First off, I hope you're reading this early because FICS is serving up a Free Cuban Breakfast at 8 a.m.
Florida Institute for Community Studies is a local non-profit that helps immigrant families be educated, feel celebrated and integrated — and above all receive aid and support. Handypersons, plumbers, construction workers, fundraisers and others are needed to help with the expansion project of its headquarters.
No commitment required to chow down, however. Free breakfast includes cafe con leche and Cuban toast. Florida Institute for Community Studies, 6704 Hanley Road, Tampa. 813-249-8100. ficsinc.org.
If what the doctor ordered is compelling visuals to soothe then psyche, then sneak a peek at Michel Delgado: Prescriptions. The exhibition of the "outsider, intuitive and visionary art" — by an accomplished Senegalese-born artist who currently resides in Key West — opens today. Show runs through Feb. 25. Opening reception 5:30-8 p.m. with gallery talk at 7 p.m. HCC-Ybor Performing Arts Building (first floor). Free. 813-253-7674. Pictured here: "Fifty, Fifty" by Delgado.
Feeling thirsty? In the mood to brew up some fun? The Ale and The Witch celebrates its grand opening party. Thirty-two American craft brews are on tap and The Shiny Shoes Band New Orleans-style jazz quartet performs. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. at 111 Second Ave N.E., St. Petersburg, inside the Courtyard of The Tower Plaza. Free valet parking is available on the corner of Beach Drive and Second Avenue, in front of Bella Brava. For more, read Sean Nordquist's informative feature on the event here.
Tonight, the hilariously rant-a-riffic and animated John Witherspoon begins his stint at the Tampa Improv. You'll recognize the comedian/actor from such cinematic gems as Hollywood Shuffle and Friday. 8 p.m., 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Centro Ybor, Ybor City. $22. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
The last couple of weeks have been a trying time for the St. Petersburg Police Department and the city's residents — and most importantly, the families of two fallen law enforcement officers. Take part in the community's much-needed time of healing by attending a Candlelight Memorial to Honor Sgt. Baitinger and Ofc. Yaslowitz at the USF-St. Pete campus. The event at the Harbor Walk area of the campus includes officials T-shirts in memory of the officers available for $15 each. All proceeds from shirt sales go directly to the families of Baitinger and Yaslowitz. 6:30 p.m., 140 Seventh Ave S., St. Petersburg.
Here's a concert that booms to be recognized: an SPC and Florida Orchestra percussionists performance. The Florida Orchestra Principal Percussionist and SPC percussion instructor John Shaw will be joined by fellow TFO Percussionists David Coash and Kurt Grissom. The concert features works for marimba, cajons, a wide variety of drums and a piece played entirely on a table top. 7:30 p.m. $10 general admission. Free for SPC students and staff with ID. Tickets are only available at the door. St. Petersburg College-Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
Liberty Manor for Veterans at 10015 N. Ninth St., Tampa — the first residential program of its kind to provide housing to homeless veterans in Tampa — celebrates recent renovations from employees and volunteers of Home Depot, who have coordinated a team effort to improve the residence for veterans. Join Liberty Manor, Korean War Veterans Association Post 175 and Home Depot to honor the veterans — meet some real-life heroes and personally express your appreciation for their commitment. Festivities begin at 9 a.m.; the Korean War Veterans Association Post 175 is scheduled to make a donation presentation at 1 p.m. For information, call Connie Blaney at 813 813-900-9422 or Army Ranger Dan Garza at 727-226-3815.
This article appears in Feb 3-9, 2011.