The Mario Van Peebles-directed film Black, White and Blues has local connections via its writer, one of its stars and its producers, and the film has received multiple awards and positive reviews at festivals across the country. The movie will make its Florida premiere in Tampa Bay Friday night at the Straz Center with proceeds going to the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), Academy Prep – Tampa, The Glazer Children’s Museum and Junior Achievement. Executive producer, Tampa native Charlie Poe, sits on the boards of all four non-profits, which are all helping host the event. Co-producer Jeff Balis and actor/writer Morgan Simpson created the film with Rhoades Rader of Dodgeball fame, and the cast includes Michael Clarke Duncan (pictured), Luke Perry and Tom Skerritt. The story centers on an Alabama man’s journey to spiritual redemption. Variety calls it a “lightly enjoyable road flick” and “an undeniably familiar but emotionally satisfying tale.” 8 p.m., Fri., Oct. 1. Tickets start at $55. The film will be shown in the Straz’s Ferguson Hall followed by a Q&A session with Poe, Simpson, Balis, Rader and a possible surprise guest. VIP tickets are currently selling for $165, which includes a networking reception with actors and producers prior to the film at 6:30 p.m. strazcenter.org.—Julie Garisto
“Report life” is the motto of Journeys in Journalism, a collaborative program by three public schools in St. Petersburg. On Friday, the program’s annual Midtown Through Our Eyes exhibition, hosted by the Studio@620, unveils 100 photographs taken by 44 students from Melrose Elementary, John Hopkins Middle and Lakewood High Schools during a free summer camp. The photographs, like sixth grader Kasamba Kokayi’s “Baby Steps” (pictured), reports life in a way that mainstream news media do not — highlighting the beauty and poetry of everyday existence in an area of St. Petersburg often associated with poverty and violence. The exhibit, accompanied by the publication of a magazine, continues through next week, along with two evenings of poetry readings and Taste of Midtown, a food-sampling event on Fri., Oct. 8. Admission to all events is free; donations are appreciated. Midtown Through Our Eyes, Oct. 1-8 with an opening reception Fri., Oct. 1, 5-8 p.m.; poetry nights on Tues., Oct. 5 and Thurs., Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m.; and Taste of Midtown, Fri., Oct. 8, 5-8 p.m., Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg, studio620.org, 727-895-6620. —Megan Voeller
As the weather winds down this month to a positively chilly 85 degrees, it may start to feel like the time has come to put away the beach gear, break out your sweater vests, and go get your culture on. The Mindy Solomon Gallery in St. Petersburg is more than happy to provide your artistic fix. This weekend brings the unveiling of Transformative Influences – Part II, an East-Meets-West mishmash of visual art inspired and cultivated by the influence of Chinese culture in the West. This show will pair subversive local artist Theo Wujcik, a first-generation American, with revered China-born sculptor Wanxin Zhang. Dian Ding (Zhang's wife), Beth Lo, and David Furman will also be featured in the gallery with an array of similarly inspired work to enhance and complement the unified global message of this event. Opening reception is at 6:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 2. The Mindy Solomon Gallery is at 124 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Exhibit runs through Nov. 3. Gallery is open Wed-Sat from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Shannon Bennett
Creative Clay raises the bar for its fourth annual street festival fundraiser, FolkFest. The nonprofit arts center for people with disabilities shuts down a few blocks along Central Avenue for the three-day event. Folk rock duo Indigo Girls headline on Friday, South Florida jam rock favorites The Heavy Pets take top billing on Saturday, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Dar Williams (pictured) closes out Sunday. Local and regional talents play in support each day and guest Miami artist David “LEBO” LeBatard stages live painting demos during the Girls and Pets sets. In addition to food, artists’ workshops and an array of visual arts booths spotlighting more than 40 artists and crafters (CC talent included), Folkfest also hosts a Saturday morning children’s parade led by Shana Banana, and Great Explorations Children’s Museum offers various fun diversions at its educational play area. Oct. 1-3, 4-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun., Central Avenue, between 11th and 13th streets, St. Petersburg, free admission, folkfeststpete.org. —Leilani Polk
At Fear and Loathing in Ybor City, the eclectic, funky and highly polished Bird Street Players share billing with house music guru Pete Bones during what one would imagine as a soundtrack to Hunter Thompson's vivid escapades. BSP is now six-members strong with trumpeter Cameron Willinger and Joe Cosas on keys and trombone. Bones (pictured), an internationally known pioneer of house and techno music from London, currently resides in Cape Town and spends a few months out of the year in Tampa. The event also highlights live art by United Family of Soul Art group and an exhibit by Mary Giesser. Special lighting will be set to capture the mood. Cover is an affordable $5. Sat., Oct. 2, 9 p.m. New World Brewery, Ybor City.—JG
Inspired by the superheroes and villains around and within us, the kickass Alter-Ego exhibit highlights artists Glenn Barr, Tes One, Andrew Spear, Sarah Gail Hutcherson, Blue Lucy, Brandon Dunlap, Pale Horse and many others unveil all-new original art. Opening reception Sat., Oct. 2, 9 p.m., features DJ Mega and a costume fashion show. Art remains on display through Nov. 30. At Nova 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg.—JG
The late ’90s swing comeback had its elegant and corny moments. It was a happier, more prosperous, pre-9/11 time, when the cult classic Swingers hit the big screen, and stars Favreau and Vaughn were svelte young studs. Well, babies, it’s time to shake a leg and sport those spiffy duds again. Swing Time's 10th Anniversary Celebration jumps and jives at the gorgeously retro Gulfport Casino Ballroom with live music by Charlie Vegas and the New Blues Combo (pictured). The celebration includes a group swing-dance lesson (8-9 p.m.; no partner needed), anniversary cake, prize giveaways and a dance contest at intermission with $100 cash first prize. Note: If you have a good time at this special event, attend Swing Time’s monthly dance nights the first Friday of the month at the casino. Fri., Oct. 1, 8 p.m. $11. 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. Call 813-840-3715 for information.—JG
From Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, you can visit Dunedin Brewery’s OktoBEERfest, one of Tampa Bay’s best local breweries to join in the three day festivities which will include craft beers, German fare and live music every night. Thursday: Literstein Night and unveiling of Dunedin Brewery’s new Oktobeerfest Lager; Friday: First Friday Street party-stein-holding contest and the ceremonial cracking of the Oktoberfest cask with the Mayor of Dunedin; Saturday: Saturday Street Gathering — more stein holding contests and plenty of beer to be enjoyed. Thursday and Friday: 5 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606. dunedinbrewery.com —Katie Machol
(For more of Katie's Oktoberfest listings, click here.)
Also on Oct. 1-3 …
Fri 1 Tampa Downtown Market returns Friday. Remember, the Market is in a new location. The market will be located on Franklin Street between Zack and Madison streets. Browse and shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fri 1 Late Night with Got Jokes? Improv 8:30 p.m. The Best of the Bay readers pick for best theater production presents an open mic and variety showcase with Donalee Curtis, Chuck Glass, and Gwiggy. 15333 Amberly Drive, Tampa. $5; free for performers. 813-393-7725.
Sat 2 Tampa Bay Veg Fest 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Free. It’s the area's first-ever vegetarian/vegan festival and features local restaurants, bands and artists, as well as guest speakers, cat and dog adoptions and dozens of area exhibitors. 727-656-8368; tampabayvegfest.org/.
Sun 3 12th Annual Historic Tour of Homes 1-5 p.m. Starts at the Historic Trolley Barn at 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. Presented by the Tampa Heights Civic Association. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. www.tampaheights.org.
This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 6, 2010.