Sketchy fun: So what if there is a shortage of national headliners in town this weekend. It's the perfect time for local, cutting-edge comedy. If you're a fan of sketch comedy beyond SNL, and binge on clips from shows like Kids in the Hall, The State and Mr. Show, head to Silver Meteor to catch skits performed by some of the area’s best, up-and-coming theater talent. Some Sort of Show gathers Jonathan Cho, Nathan Jokela, Jaime Giangrande-Holcom, Alex Perez, Julia Teal, Megan Lozicki and Donald Speirs, who’s a professional Santa and George R.R. Martin cosplayer, we’re told. The night will include a performance by improv duo Equanimity, aka Nicholas Riggs and Hannah Prince (pictured above), the directors of Best of the Bay winning Improv group, Post Dinner Conversation, and stand-up comedy from Jacob Fullerton and Jeremy Henderson. Sat., Jan. 3, 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 4, 6 p.m. (which will be filmed). $10. 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Tampa. More info at 813-300-3585.
Music shows on both sides of the Bay: If you're in the mood for a music show, melodic indie act The Promise Hero headlines New World and punk fave Propagandhi will be at the State both on Saturday night. Local jazz greats La Lucha (pictured) celebrate their CD release at Studio@620 on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday evening soul man Charles Bradley will grace the Crowbar with an eclectic warm-up set. For more of this weekend's live music offerings, read here.
First Friday Seminole Heights: Highlights on the monthly gallery hop include Tempus Projects' Hi-5, its 5-year anniversary exhibition, and the Hi-5 Pop-Up Shop, which will open this evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop in to see the exhibition, browse the pop-up and pick up great one-of-a-kind and limited edition goods. There are select items on sale, and also a chance to win an in-home wine tasting certificate. Light refreshments will be served. For more info on tonight's First Friday event, click here.
Hear them roar: The weekly "Let's Talk Life!" radio show on Saturdays at 10 a.m., streamed live on lifeimprovementradio.com, has begun an initiative for women called Dare to Listen. The show will challenge listeners on such subjects as people-pleasing, passivity and other interpersonal subjects.
History Bike Tampa: History Bike Tampa meets the first Saturday of the month and departs promptly at 10 a.m. from Kahwa at the Element in downtown Tampa. This month's tour takes you to Tampa/Riverside Heights, an area that's been coming up with recent signs of life seen from the opening of Water Works Park, Ulele and expansion of Tampa's Riverwalk. The ride also includes spots on the Green Artery.The tour is provided free of charge, but there’s a suggested donation of $5. Visit facebook.com/HistoryBikeTampa for updates.
Nifty outdoor shopping: Saturday Downtown Indie Market gathers designers, artists, horticulturists, crafters and nonprofit groups for a younger, cooler DIY outdoor bazaar. Takes place noon-6 p.m. at the 600 Block of downtown St. Pete. While downtown, head to ArtPool for its monthly Crafty Fest, a bazaar of vintage and funky goods, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Cafe open till 4 p.m.). More info at artpoolrules.com. Pictured: jewelry by Ramblin' Rose.
Last chance to ice skate at Curtis Hixon: Tampa’s Downtown on Ice is up and one running for one final weekend at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Each 90-minute session includes skate rental. Costs $10. Schedule at tampasdowntownonice.com.
An evening at the ballet: Talk about an elegant date night! Whether you love it or are a newbie to ballet, Swan Lake is a must-see either way. See Tchaikovsky’s masterwork performed in its entirety by the The State Ballet Theatre of Russia, founded by legendary dancer and former principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet, Maya Plissetskaya. The famed ballet’s tale is based on a Russian folk tale and German legend that follows a young prince as he struggles to free a beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. Best of all, this Swan Lake will star 50 of Russia’s most celebrated dancers. Sat., Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. $27.50-$57.50. themahaffey.com.
Totally '80s Classic Movie Series: Tampa Theatre’s new series brings us eight flicks from the big-hair decade; a few haven’t worn out their welcome on cable. John Hughes’ 1986 hit Ferris Bueller’s Day Off kicks things off Sunday at 3 p.m. $10. tampatheatre.org.
This is a Comedy Show: Back for their sixth straight year in residence at American Stage, Hawk and Wayne bring us long-form improv that features a story arc instead of the more familiar skit-oriented format. First Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. through August 2015. Tickets are $10, and show takes place in American Stage’s lobby cabaret, where a full cash bar will be available for all our patrons. For more funny stuff this weekend, click here.
This article appears in Dec 25-31, 2014.