Matheson History Museum

513 East University Avenue
Gainesville FL 32601

Phone: 3523782280
Contact: Stephanie Pastore
Email: [email protected]

Celebrate the rich musical tradition of Florida at the Matheson History Museum’s new exhibition entitled "Florida’s Got the Blues" open Monday, February 9 through Thursday, April 30, 2015. This exhibit showcases musicians who pioneered the blues genre in the early-to-mid twentieth century in Florida. The blues tradition is well-established as an important part of Florida's musical heritage. The exhibit brings together research, design and programming to help further the understanding of these musical traditions. "Florida’s Got the Blues" will be open February 9 through April 30, 2015. Many notable blues artists had roots in Florida. Among them were Tampa Red, known as the "Guitar Wizard," and Blind Blake, the great ragtime and blues guitarist. Tampa Red learned to play guitar when he was growing up in Tampa. Blind Blake spent his formative years in Jacksonville. The exhibit includes vintage 78 LP records of Tampa Red and other artifacts from icons of the Florida blues tradition. The exhibition also features the sunglasses and photographs of the late, great Ray Charles, who grew up in Greenville, Florida. Charles came to Tallahassee to play numerous times, and is included in The Florida Artists Hall of Fame. This exhibition has interactive components including a blues ensemble, special programs, and a blues stage. Among the featured objects in the exhibit are a 1928 guitar owned by Tampa Red and a 1960s stage costume belonging to Bo Diddley. The Matheson History Museum is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on Monday through Thursday. Admission is a requested donation of $5 per person. This is a temporary exhibition on loan from the Florida Museum of History.