Donna Green-Townsend
Multimedia Productions
From June 14 through August 18, 2019, the Norman Studios presented an exhibit entitled, Norman Studios Presents The Flying Ace, at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention in Gainesville, Florida. The exhibition was the result of an exciting collaboration envisioned by Phoebe Cade Miles of the Cade Museum and Barbara Wingo of Norman Studios. … Continue reading Norman Studios presents The Flying Ace at the Cade Museum
December 2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Premiere of The Yearling movie.The MGM film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by the late Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, told the story of a pioneer family in the Florida Scrub of Marion County, Florida and starred actors Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and young first-time actor, Claude Jarman, … Continue reading Oscar winner Claude Jarman, Jr. Reflects on The Yearling Movie’s 75th Anniversary
During the 2022 Will McLean Festival, five-year-old Emeline made her first major stage appearance singing the Will McLean song, “Cryin’ Bird.” It’s a song about Florida’s Limpkin, a bird that has disappeared from many areas of the state because of the loss of the apple snails that they depend on. Emeline has loved this song … Continue reading Passing on Will McLean’s legacy to the next generation
One of the most enduring and loved folk singers in the U.S. has died. Pete Seeger, who had America singing such iconic tunes as, “If I Had a Hammer” died January 27th, 2014 at the age of 94 at a hospital in New York. President Barack Obama issued a statement saying, “Pete Seeger believed deeply … Continue reading Pete Seeger’s ties to Will McLean, the “Father of Florida Folk”
Aired on WUFT on January 6, 2011 What do astrophysics, the rapture, global warming and twister have in common? All have a tie to the latest production opening Friday night at the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend talked with two of the actors from “End Days”.
Dobro master “Tuck” Tucker has passed away Editor’s Note: So sad to learn of the death of my friend and musician “Tuck” Tucker. He was a dobro player extraordinaire. His talent graced the recordings and stages of many musicians, not only in Florida, but around the country. I bought a baby Taylor guitar from him … Continue reading Remembering “Tuck” Tucker
Six months ago today on December 2, 2013 Florida lost one its most original singer-songwriters, Garrison Doles. He was only 62 years old. As a feature reporter for the past 40 years I’ve met and interviewed many songwriters, but Garrison Doles stood out to me. He was someone with the unique ability to truly create … Continue reading Remembering Singer Songwriter Garrison Doles
Editor’s note: It’s been just a little more than a year since the Memphis-bred songwriter Jesse Winchester died from cancer. Since that time a variety of artists have released a tribute album to the beloved songwriter called “Quiet About It: Tribute to Jesse Winchester.” The album includes such artists as Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Vince … Continue reading Remembering Singer Songwriter Jesse Winchester
The halls of the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville feel a little darker this week with the passing of one of its most beloved actors. Rusty Salling died on Sunday, June 12th at the age of 67 after battling cancer for more than a year. Salling, who is best known for his role as Ebenezer … Continue reading Remembering the Hippodrome’s Rusty Salling
Aired on WUFT on December 23rd, 2011 A variety of Florida singer-songwriters have contributed their original songs about Florida rivers and waterways to a unique educational endeavor. The coordinator of this special CD project, Karen Ahlers, says through music listeners can learn about the history, culture, commerce, beauty and fragility of Florida’s water. The sponsor … Continue reading River CD aims to educate public about history and plight of Florida waterways