Music scene · Ocala

Ocala's music is rooted in the horse farms and limestone springs of Florida, where country and bluegrass run deep. The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale has been a Marion County institution for decades, hosting country and gospel. Downtown's Reilly Arts Center brings classical, jazz, and rock to a 700-seat hall, while O'Malley's Alley keeps nightly music flowing. Circle Square Cultural Center books touring country acts. Here, cowboy boots are common and songs tell stories of hard work.

Ocala's sound grew from North Central Florida horse farms, where country, bluegrass, and gospel soundtracked agricultural life. The city became a country stronghold in the mid-Twentieth Century. The Orange Blossom Opry drew performers from across Marion County. Rock and blues entered through Silver Springs Boulevard bars.

The Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale hosts country, gospel, and bluegrass. The Reilly Arts Center brings classical, jazz, and rock downtown. O'Malley's Alley keeps nightly music flowing. Circle Square Cultural Center books touring country acts. Downtown bars provide additional stages for acoustic and singer-songwriter sets.

Artists such as country singer John Anderson, with deep North Central Florida roots, and bluegrass musician Doyle Lawson, who has performed at the Orange Blossom Opry, have ties to the area.

Newcomers should visit the Orange Blossom Opry to absorb traditional country. O'Malley's Alley provides a stage for rock and blues newcomers. The Reilly Arts Center offers showcase opportunities. Weekly jams at the Opry and downtown open mic nights give players chances to sit in. The local Chamber connects musicians with event organizers.