Tour Stop: Gainesville, FL
Gainesville is the halfway point on the long drive between Atlanta and Miami, situated conveniently on Interstate 75, and is 90 minutes away from both Jacksonville and Orlando. Given that just under half the population of the city attends its landmark feature, the University of Florida, Gainesville has become a place of constant activity. Not surprisingly, the nightlife in this college town is booming. Many shows, however, are open to all ages, catering to Gainesville’s other half — its growing suburb. Historically, the city has been known for its partiality towards ska and punk, with band such as Less Than Jake and Hot Water Music consistently drawing massive audiences. However, the varied venue landscape in town allows for artists of any genre to find a welcoming crowd. Because of its almost year-round warmth and sunny climate, Gainesville hosts numerous outdoor festivals and events, including the Downtown Jazz and Arts Festival in November.
Guide to Gigging in Gainesville
BOOK A GIG: VENUES
Common Grounds
210 SW 2nd Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 372-7320
www.cgcoffeehouse.com
More of a bar and live music venue than a traditional coffee house, Common Grounds features some of the best national, regional and local bands performing anything from indie rock and jazz to punk, acoustic and ska. To book a show, call Nigel before sending your music. Booking hours are Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Packages can be sent care of Booking to the address listed above. Electronic press kits are the preferred method of submitting demos and press kits. Send your EPK to Nigel@cgcoffeehouse.com.
The Side Bar
15 SW 2nd St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 373-4454
www.gainesvillesidebar.com
Gainesville’s longest running downtown music venue, The Side Bar hosts a wide variety of local, regional and smaller national touring bands two to five nights each week. Located less than a mile from the University of Florida, the venue is 18 and up unless accompanied by a parent. The Side Bar features a small-to-midsize room that holds about 300 people, a medium-size stage and arguably the best sound system in town. For booking, email info@gainesvillesidebar.com.
1982
919 W. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
www.1982bar.com
Located just three blocks from the University of Florida, 1982 is an all-ages, 200-person-capacity venue that features regional or national acts at least five nights a week. Although it is one of Gainesville’s newest venues, it already does a brisk business with the college crowd. According to the website, 1982 welcomes “punk, rock, hardcore, screamo, hard rock, metal, ska, reggae, dub, Irish folk, country, rockabilly, polka, whatever!” For booking, email grant@1982bar.com. Do not book shows through MySpace.
BackStage Lounge
1315 S Main St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 378-9185
www.backstagelounge.info
Primarily considered a rock club, BackStage Lounge, formerly Eddie C’s, hosts metal, funk, roots rock and some blues, as well as hip-hop, indie, ska and punk acts at its 350-400 capacity space. Most shows are 18 and up, but the venue does host some earlier all-ages shows from time to time. For booking, email Ed Waldick at lliteman51@aol.com or through www.myspace.com/eddiecstechcrew. Waldick makes booking decisions primarily through demonstrated fan support (number of fans, number of plays, comments, etc.) and the band’s ability to generate buzz.
PROMOTE A GIG: MEDIA
Rock 104 (WRUF/103.7 FM)
PO Box 14444
Gainesville, FL 32604
1-800-ROCK104
www.rock104.com
Rock 104 is the radio station of the University of Florida. The station broadcasts the Locals Only show on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. Send a demo and band bio to the show’s producer, Yeosh, at the address above or email localsonly@rock104.com. The station also hosts the Locals Only concert series Thursday nights at the BackStage Lounge. To book an appearance there, contact the venue.
The Gainesville Sun
2700 SW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608-2015
(352) 378-1411
www.gainesville.com
The entertainment section of The Gainesville Sun‘s website provides numerous opportunities to promote an upcoming gig, including Scene Magazine and TheUndertone.org, which is devoted exclusively to local music. Scene Magazine‘s editor, Bill Dean, can be reached at (352) 374-5039.
GEAR/ REPAIRS
Lipham Music
3427 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 372-5351
www.liphammusic.com
Lipham Music handles instrument and amp repair. Last-minute repairs are possible depending on problem and time. Lipham Music is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sims Music & Sound
4000 Newberry Road
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 377-8986
www.sims-music.com
Sims primarily handles instrument repair only, but has two local professionals on call to do amp repair. Call the store for more information or assistance. Sims is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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