Marley The Messenger will be performing live with DJ Mellow Blendz at the Bo Diddley Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 15th, 2025 from 12:40pm to 1:10pm as part of The 44th Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show.

Discover 200+ local and national artists showcasing their extraordinary creations, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, ceramics, and more—all available for purchase! It's the perfect chance to find unique, handmade pieces while supporting talented artists.

While you shop, enjoy live music on four stages, plus captivating dance and circus performances, and a delicious array of food! Kids will love the imagination station, featuring fun craft activities just for them. Plus, explore our community booths, where local organizations share resources and connect with festival-goers.

For more details, visit: www.gainesvilledowntownartfest.net

Produced by City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

Festival Dates:

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

A freestyle rap performance, conversation & workshop with Marley The Messenger for National Hip Hop History Month.

This workshop led by Marley The Messenger features the art of freestyle rap and includes performances, discussions, and education on how to learn, practice, and improve your ability to freestyle.

Freestyle Rap is an improvisational form of rapping words (and sometimes sounds), usually without any preparation or forethought about what will be spoken. Some individuals may combine previously written work with new thoughts that come into the person’s mind while performing, but the term freestyling (in the context of Hip Hop/Rap music) is generally associated with being created in the moment.

No previous experience is required, and any skill level is welcome, including experts.

While creativity, versatility, and having fun is celebrated, this program does not accept violent or discriminatory language, or behavior. Library code of conduct applies.

Event Page: https://attend.aclib.us/event/13864036

Join Marley The Messenger (Rapper/Producer) for this fun, free, all ages freestyle rap workshop!

Never freestyled or even rapped before?? GREAT! This the perfect place to learn from an experienced artist who has taught this skill to hundreds of people, of all ages!

Are you already an experienced rapper or freestyler? AWESOME!! There is definitely space for you at this event! Come discuss, practice, learn from other artist's perspectives, and maybe even help to inspire another!

We will reset every 20 to 25 minutes, depending on attendance. This will allow for us to periodically discuss important foundational topics and welcome new people to the group. (Moderately) Amplified instrumental music will be provided and handheld microphones will also be available.

Participants are encouraged to be creative and expressive but should also remain inclusive and respectful of others. Library code of conduct also applies.

For more information or questions, visit: www.marleythemessenger.com/contact

Sunday Funday Freestyle Rap Workshop Schedule:

Session 1 - 12:00pm

Session 2 - 12:25pm

Session 3 - 12:50pm

Session 4 - 1:15pm

*Each new session will last approximately 25 minutes. If no one new comes in, we can continue the current session without resetting for a new session.

**In addition to freestyling, engaging in discussions, and sharing ideas, this workshop will also feature a few brief performances, video content, and other instructional and inspirational activities.

***Rappers/Artists with recorded music are welcome to bring in their music to share with the class (time permitting) as long as it contains no language that is offensive or inappropriate for the environment. Simply bring your music on a smartphone and we will have bluetooth speakers that you can connect to. If your music is already online, we can play it using our own equipment.

Our ongoing Hip Hop showcase and fundraising event series continues!

Live Hip Hop music featuring performances by:

Marley The Messenger - https://www.instagram.com/marleythemessenger/

Zaydoc Dachiefroc - https://www.instagram.com/zaydocdachiefroc/

LadiesLoveDoubleD - https://www.instagram.com/ladieslovedoubled/

Fakksonly - https://www.instagram.com/fakksonly/

Purple Kloud - https://www.instagram.com/rayvonrollins/

Blueprint - https://www.instagram.com/printmatic/

DJ Detox - https://www.instagram.com/detox614/

DJ: Mellow Blendz - https://www.instagram.com/mellowinthemix

Hosted by: Marley The Messenger

Doors: 9pm

Performances Begin: 10pm

Admission: $15

*Raising funds for GRACE Marketplace - www.gracemarketplace.org

***MORE INFO - COMING SOON ! ! !

As part of the Alachua County Library District's Summer Reading Program for Teens, Marley The Messenger will be hosting a FREE series of interactive discussions at various local libraries throughout Alachua County known as, N.I.C.E. Conversations: Navigating Inspiration, Creativity and Expression. These sessions are designed to help teens understand, apply, embrace and enjoy creativity and self-expression.

Marley The Messenger invites you to join the conversation on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm at the Headquarters Branch Library in Gainesville, Florida. Explore exciting ideas and unlock your creativity. Connect, share and discover inspiring ways to bring your imagination to life. Get empowered—your creative journey starts here!

Learn More or Add To Calendar here: https://attend.aclib.us/event/13400318

*More Info Coming Soon!

As part of the Alachua County Library District's Summer Reading Program for Teens, Marley The Messenger will be hosting a FREE series of interactive discussions at various local libraries throughout Alachua County known as, N.I.C.E. Conversations: Navigating Inspiration, Creativity and Expression. These sessions are designed to help teens understand, apply, embrace and enjoy creativity and self-expression.

Marley The Messenger invites you to join the conversation on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm at the Archer Branch Library in Archer, Florida. Explore exciting ideas and unlock your creativity. Connect, share and discover inspiring ways to bring your imagination to life. Get empowered—your creative journey starts here!

Learn More or Add To Calendar here: https://attend.aclib.us/event/13362264

*More Info Coming Soon!

As part of the Alachua County Library District's Summer Reading Program for Teens, Marley The Messenger will be hosting a FREE series of interactive discussions at various local libraries throughout Alachua County known as, N.I.C.E. Conversations: Navigating Inspiration, Creativity and Expression. These sessions are designed to help teens understand, apply, embrace and enjoy creativity and self-expression.

Marley The Messenger invites you to join the conversation on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm at the Headquarters Branch Library in Gainesville, Florida. Explore exciting ideas and unlock your creativity. Connect, share and discover inspiring ways to bring your imagination to life. Get empowered—your creative journey starts here!

Learn More or Add To Calendar here: https://attend.aclib.us/event/13400317

*More Info Coming Soon!

How Bazar, Dion Dia & Sweetwater Branch Inn Present, The Big House Party - A Fundraising Event for Big: Culture & Arts Festival.

Featuring Live Performances, DJs, Classes, a Wellness Room and much more!

Marley The Messenger, Performing at 10:05pm

For Full Details & Tickets, VIsit: www.bigcaf.com

TICKET INFORMATION

🎟️ Tier 1 : $15 (entry to the party)

🎟️ Tier 2 : $30 (entry + open / discounted bar for 21+)

— Open / Discounted Bar: FREE beers + canned drinks, half off on all speciality cocktails.

Choose a ticket tier that you prefer based on the bar options! And because this is a fundraiser, please feel free to donate more!

HOW DO YOU ATTEND?!

1️⃣ Get your ticket through our website: bigcaf.com

2️⃣ INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER WHEN YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS

3️⃣ You will receive the address before the party

Special thanks to Sweetwater Branch Inn for their generous donation of this unique venue for our event!

See you at the party!!

Glory Days Presents!

Grammy nominated, platinum selling rapper, Afroman!

Friday, May 9th

Featuring:

AFROMAN Big Win Chuck Tha Martyr D Swoll Marley The Messenger Copaxetic D Swoll Sir Bostic DJ Mellowblendz

Doors: 8PM / Show: 8:30PM GA Standing: $25 ADV / $30 DOS

Balcony Access: $48 ADV / $52 DOS (Includes Private bathroom and bar for balcony patrons + plus lounge seating.)

ALL tickets include a Post show Meet and Greet with Afroman!

Performing anthems like, "BECAUSE I GOT HIGH", "Colt 45", "Crazy Rap", "Palmdale" and his most recent smash hit "Will You Help Me Repair My Door!"

Event Name: The UDTV Hip Hop Buffet

Location: The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino

Address: 232 ½ SE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601

Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025

Time: Doors: 8pm, Performances: 8:30pm

Entry: $10 (Suggested Donation) *Proceeds benefitting GRACE Marketplace

Description: Join us for this unique Hip Hop show & fundraising event featuring some of the very best Hip Hop Gainesville has to offer! Enjoy live performances from local artists, plenty of music to dance to courtesy of DJ Mellow Blendz, and multiple Freestyle Rap Cyphers live on stage!

More Info: We are raising funds to donate to GRACE Marketplace, a one-stop homeless services agency in Gainesville, Florida. To make the show easily accessible to everyone, an entry fee is not mandatory, but we suggest a donation of $10 per person in order to help The Hip Hop Buffet achieve its goal of feeding the community!

Live Performances by:

Purple Kloud Marley The Messenger Fakksonly Zaydoc Dachiefroc LadiesLoveDoubleD Nate Turner itsQObaby Creatornom Sir Bostic

DJ: Mellow Blendz

Hosted by: Marley The Messenger

Vendors & Sponsors:

UDTV Papo Snax Sparkin Flavors The Podcast Marley Montano Productions

Presented by the Gainesville, Florida-based recording studio, The Stu, "Stirring The Pot" is a new monthly Hip Hop night that features artists who record at or work with producers or engineers at The Stu.

Come out the 2nd event, Friday, February 28th. This event features live performances by:

Fakksonly Marley The Messenger Sir Bostic LL Double D Dorion James

Depot Village is a unique outdoor venue located at: 404 SE 2nd Street, Gainesville, FL 32601.

Get ready for an incredible night of hip-hop, live art, vendors, and immersive visuals!

Music Makers: Freestyle Edition

*A Freestyle Rap Performance, Conversation & Workshop with Marley The Messenger for National Hip Hop History Month.

This workshop led by Marley The Messenger features the art of freestyle rap and includes performances, discussions, and education on how to learn, practice, and improve your ability to freestyle. Freestyle Rap is an improvisational form of rapping words (and sometimes sounds), usually without any preparation or forethought about what will be spoken. Some individuals may combine previously written work with new thoughts that come into the person’s mind while performing, but the term freestyling (in the context of Hip Hop/Rap music) is generally associated with being created in the moment. No previous experience is required, and any skill level is welcome, including experts. While creativity, versatility, and having fun is celebrated, this program does not accept violent or discriminatory language, or behavior. Library code of conduct applies.

Marley The Messenger is a Gainesville, Florida-based Hip Hop artist, a MusicGNV Recording Grant recipient, creator of “Microphone Mentors” (funded by a grant from SPARC352), and since September 2023, he has been leading the “Teen Music Maker” series (a recording & music making workshop for teens) at the Tower Road branch library, and other participating branches throughout Alachua County. The Messenger has performed with numerous legends and pioneers of Hip Hop [culture] and Rap music. He has competed in and hosted various rap battles, both small and large. One of the founding members of The Hip-Hop Collective (2001-2020), Marley also hosted a weekly freestyle session in Gainesville for many years during this time.

*Hawthorne Library Event Page: https://attend.aclib.us/event/11156496

Free, monthly recording & music making workshop for teens led by Marley The Messenger, and Purple Kloud. These and other (special guest) artists guide teens through both basic, and advanced song writing, sound recording, and live performance concepts, and techniques. FREE and open to teens (ages 13-18).

Location: Tower Road Branch Library, 3020 SW 75th St, Gainesville, FL 32608

Time: 4pm - 5:45pm.

For more info visit: www.marleythemessenger.com/teen-music-makers

"Voices From The Community," Presented by Microphone Mentors.

The event will take place at 2pm in the meeting hall on the 4th Floor of the Headquarters Branch Library.

Free and open to the public.

More info coming soon!

Presented by Marley Montano Productions & ARTSPEAKSgnv, "Microphone Mentors" is a public speaking & communication mentorship program that was created using funds awarded to Marley Montano Productions in May (2024) by SPARC352.

SPARC352 is a place-based initiative grounded in the idea that arts are at the core of vibrant and healthy communities. In partnership with community members, SPARC352 aims to develop self-sustaining community centers for learning, wellness, workforce development, and historic and cultural preservation through creativity and collaboration.

For this first iteration of Microphone Mentors, the program is only being made available for teens (ages 12-18) who are either living in or have previously lived in one of the following communities in Gainesville, Florida that have been identified by SPARC352 as being underserved and in need of youth enrichment, and youth empowerment programs: Duval, Lincoln Estates, Porters, Springhill, and Pleasant Street.

The program will consist of 4 (2-hour) sessions, taking place every Saturday, beginning July 13th, 2024. During these sessions, youth enrolled in the program will learn various concepts related to public speaking, communication, organization, leadership, self-confidence, and much more. Special guest artists & entrepreneurs from the Gainesville community will also appear throughout the program. After the 4 sessions, all of the program activities will culminate into a live event called, "Microphone Mentors: Voices from The Community." The event will be located at the Headquarters Library Branch, in their meeting hall on the 4th floor. At this free and open to the public event, mentees will be given the opportunity to share their stories with community.

Appplications open June 1st and will be open for the entire month of June.

More info TBA.

• Marley "The Messenger" Montano Marley Montano Productions

Presented by Marley Montano Productions & ARTSPEAKSgnv, "Microphone Mentors" is a public speaking & communication mentorship program that was created using funds awarded to Marley Montano Productions in May (2024) by SPARC352.

SPARC352 is a place-based initiative grounded in the idea that arts are at the core of vibrant and healthy communities. In partnership with community members, SPARC352 aims to develop self-sustaining community centers for learning, wellness, workforce development, and historic and cultural preservation through creativity and collaboration.

For this first iteration of Microphone Mentors, the program is only being made available for teens (ages 12-18) who are either living in or have previously lived in one of the following communities in Gainesville, Florida that have been identified by SPARC352 as being underserved and in need of youth enrichment, and youth empowerment programs: Duval, Lincoln Estates, Porters, Springhill, and Pleasant Street.

The program will consist of 4 (2-hour) sessions, taking place every Saturday, beginning July 13th, 2024. During these sessions, youth enrolled in the program will learn various concepts related to public speaking, communication, organization, leadership, self-confidence, and much more. Special guest artists & entrepreneurs from the Gainesville community will also appear throughout the program. After the 4 sessions, all of the program activities will culminate into a live event called, "Microphone Mentors: Voices from The Community." The event will be located at the Headquarters Library Branch, in their meeting hall on the 4th floor. At this free and open to the public event, mentees will be given the opportunity to share their stories with community.

Appplications open June 1st and will be open for the entire month of June.

More info TBA.

• Marley "The Messenger" Montano Marley Montano Productions

Presented by Marley Montano Productions & ARTSPEAKSgnv, "Microphone Mentors" is a public speaking & communication mentorship program that was created using funds awarded to Marley Montano Productions in May (2024) by SPARC352.

SPARC352 is a place-based initiative grounded in the idea that arts are at the core of vibrant and healthy communities. In partnership with community members, SPARC352 aims to develop self-sustaining community centers for learning, wellness, workforce development, and historic and cultural preservation through creativity and collaboration.

For this first iteration of Microphone Mentors, the program is only being made available for teens (ages 12-18) who are either living in or have previously lived in one of the following communities in Gainesville, Florida that have been identified by SPARC352 as being underserved and in need of youth enrichment, and youth empowerment programs: Duval, Lincoln Estates, Porters, Springhill, and Pleasant Street.

The program will consist of 4 (2-hour) sessions, taking place every Saturday, beginning July 13th, 2024. During these sessions, youth enrolled in the program will learn various concepts related to public speaking, communication, organization, leadership, self-confidence, and much more. Special guest artists & entrepreneurs from the Gainesville community will also appear throughout the program. After the 4 sessions, all of the program activities will culminate into a live event called, "Microphone Mentors: Voices from The Community." The event will be located at the Headquarters Library Branch, in their meeting hall on the 4th floor. At this free and open to the public event, mentees will be given the opportunity to share their stories with community.

Appplications open June 1st and will be open for the entire month of June.

More info TBA.

• Marley "The Messenger" Montano Marley Montano Productions

Free, monthly recording & music making workshop for teens led by Marley The Messenger, along with Purple Kloud.Both artists guide teens through both basic, and advanced song writing, sound recording, and live performance concepts, and techniques.

Workshops at the Tower Road Branch Library in Gainesville, Florida take place once a month 4pm - 5:45pm.

Sessions are free, and open for teens (ages 13-18) to attend.

For more info, visit: www.marleythemessenger.com/teen-music-makers

Presented by Marley Montano Productions & ARTSPEAKSgnv, "Microphone Mentors" is a public speaking & communication mentorship program that was created using funds awarded to Marley Montano Productions in May (2024) by SPARC352.

SPARC352 is a place-based initiative grounded in the idea that arts are at the core of vibrant and healthy communities. In partnership with community members, SPARC352 aims to develop self-sustaining community centers for learning, wellness, workforce development, and historic and cultural preservation through creativity and collaboration.

For this first iteration of Microphone Mentors, the program is only being made available for teens (ages 12-18) who are either living in or have previously lived in one of the following communities in Gainesville, Florida that have been identified by SPARC352 as being underserved and in need of youth enrichment, and youth empowerment programs: Duval, Lincoln Estates, Porters, Springhill, and Pleasant Street.

The program will consist of 4 (2-hour) sessions, taking place every Saturday, beginning July 13th, 2024. During these sessions, youth enrolled in the program will learn various concepts related to public speaking, communication, organization, leadership, self-confidence, and much more. Special guest artists & entrepreneurs from the Gainesville community will also appear throughout the program. After the 4 sessions, all of the program activities will culminate into a live event called, "Microphone Mentors: Voices from The Community." The event will be located at the Headquarters Library Branch, in their meeting hall on the 4th floor. At this free and open to the public event, mentees will be given the opportunity to share their stories with community.

Appplications open June 1st and will be open for the entire month of June.

More info TBA.

• Marley "The Messenger" Montano Marley Montano Productions

Free, monthly recording & music making workshop for teens led by Marley The Messenger, along with Purple Kloud.Both artists guide teens through both basic, and advanced song writing, sound recording, and live performance concepts, and techniques.

Workshops at the Tower Road Branch Library in Gainesville, Florida take place once a month 4pm - 5:45pm.

Sessions are free, and open for teens (ages 13-18) to attend.

SPECIAL GUEST FOR JUNE SESSION: DJ Robzilla (DJ/Turntablist/Beatboxer/Producer).

For more info, visit: www.marleythemessenger.com/teen-music-makers