Into The Fest 8: Day 1

The Venue/Sean Kelly

It's 7:22 on Friday night. I'm in the parking lot of The Kickstand—one of the venues hosting the three-day punk-rock extravaganza The Fest 8. I'm surrounded by tattoos, black, crotch-tight jeans and angst. Girls with short hair are everywhere. The environment here is friendly. It's a concrete parking lot with a huge, red warehouse with aluminum siding.

It's unbelievable how many people are in town for this. Inside the "shack," the heat is oppressive and stifling. Outside, shadows of people sit and drink beer in dark corners. A group of young British guys roll cigarettes and huddle around a case of PBR. Matt and Conor are in a band called Calvinball, playing at the Venue Sunday night. They're from Leeds and Sheffield. We chat while Failures Union (Buffalo, NY) plays in the rapidly cooling October air. They're melodic and the perfect accompaniment to shooting the shit. Conor tells me that England is pretty small and he keeps running into people he knows.

Joey Cape (San Francisco) is playing acoustic guitar for a crowd of about 50 people at the Civic Media Center. The whole room is singing his songs, so he takes a break to drink a beer and lets the crowd sing for him. He looks familiar. It hits me suddenly; he's in a band called Lagwagon. I remember them from middle school. EVERYONE is singing along to a song called "Violins." It's intimate, and I feel like a stepped into the world's friendliest keg party.

The Venue 9:15pm

All access is the shit. I'm spoiled and will throw a tantrum if I have to wait in any line all weekend. There are about 300 people in here. The band playing is Gainesville's Small Brown Bike. They sound seasoned and professional. The drummer's groove is deep and the bass player is riding it like a cowboy. There's no way to get close. With so many people here, I have to stand on the balcony to even see anything. (Sean Kelly)

The Side Hatch is the side stage at The Venue. Light Yourself On Fire (Tampa) is playing. I was not prepared for this. They're a hail storm of thrash. It's kind of hard to catch your breath. If I was a violent (and taller) man I'd get in to the pit and get some aggression out. Hey kids, wanna scare your parents? Go buy this band's record. The singer has two huge Xs tattooed on his chest. Young men keep exploding with helicopter fists. (Sean Kelly)

12:08pm Flacos

I had to take a break. Its rough in the streets (of The Fest). There is a makeshift mezzanine outside where grad-student types are drinking imported beer—the first time all day I've seen someone drinking beer that's not a PBR. All the men are wearing those rim-style glasses and chatting, jovially. I can hear Michael Claytor & His Friends (Gainesville) setting up, and I ate way too much pizza. Claytor is going to play again at the CMC on Sunday. I strongly suggest you go see him and his unique brand of acoustic indie-folk music. (Joel Mora)

If you ever listen to anything I say ever again, please listen to this: Gainesville's Morningbell is the shit. They went on after Claytor dressed like dead presidents. Morningbell sounds like a modern '70s disco band—but better. They're so effortlessly smooth and musical. (Eva Suarez)

So that's your inside The Fest Day 1. I'm tired and it's my bedtime. Tomorrow I'll check out the registration area and try to sneak into the Holiday Inn. Also, if you have any ideas of what bands I should see in the next two days, e-mail me: silmanorama@gmail.com. Peace.

—Jon Silman

Modern Skirts play 1982

The Modern Skirts played at 1982 Bar on Wednesday (Oct. 28). Congratulations to our free-tickets winner! To those who didn't make it, here's how it went down.

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Dance Alive presents Dracula, tonight!

Last night, we were lucky enough to be invited to catch a preview performance of Dance Alive National Ballet’s Dracula at the Phillips Center. As choreographer Kim Tuttle called queues from stage right, the lights went down, the curtain went up and we entered the diabolical world of Count Dracula, performed by the versatile Andre Valladon.

With vampires captivating pop culture recently, Dracula is an appropriate title this Halloween; however, Dance Alive’s ahead of the curve—they’ve been performing the eerie Victorian tale for 18 years. In it, it’s amazing to watch as about 30 company dancers (who only moments before joked about their white fang teeth or acrylic talons) become at turns gypsies, Brides of Dracula, pious English men and women, and more.

The set and lighting change often, and the intricate costumes and dramatic music contribute to every scene as we follow Jonathon Harker (played by Rostislav Dzabraev) from Transylvania to England in the nearly two-hour performance. Although we knew it was only make-believe, we were captivated in this ultimate tale of good versus evil—a definite Halloween treat.

Catch Dracula tonight (10/30) at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7pm. It is preceded by a Dracuween Kids’s Party at 6pm, in which children can enjoy a safe trick-or-treat ($15), and is followed by Dracula’s Halloween Costume Ball ($35). Call the box office at 352-392-2787 for tickets.

Photos by Sean Kelly

"Singin' in the Rain" opens at the Vam York Theatre

No one could forget Gene Kelley's iconic tap dance in the 1920s-set Singin' in the Rain. Now, the light-hearted musical is brought to the Gainesville stage, complete with the vividly colored costumes and the toe-tappin' music everyone loves. INsite got a sneak preview of director Bob Garrigues' adaptation, which truly pays tribute to the original '50s musical comedy.

Don Lockwood (played by Thomas Sanders) is a silent film star who falls for fiesty chorus girl Kathy Seldon (played by Stephanie Kelly). Don is an actor at a major film studio that's looking to create its first movie with sound. The only problem? Don's co-star, Lina Lamont (played by the hilarious Sarah Nessalroade), has terribly squeaky voice.

Even if you've never seen the movie, you'll love the details that make this stage performance seem larger than life, such as short clips of silent movies and the zany facial expressions of actors who aren't afraid to hold back. The signature tap dance even comes complete with a shiny umbrella and real rain.

Looking for the perfect excuse for a night out on the town? Ditch the traditional dinner-and-a-movie night and surprise your date with a theater-and-cocktails night. After this show, we bet you won't be able to resist skipping around in a classic tan trenchcoat the next time a Florida rainstorm hits.

Singin’ in the Rain opens today and runs through Sunday, Nov. 22, with performances Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Vam York Theater on 16th Avenue. Tickets are $16 and may be purchased in advance at The Book Gallery West, 4121 NW 16th Blvd., in the Millhopper Shopping Center or one hour before showtime at the theater.

College and high school students with a valid student ID may purchase rush tickets for $10 beginning 30 minutes prior to the show if seats are available. For more information, visit http://www.gcplayhouse.org/.

--Allyson Ayers

Gator sports today!

The Gator women's soccer team plays South Carolina tonight at James G. Pressly Stadium. The game starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free! Check out some photos of past games:





Also today, the women's swimming & diving team takes on Georgia at 1 p.m. in the O'Connell Center. Free admission!


--Photos by Rodney Rogers

Look of the Day: Complimenting Couple

Suzuki, 19, UF family, youth and community sciences and psychology student
Darryl, 20, UF pre-dental psychology student

This couple's flirty chemistry reflects in their clothing and caught our eye, while shopping at Forever 21. Their monochromatic ensembles have this dynamic duo looking fly without seeming planned. Their coordinating colors compliment each other while looking sleek and sophisticated.

Suzuki says her style is "chic," but Darryl has other ways of defining it.

"Always sexy!" Darryl says. "She didn't wanna say it."

Darryl likes to wear anything that is comfortable and versatile. When asked why he was looking so fresh, he replied: "For her!"

Suzuki is wearing:

Tank top paired with jeans: Forever 21, $26
Accessories: Miami boutique, $20
Boots: Zara, gift from mom $0

Darryl is wearing:

Satin jacket: American Apparel, $45
Jeans: PacSun, $50
Shoes: Macbeth, $50

--Rebekah Geier

Gator Basketball Kicks Off

The Gator men's basketball team kicks off the 2009-10 season this Monday (Nov. 2) against St. Leo University.

Can't wait for the excitement to start? Check out a photo slideshow from last year on our Web site!

--Photos by Rodney Rogers

Hot Sales, Cheap Drinks, Hip Hop

Beginning with a huge storewide sale and free drinks at Wolfgang, 1127 W University Ave, it’s not difficult to see why last night (Oct. 28) was a great night in Gainesville. Shoppers scurried around the boutique to grab up their favorite picks, from women and men’s clothing to jewelry and accessories, all at 25 percent off the original price. The in-store cocktail party lasted from 6 to 9pm with free drinks provided byLux Bar, the official after-party venue for the event.

Fully equipped with new Wolfgang attire and a few extra bucks in their pockets, attendees headed over to Lux’s Modern Amusement. Presented by Wolfgang and Grooveshark, the event was part of a nationwide promotional tour for Alize liquors and renowned hip hop artists Izza Kizza and Skinny Friedman. Resident DJs Thomas and Ernie spun in between the national acts and kept the crowd going. But the artists didn’t need much help once it was their time to shine; everyone in the audience danced along and threw their hands in the air for Izza Kizza and Skinny Friedman.

Izza Kizza has worked with the likes of Missy Elliot, David Banner, Lil’ Wayne and Skinny Friedman, one half of world-famous DJ duo Philadelphyinz, and has had songs featured on The Rub, Discobelle and Lil’ Jon mixtapes.

Free drinks continued to flow until midnight, and the entire place swarmed around a sweet new treat: spiked snow cones. “I think Alize was brilliant for creating the liquor-based snow cones. It went over so well with the crowd; everyone seemed to enjoy it,” Alize promotional model Caitlin Sacher says.

Wolfgang and Grooveshark sponsor Modern Amusement at Lux Bar every Wednesday, always with free cover and cheap drinks.

"We're all really excited about the turnout last night and the enthusiasm of our crowd, as were Izza and Skinny," Wolfgang owner Matthew Turner says. "This is the first of many great things to come."

—Brooke Johnson

Look of the Day: Military Inspired

Matthew, owner of Wolfgang boutique

This formal-gone-casual look is an old-time favorite. Matthew’s military inspired jacket paired with a skinny tie and dark denim make for a great nighttime look that’s not too dressed up or dressed down. And as the owner of Gainesville’s clothing boutique, Wolfgang, he should know his stuff! His fashion inspiration comes from favorite designers like Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. To make this outfit more appropriate for a formal occasion, swap the jeans for slacks and tighten the tie.

Jacket: Diesel, $250
Button-down shirt: Acne Jeans, $106
Jeans: Christian Dior, $350
Tie: Ben Sherman, $35
Shoes: Kenneth Cole, $90

--Brooke Johnson

Get Punked

Ready to go wild? Music festival The Fest 8 is back for another three days and nights of debauchery that promises to take over downtown Gainesville. Featuring more than 200 bands from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 playing in more than seven venues, this year will be the biggest Fest ever.

Notable acts include local favorites Liquid Limbs, Averkiou and ex-Umoja Orchestra member Michael Claytor and his Friends. National acts include Seven Seconds, Strike Anywhere and Dillinger Four. But The Fest 8 is not just for punk rockers anymore—it's for everyone who wants to get loose.

Aside from the 24-hour parties, it will feature a flea market appropriately titled the "Fest Dirt Mall" where you can buy handmade arts and crafts, including even a Steve Urkel stenciled toilet seat.

For all the information you could ever need about the Fest 8, check out thefestfl.com. Don't drag your feet, however, as The Fest has a tendency to sell out. Tickets are $60 in advance and $80 weekend of.

—Jon Silman
PHOTO: John Davisson

Poll: Who's your ultimate New Year's kiss?

Next month, our Faces in the Crowd questions asks: If you could kiss anyone on New Year's, who would it be? A celebrity? Your current beau?

Answer the question yourself on our Web site poll, and check out the December issue to see what others had to say!

Alachua County Fair is back. Bring on the funnel cake.

In its 40th year, the Alachua County Fair is better than ever . With new rides and a sharp increase in vendors (from 10 last year to 40 this year), the fair is offering new opportunities for some old-fashioned fun. An ode to old relics, The Alachua County Fair is lined with carnival food stands offering up elephant ears, kettle corn, candy apples and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Still standing are our favorite childhood rides—the Egyptian boat, the tilt-a-whirl and bumper cars. This year saw an increase in kiddie rides as the staff seeks to make the fair more family friendly.

"We want to have something for everyone," says Jesse Lewis, the president and general manager of the fair. "From the smallest kid to the oldest person." This year, the fair might also be the safest yet. The fair ride inspector rated the rides as being among the safest rides he has inspected. To ensure shenanigans are kept at bay, the fair has security patrolling the grounds at all times.

"Our goal is to stop problems before they even happen," Jesse says. "It really is a family event. We want everyone to feel completely safe here."

The Alachua County fair is completely sustained by the 75 to 100 volunteers who staff it, and many of the vendors are local. But it's up to the community to ensure this Gainesville landmark keeps running strong—all you have to do is show up.

"We work on this thing 13 months out of the year," Jesse says. "Our goal is always, come opening day, when everything is all set up and done, to open the gates at 5pm and get people coming in."

Throughout the rest of the week, expect some fun extras, such as adult karaoke tonight (Wed.), the Little Miss and Little Mister Alachua County pageant, nightly entertainment on stage and the ever-popular Midnight Magic Friday, in which fair hours are extended until 3am. On Saturday, the first Oktoberfest will be held at the fair. The festival, a tradition in Germany since 1810, will bring beer, food and Bavarian festivities to the fairgrounds.

Only a $3 (for kids) or $6 (for adults), entrance fee gets you into the park. From there it's just $15 for an armband that gives you access to unlimited enjoyment of the rides. The fair is located at the Alachua County Fairgrounds, 2900 NE 39th Ave. For a full schedule of events visit www.alachuacountyfair.org.

—Stephanie Granada
Photos by Rodney Rogers

Check out a photo slideshow of fairs from past years on our Web site!

Take a Trip To Transylvania + Win Tix!

** Win free tickets! See below.**

Grab some garlic and a crucifix, and hope this stage performance of Dracula doesn’t give you nightmares. This one-night-only ballet by Dance Alive National Ballet will be at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7pm.

“It’s an intense, scary, frightening piece with a broken neck or two,” says Dance Alive resident choreographer Judy Skinner. The ballet features several University of Florida dancers and well-known set artist Margaret Tolbert.

Judy says the performance will coincide with two other events: Dracuween Kid’s Party and the Dracula Halloween Costume Ball. The kid’s party will be at 6pm and awards the child with the best costume and features a tour of the Dracula set. The Costume Ball will be onstage immediately following the ballet and provides a DJ, Bloody Mary’s and Buddha Belly catering. And with all things Halloween-related, Judy says LifeSouth will be accepting blood donations.

“If you’re going to throw a Halloween party, you might as well do it with one crazy setup,” she says. For tickets, visit dancealive.org.

—Kate Ashby
PHOTO: Johnston Photography

We’re giving away a set of tickets to Dracula. Follow us on Twitter to win!

Free African Dance Performance

If you missed last Friday’s Brazilian and African music and dance show in Downtown Gainesville, then you are in luck. Tonight at the University Auditorium on UF’s campus, the two performing groups will take the stage again at 7:30pm.

Last weekend the Brazilian band and choir wowed the audience with their lively beats and beautiful harmonies during the Let's Go Downtown Plaza Series. Adults and children alike couldn’t help but get to their feet and dance to the cultural rhythms. Agbedidi Africa, a collaboration of African dancers and musicans at UF’s New World School of the Arts, also appeared on Friday. And for that brief hour, the crowd was transported to the exotic lands of Guinea, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire Ghana and more.

Tonight’s show will have both groups, and it will also include even more performances than the last one. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. For more information about Agbedidi or to learn how you can join and take classes, e-mail Mohamed Da Costa, dacosta1@ufl.edu, or Joan Frosch, jfrosch@arts.ufl.edu. UF students can become members by enrolling in DAA 2381: World Dance and Inercultural Performance.

—Christina McGinley; Photos: Nicole Safker

Modern Skirts roll into town + WIN FREE TIX!

Athens, GA band Modern Skirts are playing a show at 1982 Bar tomorrow night. INsite caught up with keyboard player, bassist and vocalist, JoJo Glidewell as the band traveled between shows.

What is the band's favorite pastime on tour? First one to e-mail editor@insitegainesville.com with the answer wins free tix to the show!

Find the answer on our Web site!

"Exhale" Poetry Night"

Poetry lovers from around Gainesville joined together last Friday (Oct. 23) for a chance to revel in the talents of guest poet Shihan Van Clief, director of Def Poetry Jam and a widely celebrated spoken word artist.

Exhale, hosted by Kaleidoscope Month, Poets, Inc. and Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, was held at the Orange & Brew during UF's Gator Nights. The campus cafe was packed to capacity. As the audience trickled in and the lights dimmed, the open mic show began with local poets blessing the stage with their stories and hearts.

When Shihan finally stepped on the stage, and before he even spoke, the audience lost their minds, offering their hands and voices with applause and screams.

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Look of the Day: Bold and Sleek

Diandra, chemical engineering senior

We found Diandra at Lux Bar in this fashion-forward ensemble. Her bold-shouldered dress is right on trend for this season and offers the perfect amount of sparkle for nighttime. Diandra’s strappy heels and vintage-inspired purse add extra style points to this look. She favors the designs of Rick Owens and is most excited about fur for winter.

Dress: Topshop, $60
Shoes: Gift, $0
Bag: Chanel, $550
Accessories: Combination of YSL, mom’s closet and Toy

—Brooke Johnson

They came. They saw. They bid.

Big Brothers Big Sisters' "Match for the Stars" date auction at Sharab Lounge last Friday (Oct. 23) was a hit. At least 250 people crowded Sharab Lounge, eager for their chance to lend a helping hand and win some much-coveted date packages. With bids starting at $50 and dates such as private flights, six-month gym memberships and expensive dinners up for grabs, the value of the night was evident beyond the obvious charitable contribution.

Among the highest bids of the night were $300 dished out for a "Next Top Model" date package with Neutral 7 owner Albert "Albey" Coronel; our very own editor's Sunday Fun-Day: Cars, Wine and Theater" package went for $310; and TV-20's Jordan Smith's Cedar Key date climbed to more than $400!

There was even an all-out bidding war for the "A Fantasy Flight" date, which included a private flight to Sarasota (flown by Gainesville Health & Fitness Owner Joe Cirulli) and a dinner at The Columbia at Saint Armands Circle.

On stage, the bachelors looked great in suits and ties, but the bachelorettes stole the show in form-fitting frocks—many provided by Calzatura boutique. Attendants were treated to a free drink ticket and finger food provided by Mi Apa Latin Cafe. (Mi Apa's owner was on site and won the bid for Amanda Decker, also WCJB TV-20 news anchor.)

"The committee did such a great job putting this together," said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid Florida executive director Paul Halpern. "You don't see anybody in the room not smiling."

Check out our photo slideshow on our Web site!

—Stephanie Granada
Photos: Rodney Rogers

Art Show: Made Up of Parts

Walking into the old studio on Southeast Fifth Avenue, an eclectic crowd enjoys wine and cheese on the forested patio, strung with Christmas lights. Faint murmurs and hints of a violin can be heard from the outside of Daacha Gallery.

Inside, what seem to be small groups of household items come alive. Abstract sculptures made of white, plastic clothing hangers scale the floor. Columns and objects resembling hands and faces made of thin, grey wire hang from the wooden ceiling panels. Photographs of bats and their captions create a narrative that draw a connective line between the animal and the hangers: “They are tired of the constant tension, isolated by the burdens they bear to carry out a single function,” one reads.

The artist behind all of it? Daniela Ettedgui, a UF sculpture major who enjoys using unexpected, everyday objects as her molding clay. Last Friday, 10/23, we attended her one-night show, "Made Up of Parts," at the gallery at 11 SE 5th Ave.

“The show is about taking materials out of context and using their inherent form to turn them into modules separate from their intended form,” Daniela says.

She chose hangers as her material for their ability to lock into one another and hold each other up. One of the more animalistic hanger sculptures “crawls” through the studio window into the show room. “It’s up to the viewer’s own interpretation to decide what they see in the sculptures; it’s all about how they read it,” Daniela says. And on Friday night about fifty attendees did just that.

But sculpture isn’t Ettedgui’s only means of creativity—she also showcased an intricately designed blouse with an expandable texture and precise detail. She plans to continue exploring her interest in material design, and we certainly look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
—Brooke Johnson

So Bad it's Good

Halloween is fast approaching, and there are tons of events and parties going on around town. Still need a costume? Check out our guide to bad costumes to keep from making a dress-up faux pas this weekend. Check the web site again soon for slideshows of some of the craziest costumes over the years.

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Look of the Day: Shades of Gray

Sterling, advertising sophomore at UF

Sterling brings monochromatic to a whole new level with this put-together look. His skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors keep his outfit young and refreshing while balancing out the volume of the jacket. Top any casual outfit with Sterling’s personal favorite wardrobe piece: the fitted blazer. It's the perfect finishing touch, especially for the colder seasons.

Shirt and blazer: Thrift store, $5, $12
Jeans: Pac Sun, $34
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor, $40

--Brooke Johnson

Halloween Events 2009

The Halloween countdown officially begins with just seven days until Halloween. With Florida-Georgia on the horizon, Halloween starts a week early in Gainesville with parties, haunted houses and events offering Gators the best of both worlds. We've compiled a guide to enough Halloween events to keep you scared all week long. This is way cheaper (and less crowded) than going to Halloween Horror Nights.

Jaycee's Haunted House: The Enchanted Castle Starting tonight, revisit your childhood as your favorite Disney princesses take a turn off the yellow brick road and into the dark side. This year's Jaycees Haunted House offers up a more grown-up, sadistic retelling of our favorite storybook characters. As if the The Seven Dwarfs and Mary Poppins weren't scary enough already.

At the Alachua County Fairgrounds, 2900 NE 39th Ave., on Oct. 23, 24, 29, and 30 from 7:30pm to 12am, with extended hours until 1am on Halloween. Tickets:$5 in advance and $6 at the door. Cash only! For advance tickets, e-mail info@gainesvillejaycees.com or call 352-213-6760.

Halloween Haunted Walk in the Woods Micanopy opens its ominous, spanish moss covered streets to the public for a one-night-only event. The event will host a carnival-like atmosphere with hay rides, caramel apples, burgers, hot dogs, bakes treats and a Woodlands Creature Halloween Barn.

Located at 600 E Tuscawilla Road (there will be signs pointing to the event from US 441) on Oct. 24 from 7 to 10pm. Tickets: $3.

21st Annual Halloween Carnival Benefitting the March of Dimes, this annual carnival has expanded this year to include more rides, haunted houses, contests, prizes and food. The Sun Country Dance Theatre will be performing a "Shake Your Bones" dance.

Located at Sun Country Sports Center, 333 SW 140th Terrace in Jonesville. Sunday, Oct. 25 from 3-6 pm. Tickets: $20 for adults, $10 for kids.

Hippodrome Ghost Tour The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Place, takes out all its theatrical stops as visitors are guided through a behind-the-curtain tour of the theatre. Rusty Sailing recounts the story of the lost soul that has haunted the 98-year-old structure since 1914- long before the theatre was born.

Oct. 23, 29 and 30 at 10 p.m. Tickets are already sold out for the Oct 23 and 30th tours, so call fast to reserve your spaces for the 29th. To make the tour more intimate, admission is capped at 20 people. Tickets are $10. Pre-order your tickets early by calling the box office at 352-375-4477.

Coon Hollo Corn Maze This week the Newberry Cornfield Maze at Hodge Farms is offering up more than just corn. On October 29, 30th and 31st the farm will be taking guests on Haunted Halloween Hayrides through the farm's dense, tall corn maze. By day families can enjoy such events as pumpkin-picking and "bucking barrels," but by night the maze goes from family-friendly to nightmarish as Old Hollow's ghouls take over the farm.

At 22840 N Highway 441 in Micanopy. Oct. 29, 30 and 31st from dusk until 9pm. Tickets: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youths.

Halloween Haunted Homes Tour From downtown's elegant bed-and-breakfasts, cobble-stoned streets and brick-built structures, you know Gainesville has a rich, historic, creepy tales to tell. Starting at the Mathesom Museum explore the houses of Southeast Seventh Street as the Anhinga's Writer's Studio, share some PG-rated Gainesville ghost stories. Snacks and palm readings will be offered.

513 E. University Ave., on Oct. 30. Tours depart at 5:30 and 6pm. Tickets: $5

Dracula's Halloween Costume Ball If you've ever wanted to party on the Phillips Center Stage, now is your chance. Directly following Dance Alive National Ballet's production of Dracula on Oct. 30th, the curtain is pushed aside as the guests are invited to party with Count Dracula in his castle. A costume contest, finger food and Bloody Mary's will be offered up.

Oct. 30th, 9pm at The Phillips Center, 315 Hull Road. Tickets: $35

—Stephanie Granada

Costumes Galore!

Lime green wigs flying through the air, a man dressed in Shakespearian attire and a girl trying on thigh-high, pleather platform boots—this was the scene at the Constans Theatre today (10/23) as UF's costume department holds its annual costume sale.

Students and faculty shopped starting at 10am (it goes until 3pm) in search of their potential Halloween costumes. One girl grabbed a lacey black dress to use for her get-up as Morticia Addams. Two women, who wanted matching costumes, snatched up blonde wigs and white sparkly dresses. Other customers grabbed individual items such as mullet wigs, feathered boas, angel wings and geisha robes.

“We have a little bit of everything,” says Stacey Galloway of the costume department.

The great assortment of items also came at great prices. Costumes ranged from $5 to $15, feathered-boas and fishnets were $1, shoes were between $5 and $10, and wigs were just $5.

“I just saved a lot of money on my Halloween costume,” exclaimed one happy student.

The costume sale is held every year as a fundraiser for student projects, such as the costume department’s annual educational trip to New York. Each year the sale yields a couple hundred dollars and customers walk out with one-of-a-kind costumes that don't break the bank.

—Ashley McCredie

Getting Ready to GoDateHer

It's finally time for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters "A Match for the Stars" date auction. If you haven't gotten your tickets, you still have a chance to score discounted tickets from us, so e-mail editor@insitegainesville straight away.

Aside from benefitting a great cause, the event is a fun and unique opportunity to do something a little different on a Friday night.

Look for INsite editor Maghan McDowell on the auctioning stage. Her date package includes a wining-and-dining experience at Manuel's Vintage room, a Hippodrome performance and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gainesville Raceway, including—get this—a chance to race a car on the track as many times as you want. High speed and no ticket-charge? Awesome!

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KISS: Alive 35

I grew up listening to Kiss. As a teenager in the late 70’s, I began getting into rock music, slowly, by buying an album here and there and listening to records at friends’ houses, or maybe borrowing the album. This was long before myspace and Napster, before ipods and satellite radio. I read the magazines about Kiss to learn my Kisstory and today, I still know there real names, their vices and motivators.

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Look of the Day: Short and Sweet

Alex, advertising major and American Apparel employee

Alex is a vision strolling by the Hub on campus in these simple yet trendy pieces. Her baby blue, high-waisted puff skirt is the perfect way to bring high-fashion into a daytime look. So what makes this look work? Her fitted racer-back tank tucked into the skirt shows off its full shape, and paired with a great gladiator sandal, you can’t go wrong. Alex’s favorite trends for the Fall are super plum lips and Marc Jacob’s “revival of the 80s…minus the leggings!”

Tank: Forever21, $15
Skirt: American Apparel, $40
Sandals: Miami boutique, $35
Sunglasses: American Apparel, $25

--Brooke Johnson

Free Kicks Thursday

We are two months into the semester, and surely financial aid funds are quickly running out, if they are not totally gone already. Luckily Gainesville's got your back today with lots of events to help you escape midterm stress on a dime or less. 

Start your day with a free pumpkin decorating craft session at the Colonnade, surely to make for a good send-back-to-the-rents present. While at the Reitz, don't forget to stop by the CRC's Career Fair for some totally free, but not at all cheap career advice and a chance to score a great job (gotta get the income rolling again). 

Grab a $4 Hare Krishna lunch at the Plaza of the Americas, then indulge your inner music fanatic with the sounds of a 400-voice choir, as UF celebrates it

s 25th Annual Invitational Choral Festival at the University Auditorium. Catch the sounds of youth at 3pm, while six, high school choirs perform; followed by a team-up between the high school choirs and the UF choir singing together at 4 pm. It all leads up to the University Choir Invitational Fall Concert, Mostly Multicultural Musical Musings, at 7:30 p.m.

All that vocal talent got you inspired? End the day with a free screening/sing-along of Purple Rain at Orange & Brew as RUB celebrates the 25th anniversary of Prince's classic musical film. 

Transition into nighttime, party mode with free beer at Lux Bar from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. After a full-day and early evening of free fun, give something back to your community by visiting Sharab Lounge, where Sharab's promotional group PRNTHS have set up to have the evening's door proceeds benefit The Scleroderma Foundation. In exchange for your generosity, Sharab will be offering up Orlando-super DJ Justin James and as always killer drink specials. Check out the Facebook event for more information. 

Want to save on gas and Gainesville's infamous parking tickets/towing fees? Grab your student ID and log onto RTS Trip Planner to work out your chauffeuring.