GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The weekend dedicated to celebrating Gainesville’s native son Tom Petty started off with a bang.

Opening night, Thursday, Oct. 19, was held at the Cade Museum. VIP ticketholders mingled and enjoyed refreshments while listening to some of the weekend’s top performers.

Joe Crookston kicked things off with “Angel Dream.”

“I just wouldn’t feel right to start off the whole weekend without playing a Tom Petty song,” said Crookston.

Joe Crookston starts the night off performing “Angel Dream” by Tom Petty.

Jeff Slate followed performing one of Petty’s greatest hits, “I Won’t Back Down.”

Slate was then joined by Jake Thistle who closed out the night.

Jeff Slate and Jake Thistle jam out for the crowd of diehard fans.

In addition to the live music, fans got the chance to experience the Tom Petty “Among the Wildflowers” exhibit on display at the Cade Museum.

“Among the Wildflowers” is an exhibit dedicated to Gainesville’s native son Tom Petty. It’s on display at the Cade Museum until Dec. 31, 2023. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today
“Among the Wildflowers” exhibit allows you to experience the making of the album through the lens of Tom Petty. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today
Music memorabilia provides insight into Petty’s creative process for what some consider his magnum opus. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today
Tom Petty on the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine is part of the exhibit. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today
Adult admission tickets to the exhibit cost $15. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

Vivi Cullens, a longtime fan, traveled from St. Petersburg, FL to be a part of all the fun.

She says she has been a supporter of Tom Petty since the 80s and saw him perform 25 times. She got the chance to see him live four times on his final tour. She didn’t know a concert in Seattle in 2017 would be her last time seeing him. Cullens says she holds that memory dear to her heart and described his music as ‘spiritual’ and ‘special’ to her.

“I feel like he knows me somehow. I’ve never met him, but I just know he knows me. And, I know he’s around with us all the time,” said Cullens. “He’s in my heart all the time. His music is just so special to so many of us, to multi-generations, and it’s always going to be like that.”

Cullens says it’s too hard to choose a favorite Tom Petty song, but “Listen to Her Heart” ranks in the top 5 of her list.

“I can’t really put a finger on one specific song, but I know that his heart came through. He was saying things that we were feeling,” shared Cullens.

Tom Petty Weekend concerts continue through Sunday at the Heartwood Soundstage. A day pass is $25. To see what’s in store for the rest of the weekend, click here!

https://youtu.be/gGq1icL9bwU