Salute a local legend by celebrating the birthday of late USF artist Richard Beckman at USF CAM Friday night at 8 p.m. Click here to find out more about Beckman's exhibition and the party the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum — and attend the Richard Beckman Birthday Party to learn more about a talented, complex and compassionate artist and individual whose works can still be seen across the U.S. and been an influence to many who came after him. She may have some junk in her trunk, but we love her anyway. Take the little ones to Lowry Park Zoo for the Pachyderm Pool Party for Mavi’s 1st Birthday. Free with admission. Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552. LowryParkZoo.com.
Steve Hytner, the guy who played Kenny Bania on Seinfeld, is gold, people, gold! The clever, funny comedian in his own right can be seen Thurs., July 24, 8-9:30 p.m.; Fri., July 25, 8-9:30 and 10:15-11:45 p.m.; Sat., July 26, 6-7:30, 8-9:30 and 10:15-11:45 p.m.; Sun., July 27, 7-8:30 p.m. $10-$16. Side Splitters Comedy Club, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
On Fri., July 25, jazz chanteuse Sara DelBeato and crooner/pianist Michael Raabe (pictured, left), a.k.a. the “Steve and Eydie of Tampa Bay,” close out the freeFall's July Tandem Series, interpreting everything from Sondheim to ZZ Top all with old-school, lounge-act flair; tickets are $20. freeFall Theatre Company, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205. freefalltheatre.com.
If you're jonesing for some great local theater you can sink you're teeth into, head to American Stage for God of Carnage (4 stars; reviewed here by Mark E. Leib) and to the Straz for Jobsite's Inventing Van Gogh (3.5 stars, reviewed here).
If you dig a good storytellin' and drinking craft brew and are yearning for an event somewhere off the beaten path, head to downtown Largo area to the Barley Mow for Wordier Than Thou's Campfire Tales —Florida's Myths, Legends and Lore. $1 off craft brews.
It's a big sports weekend with two local pro teams on a winning streak — the Tampa Bay Rowdies hope to take the sting out of the San Antononio Scorpions Saturday night, 7:30 p.m., at Al Lang Stadium. Bring the kids to see the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox game — the game will feature an appearance by the children-television rock sensation Imagination Movers at 1:40 p.m.
Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks' 1974 western spoof is his best to date (though Young Frankenstein is a very close second). In case you're among the few who hasn't seen it, the plot follows a corrupt political boss who appoints a black sheriff, who becomes his enemy No. 1. Stars Cleavon Little, Madeline Kahn, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman and Slim Pickens. Gather up your posse and go see the classic on the big screen at Tampa Theatre Sunday at 3 p.m.
