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Friday, January 31, 2025

The Avenue

​​The UF Pazeni Sauti Africa Choir performs at Afro Roots Fest at Bo Diddley Plaza on Friday, April 8.
THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

Dancing to the drum beat at the Afro Roots Fest

Bo Diddley Plaza teemed with festival-goers of all ages, from the elderly lounging in lawn chairs to children dancing in hula hoops in front of the stage. Above, colorful lights casted patterns of violet, red, blue and green onto a brick backdrop and performers below.  A musician stepped up to the microphone. His strong voice boomed out a call-and-response scat melody, beckoning to the audience. More than 100 people eagerly participated in the dancing crowd, echoing back the improvised syllables. 


THE AVENUE

Shabbat traditions give Jewish students home away from home

A full day’s celebration of completing a laborious week became a staple of Jewish tradition, occurring every week on Friday’s sundown and ending on sundown Saturday when the lights go out for bedtime. Although a holiday typically is observed at home in the company of family, Shabbat has become an important campus tradition of UF Jewish students’ lives — fostered by Jewish leaders, students and other observers. This common practice has allowed UF Jewish community members to surround themselves with each other and embrace their common heritage. 


THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Avenue roundtable: And the Grammy goes to…

The Avenue staff teamed up to give our breakdown of six Grammys categories — Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Rap Album — giving both our Grammys predicted winner and who we think deserves to win. Musical talent, lyricism, popularity and even drama are all on display in our analyses. 


“Dia Days” musical production inspired by the music-making process featured record label Dion Dia’s signed artists as the playwrights Thursday, March 17 at Bo Diddley Plaza. (photo by Dazion Prosser)
THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

'Dia Days' embodies the late Bo Diddley through music, art and fashion

On St. Patrick’s Day, a swath of culture was on display as people from all ages rolled out their picnic blankets and lawn chairs to witness history. “Dia Days” played on for two hours at Bo Diddley Plaza on March 17. Dion Dia, a Gainesville-based record label, hosted the event featuring live performances by Florida artists and an eclectic fashion show; as well as a culmination of art and expression.



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