As most Achievers know, the unabashed idolatry surrounding 1998’s The Big Lebowski spawned the pop-culture phenomenon Lebowski Fest, a nationwide circuit of fan events that arrived for the first time in Tampa Feb. 25-26. Appearing at the fest was Jeff Dowd, the real-life dude who inspired the Coen Brothers’ Dude. The affable fella visited the Bay area for the first time, greeting fans and toasting White Russians. Have Gun, Will Travel and The Lambasters rocked the opening festivities at the Ritz, and Saturday’s shindig took place in appropriate fashion at University Lanes.
