News

Campaign launch, concert on July Fourth at Bo Diddley Plaza

By Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
Congressional candidate Mike Klein, NPA-Gainesville, will formally announce his campaign for Florida's 3rd Congressional District at a public Independence Day concert titled "Defending Democracy" on July 4 at Bo Diddley Plaza.
Congressional candidate Mike Klein, NPA-Gainesville, will formally announce his campaign for Florida's 3rd Congressional District at a public Independence Day concert titled "Defending Democracy" on July 4 at Bo Diddley Plaza. Courtesy of Mike Klein for Congr USA TODAY Network, Reuters

While the orange and blue nation celebrates the Fourth of July and the nation's semiquincentennial, Bo Diddley Plaza is set to host a unique Independence Day event centered on music, civic engagement and politics.

Among the various celebrations planned across North Central Florida on July Fourth, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., will host an Independence Day concert titled "Defending Democracy."

The event is being hosted by congressional candidate and Gainesville resident Mike Klein and will mark the formal launch of his campaign for Florida's 3rd Congressional District as the only independent candidate.

According to a press release from Klein's campaign, the free public event is scheduled scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Gainesville and will feature live music, food trucks, voter registration opportunities and local community organizations.

Additionally, the event is intended to honor the rights secured by generations of Americans while highlighting what organizers describe as the responsibility of citizens to defend democracy, protect freedom and renew the promise of a government that serves its people.

Opening the evening will be Creative Vibes, a Gainesville-based funk, R&B and soul band known for its energetic performances and powerful vocals. The group is led by Li Diddley, grandson of legendary musician Bo Diddley.

The Thomas Allain Band will follow as the event's headlining act, performing a set of classic rock favorites.

Several speakers also are expected to address attendees, including Klein and state Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Campaign launch, concert on July Fourth at Bo Diddley Plaza

Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Thomas Allain Band will perform on July 4 at Bo Diddley Plaza as part of the official campaign launch for congressional candidate Mike Klein.
The Thomas Allain Band will perform on July 4 at Bo Diddley Plaza as part of the official campaign launch for congressional candidate Mike Klein. Elise Norman USA TODAY Network, Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 11:03 AM.