The Black Paintings: We've all had black periods in our lives. Artist Steven Kenny has lived to tell us about his through his wondrous paintings, which combine super-realism and fantastical imagery. Attend a closing reception for Centre Gallery’s show featuring one of the Bay area’s most compelling painter. 7-9 p.m. Kenny (pictured) gives a talk at 7:30 p.m. USF Marshall Center, Tampa. facebook.com/CentreGallery.
The joke's on Tampa Theatre: NYC natives Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James Murray and Brian Quinn have had some notable successes — like their $100k win on NBC’s Carson Daly-hosed sketch comedy competition, It’s Your Show — but nothing approaches the gut-busting hilarity of the hidden camera/practical joke show they created and now produce, write and star in: TruTV’s Impractical Jokers, which finds the Tenderloins competing to embarrass each other for laughs. Their live show is a mix of stand-up, never-before-seen hidden camera footage and stories about their experiences. Two shows Jan. 30: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, $49.50, tampatheatre.org. (Text by Leilani Polk: be sure to read her Q&A with Jokester Brian Quinn.)
A night at the opera — in Clearwater and St. Pete: Arguably Giacomo Puccini’s most famous opera, La Bohème is set in turn-of-the-century Paris, where poet Rodolfo falls for a fragile, ailing seamstress Mimi. Teatro Lirico D’Europa and Symphony Orchestra brings us the poingant, sweet and sometimes humorous tale to Ruth Eckerd Hall Friday night at 7:30 p.m. $35-$75. … With a sweeping, rollicking score, The Barber of Seville follows the beautiful maiden Rosina, who narrowly escapes marriage to her guardian, Dr. Bartolo, only to fall in love with Count Almaviva, who’s masquerading as poor student. Figaro, the town barber, helps Rosina unite with her true love. Serenades, disguises, bribes and the shave of a lifetime comically ensue. Elizabeth Pojanowski stars as Rosina, Tony Dillon as Bartolo, Blake Friedman as Almaviva and Gabriel Preisser as barber/go-to guy Figaro. The biggest star, of course, is Gioachino Rossini’s unforgettable score. Fri., Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., Sun., Feb. 1, 2 p.m. and Tue., Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. mypalladium.org, stpeteopera.org.
Have a Blast with the Family Stone, Cheech and Chong: Downtown Clearwater hosts its monthly family-friendly street party Blast Friday with members of Sly's legendary band performing hits on the mainstage, followed by the not-so-kid-friendly Cheech and Chong classic, Up in Smoke. Fest is 5-9 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 30. Free. Movie is $5. Fri., Jan. 30, 10 p.m. Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400, atthecap.com.
Avast ye, blah blah blah! The Gasparilla Pirate Fest & Street Festival brings more partying before and after the big parade on Saturday. a fully rigged Jose Gasparilla will tread the waters of the Seddon Channel at 10 a.m. when the Invasion Brunch will convene. Prepare for pirate invasion to the mainlands at Riverwalk at 1 p.m. after which Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla will be running the streets for the Parade of Pirates and the Pirate Fest Street Festival on Sat., Jan 31. For the first time ever: A celebration will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park both Friday and Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. ($30 general admission). More info at gasparillapiratefest.com. If you need some karmic cleansing after the debauchery or don't mind cleaning up others' messes, a major area cleanup will take place Sunday noon-3 p.m. Meet at the Tampa Garden Club (2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa) to receive supplies. After check-in volunteers will be given a designated section of the North end of Bayshore to clean.
Pinellas Folk Festival: Go really retro this Saturday when the Pinellas County Historical Society presents its annual celebration. The festival will feature traditional folk, gospel, bluegrass and country music throughout its 21-acre living history museum. Fiber artists, traditional craft demonstrations, antique cars and living history activities will also be featured. Musical acts include The Crackerbillys (pictured), The Mungos, Hammerhead Dulcimers, Chant the Trees, Gypsy Wind, Duo Vida, James R. Hawkins, Leigh & Steve Humes and Gypsy Star, Charlie Bill and His Barn Burners, and others. $5. Sat., Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. 727-582-2123. pinellascounty.org/heritage.
Superbowl XLIX Watch Party in the Bierstube: Forgo the usual sports bar to watch the game in a kitschy Oktoberfest setting. The German American Society will be hosting a party, complete with tailgate food, wings, dogs, chips-n-salsa, and whatever else they can think of! $12 buckets of domestic beer and drink specials all day long. Prizes and treats for fans. $5. Sun., Feb. 1, 4 p.m. 8098 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-710-7204. Click here for more Super Bowl party venues.
"More human than human": Tampa Theatre’s Totally ‘80s film series continues with Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi noir adventure Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and Sean Young. 3 p.m. tampatheatre.org.
More fun fests: If you're not pirate-ing it up on Saturday, head to the Cider & Mead Festival at the Cajun Cafe at 2 p.m. or the Kumquat Festival in Dade City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, the Party Like a Pirate Fest at Florida Avenue Ales offers good tunes by Shae Krispinsky, Jeff Brawer, Nickole Hanna and Tré Fitzgerald, and food truck grub.
Tampa-love: Avant-garage rockers The Parquet Courts will be at Seminole Heights American Legion Hall with too-cool-for-Tampa band Merchandise. Should be packed, so arrive early. Check Leilani's Ear Buds section for more live music fabulosity.
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2015.