Songwriters in the Round: Gainesville’s Musical Renaissance

The Matheson History Museum’s Songwriters in the Round event returns on Thursday, April 16, from 6-8 pm. Unearth the story of Gainesville’s musical renaissance with a presentation by Little Jake and the Soul Searchers.

These musicians are more than just a band, they were stepping stones to the integration of Gainesville. A never before seen documentary will tell the story of Sarah McKnight, an African American business woman who, in the 1950s and 1960s, ran the Cotton Club and Sarah’s Place. These music venues featured musicians such as Cab Calloway, B.B. King and James Brown. Although Charlie Steadham was white, his quest to learn from the best musicians brought him into Sarah’s Place.

Discover how Little Jake Mitchell desegregated one of the largest music venues in Florida. Trace how advancements in technology changed the course of music history with a presentation by Tran Whitley of Tran Tracks. Admission is $5.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.

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