Where are Hillsborough’s environmental regulators when you need them?
I read this recent article about acid mist from a Tampa Chemical plant pissing off the neighbors and how the Environmental Protection Commission EPC is deciding what to do about it. Hmmmm, I bet those citizens would be even more pissed off to know that the EPC board, which is one in the same as…
Do It Today
Two Bay area theaters stage screenings of Trouble the Water, an award-winning documentary that offers an eyewitness account of Hurricane Katrina via former 9th Ward residents Kimberly Roberts and her husband Scott (pictured below), who videotaped their experiences before, during and after the storm. 5 p.m. Wed., 7:15 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 29-30, Beach Theatre, $8…
Hank Williams III remains rebel proud and hellbound
Shelton Hank Williams III continues his reign as the ultimate death-defying Nashville bad ass/head case. The antithesis of pop country acts such as Tim McGraw, the hellbilly renegade's fourth album proper finds him melodiously yelping about fighting, fucking, drinking, suicide, broken hearts, Satanism and snorting coke over hopped-up honk tonk and the occasional spooky sound…
Appreciating David Foster Wallace
Morgan Meis of Drexel University's "The Smart Set" offers an eloquent defense of David Foster Wallace and his critique of irony: He [Wallace] watched his literary forefathers, writers like Pynchon and Gaddis, get caught up in the game of ironic distancing that itself had already been mastered by the cultural mainstream they were trying to…
Ben Kweller tonight in Tampa
Austin-based singer/songwriter, and former grunge wunderkind Ben Kweller brings his new stoner country sound to the Crowbar in Ybor City tonight. Here's an excerpt from a feature I did on him for the current issue of ">Creative Loafing: "I mean, life is life; everybody has their own journey, and I feel real fortunate," Kweller says…
World Series Game 5 nixed for tonight
Major League Baseball has further postponed the World Series due to nasty weather. No resumption of the game tonight; it's scheduled to
Business cards will save the economy
Today, Wired added a guide to sprucing up your business card to their How-To wiki. It's filled with simplistic advice about picking paper, the classic versus novelty debate and making sure you have the necessary data on display, with pithy comments like "of course, go vertical if you're so inclined." I am so inclined, thank…
Looking doubtful Rays/Phillies will play tonight
Although the remaining innings of World Series Game 5 are scheduled for 8 tonight, a lot would have to change on the meteorological front for that to happen. The Weather Channel's hour-by-hour forecast doesn't have the rain stopping until midnight. Pundits are speculating that, barring a drastic change in the weather, tonight's partial contest will…
Reel Projections — Tuesday, October 28
First things first: Four pictures from the prequel to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons. Pine-ing away: The new Kirk, Chris Pine, talks about JJ Abrams' Star Trek. Another Zac attack: Remake of Footloose cuts a rug with High School Musical 3 star Zac Efron. Speaking of Disney heartthrobs: Today's last-minute movie-character…
Songs for Sarah Palin
The presidential election is lurking around the corner, and if the devil has his way, Sarah Palin will be one-heartbeat away from the Oval Office come Jan. 20, 2009. Don't get me wrong, I would totally do her. But the thought of this pit bull with lip stick — who couldn't name one newspaper she…
Do It Today
Three appealing new albums hit stores today: Cardinology, Ryan Adams' third release with The Cardinals on Lost Highway Records; Microcastle, the third psychedelic effort by Atlanta's Deerhunter, on Kranky; and I Am Robot and Proud's latest dose of electro-pop, Uphill City, on Darla Records. Five Emerging Pictures documentaries are screened at Beach Theatre over the…
The Short List: Deep Throat director dies
A senior moment for the GOP presidential candidate. It's George Schultz. George P. Schultz, John. The endgame is upon us. "I fear the worst is yet to come." Postponed! The clock is running out on John McCain. Sure, Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is guilt as sin, but can he still win? The week in smears…
SIDS: Sintesi and Sugar
Courtesy Sarasota Int'l Design Summit/Pininfarina Today and tomorrow, the Sarasota International Design Summit continues. (Click here to read an earlier overview of the event.) At this point, the ideas start coming fast and furious, which is why the summit's "visualization maestro," Tom Wujec of Autodesk, plans to recap yesterday's big ideas (memes, if you will)…
Rain delay extends Rays season
I had my Rays eulogy all ready to go. It'll have to wait. Who knows, maybe I won't even have to write it. In one of the weirder moments in World Series history, Game 5 was delayed at 10:40 last night with the Rays and Phillies tied 2-2 in the middle of the 6th inning.…
Steve Earle joins Million Ukulele March
Hardcore troubadour Steve Earle (pictured) wields his ukulele along with famed rock journalist Sylvie Simmons, singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet, Tampa's own Ronny Elliott, and others in a virtual Million Ukulele March in support of Obama. Huh? Read more about the online rally in my previous post. "Steve Earle just signed up [this past Saturday]," Simmons told…
The Big Chiller: Books for Halloween
William McKeen is chairman of the University of Florida’s Department of Journalism and author of several books, including the Hunter S. Thompson biography Outlaw Journalist. THE BIG CHILLER: Too bad that giving-gifts-for-Halloween thing never caught on. It was my personal childhood crusade, merely another pathetic attempt to maximize booty for the Kid. It didn’t work on…
Perhaps “looptid” means “test”
This is a test post to ensure that another part of the Creative Loafing site is working properly. That doesn't mean the experience can't be enjoyable, however. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
A look into McCain’s Central Florida campaign
Interesting citizen journalism piece from The Uptake on how the McCain camp is conducting its campaign in Central Florida. Go to the 4 minute mark for the good stuff. [youtube]\\<\/iframe\>]
My Moment of Weakness
(Each Fall an army of eighteen-year-old "adults" floods USF, expecting to finally set foot in the long prophesied "real world." They soon discover that college, and the real world, are whatever these freshmen make of them. In constructing their identities, most are required to take a basic writing course. Creative Loafing has chosen four of…
Sarasota International Design Summit: Bruce Damer’s iDoublet
Greetings from the Sarasota International Design Summit, where I’m sitting in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Sarasota listening to the summit speakers. Bruce Damer (pictured) just finished discussing his work, including the development of the iDoublet—a renaissance-inspired garment that holds all of your “wearz” or gadgets, like iPods. (In addition to several music players,…
Abstract doodling made simple(r)
Last night, I stumbled across this remarkably distracting little drawing application. The color schemes aren't quite macabre enough for my tastes; but if you've ever wanted a chance to unleash your inner Kandinsky without ruining your carpet, give it a whirl.
Those escaped Patas monkeys from Safari Wild are making headlines again
I wrote about the monkeys' escape to freedom a few weeks back, and the subsequent discovery of Lowry Park CEO Lex Salisbury's little for-profit venture over the summer. The latter story definitely overshadowed the "Great Monkey Getaway." But those monkeys are still causing headaches for Salisbury (who is on a leave of absence as the…
Still not sure about voting?
I know, you're nearly nauseous from hearing it. Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and just about every other celebrity has been heard yammering about the importance of voting. But before you shrug your shoulders, slurp some more from that soda bottle and think your time could be better spent watching another King…
Inspired rant by new 49ers coach Singletary.
Striking a blow for the old-school instincts in all of us, Mike Singletary, the former Bears linebacker and new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, made splash yesterday. After prima donna tight end Vernon Davis committed a stupid personal foul penalty, Singletary yanked him from the game and chewed him out. Singletary thought his…
The Short List: Rays go down 3-1 to the Phillies
Meet Vlad and his pal Boris. These gentlemen are from Russia (perhaps) and they have prepared a musical ode to Sarah Palin. Quote the musicians: "Hello Sarah Palin we wrote this song for you because we see you from Russia! Plz respond to our emails!! We like to hear from you!!" Sarah Palin hits Tampa,…
The Faint gets its freak on at Jannus
Editor's note: Review and pic by B.Treotch. Though not heavily attended, the crowd of mostly diehard fans were packed tight under the red and white striped tent at Jannus Landing on Fri., Oct. 24. The Faint lead singer Todd Fink was wearing what looked to be a Calvin Klein designed lab coat with WWII aviator…
Do It Today
Electronica meets screamo in the music of Denver duo Breathe Carolina (pictured at right), who perform at Orpheum tonight. 8 p.m., $10. The newly rejuvinated monthly open mic night at the Studio at 620 — now dubbed Live@The Studio — continues its showcase of Bay area word artists with special guest musicians. The featured guest…
The whole story behind the Orlando TV anchor who grilled Joe Biden
An interview of Joe Biden by an Orlando TV station anchor is starting to garner some national attention. Last week, WFTV anchor Barbara West grilled Biden via satallite over ACORN, "Joe the Plumber" and Karl Marx. She dove into Biden from the outset with a question about ACORN: "Aren't you embarassed by the blantant atttempts…
Rays, Bucs and Bulls tank over the weekend
It was a bad, bad, bad weekend for Tampa Bay sports teams, with (two) losses by the Rays, Bucs and, for good measure, the USF Bulls. The Rays were the big news, of course, playing in their first World Series. On Saturday night, their hitters looked befuddled by 45-year-old Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer, who lobbed…
Did Pinellas County School District violate their own weapons policy?
On August 9, Rep. Gus Bilirakus organized a Veterans Appreciation Day at East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs. The public was invited to celebrate veterans and enjoy exhibits of military equipment and children activities. But they were also allowed to handle at least one assault rifle, which violates the school district's weapons policy.
Are you ready for some Electric Football?
Since the mid-1980s, I've owned Electric Football, which is a essentially a vibrating metal board painted to look like a football field. Switch it on, and watch in dismay as your little plastic running back nudges forward a half inch before doing an about-face and flutters toward his own endzone. Good times. While surfing the…
Bob Dylan’s hidden treasures (part one)
I immediately go into fanboy mode when a new Dylan "Bootleg Series" entry such as Tell Tale Signs (or album proper) drops. Then, after devouring the fresh product, I start rifling through my piles of genuine bootlegs because, like any Dylan junkie, once you've tasted the forbidden fruit, you just can't get enough. I've compiled…
Size no longer matters for Rolling Stone
It was with mixed emotions that I pulled the new Rolling Stone magazine from my mailbox on Thursday. On one hand, it pleased me to see Barack Obama's smiling face on the cover. On the other, it saddened me to see the mag, the one I have read more often than any other during my…
The Short List: Saturday, Oct. 25
It seems every four years, the New York Times pays a lot of attention to our strange state and its strange makeup — septuagenarian Jews and Cuban exiles, Nascar dads and Hillary moms. Check out their new video dissecting the state's chances of (surprisingly) going for Obama this time around. Raising the Barr? Politico talks…
What a food critic eats
I eat out several nights a week for work for work, from fancy-pants joints with fabulous food (like this week's MJ's), to dreadful experiences that tax my very soul (here's one), to typical ethnic take-out. Sometimes, I milk my job just to make it easier for my wife and I to put dinner on the…
Neil Diamond dazzles in Tampa
Neil Diamond mocked Father Time and dazzled tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. The 67-year-old crooner threw himself into every self-penned lyric, turning decades-old chestnuts into in-the-moment jolts of emotion that rocked a crowd of 13,000-plus — myself included. Yeah, he had a band that numbered more than a dozen but they…
Favorite ’Sweet Caroline’ experience
Few songs inspire sing-alongs like Neil Diamond's 1969 classic "Sweet Caroline." And I have every intention of gleefully crooning along with thousands of others when he performs the pop gem tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum.Yeah, I'm a big Diamond fan and super stoked about tonight! (By the way, look for my review to…
Los Lonely Boys rock Jannus, give World Series update
Texas rock band Los Lonely Boys played a spirited set for an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd last night at Jannus Landing. Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo took the stage wearing Tampa Bay Rays jerseys (adorned with World Series patches) and proceeded to burn through about 90 minutes of their trademark Texican rock 'n' roll, spiked…
The Cranky Copy Editor — Friday, October 24
What could I possibly have to bellyache about today? It’s my day off, I’m hanging out with my son, and I saw I can’t be there to witness the near-mutiny when (and if) Leilani starts today’s dance party. Or at least a slowly building chant of “We want Sal! We want Sal!” I can’t be…
Crossfit: One month in.
One month of Crossfit workouts under the tutelage of Steve Ashton at Anytime Fitness on Central and MLK in St. Pete. Time to take some stock, evaluate results. Sorry, I don't have before-and-after pictures. I don't because, well, I have some self-respect. But let me start by saying that this program, while very challenging, works.…
Seen at the Series
Memorable moments from attending my first World Series game last night: 1) St. Pete Mayor Rick Baker getting booed. Well, not Baker exactly. It's just that, while he was making his way through the crowds in the stadium concourse,he got bunched up with a scrum of red-clad Phillies fans — who regularly drew boos every…
Do It This Weekend
1. Skipper's Smokehouse stages its 29th annual Halloween shindig, the Freaker's Ball. This year's headliner is North Carolina rockabilly troubador Unknown Hinson (pictured below), with the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz serving as Master of Ceremonies. 2. On Sunday, Florida Clergy of Fairness Tampa Bay — which represents more than a dozen area faith communities — stage…
Rays get even: Go to Philly tied 1-1.
That's better. 4-2 Rays. They won in a different fashion last night — no dramatic home runs or barrages of hits. Instead, they pieced together this win. How about two ground ball outs that drove in runs? How about Rocco Baldelli beating a throw to first? B.J. Upton's two key opposite-field singles that set the…
Don’t Let ELAPP Lapse
In this week's Urban Explorer, I profiled local crabber Gus Muench and his proposal to turn Cockroach Bay into a sanctuary. This isn't the first time Muench has worked with county leaders to protect Cockroach Bay. In 1986, the editorial boards of both daily papers wrote about the local crabber and his mission to preserve…
The Short List: George W. Bush meets Sarah Palin
Will Farrell turned up on the Thursday edition of SNL, reprising his role as the strategerizer in chief. In this clip, Dubya meets with Tina Fey's Sarah Palin and gives John McCain an uncomfortable endorsement. Interesting how with less than two weeks to go until the election, SNL is really out of material on the…
Get your (early) vote on!
Early voting continues today after a week of record-breaking voting in Hillsborough, Pinellas and other Florida counties. It's not just Florida — other states are seeing the same large turnout. As of last night, over 35,000 Hillsborough County voters have performed their civic duty early, no doubt helped by Barack Obama's push for early voting…
Tampa Bay concert report
The next seven days promise a shit-ton of killer concerts starting tonight with former Guns 'N Roses guitarist Buckethead at The Garage and Los Lonely Boys at Jannus Landing. I'm super stoked about going to see Neil Diamond at the St. Pete Times Forum tomorrow. I have always liked the Jewish Elvis and his recent…
A Million Ukulele March for Obama
London-born, San Francisco-based Sylvie Simmons is a famous rock journalist/critic best known for her work in MOJO magazine, regularly contributing to The Guardian and interviewing everyone from Jagger to Beck to Ozzy to Cash. Simmons, who published the acclaimed short story collection Too Weird for Ziggy in 2004, is also a big fan of Tampa's…
“This amazing little device holds 1,000 songs, and it goes right in my pocket.”
Seven years ago today (Oct. 23, 2001) Apple's Steve Jobs introduced a new device he claimed would revolutionize music. The invention, an MP3 music player which he called the "iPod," the same size as a deck of cards, could hold your entire music collection. Now, in 2008, more than 150 million iPods have been sold.…
Reel Projections — Thursday, October 23
Feast your eyes: The latest Watchmen teaser poster and a new, awesome-looking trailer. Oldie but a goodie: A look at Nowhere fast: DC's The Flash at a standstill Kick-Ass review: Firstshowing has a script review of Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass. Vaughn made the stylish Layer Cake with Daniel Craig, and is now helming this comic-book adaptation,…
Unconventional Grilling: Bacon brittle, step by step
So you've seen my article on bacon brittle and want to make the recipe, but for some reason (stove broke, power outage, stuck at work) all you have is a gas grill (with a burner). No problem, that's all we have here at CL HQ, and I managed to make a double batch for the…
Rays/Phillies: It’s only one game
I've gotten my pessimism back, and I'm glad about it. I always feel more comfortable when I'm worried about my team than when I'm confident. And I was confident that the Rays had the upper hand going into the World Series last night. The Phillies took care of that. I'm back to normal. Which is…
Do It Today
1. Economic Stimulus Productions stages a limited run encore of Another Evening Wasted with the Songs of Tom Lehrer, a New York-style cabaret featuring songs by satirical composer Lehrer, among them, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" and "The Masochism Tango"; T. Scott Wooten (pictured) directs. Admission is on a "Pay-What-You-Can" basis. 2. Masquerade at the…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, Oct. 23-24
John Paul Bichard, Sofa 2 from The White Room (Evidência #002), 2004. Digital Print – In-game photoshoot of manipulated gamespace interiors. From Audience and Avatar. Courtesy USFCAM In an Artsqueeze first, this weekend roundup of visual art happenings is stacked with Friday events but devoid of Saturday and Sunday offerings. I must be missing something……
The Short List — World Series game one hangover edition
John Stewart continues his fine work this election season with this bit on candidates pandering to baseball fans in Florida and Pennsylvania. What looks like a clear win for McCain soon turns into a draw, and it's all thanks to Sarah Palin. The Rays drop game one 3-2 to the Phillies. That $150K wardrobe puts…
Bluelucy for Obama
Obama t-shirt design by Bluelucy We already knew that Obama is synonymous with good design. (Which gives me hope that when he launches the interactive government documents database we've all been waiting for, it might actually be user-friendly.) A pair of local designers— Chad Mize and Phillip Clark of Bluelucy— are offering their own contribution…
Tunes for the Tampa Bay Rays
OK, I'm totally stealing this idea from my coworker Anthony "Sal" Salveggi, aka The Cranky Copy Editor. Earlier today he bitched about the song selection at Tropicana Field. Whenever the Tampa Bay Rays homer, strike someone out or do something else cool, like win, which is what we all dutifully expect to see 'em do…
Awesomely bad metal lyrics
Oh, the wonderfully weird stuff that lands in my mailbox. In the book Time Flies When You're in a Coma, author Mike Daly harvest heavy metal-mocking laughs from actual lyrics – which, as anyone who has ever listened to Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, etc. already knows – are some of the hilariously worst ever committed…
Rays/Phillies: Join us for a live blog tonight!
Just gotta text from a non-baseball fan friend, who wanted to know: is it me or do the Rays look sloppy? Perhaps, but I think they look listless. ________________ End 4th: Gay men just showed up, late, and with chicken. And Crawford hits one out. There' the mojo we were looking for. Bottom 4: Heroics…
Local rappers drop new single Trop Boys in support of Tampa Bay Rays
Acafool, the rapper behind the regional smash "Hatablockas," has teamed with Tom G for the new single "Trop Boys." It's a catchy little ditty that manages to name-check just about every starter on the Tampa Bay Rays roster. Check it out.
Local rappers drop new single Trop Boys in support of Tampa Bay Rays
Acafool, the local rapper behind the regional smash "Hater Blockers, and Tom G have teamed up for the new single "Trop Boys," an ode to the Tampa Bay Rays. It's a catchy little ditty that name-checks most of the roster. Check it out here.
The Cranky Copy Editor — Wednesday, October 22
After a victory by the Bronx Bombers, Yankee Stadium pumps “New York, New York” through its loudspeakers. Red Sox fans croon “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway in the eighth inning. Catchy songs you know by heart (well, at least the choruses). Tunes you can hum. So what does the front office for our beloved Rays give…
Wanna Own a Wine Bar?
Dixon Smith, former General Manager of Charlie's Wine Cellar and Wine Bar in SoHo (next to the now defunct Whaley's), sent out a plea this morning to generate investors: "I am trying to raise investment dollars to renew the lease and re-stock the wine shop and wine bar. I know economic times are tight right…
Notes from a faithful reader
William McKeen is chairman of the University of Florida’s Department of Journalism and author of several books, including the Hunter S. Thompson biography Outlaw Journalist. FESTIVAL O’ READING: This weekend is the literary equivalent of a weenie roast for book lovers. The 16th Annual St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading brings 50 authors to town…
Do It Today
1. Northwest foursome Portugal. The Man (pictured) brings their psychedelic alterna-soul to Orpheum. Support sets are provided by hard rocking Brooklyn trio Earl Greyhound and Canada's Wintersleep. 2. Tampa Theatre hosts a limited, two-night screening of Chris & Don: A Love Story, a documentary about the complicated, three-decade-long relationship between British writer Christopher Isherwood (The…
The Short List: Tough to find a cowbell for Tampa Bay Rays World Series games
We're combining forces to bring you a more complete set of morning headlines in politics, media and pop culture. Joe Bardi's Short List on the Daily Loaf and Wayne Garcia's Morning Roundup in PoHo blog will now be combined, giving you even more news to start your day with. Here's a great idea. Too bad…
Art: Native American Inter-Tribal Art Exhibition
HCC-Dale Mabry honors Native American Heritage Month with a Native American Inter-Tribal Art Exhibition. Paintings, jewelry, wood carving, textiles, drums, and sculptures are presented by artists Linda Brassel, Ed Comer, Donald Howard, Cindy Middleton, June Perry, Kaye Ware, Ricklene Wren and Yona Bear. An "Inter-Tribal Festival" kicks off the exhibit this Wednesday and features traditional…
Special Events: The Connext Project
Animation, motion graphics and experimental film are projected onto huge screens and paired with international electronic music to transform Coachman Park into a "Global Video Lounge" for The Connext Project. In addition to the visual and aural entertainment, attendees enjoy international food, beer and wine; proceeds benefit local art students from USF, UT, the Art…
Theater: Jobsite Theater’s The History of the Devil
What do you think Satan would say at his own parole trial? How could he convince you, the audience and would-be jurors, that he deserved to be freed from Hell and returned to Heaven? What if his defense team made valid arguments, painting the Devil as an innocent observer of humanity who somehow became man's…
Will oil drilling cause a cave-in?
Never mind the current demand for the stuff — what becomes of the void oil drilling creates? If we pump out millions of barrels per day, we can't very well leave giant empty caverns, can we? Is the planet on the verge of caving in or what? — — Dan, Long Island Caving in? Please,…
Our democracy is only as good as we are
"The medium is the message." —Marshall McLuhan (1964) Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America (1835) may be the wisest book ever written about the United States. In it he said that "America demonstrates invincibly one thing that I had doubted up to now, that the middle classes can govern a State. Despite their small passions,…
Dad’s son-in-law is a “dominant” BDSM
Savage Love I accidentally discovered that my son-in-law is into BDSM sex as a "dominant." A few weeks ago, he was holding one of my dog's leashes and tried to stop my dog (a 13-year-old, docile golden retriever) from running up to another dog by violently yanking on the leash. My 65-pound dog was violently…
From alt-rock to Texas country, rocker Ben Kweller is Changing Horses
Boyish-looking Ben Kweller doesn't go around his hometown of Austin calling himself a music biz veteran. But he feels like one. And for good reason. "I've definitely been through a lot and seen a ton for only being 27 years old," the Texan says with a good-natured sigh. Kweller has distinguished himself in recent years…
Conversations about new art media in Clearwater’s Coachman Park
Speaking of technology and design, on Tuesday the City of Clearwater's Cultural Affairs Division hosts a discussion devoted to the effects of new media on the way artists and designers engage with their audience — and each other. Bright House Networks' multicultural community relations officer Christian Leon and I will each speak about projects we're…
Frozen River: Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner comes to Tampa Theatre
In Courtney Hunt's impressive debut feature, Frozen River, two women in upstate New York embark on a series of immigrant-smuggling runs, driving a beat-up Dodge Spirit across the frozen Saint Lawrence River into Quebec. The subzero temperatures have supposedly turned the river to solid ice, but as they crawl through the inky night, there's always…
Politics: 2008 Presidential Election
Millions of folks across the country have already cast their ballots. If you are among the remaining registered voters who didn't, get your ass out and make yourself heard. You may have to wait in line and your preferred candidate may not win, but at least you can say you exercised your right. With all…
Tada! Traditional and Digital Arts Gallery Grand Opening and Art/Charity: Caribbean Consciousness Charity Art Show
Sports bars, big box stores, movie theaters, strip malls, chain restaurants and gyms abound in North Tampa — but art galleries are rarer in the area than a Florida freeze. Shawn Scalise and Meaghan Farrell are taking a step toward changing that with Tada! Traditional and Digital Arts Gallery. Located in the same plaza as…
MJ’s Martini Jazz Lounge does the Tapas dance in St. Petersburg
UPDATE: As of Nov. 24, MJ's has let go of chef Domenica Macchia and changed the direction of the restaurant. Read this for details. Tapas-style dining has overrun our restaurants. Instead of concentrating on a short menu of well-executed dishes, modern chefs and restaurateurs feel the need to offer the extensive choices, lower-priced options and…
Music/Holiday: Ween ‘o’ Ween
There's nothing more frightening to the layman music fan than humor in music. Throw on Frank Zappa's Hot Rats, or Tenacious D's self-titled debut, and people will run screaming from the room, terrified of what they are unable or unwilling to understand. Ween has been scaring audiences for more than two decades with their tongue-in-cheek…
Guavaween scares up a good time in Ybor City
If your brilliant idea for a Halloween costume involves you dressed up as a male porn star with a clever moniker like Slick Hornball, or Private Dangler, or Peter Hump, and your cowboy hat and assless chaps are only the accessories to the 10-foot-long penis you've created from a pair of nude pantyhose, you're probably…
Yo Majesty delivers hip-hop album, Futuristically Speaking
Futuristically Speaking … Never Be Afraid YO MAJESTY (Domino) Tampa's X-rated lesbian hip-hop duo (formerly a trio) has become internationally known in the past two years thanks to a highly sexual, expletive-intensive, self-titled debut EP and booze-fueled live shows that often feature boob-flashing courtesy of MC Jewel B (Windy Baynham). On the twosome's full-length debut,…
Dance: Dances of India
Carrollwood Cultural Center welcomes Shreyas — An Expression of Dance for an afternoon program, "Dances of India." The cultural dance troupe's performance spotlights a range of Indian dance, from regional folk and modern Bollywood styles to Bharatha Natyam, an ancient, poetic dance that was created as a visual translation of written scriptures and conveys a…
Washingon’s water-based wine indusry
Meeting the wine people of eastern Washington is like meeting that minor league pitcher with a 97 mph fastball. These grape growers have a refreshing love of the game without that superstar big-league wine country flash. When I visited in 2006, the number of wineries approached 400. Now, it's almost 600, cranking out 7.5 million…
Rocky Horror does the time warp at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
There are three reasons why The Rocky Horror Show, currently playing at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, is such a delightful and satisfying frolic: Heather Krueger, Jesse Luttrell and Hayden Milanes. These gifted performers understand everything about Richard O'Brien's much-reprised musical, from its ostentatious self-parody to its joyous celebration of modern-day gender-bending. Not that…
Sarasota International Design Summit brings visual thinkers together
Next week, for the third year in a row, thought leaders in business and design converge on the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota for a conference hosted by the Ringling College of Art and Design. Dubbed the Sarasota International Design Summit, it may be one of the most underappreciated and underreported happenings in greater Tampa Bay. Don't…
Discussion: Ben Stein
Though he's something of a pop culture icon, with his hangdog countenance and monotone delivery, there's a lot more to Ben Stein than his memorable turn as the boring economics teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and his tenure as host of the Comedy Central quiz show Win Ben Stein's Money. Stein's resume also boasts…
How the Tampa Bay Rays made a non-fan believe
When I walked outside Sunday morning to the first brisk air in many months and we opened up the house, I did not take it as a sign. When I got gas later in the day and it was less than $3 a gallon, I did not regard it as good mojo. I was knotted…
Wade seeks World Series watering hole
Unless that evil Phillies Phanatic finds a way to spike the Rays' water cooler with something from the Amy Winehouse stash of mind-twisting substances, it's my bet that our awesomely young ball club will soon bring St. Petersburg its greatest honor: a Major League Baseball world championship. Which ain't too shabby for a team that…
Theater: Phantom of the Opera
The national Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Theatre Company tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera lands in Tampa just in time for Halloween. Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, the chilling musical focuses on a masked madman who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House and…
Art: Audience & Avatar and Brody Condon: Modifications
The international assortment of talents who've created digital paintings, traditional and digital photography, video, custom self-running games, and sculpture for USF Contemporary Art Museum's new exhibit, Audience & Avatar, delve into the ways that videogames, game culture, technology and psychology influence viewer participation and representation in art. Among the participants are UK-based artist John Paul…
Fundraiser/Special Events: Guavaween
If your brilliant idea for a Halloween costume involves you dressed up as a male porn star with a clever moniker like Slick Hornball, or Private Dangler, or Peter Hump, and your cowboy hat and assless chaps are only the accessories to the 10-foot-long penis you've created from a pair of nude pantyhose, you're probably…
Art/Holiday: ARTpool Halloween ARTparty
Ditch the political masks and tired superhero costumes and don your best artist's garb for the ARTpool Halloween ARTparty. Dress up as a famous artiste (Van Gogh sans ear?) or as your own fabulous, just-waiting-to-be-discovered persona for a costume contest at the St. Pete art-gallery-cum-vintage-boutique. On-site photo shoots commemorate the evening, and prizes go to…
Film: Halloween Horror Picture Show
Gasparilla International Film Fest, Enigma Films and Beach Theatre present the fifth annual Halloween Horror Picture Show. The 2008 edition has expanded to include three days' worth of entertainment. The daylight hours are jam-packed with vintage trailers and free (locally sponsored) screenings of family-friendly classics — Robot Monster, Ghostbusters, Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein and…
Music: Buckethead
What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with an avant-garde prog metal guitarist/composer who never leaves home without his Michael Myers-style blank white face mask and KFC bucket crown? Yes, I'm referring to Buckethead, who brings his freak show to the Bay area this Thursday. Buckethead is probably best known by mainstream audiences…
Bob Dylan’s Tell Tale Signs, Herman Dune’s Next Year in Zion and Milton Nascimento’s Novas Bossas
Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8 Bob Dylan (Columbia/Legacy) Bootlegging started because of Bob Dylan. During his post-motorcycle-accident seclusion in 1966-67, he recorded home demos and sent them to his music publisher, hoping other artists would record the songs and bring some income into the growing Dylan household. But bootleggers got hold of…
Holiday/Charity: Gothic Graveyard Walk
Historian/actor Maureen Patrick dons elaborate mourning attire, takes on the identity of 19th-century Tampa resident Miss Prudence Fipwhistle and leads locals on a Gothic Graveyard Walk. Tampa Historical Society's annual fundraising tradition is a humorously informative living history tour of Tampa's Victorian-era Oaklawn Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place of more than a…
Salty, sweet and decadent: CL’s recipe for bacon peanut brittle
When I ate at MJ’s Martin Jazz & Tapas Lounge a couple of weeks ago, the highlight of the exceptional meal were two tiny bits of bacon brittle accenting a plate of scallops and mashed potatoes. Loaded with salt and smoke and sweet, those tidbits were packed with decadent richness and powerful flavor. It made…
Holiday/Charity: World Zombie Day
Local zombie lovers social club The Deadite Empire stages World Zombie Day, a living dead walk and charity food drive. Zombie-fied participants "trick-or-treat" for nonperishable food items from 10 Ybor City businesses to donate to America's Second Harvest-Tampa Bay. Make-up artists offer their talents to anyone looking to be bloodied up. The walk starts at…
Los Lonely Boys, Neil Diamond, Peter Frampton and City of Ships in concert
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 UNEARTH w/PROTEST THE HERO/THE ACACIA STRAIN/WHITECHAPEL/GWEN STACY Boston quintet Unearth melds thrash, hardcore and extreme metal to create a sonic experience that's disturbingly intense yet intelligent. Formed in 1998, the band has been recording for Metal Blade since 2004. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg) BUCKETHEAD w/THAT 1 GUY Avant-metal guitarist/composer best known for…
Music/Holiday: Musical Spooktacular
Rochester Philharmonic's principal pops conductor Jeff Tyzik leads The Florida Orchestra through a Musical Spooktacular this weekend. As the title suggests, the latest installment of the Raymond James Pops concert series captures the spooky spirit of Halloween. The program includes music from Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean, King Kong, Creature from the Black Lagoon and…
Would Joe the Plumber be hurt by Barack Obama’s tax plan?
Or Bob the Builder or Woody the Woodworker or Sarah the Small Business Owner for that matter? Note that the question isn't about the genuineness of Joe the Plumber himself. It's now widely acknowledged that Samuel "Joe" Wurzelbacher, the newly minted symbol of small business ownership in America (thanks to John McCain), is not a…
Literature: Pen is Mightier Literary Series
The Studio@620 opens a new season of its "Pen is Mightier" literary series with Rosalie Peck and Jon Wilson. The duo recently co-authored St. Petersburg's Historic 22nd Street South, a volume that traces the history of a treasured African-American thoroughfare and its surrounding neighborhood from the segregation era to today. An afternoon workshop with Peck…
EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is worth a visit, if you’re already going
Last Sunday was the perfect day to be at a Florida theme park: temps in the low 80s, meager humidity and a nice breeze to cut the blazing sun. That, combined with the third weekend of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival — including a Spyro Gyra performance — meant the 9 a.m. lines at…
Literature: 16th Annual St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading
More than 50 local, regional and national authors are scheduled to appear for readings and signings at the 16th Annual St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading, among them, longtime Italian chef and cookbook author Marcella Hazan, public radio commentator, performer and author Sandra Tsing Loh, and suspense novelist turned children's fiction writer Ridley Pearson. Other…
From alt-rock to Texas country, rocker Ben Kweller is changing Horses
Boyish looking Ben Kweller doesn't go around his hometown of Austin calling himself a music biz veteran. But he feels like one. And for good reason. "I've definitely been through a lot and seen a ton for only being 27 years old," the Texan says with a good-natured sigh. Kweller has distinguished himself in recent…
Film: E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial
Tampa Theatre's free outdoor picture show, the Sunset Cinema series, continues with the film that made "phone home" and Reese's Pieces touchstones of early-'80s pop culture: Steven Spielberg's classic, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. Alcoholic beverages, plastic tarps and tables are not permitted, but attendees can bring blankets, pillows, backrests, low-profile beach chairs and picnic baskets. Traditional…
Thelonious Monk, Himself CD reissued
Thelonious Himself THELONIOUS MONK (Riverside) Recorded with fabled jazz producer Orrin Keepnews, this is the first of mercurial pianist Monk's handful of solo piano recordings. It's been recently reissued, with bonus alternate takes, in a 24-bit format. Monk's quirky, heavy-hands treatment of several Tin Pan Alley standards ("April in Paris," "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You")…
Tampa Bay Rays raise sour grapes
"It's great to see the long-suffering (what was it, 10 years?) 8,000 or so Rays fans (and the 30,000 more that discovered the team in the last 6 weeks or so) win." —Poster "garryW" on the Boston Globe's coverage of the Rays' ALCS victory "Big Papi took a 'Big Poopie' during the entire postseason." —"RamblinWreck"…
Tampa Bay Rays, Colin Powell, Sarah Palin on SNL
The Rays win the pennant Go ahead, enjoy it. Even we're not cynical enough to piss on this victory. Next up: Philly The City of Brotherly Love vs. the City of Teacherly Love With Students. Early voting starts in Florida Does that mean that Obama is officially our Early President? Colin Powell endorses Obama Bros…
This week’s wine and food events
THURSDAY: WEST PALM WINES Tampa Wine Institute class examines wines from France's Rhone area. $30. 6-7 p.m., Oct. 23, West Palm Wines, 2009 N. 22nd St, Tampa (813-241-8587 or westpalmwines.com). THURSDAY: B-21 FINE WINE & SPIRITS The winemakers of Spain: Importer Jorge Ordonez offers some of his selections. $10. 6-8:30 p.m., Oct. 23, B-21 Fine…
A Tampa crabber fights to save Cockroach Bay
Before writing anything about Cockroach Bay, Gus Muench tells me, get one thing straight: Cockroach Bay is not named after Florida's notorious six-legged pest. As the story goes, early Spanish explorers came up with the moniker after observing numerous horseshoe crabs crawling along the bay's shallow sea floor. Cockroach Bay, located in the southern portion…
Britney Spears does it again in “Womanizer” video
"Womanizer" video BRITNEY SPEARS (Posted at TampaCalling.com Oct. 13) She still can't sing. But that's not why we started lusting after her in the first place. And lust, naughty lust, has been the linchpin of Spears' success ever since she Lolita'd it up in that schoolgirl outfit. She lost her way during her head-shaving-wackiness phase.…
Avett Brothers Cuban Club show canceled at last minute
UPDATE: This show has been postponed. Read about it here at TampaCalling.com. Acoustic rockers the Avett Brothers shook the Skipperdome last December with their frisky folk-rock, and WMNF is bringing the band (two siblings and a pal) back to town for a performance at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. Since quietly emerging on the…
Dolly Parton puts on the kitsch in Clearwater
Credit Dolly Parton for being one of the few humans alive who can bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans, grandmothers and daughters, good ol’ boys and gay boys. All were in attendance Monday night at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Parton performed her hits and the same timeworn comedy routines she's done for decades.…
Bob Dylan still has many more bootlegs
The eighth entry in Bob Dylan's acclaimed "bootleg series," the double disc Tell Tale Signs, which I wrote about here, dropped today and it has me thoroughly charmed. Covering mostly the singer/songwriter's 1989-2005 comeback years, the collection is rich with alternate versions and outtakes from albums like Oh Mercy and Time Out of Mind. There…
