleman on bass and Wesley Emmanuel on drums. Food from Celebration Pointe s restaurants will be available for dine-in or takeout. Kick off your weekend right with good music, good food and good times. Celebration Pointe is located off of Interstate 75 and Archer Road at Celebration Pointe Avenue. For more information, call 333-9333 or visit celebrationpointe.com.
Scene Calendar: Fun things to do Dec. 18-24, 2020
The Gainesville Sun
MUSIC
Playlist at the Pointe: 7-9 p.m. today, Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Avenue. Free. (celebrationpointe.com) Whiskey Jones will perform, and food will be available from area restaurants.
“Songs from the Heart”: Online 8 p.m. today, heartwoodsoundstage.com. Tickets: Pay what you can. (heartwoodsoundstage.com) Artists will talk about the process of writing a great song, share an intimate experience and offer new tunes. The venue will pair two diverse songwriters as they tell the stories that inspired their music. Funds will support the musicians. Heartwood also will open its outside deck at 619 S. Main St. during the performances. BYOB social distancing and masks are required. Tonight’s stream will feature Matthew Fowler and Shine.
The Gainesville Sun
PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE OR CALL THE VENUE FOR COVID-19 UPDATE BEFORE ATTENDING AN EVENT
Veterans for Peace 34th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration: at 8 p.m. Saturday virtually, performers in person and also via a recorded webinar platform. Tickets can be purchased at Veterans for Peace website: http://www.vfpgainesville.org/ or at https://bit.ly/33OZ21v/Performances include Cherokee Peace Chant, John Chambers, Lauren Robinson, Bob McPeek, Faye Baird, Bill Hutchinson & Jennifer Johnson, David Beede, Nancy Luca, Cathy DeWitt & Janet Rucker, Mark Billman, Ron Thomas, and Other Voices, along with readings by our Peace Poetry Contest winners. Peace Helmet winners will be announced.