The Step Afrika! South African gumboot dance incorporates world traditions, and audience members learn some moves, too, with basic step choreography. Visit strazcenter.org for more info. Sun. Feb. 28, 2 and 4 p.m., Ferguson Hall, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, $8.50-$12.50.
Tampa Bay’s got a few offbeat art venues, but the Skatepark of Tampa might just be the oddest (and most interesting) of the bunch. This weekend’s Munny: Change is Everything show is the latest installment in SPoT’s Skate and Create series, and it’s not just locals who got in on the act: indie [image-1]megamart Urban Outfitters in Ybor will showcase the exhibit’s best Munnys for a month. The 4- and 7-inch vinyl figures, originally created by Kid Robot, have been modified by 70 artists, who knit, drew, painted, colored and otherwise altered the Munny men for art’s sake. You can get your munny-grubbing hands on one of the original works at the one-night-only show, or you can just go for the free Red Bull, free drinks (21 and up, of course), and a “ripping bowl session.” (Pictured: Van Gogh Munny by P$YNNER) 7-11 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27, Skatepark of Tampa, 4215 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, skateparkoftampa.com; Urban Outfitters exhibit on display through March 31. —Franki Weddington
All Out Repertory brings The Agreeable Husband, a multimedia madcap to the Dempsey Arts Center stage. Based on observations found in The Complete Book of Etiquette (written by choreographer Shana Perkins' mother), the show is "a reminiscent journey into dating and marriage in the 50s as and a humorous reflection on why future generations turned out the way we did." Which is to say: Look how much you messed us up, Mom and Dad. The collaboration of dance, theater, art, music, video projection and a live jazz trio combines for a rich texture and wry wit. Visit alloutrep.org. for more info. Feb. 26-27,8 p.m. Fri., 4 and 8 p.m. Sat., Dempsey Arts Center, Hudson, $15, $10 artists and seniors, $7 students.
C. Emerson Fine Arts continues its 2010 season with Deft, comprised of works by nine diverse artists (Clayton Chandler, Chiézo, Patrick Francisco, Freak Friends, Rocky Grimes, Patrick Maxcy, PLASEEBO, and John Revisky) in a wide range of media. Robots and monsters lurk behind thin swirling lines in Chiézo’s drawings; custom toys that glow with an ominous light are PLASEEBO’s specialty; Francisco’s signature chimp acts out a variety of expressive and charming adventures; and they’ll all make you stop and stare. Four local artists — Jason Fondren, Rich Frederick, Jon Rodriguez, Trinity Rivard — put I Before E for their new show, which debuts at the West Tampa Center for the Arts this weekend. Inspired by variations on the theme of creating art for personal fulfillment (“I”) versus everyone else (“E”), the quartet produced paintings that “hold a mirror to society as seen through the artist’s eyes.” Deft opening reception, 7-10 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26; on display through April 17, C. Emerson Fine Arts, 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, c-emersonfinearts.com; I Before E opening reception 7-11 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26; on display through March 19, West Tampa Center for the Arts, 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-453-4381. —FW
For certain male spectators, I’d guess Rock and Roll Ladies Wrestling is as close to heaven as you can get. For the ladies, it’s a chance to wear fun, sexy or outrageous workout gear and release unchecked aggression on the floor. The Sweatshop Urban Gym hosts the match, complete with kegs and live music by Florida Night Heat, Sons of Hippies and Dear Old Liar. Viewers and participants can enjoy free, tasty brews until the kegs float. But ladies, heed my words of wisdom: Don’t do a keg stand before hitting the mats. 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27, Sweatshop Urban Gym, 715 N. Franklin St., Tampa, $15, $10 participating wrestlers, sweatshoptampa.com. —LR
We've all read (and drooled over) CL food critic Brian Ries'reviews of tasty local eats, but can't always afford to try them all. Well, tonight you can at the St. Petersburg Food and Wine Festival (most of them, anyway). Premier Beverages' wines are available to pair with culinary delights from Bella Brava, Mystic Fish, Parkshore Grill, Red Mesa Cantina, Salt Rock Grill, Moon Under Water, Savannah's Cafe, Z-Grill and more. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. Fri., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. VIP admission, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg, $50, $75 VIP (includes gift bag, bottle of wine and early admission).
All Michael Flatley jokes aside, Lord of the Dance is a boisterously entertaining, world-renowned love story based on Irish folklore, complete with more leaps, turns and tandem dancing than you can shake a stick at. Visit rutheckerdhall.com for more info. Sat., Feb. 27, 2 and 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, $50-$70.
A group of morbid, macabre (and, quite possibly, undead) USF students are releasing Zombie St. Pete, a collection of stories about the brain-hungry beings that roam our streets. Zombie culture expert and author S.G. Browne, who wrote the book's forward, is on hand for a signing, as is Dali [image-2]Musuem affiliate and Ringling School of Design grad Justin Duffy, who rendered the book's cover art -- in human blood (just kidding). Local Americana act Have Gun, Will Travel provides eerily awesome tunes; Cha Cha Coconuts brings the party back to life (har har!) with $3 Green Zombie drinks; and the walking dead dancers of Thrill St. Pete reprise their roles as zombies with 'tude in their performance of MJ's "Thriller" dance. Sat., Feb. 27, 5-10 p.m., The Pier, St. Petersburg.
This weekend, the artists and residents of Ybor City pay homage to Cigar City’s heritage with two Ameri-Cuban inspired events. I Am A Cuban Sandwich, written by Richard and Mary Ellen DiPietra and directed by James Rayfield, celebrates Richard DiPietra’s experience of growing up in Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter. Forget about the clubs, bars and late-night parties that now make the district a popular stomping ground; DiPietra’s experience takes the audience back in time, as he fondly remembers what it was like to be immersed in a melting pot and surrounded by the sweet, savory smells of Spanish bean soup and fresh baked Cuban Bread. And if the thought of that makes you hungry, then visit the Seventh annual Flan Fest at the Saturday Market in Centennial Park. It’s held in conjunction with Fiesta Day, where activities include a flan bake-off and eating contest, live entertainment, ethnic cuisine and multicultural activities. Now that’s flan-tastic. I Am A Cuban Sandwich, Feb. 26-27, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City, $7, 813-300-3585; Flan Fest, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27, Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City, free, ybormarket.com. —Lily Reisman
The sixth annual animal Get Rescued in Gulfport fundraiser gladly goes to the dogs (and the cats). Cute critters abound on Beach Boulevard, hoping to be adopted to "forever homes" and raising awareness for their friends at the more than 60 represented animal rescue groups. Bring your own four-legged friend along for agility contests, a pets-and-their-people dance-off, training demos, a chance to meet Mrs. Bundle Mystery Series author Allison Cesario Paton, and a fiesta at the Chihuahua pavilion, where you'll find the Mexican hat dance and a look-a-like contest. Everyone's encouraged to bring a donation of pet supplies, especially dog and cat food. This year's after party is at the Gulport Casino, and offers hors d'oeuvres, music, dancing and a silent auction to benefit local animal rescue organizations (7-11 p.m., 5500 Shore Blvd. S., $20). Visit getrescuedingulfport.com for more info. Sat., Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Beach Boulevard, Gulfport.
FIRST Tech Challenge Florida Championship Robot wars commence when more than 200 middle and high school students converge on campus to test the mettle of their custom-built bots to vie for a spot in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Championship at the Atlanta Georgia Dome this April. Visit USFirst.org for more info. Sat., Feb. 27, 10 a.m., USF Recreation Center, Tampa, free.
Conductor Stefan Sanderling leads the The Florida Orchestra through Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Mozart's Symphony No. 38 Prague, Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 (with guest soloist Julie Albers, whose cello-playing has been extolled as "a glimpse of heaven); and the masterpiece, Ravel's Bolero. The concert visits several venues this weekend: 8 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26, Ferguson Hall, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa; 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27, Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg; and 7:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 28, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.
The St. Pete Beach city-wide yard sale is a treasure trove of epic proportions. Hundreds of houses have been stripped of their unnecessary stuff for your browsing pleasure. Come to make some extra cash or to finally find the rare C3PO you need to Star Wars action figure collection. Call 727-363-9245 for more info. Sat., Feb. 27, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., St. Pete Beach Recreation Center, St. Pete Beach.
