#theResistance
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fell at the hands of a murderer 50 years ago, thus ending the life of the greatest civil rights leader America has ever seen. One City Community Chorus honors the man and his life with a free concert open to everyone. The chorus itself is unique in that it holds no auditions and welcomes anyone — and proof that anyone can find a way to do good and honor our heroes. A joint partnership between the Carter Woodson Museum and One City Chorus.
Laugh
CL's comedy writer, Michael Murillo, hates it when you walk up to him and say, "hey, say something funny!" — and he also hates it when you call him Mike. So don't do those things. Do do this (we said "do do"): go see him perform alongside Nathan Wallace, John Charles Ragland and Lindsay Glazer in the Love's A Bitch comedy show. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Feb. 14, 8 p.m. $15. lindsayglazer.com.
Comedians include Ian Bagg, who was a finalist on Last Comic Standing, Karen Rontowski, who performed on The Late Show with David Letterman, and Tony V, who performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.Three stand up comedy shows around the state will benefit the Innocence Project of Florida. Closest to home is Feb. 1 in Naples at the G&L Theater at the Community School of Naples,13275 Livingston Rd., Naples.
Read
Did you love Jason Porath's Rejected Princesses? Of course you did, because it's a whole book about women who aren't simpering in the background of history. Well, this April, Harper Collins will release Porath's Tough Mothers, history's "mightiest matriarchs" — and we can't wait to give it to our moms for Mother's Day. Jason Porath. April, Harper Collins. $24.99. 256 pages.
Phil Gernhard, Record Man
Even if you don't consider yourself a "music type", the story of this Florida legend-maker will suck you in to its pages. Written by CL contributor, self-proclaimed music guy and longtime fan of Florida music Bill DeYoung, all that wouldn't be enough to get us to suggest it if we hadn't already discovered what a delight this book is. Bill DeYoung. March, University Press of Florida. $24.95. 202 pages.
A Step-By-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard
Ginny Stibolt and Marjorie Shropshire show you how to ditch the fertilizer and eco-harmful grass yard and convert your piece of paradise into a true Eden. Ginny Stibolt and Marjorie Shropshire. March, University Press of Florida. $21.95. 128 pages.
The Annotated Old Fourlegs: The Updated Story of the Coelacanth
It's a reprint of the original book about the coelacanth, a four-legged fish thought to be extinct for some 65-million years. It's Jurassic Park meets reality, without the crappy sequels. Mike Bruton. March, University Press of Florida. $29.95. 328 pages.
Travel
Word of South
A festival of southern literature and music that takes place on the grounds of Cascades Park. Although this year's fest doesn't have a set lineup yet, it's a dog-friendly, free event that has a great history of great artists. Last year they had Harrison Scott Key, Diane Roberts, Lu Vickers and David Kirby — to name a few of our favorite reads. Apr. 13-15. wordofthesouthfestival.com.
Do stuff
For one weekend, pretend it's vaguely possible for you to squeeze your two dogs, a cat, husband and everything you hold dear into a 340-square-foot space at the St. Petersburg Tiny Home Festival. Hey, guys, I've done this — I lived in an apartment that was exactly that big (except for a teeny-tiny bathroom and an — I shit you not — five foot by three foot kitchen). And yes, some days I miss it, which is why I'll be at the fest. While tiny living isn't for me, it may be for you — and even if it's not, you'll no doubt find tiny changes (or large) you can make to simplify your life and reduce your carbon footprint. St. Petersburg College Allstate Center, 3200 34th St. S., St. Pete. Apr. 7-8. $15. tinyhomestpete.com.
Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes You've been to Gulfport, right? O'Maddy's, Pia's, maybe a walking tour. You've bought bangles at Bo Tiki and had a vegan brunch at Mangia. But have you seen its great northwest? No? Think Stetson, Mediterranean homes and home to one of the town's most exciting murders. Is that true, you ask? Hmm. Gonna have to head to the Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes to find out. Mar. 3,11 a.m.-5 p.m. $20; $25, advance. pinkflamingohometour.com.
Pride and Passion: Strange Beauty The museum's signature fundraising event celebrates the LGBT community and its contributions to the local art scene. For its 13th year, the event lets you support the places that support what you believe. As in, equality. And art. Ticket price includes museum admission, hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Apr. 14., 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $100; $90, members. After Mar. 1, $125, $100, members. Join the museum or get more info about the event at tampamuseum.org.
Puppy Bowl OMFG, how adorable is this? If you — like me — maybe only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, check out Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl instead, which is as adorable as it sounds. This year, Suncoast Animal League has two eminently adoptable dogs in the Puppy Bowl — Kelly Barkson and Henry, both rescued from Pasco County Animal Services. Join the watch party. The Dog House of Safety Harbor and 8th Avenue Pub, 737 Main St., Safety Harbor. Feb. 4, 1-4 p.m. (game at 3 p.m.).
Trashy Treasures Even though art abounds at this event, it's not really an art event. No, the annual art garage sale at the Dunedin Fine Art Center is much more. It offers you a chance to learn what DFAC's all about, have some fun with your neighbors and, if you're smart, enjoy the preview party and take a look at the discards of other art collectors. After all, one man's trash is another's treasure, right? Of course, if you see something you like at the preview party, bid on it — the money helps DFAC bring art classes and shows to the local community. Pro tip: If you're serious about building an art collection — or even if you're serious about picking up great frames on the cheap — spring for the money for the preview party, 'cause that's when the best stuff goes. Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Preview party: Feb. 16, 6 p.m. $10. Sale: Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 727-298-3322.
This article appears in Jan 18-25, 2018.