By Fernanda Pena Thornton Dial Sr. made great art by putting together materials others threw away. These “found materials,” such as rope, house paint, wire, oven racks, construction compound and more, had symbolic meanings as useful objects and became materials for Dial’s art. Called “assemblages,” these paintings with objects and materials attached were created to express Dial’s thoughts and feelings about social issues like homelessness, inequality in society and war. Like the title of a PBS documentary about this self-taught artist, “Mr. Dial had something to say.” For decades, Dial did not ..read more

In celebration of the Tallahassee-Leon County bicentennial, the Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee), in partnership with the Family Worship & Praise Center (FWPC) Community Development Corporation, proudly presents two days of unparalleled gospel music at The Jubilee Gospel Music Festival. The festival will feature performances from The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Jekalyn Carr, Todd Dulaney and Pastor Mike Jr. on March 22–23, 2024, at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park, 640 Suwannee St. Tickets are available at TheAdderleyAmphitheater.com. In addition to the tick ..read more

Tallahassee Museum is excited to share that construction is nearing completion for the opening of a brand-new alligator exhibit. The exhibit, opening March 2024, will feature five large adult American alligators. The new exhibit will include a state-of-the-art life support system, extensive landscaping with natural flora and unique structures designed to exceed the husbandry needs of the alligators. The new Alligator Exhibit was designed by Coyle and Carron, an award-winning zoo exhibit design firm. Tallahassee Museum is home to 136 living wildlife across 50 species. The Museum’s previous al ..read more

Renowned as a gifted composer and trumpet player, Terence Blanchard splits his time between Los Angeles and his native New Orleans. These cities have influenced his musicality, as Los Angeles breaks through the cutting edge while New Orleans resonates with sounds deep within his roots. As part of Opening Nights, seven-time Grammy award winner Blanchard will be joined by his Grammy-nominated band, the E-Collective, as well as special guests, the Turtle Island Quartet on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Blanchard has released several albums and has been featured on many, markin ..read more

Enter for a chance to experience what USA Today touts as “one of the South’s standout food and beverage festivals!” This package will span all three days of this year’s South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival at Grand Boulevard. Enjoy VIP access to all events from Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28! One lucky winner will be chosen Friday, March 29, 2024. 2024 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival Giveaway Package eNewsletter Opt-In. I want in! Congratulations! By participating in this contest, you are opting in to receive e-news and information from Tallahassee Magazine ..read more

Brendan Supporting Florida A&M University’s and Florida State University’s football programs by attending games is becoming more and more expensive for out-of-towners each year. Friends, alumni and family are having trouble finding affordable hotel rooms during the season. College game days and homecoming weekends bring a huge boost to the local economy, but hotels and Airbnb rentals often take advantage of the popularity of the Seminoles and Rattlers by hiking the prices for accommodations through the roof. Aaron Soivilien looked into making a trip to Tallahassee last fall to participate ..read more

Palms add an exotic touch to the home landscape but may need extra love to recover from the winter’s cold temperatures. Even those native to the area can exhibit damage. Stepping outside this spring, you may see brown and yellow overpowering the green on your fronds. While it may be tempting to remove this multicolored foliage and “clean up” this tree’s appearance, resist the urge — never cut away brown fronds until the threat of cold weather is completely gone. The layers of dead vegetation suspended around the trunk offer some insulation for the palm’s single bud. Even a little green o ..read more

Whether by paints, clays or the written word, every artist finds a medium to tell their stories, seeking to create a true masterpiece to transcend the ages. But nothing lasts forever. Canvases deteriorate and tear, ceramics crack and shatter, and stories become outdated. However, steel endures. Though time and rust may damage metals, high-carbon steel can survive over 1,000 years, which is why Mark Dickson, a local artist and Florida State University Master Craftsman, forges his art in metal. “I call it ancient futurism,” Dickson said. “They’re like artifacts to me.” Many centuries from now ..read more

The roller-skating culture in Tallahassee is livelier and more diverse than most residents of the city might assume. If you’re at all familiar with the Capital City’s roller-skating scene, whether engaging in the activity as a pastime or a serious hobby, then you know of Skate World on Capital Circle. Fun-seeking skaters of all ages and skill levels come to this venue, where a different event is hosted each day of the week. Vernon Bailey, a 73-year-old and very adept skater, visits the venue every Thursday for one of Skate World’s most bustling events — Adult Night. Bailey is originally ..read more

Successful communities are made up of relationships among people and businesses who respect one another and mutually benefit from their complementary strengths. These relationships also serve to perpetuate a small-town feel that contributes much to the quality of life in our part of Florida. I have observed that in much of the state south of Ocala, businesses have become “all business” and people in general are less likely to engage in their communities and neighborhoods. That is not necessarily wrong. It is just what some areas evolve to become. This issue of Tallahassee Magazine includ ..read more