THURSDAY 10.14
Detroit Superstar In the latest installment of Last Comic Standing, the show's producers have pitted season one against season two in an all-out "Battle of the Best" competition. Last season's winner, John Heffron, made it to the final four again, and you can see what all the fuss is about firsthand at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center this evening. The Detroit native shares anecdotes that shed light on everything from his childhood experiences to his difficulties with women, his nervous pacing and unrestrained enthusiasm complementing a speech pattern that sometimes echoes old-school Bobcat Goldwaite. Female comedienne and fellow Last Comic Standing alumnus Tammy Pescatelli opens. 8 p.m. Tickets: $28. The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
Food for the Unfilled The St. Petersburg Free Clinic presents its 24th Annual Hunger Banquet, a tradition where members of the community gather for an informal supper to acknowledge the continuing problem of hunger here and around the world. The supper includes hearty soup, bread and a simple dessert. Guests should bring their own soup bowls along with a donation of canned food items. Tickets are $10 for adults, and students are admitted free with a donation of three "personal care" or canned food items. For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, go to www.stpetersburgfreeclinic.org. 6:30-8 p.m. Eckerd College — Fox Hall, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-7979.
FRIDAY 10.15
Step out of Reality I have an admittedly unhealthy love for science fiction. This weekend, I'll be feeding my addiction at a science fiction and fantasy convention called Necronomicon 2004. Presented by the Stone Hill Science Fiction Association, a Tampa-based nonprofit science fiction and fantasy fan organization, this event offers a wide range of activities and diversions for fans that enjoy all things imaginary. This year's gathering has more to offer than usual, including an open mic spoken word exhibit, folk music sing-alongs, role-playing games, panel discussions, dances, trivia games, an art show, and a masquerade ball complete with costumes and prizes. Additionally, there are three 24-hour video rooms showcasing classic and contemporary science fiction and fantasy films, as well as popular animation. Spider Robinson, winner of various prestigious writing awards and co-author of Callahan's Crosstime Saloon and the Stardance series, serves as the guest of honor. The party begins at noon today and lasts through Sun., Oct. 17. Admission is $35 per person for the complete weekend; single day passes are $15 on Fri. and Sun., and $20 on Sat. For a complete schedule of events (and believe me, there are plenty), go to www.stonehill.org. Crowne Plaza Sabal Park, 10221 Princess Palm Drive, Tampa, 813-982-9616.
SATURDAY 10.16
A Retro Diversion Come out and party like it's 1989 at the Southeast Music Alliance's "I Love the '80s" bash this evening. In classic tribute fashion, S.M.A. presents a lineup of bands that each offer a novel slant on the theme: Nintendo tunes with classical instruments by Gainesville's Select Start; music of the '80s in the form of themes and jingles (from The Incredible Hulk to Ms. Pac Man) by Atlanta-based group Hill Valley Preservation Society; electro-pop by St. Petersburg's Auditorium (featuring Planet staffer Joran Oppelt); a solo set from B.C. of Tampa hip-hop group Red Tide; and closing out the night is Orlando's infamous prog/metal outfit Indorphine. Additionally, there are Atari games on the big screen and Nintendo stations set up courtesy of local gaming lounge The D-Pad. New Wave attire is encouraged and drawings for CDs, T-Shirts and DVDs take place throughout the night. 9 p.m. Admission is $10 ($8 with a voter ID). State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-895-3045.
White Nights Seven short, drooling men stand over a glass coffin, gazing raptly at the pale beauty inside. They want to touch her, feel her silky smooth skin under their fat, stubby fingers but something (perhaps scruples?) keeps them from shattering the case and ravaging the comatose body. Welcome to the world of the Brothers Grimm, where real life takes a backseat to magic and wonderment, and where a princess is protected by a group of honorable fellows only to be awoken and snatched away from them by a handsome prince. Clearwater's nonprofit Guilfoil Ballet Theater presents a full-length performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in downtown Clearwater this weekend, featuring a 21-member cast with dancers ranging in ages from 7 to 40. Directed by Andrew Guilfoil. 7:30 p.m. Sat. and 4 p.m. Sun., Oct. 16 and 17. Tickets: $12 adults/$6 children. Royalty Theater, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-443-6647.
SUNDAY 10.17
Tumbling Dice For over 20 years, the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats have entertained audiences around the world with spirited, gravity-defying performances. The Hai Family, whose name we're told is synonymous with excellence within acrobatic circles, directs the company through routines that are precise and exceptionally graceful. The versatile, multicultural production features dramatic acrobatic displays, impressive feats of daring and balance, explosive martial arts, dazzling costumes and a touch of comedy. This is a show that can be enjoyed by all ages and locals can see the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats somersault into Clearwater this afternoon as part of the St. Petersburg Times Family Theater Series. 2 p.m. Tickets: $12. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
MONDAY 10.18
Discussion and Debate The University of South Florida Lecture Series (ULS) is a student-supported program that offers speakers and events that work "to develop intellectual potential and to present interesting and relevant information on a variety of scholastic and community-oriented interests." Basically, ULS provides the public with an opportunity to increase its knowledge of current events, culture and politics. Tonight's topic is "Inside Politics" and ULS welcomes two of the brightest women in campaign management: Donna Brazile, a veteran political strategist and chair of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute; and Bay Buchanan, a CNN political commentator and president of The American Cause, an educational foundation founded by Pat Buchanan (her brother). They discuss and debate American politics and the upcoming election from their contrasting points of view. 7 p.m. Free. University of South Florida — Special Events Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-974-7595.
WEDNESDAY 10.20
Diary of a Humorist In The SantaLand Diaries, a mother orders Macy's elf David Sedaris to tell her naughty son that he's in danger of getting coal in his stocking. "I said that Santa no longer traffics in coal." Instead, he told the boy, "If you're bad, he comes to your house and steals things." Sedaris made his comic debut recounting these strange-but-true experiences on National Public Radio's Morning Edition in 1992. Since then, he's become an extremely popular commentator on NPR; he's written three best-selling essay collections, including the latest, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim; he was named as Humorist of the Year by Time magazine and became the third person ever to receive the Thurber Prize for American Humor; and he's written several well-received plays with his sister, Amy Sedaris. This evening, David Sedaris speaks at Tampa Theatre, presenting humor drawn from his unusual childhood in North Carolina, his unique career path and his move with his lover to France. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286.
This article appears in Oct 13-19, 2004.