Revamped, remodeled and sparkly-lovely, the Progress Energy Center’s Mahaffey Theater kicks off its new season with The Eagles’ Don Henley on Friday, followed by a fireworks extravaganza over the bayfront.
On Saturday, Latin sensation Marc Anthony will take the stage and on Sunday, Cedric the Entertainer, one of the Original Kings of Comedy, holds court with his bodacious humor.
Before the curtains open on Friday, the celebration will begin with a VIP luxury party outdoors between the Dali Museum and the Mahaffey (a free, scaled-down version of the big Chillounge event happening at Straub Park the following night).
Guests will be able to enjoy their favorite beer, wine and spirits while relaxing and enjoying music from local entertainers and DJs. Free admission; prices vary for concerts and events.
VIPs, such as Mayor Bill Foster and David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays, helped usher in the new season and new era for Mahaffey at a private party Wednesday night. CL photographers Kevin and Lisa Tighe captured the festivities and VIP hobnobbing.
This article appears in Nov 17-23, 2011.