OCALA, FL (352today.com) – OK, yeah, not a lot of big-name national touring acts book stops in the 352; they play the odds, and book larger markets in the Sunshine State.

But there are plenty of worthwhile concerts that do stop somewhere in the North Central Florida region, offering an exciting and memorable experience without the hassles (and steep ticketing surcharges) that come along with planning a trip out of town to see your favorite artist. And the best way to get your favorite artist to consider a tour stop in the 352 is to vote with your money and help show them it’s a worthwhile proposition.

(And, not for nothing, but we’ve got one of hottest musical acts on the planet coming to Gainesville for a couple of days in May.)

Here’s a list of national acts visiting the region this spring. Many of their ticket prices are considerably lower than those of bigger household names, and many offer an equally transcendent evening of music.

March

  • moe. – 3/25, 7:30 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.
  • Tinsley Ellis – 3/25, 7 p.m. Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale.

April

  • Kendall Tucker Hometown Show Feat. Tyler Farr/Tantric/Love & Theft/Bubba Sparxx – 4/4, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala.
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful – 4/4, Savannah Center, The Villages.
  • Heartwood Music Festival – 4/4-4/5, Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.
  • Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl-Band – 4/8, Savannah Center, The Villages.
  • Crystal Gayle – 4/10, Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale.
  • Smile Empty Soul/Caroline’s Collapse/Arctic Red – 4/15, 7 p.m. Signal, Gainesville.
  • Samantha Fish/Tab Benoit – 4/16, 8 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.
  • Damon Fowler – 4/17, Reilly Arts Center, Ocala.
  • Yonder Mountain String Band – 4/23, 8 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.
  • Ani DiFranco – 4/26, 7 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.
  • Jammin’ for Jerome Benefit – 4/26, Fox Crossing, Belleview.

May

  • 10,000 Maniacs – 5/8, Reilly Arts Center, Ocala.
  • Morgan Wallen/Thomas Rhett/Gavin Adcock/Zach John King – 5/15, 5:30 p.m. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville.
  • Morgan Wallen/Ella Langley/Gavin Adcock/Zach John King – 5/16, 5:30 p.m. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville.
  • Santigold – 5/20, 7 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville.