While most Americans will be going to see Jupiter Ascending at the local cineplex, here are some events that don't involve extraterrestrials, at least in the literal sense … not that we know of.
Art by a local rock star: A local artist and long time fixture in the Tampa music community, Robert Wegman will show his art in Room of Secondary Light at Florida Avenue Ales' gallery Friday night. Wegmann utilizes oil painting to bring forward distinctive interpretations of various pop-culture icons. In addition, Wegmann will be performing with his own band 7-7:30 p.m. during the opening reception on Feb. 6, 6-10 p.m. Word is that he is going to host a free raffle for some of his CDs and possibly some artwork. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Feb. 28. Hillsborough Arts Hatchery, 4101 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. hillsboroughartshatchery.com.
When irie eyes are smiling: Reggae chiefs Tribal Style (pictured right) headlines the free Bob Marley Birthday Tribute at Three Birds Tavern, St. Petersburg. For more great shows happening this weekend, see Leilani's Ear Buds.
Fair warning: With the theme “A Timeless Tradition,” this year's Florida State Fair promises to be a more civilized experience with improved safety regulations and new rules to prevent crazy teens from wilding all over the place. There will be “comfort stations” throughout the fairgrounds and a new look to the midway. If you can't go this weekend, the fair will be up through Feb. 16. On Friday night, you can travel with photographer Samantha Burns for a Photo Safari; visit fmopa.org for details. $9 advance, $7 seniors advance, ages 6-11 $5 advance, ages 5 and under free. Ride armbands available for additional cost (save 30 percent online or at Walgreens locations). floridastatefair.com.
Local utopians: What’s up in St. Pete? Everyone’s so positive, cooperative and productive. Sometimes it’s downright eerie. Regardless, go ahead and drink the non-GMO organic Kool-Aid at Williams Park this Saturday, when Keep Saint Petersburg Local will present its second annual Localtopia bazaar, which promises to be bigger and better this year. The event boasts 100-plus vendors from St. Pete’s favorite independent businesses and non-profit sector. Many will love this: It offers a craft beer garden with a local brewery draft beer truck. A food court will include favorite nearby eateries, and there will be live entertainment all day at the Williams Park bandstand — including Scott and Patti, that kooky mother-son duo played by Matt McGee and Scott Daniel. Check out the Carmada art cars, help paint the NOMADArtBus, make stuff, browse zines and ooh and ahh at all sorts of nifty handmade thingies. The event should be so upbeat and lovely, you might decide to become one of them — the Burgians! Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 330 Second Ave. N. keepsaintpetersburglocal.org/localtopia.
Wine me up! Wind me down! Oenophiles will find their hearts a-swooning with two major wine events all weekend. The annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked food and wine festival pours and dishes out love for a fourth year and another two-day outdoor celebration Feb. 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. As folks sample various wines, craft brews and local eateries’ sweet and savory light bites, the Food Network’s Emily Ellyn will be among the chefs showing ’em how it’s done during her Brew-B-Que cooking session. Florida Breweries author Gerard Walen and Hefty Nascar driver Eric McClure will also make appearances. In St. Pete, the Museum of Fine Arts will be celebrating its golden anniversary with Wine Weekend St. Pete: Cheers to 50 Years! See celebrity chefs Michel Cornu of the Boisset Family Estates and Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill. Expect wine and champagne tastings, international culinary delights, live music and a sumptuous Sunday brunch. clearwaterbeachuncorked.com, wineweekendstpete.org. (Text contributed by Amanda Riehm)
Dorothy, we're not in Tampa anymore: Follow the yellow brick road with your little ones to The Wizard of Oz Traveling Exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. In keeping with the museum’s hands-on appeal, the exhibit conceived by the Miami’s Children Museum includes interactive areas such as Gale Farm, Munchkinland, Crossroads, Witches Castle and Emerald City. Gale Farm provides a peek into rustic life with lessons on illusions, tornadoes, farm activities, farm animals and harvesting crops. Munchkinland re-envisions the movie’s colorful, fantastical art direction. Crossroads has brain-teasers, a mechanical heart and a courage crawl challenge. The Witches Castle displays images of a witch on a broomstick and Flying Monkeys created by light streams. It all culminates with the famous “landmark” Emerald City — and on Feb. 7, Mayor Bob Buckhorn visits for a meet-and-greet and to play wizard for the day. $15 for adults; $9.50 for children, glazermuseum.org/exhibits/wizard-of-oz.
At da mall? International Plaza will be filled with the sounds of more than teenagers' cellphones Friday afternoon. The Florida Orchestra will perform for free in the grand court area in the middle of the shopping center. New, incoming Florida Orchestra Director Michael Francis (pictured) will conduct The Florida Orchestra in a program of musical highlights from the 2015-16 concert season. Fri., Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m. International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-342-3780.
Last chance theater: It's the final weekend for Natalie Symons' new play, The Buffalo Kings, which made its premiere at freeFall a couple of weeks back, marking a first for both Symons, the theater and our local scene. The play has been described as touching and comedic story about family and life lessons. The production’s cast, including Katherine Michelle Tanner, Joe Lauck and Brian Shea, will bring to life Symons’ “captivating, neurotic, and lovable characters.”
NOT at your local cineplex: Directed by Laura Poitras, Citizenfour is the eye-opening verité documentary that details meetings with NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden over eight days in Hong Kong in 2013. Free. Fri., Feb. 6, 7-9:30 p.m. Eckerd College Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Avenue S., St. Petersburg. eckerd.edu/film/ics/. … Surely you must be joking? No, and don't call us Shirley. Everyone's favorite ridiculous blockbuster spoof Airplane! will land at Tampa Theatre for its 80s movie series this Sunday at 3 p.m. … And if you love Lucy, head to the Capitol Theatre for The Long, Long, Long Trailer. The 1953 film follows a newlywed couple played by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. Sun., Feb. 8, 3 p.m. Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400, atthecap.com.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Hissss …. All that jazz! The Broadway favorite Chicago brings some 1920s Windy City to Clearwater. Relive the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. $35-$100. Fri., Feb. 6, 8 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 7, 2 and 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.
Just in case you can score a ticket: Comedian-extraordinaire and Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me regular Paula Poundstone — we were told — has a sold-out show this Saturday at Capitol Theatre Saturday night, but a few tickets may be available in Level 1 at $44.50 each. More info at atthecap.com.
Because we can't get enough great art: Closing reception for Kenny Jensen: Intimate Immensities will feature a gallery talk at 7:30 p.m. Reception is 6-9 p.m thestudioat620.org. Read Megan Voeller's overview of this unique show.
Kava on the beach: Celebrate the official grand opening of Bula on the Beach Saturday. The first 50 people through the doors will win a chance to receive a free coffee, tea and shell of kava every day for a month. There will be live music and specials all night long. Sat., Feb. 7, noon-2 a.m. Bula on the Beach, 14601 Gulf Blvd. #B, Madeira Beach. 727-873-7986. bulakafe.com.
Ka-KAW! Join Boyd Hill in celebrating birds of prey at Raptor Fest. The festivities include activities for children and families, tram tours, bird walks, live music, food trucks and much more. Park at Lake Vista Recreation Center, 1401 62nd Avenue S. for free shuttle every 20 minutes to the event. Sat., Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S. 727-893-7234, stpeteparksrec.org.
This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2015.