Clarification: This article has been updated to reflect that Twelve'Len is a featured act, not a headliner. There will also be two outdoor stages instead of one.
Swamp Records is showcasing musical talent from Florida on the last day of classes.
A variety of local Gainesville and Florida-native bands will take the stage for the fourth annual Swamp Records Showcase on Wednesday.
The event will be hosted at a new venue this year, Heartwood Soundstage. Despite the location change, Swamp Records Co-President Stephanie Elkin said the essence of the show will remain the same. The event will feature one indoor and two outdoor stages, with 14 acts performing from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Lavares Joseph, a Miami native, multi-genre artist known by his stage name, Twelve’Len, is one of the featured acts.
Joseph discussed the importance of celebrating community through art.
“If you’re not the one to highlight what’s going on in your city or your state, no one else is,” he said.
Student Government Productions has presented past showcases, but this is the first year the event is entirely self funded by Swamp Records. They took to the community for sponsorships, Elkin said.
Swamp Records promotes and supports local Gainesville music talent, so many of the artists performing already work with the organization.
While the performing artists are primarily from Gainesville, the showcase has acts coming from all over the state.
“We see who is making moves in the Gainesville music community, who is making moves up and coming, who is exciting, and also extend that beyond Gainesville to the whole Florida music community,” said Elkin, a 22-year-old UF master’s in international business student.
The main goal of Swamp Records Showcase is to bring the community together and highlight the diverse talent in the area, Elkin explained.
“Our music community is so unique and special,” she said. “Gainesville is home to a bunch of really talented and creative people.”
Local community vendors and food trucks will service the event, including Soup to Nuts Food Truck, Dank Cakes and Always True Co.
Tickets are $8 in advance on eventbrite.com and $10 at the door.
