Movie review: The Great Beauty is bellisimo!
The visually captivating Italian import is nominated for the year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar.
An American Promise worth keeping
PBS premieres a documentary 13 years in the making.
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
There's a lot of variety headed to comedy stages this weekend. Hypnotists, puppets, talk show hosts and professional speakers join a lineup of traditional stand-up comedians to provide entertainment to audiences. No matter what you're looking for, something on this list should fit the bill. Here are this week's options. Theaters Jay Leno at The…
A Q&A with MythBuster Kari Byron
One of the stars of Discovery’s hit show chats about her cool job and the new exhibition at MOSI.
The Pinellas arts scene celebrates its Muse
Movers and shakers cut loose at the benefit for the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance.
Happy Birthday, Old Bull Lee
William S. Burroughs would have been 100 today.
The Normal Heart beats with the pulse of a generation
Larry Kramer’s drama is a vital document in the history of human rights.
Hillsborough County Commissioners approve first step to possible ferry service
The proposal would attempt to create ferry service done in other cities such as Seattle The Hillsborough County Commission today approved the first step toward creation of a proposed ferry service that could ultimately take residents from downtown Tampa to St. Petersburg. Today's action was much more modest, however. The board voted 6-1 to approve…
From street murals to Honolulu: A chat with Bask
The local artist gets around.
Goodbye Seth Meyers, hello Colin Jost
SNL‘s head writer will co-host “Weekend Update” with Cecily Strong on March 1.
Listen: Major Lazer, “Aerosol Can” featuring Pharrell Williams
Major Lazer just dropped this gem of minimalism, which features none other than hip hop royalty and honorary Daft Punk-ee himself, Pharrell Williams. Expect it on the former's forthcoming Apocalypse Soon EP , out February 25 via Mad Decent. As anyone who's listened to Major Lazer for more than 30 seconds will probably expect, the…
Best of the Day: MeteorEYES and Face Time at USF’s Centre Gallery
Cutting-edge multimedia art and music converge in the most excellent way tonight.
Nan Rich says she supports engagement with Cuba
Nan Rich talks issues with students at the University of Tampa. In Florida, most Democrats share a core philosophy, certainly in comparison to their Republican counterparts. Except on the issue of Cuba. That's where South Florida Democrats (none bigger than Debbie Wasserman Schultz) join in common cause with their colleagues across the aisle in continuing…
Mitch Perry Report 2.5.14: D.C. developments do no favor for either Jolly or Sink
Two incidents yesterday out of Washington could give both Alex Sink and David Jolly campaign ammunition. First, for Sink, there's the issue of flood insurance. Although Congress has voted to delay some rate hikes that affect homeowners in older houses until next fall, an attempt to delay for four years the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance legislation…
Review: Arctic Monkeys rock Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
A look back at the Sat., Feb. 1 show; with photos.
Florida finally starting to crack down on hit-and-run drivers?
Miami cyclist Aaron Cohen was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2012 The most notorious hit-and-run incident in Tampa Bay occurred nearly a decade ago. On March 31, 2004, dance teacher Jennifer Porter was driving home when her car hit four young black children as they crossed North 22nd Street in Tampa. Bryant Wilkins, 13,…
Unintended consequences: New CBO report on Affordable Care Act
A new report published by the Congressional Budget Office presents some unfavorable information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The report says that because of the "significant technical problems" that were encountered with the implementation of healthcare.gov, about 1 million fewer people than projected will obtain health care coverage through the exchanges, about…
Social’s Johnny Ciani becomes partner at The Bricks in Ybor City
The former Social owner and manager joins Bricks as operating partner.
Bonus Q&A with Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman
The band plays Mahaffey tonight.
St. Pete’s civic synergy in action
USFSP – Bayboro – (L to R )Marine Science Majors Chelsea Kuzel and Kelly Eaton with Elementary Ed Major Briana Brunnel St. Pete sizzles with synergy these days. The word is derived from a Greek word, synergia, which literally translated means “working together.” And, working together for the common good is what leaders in the…
Mitch Perry Report 2.4.14: Get ready for five more weeks of trashy ads in CD13 race
The three candidates running in the CD13 special election — Republican David Jolly, Democrat Alex Sink, and Libertarian Lucas Overby — got it on last night in Seminole in their first debate of the special general election campaign (Read our take on it here). Voting by mail in the election starts today, but there's still…
New Music Tuesday! (February 4): This Is the Town Harry Nilsson tribute, Bombay Bicycle Club, Xiu Xiu & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
CD13 candidates Sink, Jolly and Overby duel in Seminole
For the first time in this brief campaign for the late Bill Young's congressional seat, candidates David Jolly, Alex Sink and Libertarian candidate Lucas Overby debated . All three had strong and weak moments during the 55-minute forum held on the Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College and televised by Bay News 9 and CSPAN3.…
Bluelucy immortalizes a starry-eyed Twiggy
The mural’s vibe and colors were inspired by a piece Chad Mize had created in 2013.
Prior to first debate, David Jolly still says Alex Sink owes voters more
Political junkies are eagerly awaiting tonight's first debate in the March 11 special election for Florida's 13th Congressional district. Better watch closely, though, because as currently scheduled there may be only one other time Alex Sink and David Jolly will discuss the issues in front of voters (libertarian candidate Lucas Overby will also participate tonight).…
10 songs dedicated to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman
Featuring songs from films he was involved in; Spotify playlist included.
Chinese-Americans (including Alex Sink) join a celebration of the Year of the Horse in Largo
Scenes from the area’s largest outdoor Chinese New Year celebration.
HART CEO Phillip Hale to step down in 90 days
HART CEO Phillip Hale announced this morning that he will be leaving the agency in 90 days, returning to his native Texas to work in a family business. The 63-year-old was named interim head of the agency in April of 2011 after the board forced out David Armijo. "I'm very glad I'm getting the hell…
Best of the Day: Watch a Philip Seymour Hoffman movie
Capote, Boogie Nights, Big Lebowski, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Almost Famous, Happiness, Magnolia, The Savages — his range was amazing. Make your own mini-festival and remember the brilliant actor he was. It's the best way to honor him.
Watch: St. Paul & The Broken Bones perform “Don’t Mean A Thing”
The Alabama sextet exorcises their vintage soul/R&B demons at Crowbar tonight.
Charlie Crist comes out aggressively vs. Rick Scott in new digital ad
Be prepared to see, hear and read a lot about Charlie Crist this week. His new book, The Party's Over, is being published this week. And the Democratic gubernatorial candidate has a new ad out Monday morning that hits Rick Scott in one of his vulnerable spots – his checkered past before he became governor…
Do This: Misconception at Studio@620
Zazu Productions SEXY, SPOOKY AND FUNNY? Playwright Joseph Alan Johnson. Cure your post-Super Bowl malaise at The Studio@620 with some laughs and by helping out a local theater company, Zazu Productions, which stages Misconception, by local playwright and adult theatrical comedy specialist Joseph Alan Johnson, at Studio@620 for three performances, beginning tonight. Misconception has been…
Mitch Perry Report 2.3.14: Reflections on a not so Super Sunday
John Elway on Fox News Sunday Good morning, everyone. Where to begin discussing one of the worst Super Bowls ever? How about starting with the man of the past two weeks, Peyton Manning? People say the press is fickle, but try listening to fans on sports radio talk about the great one's legacy. He truly…
The Gaily News: AG Pam Bondi will defend Florida’s same-sex marriage ban
After six same-sex couples filed a lawsuit seeking the right to marry in Florida, Attorney General Pam Bondi said she’d oppose the fight to overturn the state’s ban on gay marriage at the annual Associated Press Legislative Planning Summit in Tallahassee last week. "If I am asked, yes [I will intervene] because it is my…
Remembering Philip Seymour Hoffman: An uncomfortable soul
The actor excelled at playing deeply troubled characters.
Paul Ryan says GOP IS unified on 1 part of immigration – they don’t trust Barack Obama
A year ago there were great hopes that the time was ripe for comprehensive immigration reform to be addressed by Congress, something that was last addressed by Ronald Reagan and Congress in the mid 1980's. We all know that didn't happen then. Can it happen now? It might be an exaggeration to say that a…
Explanation for FOX pulling Scarlett Johannson Super Bowl commercial: Stupidity
A Super Bowl commercial starring Scarlett Johansson that gets banned by a major network should include gratuitous nudity. Or at least a few F-bombs. Instead, for the second year in a row FOX is banning SodaStream’s 30-second ad because it may hurt the feelings of Coke and Pepsi :(. Stop snarking, that’s really the reason.…
Big screens, buffets and big fun: 5 spots to watch the Super Bowl tonight
Teams from Washington and Colorado — the two U.S. states that have legalized recreational marijuana — are playing the big game this evening. While you can't toke up for the fun, you can check out the following establishments throwing celebrations that offer optimal viewing and cheering. Capitol Beer House Tailgate Party Watch the game on…
Best of the Day – Super Bowl XLVIII
Resistance is futile. Only the most hard-headed of contrarians will be able to resist the Super Bowl (6:25 p.m. Fox 13-WTVT). This year's model is definitely exciting on paper, as the teams with the best records in their respective conferences, the NFC's Seattle Seahawks and the AFC's Denver Broncos, battle it out in the championship…
Do This: Localtopia and St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival
Dubbed a “community celebration of all things local” and “market on steroids,” Localtopia reminds us that we have the power to ensure some of our most unique businesses stay afloat and thrive. Presented by non-profit Keep Saint Petersburg Local, the massive bazaar in Williams Park celebrates SPL’s two-year anniversary with crafts, art, food and drink,…
Best of the Day: Graphicstudio: Uncommon Practice at Tampa Museum of Art
An astonishingly varied show of works from a USF cultural treasure.
Risotto Remix: Farro gives a classic Italian dish a whole grain twist
Katie Machol Simon I'm sure most of you have had or at least heard of risotto before — a creamy, classic Italian dish made with short-grain, arborio rice that's a veritable blank canvas as it can be made with about a million different accompanying herbs, vegetables, proteins, etc. Well, I've recently come upon risotto in…
of Montreal and Deltron 3030 confirmed to play State Theatre this spring
This week was full of live music revelations. Well, only a few worth mentioning, but these few were big ones, as far as I'm concerned. Maybe it's because I live just about a mile away from State Theatre and up until the 2014 announcements started coming through, had been somewhat disappointed in the venue's general…
Connect Tampa Bay unveils its “Go Hillsborough” transportation plan
The man with a plan: Kevin Thurman of Connect Tampa Bay speaks to a rapt group of concerned citizens While the campaign for a penny sales tax increase to expand bus service and help build a light-rail system in Pinellas County is starting to heat up, action in Hillsborough County has been moving at a…
Lebowski Fest dudes it up tonight and tomorrow
Big Lebowski fans with bowling, costumes and live rock ‘n’ roll this weekend.
Tonight’s 20/20 special features Eckerd College professor
Child psychologist Marjorie Sanfilippo to appear on “Young Guns: A Diane Sawyer Special.”
Chinese New Year/Year of the Horse
Happy New Year — The Year of the HorseBy Kimberly DeFalco Kimberly DeFalco Today, I’m glad I’m not a horse! Well, in the Chinese, astrological sense, that is. Today marks the opening ceremonies of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival of China. It is…
St. Petersburg Opera opens Susannah
Susan Hellman stars American opera’s Tennessee mountain girl.
Operatic cuisine at Maritana Grille
A unique collaboration between performing arts and local cuisine can be enjoyed through Feb. 4.
The Well-Played List, 1-31-2014: The Black Belles, Temples, Nightmares on Wax & more
The most listened-to music of the week by the CL Music Team & local tastemakers; audio, video & Spotify playlist included.
That Awkward Moment offers cause to give pause
Zac Efron-centric bromantic-comedy is cliched and angsty but still enjoyable.
Mad Pub brings craft beer to Madeira Beach
A neon Bud Lite sign still hangs from the ceiling and one wall was covered with tacky souvenirs. But the 40 taps behind the bar suggested something was up in John’s Pass Village. Craft beer in the heart of tourist-ville? Seems so. What was once a daiquiri and tacky souvenir shop — informally known as…
Mitch Perry Report 1.31.14 – Stupor Sunday weekend begins
The day after his New England Patriots got whipped by Peyton Manning's Broncos in the AFC Championship game two weeks ago, Tom Brady said he didn't plan on watching Super Bowl XLVIII, and I can relate. It hurts to be so close and yet so far away.. Being a San Francisco 49er fan since the…
Looking back at Robyn Hitchcock’s sweet and darkly comic serenade
The former frontman for the Soft Boys headlined The Palladium’s Side Door on Jan. 23.
Do This: Muse@MFA
A first for St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, Muse@MFA promises to be a uniquely fun fundraiser.
To the light box …
There’s SAD. And then there’s sad.
The curse of crowdfunding
It would work if it weren’t for the crowd.
St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs looks to bolster local interest in global issues
The wide-ranging conference returns to St. Pete to up our international I.Q.
U.S. Senate votes to reject flood insurance rate hikes
But would the White House veto a delay in Biggert-Waters?
This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Carolina Chocolate Drops, Sevendust, Yonder Mountain String Band & more
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30Nekromantix w/The Scurvy, Housebroken, Switchblade Villain Among the subject matter covered by LA-by-way-of-Denmark’s psychobilly trio Nekromantix: skyscraper-sized spiders converging on NYC, lesser-known serial killers of the real (“Jack the Stripper”) and horror flick (“Driller Killer”) variety, demon girls and dead girls and dirty girls and ghoul girls. In sum, dark and morbid imaginings…
Queens of the Stone Age bring their Like Clockwork tour to Mahaffey Theater
The Cali rock band hits town fresh from playing the Grammys, backing a stunning sixth LP.
