400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-892-5798, mahaffeytheater.com
While it doesn't present nearly as many pop concerts as it once did, the Mahaffey Theater, located on the downtown St. Pete bayfront, is among the most aesthetically pleasing, sonically rewarding and comfortable venues in the market. Originally opened in 1965 as part of the Bayfront Center complex (with an adjacent arena), it's now a stand-alone building with an opulent lobby and gorgeous waterfront view. The Mahaffey is among the troika of venues that host the Florida Orchestra,and also stages touring Broadway shows and other events. Quite frankly, we'd like to see more rock and pop acts come through the hall.
Memories In 1999, Bogus Pomp, the locally based Frank Zappa repertory band, performed Zappa's music with the Florida Orchestra • A late-1970s Little Feat show, the last (and perhaps only) time Lowell George performed in Tampa Bay • Late '70s again: Steve Martin doing "Let's get small" and other bits at the height of his popularity • Feisty folkie Ani DiFranco eloquently roaring her way through a delightfully diverse set in 2001.
Capacity: 2,030
Grub: Snacks
Booze: Full Liquor
Next big show: Jerry Seinfeld, Feb. 27
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2008.