Get to know your local mutants: Volume 2
GHOST HOSPITAL Imagine a world where dinosaurs roam through unfiltered imaginations like so many forgotten dreams of revealed bias and reality. With Daniel Johnston sensibilities juxtaposed with garage punk and a little Butthole Surfers, Pittsburgh transplant Ghost Hospital creeps around Tampa Bay singing songs and playing guitar. Electric, acoustic, with a band, solo, short songs,…
Aretha Franklin, Wilco, Erykah Badu headline New Orleans Jazz Fest
My favorite yearly music bash, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, just announced its lineup for 2009 and I'm stoked about Aretha Franklin headlining the second weekend, April 30-May 3, which I annually attend. I've never seen the Queen of Soul and can't imagine a better place than the Big Easy for it to…
Be your own Iron Chef at Oceanic Trading Supermarket
In order to be the iron chef of your kitchen, you need to find your local Asian supermarket. Tampa has quite a few of them, usually Chinese- or Vietnamese-owned. Every foodie should have one of these on their shortlist. Oceanic Market is mine. I was first introduced to Oceanic by a Vietnamese friend and have…
Today in delivery hell: Pizza brought right to your, uhm, doorstep
"Mom, did you order cigarette butts on the pizza again?" I delivered food for a few years and all I can say about this video is — I feel for the driver. Yep, the driver. And damn, he had an epically speedy recovery. Watch it after the break:
I like my men flame broiled: Burger King releases new cologne
Sure, it's likely a marketing ploy, but at least the fine people at Burger King actually produced some of the stuff for release. Burger King Flame — the King's own body spray — is available for $3.99 from Ricky's, a New York based Halloween and novelty retailer. It might be worth it, if you're a…
Morrissey coming to St. Petersburg
Former Smith and indie boy icon Morrissey will bring his melodramatic croon and hopeless romanticism to Jannus Landing on March 4. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 19 at 10am through Ticketmaster, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Moz will begin the U.S. leg of his world tour in support of his new album, Years…
Free Shit: Postcards to the troops
If you've wanted to send American soldiers messages over the last few months, but haven't known who to send your missives to, Xerox has set up a website that allows you to send postcards to randomly-selected military men and women free of charge.
Free Shit: Florida plant themed desktop calendar
If your company is taking some budget hits to the chin this year, and the money is not there for a new desktop calendar, get a free one with a Florida plant-theme here.
You, too, can throw your shoes at Bush
Great new game based on this week's most watched YouTube video. Play it here. (h/t to Gina Vivinetto)
City audit: Lowry Park Zoo CEO Lex Salisbury created a culture of intimidation
Lowry Park CEO Lex Salisbury is taking hits from all sides. And he's hanging onto his job by a mere thread. One that may be cut on Thursday when he stands in front of the Lowry Park Zoo board to answer several questions related to his dealings between the zoo, his for-profit venture Safari Wild…
Eckerd College does Sundance
Nearly every year for the past several years, I've taken a group of Eckerd College students to the Sundance Film Festival. The trip is the culmination of a January term course on American independent film. This year, we will all be reporters, giving you the inside scoop on the latest information and gossip, describing our…
Media Talk: A Green Christmas
Here's a clip of my appearance last week on Tampa Bay Media Talk, presented by Tampa Digital Studios. In the clip, host Janet Sherer quizes me on what makes a green christmas, discusses my personal life and takes time out to dredge up one ghost of Christmas Past. Enjoy.
Do It Today
If you missed this weekend's opening for Dobre Den — a new exhibit of paintings, prints and installations created over the past year by Czech-born artist Ales “BASK” Hostomsky — you still have several more days to check out his creations at Pale Horse Gallery. On display through Dec. 20, noon-6 p.m., St. Petersburg, free…
Reel Projections, Tuesday December 16
New on DVD/Blu-ray: Mamma Mia!, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, The Third Man. Cinemablend has a cool little interview with Mickey Rourke talking about his new film, The Wrestler. The Horror! Stephen King's 10 best movies of 2008. It's a pretty respectable list, with the exception of Tropic Thunder, which would have been…
Vote for your favorite nonprofit!
Every year, our local PBS station, WEDU, hosts an annual nonprofit awards show: The Be More Awards. It's a chance for all those underfunded, underappreciated 501(c)3's to shine. More than 85 area nonprofits are participating this year, so WEDU wants to do something special. This year, they've added a new catagory — Reader's Choice. You…
The Short List: Was Blagojevich all talk and no crime?
Esquire has a funny piece on The Five Most Terrifying Local TV Christmas Commercials. All five are worth a look, but this one for Norton's Furniture is the gem of the bunch. If you just talk about something (like, say, selling an open Senate seat), is it still a crime? Speaking of the U.S. Legislature:…
Understanding the success of Seven Mary Three
Why do the same flannel-era rock acts play the ’Burg every six months? Because they draw. Much more than I ever expected. A few weeks ago, I dropped into the State Theatre to meet some friends who were seeing the Toadies (the band had that ’90s hit about some shit that went down “behind the…
Tampa’s Deicide tops torture song list
Our very own heroes of death metal, Deicide, our back in the news thanks to their song "Fuck Your God" topping the list of torture songs being used at Gitmo. How does the veteran Tampa band feel about their music being used as torture? From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "If I was a prisoner at Guantanamo…
Celebrate the Season with Peppermint Chip Blizzards
I have been waiting 11 long months for this. I've been dreaming of it since last December. You're probably thinking I'm talking about the "holiday season" or the "joy of giving". Not so much. For me, December is Dairy Queen's Peppermint Chip Blizzard season. It may seem odd, but if you have ever tasted this…
Don’t stop the presses! Newspaper columns get a second life
As we ruminate further on the decline of newspaper journalism (Holy Smoke! The Detroit papers will be available only online five days of the week!), let’s celebrate something that makes newspapers so important to us – great columnists. Florida is blessed with several of the best in the nation, and luckily the University Press of Florida…
Reel Projections, Monday December 15
First things first: The Guardian lists its top 8 most ridiculous plots of 2008. A fun read, and you should have quite a chuckle at numbers 1 and 2. It's a tie! Boston Society of Film Critics puss out and give Best Picture honors to both Wall-E and Slumdog Millionaire. Read the rest of the…
Tent cities: Not just for homeless anymore!
The threat of budget crunches is producing some novel ideas for combating jail overcrowding in Florida, including housing inmates in tents. Statistics released last week show Florida’s prison population is continuing to grow. Last year, Florida’s prisons took in more new inmates than any other state. Some corrections officials estimate the state will need 19…
Make mac n’ cheese in your rice cooker, and a whole lot more!
The rice cooker was a lifesaver when making sushi in culinary school (and that's about the only time we were allowed to use a household appliance). I found it to be useful because cooking rice perfectly on the stove is not as easy as one would think (and I'm not talking about the boil-in-bag kind).…
Almost old.
This weekend, I celebrated my 29th birthday and received all manner of good wishes from friends, family, and a few randoms on my Facebook page. My favorite, however, was an e-mail "card" from the Doug Stanhope fan site, exactly the sort of kick in the rear I needed. Check it out: Hello Leilani, So, you've…
A house divided: Florida vs. Oklahoma equals domestic unrest
Sooner Holley: About half way through regular season play, my husband and I started talking about college football armageddon: The Florida Gators made an incredible turnaround after Tim Tebow's moving speech following the Ole Miss game, and the Oklahoma Sooners started racking up touchdown after touchdown against every opponent following the Texas game. Could it…
The Short List: McCain refuses to endorse Palin
That's funny. I thought I was the only person who thought about death while watching Jimmy Kimmel Live. McCain refuses to endorse the Palin 2012 ticket. What went wrong in the rebuilding of Iraq? Everything. Gas prices his rock bottom. The Fed to cut interest rates to their lowest level in the last 50 years.…
Do It Today
books and reusable grocery bags, tomato samples, and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sweetbay, 5570 N. U.S. 41, Apollo Beach, free. Pictured at left: An original tomato-inspired piece by Tampa resident artist Eileen Switzer, a finalist in the national tomato art contest. Photographer/activist Skip Schiel presents, "In the Steps of the Magi," a photo presentation about…
On the Road with the Bucs
When the Bucs finally got around to scoring a touchdown against the Falcons Sunday afternoon – on a beautifully timed pass from Brian Griese to Antonio Bryant – I cheered enthusiastically. Suddenly I felt an arm around my throat, a pretty strong arm that had me in a choke hold. I started to laugh. I…
Bruce Springsteen scores with ’The Wrestler’
The Boss is back with the title-track to the highly anticipated new film The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke in what's being touted as an Oscar-worthy, comeback performance. The song doesn't have much of a hook, and the lyrics are riddled with cliches, but the lived-in passion of the vocal makes the song a mandatory listen…
Lorna Bracewell leads protest at Crist’s wedding
Editor's note: This post originally ran here at CL's Daily Loaf blog. Lorna Bracewell wrote it. The post is wonderfully moving and she is one of our many prized Music Contributors so I'm bringing it back to Tampa Calling. After all, this is her home. And to quote fellow Tampa Bay singer/songwriter Ronny Elliott: "I…
The perfect song for a sad Sunday
Overcast. Sunday. Long week ahead of me, you, probably most of the people reading this post. The stress is already settling in my gut like battery acid. Afternoons like these lead me in search of pretty, sad, comforting songs. Delightful ditties like Belle & Sebastian's dreamy "Another Sunny Day." Matching this song's diary-entry poignancy is…
Bush dodges a shoe!
Just when Dubya thought things couldn't get possibly get any worse, he's forced to duck some fast flying footwear. I actually feel bad for the Prez. Kinda. Here's the clip. Priceless.
Inertia and Super Secret Best Friends @ New World Bewery
Here are some shots from last nights show at New World Brewery. Despite the colder temperatures, about 100 folks came out to see the biggest full moon in 15 years and some good bands: Pielos, Super Secret Best Friends, Inertia! and the Unitards. Lily of Inertia! welcomed Ryann Slauson and Nikki Navarro of Giddy-Up Helicopter!,for…
Governor Crist’s wedding through the eyes of a big gay activist
Yesterday ranks amongst the more surreal days of my life. It lacked most of the mundane features of a typical day like eating, having a moment of privacy or understanding what the hell is going on around you. Now that the news cameras are gone, the radio interviews are done and the documentary film maker…
David Byrne at Tampa Theatre review, pics and setlist.
All photos by Phil Bardi. David Byrne is the sort of dude who commands attention with his very presence and as soon as he strode onto the stage at tonight’s sold-out show at Tampa Theatre, and gazed out at the crowd with his intense dark-eyed stare, I found it hard to look away. He was…
Shop Local: The Wooden Nickel
If you’re searching for unique and whimsical presents for the stranger members of your family, skip the predictable merchandise at mall staple Spencer Gifts and head over to the Wooden Nickel. From risqué cards and gag gifts to adult-oriented ornaments, this Tampa novelty store is filled with knickknacks that cater to the oddball set, usually…
Clasping Position (Female Dominant)
The Clasping Position has traditionally been recognized with the male on top, but this version has been swapped around, giving the woman complete control of the motions. The position begins easiest with the man lying on his back, legs together, with a readied erection. The woman sits on him in standard cowgirl position and then…
Pielos tonight at New World Brewery
This just in from our man Jack Spatafora at Aestheticized Presents:
Low-key wine and beer bar opens in SoHo
You've stumbled past this tucked away SoHo location hundreds of time, but if kids aren't part of your world, you probably never noticed it: Practically Pikasso has changed ownership. The founders of this quaint location quietly called it quits mid-October and Kelly Grillone, a Tampa newcomer from the Destin area, stepped in and renamed it Pikasso's…
Reel Projections, Part 3, Friday December 3
The X-Man marks his spot: Super-hunk Hugh Jackman (and reigning sexiest man alive) has been confirmed as the host of the 2009 Oscars, which will be telecast Feb. 22. After I announced this juicy nugget to anyone within earshot, expecting to hear reluctant grunts of manly approval, music critic Wade Tatangelo expressed his displeasure over…
Ask the Obama Administration
Photo Credit: Chad Davis via Flickr.) Barack Obama has been a busy President-Elect. In addition to trying to stay out of the Blago fray, appointing new cabinet secretaries and expressing his disappointment with Congress' handling of the Auto Bailout, Obama is reaching out to you, the American citizenry, to find out what you think are…
Trace of Day, Soulfound and Drew Street Mary at Gasoline Alley Tomorrow
WHO: Trace of Day, Soulfound, Drew Street Mary and more WHAT: Bad Ass Rock Concert WHERE: Gasoline Alley, 14042 66th St, Largo, Florida (across from Mugs and Jugs) WHEN: Saturday December 13, 2008 DETAILS: Showtime 8:30pm, tickets $6. Doors are at 8PM. Buy tickets in advance at www.mohawkbomb.com/tix SET TIMES: Madison Fadeout – 8:30 -…
Ani DiFranco is coming to Tampa!
This may be old news amongst her more rabid devotees, but I just got an alert from Ticketmaster that Ani DiFranco is coming to the Tampa Theatre on March 20, 2009. For those of you that haven't experienced Ms. DiFranco live, you must! She's a cultural phenomenon and a brilliant lyricist and musician to boot. I wonder…
T-Model Ford tonight in St. Petersburg
In an era when suburban teen prodigies and middle-aged white dudes with greasy ponytails dominate the blues scene, we are extremely giddy to welcome Delta blues bad-ass T-Model Ford to the juke-joint-sized Dave's Aqua Lounge for what is – to the best of our knowledge – the awesomely grizzled singer, songwriter and electric guitarist's Tampa…
Reel Projections Part 2, Friday December 12
Just imagine how good the movie will be: Feast your sore eyes on the ass-tastic poster for the upcoming Unborn, which was written and directed by David S. Goyer, whose writing credits include The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, the Blade trilogy and Jumper. I could say a few dissertation-worthy things about this poster as an…
Eat your greens: Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree Recipe
I know these cute little Ice Cream Christmas Tress have been around forever. Who even knows where they originated. But aren't they darling? The kids had such a great time with these, that is after they got past the sugar rush from eating the frosting by the spoon fulls!
Teens: Anal sex keeps us virgins
A November study by the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center in Rhode Island suggests that heterosexual anal intercourse is rising among teenagers, who have some pretty interesting ideas about the practice.
Want to live next to a brothel?
The city of Tampa thought so. That's why they're planning on buying two lots in Drew Park — you know, that shady neighborhood between Dale Mabry and the Tampa International Airport known for its swinger clubs, adult stores and masturbating Fox Channel 13 general managers — to allow developers to build homes on them. And…
Reel Projections, Friday December 12
Boy howdy, it's the second Reel Projections podcast, which has part two of my talk with Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons. And never you mind what the player text says, Joe didn't ask Dave Gibbons a damn thing — it was all me. Me! Me! Me! (Not to put too fine a point on it.) However,…
The Short List: Bank of America plans massive layoffs
Gen. Colin Powell sounds off on the future of the Republican party. The Reps would be wise to listen to Powell, but my guess is this will only set the Limbaughs of the world off even more. Bank of America plans layoffs for 35,000 workers. Obama claims his staff had no contact with Blago. India…
Do It This Weekend
Luxury Car (China) and The Custodian (Argentina). Sat., Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., University of Tampa-Reeves Theater, $8 one film/$12 two/$15 three. The Salvador Dalí Museum volunteers, staff and Mayor Rick Baker invite the public to "Surrealize the Dream," a groundbreaking for the new museum, which will nearly double in size to 66,450-square-feet. After the…
Reel Projections: Episode 2
In episode #2 of the Reel Projections podcast, Joe and Sal continue their talk with Dave Gibbons, co-creator of the grapic novel Watchmen. Download.
Dar Williams to play Palladium
One of my favorite folkies, Dar Williams, will perform at The Palladium Theatre on Feb. 4. Joshua Radin opens. Tickets are $27.50, go on sale Dec. 19, and are only available through the Palladium box office, which means no Ticketmaster bullshit. I had a great phoner with Williams back in 2002. Here's the opening couple…
Cupcakes!
Craft Magazine and Make Magazine are tremendous periodicals for the 21st century DIY culture. And in true 21st century style their blogs are as important as their paper publications. Here's the Craftzine blog, and here's the Makezine blog. I tell you this because they're great zine/blogs and I thought you might be interested in them,…
Raw Deals: This week’s best supermarket sales
Finally finished off all the turkey leftovers? Great, time to start cooking again! Here are this week's best bets: Whole Foods – Grapefruit — from Indian River — are almost half-off at $.79/pound, so buy a bunch and whip up some snapper with herb salad and grapefruit from the Culinary Sherpas? (full ad) Publix Greenwise…
One last Of Montreal post
To wrap up our Of Montreal coverage, they closed this glorious show with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Enjoy!
Reel Projections — Thursday, December 11
The 2009 Golden Globes nominees have been announced. Tell us who you think will win/ shouldn't have been nominated/ was looked over. BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Frost/Nixon The Reader Revolutionary Road Slumdog Millionaire BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting…
Another ‘green’ Christmas tip: Recycle your old sex toys
Here's one item Wayne Garcia missed in his comprehensive environmental piece, "Dreaming of a green Christmas": recycling your old/broken sex toys.
Are Tampa Bay area pharmacies preventing women from purchasing Plan B?
In a recent story posted on The Consumerist, a reader reported that pharmacy clerks at a Mississippi Walgreen's hassled his girlfriend when she attempted to buy the Plan B pill.
The Short List: Obama calls for Blagojevich’s head
How much will the scandal surrounding Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich? John Harwood checks it out. Obama calls on Gov. Blagojevich to step down. Is it Jesse Jackson Jr. or should we call you Candidate #5? Sure the election's over, but Obama is still doing well in the polls. The house passes $14 billion auto bailout…
Phoebe Snow: A nakedly honest show at Tampa Theatre
It probably wasn't intentional, but Phoebe Snow's opening song at Tampa Theatre on Wednesday night, "Standing On Shaky Ground," was acutely autobiographical. She turned in a spirited, funky rendition of the tune, but the subtext was that Snow, in fact, is standing on shaky ground, and she's not doing anything to conceal it. This coming…
Do It Today
Gourmet magazine executive chef and Sara’s Weeknight Meals host Sara Moulton (pictured at right) whips up her favorite holiday dishes and shares tips and secrets during a special live appearance in the ballroom at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 8 p.m., Tampa, $35. Art Institute of Tampa students present Black and White Gallery: Winter…
Jamey Johnson might just save country music
Last night I was ready to announce "last call" when I put on Letterman to check out the music guest. There loomed Jamey Johnson, this truck-driving fella with a rich, burly voice. He recounted a conversation with his WWII-vet granddaddy … and I nearly had to wipe a manly tear from my eye. Titled "In…
Songs for busted Illinois guv Blagojevich
Perhaps you've heard about Gov. Rod Blagojevich getting busted for trying to auction off a senate seat. Poor guy. Now Obama is urging him to resign. I say, throw Blagojevich's corrupt ass in jail. Or better yet, prison. With a big dude named Bubba. Top 10 Songs for Blagojevich 1. "Christmas in Prison," John Prine…
Paul McCartney “Sing the Changes”
Macca's latest album under the Fireman moniker, Electric Arguments, finds him dabbling in a variety of musical styles, the result being one of his most satisfying releases. Check out the video for the single "Sing the Changes."
From the “Can the Rays repeat?” file…
You didn't think the New York Yankees were going to get aced out of the playoffs and just stand pat during the offseason, did ya? Reports have surfaced that the team has signed prized free agent pitcher C.C. Sabathia to a seven-year $161 million contract. He' the first cog in the Yankees shoring up their…
Food section round up: St. Pete and New York Times
St. Pete Times: This week, Laura Reiley reviews the new location for Z Grille in St. Pete. She also instructs on how to make your own infused vodka. Colette and John Bancroft feature Concannon 2006 Chardonnay as their wine of the week. Janet Keeler provides weekday dinner inspirations, including quick white bean and ham soup and pasta…
RZA to drop new disc Jan. 27
"Lots to report from the world according to RZA," the rapper/actor's publicist notes. "New album, Wu-Tang tour, and a role in the new Judd Apatow film [Funny People]. Caught some of the filming and it was hilarious! [RZA] appears alongside Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler in one of the scenes – great look!" Here's the…
Reel Projections, Wednesday December 10
Consider it a Christmas miracle: I was resigned to putting up the trailer for Dragonball: Evolution, until I finally came across a Terminator Salvation trailer that I could embed in this post. (And no, I won't even link to the Dragonball trailer. If you want to burn your retinas, search for it yourself.) Los Angeles…
It’s all about energy in this week’s Creative Loafing
Wayne Garcia is dreaming of a "green" Christmas. Progress Energy is planning the country's first brand-new nuclear power plant in over 30 years. Tarballs and tourism: Why is Florida's top tourism bureau endorsing offshore oil drilling? Are gas stations shortchanging you? The answer may surprise you.
Who is the main investor in Progress Energy’s new nuclear power plant? You.
For this week's Urban Explorer column, I attended two meetings organized by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in response to Progress Energy's recent application for a new nuclear power plant in Levy County. Between meetings, I drove the lonely roads of southern Levy County, talking to folks who had little or a lot to gain from…
The Short List: What the [expletive], Gov. Blagojevich?
"I've got this thing and it's fucking golden…" Read #96 and all the other juicy bits in the affidavit, 'United States of America v. Rod R. Blagojevich, and John Harris." Or perhaps you'd prefer the David Mamet version? Or the Shakespeare: Mrs. B.=Lady MacB Name that goon: Who said it, Tony Soprano or Governor B?…
T-Model Ford is the real deal
Editor's note: Contributor Autopsy IV, of ninebullets.net fame, and I are totally in agreement about blues bad ass T-Model Ford, who performs Dec. 12, Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg. Here's Autopsy's write-up; check out his kick-ass site for free MP3s. My Ford preview will be in the Creative Loafing that streets today — and will…
Do It Today
This month's socially-conscious Conversation with Bill Cosby, and the feature-length documentary, The Boys of Baraka, about a group of "at risk" 12-year-old boys from inner city Baltimore who attend an experimental boarding school in Kenya, East Africa. 8 p.m., the Studio@620, $5 general/$3 members. Singer/songwriter Phoebe Snow plays a show at Tampa Theatre. For more…
Progress Energy plans nuclear power plant north of Tampa
Florida doesn't get much more rural than Levy County. Situated 90 miles north of Tampa, between the Gulf of Mexico and Ocala, the area boasts no major cities or interstates. The entire county's population is less than Dunedin's. Much of the area is dotted with ranches and trailer parks. Unemployment runs high. Republican politicians run…
Some holiday gift ideas for the foodies on your holiday list
Most wine geeks are also foodies (a term I loathe, but it's pervasive) who own a decent corkscrew, a set of sharp knives and upgraded-from-college pots. But we can never have enough gadgets or tasty ingredients to fan our foodie fire. Satisfy insatiable yearnings with these gift ideas: Food Gifts Bacon of the Month ClubNot…
Film: Saturday Night Fever
Museum of Fine Arts and Sunscreen Film Festival have joined forces to bring Bay area folks Movies at MFA. The next featured presentation is John Travolta’s polyester extravaganza, Saturday Night Fever, about a Brooklynite guido with all the right moves and dreams of disco dancing stardom. Movies begin at 7 p.m., with the galleries open…
Tampa electric’s dirty deal
It's time to tilt at windmills again. Except this time, the windmills are powered by coal. Civic activists, health advocates and three Tampa City Council members are trying to block a long-term deal with Tampa Electric Company. They say it doesn't require the utility to clean up its coal-burning plants, won't lead to power lines…
Film/Dance: The Nutcracker at Beach Theatre
St. Petersburg, Russia nonconformist art pioneer and willful expatriate Mikhail Chemiakin is know for his surreal grotesque creative style, his paintings often featuring vibrant, fantastical beings. Several years ago, Chemiakin was approached by Kirov Ballet to bring a fresh new feel to a tired holiday staple, The Nutcracker, using his paintings as inspiration. The production…
Dance: Le Salon De Danse
The third and final fall concert in Le Salon De Danse – a new modern dance series in St. Petersburg – showcases the expressive improvisational style of Miami-based choreographer/performer Heather Maloney, whose 2002 work, We Live in Rooms Inside of Rooms, was recognized as one of Miami’s top ten dance events by the Miami Herald:…
Dance: The Great Russian Nutcracker
The Great Russian Nutcracker makes its annual stop at Mahaffey Theater, bringing its oversized puppets, lavish sets inspired by the French Post-Impressionist paintings of Henri Rousseau, and, new this year, a giant, six-handed grandfather clock signaling the transition into the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” Dec. 19-20, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 3 p.m. Sat., 400 First…
Gorilla Theatre heats up the stage with Six Degrees of Separation
The real subject of John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation is the need for human connection — the need to belong, to be respected, appreciated, loved. When the character Paul comes into the lives of Louisa and Flanders Kittredge, they rush to his assistance, because he's a friend of their children and a son of…
James Brown: Double Dynamite! (DVD)
DVD When it comes to James Brown live albums, virtually every pundit around will send you to the Godfather of Soul’s 1963 groundbreaking juggernaut Live at the Apollo. Naming the definitive Brown concert film is much tougher — official videos really didn’t start to surface until the early 1990s. Like those old VHS tapes, Double…
The Knux: Remind Me in 3 Days
Rock and rap had largely forged an unholy alliance thanks to such clown acts as Limp Bizkit. But that’s changing with forward -thinking young groups like Gym Class Heroes and the most brilliant new hip-hop act of 2008, The Knux. Comprised of brothers Krispy Kream and Rah Al Millio, the sibling duo was born and…
Film: It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s the hardest holiday season in more than two decades. For most, Christmas present budgets just aren’t what they were in years past. So instead of throwing money away on another round of gadgets, why not bring a loved one — or the entire family — to the charmingly ornate Tampa Theatre to watch one…
Music: Christmas at Bayshore with Nikko Lowe
Recording artist and songwriter Nikko Lowe performs with the Bayshore Chancel Choir, the Joy Pritz String Quartet, pianist Susan Laurence, organist Keri Knecht Mitchell, the Encounter Band, and other special guest soloists in "Christmas at Bayshore," a Yuletide Eve service and concert of sacred and contemporary holiday music. Guests are encouraged to bring gift donations…
Dance: Moscow Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Miami City Ballet’s annual Nutcracker stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall is absent from this season’s calendar, but a much more intriguing prospect has taken its place. Moscow Classical Ballet’s interpretation stays mostly true to The Nutcracker story, but draws on choreography and added scenes used in Vasily Vainonen’s 1934 Kirov Ballet production, with modernized twists…
Nutcracker productions for the holiday season
A Nutcracker production can be found in virtually every corner of the greater Tampa Bay area during the Yuletide season, and this weekend is no exception. For those interesting in a break from tradition, the nonprofit Bay Area Dance (BAD) Company stages Goin' Nuts, a humorous, satirical update of the Nutcracker that's set against the…
Could I survive on nothing but potatoes and milk?
I heard it's possible to live for an extended period of time, not just short-term, on nothing but potatoes and milk. Is there any truth to this? If I could really get all the nutrients I need from just potatoes and milk, it sure would make my grocery shopping easier. — — Joshua B., Olney,…
Holiday: Ghetto Xmas Party and Hallucination Before Christmas
Two alternative Christmas soirees are thrown only blocks from each other in Ybor City, each offering its own unique take on seasonal good times. Skatepark of Tampa and REAX co-host the seventh annual Ghetto Xmas Party, which features "pimped-out holiday standards" by Clearwater's reggae/ska/punk trio Full Fledged Unit, spins by the Crate Brothers and DJ…
Are gas stations shortchanging you at the pump?
This year, the Florida Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Petroleum Inspection received nearly 6,000 calls from consumers who suspected their neighborhood gas stations were ripping them off. Turns out, it might have been the gas stations that were shortchanged. In a review of 2008 inspection reports from Hillsborough County gas stations, Creative Loafing found that…
Radcliffe Bailey and Miroslav Antic: Two Worlds and a Family Album at Polk Museum of Art
Plenty of artists explore memories through their work, but only the great ones figure out a way to plumb personal experience for universal themes. Atlanta-based artist Radcliffe Bailey, whose prints and mixed-media paintings are currently on exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art, is among the latter. Combining antique photographs — mostly portraits, some drawn…
LaRue Nickelson: Dark Water
Local On Dark Water, LaRue Nickelson — the jazz guitar instructor at USF and easily one of the top ax men to call the Bay area home — goes the ECM route with a set of probing, chamber-style jazz. Comparisons can be precarious, but I’ll just say that Nickelson is working in territory made familiar…
Ike and Tina Turner: Sing the Blues
Backspin 1969 Throughout the 1960s and into the mid-1970s, the Ike and Tina Turner Revue blew concertgoers away like few acts to ever walk the planet. The highly troubled husband-wife team was also dynamite in the studio. Ike and Tina Turner Sing the Blues combines the long-out-of-print 1969 albums The Hunter and Outta Season. Each…
Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine: Island restaurant that excels at dinner
I normally favor independent restaurants, but I also find it difficult to deny myself the pleasure of eating at great chain places. That's why Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, the high-end string of restaurants started by island chef Roy Yamaguchi and owned by Tampa's own OSI Partners, still manages to drag me in for the occasional…
Backing out of a threesome, plus orgasm etiquette
Savage Love I've been with my loving, adventurous, GGG, kind boyfriend for two years. We're both in our mid-to-late 20s, but I've had more experience. In the beginning, I was honest about having been in a few threesomes. He was turned on by the idea and initially I encouraged him. However, as we became more…
Questionable parenting: Check this kid’s ID!
How do bartenders make money? By selling drinks to thirsty people and hopefully receiving a generous percentage in return. To maximize this symbiotic relationship, a bar needs customers, product and access all in good measure. Now put yourself in the scene at a local watering hole on a recent Friday night. There are people everywhere,…
Left Hand Rye Bock Lager brings the balance… and the rye
Left Hand Rye BockRye Doppelbock, 7.6%Left Hand Brewing, Colorado Left Hand beer rules. Seriously, everything that emerges from this Colorado brewery's vats is pure gold. One offering from Left Hand's seasonal Big Mo' Series is Rye Bock Lager. It's a doppelbock, which is a fancy word for a strong beer that uses bottom fermenting yeast…
Cheap Champagne alternatives: Cava and Prosecco
With New Year's Eve approaching, and with the inflated Euro jacking the cost of French Champagne, 'tis time to look for more affordable options for your day-after-decadence hangover. Thankfully for the financially challenged, the Italians make Prosecco and the Spaniards craft cava. Cava, named after the caves in which this sparkling wine is stored, is…
Sean Penn’s performance fortifies Gus Van Sant’s movie Milk
If you are old enough to remember the life and death of Harvey Milk, you may experience a few unpleasant flashbacks during Gus Van Sant's biopic about the gay politician — not just to the fury and confusion that surrounded his assassination, but to other memories that may have seared themselves into your brain in…
$100 case of wine: Vintage Wine Cellars
This entry of $100 case of wine is found at Vintage Wine Cellars, located at 3629 Henderson Blvd, (813) 879-2931. Visit Michael, Jimmy and David to find these deals: 3 bottles Borsao 2007 Campo de Borja, $7.992 bottles Borsao 2007 Rose, $7.991 bottle Paso a Paso Verdejo La Mancha, $9.991 bottle Gnarly Head Zinfandel, $9.991 bottle Segura…
Why is Florida’s top tourism bureau supporting offshore drilling
In early October, tourism officials from across the state gathered in the Panhandle town of Destin for a two-day discussion on offshore oil drilling. The Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Executive Director Robert Skrob organized the summit after a bad summer for tourism, in part due to high gas prices. To lead the…
All that jazz: Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue gets a deluxe reissue
I thought I had reached the point of no return with Kind of Blue. Having listened to the classic 1959 Miles Davis album so many times, having owned it in so many of its reissued iterations, I suspected, feared even, that I might never desire to hear it again. What was once my go-to platter…
Devin the Dude: Landing Gear
Houston-based Devin the Dude (born in St. Petersburg) sounds relatively polished on his most recent disc. Could be because his 15-year contract with heavy-hitting Houston label, Rap-A-Lot, expired and chose not to renew. Thankfully N.Y.-based Razor & Tie picked him up. Landing Gear serves up Devin’s typically laid-back (read: stoned) flow and vocal harmonies over…
Sports: MagicJack St. Petersburg Bowl
A brand new NCAA post-season bowl game debuts in the ’burg this weekend. It’s called the MagicJack St. Petersburg Bowl, and it pits USF against University of Memphis. Neither team lit it up this season. Memphis finished 6-6. USF started 5-0, but stumbled when it began to play Big East Conference foes, and finished with…
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
‘Tis the season to be conservation-minded.
Classical Music: A Baroque Holiday
This year, The Florida Orchestra’s "A Baroque Holiday" program features two of its own violinists, Nancy Chang and Sarah Shellman, in Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins as part of the Holland America Line Coffee Concert series. Not only do you get to hear accessible pieces by Baroque composers such as Vivaldi and Handel, but they’ve…
Tips on holiday office party etiquette
It's that hap- hap- happiest time of the year again. Time for calendar-closing budget crunches, shitty bonuses (jelly of the month club, anyone?) and, oh yes, holiday office parties — those awkward soirees where upper management and the beleaguered cubicle monkeys are forced to commingle. It's the optional event you simply must attend. Pent-up rage,…
Graffiti, Foundation Show and an Art Mixer shows at Pale Horse, ARTpool and Tampa Artist Emporium
Who knew? Tampa's own Bask, an artist and inveterate graffiti writer who embraces the label of vandal, hails from the Czech Republic. Dobre Den (English translation: "good day" or hello) is the title of an exhibition of his latest paintings, prints and installations, which opens Saturday (Dec. 13, 8-11 p.m.) at Pale Horse Design and…
Of Montreal brings the pop psychedelia to The Ritz
Photo of Kevin Barnes by Phil Bardi; to see a bunch more pics by freelance photographer elawgrrl, click here. Of Montreal’s stage show is an aural and visual hallucination brought to dazzling life. I could spend a few thousand words describing it in colorful detail and still manage to leave out plenty. The six-member band…
L’Olivier Cabaret to open in Ybor next month
Olivier Cuevas — owner of St. Petersburg's L'Olivier Bistro — is working feverishly to complete his new L'Olivier Cabaret before the Super Bowl. "Because there will be so much attention on Ybor during the Super Bowl," he said, "all these big networks will be situated there. It will be dramatic and important that we open…
Top 10: Depressing Christmas Songs
Updated: Dec. 6, 2008: This list of sad Christmas songs first ran as a feature in Creative Loafing, back when it was the Weekly Planet, in 2002. I then re-posted it here at TampaCalling last December. Unfortunately, the list is again proving appropriate, even more this year than during any holiday season in my lifetime.…
Stripper songs
Nude women have always been a favorite thing of mine. Writing this blog post here about how jiggle joints are recession proof got me thinking about the almighty pole, and the hotties who gleefully swing from it in all their naked glory. I haven't frequented a strip club in over a year. That's far too…
Soul Rebels blast Le Bon Temps Roule
Photos by Thomas Stevenson. New Orleans hip-hop and horn ensemble Soul Rebels, which play Tropical Heatwave in Ybor City May 17, hosted a sold-out showdown at Le Bon Temps Roule in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood Thursday. More than 300 people crammed the venue to shake it as the 8-piece delivered a boisterous meld of jazz,…
Almost There …
 My Morning Jacket at Langerado ‘07 Photo by Phil Bardi Tomorrow morning, my story about Langerado 2008 – the multi-day, multi-genre outdoor (camping optional) music festival – hits newsstands. Tomorrow night, my husband and I hit the road to South Florida with our friends, Matt and Orel, for the sixth annual fest, which has…
Wu-Tang, Manchester Orchestra, Pink Floyd and more
Here's what I have running in the new Creative Loafing: Interview with Andy Hull, frontman of Atlanta indie-rock outfit Manchester Orchestra Wu-Tang Clan and OneRepublic are coming to town So is Matchbox Twenty, David Allan Coe and Xavier Rudd in Music Week Pink Floyd, Helio Sequence and more CD reviews in Spins BAR TAB: The…
Best Christmas Movie/Soundtrack Ever!
Merry Christmas from the Peanuts gang (and Vince Guaraldi).
