january 27 thursday
What's Up, Doc? Dr. Ruth Westheimer — the exceedingly amiable Jewish grandmother known by anyone and everyone as Dr. Ruth — is a chatty Cathy when it comes to sex. The psychosexual therapist launched her career in 1980 with "Sexually Speaking," an innovative, 15-minute radio segment; today, the show is widely distributed throughout the country and serves as only one of many media venues Dr. Ruth uses to share her expertise while increasing sexual literacy. These factors — combined with her open, unabashed personality — make her an ideal guest of honor at the Tampa Jewish Family Services' annual fundraiser. "An Evening with Dr. Ruth Westheimer" is an event brimming with possibility — what juicy tidbits of unexpected sexual innovation will fall from her lips? To be honest, I have no idea. Surprisingly, neither do the folks at TJFS. According to them, Dr. Ruth wouldn't give details because she doesn't like to limit herself to specific topics, so that any relevant current events can be incorporated into her lecture. A dessert reception follows. For tickets or more information, call TJFS at 813-960-1848. 7:30 p.m. $30 general admission/$10 students (18 and over only). Wyndham West Shore, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-286-4400.
Wishful Fundraiser C5Arts, a diverse group of Bay area watermedia artists, hosts a special exhibit and sale of new paintings and giclee reproductions at Affaire de' Coeur this evening. Nicknamed "Affair of the Art," the event features a drawing for five separate works of art contributed by C5Arts members as well as an assortment of gift certificates donated by area businesses. Guests can also enjoy scrumptious eats by Le Bouchon Bistro (voted Best Bistro in the Planet's 2002 Best of the Bay issue) and meet the artists responsible for the works on display, including Anne Donnellan, Donna Frost, Martha-Anne Garabedian, Julie Messerschmidt and Chuck Shapler. Proceeds from the drawing as well as 10 percent of the evening's art sales go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that fulfills the desires of children with life-threatening medical conditions. 5:30-9 p.m. Free and open to the public. Affaire de' Coeur, 760 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs, 727-585-0330.
january 29 saturday
Get the Facts There are three things I know about cancer: 1. It's painful; 2. It's deadly; 3. I quit smoking, so I will not get it in my lungs as long as I can stop purposely inhaling second-hand smoke. If you are as ill-informed as I, the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC) presents "Health Day: Understanding Cancer," an event intended for people who are interested in really understanding cancer. Physicians affiliated with all of the area's vital cancer research facilities, including H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Bayfront Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, give brief presentations that address all issues related to cancer, from treatment options to its impact on patients' families. To make reservations, call Pam at 727-864-8210 or send an email to jonespj@eckerd.edu. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 (includes lunch and refreshments). Lewis House Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.
january 30 sunday
Images of Tolerance Over 80,000 people journeyed to Sarasota's Island Park to view a collection of billboard-size posters in 2004's Coexistence exhibit. Following last year's great success is Embracing Our Differences, an exhibit that continues the theme of coexistence with two subtle differences: the 39 enormous paintings, photos and digital images have been created by local talents only, professional, student or otherwise; and each of the works is accompanied by quotations from community members. Opening day festivities begin at 12:45 p.m. with live music by the Riverview Kiltie Band. The formal program starts at 1 p.m. and features performances by Wilson's Dancesport Troupe, Gulf Coast Community Men's Choir, Capoeira Studio, jazz pianist Sammy Lane and the West Coast Center Youth Chorus. All of the day's events, as well as the month-long exhibit, are free and open to the public; the works are on display through Feb. 28. Island Park is located adjacent to Marina Jack on the bay front in downtown Sarasota. Call 941-378-8837 for more information.
Three Men, One Unforgettable Evening Myron Jackson is the founder and lead percussionist of the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, considered by many area folks to be the founder of Tampa's African-American percussion movement. Uwezo E. Sudan is a local storytelling favorite, enchanting audiences with tales that reach from Africa to the New World. James E. Tokley is a nationally celebrated artist and Tampa's first official poet laureate. Together, this creative trio is featured in The Three Elders: An Evening of Rhythm, Roots and Reflections, a Black History Month kick- off party at Shimberg Playhouse. The cultural revelry includes performances by all three artists, each offering their unique perspectives and talents to arouse the senses, fuel the mind and inspire the heart. 4 p.m. $10. Shimberg Playhouse — Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
february 1 tuesday
Fabulous Fakers The tribute band phenomenon is an oddity, one that could be attributed to the lack of truly good original bands in today's music scene. Or, probably more accurately, we're just looking for a way to experience our musical history without having to wait a few hundred years for a time travel breakthrough. Tribute artists allow us to pretend that we were there, at least for a few hours, and tonight, you can see a superior tribute to The Beatles at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The Fab Four (as they so aptly named themselves) present a three-part show, complete with costume changes that represent three separate eras of music starting with the "Ed Sullivan Era" (1963-66), where the artists capture The Beatles' youth with hits like "She Loves You" and "Twist and Shout." Next, the group recreates the psychedelic sounds of "Sgt. Pepper," (1966-67), performing what I've been told are note-perfect renditions of "A Day In The Life " and "Strawberry Fields." The nostalgia trip comes to a close in the final years (1967-70) with performances of "Let it Be," "Hey Jude" and even John Lennon's "Imagine." 8 p.m. $25-$30 ($10 Student Rush tickets available day of the show). 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-953-3368.
Tricks for the Big Screen Warren Miller was 9 years old when he purchased his first still camera. Over 70 years later, Miller's photography has gained national recognition, but it's his annual, feature-length ski films that have been celebrated worldwide for over half a century. The 55th annual Warren Miller movie, IMPACT, is now touring the country and makes a stop at Tampa Theatre this evening. IMPACT showcases winter sports' finest athletes on the big screen as they travel to exotic locations around the globe in search of the perfect slope, deepest powder and most awe-inspiring rides. This year's edition offers a look at how Warren Miller Entertainment has evolved and gauges the influence that Miller and his company have had on the industry. The film also features more women athletes than any previous Miller movie (17 total), a behind-the-scenes look at the cameramen who shoot the athletes (traveling the same speeds and routes as the subjects they follow) and much more. 7:30 p.m. $8 adults/$7 members/$6 students, seniors and military. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8982.
Things we like this week
The fat guy on Lost The dysentery diet doesn't seem to be working.
Layering The Floridian solution to winter.
Public Enemies A fascinating overview of J. Edgar Hoover's War on Crime of 1933-1934, when criminals had better names: Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and the Barker Gang. By Bryan Burrough (Penguin Press).
Daytime (ab)use of nighttime medicinesLess comprehension, more fun.
Sharpies Office nose candy.
Wilco They've pretty much proved that anyone who said file-sharing was the end of CD sales is full of shit.
Fun-lan Drive-InThe weather couldn't be better for a visit to the venerable East Hillsborough Avenue drive-in theater you used to frequent, but haven't patronized in too long.
Pigfest There's no pretense about what's on the cooker at this Florida state barbecue championship, which boasts live entertainment by Kenny Flint and the Rough Diamond Band. (Jan. 29 in Lakeland).
Fake corn dogs Sweet vegetarian junkfood goodness.
—Planet Staff
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2005.