Do This: Orange Is The New Black author Piper Kerman at Eckerd College on March 5
Learn about the true stories that inspired the hit TV series.
Arts Council of Hillsborough County wants cultural non-profits to attend workshops prior to applying for grants
Is your cultural, non-profit organization interested in applying for a 2014-2015 Cultural Development Grant? Make sure to sign up early and attend the required workshop. All nonprofit arts organizations interested in participating are encouraged to attend an informative workshop which will be held on Tuesday, June 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Children's…
Netflix: The Good, The Bad and The Plain Ol’ Weird
Do you ever have it where after scrolling through Netflix for hours at a time, you still can't find anything to watch? The same thing happens to me. For those of you who have been in my shoes are probably looking for some sort of guide that lists the movies currently streaming on Netflix. Well,…
Swamp ass be damned: MTV’s funny girls crash Tampa
Jessimae Peluso and Carly Aquilino make their debut at the Tampa Improv this upcoming weekend.
Local celebs salute The Studio@620 on its 10th birthday
See what local arts luminaries David Manson, Ray Villadonga, Roxanne Fay, Paul Wilborn, Eric Davis and Heather Jones have to say about the little space that could …
Snoop Loops and Frosted Drakes. The ‘Rappers and Cereal’ blog is now available as a shirt
The Tampa-based blog parlays international attention into a tee-shirt company
Lectores Summer 2014 Schedule
The bi-annual event series is back with author and poet appearances tonight through June 26.
Mitch Perry Report 6.19.14: St. Pete’s next police chief goes before the people
The greater St. Petersburg citizenry will get the chance to scrutinize the four finalists to become their new police chief tonight, as the candidates will field questions from the public at an event scheduled to take place at the St. Pete Coliseum between 5-7 p.m. The four candidates are: St. Petersburg Police Assistant Chief Melanie Bevan;…
Ice prince — a Q&A with author Rick Moody
He debated Luna’s Dean Wareham on “Daft Punk, disco and whether pleasures should be guilty” on Salon.com, and contributed to The Wilco Book. His most famous novel, The Ice Storm, provides a snapshot of dysfunctional, self-absorbed parents in the ’70s, while Garden State examines the trials and tribulations of New Jersey adolescents circa the Clinton…
Born worrier, natural warrior: Nathan Deuel’s Friday Was the Bomb
In his new book of essays, UT MFA Deuel writes about watching from the sidelines as his wife, NPR’s Kelly McEvers, braves war zones.
All Decked Out! celebrates the art of the skateboard at Polk Museum of Art
About a decade ago, skateboard culture got a warm embrace from art museums when the exhibition Beautiful Losers toured the U.S., spotlighting contemporary art inspired by 1990s street culture, including painted skate decks and documentary photographs. Last year, all things skate got another big institutional nod when the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of…
San Ann’s new destination for a night on the town
Local Public House and Provisions offers casual dining atmosphere with local goods for sale.
Majority of local vets tells Jolly they’re satisfied with the care they’ve received
On Tuesday Pinellas Congressman David Jolly held what his office called a "VA Intake" day, where more than 300 local veterans turned up to tell his staffers and himself the level of care they've received at their local Veteran Affairs hospital. Jolly announced the event several weeks ago, when the crisis in the VA system…
A kinder, gentler Hillsborough BOCC takes on Rick Homans
Two weeks ago, members of the Hillsborough County Commission took turns eviscerating Rick Homans, the head of the Tampa/Hillsborough County Economic Development Corporation. Criticisms included learning secondhand about a report that Homans had been talking to surrounding counties about a joint economic development effort without taking it to the BOCC, as well as gripes that…
OK GO’s new video for “The Writing’s on the Wall” will melt your mind
OK GO release their latest visual triumph
On the 2-year anniversary of embassy asylum, Julian Assange calls on U.S. to drop case
Thursday marks two years that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and to mark that dubious anniversary Assange and his attorneys hosted a conference call before reporters around the globe on Wednesday morning, where they called on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice…
Restaurant review: Imperfect storm
The forecast for beer is bright at Dunedin’s Clear Sky Draught Haus, but the food’s fate is cloudier.
Listen up, urbanites
Tasty changes at Duckweed Urban Grocery’s cafe.
Desert delight
Is cactus is the new kale?
Album review: Jack White, Lazaretto
The White Stripes former can do no wrong; audio & video included.
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
Brian Regan performs at The Straz Friday night. This week features a full slate of touring performers and loc al talent. Whether you like clean material, or filthy jokes, there are shows for you on the schedule. Here's the lineup for this weekend: Theaters Brian Regan at Straz Center (Carol Morsani Hall). Regan's clean, clever…
Yolie Capin’s big night out at Ulele
Although she hadn't planned to inaugurate her reelection campaign so soon, Tampa City Councilwoman Yolie Capin wasn't about to turn down Richard Gonzmart's offer to open up his much-hyped Ulele restaurant early to kick off her fundraising efforts. So on Tuesday night, more than eight months before the city's municipal elections, a big crowd seized the opportunity…
Over the moon: Review of Return to Forbidden Planet
Jobsite and Straz’s Return to Forbidden Planet is a blast.
Mitch Perry Report 6.18.14: Obama’s very rough foreign policy spring
There's a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll out this morning regarding President Obama's handling of foreign affairs, and the returns aren't very favorable. Just 37 percent approve of his handling of foreign policy, which is an all-time low in the survey, while 57 percent disapprove, an all-time high. Overall his approval ratings stand at 41 percent, tied…
David Jolly supports more funding for background checks on ex-felons and those with mental health issues
Although he says he's taken some heat for it, most non-NRA members in Pinellas County probably weren't even aware that late last month, Congressman David Jolly supported an amendment sponsored by Representative Mike Thompson (D-California) that would increase funding for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by $19.5 million. The funds would be appropriated…
Concert Review: Little Dragon at Orpheum, Ybor City
A wise old dude once said, “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he will never be disappointed.” Unfortunately, I wasn't really paying heed to this particular adage while getting revved up for the Little Dragon show at the Orpheum last Wednesday night. Maybe this sounds harsh, and even though I enjoyed the show, overall, I’ve always been…
Immigration activists crash Hillsborough County Democratic Party meeting
Latino activists angry with President Obama for failing to halt the deportation of undocumented immigrants clashed with Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee Chairman Michael van Hoek Monday night at the party's monthly meeting in Tampa. Members of United We Dream Tampa Bay stood up and demanded to know why van Hoek had failed to bring…
New Music Tuesday! (June 17): Lana Del Rey, Jennifer Lopez, Deadmau5, OK Go, The Antlers & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
Craft beer discovery a-brewin’
The Vinoy’s Global Day of Discovery celebration is beer-centric.
Some Hillsborough Democrats unhappy with perception that FDP took sides in County Commission race
The most interesting and competitive race among Hillsborough County Democrats this summer is the District 7 County Commission primary race between Seminole Heights activist Pat Kemp and Mark Nash, who previously ran unsuccessfully against Al Higginbotham in the District 4 race back in 2012. Recent fundraising totals show the two are extremely competitive (actually Nash…
One overjoyed muggle — look who’s going to the Diagon Alley media preview!
Will she get to ride the new coaster? Will she meet Jimmy Fallon? Stay tuned to Stand-up Librarian Meredith Myers’ adventures in the new Diagon Alley!
Reptar, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Millionyoung, and New Madrid lead Summer Jam 10 lineup
Long-running Ybor music festival says goodbye with strongest lineup to date
Mitch Perry Report 6.17.14: Rick Scott and the power of incumbency
Much has been made about how millions of dollars of campaign ads have helped boost Rick Scott's standings in his race against Charlie Crist for governor this year. If you're scoring at home, it's been approximately $12 million to zero in terms of how much the Republicans and Scott have put into the ad wars…
Weekend Recap: New Belgium in the Bay
6.13.14–6.14.14
Charlie Crist Opens New Campaign Office in St. Pete
If Charlie Crist is re-elected governor this year he promises to reconvene two environmental summits that were held during the first two years of his previous term as governor. Crist made those comments in front of around 100 or so fervent supporters were on hand last Saturday to help launch a new St. Petersburg campaign…
Beach Day announce new album, Native Echoes, hear “Don’t Call Me On The Phone” now
Hollywood, Florida act releases another song from forthcoming album Native Echoes.
Jamie Grant says Hillsborough PTC should have been forward thinking on Uber
It's not exactly a secret that Tampa Bay area state legislator Jamie Grant isn't a big fan of the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission. In that respect he joins Mayor Bob Buckhorn and a number of other folks who think the agency is more trouble than it's worth — and that was the feeling well…
Jolly on Iraq: the military should be used only for protecting U.S. lives there
Pinellas County Congressman David Jolly says he doesn't think there's any appetite to send U.S. ground troops to Iraq despite the escalating crisis there, but does believe that air strikes or some other form of military intervention would be appropriate to save Americans currently stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. "I am not somebody…
Album review: Peter Murphy, Lion
Ex-Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy apparently veered from his typical recording methods for his 10th solo studio album Lion (Nettwerk Records), employing the assistance of producer and Killing Joke member Youth (whom he'd never worked with before) and holing up in the studio to create all 11 of the album's songs. The new approach and change…
The Gaslight Anthem announce new album, release date, tour schedule
The New Jersey quartet teases a “harder, yet more intimate” collection of tunes.
Tampa Bay’s weekly literary happenings
NPR's Eric Deggans, former Tampa Bay Times writer, will speak at St. Pete's Mirror Lake Library Monday, June 16. Celebrate the life and work of Irish writer James Joyce at Wilson’s Book World’s Bloomsday event Monday, June 16, 7 to 9 p.m. Presented by Wilson’s, the Stand-up Librarian Meredith Myers and Wordier Than Thou, the…
Jon Favreau’s Chef: Another perspective
CL intern Mario Baez, no stranger to the kitchen himself, weighs in on Favreau’s culinary love letter.
Brian Wilson enlists Zooey Deschanel, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey for new album
Brian Wilson gets contemporary with collaborations on his new album.
Mitch Perry Report 6.16.14 – No Heat Three-peat
The Miami Heat couldn't do it – they couldn't become the first professional basketball team since Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls to win three straight NBA championships, losing last night to the San Antonio Spurs, 104-87, their third straight blow-out loss, and fourth loss in overall in five games. The Spurs humbled the defending champions over…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays win (seriously), World Cup fever (seriously?) and Miami can’t take the heat
The best part about spending the night clutching the toilet and barfing your shoes out through your nose is the exhilarating relief you feel when it eventually stops. So goes the 2014 season of the worst team in baseball. After losing 10 in a row, our beloved Rays snapped the shit-streak with a win. And…
Lindsey Graham says U.S. should work with Iran to stifle ISIS in Iraq
On CNN's State of the Union on Sunday morning, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham appeared to shock his interlocutors when he said that "we need to coordinate with the Iranians" on Iraq. He made the comments when asked what President Obama should do to fight against the Sunni insurgency that exploded this week and now threatens…
Tampa observes World Refugee Day
Before walking into the front doors of Jefferson High school in Tampa, you could not help but be amazed by the number of anxious people lined up to enter the building where World Refugee Day was taking place last Thursday. Men, women and children had no excuse but to show off their colorful, printed or…
Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2 never learns to tell a story
Dreamworks follows up a blockbuster with a safe, tepid cash-in.
Savage Love: Hopes and dreams
Virgins, closeted lesbians and crotch-beard, oh my!
Top LGBT weekend happenings
Ladies, get ready for Tampa’s premier women’s happy hour. Sophistique will take over at Tampa’s City Side, 3703 Henderson Blvd., Friday, June 13, 6 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by TWIRLGIRL Events & Promotions, the evening will a performance by musician Jennifer Real. Trashtastic cabaret duo Coco & Homo host their Friday the 13th Ca-BAR-et show…
GOP Pollster says “intense minority” of GOP legislators are blocking immigration reform
As it became apparent that Barack Obama was going to defeat Mitt Romney on election night in November of 2012, immediately political commentators said that the Republican Party had to make amends with Latino voters, since that emerging demographic gave only 27 percent of their support to the GOP candidate. An "autopsy" conducted a few months…
Speaking of Bloomsday: an informal chat about James Joyce (w/video)
Stand-up Librarian and CL Contributor Meredith Myers leads a discussion on the famous Irish author.
Mitch Perry Report 6.13.14 – The LGBT establishment goes all in with Charlie Crist
Yesterday Equality Florida and the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign formally endorsed Charlie Crist for governor. In a statement announcing their endorsement, Stratton Politzer, chair of Equality Florida Action PAC, lauded the relatively freshly minted Democrat, saying that throughout Crist's career he has been a champion of fighting for equality and fairness. "A former Republican Governor turned…
The Hip Hop ABCs: Letter Q
The alphabetical rap battles continue…
Weekend Preview: Brews on the Beach
6.13.14–6.14.14
Roadkill Ghost Choir announce debut LP, listen to lead single “A Blow To The Head” now
In Tongues due August 19
The World Cup begins today — what to know, where to watch (w/video)
The entire world except three of its most populous nations (China, U.S. and India) has succumbed to World Cup soccer fever. As the controversial monolith that is FIFA takes over Rio de Janeiro in what's been one of the most controversial settings for the tournament (yeah, but wait till FIFA hist oil magnate hub Qatar…
Building sex equity with Brooklyn Chase’s six-figure-physique
The San Diego native on her new 32G boobs, her hyperactive gag reflex, sex on first dates, and why you shouldn’t touch her feet.
Tampa Bay residents Victoria Kirby & Cesar Fernandez part of Charlie Crist’s political team
Cesar Fernandez has been working on the Charlie Crist campaign for months, but the man who helped Rick Kriseman get elected mayor in St. Petersburg last fall is now officially listed as political director for the Crist campaign, just as summer hits. The political wunderkind graduated from Florida State University in 2011, and had already proven…
Project: Shattered Silence still keeping our attention
P:SS has been on the radar for quite some time, but now their latest documentary is up for national distribution.
Mitch Perry Report 6.12.14: TPD to start citing Uber drivers?
Whatever you think of the car-share riding service Uber, you gotta admit this burgeoning behemoth has a lot of stones, not content to let mere legislators decide whether or not they should operate in a particular community. Along with the whole craft brewery/growler issue, the question of Uber getting a foothold in cities like Tampa,…
Le Meridien Hotel hosts former judges just prior to opening
Chip Weiner The former federal courthouse is scheduled to open next week as Le Meridien Hotel after renovation. The developers of the soon-to-be-open Le Meridien Hotel, along with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, hosted a preview yesterday for judges who once presided over cases when the building was a federal courthouse. The 109-year-old neo-classical edifice sat…
Live and Local Spotlight: Homegrown Hip Hop 6
Now in its sixth year, Homegrown Hip Hop is a showcase of local up-and-coming emcees and producers from around the Tampa Bay area as presented by occasional Ear Buds contributor, local hip hop scene champion, B.A.S.E. Inc Music founder and talented emcee in his own right, Infinite Skillz. He dropped his third and latest collab with producer Mr. J,…
Movie Review: 22 Jump Street out-laughs the original
Tatum and Hill avoid sophomoric slump with an expanded arsenal of meta-humor and even more over-the-top inanity.
Movie Review: Palo Alto brings surprising empathy to teen angst
Gia Coppola’s directorial debut is more than the sum of its indie-hip parts.
The Creative Loafing Food Issue 2014
Memorable local dishes, the Bay’s best restaurants, hangover helpers, restaurant news & more
Ty Segall announces new album, show at Tampa’s Epic Problem on September 12
Wand and BOTB-winning Jensen Serf Co. open.
