Matheson exhibit focuses on Great Southern  

The Matheson History Museum will open a new exhibit on Wednesday that highlights the Great Southern Music Hall and its role as Gainesville’s top venue from 1974-78.  

Performers from Jimmy Buffett and Ray Charles to Steve Martin and Tina Turner traveled to Gainesville and took the stage at the Great Southern, located inside the Florida Theatre at 233 W. University Ave.  

The exhibit, Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall, talks about a ‘golden age’ in the city’s music history and will feature mementos like one of Bo Diddley’s guitars and early photography by John Moran.  

The Matheson will hold an opening reception on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. You can register for free online.