Frequently tapped by city leaders to discuss creative-industries development in both small and large markets, Kageyama is regarded as an urban maharishi wherever he goes. The 50-year-old author and community cheerleader has headlined seminars and workshops across the United States and abroad, including a UN conference on creative industries in Rwanda.
Before he stepped up as a warrior for the creative class, Kageyama, a native of Akron, Ohio, was an attorney and hobby musician. He practiced law for two years before launching a successful web development firm in Tampa with close friend and one-time bandmate Ken Walker.
Kageyama’s entrepreneurial spirit took a new turn in 2003, when he met Richard Florida, the father of urban studies and the author of “The Rise of the Creative Class.” Inspired by Florida’s views on nurturing a creative economy, Kageyama decided to follow in a similar path, producing the first Creative Cities Summit in St. Petersburg with Michelle Bauer, then-director of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum. In 2008, Kageyama developed, produced and hosted a second summit in Detroit, Michigan, followed by a third summit in 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky.
When he’s not traveling the world spreading his message of civic pride and affection, Kageyama is a devoted denizen of downtown St. Pete. You can usually catch him behind his computer at Kahwa Coffee or eating a St. Petersburger at Locale Market.
Best hidden coffee shop: STARBUCKS inside the Hilton Bayfront. “If you want to have an off-the-grid conversation this is the place to go. Charlie Crist worked on his book at the Hilton. For a two-week period I’d catch him at the Starbucks inside the hotel. It’s so quiet. You can fly under the radar.”
Best place to launch a political campaign: STUDIO@620. “It’s not the largest arts and cultural organization in town, but it has the most heart. It’s a place that says yes to ideas, to people, art and community.”
Best strip mall grub: CICCIO CALI. “We go for Tuesday night flats nights. They serve these warm mini-tortillas with all the fixings for $2. It gets packed, so you’ve got to go early.”
Best bar for a non-drinker: GREEN BENCH BREWING CO. “For somebody who doesn’t frequent bars, I’m always happy to meet people at Green Bench. They’ve got giant wooden Jenga games and people doing weird yoga. Sometimes they show movies. It’s like stepping into somebody’s backyard.”
Best place to take tourists: Beach Drive and the 600 Block of Central Avenue. “Everything that’s right about St. Pete can be found in these two distinct districts.”
Best local entertainer: PAUL WILBORN, executive director at the Palladium Theater . “He’s a local treasure. Not only does he run the Palladium, he’s an arts and cultural leader who can perform onstage. He’s a triple threat.”
Best date night dinner: RED MESA CANTINA. “We love to sit in the courtyard. I usually order the Mofongo (pork carnitas and plantains) or ceviche.”
Best way to dodge tourists: DALI MUSEUM after hours. “You can go to the Dali on Thursday nights for half the price and the place is empty. You can walk right up to the masterworks. The only ones there are you, a couple from Germany and the security guards.”
Best place to eavesdrop: KAHWA SOUTH CAFE. “It feels like the heart of the city and the epicenter of downtown. It’s a place where people are always working on something and everyone wants to know what you’re working on.”
Best supermarket sweep: LOCALE MARKET. “The coffee, the cookies, the barbeque salmon burgers! The market has become our new favorite place. We all thought Baywalk was dead until Bill Edwards brought it back to life. As far as I’m concerned, Locale Market is the highlight of Sundial.”
Best stretch of shoreline: GULFPORT. “I’m an urban guy, but if I had to choose the best beach town in Florida, I’d pick Gulfport. Everything from the businesses to the homes is bright and funky. It’s so colorful.”
Best strange new addiction: Board gaming at SERENITY GAMES and CRITICAL HIT GAMES. “Board games are coming back. Both of these stores have places inside for people to meet up and play. There is a really energetic board gaming community in the area. I needed a new thing to occupy my mind that didn’t involve sitting in front of a piece of technology.”
This article appears in Sep 17-23, 2015.