Classes have started again and college students have one more week of freedom ahead of them.
The pace of events will quicken. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a late summer night’s dream.
Here’s a roundup of fun events in and around Tallahassee, compiled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts’ online directories, and other sources.
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1. “Ain’t Misbehavin” swings into the Monticello Opera House
Essential Theatrical Associates and Monticello Opera House present the Tony Award-winning musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’ August 16-18. Directed by Bryan F. Mitchell, this timeless show pays homage to the legendary Thomas “Fats” Waller and the infectious energy of swing music during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club.
Evening performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; matinees are Saturday and Sunday, August 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27 for general admission, $32 for VIP seating (30 reserved seats). Tickets can also be purchased at the box office. Visit monticellooperahouse.org.
Originally put together under the supervision of director and lyricist Richard Maltby Jr., Ain’t Misbehavin’ won the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical and remains one of the most popular revues of all time. The show captures the wonderful humor and lively spirit of Fats Waller, whose career spanned from uptown clubs to Hollywood’s Tin Pan Alley to European concerts.
All performances are presented in a jazz club style at Perkins Performance Hall, enhancing the intense experience of the show. During performances, guests can take advantage of a bar with premium beer, wine and cocktails.
2. American Legion brings the All-Stars to Tallahassee Jazz Night
The All-Stars Big Band featuring Rodney Jordan and Dave Detwieler, presented by Tissa Kholsa, brings the swing to the American Legion Hall, Post 13, 229 Lake Ella Drive, on Saturday, August 17, from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. The great concert of modern music features swing, dances and grooves with an all-star lineup of Tallahassee musicians from multiple generations. General admission: $10; student discount. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Here is the lineup for the Modern Jazz Showcase and Session: Saxophones – Jonathan Gray, David Detweiler Joe Goldberg, Tissa Khosla; Brass – Hannah Duhon, Wayne Pearcy, Jianni Lazaga, Christopher Goldwire; Rhythm – Blake Dwelle, Jose Serrano, Rodney Jordan and Nygel Anderson.
3. Birthday fun at The Bark
Here’s what’s happening at The Bark, 507 All Saints St., for birthday weekend. On Friday, August 16, Little Foot will be cranking up the heat with Petty Problems, Speed Runner and The Village Idiots. Doors open at 8 p.m., admission $10. On Saturday, August 17, The Bark will celebrate its 7th birthday with a birthday show featuring Castover, Ellen Fish, Stefan Lange, Death Weapon Miester Academy and Bench Warmer. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., admission free. On Sunday, August 18, check out Zalongo with SmoochyFace and Callisto’s Collapse. Doors open at 7 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m. Admission $10.
4. Pat Puckett, Sawmill Jam and Collen Nixon are guests at the Blue Tavern
Pat Puckett kicks off the weekend with a happy hour on Friday, August 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. Pat is usually a night owl, but change is good. Just don’t expect a lot of happy songs. Sawmill Jam kicks things off Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. with Frank Graham’s signature swamp boogie sound along with Kit Goodner on guitar and vocals and Mark Patton on upright bass and vocals. Expect fun, laid-back grooves. Admission is $10.
Accordionist Kirill Litvik hosts Saturday’s 3rd Irish Session, beginning at 4pm in the Blue Tavern. All ages and abilities are welcome. Next up is Jazzmatazz with Collen Nixon and the Heat Miser Trio from 8pm-11pm. Jazzmatazz presents the return of exceptional vocalist Colleen Nixon for an evening of classic jazz standards accompanied by the Heat Miser Trio featuring Will Fulkerson (keyboards), Brian Hall (bass) and Michael Bakan (drums). Admission $10.
5. Say goodbye to the exhibitions at LeMoyne Arts and hello to them
Your last chance to see the “Forever Side by Side” exhibit, featuring work by local favorites Randy and Debra Brienen, is Saturday, August 17, at LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St. This exhibit features select paintings of the same subject, created by each artist in their own style and displayed side by side.
Get ready to welcome painter and poet Isabella Al-Sharif’s new exhibition, “Her Temple,” on Thursday, which explores female divinity and empowerment in her complex and soulful paintings. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 22nd from 5:00-7:30 p.m. and will include live music from the R&R Sisters featuring Ed Prasse, drinks and small bites from DEEP Brewing Co., Distillery 98 and Chicken Salad Chick.
The exhibition runs until September 21. Al-Sharif will give a lecture about her artistic career on August 29 at 6 p.m.
Bonus event: Premiere of student films on the FSU campus
The Tallahassee Film Co-Op will host its student film premiere on Friday, August 16 at 6 p.m. at the FSU Student Life Center, 942 Learning Way.
Six teams of students ages 9 to 19 met with the Tallahassee Film Co-Op earlier this summer and their short films will premiere this Friday night. Over 320 tickets have already been reserved for the film’s premiere. Reserve free tickets at facebook.com/film.co-op
Run by a team of local college students, the Film Co-Op aims to teach future generations the fundamentals of filmmaking and more. You’ll see films written, directed, acted, scored, edited and produced by these teams of kids who share a common love of filmmaking. Teams are assigned genres and themes, and then they’re presented with obstacles like the forced inclusion of a musical number or a rap battle.
Coming soon: Bobby Lee Rodgers and Melody Trucks
Bobby Lee Rodgers and Melody Trucks bring musical firepower to the House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St., on Thursday, August 22, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Visit houseofmusictally.com.
The two first met in 2013 at Wanee, a festival in Live Oak created by Melody’s father (Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band) where Melody and Bobby frequently performed. A talented singer and percussionist, Melody Trucks has performed in front of thousands of people at major music festivals such as Peach Fest, Suwannee Rising and Hulaween. As the daughter of the late Butch Trucks, she has been surrounded by music her entire life.
Renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Bobby Lee Rodgers, founding member and creative force behind The Codetalkers with Col. Bruce Hampton, fuses rock, funk, jazz and blues into a magical musical tapestry.
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OTHER EVENTS
Blue Tavern: Happy Hour with Bronwyn Chelette, Tuesday 5-7 p.m., featuring traditional ballads and tunes, followed by Election Night Bingo with Kim McShane from 7-10 p.m. The family band Kenny Hill Band plays the best of bluegrass and country on Wednesday, August 21, from 5-7 p.m., followed by Open Mic Night at 8 p.m. John R. Butler plays Happy Hour on Thursday, August 22, from 5-7 p.m., followed by They Came from the Same, the brother-sister duo of Kelly Goddard and Brian Durham who make up two-thirds of The New 76ers, at 8 p.m. Admission $5.
Bruckner anniversary concert for the 200th time: Trinity United Methodist Church will host a concert honoring Austrian composer Anton Bruckner on Saturday, August 17, at 6 p.m. in the nave. Bruckner was born in 1824, the same year Trinity was founded. A string quartet, organ and choir will perform select pieces of Bruckner’s music. The concert is free and open to the public. An accessible ramp is available at the church’s Park Avenue entrance and wheelchair seating is available in the nave.
Town Hall Gallery: The Council on Culture & Arts will present local artist Leslie Anderson’s art exhibit “Lines, Colors, and Emotions” at Tallahassee City Hall from August 8 to September 23. The exhibit is open to the public during City Hall hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held August 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the City Hall Gallery.
Great Oaks Pub in Southwood: The Allie Cats are coming to Southwood on Friday, August 16th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Featuring the powerful vocals of Allie McKay, the group will perform the best of Americana and rock. Every Friday night there will be a full restaurant and bar featuring specialties from Chef Dustin. For reservations call 850-942-4653, no cover charge.
House of Music: The Big Bend Blues Society’s 10th Annual Harmonica Festival and Contest begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. Any style, genre and talent level is welcome. Categories may include: showmanship, acoustic, amplified, originality, technique. Category winners will receive cash and trophies. To enter, text 850-212-6683. $10 at the door.
The soundbar: Here’s your weekend lineup: Morgan Collins Band plays hits by Journey, Bob Seger, Bad Company, Eagles, Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, Black Crows, ZZ Top and more. Friday, August 16, 8-11 p.m., The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. Admission $5. Get ready for Saturday and the Dad Bod Showdown all day long. Thursday features an open blues jam from 6-8 p.m. Visit Thesoundbartallahassee.com.
Tallahassee Film Society: “The Green Border,” Saturday, August 17, 3 p.m. and Sunday, August 18, 5 p.m., Challenger Learning Center IMAX at Kleman Plaza. In the treacherous and swampy forests between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa are lured by government propaganda promising easy passage to the European Union. 147 minutes. Not rated. $11 general admission, $9 students and TFS members. Tickets can be purchased with credit card. Visit tallahasseefilms.com.
Got an event coming up? Email details to [email protected].
