Visual Arts Openings
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). Recent Works by C. Fedor begins Monday, April 30, and continues through May 4. This short show, which includes a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, explores the theme of good vs. evil through photography, sculpture, drawings and prints. Crossroads and Echoes, a multimedia exhibition, continues through April 27. This show includes works inspired by the artists' trip to Paris last summer. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Crime Scenes: Recent Paintings begins with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 27, and continues through May 27. This exhibit features the latest works of George Pappas, which focus on the hidden motives that compel people to commit acts of violence or exhibit other unreasonable behaviors. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Gallery 501, at Blake High School, 1701 N. Boulevard, Tampa (813-272-3422). Pound Signs & Asterisks, a group exhibition, begins (and ends) with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 27. This one-day show features photographs, ceramics, pottery and jewelry by Jesse Landwehr, Emily Mark, Jennifer Smith and Whitney Travis. All pieces are symbols of things each artist believes is edited out or censored from their daily lives.
Hyde Park Fine Arts, 937 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-258-8883). Confessions, a group show, begins with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 27, and continues through May 26. Steven Verriest, Perri Neri, Jack Barrett and Leslie Elsasser fill the gallery with new paintings that focus on the human condition. Often dark, the highly narrative works utilize the human form. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Nature Exposed, a photography exhibition by Ed Lawlor, begins Wednesday, May 2, and continues through May 31, at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. Lawlor, an award-winning nature, wildlife and landscape photographer, takes the viewer to Florida's most raw and wild environments through his works. A reception for the artist takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission's free and the center's at 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-942-5605.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). An open juried competition, Pastel, Pen, Pencil and Charcoal, begins Tuesday, May 1, and continues through June 2. An awards reception, where the Dorfmuller Memorial Award for Best Pastel is bestowed, takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10. A reception for the center's annual Rembrandt in Hightops show, for ages 5 through 12, also takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Ongoing
Ambiance Galleries, 1535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8331). The works of Augustine-Ludovico are featured through May 5. This one-woman show features the artist's watercolor works on patina, tribute paintings to the Masters (Michelangelo, Degas, etc.), and a hauntingly beautiful series of oil paintings titled, "Lady in White." Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Art Expo Gallery, 355 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-360-2953). Mixed Millennium, featuring mixed-media, abstract-expressionist paintings by Nan Griffin and Kas Turner, continues through April 30. Griffin's textural canvases offer an interesting contrast to Turner's vibrant studies of Cayo Costa's Gumbo Limbo tree. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Baisden Gallery, 442 Grand Central Ave., Suite 100, Tampa (813-250-1511). The works of Venetian glass master Lucio Bubacco continues through April 28. Bubacco fills the gallery with his amazing, incredibly detailed and often anatomically correct glass figures, like devils, angels and mythological figures. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Collection Privee of Old Hyde Park Village, 1627 Snow Circle W., Tampa (813-258-6199). The gallery is proud to announce the only North Florida showing of Frederick E. Hart's monumental work, "Daughters of Odessa." Appearing through June, Hart's sculpture (subtitled "Martyrs of Modernism") is ultimately a tribute to life. The allegorical work was created in remembrance of the victims of all acts of repression in the 20th century. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
HCC-Ybor Gallery, in the Performing Arts Building, Palm Avenue at 15th Street, Tampa (813-253-7674). The 27th annual Juried Student Art Exhibition continues through May 23. An extensive range of media is featured at this show, including black-and-white photography, digital imagery, graphic arts, painting and sculpture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
New Heights Gallery and Coffeehouse, 6310 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa (813-234-9758). Zsolt: Zsolted Watercolors continues through May 15. This one-man show features the latest watercolors by the highly-degreed Zsolt, ranging from landscapes to portraits. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-0934). Kiaralinda & Todd's Whimsical Wire Garden Party continues through May 13. Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda's garden-themed, mixed-media sculptures, created mainly from aluminum wire, found objects and reverse painting on plexiglas, are the focus of this wonderful show. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (extended to 7 p.m. on Friday).
Sidler Studio/Gallery, 641 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-867-2213). A new show of oil paintings by Juan Arroyo and Hani Sidler are on display from Friday, April 27, through June 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Snooty Judy's Gallery for the Open Mind, 514 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin (727-734-9835). Haselwood & Linder continues through May 8. During this show, Alicia Haselwood, a self-taught photographer, offers her latest images, while Donna Linder showcases her figurative ceramic sculptures. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. See the gallery at www.openmindart.com.
Susan Benjamin Glass Etc., 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). Tom Philabaum's new scavo vessels are on display through May 3. Philabaum's perfume bottles, paperweights, bowls, vases and hand-built sculptures, well known throughout the U.S., are individually hand-crafted using techniques that date back thousands of years. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Syd Entel Galleries, 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). Csaba Markus: Contemporary Classicism continues through May 3. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Markus grew up infatuated with the Renaissance, Neo-Classic and Romantic periods. For this show, the artist captures the style, imagery and ideas of the old masters by building upon, rather than copying, their style. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Szilage Gallery, 600 Ninth St. S., St. Pete (727-896-5504). One, featuring a new work by JSG Boggs, continues through May 31. This show features a piece by Boggs that will appear at the prestigious Pierwalk, at the Chicago Art Fair. A second outdoor installation, Possible Transportation to East Indiaman Ridge, continues through May 31. New York artist David Greg Harth, a regular on the Tampa Bay art scene, is the sole artist in this show. Harth's works run the gamut of media, from photography and film, to digital art and site-specific installations.
USF Teaching Gallery, in the Fine Arts Building on the USF Tampa campus, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-2301). Behind the Mask: Africa in Tampa continues through May 18. This show addresses and explores the many misconceptions and stereotypes about Africa and its people, the impact of the culture on our country, and the African communities in Tampa today and in the past. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Museums and Attractions
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater (727-441-1790). Join CMA at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, when the nonprofit plants trees at its wildlife preserve in Crystal Beach. Call the museum for directions. The aquarium, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to education, research and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals. Drop by to visit the dolphins, sea turtles and river otters, and to touch a stingray or two. Admission costs $7.75 for adults and $5.25 for kids. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg (727-820-0100). Women of Ravensbruck: Portraits of Courage continues through Aug. 19. This show features images by Julia Terwilliger, who immortalized the faces of triumphant women who survived Ravensbruck, the major Nazi concentration camp for women. Working Through the Past: 1946-2000, The Art of Samuel Bak also continues through Aug. 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $6 for general, $5 for seniors and college students, $2 for ages 18 and under and members get in free.
Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (727-822-3693). Current exhibits include The Cuban Missile Crisis ($6.95 for adults); The Kennedy Collection ($9.95); Countdown to Destiny, an exhibition of photos of Martin Luther King Jr. ($3.95); and Habana Esperando: Photographs by Margaux Ravis (free), which continues through Sept. 4. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. All-inclusive day passes cost $11.95, and annual passes go for $15.95.
Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). Miriam Schapiro: Works on Paper; A Thirty Year Retrospective and Another Country: New Works by Roger Chamieh both continue through May 13. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (extended to 7 p.m. on Thursday), noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission costs $3 for adults (free on Thursday). Visit www.gulfcoastmuseum.org.
Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891). Simple Pleasures: America's Love of Pond Yachts continues through Dec. 23. The hobby of pond yachting reached its height of American popularity in the 1930s. This show features vintage pond yachts and their rigging, historical memorabilia and photographs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $5.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). H.A. Sigg: Recent Work continues through July 1. Largely unfamiliar to American audiences, this Swiss artist uses color and form to suggest spiritual exploration and transcendence. This exhibit includes 18 acrylic paintings, eight sculptures and 11 collages from the one-time farm boy. Admission costs $6 for adults, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300 or 813-987-6100). The IMAX Dome Theater features Amazon through May 24, and Ocean Oasis through Aug. 30. MOSI also offers badge workshops for boy and girl scouts, camp-ins, day camps, Toddler Time, The Saunders Planetarium, SkyWatch and more. The Museum's combo admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $9 for ages 2 to 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call the info line at 813-987-6100 for IMAX show times.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Collecting: It's Contagious is on display through June. This unique show features a dozen exhibits by local collectors, featuring such items as Brownie cameras, buttons, silver spoons, pedal cars and even fishing lures. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission costs $2 for adults and $1 for ages 12 and under.
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. N.E. (on the Pier approach), St. Pete (727-894-1052). Capturing Florida Culture: From Kitsch to Collectibles continues through Sept. 30. This fun show details the long and illustrious history of Florida's tackier tourist items, like coconut and alligator teeth items, postcards, palm frond creations and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for ages 7-17, and free for kids 6 and under. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Bay History Center, in the Tampa Convention Center Annex, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa (813-228-0097). The center highlights Tampa Bay's rich heritage and diverse culture by reminding us of area milestones. Exhibits feature artifacts and photographs from the early Timucuan Indians and European explorers through the Civil War and both World Wars. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). The American Experience: 20th Century Prints from the Berkman Foundation continues through July 22. This show features 83 works on paper from the early 20th century to the present, by such artists as Isabel Bishop, Reginald Marsh and Rockwell Kent. The Narrative in the Tampa Museum of Art Collection also continues through May 6, and James VanDerZee: Seattle Sampler: Work by 12 Studio Glass Artists from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Barbara Basch continues through June 10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission ranges from $3 to $5 and is free 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
USF Contemporary Art Museum, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Cam 101, Tampa (813-974-4133). Union continues through May 6. This group show features works by five artists, Heather Cushman-Dowdee, James Dowdee, Jason Irwin, Carole Loeffler and Shane Richardson, that include personal, cultural and invented mythologies combined with wry playfulness. Salt, vacu-formed plastic, water, multicolored tape and breastmilk all find their way into the show. A reception for Union begins at 7 p.m. Friday, April 27. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Theater/Performance(See Classifieds for auditions.)
20first Love and The Five Senses, adults' and kids' shows, respectively, are both performed by Blue Palm at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 20first Love (8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28) entertains audiences through witty social satire that skewers contemporary relationships and trends. The Five Senses (2 p.m. Sunday, April 29) captures young imaginations with a wacky and creative look at how people perceive the world around them. Tickets cost $15.50 for the adult show, $5.50 through $10.50 for the kids. TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Arthur: A Live Adventure, at the Tampa Bay performing Arts Center, begins Wednesday, May 2, and continues through May 6, in Carol Morsani Hall. Kids and adults can join Arthur on a magical, musical, interactive journey as he searches for his lucky pencil. That's right, pencil. Arthur is the star of a series of children's books by Marc Brown. Show times are 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. and 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $16 to $26, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
The Dueling Divas, presented by the Great Arts Society Inc., takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Palladium Theater. Set in George Handel's 1740s London, this play/opera features a pair of temperamental divas, a rival opera company, an abduction and a bit of stolen identity amidst a backdrop of arias. Tickets cost $10, and the Palladium's at 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call 727-822-3590.
Fiddler on the Roof, presented by the St. Petersburg Little Theatre, continues through April 29. This endearing musical, directed by Jorge Acosta, introduces audiences to Tevye, a poor, Jewish milkman trying desperately to instill his old-world values and traditions into his rebelling daughters. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $16, and SPLT's at 4025 31st St. S., St. Pete. Call 727-866-2059.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, presented by the Carrollwood Players, begins Friday, April 27, and continues through May 19. Carlyn Postle directs this musical look at the life of Pseudolus, a Roman slave, who'll do anything (including trick, tease and connive) to gain his freedom. Show times for this comedic romp are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $14, and the Carrollwood Playhouse is at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000).
Love's Labour's Lost, the 16th annual Shakespeare in the Park production, continues through May 13, at Demens Landing. This American Stage production portrays the King of Navarre, who, along with three young lords, makes an extremely unsuccessful attempt at celibacy. The 16th century play is updated to 1930s Europe. Tickets cost $7 (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and $10 (Friday and Saturday) for blanket seating, and $22 for reserved chairs. All shows start at 8 p.m., and the park's at First Avenue South and Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY.
Mark Twain, Tonight, featuring Hal Holbrook, begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. This one-man show, which Holbrook has toured with at least part of every year since 1954, presents Twain alive and well and recounting selections from his works. Taken from the author's novels, biography and autobiography, speeches, essays and more, the selections include A Cyclopedia of Sin, Huck and Jim and My Ancestor Satan. Tickets range from $7.50 to $42.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
The Meat Bush, by Jeff Whipple, continues through April 29, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Whipple, a playwright from Sarasota, has written and directed what promises to be a completely original play, to say the least. The Meat Bush follows the zany genetic engineering antics of a scientist, Dan, who turns his companion, Tom, into a plant. Did we say original, or what? Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10, and REH is at 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. Call 727-791-7400.
Murder in Sparkleville, presented by MurderS She Wrote, takes place Saturday, April 28, at the Radison Hotel at Sabal Park. Beginning with a 6 p.m. social, this dinner-and-a-show production is a fun night of music, dining, comedy and audience participation that has guests gathering clues as they try to figure out whodunit. Tickets cost $42, and the hotel's at 10221 Princess Palm Ave., Tampa. Call 813-727-7012.
Opera A La Carte, highlights from great operas, takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. The St. Petersburg Jr. College Workshop presents this evening of operatic scenes, fully staged and costumed, that includes highlights from The Magic Flute, Faust, Hansel and Gretel and Rigoletto. Admission costs $10, and TSPAC's at 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-942-5605.
Susanna's Secret, presented by the USF Opera program, begins at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. This opera by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, a one-act intermezzo, introduces Countess Suzanne, a young newlywed who breaks social norms, and causes her husband grief, by smoking, going out into the streets alone and all sorts of other things considered unladlylike in her day (around 1909). Admission costs $10, and TSPAC's at 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-942-5605.
The World of Jacques Brel, presented by the Center Theater Company of Tampa Bay, continues through May 13 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Back by popular demand, this cabaret musical drew capacity crowds during TBPAC's summer 2000 run. Brel, a celebrated '60s cabaret artist, is celebrated by the theater company through a wide variety of his hits, including If We Only Have Love and Amsterdam. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $21.50 and $24.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Spanky Brown entertains the crowd Friday through Sunday, April 27, 28 and 29. Open mic starts at 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday. All show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover charge varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations are suggested.
Coconuts Comedy Club, at the Cinema Cafe, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-797-JOKE). Larry Myles goes the distance on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28. Show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations suggested.
Comedy Night, at Legends Steakhouse, 309 Gulfview Blvd. S., Clearwater Beach (727-515-8059). G. David Howard offers live and uncensored performances every weekend at Legends. The local comedy club hopper is at the steak joint at 10:30 p.m. every Friday through Sunday. Admission is $6 with dinner, $12 without.
Improv Comedy Theater, at Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City (813-864-4000). Gratuitous plug: Local improv troupe The Charming Hooligans start a regular gig at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, continuing each Thursday into infinity. Admission costs $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Dak Rakow entertains the masses through April 28, joined by Bobby Slayton on Friday, April 27, through April 29. Slayton, "The Pit Bull of Comedy" (whatever the hell that means) also continues to hone his acting chops in an upcoming Bruce Willis/Billy Bob Thornton flick. Tickets for Rakow range from $8 to $14, while Slayton commands $15 through $20. With nary a pause, Thomas Brown begins a gig on Tuesday, May 2. Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; and 7 (nonsmoking), 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Bobcat Goldthwait, he of the multi-octave voice and movies like Police Academy and Shakes the Clown, proves he still has what it takes on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28. Tickets for this special show cost $20 and $25. Mark Cordes takes over on Tuesday, May 1, and entertains through May 6. Regular admission costs $5 on Tuesdays; $8 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; $12 on Fridays and Saturdays. Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and nonsmoking shows are 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. Friday.
Wacky Weaver's, located inside the Brandon Brew House, 779 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon. (813-661-5527). Charming Tennessean Jim Brick puts the crowd through its comedy paces on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. on both nights. Admission is $10, and reservations are recommended.
Poetry & Prose
Author Michael Sterns, creator of the children's book Kokopelli and the Butterfly, signs his debut book at several Bay area bookstores during the next couple of months. This week, parents and children can meet Sterns during a 6:30 p.m. signing at the Waldenbooks in Tyrone Square Mall (727-343-6018) on Friday, April 27, as well as a 2 p.m. visit to B. Dalton in the Brandon Town Center (813-681-6955) on Saturday, April 28.
Barnes & Noble-Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry (813-962-6446). David Clark, Ph.D., discusses his latest book, A Marriage After God's Own Heart, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Butch Ryan performs songs from his CD, Unknown, at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Barnes & Noble-Clearwater, 23654 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-669-1688). Tom Bunevich, author of Sign This, a guide to sports autographs, signs his book at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26. The Swinging Johnsons keep the cafe hoppin' at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Borders-Carrollwood, 12500 N. Dale Mabry (813-265-8455). Tampa Bay Partners for Profit meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 26, and the Oprah Book Group gets together at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Borders-Tampa, 909 N. Dale Mabry (813-874-5722). Poetry On the Edge hostess, Diana Browning, hosts a Swing Into Spring Slam-O-Rama, at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27. Guests can vie for a prize by reading one original poem (seven minutes or less), many of which are adult-oriented, so leave the kids at home. And bring a second poem, in case of a tie. Jazz Soup entertains at 2 p.m. Friday, April 27. Shana Banana offers a storytime at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, followed by tunes from Leslie Berry at 8 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
M. Diane Vogt Book Signings Vogt, a local lawyer and author of two novels, Silicone Solution and Justice Denied, promotes the latter book (her latest) at two local book signings. The author appears at the Safety Harbor Public Library (727-724-1525) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, and at B. Dalton in the Brandon Town Center (813-681-6955) at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29.
Libraries
Clearwater Public Library, 2251 Drew St., Clearwater (727-669-1280). Ric O'Barry, former trainer of Flipper the dolphin and founder of Dolphin Project Inc., discusses his career as a TV animal trainer (he considers it a mistake), and his work returning dolphins to the wild at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2.
College Hill, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa (813-273-3681). Internationally recognized poet E. Ethelbert Miller reads his works and discusses his writing career at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa (813-264-3831). Patrick D. Smith, author of A Land Remembered and the Pulitzer-nominated Forever Island, stops by at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18. The Florida Artists Hall of Fame inductee discusses his experiences as a writer, along with highlights from his distinguished career. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
New Tampa, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa (813-903-2280). The Master Gardening Series offers xeriscaping tips at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 26. Poets can share their verse during a Poetry Fling at 7 p.m. Monday, April 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
St. Petersburg Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727-381-7825). The American Oceans Campaign offers a Healthy Beaches workshop from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 29. Guests learn what they can do to keep our beaches clean, along with what's being done on a local and national level to monitor beach quality. The workshop is free.
Ybor City, 1505 Nebraska Ave., Tampa (813-272-5547). Tampa poet Dionisio Martinez joins Tampa's poet laureate, James Tokley, for a reading at 1 p.m. Friday, April 27. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Open Mic
Beaux Arts Gallery and Folk Coffeehouse, 2635 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-328-0702). Beaux Arts' open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday. Art films are shown at 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday, featuring Boys Life on April 27 and 29. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily, extended from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and 7 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee and tea are free.
Cool Tunes Coffee Bar, formerly Java Lounge, 2551 Drew St., Clearwater (727-799-3788). Open mic takes place from 9 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday, and an open music jam runs from 9 to 11:30 p.m. each Thursday. Local bands perform every Friday and Saturday (admission costs $1). Open mics are free. Hours 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
Irish Cottage Cafe, 4233 U.S. 19, Holiday (727-842-5929). Local musician Ted Wray hosts an open mic from 7 to 11 p.m. every Monday. While this event is open to everyone, it is geared toward musicians. Stop by to show off your talent or get in on a jamming session with the regulars.
Market on 7th, 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-2356). If you miss Vince Longo's Wednesday Open Mic at Yeoman's Road, schlep on down to the market where Longo and John Meats host yet another, this one from 8 p.m. to midnight each Thursday. The event is mostly musical, but any appreciable talent is welcome.
Tavern at Bayboro, on the USF St. Pete campus, 121 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-821-1418). Hosted by Shana, this open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Cool feature performers show up every week, musicians, poets and performance artists are welcome and visual artists are encouraged to bring out their works as well. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
Y-Project, at Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Davis Islands (813-251-BRIT). The Rev. Roy T. Justice leads this Sunday night event, which more often than not features a collection of stage hoppers from the Tampa Bay open mic scene. The creativity begins at 7 p.m. and continues till Rev. Roy's overabundance of energy runs out.
Sports & Nature
Grass Volleyball, sanctioned by USA Volleyball, begins Tuesday, May 1, and continues for 10 weeks at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex. Forget the hot sand, man, and pamper your tootsies on the soft (although probably scorched) grass at the complex. Team registration costs $100 and $125, and the complex is at 2450 Drew St., Clearwater. Call 727-669-1361, ext. 225.
Hoop-It-Up, the national three-on-three tour, begins at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Registration's over, but you can watch the action on the courts as more than 4,000 players vie to be Basketball Kings. In addition to the tournament, visitors can participate in a number of special events, including Crunch Time (two-on-two), the 10-foot slam, rock climbing and a velcro wall (a salute to David Letterman?). Admission is free, and the fairgrounds are at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Call 407-322-0957 or visit www.hoopitup.com.
NBA Rhythm 'N Rims, presented by Yahoo! Sports, takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. By a happy coincidence, this totally free event takes place during the same days as Hoop-It-Up. In addition to all the sports fun offered by that event, Rhythm 'N Rims features music, the latest NBA video games, non-stop basketball and a lot of slam-dunkin' fun in general. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The fairgrounds are at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Call 800-345-FAIR.
Tree Give-A-Way, at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until all the trees are gone) Saturday, April 28. Lucky, lucky Clearwater residents can stop by the park and choose between three-gallon, container-grown live oaks, red maples, red cedars, South Florida slash pines and more. Limit two per property, and the trees are first-come first-serve, so we suggest you get your butt outta bed early. The park's at 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Call 727-462-6024.
Special Events
Bridge Builders Breakfast 2001, presented by the Metropolitan Ministries, takes place from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Tampa Convention Center. Share a unified focus on the plight of the poor and homeless with your fellow Tampa Bay citizens at this breakfast, which is MetMin's biggest annual fundraiser. Tickets cost $50, and the center's at 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. Call 813-209-1000.
Buckler's Holiday Craft Fair, the seventh annual event, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Craftspeople from around the country display and sell their goods at this event. Everything from furniture to toys to food is available throughout the weekend, and a portion of the $4 admission benefits several charities. Door prizes are given away hourly, and admission is good for both days. The fairgrounds are at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Call 407-860-0092 or visit www.bpcraftfairs.com.
Fiesta Del Sol al Sol, a fiesta celebrating Florida's relationship with Mexico, continues through May 11 at several location. Activities include a reception and tour at the Museum of Fine Arts on April 27 (727-896-2667); Get Downtown: Fiesta Del Sol, also on April 27, features music and entertainment on St. Pete's Central Avenue; the Great Tampa Bay Recycle Regatta begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in North Shore Park (813-417-7077); and a film festival and parade are also in the works. Watch this spot for upcoming events.
Green Thumb Festival, the 15th annual event, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, at Walter Fuller Park. More than 50 plant and horticultural exhibits can be perused at this event, in addition to seminars on recycling, herbs, plant care, xeriscaping and more. Admission's free, and the park's at 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call 813-893-7335.
Indian Rocks Beach Gala 2001, at the Holiday Inn Harbourside Conference Center, takes place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 28. Get to know your neighbors by the beach at this formal gala that benefits the beautification of Gulf Boulevard. For their money ($75 per person), guests get hors d'oeuvres and entertainment, dinner and dancing, photo opps and a chance to win prizes throughout the evening. The hotel's at 401 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach. call 727-595-2517.
MDA Harley Mystery Poker Run, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, begins between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, April 29, at your nearest Harley-Davidson shop, and ends at The Pier. Hop on your ride and head toward The Pier, picking up numbers at designated points along the way. The numbers represent cards, and only after arriving at The Pier can you find out what your poker hand looks like (hence the mystery). At The Pier, riders enjoy food at Cha Cha Coconuts, a silent auction including signed Buccaneer items and music by Tommy G & High Seas. Base registration is $25, with additional incentive levels optional, and all proceeds benefit MDA. Call 727-577-4509 for your nearest Harley dealer.
Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society, begins at 6 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Dunedin High School track. Cancer survivors kick off this event with a Survivor's Victory Lap, then teams of volunteers raise money ($1,000 per team) by walking or running for the next 18 hours, keeping at least one member on the track at all times. A Luminaria Ceremony is held after dark, and teams are welcome to pitch tents, bring coolers and generally make the track their temporary home. Spectators are encouraged to come out and watch the teams sweat. The school's at 1651 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. Call 727-298-3233.
Spring Fling, at the Gulfport Casino, takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 28. This womyn's event lets guests do a little dancing, drinking and bonnet decorating in a casual atmosphere. Drawings take place throughout the night, and all proceeds benefit the Sonia Plotnick Womyn's Health Fund. Tickets cost $10, and the casino's at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. Call 727-328-0777.
Tony Pizzo Award Brunch, the 18th annual event, begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 29, at the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. In memory of Pizzo, who spent his life hawking the diversity of Ybor, Gilberto J. Hernandez is honored at this year's ceremony. Hernandez has served on the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and the Ybor City Development Corporation boards, among others. Admission to the brunch costs $20, and the inn is at 1915 Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. Call 813-247-1434 for reservations.
Water Garden Tour, to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29. This second annual event, presented by Pondscapes, features a self-guided tour of beautiful water gardens (professionally installed and do-it-yourself) throughout the Bay area, from Brandon to Tarpon Springs. The suggested donation is $5, and maps are available at Pondscapes, 4213 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa. Call 813-839-8062.
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 3, 2001.