Download: Willie Nelson
WILLIE NELSON: “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground†Willie Nelson has become such an American icon that people tend to forget his sublime artistry. A distinctive singer with a jazz vocalist’s sense of timing, he’s also one of country music all-time great guitarists and songwriters (he’s penned “Crazy,†“Hello Walls,†and “Funny How Time…
Table Opens, Tedesco Closes
Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news? Bad news? I thought so. Tedesco's Grillside on Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete has shuttered it's doors. Rumor has that there is paper covering the windows and the phones are already disconnected. I haven't been able to reach anyone for comment, but…
5 Things To Do Today
1. Snag a copy of the Counting Crowes’ much-anticipated first in five years, Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings; The Raconteurs’ little-anticipated but no less worthy Consolers of the Lonely; and the new Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple, released early due to online leakage. 2. Eat brats and drink beer with the Renaissance Festival Players at…
Beard Judges Dis Tampa, Probably Without Noticing
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the James Beard Awards' leaked ballot, which featured doth Bern's and Jeannie Pierola on the short list for a couple awards. Well, ballots must be in because that short list has become even shorter, and guess who's been left out of the finals? Bern's, which was up…
Maroon 5, Counting Crows coming to Tampa
Photo of Counting Crows by Danny Clinch. Plastic soul purveyors Maroon 5 and underrated roots rockers Counting Crows have joined forces for a summer tour that stops at the Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, Oct. 3, reports Billboard.com. Tickets go on sale April 4 through Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Counting Crows' freshly minted album Saturday Nights…
Where should we house sex offenders?
NOBODY'S HOME: The Palm River trailer park that housed nine sex offenders is mostly empty. The sex offender story in this week’s issue is one of the hardest stories I've had to report. In fact, I wrestled with the idea of writing it at all. Like most people, I abhor sex offenders and their crimes.…
Peeps and Pope, Noses and Nitrates, and the $3.9 Mil Schnozz: Monday Media Wrap-up
"The Peeps came not like locusts but like meteors of great ambition and, yes, some arts-and-crafts psychosis." "Ilja Gort slept soundly last night, finally safe in the knowledge that no matter what happens to the rest of him, his nose is insured to the teeth." "Still, if this hunk of bearish man flesh Colicchio really…
5 Things to Do Today
Aceyalone 1. Aceyalone performs at Orpheum with Tribal Style and Promise & Numonics. 2. USF Contemporary Art Museum opens 32nd Annual Juried USF Student Exhibition. 3. The Cleveland Orchestra plays Mahaffey Theater. 4. A “Women Who Changed the World†lecture is presented at Eckerd College. 5. Jon Entine launches a new book at Temple B'nai Israel.
Kimya Dawson concert review
Kimya Dawson Cuban Club, Sat., March 22 Photo by Katie Silbiger (who kindly responded to my request below) You’d think a lone performer with nothing but a busted-up acoustic guitar and a clutch of “message†songs wouldn’t stand a chance in front of an all-ages skater crowd squeezed together in the rain. Especially when a…
A better city through Urban Charrette
Alex Pickett interviewed Taryn Sabia, the co-founder of Tampa's Urban Charrette, for this week's print edition. Sabia, 29, and fellow architect Adam Fritz have held a series of workshops on how to improve Tampa's urban design, transit systems and overall sustainability. These workshops, or "charrettes," have brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including Tampa…
5 Things To Do This Weekend
Christie Lenee performs at tonight's Ted Freed Memorial benefit. 1. Ted Freed Memorial Benefit at Skipper’s Smokehouse. 2. Comedy by ranney at The Studio at 620. 3. Sixth Annual Roser Park Tour of Homes in St. Petersburg. 4. The Circle of the Grey Flamingo art show at [5]art West. 5. Funny Money, presented by Hat Trick Theatre at…
Top 10: Pearl Jam covers
I'm stoked. The only grunge band that still matters, Pearl Jam, announced late yesterday an East Coast tour that will bring them, with Kings of Leon, to the the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, June 12. If you were a teen in the early '90s, chances are Pearl Jam made an impression on you.…
Why we choose complex tax-and-spend strategies over fast, easy fixes
What is the easiest way to assuage a community's concerns over a lack of economic development? Hand out free money, apparently. But money is not free, and the cost to our local communities is far worse than the perceived benefits. In all the meetings I've seen for economic development, businesses sum up their needs from…
The attack on planning, environment: Ambler’s bill HB 723
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kevin Ambler has come under fire by many concerned citizens, specifically because of the inclusion of the City-County Planning Commission in the bill. HB 723 is about a power shift of several local boards including the Environmental Protection Commission, the Tampa Sports Authority and The Planning Commission. The EPC board right…
5 Things To Do Today
1. George Thorogood & The Destroyers concert at Tampa Theatre. 2. Author Randy Wayne White book launch. 3. Celebrity Dancing in Tampa Bay at TBPAC. 4. A modernized Hamlet at American Stage. 5. Suncoast Sierra Club meeting.
New Owners – Cafe Alma and Old Northeast Tavern
Downtown St. Pete's Cafe Alma, which opened in 2002 and quickly became a popular spot known for a kick-ass bloody mary brunch, has been sold! Original owners Dwight and Catherine Watkins have decided to pursue other ventures, with new owners Scott Vogel and Tony Harahan taking over immediately. Dan Soronen and Sarah Potter (that's them…
Fort De Soto Toll Proposal ‘Dead’
State plans to raise the tolls for those heading to Fort De Soto were dropped yesterday. From the Times: "This year? It's deader than a doornail — I mean it is flat, Black Flag dead," said state Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, who sponsored bills with Rep. Jim Frishe, R-Belleair Bluffs. I'm guessing it had something…
Locos Por Juana, Apes & Androids to headline CL bash
Get loaded with Creative Loafing at our Sensory Overload festival at the Cuban Club in Ybor City, Sat., March 29. Here's info on all the music acts playing that night: LOCOS POR JUANA Multi-racial ensemble’s distinctive funk tropicale brilliantly incorporates the Columbian folk-dance music Cumbia, reggae and the contemporary club sounds that this group of…
FROM THE STREET (The 2nd Coming. Please Come Again)
I doubt Palehorse president and designer, Chris Parks, knew what he was in for when he asked local artists to submit apocalyptic-themed works for the grand re-opening of The Pale Horse Graphic Design Studio & Gallery (formerly Blackout Creations). The gallery, which sits on the crosshairs of Central and MLK in downtown St. Pete, was…
Five Years of War
What are you doing for the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War? (One idea: On your way home from the office today, check out the local Tampa protest.)
From the Street with Alfie: The 2nd Coming. Please Come Again
I doubt Palehorse president and designer, Chris Parks, knew what he was in for when he asked local artists to submit apocalyptic-themed works for the grand re-opening of The Pale Horse Graphic Design Studio & Gallery (formerly Blackout Creations). The gallery, which sits on the crosshairs of Central and MLK in downtown St. Pete, was…
5 Things To Do Today
Broke Sky, a Texas noir film that opens the Sunscreen Film Fest. 1. Sunscreen Film Fest Kick Off and Opening Night Party. 2. Spring Training Game: Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies. 3. Women’s History Month performance of The Fannie Lou Hamer Story: The Woman, The Legend, and Her Songs on Rugged Road to Freedom.…
Strange bedfellows
"Sen. Obama is a very intelligent man, and everyone … was very familiar with who Tony Rezko was. So it was a little stunning that so late in the game Sen. Obama would still have such close involvement with Rezko."—Cindi Canary, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform "I am sure that Obama…
“Live and in Living Color”
WMNF hosts spoken-word artist Lizz Straight.
What is FARC?
Don’t Panic! … Your war questions answered
Robert Palmer goes Sneakin’
This pre-Power Station release is simply irresistible.
Re-vote, re-disenfranchise
Florida Democrats struggle with the best way to get screwed over — again.
A speedy Hamlet at American Stage
It’s brisk, it’s daring, it’s well-acted — but will it move you?
CDs by The Gutter Twins, Charles Lloyd Quartet and Philly soul legends
Saturnalia, Rabo de Nube, The Sound of Philadelphia and Conquer the World
Taryn Sabia: “Tampa’s time is now”
Who? Taryn Sabia, co-founder of Tampa's Urban Charrette. Sphere of Influence: Since creating Urban Charrette last April, Sabia, 29, and fellow architect Adam Fritz have held a series of workshops on how to improve Tampa's urban design, transit systems and overall sustainability. These workshops, or "charrettes," have brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including…
What a boy wants
The Boys Initiative is all about creating better men — and maybe as a result, a better world.
Sexy and silenced
That’s the way advertising has often portrayed women. The Ophelia Project is helping local teenagers fight back.
Discussion: Cosmic Quandaries with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Wednesday, March 26
Sex offenders in Palm River on the move
A sex offender housing crisis looms.
Flight 19 still flying
But its latest installation was inspired by a space shuttle disaster.
Art: Jeff Whipple Art Museum and Spasm Gallery
Tuesday, March 25
On the burgerfront
Upsets and surprises in the Tournament of Burgers, Week One.
What’s in Season?
Did you know that it's almost Florida blueberry season? Or that Manatee County is one of Florida's biggest growers of cabbage? Don't blame you. But thanks to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, you can be more informed than the rest of the mooks in the produce aisle. The department's website (www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/seasonal_availability.htm) has…
Art/classical Music: Hazel Hough Wing
Monday, March 24
Put on some Sunscreen
The Bay area’s never-ending film festival continues in St. Pete.
Theater: Monty Python’s Spamalot
Thursday, March 20
What goes around …
Comes around.
Cake sitting
Trading addictions for habits.
Drillbit, Langella and more
What’s in movie theaters this week
Van Morrison goes Under Review
With this DVD of his peak years.
Hey There, Battleship, Brother Ali
Plus Yellowcard
Special Events: Magic: The Science of Illusion
Sunday, March 23
Signs of progress
The movement for equality moved ahead on two fronts last week, including a new website and look for Florida Red and Blue, one of the groups opposing the anti-gay marriage referendum on the November ballot. Florida Red and Blue launched SayNo2, emphasizing the impact of Amendment 2 not only on same-sex marriages but also on…
The Modern Skirts
The Modern Skirts' ebullient brand of Brian Wilson-style organic pop made their 2005 full-length, Catalogue of Generous Men, one of my favorite albums issued by an unsigned band in recent years. When I first saw the Athens, Ga., quartet perform about a year ago at New World Brewery, their live show equaled, if not surpassed,…
This is the life
SoHo’s no Manhattan, but that’s a good thing.
Die! Die! Die!
Fresh off a round of South by Southwest showcases that found New Zealand power trio Die! Die! Die! sharing stages across Austin, Texas, with bands like The Donnas, the band brings its noise-pop-informed punk to Crowbar. Over merciless drumming and menacing bass lines, the guitar slashes through, loud and furious, the three-pronged attack smothering the…
Juno this girl?
Kimya Dawson downplays her soundtrack stardom.
Ted Freed Memorial
Remembering a musical mensch.
Bella Brava’s chef change-up
Does the downtown St. Pete eatery still have its oomph?
Earth Bomb Mars
Debut with a dynamic ’60s throwback
Film: V-Day 2008
Friday, March 21
Moody Blues, Saving Abel
Plus Zoroaster
Festival: Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Saturday, March 22
Heather Mills, stock market blues
Plus the Florida election debacle.
Wine List
Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 810 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, fax 813-739-4801 or e-mail brian.ries@creativeloafing.com. BEST BET: BORRA BORRA Steve Borra, owner and winemaker of Borra Vineyards in Lodi, California, will be hitting B-21 for a surprise tasting this week. Borra is known for zinfandel…
Top 10: Spring break songs
'Tis the season for Florida's beaches to host bikini-clad beauties, wet t-shirt contests, underage drinking, random hook-ups and other assorted debauchery involving America's Student Bodies. It's been more than a decade since my high school buddies and I spent a spring break storming the beaches of Clearwater, Daytona or Panama City. Good times. Real good…
