The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
If you want to see comedy this weekend, you could go a few different ways. You could go with the traditional mic-and-stand comedians, you could go with puppets, you could go with crazy voices or you could go with the witty story-telling of a comedy vet with a half-century in the business under her belt.…
Auditions for three upcoming Tampa Bay productions
Try out for shows in Carrollwood, downtown Tampa and Pinellas Park.
Tampa City Council approves new contract on red-light cameras
Cameras will continue to flag motorists who drive through red lights at key intersections in Tampa, after the City Council today approved the city's contract with their vendor, Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions on a 6-1 vote. Lisa Montelione was the lone dissenter. Two weeks ago, the Council voted 4-3 to oppose extending the contract with…
USF Dance Shorts Film Festival showcases an emerging genre
The first-annual fest explores the modern relationship between film and dance.
Mitch Perry Report 4.3.14: Dwight Dudley’s outrage
As reported on Wednesday by the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald, Representative Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne) does not favor incentivizing renewable energy. That's a problem considering that he's the chairman of the House Committee on Community Affairs, which means he has the power to kill a an amendment being floated to the state Constitution that would exempt the value…
Growth market: The rush to make a buck in Florida’s still-hypothetical medical marijuana industry
I’m just going to come out up front and say I bought some weed over spring break — part of the grueling research that journalism occasionally calls for. It was a gift for a friend, of course, and although it’s unlikely I’ll ever get a job in the State Department now, I should note it…
The legacy of Theo Wujcik
The Ybor-based master will be remembered for not only his body of work but also his influence on other artists.
Charlie Crist says he could have persuaded Legislature to accept Medicaid expansion
Tampa philanthropist David Straz, a registered Republican who endorsed Rick Scott over Alex Sink in the 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign, today endorsed Charlie Crist over Scott in this year's election, and he wasn't very charitable to the current governor in doing so. "If you’re a staunch Republican, and the candidate is Al Capone, are you going…
Ten Percent of Marta Solano is 100 percent skewed
Stageworks’ latest takes audiences on a mind-bending trip.
Drake and (Nick) Drake released new songs today, but which one’s better?
It's been a good morning for fans of Drakes. Both the Toronto-based emcee/singer (Drake, real name Aubrey Graham) and the late English singer-songwriter Nick Drake released new music, and the tunes are — as to be expected — worlds apart. The posthumous song from Nick comes to us as a result of an unfinished songwriting…
Gay mom shares her long road to adoption
Just about five years ago, Cathy James was still lobbying against the state’s gay adoption ban and fighting for recognition as her son’s second parent. Now that a judge has ruled the law unconstitutional and James has officially adopted her now 14-year-old son, she wants to help other same-sex couples that are just starting on…
Activists in St. Petersburg demand Duke Energy begin using clean energy sources
Chanting “Hey hey, ho ho, dirty coal has got to go,” a group of around 100 protesters marched in front of Duke Energy headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg on Wednesday, dropping off over 5,500 petitions calling on the electric utility company that it’s time to stop relying exclusively on coal for most of their energy…
Kick off the Rowdies’ 2014 season
If you love the Rowdies, stand up — and come to St. Petersburg to kick off the 2014 campaign with two festive events. On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rowdies will host a meet-and-greet and jersey unveiling from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. Fans will be able to meet…
Starry night: St. Pete’s Il Ritorno
The swoon-worthy new restaurant serves bold but nuanced Italian cuisine.
Florida Listening Room Festival brings concerts to homes, offices and the Palladium Theater this week
The fest returns for its third annual installment; public-invited finale in St. Pete this Sun., April 6
Pizza and pints
Why food is about more than just food.
Evander Preston and Cigar City team up for canned beer
It was during an interview with Cigar City's Joey Redner that I inquired about the silver beer tab necklace he wears. You'll see them on other CCB employees too. “That's Evander Preston," he told me then. "You've gotta meet Evander Preston." Redner collaborated with Preston, part longtime local bohemian part craftsman part spirit guide, on…
Thyme for spring: Ring in spring with this simple Lemon-Thyme Yogurt Cake
This lemony, herbaceous cake is sweet and tangy with hints of fresh thyme, and it’s perfect for a brunch fête or as an after-dinner treat.
Mitch Perry Report 4.2.14: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and political protests
Last week's New Yorker included a lengthy look inside the mind of Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers basketball star now in the twilight of his amazing career. It's been an incredibly frustrating season for the NBA great, one of the fiercest athletes to ever grace the hardwood. He's essentially been out of commission the…
Do vegans swallow and other radical sex queries
“But consensual sex is always radical.”
Do This: Inkwood Birthday Party Sale-a-Bration & Ben Montgomery Book Signing
Celebrate Inkwood Books’ first birthday since Stefani Beddingfield bought the store. The "Sale-a-Bration" at 7 p.m. features renowned local writer Ben Montgomery — the award-winning, Pulizer nominee and Tampa Bay Times reporter who helped bring to life the crimes at North Florida’s Dozier School for Boys — will be there to sign copies of his…
Jeff Brandes calls on FDOT to investigate PSTA’s spending on Greenlight Pinellas measure
It's no secret that state Senator Jeff Brandes isn't a fan of the Greenlight Pinellas transit measure that Pinellas voters will decide on this November. But the Tampa Bay area Republican has now taken his concerns to a higher level, writing to Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad to review the educational campaign funding for the measure…
A Q&A with Del The Funky Homosapien, who stops in St. Pete with Deltron 3030
Del’s project with Dan the Automator and Kid Koala hit State Theatre with full band in tow this Wed., April 2.
Bill to grant in-state tuition for undocumented Florida students advances in state Senate
Although it's far from being a done deal, legislation that would grant in-state tuition to children of undocumented immigrants advanced in the Florida state Senate today, with the measure being sponsored by Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala getting through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 7-2 vote. Latvala introduced the measure by boldly proclaiming that out…
The Flaming Lips release Dark Side of the Moon companion
Dubbed Flaming Side of the Moon, not to be confused with The Flaming Lips and Stardeath and White Dwarfs with Henry Rollins and Peaches Doing The Dark Side of the Moon
Now streaming: Bob Mould’s new single “Hey Mr. Grey” from forthcoming album Beauty & Ruin
Former Husker Du principal, Sugar bandleader and all-around alt-rock icon Bob Mould has a new album, Beauty & Ruin, coming out via Merge Records on June 3, and the former WWE scriptwriter (it's true!) has seen fit to grace us with a preview — click through to listen to the quick, dirty, insanely catchy and…
State lawmakers talk up “Charlotte’s Web” and the reality of medical pot in Florida
With the campaign to get medical marijuana on the ballot this November a dominant story in the Florida media for the past half-year, some legislators in Tallahassee have been moving on their own to legalize a non-euphoric brand of pot which could help thousands of children suffering from epileptic seizures. This particular strain of weed is…
The International Indian Film Academy is coming
CL writer Aaron Alper can’t wait to get a little Bollywood in the Bay.
Mitch Perry Report 4.1.14: Obamacare is here to stay, but what could GOP do to it if they win the Senate?
The major news story in Tampa and in America yesterday was that it was the last day to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. Democrats were excited yesterday about the surge in people enrolling — or attempting to enroll — though a little less eager to talk about the fact that, like the first…
New Music Tuesday! (April 1): Thievery Corporation, Manchester Orchestra, Leon Russell & more
Music out this week; audio & video included.
Castor on message on last day of signups for ACA
Carlos Ortiz was grateful that there were navigators available today, the last day to sign up without incurring a financial penalty for not having health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The 21-year-old Hillsborough Community College student went to heatlhcare.gov in January to sign up for for a plan, but was told that he was…
Tampa singer-songwriter Matt Hires offering free downloads of his entire catalog
Hires recently left Atlantic Records to go indie.
New report says that Florida public utilities have too much power in Tally
A new report out today confirms what most Floridians probably already assumed – that the the state's four largest electric utility companies wield too much influence in Tallahassee. Integrity Florida's study, called, "Power Play: Political influence of Florida's top energy corportations,' details what any discerning probably already knows – that the Legislature and the Public…
The Metal Manifestos: The question that drives us
What is death metal and why should we care? Shawn explains.
Mitch Perry 3.31.14: Will pitching continue to dominate MLB in 2014?
After hosting the annual Grand Prix race yesterday, the city of St. Petersburg hosts another major sporting event this afternoon — opening day of the Major League Baseball season, with the Rays taking on the Toronto Blue Jays at 4:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Expectations remain high in the Bay area regarding the Rays, picked…
Final push for ACA sign up continues over weekend
With the March 31 deadline to begin the enrollment into the Affordable Care Act upon us (the official cut off is now April 7, but the process must begin before March 31), navigators were out in full force throughout the Tampa Bay area this weekend in parks, schools and community centers aiming to add to…
Tampa Bay Heart Ball and its heart-red MINI
Support our local American Heart Association and possibly even walk away with a chic new ride.
Beloved Tampa artist Theo Wujcik dies at 78
The Ybor City mainstay was known as a mentor to younger artists.
Maine Senator disputes GOP contention that majority of Obamacare enrollees already had insurance
Tomorrow was the (former) drop-dead date for all Americans to be enrolled in a healthcare plan or face a financial penalty via the IRS, though last week President Obama delayed the individual mandate until mid-April for those who can check off a box on HealthCare.gov indicating that they tried to enroll by March 31. There…
Do This: Spring Fling, World’s Largest Food Truck Fest, Femmes and Follies — and more
Yesterday was a wash for unfortunate Grand Prix spectators and others doing stuff outdoors, but the sky is back to blue today and should provide a lovely backdrop to the Spring Beer Fling concert fest at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The inaugural bash takes place from noon to 10 p.m. today and will offer a first-rate concert…
George Sheldon says Pam Bondi’s got some explaining to do
Last month Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi joined 20 other conservative Attorneys General and took the side of corporate lobbyists in opposition to an historic agreement to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.The Sunshine State's AG filed a brief opposing the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, which sets pollution limits that have been agreed upon by six…
Eddie Trunk crashes Red Dragon Cartel show
Hard rock expert Eddie Trunk and guitar legend Jake E. Lee share the spotlight at the Largo Cultural Center.
The weekend Do This round-up — fringe performance blowouts, big races and more
It’s an exciting time for spectators of all kinds.
Tampa attorney Chris Griffin calls NLRB decision on Northwestern football players “a bombshell”
A bombshell in college athletics took place this week when a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board ruled that football players at Northwestern University may have the right to form a union and bargain collectively. Northwestern immediately responded that it would challenge the ruling, and expectations are that the NCAA will likely join…
Mitch Perry Report 3.28.14: Rick Scott’s crummy week
It's been Christmas in March for the young folks in the Florida Democratic Party communications shop this week. That crew has been firing off multiple press releases/emails this week, enjoying every moment of Rick Scott's worst week as a candidate — ever. He never encountered anything like this in 2010. Miami-Dade Expressway Authority board member Gonzalo…
Stay at The Grand Budapest Hotel
Make your reservations now for Wes Anderson’s loopy, visually stunning dark comedy.
Volunteers are needed for Mainsail Art Festival April 19-20
Mainsail Art Festival is downtown St. Pete's biggest juried art event with vendors and booths spread out across scenic Vinoy Park on the bayfront. Mainsail Arts Festival began in 1976 when the city's Bicentennial Committee, the St. Petersburg Recreation Department and the new St. Petersburg Arts Commission joined forces to sponsor the First Annual Saint Petersburg…
Fleetwood Mac welcomes back Christine McVie, closes out North American tour in Tampa
The ‘Mac’ is completely intact and coming to Tampa December 20.
The Scott administration drops plans for new voting purge
More than a few Democrats are breathing a sigh of relief this afternoon after Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced that he is dropping plans for a new voter purge this year. And it's not just Democrats who are pleased. Anyone who believes that the state should make it easier to participate in the democratic…
The Hip-Hop ABCs: Letter I
More alphabetical rap battles from Infinite Skillz and crew. Can you guess who won “I”?
Do This: Beach Feast and Voodood Birthday Challenge Wrap Party
Support artists of all types at two fun events, on both sides of the bay.
Wu-Tang Clan will release ONE copy of new album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin Features 128 minutes of new Wu-Tang material recorded in secret over the years.
The beer biz: Not so grrrr-eat
The beer wars rage on, as the Legislature debates the state of the 64-ounce growler.
Firestone Grand Prix takes over St. Pete this weekend
The Verizon IndyCar Series kicks off its 2014 season this weekend with the Firestone Grand Prix in downtown St. Petersburg. While four-time series champion and fan favorite Dario Franchitti has called it quits, the race will welcome back former Indianapolis 500 winner and CART series champion Juan Pablo Montoya, joining former Indy car champions Sebastien…
“This is a Trent Reznor Song” spoof gets a rather accurate video
Video included.
Tenacious and tender: A Q&A with Lily Tomlin
The showbiz icon is headed to Tampa Theatre to share stories about her career and re-animate her famous menagerie of characters.
Charlie Crist hits Rick Scott on his opposition to ACA in new web ad
A few weeks ago Charlie Crist told CNN that he thought the Affordable Care Act was "great." Today the Rick Scott re-election campaign team is beginning to air an ad bashing Crist for supporting the ACA, though his facts have been called "mostly false" by PolitiFact. In response, the Crist camp is airing a new digital ad…
Life As We Blow It: Dream a little dream
On Friday, the New York Times Magazine published an excellent piece by writer Eve Fairbanks called, “How Did Sleep Become So Nightmarish?” (It’s available online; go ahead, I’ll wait.) In it, she articulates many of the loose and often vaguely worrying notions about sleep that have been skittering around my own brain for a while now — often,…
Man in the middle: Why Jose Godinez-Samperio still can’t practice law in Florida
Last week marked the first anniversary of a report that Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus commissioned in the aftermath of Mitt Romney’s loss in the 2012 presidential election. It was officially called the Growth and Opportunity Project, but became better known as an “autopsy” of the GOP’s biggest problems. It included just one policy…
Mitch Perry Report 3.27.14 – Ashton Kutcher’s rhetoric strikes out in Tallahassee
That proposal to vastly expand the school voucher program in Florida apparently isn't dead after all, according to a report in today's Tampa Bay Times. But since it still lacks an accountability provision, its chances in the Senate still look remote. But who knows? Powerful people want that to happen this year. When it comes to…
This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Deltron 3030, Avett Brothers, Second Annual Spring Beer Jam & more
Concerts, March 27-April 2.
