What's Happening: Mike Block Trio, U.S. Army Field Band, more

JAN. 13

MIKE BLOCK TRIO: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at door. (bit.ly/mbtrio23) The trio features Joe K. Walsh on mandolin and vocals, Zachariah Hickman on bass and vocals, and is led by cello player, singer and composer Mike Block.

JAN. 13

U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND JAZZ AMBASSADORS: Join the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors at the Phillips Center to hear the military’s finest practitioners of jazz and swing. The Army’s official touring big band, this 19-member jazz ensemble has received widespread acclaim at home and abroad, earning the Jazz Ambassadors the title “America’s Big Band.” This concert is free and tickets are available at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Box Office. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road.

JAN. 13 THROUGH JAN. 14 PLUS JAN. 27 THROUGH JAN. 29

HOGGETOWNE MEDIEVAL FAIRE: The annual Hoggetown Medieval Faire returns for its 36th year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 13-14 and Jan. 28-29 plus 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 27 at its new location: 9409 SW Archer Road. The event transforms the grounds into a medieval marketplace filled with hundreds of artisans and entertainers, and featuring armored jousting knights, children’s rides powered by men and women instead of machinery, troupes of actors, food vendors and magic acts. Tickets are $20 for adults on Saturdays and Sundays, $10 for adults Jan. 27, $17 for members of the military with ID on Saturdays and Sundays, $17 for ages 60 and older on Saturdays and Sundays, $10 for ages 5-17 on Saturdays and Sundays, $5 for ages 5-17 on Jan. 27 and free for ages 4 and younger. For more information, visit hoggetownemedfaire.com.

JAN. 14

“FLORIDA: A HISTORY IN PICTURES”: If you’re on Facebook and you love the history of Florida through photographs, then you have probably heard of the Facebook Group “Florida: A History in Pictures.” Started years ago by Jeff Davies and Mike McGinness, group members are asked to share photos of Florida from when the camera was invented until just before Walt Disney arrived. The group has grown to more than 200,000 members today with photos being shared every day. In 2022, Davies and McGinness wanted to find a way to thank the group members for their continued support and decided to write a book. “Florida: A History in Pictures” was published in September and includes photos from historical institutions, including the Matheson History Museum, and personal photos from the group’s members. The authors will be chatting about their book at 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Matheson History Museum, located at 513 E. University Ave. Parking is available at the Matheson, next door at the law offices of Folds & Walker, and the Alachua County Public Schools District Offices. The presentation is free, but registration is required at bit.ly/flhis23. Those who cannot attend in person may register for the online stream via Zoom at bit.ly/flhis23zoom.

JAN. 14

“BEYOND THE HEADLINES: EXPLORING GAINESVILLE SUN'S COVERAGE OF RACE RELATIONS FROM RECONSTRUCTION TO THE PRESENT”: The Samuel Proctor Oral History Program and the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center will present “Beyond the Headlines: Exploring Gainesville Sun's Coverage of Race Relations From Reconstruction to The Present” at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the museum, located at 837 SE Seventh Ave. Staff and students at The Gainesville Sun and the Proctor Program have embarked upon a partnership to explore the history of The Sun’s coverage of race relations from the Reconstruction to the present in Gainesville.  A panel of students and newspaper researchers will discuss their findings at the event.  Light refreshments will be served. As part of the event, members of the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project also will showcase special artifacts including homemade quilts created by community members. The program also will be streamed live online via Zoom at bit.ly/3HDa6TM.

JAN. 15

SUNDAY ASSEMBLY: Sunday Assembly Gainesville will feature guest speaker Veronica Robleto, who is the program director and legal navigator of the Community ID Program of the Human Rights Coalition. The title of her talk will be “The Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County’s work in the community and why it’s important.” Music will be provided by Sunday Assembly musicians. Sunday Assembly Gainesville is a secular congregation that celebrates life at 11 a.m. the third Sunday of each month. The group will meet at the Pride Center in the Liberty Center, 3131 NW 13th St. Vaccinations, boosters and face masks are recommended and encouraged. It also is possible to attend via Zoom. Sunday Assembly Gainesville is a chapter of the Global Secular Sunday Assembly Movement. For more information, visit sagainesville.weebly.com or email SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com.

JAN. 20

REAL MEN MAKE SOUP FUNDRAISER: The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club will hold its “Real Men Make Soup” fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 20. The event will benefit the High Springs Community School Athletic Department and the Stem Program. For $15 per ticket, attendees can enjoy soups made by community chefs as well as sandwiches, rolls, crackers, desserts and beverages. To purchase advance tickets, or for more information, call 386-518-3276. Credit cards will be accepted. The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is located at 23674 W. U.S. 27 in High Springs.

JAN. 20

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT XXIII: An intercontinental super-group of four acoustic guitarists is returning to the Phillips Center on Jan. 20 for its 23rd year of touring. Stephanie Jones from Australia, Olli Soikkeli from Finland, Jocelyn Gould from Canada and Jesús Guerrero from Spain will perform. The guitar greats will take the stage at 7 and 9 p.m. as part of the Phillips Center’s UpStage series. The performers will display their individual, diverse styles and then perform together in an evening of grandeur. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar while the 9 p.m. seatings include desserts and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. showing, $35 for the 9 p.m. showing and $10 for UF students.The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

JAN. 21

BOBBY RUSH: Get into the blues at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Philips Center with two of the greats. Thanks to Bobby Rush’s long memory and quick wit, he’s hailed as one of the blues’ best storytellers, which shines through during his live shows. The two-time, Grammy-winning legend and Blues Hall of Famer incorporates humor, prolific guitar and harmonica playing into his stunning performances. Pair this icon with 26-year-old Jontavious Willis, and you’ll have the ultimate blues experience. Willis was nominated for a Grammy in 2020, thanks to his latest album, “Spectacular Class.” He’s a fingerpicker, flat-picker and slide player who masterfully plays guitar, harmonica, banjo and cigar box. Expect a lot of foot tapping the entire show! There will be a pre-performance discussion at 6:45 pm in the West Foyer. Tickets are $20 to $40; $10 for University of Florida students. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

JAN. 22

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND: The rock ’n’ roll group Tedeschi Trucks Band is touring in support of their new album, “I Am The Moon,” and will make a stop at the Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22. The Grammy-winning 12-piece powerhouse is led by the husband-wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi. TTB is known for its world-class musicianship and contemporary blend of a wide range of American musical influences that also define their extensive catalog. It also includes members Gabe Dixon on keyboards and vocals, Brandon Boone on bass, Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell and, Isaac Eady on drum and percussion, Mike Mattison on vocals and guitar, Mark Rivers Alecia Chakour on harmony vocals, Kebbi Williams on saxophone, Ephraim Owens on trumpet and Elizabeth Lea on trombone. Tickets run $51.75 to $131.75. The Phillips Center is located at 3201 Hull Road. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.

JAN. 22 THROUGH FEB. 12

“ROMEO AND JULIET”: See the classic tale of love and woe in Gainesville Community Playhouse’s newest production, “Romeo and Juliet.” An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed and a group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young, lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. This show will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 22 through Feb. 12 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets are $23 for general admission, $19 for seniors and $12 for students. For more information, visit gcplayhouse.org.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, 'History in Pictures'