The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

Kristian Nairn, who plays Hodor on “Game of Thrones,” will perform a live DJ set at Simon’s Night Club downtown tonight at 10 p.m.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Rave on with Kristian Nairn aka Hodor from ‘Game of Thrones’ tonight

By Melissa Mihm | Feb. 18, 2015

You probably recognize Kristian Nairn as Hodor from “Game of Thrones,” but you probably didn’t know he moonlights as a DJ and electronic music producer. Whether you’re a fan of his acting or his musical abilities, Hodor fans can rejoice: Nairn is in Gainesville tonight for Rave of Thrones, a live DJ set starting at 10 p.m. at Simon’s Night Club downtown at 8 S. Main St.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Quads on display at Gainesville Hogs Rugby Club pageant

By Samantha Gutman | Feb. 18, 2015

It’s lights out, thighs out for the Gainesville Hogs Rugby Club on Friday night.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Parks and Recreation

By Ellen Villafuerte | Feb. 18, 2015

On Tuesday, life as we know it will end. OK, not really. But that’s when “Parks and Recreation” will take its loyal viewers (myself included) for one last ride through the town of Pawnee, Indiana, and the political adventures of Leslie Knope and friends. The end of the underrated but hilarious mockumentary-style show will mean no more new episodes to enjoy — no more of Knope’s overzealous, warm personality, Ron Swanson’s paranoia about the government and April Ludgate’s apathy, just to name a few. But if you’re looking for a way to treat yo’ self after a long day of class or work, then grab a bottle of whiskey (because in the words of Swanson, “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets”) and load up “Parks and Rec” on Netflix for our latest binge drinking game.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Facebook offers legacy contact option for relatives of deceased

By Cresonia Hsieh | Feb. 18, 2015

If you’re worried about your social media presence after you pass away, don’t worry — Facebook has your back.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

How to make a good first impression

By Keri | Feb. 18, 2015

You are preparing for a job interview. You spot a good-looking guy at the bar. You are about to make a presentation in class. Each scenario puts you on the spot. You have 90 seconds to create a good first impression. So, how do you make yourself likeable in these first crucial moments?

(From left to right) Charlie Mitchell, Stephanie Lynge, Matthew Lindsay and Marissa Toogood pose in a photo from the play, “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.” The Florida version of the play will be shown at the Hippodrome State Theatre through March 15.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

The Hippodrome brings Florida version of ‘Mr. Burns’ to Gainesville

By Taylor Casal | Feb. 18, 2015

In a post-apocalyptic world, survivors spend their days re-enacting scenes from the episode “Cape Feare” of “The Simpsons” in order to diverge their fears of what the world has become.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Local food tasting at First Magnitude on Friday

By Christy Piña | Feb. 18, 2015

The First Magnitude Brewing Co. is hosting its first local food tasting.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

FLEXfest brings something different to movies in GNV

By Ashlyn Pinter | Feb. 18, 2015

Starting today, filmmakers from all over the world will gather in Gainesville for the 11th annual FLEXfest.

THE AVENUE | FASHION

Local fashion show to benefit charities, CMC

By Laura Gomez | Feb. 18, 2015

Three local designers will showcase their collections at the Civic Media Center on Friday, and it’s all for charity.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Arcade Fire’s Will Butler releases first solo album

By Isabella Ruggeri | Feb. 11, 2015

Fans of Arcade Fire will be excited to hear the debut solo album from the band’s

Jeni Hankins, 40, is the singer and songwriter for the folk duo, while Billy Kemp, 60, focuses on the musical art of the performances.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Folk duo stops in Gainesville to perform at house concert

By Ashley Schiffman | Feb. 11, 2015

Twinkling lights lined the inside of the house of local performer Chuck Levy as Autumn, his calm and fluffy dog, greeted audience members at the door before they sat down, ready to take in the quaint, eclectic and romantic country ambiance of Jeni & Billy during a concert Saturday night.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Local entrepreneur to open ‘Nitty Gritty’ theater Friday

By Stella Heekin | Feb. 11, 2015

When entrepreneur Michael Presley Bobbitt couldn’t find a home for his southern gothic play, he did what he’s used to doing as a poet, playwright and novelist: He created one.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Trophy hunting: Top-notch performances at Grammys

By Alyssa Holcomb | Feb. 11, 2015

In one of the most diverse (and longest) Grammy ceremonies in years, the mesh of performers old and new was the perfect recipe for a star-studded show — so much so, the numbers seemed to overshadow many of the awards themselves. There were so many memorable moments during the three-and-a-half-hour show, but here are some of the highlights from one of music’s biggest nights.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

In a relationship with wine: binge drinking game

By Kathryn Varn | Feb. 11, 2015

The last time I was single for Valentine’s Day was my freshman year of high school. Since then, I’ve been a serial girlfriend, jumping from relationship to relationship in a desperate attempt to turn my love life into a Meg Cabot novel.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Your guide to Valentine’s Day gifts

By Kelsi | Feb. 11, 2015

Just when we thought we were past the holidays and gift-giving, Valentine’s Day comes around and presents itself as another gift-giving occasion.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Cinema Verde, environmental film festival, starts today

By Nicolette Hoffman | Feb. 11, 2015

Claudia Kanne spoke with eloquence as she discussed the life-and-death experience she had more than 12 years ago when she ingested a toxic dry-cleaning solvent. Kanne survived and was able to tell her story through a diary-turned-documentary called “Dry-Clean Only.”

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

‘Get up, stand up’ for The Wailers concert at High Dive Thursday

By Laura Gomez | Feb. 11, 2015

Legend Bob Marley would have turned 70 on Feb. 6, and although money couldn’t buy him life, something else has.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

‘The Vagina Monologues’ back for Valentine’s Day at the Hippodrome

By Paisley Papineau | Feb. 11, 2015

“The Vagina Monologues” is back at the Hippodrome State Theatre for its third year, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Documentary Oscar short films

By Kelsey Bona | Feb. 4, 2015

When it comes time to announce the winner for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 87th Academy Awards, many will probably be busy scrolling through endless live tweets as they await the more prestigious categories. Nevertheless, this year’s shorts deserve notice. Here’s the rundown on the nominated documentary short films.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Animated Oscar shorts

By Alyssa Holcomb | Feb. 4, 2015

From treat-hungry puppies to turning back time on the turntables, this year’s Oscar-nominated animated short films are sure to tug on the heartstrings of voters and viewers alike.