Ester Steinberg talks about being Tampa’s “Funny Girl”
CL catches up with the Plant High grad, most recently seen Oxygen’s Funny Girls.
Concert review: Tycho brings his Awake tour to The Ritz Ybor
A look back at the fine downtempo chillwave show that hit Ybor City this past Tue., June 9
Movie Review: Jurassic World overcomes minor flaws, because dinosaurs
Bigger dinosaurs, bigger park and boffo 3D make for an exciting Jurassic sequel.
Stop … and just listen to CAM’s new audio exhibition
The USF Contemporary Art Museum makes art of everyday and otherworldly sounds.
Area jeweler offering same-sex wedding bands ahead of SCOTUS decision
With the U.S. Supreme court days away from issuing an opinion on whether or not all states must recognize same-sex marriages, marriage equality supporters are optimistic. Those who witnessed the court's deliberation in April say it all rides on the swing vote on the court, Justice Anthony Kennedy, but they're confident he'll ultimately come down…
Hellspeak: By Aid of Darkness
A Showcase of Dark Art to Find a New Home
Sh*t happened 6/11/15: Sports, of course, along with Rick Scott and the Florida presidential candidates
It rained. And rained and rained and rained and rained. It didn't rain enough, however, to wash away yesterday's shame. (Dibs on Yesterday's Shame as the name of my nu-folk band, by the way — of course we'll cover "California Dreamin'.") The Bolts lost and the Rays won. Also, basketball and something about the NFL…
The Food Issue: 25 unforgettable tastes in Tampa Bay
CL’s restaurant critic reflects on the most memorable meals (and one wine) from a year of reviews.
The Food Issue: 25 delicious Tampa Bay destinations
Whatever kind of meal you’re hankering for, you’ll find it in this list of go-to spots.
Meet the Chefs: Eight Tampa chefs gather to talk turkey about the restaurant biz
Kitchen secrets, the next big grub trend and more are dished from some of Tampa’s top chefs.
The Food Issue: Five terrific Bay area taquerias
Out-of-the-way Mexican food gems around the region that you’ve gotta try.
The Food Issue: Caliente Clearwater — Mexican and Latin food in Northern Pinellas
Two locals spill Clearwater’s most flavorful and authentic dining destinations with Latin roots.
The Food Issue: Claridge on Claridge’s
And four other out-of-town places worth a trip.
The Food Issue: Lost in the stars
CL’s food critic breaks down his star rating system.
The Food Issue: Beertails for summer
Beat the heat — and the all-beer bloat — with these popular brew-based mixes.
Theater Review: The Great American Trailer Park Musican
Hot summer fun from mad Theatre and the residents of Armadillo Acres.
Land of the lost (wages) — addressing the problem of wage theft
For fast-food worker Tatiana Conway, 17, having some 33 hours shaved off her paycheck totally derailed her life for a while. She had transferred from one Tampa fast food franchise to another within the same chain, and her name had yet to be added to the timekeeping system at the new store. She spent months…
SCENE BREAKER: Occupation denied, a play festival twofer, and Fay Freuds up da Vinci via Dali or whatever
Facebook protects users from knowing about a play.
Wordier Than Thou to host Spelling Bee tonight
See ’em sweat at the Studio@620.
Video: Kacey Musgraves plays “Biscuits” on Fallon, see her at The Trop on July 25
Perhaps the only real thing pop country is producing these days
Do This: Bradenton’s new Skyway Film Festival
Up-and-coming directors, a Walt Disney biopic and a kooky rom-com starring Mad Men‘s Allison Brie highlight the four-day event.
As media excavates Jeb/Rubio pasts, new poll shows Rubio ahead
It's been a while since we checked in with politickin' at the presidential level, mostly because it's vapid and it makes us cringe to hear someone like Hillary Clinton, Chicago-born and Ivy League-educated, speak in a surprise Southern accent. So, yeah, American politics has apparently been reduced to grotesquely underestimating the intelligence of one's audience.…
Late Alex’s BBQ owner Alex Cooks served Tampa with charity, grub for years
Alex Cooks Sr., who founded Alex’s Southern Style BBQ in Tampa 21 years ago, has passed away.
Sh*t happened 6/10/15: Tampa DIY filmmakers are contest finalists, Hillsborough transpo still sucks
I know many of you are looking into the future (this evening, say around 8-ish) rather than dwelling on the past this morning, but we really should go ahead with the roundup, whaddaya say? Two Bay area men, Zack Murray and Mark Mukherjee, are finalists in Canon's "Project Imagination" contest, in which entrants cut home…
The Lightning’s Game 3 win: Records were broken, and so was Chicago
The Tampa Bay Lightning took a 2-1 Stanley Cup Final series lead over the Blackhawks last night after winning Game 3. Eight of the past 10 games between the Blackhawks and Lightning have been decided by one goal dating to March 9, 2011 (CHI: 2-4-4, TBL: 8-1-1), including the opening three games of the Stanley…
Conservative Trib ed board critical of Hillsborough BOCC on wage theft
Members of the Tampa Tribune editorial board describe themselves as center-right, which is typically accurate (though having worked at the paper and sat in on some of their meetings, this reporter would add that they're kindly and pretty open-minded). They tend to look at many issues in terms of fiscal conservatism, and have even come…
City of Tampa welcomes Spam All Stars for a free surprise show before the Tampa Bay Lightning watch party
The Bolts and bachata draw thousands to Curtis Hixon Park tonight
Area brewers, BurgerFi host three beefed up beer pairings
Throughout summer, SoHo’s BurgerFi will partner with local breweries on beer and burger tastings.
Summer hours hit Jen’s Markets around the bay
Farmers’ markets in Apollo Beach, Largo and Lakewood Ranch have new summer schedules.
International Etsy craft party invades the Coliseum
It’s Friday night in Riga, Latvia, the capital city of the small Baltic nation of just under two million people. Mother and daughter, Anna and Ilze Zurina, of SmArtJewelry are among dozens of artisans of Etsy Team Latvia preparing for the world’s largest craft party. In St. Petersburg, Florida, 5,233 miles from Riga, Adam and…
Florida’s hottest new assault weapon debuts on Sunset Beach
Last week, a man living in an apartment in Treasure Island's storied Sunset Beach neighborhood was arrested after an altercation that culminated in him allegedly assaulting his roommate with a piece of pizza. According to an arrest affidavit first published over at thesmokinggun.com, Daniel Plunkett, 50, was arrested after his roommate, Brenda Fiejdasz, 56, told police…
Just guess which state has the price-gougiest hospitals
A report and nifty infographic on a recent study the Washington Post published Monday showed the geographic distribution of the country's most expensive hospitals. Surprise: Florida's share is, by far, the biggest — there are 20 here. The Sunshine State also has five hospitals in the top ten. Other surprise: most of the hospitals are either affiliated…
Local Illumineati dinner club goes public
All Tampa Bay diners may now join the Illumineati, but the meals’ underground nature will remain.
Sh*t happened 6/9/15: Bolts win, Rays draft Whitley, realtor attacker suspect arrested
Monday was … not so bad, actually, provided you're not looking for any positive news with regard to healthcare (and who is, really?). The Bolts beat the Blackhawks 3-2, putting themselves one step closer to winning another Stanley Cup and me one step closer to not having to think up hockey punchlines for a while.…
Tonight in live music: Tycho
The San Francisco producer/musicians brings his ambient electro sounds to The Ritz Ybor.
New Music Tuesday! (June 9): Muse, No Joy, Of Monsters and Men & more
New music out this week; audio & video included.
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
Chris Tucker is at The Straz on Friday night. Chris Tucker is the biggest name on stage this weekend, but he's not the only one. We have plenty of touring headliners and local talents keeping stages full. There are a couple of free shows, too, so your budget won't hold you back. Just find a…
What happens when a Tampa man tries to break $100 bill in downtown Seattle (at 1 a.m.)
We all know that in most comical stories involving a Florida man doing something not-so-smart and law enforcement intervening, it's typically the Florida man who is up to no good, and is typically up to no good because of meth. But Seattle alt-weekly The Stranger offers us a different sort of Florida Man tale, accompanied…
Due Amici Pizza to be recognized by Restaurant.com
Restaurant.com’s “Plate of Thanks” campaign will give Ybor’s Due Amici a fresh logo and more.
Snag free Tropical Smoothie for a cause June 19
Tropical Smoothie Café’s yearly fundraiser for Camp Sunshine plans to feature free smoothies.
Cask restaurant reveals opening date in Tampa
The Southern-style SoHo newbie will premiere June 15.
6 times having health insurance totally saved my butt
And only one of them involved alcohol.
Monday music roundup: Set and Setting, Pleasures, Saskatchewan
Pass a few minutes of your Monday with some tunes by three Bay area(ish) acts.
Sh*t happened 6/8/15: St. Pete bike share, Stanley Cup, Triple Crown & More
It was a jam-packed weekend, folks. Whether you're into sports, politics, local causes, Florida man or even the Great White Way, there was something to either life your spirits or confirm your general belief in humanity's tendency toward the suck. FRIDAY, JUNE 5: After seven hours of debate, Florida State House Republicans shocked absolutely no…
ArtPop Tampa billboard winners announced
Their works will be up high for all to see!
Lightning take Blackhawks in Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final
The play on the ice went back and forth at Amalie Arena all night where the Lightning and Blackhawks met for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. After exchanging 7 goals, 6 penalties, and making three goalie changes, the Lightning evened up the series to win 4-3 over the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks tied the…
The Weekend Shift: Misogynist music
I’m a terrible hypocrite. I realized this during a recent enthusiastic listen to The White Stripes cover of Blind Willie McTell’s “Your Southern Can is Mine." I call myself a feminist, but there I was, joyfully singing the words, “if I catch you, momma, down in the heart of town, I'm gonna grab me a…
Did Buckhorn’s hockey sh*t talk go a tad far?
When it comes to bringing out the absolute worst in people in the first world, there's nothing like professional sports rivalries. On Saturday, hours ahead of the Lightning's second go against the Chicago Blackhawks in the fight for the Stanley Cup, Mayor Bob Buckhorn insulted all Chicagoans, and opened up Tampanians for probably even worse…
This Sunday in live music: Blueprint, Northern Faces, Delta Moon CD Release Party & more
Live music happening this Sun., June 7.
Opera Review: A splendid Turandot from St. Petersburg Opera Company
Puccini done proud at The Palladium.
Lightning prepare for Game 2 tonight against the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks outplayed the Bolts in the Game 1 home opener Wednesday night with a final score of 2-1. No need to fret; back in 2004, the Lightning also lost Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, in which (of course) they eventually vanquished the Calgary Flames. Additionally, this is the third-for-four Game 1 the…
Paint the Town, down some choice craft beer tonight
Paint the Town Tampa offers beer drinking with an artistic flourish with their fun, new event 3 Brewery Tours and Paint Night that brings delicious, local beer, a fun painting lesson, and new friends together in a single, spirited night from 6 to 11 p.m. tonight. This unique night out on the town puts a…
This Saturday in live music: Curren$y, Train, IPA Festival with Roxy Roca & more
Live music happening this Sat., June 6.
Medicaid plan dies in House despite hours of passionate debate
Seven. Hours. That's how long members of the State House debated a compromised proposal that would have drawn down billions in federal Medicaid dollars available throughout the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare, whatever) to cover low-income Floridians, the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange. The bill was hewn from a drawn-out bipartisan effort to come up…
Plots up for grabs at new Clearwater Community Gardens
Plant your own greens and more.
Do This: The Weekend Top 10
Pool parties, SWIM 2015 — Tampa Bay Swim Week, First Friday art in Tampa, Parrot Head Party in Palm Harbor, St. Pete Opera’s Turandot, Nick DiPaolo, Hawk & Wayne improv, Veterans Community Open Mic and freeFall’s twist on The Tempest.
New website pokes fun at Rick Scott’s extreme climate denial
As we watch the State House debate Medicaid expansion with futility and dread, a new website reminds us of a comforting maxim: if you can't beat 'em, make fun of 'em. Or something like that. This week, a nonprofit that aims to spread awareness of climate change, Forecast the Facts, launched a site that pokes…
The Hip Hop ABCs: The winner of Letter O; vote on Letter P
The alphabetical rap battles continue in earnest.
Protestors storm Tampa McDonald’s
There is perhaps no nobler reason to set foot in a McDonald's franchise, thereby absorbing the chain's telltale greasy French-fry scent in one's hair, clothes and probably skin, than civil disobedience. On Friday morning, a few dozen protestors crowded a franchise at Central Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as part of the…
St. Pete Stillwaters Tavern announces culinary team
Two experienced chefs to join executive chef Jeffrey Jew when Stillwaters debuts in coming weeks.
Saltwater fishing license-free this weekend
Every year, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sets aside eight weekend days for license-free fishing, to entice residents and visitors to experience "the fishing capital of the world" for the first or the cheapest time, in the hope that they'll return to the state and the water again and again. Some days are…
Weekend Tune-Up: Tunes for your weekend by Beirut, Eternal Summers, Jamie xx & more
A playlist of 15 tunes to launch you into the weekend, Spotify playlist included.
Mayor Buckhorn touts growth of Tampa at New Leaders Council fundraiser
Since his first term in office Mayor Bob Buckhorn has been emphasizing the development of Tampa's downtown core and its surrounding neighborhoods into a prime destination for both residents and business. Thursday night at a fundraiser for the Tampa Bay chapter of the New Leaders Council, Buckhorn reiterated those points while ensuring that potential political…
Sh*t happened 6/5/15: More GOP hopefuls, teen repeat offender and Taco Bell gets wetzoned
You might want to know that some things did indeed happen while you spent yesterday under the covers, alternately mope-napping and listening to ESPN's post mortems of the Bolts loss: Terrible person and former Texas Governor Rick Perry announced his second bid for the GOP presidential nomination, while slightly less frightening option Jeb Bush's camp…
Tonight in live music: New Orleans Suspects
A high-quality Crescent City funk acts brings its sounds to the Skipperdome this Fri., June 5
Movie Review: Love & Mercy
The film is as much a poetic homage to the love of music as well as pop icon Brian Wilson — and should be experienced on the big screen.
Crossing space and time — the Time Lord Fest returns to Tampa
Who would miss such a monumental event?
El-P previews Meow the Jewels, a Run the Jewels remix LP made almost entirely of cat sounds
With contributions from The Alchemist, Just Blaze, Geoff Barrow + more
David Jolly, Gwen Graham cosponsor extension on Gulf drilling ban
Back when David Jolly was running for Congress in a special election against Alex Sink, groups opposing him tried to paint him as pro-drilling, an accusation he passionately denied. Over a year later, the Congressman has demonstrated that he really doesn't like the idea of offshore oil drilling, at least not around here. On Thursday,…
St. Pete Council gives thumbs-up to waterfront plan
As we wrote about several weeks ago, St. Pete's Downtown Waterfront Master Plan has been in the works for years, ever since voters in the city approved a measure to develop a plan that would prevent rapid development along a key stretch of land within the city. On Thursday morning, the city approved the plan on…
Dalí to takes stairs to nowhere with M.C. Escher on Aug. 22
We can’t help but wonder if the spirit of the world’s most famous surrealist master has enjoyed sharing the spotlight so often.
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
You can catch Nick DiPaolo at Side Splitters this weekend. This week features a number of comedians who don't normally perform in the area. While it's nice to have funny regulars on stage, it's also good to sample some of the other stand-up talents that tour the country. You might see a familiar name in…
Five spots to score freebies on National Doughnut Day
Perk’s, Dough, Dunkin’ and more to serve free Doughnut Day sweets in Tampa Bay Friday.
Stanley Cup Finals Game 1: Lightning fans were hopeful, but…
Yes, the Lightning lost the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals at Amalie Arena on Wednesday night. Still, the party outside in Thunder Alley as well as the surrounding bars was crowded and loud. Even though tickets were hard to come by, it didn't stop thousands of people from heading down to Channelside.
Suncoast Blues Society throws its 18th anniversary party this Saturday at Skipper’s Smokehouse
Shawn Holt and the Teardrops headline the festivities
Tonight in live music: Guthrie Brown & The Family Tree, Pleasures, GBH and The Business, MSHR
Live music happening this Thurs., June 4
