Ray Roa

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief in August 2019. Past work can be seen at Suburban Apologist, Tampa Bay Times, Consequence of Sound and The Daily Beast. Products and media for review consideration should be sent to 204 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa, FL 33602.

rroa@cltampa.com

Rendering of a sleek sports bar interior with a large square bar surrounded by high chairs, overhead wraparound LED screens showing sports, framed jerseys on the walls, and warm lighting creating a modern yet classic social hall atmosphere.

Hail Mary Social Club opens this winter in Tampa Heights

Ownership says the concept is the first of three concepts coming to the historic Franklin Street building.

by Ray Roa September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

Musician Hozier performs on stage, holding a microphone while wearing a green denim jacket with a patch on the sleeve, lit dramatically against a dark background.

Music

Interview: Talking to Hozier and Maren Morris ahead of this weekend’s Sing Out Loud Festival in St. Augustine

Rilo Kiley, Father John Misty and Beabadoobee are also at Francis field.

by Ray Roa and Ed Condran September 20, 2025September 20, 2025

A musician sits in a studio, resting one hand on the back of his neck while holding an acoustic guitar with the other. He wears a tilted brown fedora and a dark shirt, looking down thoughtfully. Behind him, several guitars hang on the wall, handwritten lyric sheets are taped up, and amplifiers are stacked in the corner.

Music

Haunting Colorado songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov makes Florida debut in St. Pete this winter

The scaled-down acoustic show is one of two Sunshine State dates.

by Ray Roa September 18, 2025September 24, 2025

Music

Electronic duo Hide plays a Tampa storage unit this weekend

The gig isn’t as hard to find as their name implies.

by Ray Roa September 17, 2025September 18, 2025

Music

Four Star Riot headlines WMNF’s Birthday Bash this weekend in St. Pete

The station is beloved even without government support.

by Ray Roa September 17, 2025September 18, 2025

A percussionist in a sleeveless shirt and backward cap plays conga drums on stage, his tattooed arm in motion. Beside him, a smiling musician with curly hair and glasses plays a güiro, with a drum kit and other band members visible in the background. The scene captures the energy of a live outdoor performance.

Music

Jazz percussionist Gumbi Oritz joins The Crew in St. Pete this week

They’re bringing Tampa Bay to ‘The Latin Side of Swing.’

by Ray Roa September 17, 2025September 18, 2025

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay cover dated September 18–24, 2025, with the headline "PARK IT" in large yellow letters across a downtown Tampa street scene. A road sign in the center shows a red circle with a car crossed out, highlighting the story “World Car-Free Day lands in Tampa.” Skyscrapers and construction frame the background.

World Car-Free Day 2025 takes over Tampa this weekend

Events happens across the city from Midtown to Altamonte Heights.

by Ray Roa September 17, 2025September 17, 2025

arrow beside the words. The sign is mounted on a pole, with a background of dense green foliage

After winning argument over lack of federal ties, Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ now wants federal money

If FEMA approves Florida’s request, the money will be awarded by Sep. 30. The Everglades facility is estimated to cost around $450 million for the year.

By Livia Caputo/Florida PhoenixSeptember 16, 2025September 16, 2025

An art installation featuring a boat pushed through a wall that looks shattered with painted cracks, as if it burst into another dimension. Colorful blankets and fabrics drape off the bed, framed pictures lie on a rock-covered floor, and a pair of slippers sit nearby.

Free Museum Day unlocks St. Pete cultural gems this weekend

It’s the perfect reason to check out closing weekend for Nina Yankowitz’s career retrospective at MFA St. Pete.

by Alisha Durosier and Ray Roa September 15, 2025September 17, 2025

Trippy Kitchen makes Tampa debut this weekend at Ology Brewing

It’s the Seminole Heights taproom’s third anniversary.

by Ray Roa September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

Four band members walk together outdoors on a wet ramp bordered by red and white walls, with palm trees visible in the background. The man on the left, wearing a plaid flannel over a white shirt, smiles with his hand on his head. Next to him, another member with long hair in a dark jacket grins widely. The third member, in sunglasses, a messy blue shirt, and black coat, sticks out his tongue. On the right, the fourth member wears a black cap and jacket, smiling as he looks toward the group. The mood is playful and relaxed.

Music, Show Previews

My Chemical Romance tops list of 12 concerts to check out in Tampa Bay between Sept. 12-17

Plus, Leon Bridges, Charley Crockett, Cage the Elephant and more.

by Sophia Lowrie and Ray Roa September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

A large crowd gathers on a grassy lawn in front of an outdoor stage with a sweeping white canopy at sunset, with people sitting on blankets and standing to watch the event.

Music

Clearwater’s BayCare Sound celebrates 100th concert on Monday

Croon with some cowboys and get a free trucker hat, too.

by Ray Roa September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

Bearded man with a shaved head passionately sings into a microphone during a live performance. He wears a dark T-shirt, and his intense expression is highlighted under stage lighting. Another band member is partially visible in the background.

Music

Florida punk bands bring ‘No Walls, No Cages’ benefit concert to St. Pete

Monies raised Saturday go to immigrant justice organizations.

by Ray Roa September 12, 2025September 12, 2025

Black-and-white portrait of a man wearing glasses, a striped jacket, and a bucket hat. He looks directly at the camera with a calm expression, holding the brim of his hat with both hands. The background features a playful polka dot pattern.

Music

Aych brings his favorite artists to Tampa’s Loud on 7th music festival

The multi-venue, week-long festival that kicked off last Monday.

by Ray Roa September 11, 2025September 11, 2025

Ballet dancers perform on stage in front of a backdrop depicting stone arches and a garden scene. A group of dancers in pastel costumes gather around a box at center stage, while another dancer in a blue dress balances on pointe with one leg extended gracefully to the side. A table decorated with flowers and a cake is set in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.

Arts & Entertainment

New Tampa Performing Arts Center kicks off new season with weekend of free shows

Tampa City Ballet, St. Pete Opera, and others will take the stage.

by Ray Roa September 10, 2025September 11, 2025

Portrait of a middle-aged man with short gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard, smiling slightly. He wears a bright blue collared shirt, and the background is a plain neutral beige.

‘Hopefully there’ll be another Andy Huse 100 years from now’: Tampa Bay mourns beloved historian, librarian and archivist

Memorials and celebrations for the past CL columnist are happening Friday and Sunday.

by Ray Roa September 10, 2025September 11, 2025

Side-by-side photo of two speakers at an event. On the left, a man in a dark suit and tie speaks into a microphone. On the right, a woman in an orange dress also speaks into a microphone while seated. Both appear engaged in discussion against a dark backdrop.

Scott and Young headed for runoff in Tampa City Council race

Two’s company.

by Ray Roa and Selene San Felice September 9, 2025September 10, 2025

Black-and-white portrait of a man with short dark hair, a mustache, and a pointed beard. He wears a simple shirt and looks directly at the camera with a calm, serious expression. The background is a brick wall in soft focus.

Arts & Entertainment

‘Tempo, Tampa’ a new Theo Wujcik show, opens this month

A panel will discuss the work of the prolific, late, artist on Thursday, Sept. 18.

by Ray Roa September 9, 2025September 16, 2025

Two men sit together on a couch, laughing and smiling. One wears a navy striped T-shirt and jeans, while the other wears a light blue T-shirt and a bracelet, resting his hand on his face as he laughs. The setting is a cozy living room with pillows and wall décor in the background.

Arts & Entertainment

TIGLIFF ‘Summer Fest’ brings three days of queer movies to Tampa

Closeted dads and divorced lesbians are welcome.

by Ray Roa September 9, 2025September 9, 2025

A smiling bartender in a denim jacket with fringe stands behind a counter, talking with customers seated in front of her. Several beer taps are mounted on the wall behind her, and the warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Ybor City’s Sky Puppy Brewing celebrates first anniversary with day-long party this weekend

There will be dogs, art, food from Lara, and barleywine, too.

by Ray Roa September 9, 2025September 9, 2025