The Venus 'Ancestor Stimulator'

The Venus’ 19-track debut album was written in 2016 with a lot of psychedelics on hand; that time forced frontman Alexander Charos to face pain that’d been buried deep within him. A new album, Ancestor Simulator, captures the inevitable comedown of that chemical whirlwind, but it’s also a poignant and artfully composed and produced reflection on what it’s like to face America’s demons head on and fight for a more just and equitable world. “I’m more hopeful now for our country than I’ve been in a long time. I hope that we can keep this momentum going and actually change policy and vote out the final old guard of racists and bigots,” Charos told CL.”Don’t stop protesting and don’t stop singing.” thevenus.bandcamp.com —Ray Roa

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St. Pete Postcard Project

When coronavirus sent many of us into self-quarantine this spring, local art teacher Sara Norine came up with a creative way to keep her students making art. Norine sent them blank postcards in the mail, asked them to decorate the front, write a message on the back, and send the cards back to her. While supplies lasted, Norine sent blank postcards to any community member who expressed interest in participating in the project. As the completed postcards rolled in throughout May and June, Norine took photos which she shared on Instagram and Facebook. In mid-July, both the Morean Arts Center and ARTicles Art Gallery hung the cards in their street-facing windows for the passerby to enjoy. The 4-by-6 inch works of art, with their well-wishes and words of encouragement, reminded us that we’re all in this together. @stpetepostcardproject on Instagram —Jennifer Ring

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'Washed Ashore' At Florida Aquarium

I’ve been spending a lot of time at the Florida Aquarium (long story short: I don’t have a babysitter until about 10:30 a.m., and the place is relatively empty when it opens at 9:30 a.m.). Thanks to the air-conditioning and sea critters, the venue is perfect for my nine-month-old and me. But one aspect of each visit—the art made from plastic that’s been collected from the shores of beaches—is both beautiful in its aesthetics and absolutely soul-crushing in its message (long story short: we’re pretty much selfish fucks who can’t be bothered to utilize reusables or even secure our trash). The sculptures in “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” include a parrot fish, white shark, whale skeletons and more, but they’re all made of lighters, toilet brushes, flip-flops, bleach bottles and other garbage. Go punish yourself by going to see it (viewing has been extended through October), and then walk out committed to trying to make sure an exhibit just like it can’t ever be made again. flaquarium.org —Ray Roa

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Tampa Museum Of Art

While many white people were complaining about destruction of property and destruction of history during BLM protests, protests in Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park were more interested in creating things than destroying them. The Tampa Museum of Art set up a protest sign-making station in support of peaceful protests for Black Lives Matter, and people were loving it. You should see the photos. tampamuseum.org —Jennifer Ring

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Cam Bertrand

It's been a weird year for comedy, considering that clubs were shuttered for several months and performers struggled to stay busy. But Bertrand logged plenty of accolades before that (a “Florida's Funniest Comedian” title and plenty of popular headlining gigs) and clips of his DryBar special, “Sophisticated Ignorance,” racked up millions of views online. A spot at the Parking Lot Social event next to Raymond James Stadium in July only proved that the virus didn't slow down his creativity. If his name sounds familiar, it's because you've seen it on a previous Best of the Bay award: Namely, Best Up-and-Coming Comedian a few years back. But with a vibrant stage presence, a slew of pop culture references and plenty of clever self-deprecation, Bertrand's not up and coming anymore. He's here. @camthecomic on Instagram —Michael Murillo

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Steve Miller

Tampa has loved comedian Steve Miller for almost 10 years now, proven by the multiple Best of the Bays he’s won. Miller got to give the love back when he presented an almost 10-minute comedic homage honoring the 813-with smidge of the 727. As part of the Straz’s Tampa’s Total Request Live, the stand-up set was filmed in front of some of Tampa’s great attractions like the Tampa Museum of Art, Amalie Arena, and, of course, 2001 Odyssey. It was a love letter of sorts to our city, talking about why it’s the best ever when it sometimes seems like the worst. He gets in some jabs about the Confederate flag and reminds us what we’re missing while we are in quarantine like “... Not being able to find a place to sit at Armature Works.” So do we Miller, so do we. stevemiller813.com —Stephanie Powers

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Side Splitters

Let's be honest: This year hasn't been easy for any comedy club, and they all deserve a tip of the cap for surviving months with closed doors and no laughter. But Side Splitters was the first one back, and it clearly had a plan in place for its return. That meant installing an air purification system, paper menus and silverware, mask requirements for staff and customers, professional cleaning and all the required social distancing. It even held a special benefit show for their employees who were hurt financially. All the local clubs have done a good job, but Side Splitters deserves special mention for getting things up and running in a professional and positive manner. sidesplitterscomedy.com —Michael Murillo

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Ya La'Ford And Tampa Bay Rowdies

Ya La’ford’s latest community mural is all about teamwork. It’s the perfect theme for a mural at Al Lang Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Rowdies play soccer. La’ford worked with the players to add a layer of footprints to the mural. Afterwards, over 100 St. Pete residents added their handprints to create the finished piece. Teamwork wasn’t exactly 2020’s theme, but it should have been. Sometimes you have to work together to win, and sometimes you have to work together to survive. Either way, this mural is a great tribute to people in Tampa Bay working together for the win. yalaford.com —Jennifer Ring

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Tampa Pro Women's Tourney

Seemed like it was a long time coming—especially since women have skated for free at the Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT) for what feels like forever—but in February, for the first time ever, Tampa Pro included a women’s open tourney with a $5,000 purse on the line. Ladies long should’ve been part of one of the country’s most unique skateboarding tournaments, and it’ll feel even better whenever the tourney actually happens again. skateparkoftampa.com —Ray Roa

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Victoria Jorgenson and Fabiana Lowe

A lot of you started filming with your iPhones at the onset of this pandemic. Not all of you took Victoria Jorgensen and Fabiana Lowe’s iPhone movie workshop at the Dunedin International Film Festival beforehand—I can tell. But that’s okay; we applaud all your home movie-making efforts during these difficult times. But if you ever want to level up, there’s a workshop for that. Lucky for us, this isn’t a one and done scenario. Before the pandemic came around, Jorgensen told me they’re planning more workshops with Creative Pinellas and additional film festivals, you know, once we can have film festivals again. amovieproductions.com —Jennifer Ring

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