JULY 21 THURSDAY
For Arts' Sake Graphic illustrator and art instructor Rebecca Skelton discusses Rondo, her new solo show at The Arts Center that plays upon musical and mythological themes. Female archetypes – goddesses, muses, princesses and witches – represent the roles women play in today's society. Two other shows open simultaneously, the first being an annual members' show that encourages artists to create works based on a specific theme. This year's Marks & Metaphors focuses on symbols and metaphors that have personal significance or have inspired each of the artists in some way. The resulting 200 pieces range from paintings to digital art to jewelry. And Rose Marie Prins' Enigmas explores the symbiotic relationship between love and surrender, the past and the present. She incorporates the ideas of wounding and healing in her mixed-media pieces, which are often slashed, burned and stitched back together. The gallery talk occurs today at noon, and the opening reception, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., takes place tomorrow (Fri., July 22). Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; the works are on display through Aug. 20. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7872.
TELL ME MORE, TELL ME MORE You all know the story: Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski have the ideal 1950s summer romance – they know so little about each other that their differences seem inconsequential, and after spending a few torrid (and intercourse-free) weeks together, they part ways contentedly but despondently, convinced they'll never cross paths again. Of course, Sandy just happens to be transferring to Danny's school, and conflict inevitably ensues. Danny being a leather-jacketed, greasy-haired "Burger Palace Boy," his gang of rebellious friends aren't interested in allowing their leader to tenderly woo some nice girl from Immaculata High, nor is Danny interested in shaking off his bad boy image. Can Danny make piece with his sensitive side? Can Sandy shake off her goody-goody image and fit in with the badass Pink Ladies? Um … duh. If you fancy an evening of jukebox jingles and bobby socks, Salerno Theatre kicks off a production of Grease tonight. Be there or be square. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun., July 21-31. $21 general/$18 seniors. Blake High School for the Performing Arts Theatre, 1701 N. Boulevard, Tampa, 813-272-3422.
JULY 22 FRIDAY
ALL-STAR CAST If you've spent any time in Miami, or, more specifically, in Little Havana, you may have heard their Afro-Cuban beats and funky grooves on the balmy ocean breeze. For a while, they were featured in a monthly residency at Ybor's Masquerade, and their dynamic, fluid sound was a welcome addition to the Bay-area music scene. Nowadays, the Spam Allstars are reaping the benefits of touring with Vida Blue (Phish keyboardist Page McConnell's jazz-inspired trio) while continuing to expand their influences, but they return to Tampa this weekend for a gig at Skipper's Smokehouse. This time around, the group (who are in no way affiliated with Hormel Foods Corporation or the United Pig Farmers of America) are joined by Latino legend and world-renowned Toca percussionist Gumbi Ortiz and his local outfit, the Latino Projekt. Expect to hear an intoxicating merge of Ortiz's Cuban street music, Caribbean rhythms and high-energy improvisation with the Spam Allstars' modern, Pan-American dance music, which fuses hip-hop, dub, freestyle jazz, descarga (percussive-heavy jams with horns) and guaguanco (a form of rumba) with DJ Le Spam's expertly funkdified turntablism. 8 p.m. $13. 910 Skipper Road, Tampa, 813-971-0666.
JULY 23 SATURDAY
COOL IT DOWN It all began with a casual conversation between two artists who were frustrated with the lack of opportunities to display their wares in the summer months. "What we really need … is to have an outdoor show inside, where it's cool," commented Denis Gaston, who abruptly realized that his offhand remark was actually a good idea. So, he joined forces with fellow artists Bill and Linda Renc – a husband and wife team who were in the process of founding the Professional Association of Visual Artists (PAVA) – and together, they organized the first Cool Arts Show. Now a Bay-area tradition and allegedly the longest-running artist-sponsored exhibition in town, the 17th annual indoor event occurs this weekend, and features a diverse collection of paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography and other media by 59 professional local talents, including Rebecca Skelton, Jack Roseman, Diane Gugliotta, Terry Denson, Susan Rollins Gehring, Peg Miller, James Michaels, Joe Walles and Kelly P. Thomsen. For more information, visit www.pava-artists.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 23-24. Free admission. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5202.
JULY 24 SUNDAY
IN REMEMBERANCE A few weekends ago, while partying at Yeoman's, I came upon a leaflet announcing the Tommy Laskas Memorial Art Auction. For those unaware, Laskas was a local tattoo artist who was fatally stabbed while trying to break up a fight at last month's Corrosion of Conformity show at the Masquerade. I didn't know Laskas, but apparently I should have, since it seems he was acquainted with everyone I know. In fact, Laskas was the first person to lay ink upon my best friend's skin, and his elaborate design – a swirling, smiling sun/moon combo – prompted envy and desire for my own permanent work of art. So, in a roundabout way, Laskas was responsible for the tattoos I now wear, and the reason my fascination with the artform persists. Tonight's benefit wouldn't be possible without the support of Ybor's alternative community. Everyone involved has contributed their time, resources and/or talents to the cause, and the auction features a collection of donated pieces by Jay Giroux, Ken Echezabal, Bryan Cobery, Charles Doan, Mitzi Gordon, Lisa Landsman and many others. Also displayed is a selection of Tommy Laskas originals, with a series of prints available for purchase. Live spins are provided by Cynthusia and Rich Ranck, and all proceeds (including those collected from alcohol sales) benefit Wendy and Delia Laskas. Doors open at 5 p.m., the auction begins at 8 Free admission. The Fly Trap, 1929 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-247-6838.
PILE IT ON Following the DVD release of his triumphant HBO special, A Big Steaming Pile of Me, Richard Jeni takes his show on the road and appears at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center this evening. The New York City native has had a satisfyingly busy career; he starred as Jim Carrey's best friend in The Mask, has made scores of talk show appearances and was presented with the 1992 American Comedy Award for "Best Male Stand-up" by none other than George Carlin himself. Chris Rock has even called him one of the best comics who ever lived. Not too shabby. So what is it about Jeni that makes him so great? It may have something to do with the fact that he puts on a helluva show and makes an effort to relate to his audience. With his trademark mixture of impudence and subtle panache, Jeni delivers clever one-liners with ease, addressing topics that include political correctness, terrorism, religion, America's obesity epidemic, the drug war, Internet porn, gay marriage and, naturally, relationships and the do's and don'ts of dating. 7 p.m. $25.50 and $35.50. Ferguson Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
This article appears in Jul 20-26, 2005.