Do This: The Weekend Top 10
Couldn’t get Fleetwood Mac tickets? Me neither. There’s much more to do this weekend.
Comedy, by the book — books by local comedians
Stand-up comedians are writers, naturally. Somebody has to jot down those funny observations that get used on stage. But some comedians take the writing thing a step further and actually complete books. Whether they're true-life accounts of a comedy career, a springboard for funny stories or a bit of fiction, local performers have some books…
The big blue bungalow: Bourgeois Pig opens Friday, too
A boho-chic, home-away-from-home setting will be paired with The Bourgeois Pig’s new fare.
Meet the Brewers: Sean Greelish, Jeff Domb & Sam Price of Stilt House
Have a cold one with friends alongside Stilt House Brewery’s tight trio.
Do This: Third Thursday in the EDGE, Hyde Park Cafe Pop-up and MFA’s Porch Party
Do some holiday shopping tonight and relax and with something different groovy. This evening is Third Thursday in the EDGE, a monthly festival that is bigger this month in time for holiday shopping needs. More than 30 businesses in the neighborhood around Central and 9-16th streets are participating, with specials, live music, street performers and holiday treats.…
Downtown St. Pete welcomes From Mayan Hands, a Guatemalan folk art gallery
Exquisite Day of the Dead-inspired statues and more can be found at the new gallery.
Shit happened 12/18/14: Vinik’s vision, Democratic corruption, Locale, Cuba and more
Wednesday was the ghost of a creaky 19th-century freighter lost at sea, registering briefly on a Russian submarine's sonar array before disappearing again, likely forever. Lightning owner and Tampa real estate mogul Jeff Vinik revealed rough plans for his new walkable downtown "world-class, mixed-use" urban hub to a roomful of journos and interested parties at…
Tampa Bay’s novel nooks
Where to cuddle up with a beverage and a book throughout the region.
The art of letters: Four recommended artbooks
CL’s visual art critic rounds up a quartet of tomes on the subject.
“A lover, a hunter, a fighter” — Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh
John Lahr’s latest biography is a feast for Tennessee Williams fans.
Theater Review: Handle With Care
Stageworks says happy holidays in Hebrew with a heart-warming comedy.
New Vinik plan gives downtown Tampa a walkable urban hub, like most cities already have
The room, a ballroom at the Marriott Waterside in downtown Tampa, was packed with the city's elite; so crowded it was hard to move once Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn hit the stage on Wednesday. Buckhorn was introducing Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, whose recent purchase of roughly 24 acres in the area surrounding the…
OpenTable names Ulele in top 100 restos list
Tampa’s Ulele achieved a winning seat at OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Awards.
SCENE BREAKER: An elf makeover, a gay giveaway and a Welsh Christmas on the wagon
The inside scoop on Crumpet’s couture, The Jorge Show year-end show, reviving Dylan Thomas and more.
Whoa. US and Cuba relations to warm up, to the chagrin of Rubio & the like
Reversing a vestigial Cold War-era policy, President Obama has begun to take down the diplomatic wall between Cuba and the U.S. Both countries are dusting off their mutual embassies (hopefully with the help of an IT person), and have exchanged a handful of captives convicted of espionage in either country — one American and three Cubans.…
The Books Issue: Kitchen lit
Cookbooks on culinary gurus, Southern pigs and eating like you give a f*ck.
Nation, we will miss The Colbert Report (w/video)
The final episode airs Thurs., Dec. 18.
Inside Locale Market during Tuesday’s media preview
What adding the final touches to a gourmet market looks like.
Concert review: The Black Keys with St. Vincent at Amalie Arena, Tampa
A look back at the Tue., Dec. 16 show, with photos & setlists included
Sh*t happened 12/17/14: Bush’s presidential bid, Rick Scott’s FDLE upset, AirFest cancellation & more
A ringtone crowed — a techno version of No Doubt's cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life." Pestilence's horse turned his head and shook his mane, agitated, ready to go. Pestilence patted his pockets; before he could find his phone, a man outside the gelato shop across the street from the carriage roost retrieved his…
The Books Issue: Tastes of the Sunshine State (with recipes)
Joy Sheffield Harris explores the state and region’s foodie roots in A Culinary History of Florida.
More Taiwanese treats, Lebanese eats to satisfy the area
Grape Leaf Express and Naga Tea are two of Hillsborough’s newest food and drink joints.
Local heroes tout 64-ounce growler bill
Two Tampa Bay lawmakers on Tuesday announced bills in the State House and Senate that would allow craft breweries to sell 64-ounce growlers, something that, stupefyingly enough, isn't legal right now. In the crowded, lofty tasting room at Dunedin Brewery, State Senator Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) and State Rep. Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor) stood among dozens of…
Past meets present: Fodder & Shine debuts its Cracker grub Dec. 26
Expect chiffon pie, heirloom produce and more Florida Cracker edibles at Fodder & Shine in Tampa.
Topgolf set to tee off in Tampa
On Wednesday night, I experienced a dream. A dream filled with golf, music, pool tables, delectable culinary, a rooftop bar, foosball, shuffleboard, and flat screen televisions with every sporting event imaginable. Did I mention golf? A week from Friday, the dream will become a reality and be available for everyone living in and visiting the…
New music releases out through the rest of December: Charli XCX, Teen Idols Future Classic comp & more
With audio & full album streams included.
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
Lachlan Patterson, a finalist on the most recent "Last Comic Standing," is at Side Splitters this weekend. From holiday shows to television personalities to contest winners, there's a lot of variety on stages this weekend. Find a good show and catch some laughs before you head out for some last-minute shopping (you know you still…
Jeb Bush looking into possibly seeing if he wants to explore definitely running for president
In a shocking-not-shocking development as the field of 2016 GOP presidential contenders begins to blossom, it turns out there will probably be a Bush among them. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Tuesday announced a more aggressive pursuit of the presidency, or more accurately, he has "decided to actively explore the possibility of running for…
Tonight in live music: The Black Keys with St. Vincent
I remember seeing the Back Keys back at a half-full Skipper’s Smokehouse in 2005. It was raw, unhinged, blues-licked rock n’ roll by two on-the-rise instrumentalists who were on the verge of combusting; Dan Auerbach raged guitar and howled grit-smeared sweaty soulful odes of love, pain and heartbreak while drummer Patrick Carney thrashed his kit…
Sh*t happened 12/16/14: #illridewithyou, Bondi fights gay marriage, Pier makeover and more
Monday was a sodden athletic shoe that emerged from the mists to wash up on a nearly deserted shore in British Columbia. Was there a foot inside? You tell me: The city of St. Petersburg released proposals for a Pier makeover from eight design firms. It'll still be a bit before the public gets to…
AG Bondi does the obvious; same-sex marriage up in the air again
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed an emergency motion to keep the state's same-sex marriage ban in place Monday, jeopardizing the prospect of such unions becoming legal Jan. 6. Because, obviously, there are no better ways to spend Floridians' tax dollars; might as well piss it away on things like continuing to limit individual freedoms…
New St. Pete Pier designs revealed
Christmas came early for urban designophiles, especially those eagerly awaiting options for the new St. Pete Pier. Today the city released proposals for the site from eight different design teams to the media on a DVD (which meant we all had to dig out our old, slow-ass laptops to pull up the images and project…
Holiday helpers: Four seasonal meets for home chefs
Gastronomic gatherings with tips and ideas for the rest of your holiday celebrations.
Marchand’s holiday brunch dishes nine food stations
If you’re a sucker for Sunday brunch, the Marchand’s holiday lineup is definitely for you.
Florida among the lowest in wage gains: Set your stun guns to “Blame Obama!”
Another day, another thing that's holding our state back. The Wall Street Journal crunched numbers on changes in wages, county by county, throughout the U.S. between 2004 and 2013, and adjusted them for inflation. Surprise, surprise: Florida counties are lagging in terms of positive changes in average annual wages, and a vast majority of counties…
D’Angelo finally releases follow-up to Voodoo, stream the whole thing now
Black Messiah, 14 years in the making, launches the soul-crooner/hermit back into the spotlight.
Do This: Full by Katie Berger and A Christmas Carol
Start off the week with a night at the theater.
Sh*t happened 12/15/14: Hogan’s Beach, Supa D, sex trafficking and bad movers
What a great weekend, huh? Well, for you and me. Not so much for Safety Harbor, the patrons of Supa D and a couple of dudes with some extremely bad ideas… FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 A 27-year old St. Pete man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role — along with his girlfriend…
Bravo “troublemaker” Jax Taylor — his Tampa Bay connection and fashion line
He has quickly become a fan favorite with more than 143,000 followers on Twitter.
The Five Best-Selling Vinyl Records of 2014
These records sold well, industry sales are booming, but vinyl still faces a long and difficult road out of obscurity.
Holiday cheers: St. Pete brewery hop holds ugly sweater contest
Enjoy beer specials and friendly competition during Sunday’s three-stop brewery crawl in St. Pete.
Shot in St. Pete — … And a Bag of Chips! lands on cable TV
The award-winning short is a tale of self discovery.
This weekend in live music: Usher, Hallucination Before Christmas, Trampled by Turtles, The Greyhounds & more
Concerts this Sat.-Sun., Dec. 13-14
It wasn’t a total sh*tshow: a few good things that happened this week
As the holidays approach, things tend to slow down. If you disagree, try journalism. Nearly everyone is on vacation and few public officials are interested in committing any news. While that makes for a not-so-depressing few weeks, it also means that the good-news-train (at least, the non-Christmas miracley one), slows down. But we did spot…
Models wanted: Cigar City needs fresh Puppy’s Breath muses
This is just the break your four-legged pal’s been looking for.
Transit: Orlando and Phoenix did it; Why the hell can’t we?, say local leaders
Getting people to vote to raise their own taxes for something even as beneficial as light rail is like getting them to try kale. Those who make decisions in terms of their health for the coming decades are likely to give it a shot. They'll probably like it if it's cooked right (sautéed with garlic…
Historical figures revealed on Tampa’s Riverwalk
Sculptures of figures from Tampa’s history revealed.
Do This: The Weekend Top 10(ish)
More fun on bikes, the LGBT Welcome Center opens grandly, holiday stuff, famous comedians, great art in Tampa and Pinellas and that Tchaikovsky ballet.
Movie review: Exodus: Gods and Kings applies bleak and thunderous drama to a familiar story
Director Ridley Scott’s adaptation of the Biblical tale deviates from the original script in button-pushing style.
Localtopia to feature draft beer truck, new Urban Comfort items
Regionites can expect new food and drink purveyors at Localtopia, and also established favorites.
Sculpting with sod — Mark Joseph Oliver at CASS
The artist opens his sculpture-heavy (literally) exhibition, The Best-Laid Plans, tonight at South Tampa’s premier gallery.
Brew Bus puts the pedal to the metal for beer buffs
A Brew Bus trip to Angry Chair revealed what’s down the road for Tampa Bay’s niche shuttle service.
The Hip Hop ABCs: Letter X
The alphabetical rap battles are nearing an end with the latest X-named rapper
Sh*t happened 12/12/14: Racist Sony emails, Best Buy offends Serial listeners, Sea World CEO resigns
As the fallout from the Sony hack continues, new emails came to light that seem to show Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal and noted producer/tough person to work for Scott Rudin sharing a few racist jokes at President Obama's expense. Feel free to save them, just in case your bigoted uncle starts blathering during Christmas…
Tonight in live music: Cory Branan & Jon Snodgrass, Sarah Mac Band Christmas Show & more
Concerts this Fri., Dec. 12
Law requiring conservative “agit-prop” documentary in schools strengthens
A bill requiring every 8th and 11th grader in the state to watch a controversial conservative documentary the group Media Matters for America called "racially-charged agit-prop" just got a boost. Earlier this week, Lakeland area State Rep. Neil Combee sponsored a House version of a law Umatilla area State Senator Alan Hays originally proposed in…
Adorable anti-Duke protest draws small crowd
With every season comes a new way to say the same thing. Those who really, really hate Duke Energy are taking advantage of this by styling protests outside the energy giant's regional headquarters with seasonal accoutrements. The theme at a Thursday demonstration was, of course, Christmas, Santa and all. There were hokey Christmas carols with…
Activists to Rubio: you’re ruining Christmas!
Activists stood outside U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s Tampa satellite office Thursday morning to ask him to support President Obama’s recent executive order allowing some undocumented immigrants to stay in the country. The prospective presidential candidate is himself a product of immigration; Rubio’s parents came to the States from Cuba in 1956. But he's not as…
Warehouse Arts Enclave reaches major milestone with support of mayor, City Council and Pruitt Foundation
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and St. Pete city council voted today to approve $75,000 for the Warehouse Arts District Enclave, bringing the total raised so far for the project to $350,000. The Enclave promises to be a catalyst for reshaping an unloved part of St. Pete into a hotspot for arts activity. Located at 5th…
Bloomberg: Florida man likes money
An exhaustively researched Bloomberg piece out today looks at former governor Jeb Bush's financial dealings since leaving office, of which there are a lot, and asks whether they hurt his presidential prospects by turning him into a "Mini-Mitt." Not that it's impossible for a zillionaire to get elected, but many considered Romney's piles of money,…
Do This: Downton Abbey at Tampa Theatre, The Room, Sexual Chocolate and DJ Mega
From high brow to low brow, variety is the spice of (Thursday night) life.
On the menu: Seven spots to toast to the weekend
End your Friday with drinks and eats at one of these local soirées.
The Style Issue 2014: Style counsel from Tampa Bay’s best-dressed rockers
From Salvation Army to Chanel, it’s all in their repertoires
Theater Review: Bones
Silver Meteor reopens with a British black comedy that will feel familiar to most.
Tonight in live music: Dirty Bourbon River Show, Rockapella Christmas & more
Concerts this Thurs., Dec. 11
Dark & Sinful: Primus instinct
The concert on that hazed-up night proved to be one of those times when I didn’t feel like the odd woman out.
Transforming Tampa Bay: Masterpiece in the cow pasture
The juxtaposition is dramatic enough to stop I-4 traffic: Just past the Lakeland exits is a very large, very white, and very contemporary building alone in a field. Internationally acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava has designed a stunning 162,000-square-foot structure to house Florida Polytechnical University (FPU). It’s a little like the Vatican: strong on aesthetics, but…
The Style Issue 2014
Creative Loafing’s annual look book is on a roll
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
He's so unusual: Demetri Martin is at The Straz on Saturday night. It's the holiday season, but you still have plenty of time to do your shopping. Why not hit up a comedy club for some laughs instead? There's a lot of variety for audiences, and there's never a bad time of year to laugh.…
