January kicked off with two bits of sad news — the surprise death of Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan and the announcement that Kid Rock was the headliner at Tampa's NHL All-Star Game. We also learned a little more about the Cuban Club, celebrated locals and got hyped on Cirque's new production headed for Tampa.
Have a look at what #CLmusic readers clicked on in the first few weeks of 2018.
- R.I.P. Cranberries lead singer Dolores O'Riordan has died at 46 Results of an autopsy and toxicology report have not been announced, and Rolling Stones says "police were treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious." The coroner's investigation has been adjourned until April 3 "as they await the results of further tests," according to that office.
- WhigFest organizers: "Deteriorating foundation" at Ybor's Cuban Club means new schedule, stages Officials from the Cuban Club eventually got back to CL, and we learned that the venue has received several state grants for restoration, and that the biggest one ($1 million) requires improvements to be done by June 1. In an effort to comply, the Club immediately went under construction in December.
- Photos: Here are the 15 most naked people at Atlanta's Imagine Music Festival (NSFW) Because, the internet.
- Uh, Kid Rock is headlining Tampa's NHL All-Star Game concert The booking was met with mixed reactions (mostly due to Rock's penchant for flying the Confederate flag and his open adoration of 45), but the Detroit rocker ended up not uttering a word about Trump, Southern pride (not prejudice, guys) or his fake run for U.S. Senate during his performance.
- Review: At Lakeland's Maddox Ranch, Hometeam New Years Rally kicks off a promising 2018 (w/photos) That wook-life is pure, and festival fans flock to the internet to re-connect with the experiences they have. It's especially true for homegrown fests like Hometeam.
- Concert review: Duran Duran and CHIC serve a double-dose of nonstop dancing in Tampa This 2016 review surged up in the web hits this month. Duran Duran is very active on social media, and its fans are always consuming content related to the band.
- Here are the 10 most naked people at Sunset Music Festival 2017 (probably NSFW) More naked people. This time locally. Because, the internet.
- NHL All-Star Weekend: Your guide to the music, how to move around town and more The NHL's All-Star Weekend was a big deal, but it was especially cool to see readers flocking to our posts about the local talent booked to play alongside national acts inside and around the arena. You can see a recap of the weekend here.
- Tampa's own Joshua Cruz & The Experience added to music lineup for NHL All-Star Skills Competition And one of those local artists tapped to play inside Amalie? A CL favorite, pop-singer Joshua Cruz. Many say him and his band the Experience on national television, and a lot of eyes landed on cltampa.com/music after he was announced as in-game entertainment.
- M83 tapped as composer and musical director for new Cirque du Soleil production set to premiere in Tampa Bay area lectro-pop fans are always going to have a little bit of a freakout when French-born, L.A.-livin' producer M83 even hints at a nearby show, and while he won't be at the Tampa premiere of Cirque's latest creation on Valentine's Day, M83 did compose the music.
This article appears in Feb 1-8, 2018.