The Think+Drink film fest focuses on cultural, social and scientific topics and the "American Music Series" prior to each movie explores the history and icons of the music that have shaped America, presenting a live performance by a new local musician each week. The July 30 selection is Standing in the Shadows of Motown, a documentary that follows the Funk Brothers, a collection of Detroit musicians who played back-up for nearly every hit to come out of Motown Records, featuring performances by stars like Chaka Khan, Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper and Joan Osbourne. T-Bone Rhodes performs live before the film. Music begins at 6 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 27 unless otherwise noted. Visit southfloridamuseum.org for more info. Bishop Planetarium, Bradenton, $8, $6 students, $5 museum members.
Belize-born author and copy editor of the St. Petersburg Times, Ian Vasquez reads from and signs his latest novel Lonesome Point, about two Belizean brothers living in Miami who have wildly disparate lifestyles and goals (one is a mental health worker, the other a Miami mayoral prospect), but work together to escape the shame of their father's illegal activities. Thu., July 30, 7 p.m., Inkwood Books, Tampa, free, inkwoodbooks.com.
The GirlStories Theatre Project presents Power Up: The Hero Within, an original play with music and monologues by nearly 20 middle school girls. Powerstories Theatre helms the project, which partners with social service agencies to invite a diverse group of girls, ages 10 to 17, to participate in workshops that use "creative discovery techniques, dramatics, storytelling, writing and art activities to help the girls communicate more effectively and to tell their own stories with confidence." The public performance is a culmination of the six-week course, and allows the girls to share newfound insights on their goals and dreams for the future. Check them out at youtube.com/Powerstories or visit powerstories.com for more info. July 30-Aug. 1, 1:30 p.m. Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, $10, free for children under 6.
This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2009.