Ah, the '80s. I swear we have revisited the decade a few times already, right?
Even so, The Florida Orchestra and the Bricks of Ybor, offer fun twists and extras that make it worth the retread.
Conducted by Sarah Hicks, the Florida Orchestra's Totally Awesome '80s features an FM-friendly list of hits: The Human League's "Fascination" Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" and the obligatory "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel and The Police's "Every Breath You Take." Madonna, Prince, Cyndi Lauper and Dexy's Midnight Runners also add to the mix. The setup will include an '80s-style rock band of vocalists, electric guitar, electric bass, piano, keyboard and drums with the full complement of orchestral instruments. The New York Times has singled out conductor Hicks as part of "the next generation of up-and-coming American conductors." Bonus: The musicians will be accentuating their standard black attire with '80s accessories.
Still feeling nostalgic? Hit the Bricks on May 22 for Dinner and Drinks with Morrissey. The party commemorates the 52nd birthday of the former frontman of The Smiths, who in his heyday, combined pop-idol sexiness and misfit melodrama with wit and candor, and as a middle-aged solo performer, the icon born Steven Patrick Morrissey struts the stage with equal gusto. Celebrate his big day with random jams of the '80s, Smiths and Morrissey tunes and covers; DJ Oprah Spinfrey spins. Also, don your black-frame glasses and button-up shirt for a Morrissey costume contest. As The Bricks' Seamus Gallagher deftly pointed out, most of The Bricks clientele could conceivably win without even dressing up. Totally Awesome '80s is Fri., May 20, at 8 p.m., Straz Center; Sat., May 21, at 8 p.m., Mahaffey Theater; Sun., May 22, at 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall; $20-$67; floridaorchestra.org; Dinner and Drinks with Morrissey is 7 p.m.-close on Sun., May 22, at The Bricks of Ybor, 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, free, 813-247-1785.
