Return to Forever: Gainesville’s
Great Southern Music Hall

Between 1974 and 1978, the top concert venue in Gainesville was the Great Southern Music Hall, located inside the historic Florida Theatre at 233 West University Avenue.

Jeffrey Meldon and Jim Forsman leased the venue and transformed it into a state-of-the-art concert hall spotlighting national artists of legendary status, those who had cult followings – and others they just plain liked. The Great Southern played host to a who’s who of prestigious performers including Jimmy Buffett, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Bob Seger, Steve Martin, Ike and Tina Turner, John Prine, the Count Basie Orchestra, Weather Report, Randy Newman, Rush, Cheech & Chong and dozens more.

This impactful exhibit showcases dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer. Also featured is a display of BoDiddley artifacts, including one of Bo’s signature square box guitars. Written by music journalist Bill DeYoung and designed by historian Rick Kilby, this unique exhibit celebrates a golden age in the University City’s musical history, the likes of which may never be seen again.

Learn more about the exhibit:

https://mathesonmuseum.org/current-exhibitions/
https://www.alligator.org/article/2022/09/matheson-music-exhibit
https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2022/10/03/exhibit-gainesville-florida-great-southern-music-hall-matheson-museum/8089830001

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