Juliana DeFilippo - The Independent Florida Alligator

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre takes a new direction in its casting of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” (Credit: Chasing Shadows)

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre reimagines Shakespeare with an all-female cast

By Juliana DeFilippo | Apr. 2

She decided to use an all-female cast, staging the play as a 1960s sitcom inspired by “I Love Lucy.” She felt the audience would be more comfortable with an all-female interpretation of overtly masculine characters, allowing them to explore the sexism of the time without losing Shakespeare’s wit.

Owner of Happy Kiss Pole Dancing, Johanna Monserratte, poses for a portrait.

Courtesy to The Alligator

THE AVENUE

Female-owned businesses to visit around Gainesville

By Juliana DeFilippo | Mar. 26

During Women’s History Month, three female business owners discussed how they started and maintained their businesses in lieu of these struggles. As they have learned over the years, being a female business owner can have its advantages and disadvantages.

The band Flipturn performs. (Photo credit: Amanda Laferriere)

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

“Burnout Days” and the importance of slowing down

By Juliana DeFilippo | Mar. 20

Two years after releasing its first album, flipturn is back with “Burnout Days,” a product of its first tour and an examination of the band’s past and present.

DIY expression takes center stage at Civic Media Center's Zine Fest.

Jea Nace

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

First Panel Palooza draws vendors from Gainesville comic community

By Juliana DeFilippo | Mar. 9

Panel Palooza took place at SAW for the first time on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. as part of Zinefest, a weekend-long celebration of zines, or mini magazines often made from a few sheets of paper.

Study Buddies offered at Marston and Library West on Wednesday, Feb. 26th, 2025.

Morgan Waters

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

How Study Buddy library programs promote mindfulness

By Juliana DeFilippo | Mar. 6

Ellward is the creator of most of Marston’s study buddies, the library’s collection of small, crocheted animals and plants that students can rent for two hours at a time. The buddies are all crocheted animals, including a caterpillar, flamingo and, most recently, a frog.

The band Prizilla stopped at Gainesville on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.

Courtesy to The Alligator

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Prizilla talks carving out a niche in the local music scene and beyond

By Juliana DeFilippo | Mar. 6

With its saxophone-wielding frontwoman and distinct jazz influences, it’s not always easy for Prizilla to fit in with the existing music scene in Gainesville.

The reopened Pride Center Library was decorated with rainbows and signs, including one banner that read "We Love Our Library" on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

Juliana DeFilippo

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The Pride Center Library reopens to promote frequently challenged LGBTQ+ books

By Juliana DeFilippo | Feb. 16

The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida reopened its Pride Center Library on Saturday, featuring many frequently challenged books.

K.D. Eno performs for the patrons of Lightnin Salvage Enterprise at open mic night on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Kade Sowers

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Lightnin’ Salvage brings musicians together through Open Mic Night

By Juliana DeFilippo | Feb. 12

The distinct smell of tomato sauce and the swirling colors of the decor mingle with the music of the monthly open mic night, a tradition outdating the building itself, as well as every other open mic night in the city.

Customers order at the window of Luke’s New York Bagels’ new location at City Food Hall on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

Juliana DeFilippo

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Luke’s New York Bagels opens new City Food Hall location

By Juliana DeFilippo | Feb. 5

Luke’s New York Bagels City Food Hall location is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Lady Ettie waves to onlookers while walking in a parade around the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023.

Kamryn Bailey

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire goes on amid location search

By Juliana DeFilippo | Jan. 27

The annual event took place at Depot Park for the second year since leaving the Alachua County Fairgrounds