Falala Cappella at the Orange & Brew

If you weren't at the Orange & Brew last night for the Falala Cappella Holiday Concert, then you missed out. Holiday spirit was in the air as traditional Christmas carols were mixed in with a cappella versions of popular songs for a fun and musically pleasing performance for all who attended.

The Staff, UF's all-male a cappella group, opened the night with "Chomp With Me," a song to the tune of "Stand By Me" in which the line "Darling, stand by me" was replaced by "Gators, chomp with me." They also performed a cappella versions of T-Pain's "Buy U A Drank," One Republic's "Apologize" and N'Sync's "I Want You Back," among other songs.
The Sedoctaves, UF's all women a cappella group, joined The Staff on stage to sing "the version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" from the popular television show "Glee," before singing a few songs of their own, including Jordin Sparks' "One Step At A Time."

No Southern Accent, UF's only co-ed a cappella group, was the final group to perform. They sang a cappella versions of several songs, including the Miley Cyrus' hit single "Party In The U.S.A." and a medley of Michael Jackson songs arranged by Kurt Schneider that they dedicated to the late Jackson (listen to the arrangement on YouTube.) Audience members cheered and applauded throughout the concert at all the singers' entertaining performances.

Attendees also had the opportunity to donate money at the concert to benefit the Partners Program, a charity that funds the distribution of free tickets to performances presented by the University of Florida Performing Arts, for the physically and mentally challenged, at-risk students and other under-served populations.

-Story and photos by Sarah Hsu

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Pep Rally

(Photo by Rodney Rogers)

In one week, the Emmy award-winning ABC reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will makeover a home in Gainesville. In preparation for this event, several hundred Gainesville residents attended a pep rally Wednesday morning at Grace at Fort Clarke United Methodist Church. Conrad Ricketts, executive producer of the show, came to speak to the good-sized crowd and inspire them for the help they will be giving to the family and to the community.

“The reason we’re here today is to bring you all together to volunteer and change a family’s life,” he said. Other subcontractors and members of the early-arrival team for the project were introduced and recognized at the rally, including people who will be volunteering their time, energy and resources to work around the clock 24/7 to get the house first demolished, then rebuilt – in seven days.

Ricketts said a typical house is built in four months, but they are going to build one 106 hours. “We have a dream, Gainesville, and you’re going to make that dream happen,” he said.
Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan also spoke at the rally, saying she was a fan of the show and that Gainesville was blessed to get this great opportunity to help a family in need, help the community, and put out a positive message that the city would not have had the resources to do otherwise.

Ricketts said the show is broadcast in 69 countries and translated in 58 languages. Thus, “one billion people will see your town, your community,” he said, referring to Gainesville. Gainesville-based Ark Remodeling & Construction was chosen to be the official construction firm for the local house being rebuilt, which Ricketts said will be the show’s 178th build.

Ricky Strickland, president of Ark Remodeling & Construction, said, “We have not yet met the family, and already so much love is pouring in.” Residents were encouraged to come out and be spectators to cheer on the volunteers next week. “Having people out there cheering us on is much better than any Red Bull or coffee,” said Ricky’s daughter April Strickland, CFO/Manager of Ark Remodeling & Construction.

In addition, both a canned food drive and a LifeSouth blood drive will be taking place during the week of the house rebuilding. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit http://www.arkextremebuild.com.

(Photo by Sarah Hsu)

--Sarah Hsu; Photos by Rodney Rogers and Sarah Hsu

Boys and Girls Club: Another Fun Event

Remember the great Boys and Girls Club Wine-Tasting fundraiser we blogged about last month? Well, the time has come for another great event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County. This Friday (Nov. 20), The Liquor & Wine Shoppe at Jonesville will host a wine-tasting fundraiser. Advance Tickets are only $10 and are available at the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County (2700 NW 51st Street.)

The Liquore & Wine Shoppe at Jonesville is located at 14451 Newberry Road, across from the Jonesville Publix; come out for a night of free wine tasting, delicious hor d'ouevres and discounted bottles of wine!

Photo by Sean Kelly

This Month, Raise Funds

Kaiya Castillo is like a typical 15-year-old: she enjoys the mall and the movies, getting her nails done and spending time with friends and family. But she’s also been battling Cystic Fibrosis since she was five months old and needs a double lung transplant. This month, you can help Kaiya and others like her with a couple fundraisers.

A luncheon will be held this Sat., Nov. 7 at the Family Life Center to raise money for Kaiya’s surgery, which could cost up to $500,000. The event will include catering by Ralph McKnight and entertainment by the UF Gospel Choir, as well as a raffle, including restaurant gift cards. Visit cotaforkaiyac.com.

Continue your support at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Tailgate – Kickoff to a Cure on Sat., Nov. 14 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Watch the Gators battle the South Carolina Gamecocks on TVs in the Touchdown Terrace, while enjoying food from some of your favorite restaurants. Bid on artwork, sports memorabilia and weekend getaways during a silent auction and halftime live auction. Tickets are $75. Call 904-733-3560 or go to cff.org.

—Kate Ashby

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!

(KEEP READING...)