Lights, cameras, action. Bars, bands and beaches (Friday is National Beach Day) await you on this last big foray into summer freedom.
Experience the reverberation when Echolocator turns up the surf rock with The Intoxicators and The Disasternauts on Saturday at the Sound Bar.
Relax in a cool movie theater and enjoy screenings of over 50 films at the Tallahassee Film Festival on Labor Day weekend.
After a tough loss in Ireland, Florida State will face Boston College at Doak Campbell Stadium on Monday at 7:30 p.m. The FAMU Rattlers will face South Carolina State on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Here’s a roundup of fun events in and around Tallahassee, compiled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts’ online directories, and other sources.
What you should know: A Complete Guide to the Tallahassee Film Fest: Science fiction, animation and Florida on an IMAX screen
Focus Florida: Discover the “wildly beating heart” of festival fans and filmmakers
1. Surfrock in the Sound Bar
Surf rock is in full swing when Echolocator teams up with The Intoxicators and The Disasternauts for guitar-heavy fun Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. at Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. Admission is $5.
Reverb activated! Instrumental and surf guitar sounds will be booming off the walls as Echolocator play songs from their upcoming album, The Intoxicators play songs from their upcoming album and The Disasternauts – Disasternauting? It’s the first gig in town for all these local bands in quite a while and is not to be missed.
The Sound Bar is also raising money with a GoFundMe campaign for their Local Music Appreciation Event, which takes place on October 5th.
2. Word! Poetry and prose in the Blue Tavern
Greg Brown and David Pucik kick off happy hour Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., with old school country, bluegrass and folk. There will be drinking songs and songs about the hard side of life. Then Grant Peeples will bring the drama with the theatrical premiere of “The Heart Has Memory” from 7 to 8 p.m.
Two stories from Grant Peeples’ 2024 short story collection are brought to life as a staged reading by veteran Tallahassee actors Hananel Jackson and Charles Burden and author Grant Peeples in his theatrical debut. Adapted for the stage by Donna Mavity. Copies of the 10-story collection are available for purchase and autographed. Admission $5.
Poetry begins with readings by local poets from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Words will fly with plenty of local talent, hosted by Michael Trammell of Anhinga Press, and will feature readings by Rafael Gamero, Lynne Knight, Frank Lindamood, Pat MacEnulty, Anne Meisenzahl, Marda Messick, Mary Jane Ryals, Zach Scott, Lynsley Smith, and Jane Terrell. $5 donation.
On Saturday, the fun continues at 4 p.m. with the Bunny Bread Bandits, an old-timey accordion and string band that plays many Appalachian tunes. At 8 p.m., Scott Buchanan’s end-of-summer musical explosion follows with Hot Tamale and Bluegill Bill. Enjoy a party with summer songs like Heat Wave by Martha and the Vandellas and Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran. Admission is $10.
3. Start Labor Day with the Bluebird Run for Brookie B.
On Monday, September 2nd, the 10th Annual Bluebird Run/Walk for Brookie B will be held to raise awareness of suicide and promote prevention and postvention.
At the Bluebird Run, organizers support those who have lost loved ones to suicide and gather in a safe environment to celebrate their memories and have fun. The Bluebird Run takes place on Labor Day at the JR Alford Greenway, 2500 Pedrick Road (at the very end of the street).
The 1-mile fun run (or walk) starts at 8 a.m., and the 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. Bring your family and join in the fun – food, music and ice cream! For more information, visit bluebirdrun.com. On-site registration is available. For more information, email [email protected] or call 850-841-3386. If you or someone you know is in need, call 988.
4th Kaleidoscope of Color Quilt Show at the Exhibition Grounds
Immerse yourself in a world of intricate patterns, vibrant colors and timeless craftsmanship at the Kaleidoscope of Color presented by Quilters Unlimited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 31-September 2. The event showcases the work of talented local and regional quilters, each piece a masterpiece of skill and passion. Tickets are $10 per day or $25 for the entire show. Children under 15 are free with an adult. Visit quilttallahassee.com.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter, a curious newbie, or a craft lover, be inspired by the intricate stitching and innovative techniques on display. There’s a marketplace to purchase a variety of homemade items, as well as a silent auction and raffle for a beautiful hand-made quilt. Enjoy demonstrations on a variety of quilting techniques.
5. Lights, camera, action: The Tallahassee Film Festival is
The 2024 Tallahassee Film Festival is set to be the most dynamic edition yet of the 16th annual celebration of independent filmmaking, moving downtown on Labor Day weekend.
Programs are scheduled for August 31 and September 1 on the five-story IMAX screen at the Challenger Learning Center, the festival’s main sponsor, and its planetarium, and at the Cap City Video Lounge in Railroad Square. More than 50 films – including eight short films – will be shown on three screens.
The festivities kick off at 11:15 a.m. Saturday with the animated color fest “Boys Go to Jupiter.” From the website: “Something is rotten in the state of Florida. It’s the day after Christmas and the lifelessness of the year hangs in the swampy air. We’re in the suburbs with Billy 5000, an aimless teenager doing his best to fill his days and line his pockets.”
Get your tickets and passes at tallahasseefilmfestival.com.
OTHER EVENTS
Anderson Brickler Gallery: Visions Beyond: An Afrofuturist Odyssey, opening reception is Friday, August 30, from 5-7 p.m. at the Anderson Brickler Gallery, 1747 S. Adams St. Get an exciting look at the opening reception of Visions Beyond, a glimpse into the vast universe of Afrofuturism. Browse through rare cultural artifacts from The Black Panther, Parliament Funkadelic, the Tuskegee Airmen, and a series of stunning original photographs by musician Sun Ra.
Blue Tavern: Happy Hour with guitarist Rick Redmond, Tuesday 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday with Corey Hall. Admission $5. Happy Hour with Jon Copps, Wednesday 5-7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Happy Hour with Bramble’s Bluegrass Jam, Thursday 5-7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by Music of the Spheres with Paddy League. Admission $5.
House of Music: The Rhythm Remedy featuring the FZB Horns brings its rocking soul dance revue back to the South Side at the House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St., on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. The band is a who’s who of Tallahassee’s gregarious musicians with Mark Blair on vocals, Mike Brawer on bass, Kent Rodriquez on guitar, Stephen VanGorder on keys and Greg Moore on drums. The FZB Horns features Bill Landing on saxophone and Tom Beethoven on trumpet. The band covers a wide range of old-school dance hits from Motown to classic rock and more. Admission $10.
Kirtan! with Marty, Jeffji & Adam: Jeffji welcomes Marty Klein and Adam Gaffney to lead an evening of kirtan chants (meditative chanting from the yoga tradition). Each easy-to-learn chant is followed by a short, silent meditation. Friday, August 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at Unity Eastside, 8551 Buck Lake Road. Donations benefit Unity Eastside. For more information, visit jeffji.com.
Proof brewing: The Elements Band, featuring Jennifer Parks on lead vocals, will play Friday, August 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Proof Brewery, 1320 S. Monroe St.
The soundbar: 30. FSU Jazz Faculty (admission $10) Friday, August 30, 8 p.m., at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. Blues Scratchin Happy Hour, Sunday, 5-7 p.m. Admission $5.
The wine house: Corine Samwel and Douce Ambiance will perform at The Wine House on Market Street on Friday, August 30th from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. This will be an evening of European art songs, standard jazz songs and gypsy jazz instrumentals. Admission $10.
Got an event coming up? Email details to [email protected].
