Tom Petty Birthday Bash….Great Music in Gainesville, October 19 & 20, 2018

Posted on by Tommy Thompson

Gainesville, the largest city in our Natural North Florida region, has been known as a music hub.  Names like Bo Diddley, Sister Hazel, Gram Parsons, Bernie Leadon,  the Peyton Brothers, and Stephen Stills all come to mind.  But most famous was likely “outlaw” musician Tom Petty.  Since his death in October of 2017, Gainesville  has celebrated his birthday, on or near the 20th of October. This year, the Birthday Bash will be held at several music and art venues throughout the city.

 

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The second annual Tom Petty Birthday Bash is a free music festival celebrating the life and legacy of Tom Petty through diverse music performances, art and community engagement to share his music for generations to come.  Celebrating on the weekend of Tom Petty’s birthday, this one of a kind music festival showcases top-notch local and national bands. Music and love will flow throughout the weekend and your attendance will benefit the UF Health Shands Arts In Medicine program.

Music

Festival Crowd

Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things.    —-Tom Petty

Tom Petty Birthday Bash aims to showcase top-notch local and national performances across genres, curated by HEDGES. Rock out to the catalog of  Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, while getting a taste of band’s original music.  Here’s a taste:

Heavy Petty (Gainesville’s own Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute Band)
Mudpies (Mudcrutch tribute)
Gregg McMillan Songwriter
HEDGES
The High Divers
The Artisanals
Edan Archer
Jake Thistle Music
Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones
Whiskey & Co.
Lots of special guests and more to come!

Art

Gainesville’s thriving art scene is permeated around the town and many artists have chosen to paint murals to pay tribute to Tom Petty.

Tom Petty-inspired art will be featured at the festival.

Community

Tom Petty Birthday Bash is a free music festival where everyone is welcome to celebrate. In addition to the free festival, you can purchase a Petty For The People Package and all profits will benefit a local Gainesville program called UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine.