Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Few things are as gratifying as enjoying yourself while helping a good cause. Well, you can do just that this Friday when you head to Town ’n’ Country for the TNC Block Party Parranda, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage 2009 and National Latino AIDS Awareness.
The event benefits the Florida Institute for Community Studies, a nonprofit that works to address area concerns via programs on substance abuse, tutoring, the arts and much more. Enjoy free samples of food from countries including Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico, watch the Sabor Dance Troupe perform, and shake your moneymaker to hot Latin tunes courtesy of Maxima 92.5. Admission is free, but bring money for food, drinks and the Community Art Show, which features works by area youth and other community members. Free services, including HIV testing, are also available. Fri., Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m., FICS Multicultural Family Center, 6704 Hanley Road, Tampa, ficsinc.org. – Anthony Salveggi
This article appears in Oct 8-14, 2009.