Festivals/Events
Beerfest 2002 The Florida Brewers Guild hosts Beerfest 2002, a day of peace, love and killer beer. So plan your day accordingly — designated driver, etc. There are hundreds of brews to sample from a variety of regional brewers, How To clinics on different brewing stages and a panel of experts judging Best Micro Brews of Florida. Home brew stores from around the state are on hand with their latest products and info. And there's lots of food and a live band. Sat., Jan. 26, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $15 advance, $20 day of. Centro Ybor, 16th St. and Eighth Ave., Ybor City. 813-242-4660.
Fort Harrison Hotel Anniversary In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Fort Harrison Hotel, the Church of Scientology is holding an Open House. The event is highlighted by historical photos and stories of the Clearwater landmark. Jan. 28-Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-467-6860.
Last Sunday Brunch Folks at The Globe Coffee Lounge know how to eat, and they hold this cozy event monthly (mostly). The brunch menu includes crepes stuffed with asparagus, portobellos and cheeses; duck with black current sauce and greens; eggnog french toast; global omelets; spicy sausage and gravy on herbed biscuits; fresh fruit waffles; devilled greens with caviar and other delicacies. The meals are served a la carte. Sun., Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Meals cost $3-$9. Complimentary sangria served after 1 p.m. The Globe Coffee Lounge, 532 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-898-5282.
Parking Lot Sale Just Books — one of Tampa's finest book stores, particularly for finding quality used paperbacks — presents its annual Parking Lot Sale, selling all paperbacks at 50 cents and all hardbacks at $1 and $2. The books have been donated throughout the year and include all of the major categories generally found in the store: history, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent's Food Bank. Sun., Jan. 27, 8:30 a.m. Just Books, 2002 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. 813-977-4648.
The Stuart Society's Winter Gala The Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts hosts its annual gala, The Carnival of Venice. The evening includes entertainment, dancing and an elegant, Venetian-style dinner. Sat., Jan. 26, 7 p.m. Tickets cost $150 per person. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667.
Visions of Nature, Voices of Nature Eckerd College hosts its first environmental film festival, Visions of Nature, Voices of Nature, with Florida as a central theme. The festival continues through Jan. 27. At 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, Patricia Simms, coordinator of the Manatee Viewing Center, leads a discussion titled, Nature Meets Technology; and at 7 p.m. John E. Reynolds III, professor of marine sciences and biology at Eckerd College, leads a discussion titled, Florida's Manatees and Other Sirens, as he introduces a film about manatees. At 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, Elizabeth Weatherford, director of the Film and Video Center at the National Museum of the American Indian, gives a lecture titled, Environment in American Indian Film and Video; and at 7 p.m. Timothy K. Beal, professor of biblical literature at Case Western University, gives a talk titled Floridian Horrorscapes. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, James Deutsch and Sam Gowan discuss Florida's Landscapes in the Films of Victor Nunez, preceding a screening of Nunez's film, Ulee's Gold; and at 7 p.m., there's a screening of clips from Nunez's latest film, Coastlines. The festival concludes Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, with a discussion of sharks in films and the screening of Florida's Sea Creatures: Sharks, from 1 to 5 p.m. All of the events, except those on Sunday, take place at Eckerd's Dendy-Mc Nair Auditorium. For more info and schedule for the festival, visit: www.eckerd.edu. All talks and films are free and open to the public. Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-864-8297.
Attractions
Duck Tours of Tampa Bay Take a land and sea adventure in a genuine World War II amphibious vehicle. The historical and entertaining tours are fully narrated and last approximately an hour and 20 minutes. The St. Petersburg Duck Tour departs daily from The Pier beginning at 11:15 a.m. The Tampa/Ybor City tour departs Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. from Newk's Cafe in Downtown Tampa. Admission costs $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for seniors and military, $9.95 for ages 3-12 and free those 2 and under. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-432-3825.
Florida Aquarium Dragons Down Under. The aquarium's popular Sea Dragon exhibit features some new inhabitants. Approximately 45 new animals from six species have been added, and the enhancement more completely portrays the underwater life of subtropical and tropical Australian reefs. The aquarium also features more than 10,000 aquatic plants and animals in three galleries: Wetlands, Bays and Beaches, and Coral Reefs. Enjoy behind-the-scenes and audio tours, dive shows and a touch-tank with sharks and rays. Tickets cost $13.75 for adults, $12.75 for seniors, $8.75 for ages 3-12 and free for children under 3. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-273-4000.
Lectures & Seminars
The ABCs of Zoning THAN, a nonprofit group of neighborhood associations, is offering this workshop for residents concerned with zoning and interested in broader neighborhood policy issues. Sat., Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The workshop costs $25 to non-THAN members. However, the cost includes registration and a year's membership to THAN. Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5800 N. Central Ave., Tampa. 813-684-6100.
Ethics Roundtable Labor lawyer Janet Goldberg McEnery, a shareholder with Macfarlane, Ferguson and McMullen, introduces the topic, The Legal and Ethical Implications of Down-sizing and Other Cost-Cutting Efforts. UT's Center for Ethics holds the roundtable discussion in the Sykes College of Business, room 131. Fri., Jan. 25, 8 a.m. University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
League of Women Voters Meeting Judith Simpson, project manager of Safe Start, a Pinellas County project of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Protection, speaks on the subject of children and violence. Thu., Jan. 24, 7-9 p.m. St. Petersburg Main Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-527-6881.
Readings & Signings
Barnes & Noble-Brandon David Ginzl. Ginzl, author of Barnett: The Story of Florida's Bank, shares information from the book, an in-depth history of one of Florida's most important businesses. Sat., Jan. 26, 2-4 p.m. 122 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon. 813-661-9883.
Haslam's M. Diane Vogt. Vogt signs copies of Justice Denied, the second novel in her Judge Wilhemina Carson series, set in the Tampa Bay area. Sat., Jan. 26, 2 p.m. 2025 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-8616.
Inkwood Books James W. Hall. Hall reads and signs Blackwater Sound, his latest suspense novel, which brings back the popular antihero Thorn, as well as Alexander Rafferty, the heroine of Body Language. Into the mix, Hall adds a peerless dysfunctional family whose pursuit of high-tech weapons and a giant marlin makes for great Florida noir. Sun., Jan. 27, 2 p.m. 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa. 813-253-2638.
Riverview Branch Library Writing Your Life Stories. Debra Marrs, who teaches Writing Your Life Stories at USF, discusses successful storywriting tips, how to collect memories, organizational tips and alternative options for documenting your life. Thu., Jan. 24, 10 a.m. 10509 Riverview Drive, Riverview. 813-671-7690.
Sports & Recreation
David Wells Celebrity Softball Classic Perfect game-pitcher David Wells hosts this six-inning, slow-pitch game to benefit The David Wells Foundation. The celebrities taking part include David Cone, John Lynch, Kirk Gibson, Derek Bell and more, schedules pending. The Wells Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes. Sat., Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Tickets cost $8, $5 for police, firefighters, EMT, military and children under 12. Legends Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. 813-879-2244.
Guided Hike Grab the bug spray and a few good friends before heading out to Brooker Creek (Tarpon Springs) for a free guided tour of the grounds. Reservations are a must. The hikes take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. 813-943-4003.
Laser Tag at the Ice Sports Forum The Forum, already a popular ice skating venue, has opened a 3,300-square-foot, space-theme laser tag facility capable of handling up to 40 players at once. Competition levels vary from fun-seekers to experienced, all-out players, with walk-ons and leagues welcome. Ice Sports Forum, 10222 Elizabeth Place, Tampa. 813-684-7825.
Osprey Bay Kayaks Aside from a variety of classes, Osprey also offers regular outings, including Sunset and Full Moon Paddles, Weekday Get Aways (Clearwater Bay, Caladesi Island, etc.) and fishing trips. Call for a full schedule of events, costs and other information. Osprey Bay Kayaks, 17910 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-524-9670.
The Professional Bull Riding Bud Light Series The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) bring an awesome show of cowboy and bull, perhaps the toughest show on dirt. Cities where the series has sold out venues include Tampa, St. Louis and Anaheim. Jan. 25-26, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10, $25, $50 and $100. Ice Palace, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-1000.
Run for Shelter 5K There isn't much in the way of prizes for the winners of the Run for Shelter 5K, an annual race sponsored by the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser and the city of Tampa. All race proceeds are donated to local shelter-related charities throughout Hillsborough County, and so the prizes are mostly goods donated by local businesses. But the amenities available to the runners are fine: food, fruit, beer and music. Add to that, the setting of this evening run is the lovely brick streets of historic Ybor City. Fri., Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Registration begins at 5 p.m. The race starts at 7 p.m. Race-day registration costs $20 and the first 750 registered runners are guaranteed long-sleeve, custom race T-shirts. Centro Ybor, 16th St. and Eighth Ave., Ybor City. 813-242-4660.
Classical Music
Dean Shostak Instrumentalist Dean Shostak performs a concert of traditional American music and original compositions on the glass armonica, hurdy-gurdy and violin, with a bit of anecdotal, 18th century history and humor thrown in. The glass armonica, invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, consists of glass bowls tuned by size, one inside another. Moistened fingers rub the exposed rims of the glasses to produce the desired, ethereal sounds. Shostak's national appearances include National Public Radio's All Things Considered and NBC's Nightside. Thu., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $13. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. 727-942-5605.
Jerry Tachoir Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz mallet artist Jerry Tachoir (vibes, marimba) leads the Group Tachoir, which performs with the USF Jazz Ensemble at the college's Monday Night Jazz Series. Tachoir, as leader of the Group Tachoir jazz ensemble, has had an extensive career and performed at such events as The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The International Festival of Jazz in Montreal and The North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland. Mon., Jan. 28, 8 p.m. Admission costs $10, $5 for students. University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-2323.
Mandy Patinkin Wed., Jan. 30. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
New Haydn String Quartet Formed in Budapest in 1989, the quartet is Janos Horvath, Peter Sarosi, Gyorgy Porzsolt and Gabor Magyar. The Quartet's repertoire encompasses every epoch of the string quartet, from early to contemporary compositions. This guest recital takes place in the Music Recital Hall (FAH 101). Wed., Jan. 30, 8 p.m. Admission costs $6, $4 for students. University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-2323.
Spotlight on Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg The Florida Orchestra, with guest conductor Pavel Kogan and violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, performs this latest Masterworks concert. Salerno-Sonnenberg is a preeminent violinist, who's been recognized with an Avery Fisher Career Grant. The program includes Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major and Wagner's Prelude to Die Meistersinger. The concerts take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Mahaffey Theater (813-287-8844); at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at Ruth Eckerd Hall (727-791-7400); and at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at TBPAC (812-229-7827). Tickets cost $20-$38. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767.
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club-Clearwater Nick Arandes. Jan. 25-26, 9:30 p.m. 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-797-5653.
Coconuts Comedy Club-St. Pete Beach Larry Myles. Jan. 24-27, 9:30 p.m. Open Mic Night featuring Rene Bray. Wed., Jan. 30, 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). 6100 Gulf Blvd., Howard Johnson, St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5653.
Improv Comedy Theater Bill Bellamy. Actor/comedian Bill Bellamy has certainly made the most of his talents — an original sense of humor and a winning smile — since first showcasing his natural gift for stand-up at a male beauty contest he entered while attending Rutgers University. Bellamy has starred in several films, including The Brothers, Any Given Sunday, Love Jones and How To Be a Player. He's also the voice of Skeeter in Nickelodeon's Cousin Skeeter, for which he's been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. But fans of his stand-up remember him best for his appearance on HBO's Def Comedy Jam and subsequent hit Showtime special, Booty Call. Jan. 24, 8 p.m.; Jan. 25, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; Jan. 26, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; Jan. 27, 12 a.m. Tickets cost $18-$22 depending on the night. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Centro Ybor, Ybor City. 813-864-4000.
The Lobby The Unprofessionals. This improv troupe solicits ideas, genres, emotions, etc. from the audience and crafts scenes with solid comedic punch from the weakest of suggestions. In no order (certainly no professional order), The Unprofessionals are: Virginia Adams, Harry Chittenden, Pat Garrabrant, Laurie LoPinto, Tracy Parker and Paul Soleo. They perform at 7:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the Lobby, the upstairs lounge of The Garden restaurant. There's no cover, but drinks ain't free. 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-896-3800.
Side Splitters Todd Glass. Glass has performed on ABC's Home Improvement, Fox's Married With Children, NBC's Late Night with Conan 0'Brien and A&E's Caroline's Comedy Hour. Wed., Thur., 8:30 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Tickets cost $8-$14 depending on the night. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-960-1197.
Dance
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa This professional dance company is dedicated to Flamenco as an ever-evolving art form. Based in Miami, the group has performed in the clubs of Little Havana since 1985. Sat., Jan. 26, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15, $13 for students. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. 727-942-5605.
Moving Current Dance Collective Guest choreographers and dancers join Moving Current for this production, an evening of contemporary dance. Jan. 25, 8 p.m.; Jan. 26, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12, $6 for students. HCC-Ybor Theater, 15th Street and Palm Avenue, Ybor City. See preview in Performance.
Museums
Florida Holocaust Museum On the Edge of the Abyss. This exhibit of 93 drawings by Ella Liebermann-Shiber captures the horrors she witnessed in Nazi captivity. Ella's family was taken from Berlin in 1938, and she eventually ended up in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Her father and brothers were killed, but she and her mother survived due to Ella's artistic ability (she painted portraits for the Germans). Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 12-5 p.m. Continues through Feb. 24. Admission is $6 for general, $5 for seniors and college students, $2 for ages 18 and under, and members get in free. 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-820-0100.
Florida International Museum Heart & Hands: Musical Instrument Makers of America. Eighty-six framed Iris prints by photographer Jake Jacobsen depict craftspeople from 30 states. The portraits are accompanied by research by Trisja Malisoff. The exhibit has been organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services. The following exhibits continue indefinitely: The Cuban Missile Crisis; The Kennedy Collection; and U2: The Spy Plane. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 30. All-inclusive day passes cost $12, and annual passes go for $20. 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-3693.
Gulf Coast Museum of Art Outside the Box. This exhibit highlights 11 international MADI artists, including Carmelo Arden Quin and Volf Roitman, who founded the MADI Research Study Group in Paris in the early 1950s. Madi is an idealistic international art movement founded in Argentina in 1946. Focusing on geometric and abstract forms, the movement's aesthetic is expressed through paintings, sculptures, books and other three-dimensional objects. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students (free on Thursday). 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-518-6833.
The Henry B. Plant Museum What Is Gasparilla?. Appreciate the history of Gasparilla, Tampa's oldest community festival, through this special exhibit of early photographs, rare artifacts and authentic costumes. There is a variety of never-before-seen archival photographs, memorabilia and original gowns worn by former Gasparilla royalty. There's also film footage from the 1920s of pirate capers and rare images of parades. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 28. Admission costs a requested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891.
Kid's Firehouse Museum Antique Firetrucks. The museum has 11 antique firetrucks and lots of memorabilia on display, as well as a playground facility. Kids can learn fire safety tips, watch a safety video and get some free memorabilia. Mon.-Thur., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Continues through Jan. 30. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. 9510 Kids Firehouse Ave., Largo. 727-585-1300.
Museum of Fine Arts African Americans in 19th and 20th-century Photographs. The Museum of Fine Arts opens this exhibit to commemorate African-American History Month (February). The exhibit features images by Marion Post Wolcott, Dorthea Lange, James Van Der Zee, Richard Avedon and Aaron Siskind, one of the most significant photographers of the 20th century. Several works from Siskind's Harlem Document, images of the Harlem renaissance (compiled 1932-40), are on display. The exhibit's images, however, range from the Civil War era to contemporary portraits of African-Americans in Florida. Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through April 7. Ancient Origins: Southwestern Pottery from A.D. 600-1600. The 85 ceramic objects in this exhibit cover a millenia and provides an overview of works by every major indigenous culture of the American Southwest. Those cultures include the Mogollon, Hohokam, Pueblo, Hopi, Casas Grandes and Salado. The works on display have been obtained from the extensive collection of Dr. Robert and Chitranee Drapkin of Clearwater. Art of the Goldsmiths: Masterworks from Buccellati. Buccellati jewelry and decorative art objects are known for their beauty, craftsmanship and century-old tradition. Approximately 65 works, including 15 one-of-a-kind museum pieces, are on display in this exhibit. Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 20. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors. The Stuart Society's Winter Gala. The Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts hosts its annual gala, The Carnival of Venice. The evening includes entertainment, dancing and an elegant, Venetian-style dinner. Sat., Jan. 26, 7 p.m. Tickets cost $150 per person. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Dinosaurs, Butterflies, IMAX and More. MOSI, a not-for-profit educational institution, is the largest science center in the Southeastern United States. Two diplodocus dinosaur skeletons put the museum on the map as one of a handful of museums in the world to display the largest articulated dinosaurs ever discovered. Museum highlights include BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; the Back Woods, 40 acres of special water conservation elements and outdoor exhibits; and the IMAX Dome Theatre, which features an 82-foot hemispherical movie screen. Mon.-Thur., Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Continues through Dec. 31. The Museum's combo admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $9 for ages 2 to 13. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6300.
Salvador Dali Museum Jacqueline Lamba Retrospective. French painter Jacqueline Lamba (1910-93) is best known for inspiring artistic contributions to the surrealist movement. This exhibit brings together 25 of her paintings produced between 1938 and 1988, including a portrait of her husband, the poet and writer Andre Breton, and a number of non-objective surrealist works from the 1940s. Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5:30 p.m. Continues through Jan. 30. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for students. 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767.
Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts War and Peace: World War II. Images loaned by Nicholas Orzio, General Douglas MacArthur's personal photographer, dominate TGPA's new exhibit, a collection of World War II photographs. Orzio, who traveled occupied Japan during 1948 and 1949, has documented the war crimes trials, the people, the earthquakes and volcano activity. His images detail the physical struggle of the Japanese people and provide a glimpse into the moods and emotions of the men, women and children recovering from a devastating war. Sundays, 12-5 p.m.; Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Free. Old Hyde Park Village, 746 S. Village Circle, Tampa. 813-251-1800.
Tampa Museum of Art River Myths: a Multimedia Gallery Installation. Glass artist Therman Statom has incorporated various materials into this experimental, large-scale installation, including oil painted-plate glass, aluminum, wood, sheet rock and ceramics. Born in Winter Haven, Statom's African-American and Seminole Indian ancestry is the primary inspiration behind the work. The piece explores the artist's heritage, which in many ways reflects the history of the Bay area and its populace. Statom received his BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1974 and his MFA from Brooklyn's Pratt Institute in 1978. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Continues through April 7. Admission ranges from $3 to $5; free 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-274-8130.
USF Contemporary Art Museum Outside the Box. A new video installation, Outside the Box features recent works by leading international artists who extend video beyond traditional exhibition spaces. Artists include Ron Athey, Jim Campbell, Maria Marshall and Mariko Mori, to name a few. USF-CAM is also displaying a new video installation and billboard project by Carlos Amorales: Fighting Evil (with style). Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Continues through March 9. 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Cam 101, Tampa. 813-974-4133.
Ybor City State Museum Matriarchs and Mantillas: the Women of Ybor. Using historical photographs and artifacts, this exhibit reveals the unique character of the women who settled Ybor City and created a culture of their own in this immigrant community. These women are remembered as hardworking and business-like, yet also for their femininity, illustrated by their lace mantillas and Spanish fans. Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 31. Visitors may see the Museum and the Casita (worker's home) for $2 per person. 1818 Ninth Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-6323.
Spoken Word
Beaux Arts Gallery and Folk Coffeehouse Open Mic. Beaux Arts' open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday. Art films are shown at 8 p.m. Friday, and 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee, tea and cake are free. 2635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-328-0702.
Computer Port Cafe Open Mic. This cafe offers Internet access in addition to exotic coffees, tea and an assortment of gourmet baked goods. And every Friday and Saturday, from 7 to 11 p.m., the venue plays host to an open mic for musicians, comedians, poets, etc. 432 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach. 727-441-2667.
Hollywood Java Coffee House & Bar Open Mic. This new hangout is in Bay Street at the International Plaza. Hollywood Java features Open Mic Nite every Thursday for musicians, poets and comedians. Two mics, a P.A. and a guitar amp are provided. Sign-up begins at 7 p.m. 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-348-1415.
Insomnia Coffee House Gallery Words Awake. This spoken word open mic takes place at 8 p.m. every Thursday. An open mic for musicians, poets, comedians (anyone) also takes place at 9 p.m. every Tuesday, hosted by Big Rick (sign-up starts at 8 p.m.). 32884 U.S. 19, Palm Harbor. 727-789-3771.
Joffrey's Cybercafe Broadstroking Poetry Series. Doris Owens Yates hosts this weekly open mic poetry reading at 3 p.m. every Sunday. All poets are welcome. Kelly Green hosts Two for One Tuesday, an open mic for any and all artists, from 8 p.m. to midnight every Tuesday. 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-865-0605.
Theater: Openings
Little Shop of Horrors Based on the 1960 Roger Corman horror flick, this off-Broadway, comedy-horror-musical frolics with its Motown and Broadway-inspired score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast). Nerdy flowershop clerk Seymour, pal Audrey and boss Mushnick soulfully sing their way through this quick-witted show, as Seymour's exotic plant (Audrey II) brings bloody shocks to their humdrum lives. Saturdays, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Tue.-Thur., 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m. Continues through April 28. Tickets cost $25.50-$28.50. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Mandy Patinkin Tony and Emmy award-winner Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by pianist Paul Ford, performs his critically acclaimed theater concert, a program of traditional, classic and contemporary songs. Patinkin's performance is for parents and children alike. He puts his own touch on songs like Rodgers and Hammerstein's Getting to Know You. Patinkin, who earned his Tony for his 1980 Broadway debut as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, has been performing in concert for 10 years. Wed., Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $23.75-$49.75. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Theater: Ongoing
Blast! Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event, Blast! is the successor of Stomp and Riverdance. It's a marching, whirling, pounding band outfit that evolved from the Star of Indiana — a competitive, 128-member drum corps — into a theatrical, 54-member show with choreographed brass, percussion and visual components. Their sound is a combination of elements from classical, rock and techno-pop music. Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 2 p.m.; Tue.-Thur., Sun., 7:30 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Tickets cost $20.50-$62.50. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Hay Fever The Carrollwood Players perform this classic comedy by Noel Coward, based on an actual, unusual weekend he spent in the New York home of Broadway star Laurette Taylor. The play, which debuted three quarters of a century ago, shows off some of the absurdly rude manners demonstrated that weekend. Sundays, 3 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 8 p.m. Continues through Feb. 2. Tickets cost $12, $10 for seniors and students. Carrollwood Playhouse, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. 813-265-4000.
The Nerd A buffet is included in the cost of this show, a production by Ed Fletcher and Early Bird Dinner Theatre. Thur., Sat., 11 a.m.; Thur.-Sun., 4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 24. All shows cost $14.95 plus tax. Call for reservations. Bill Irle's Banquet Hall, 1411 N. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-446-5898.
Of Mice and Men Masque Theatre of Temple Terrace performs this John Steinbeck classic about a pair of outsiders struggling to understand their own unique places in the world. The production, in staying true to the story, necessitates a disclaimer of its adult themes and violent scenes. Sundays, 2 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 8 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Admission costs $14, $12 for seniors and students. Lightfoot Recreation Center, 10901 N. 56th St., Tampa. 813-980-3321.
The Women Eight O'Clock Theatre produces and performs this stylish comedy by Clare Boothe Luce. James Demetrius, a veteran of community theater in Pinellas County, is at the helm of the production. Incidentally, the play, originally written in the mid 1930s, is enjoying a bit of a resurgence on Broadway. Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Tickets cost $12.50, $10 for groups of 10 or more and $6 for students. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6793.
Visual Arts: Openings
AIA Tampa Bay Art by Architects. The American Institute of Architects showcases work by local architect/artists at the downtown headquarters. Those exhibiting works include John Langley and David Bailey. The AIA is working to enlighten the community on the relationship between architecture and art. Fri., Jan. 25, 5-9 p.m. 200 N. Tampa St., Suite 100, Tampa. 813-229-3411.
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries Feat of Clay. Sculptor William Sapp, a professor of art at the University of Georgia, exhibits sculpture, installations, photography and prints that depict a world of dogs as a metaphor for the world of men. Individual dog-men figures standing only several inches tall are made of stabilized adobe (unfired clay). Sapp's installations include crowds (500-1,000) of such creatures. Large photographic panels similarly support the notion of man as beast. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 28. Corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus, Tampa. 813-253-6217.
Temple Beth-El Art Festival Beth-El. This acclaimed fine art exhibit and sale is one of the premier shows in the Southeast. More than 125 national and international artists are taking part, exhibiting works in all forms of media. Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission costs $20 for the opening cocktail reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. The festival itself is free. 400 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-347-6136.
Visual Arts: Ongoing
531 Central Fine Arts Continuing Group Exhibit. This exhibit features works by Jean-Lou Carel, Jacques Ousson, Dan Godzeiba, Jacqueline Roch and Kay Sutherland. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 6. 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-2787.
Adrian Howard Galleries HeARTfelt Resolutions. This group show includes new caste paper creations by the team of Packard/de la Vega; oils, acrylics and Florida scenic pastels by Yugoslavian artist Dragoslav Milic; and watercolors by Chuck Hager. Wed., Thur., Sun., 1-7 p.m.; Fridays, 1 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturdays, 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Continues through Jan. 27. Suncoast Resort Hotel, 3000 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-865-6906.
Artists Unlimited Life in Stone. The exhibit consists of more than two dozen hand-carved sculptures by artists of Zimbabwe, Africa. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 30. 223 N. 12th St., Tampa. 813-229-5958.
Arts Center American Road Paintings by Bryce Hammond, The Iron Wolf: Lithuanian Artists in America, and The Doll Show. Three new exhibits have come to the Arts Center. Hammond, born and raised on the East Coast of Florida, creates paintings and mixed-media works. His favorite images are of old roadside motels, built before the major expressways were completed. The Iron Wolf is a juried exhibit featuring works in varied media from artists of Lithuanian descent. The works total 28, selected from 130 entries. The Doll Show shows off the modern creations of 13 contemporary Florida dollmakers. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Feb. 22. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872.
Baisden Gallery A New Wave of Glass II. This exhibit, featuring works by six young glass artists, is the gallery's second annual show highlighting artists who're gaining attention for their glass work. The artists are Jeanne Brennan, Nancy Callan, Mark Morris, Amy Rueffert, Ross Richmond and David Walters. Wed., Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Tue., Thur., Sat., 12-4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 3. 442 Grand Central Ave., Suite 100, Tampa. 813-250-1511.
Brad Cooper Gallery Works on Paper. This exhibit by Bosnian-American artist Tanja Softic features large mixed-media drawings on handmade paper and a series of newly made prints. Borrowing elements from botanical, architectural and medical illustrations, she creates a world of natural forms — plants, pods, vessels, shells, spines — both mysterious and beautiful. The gray, textured images resemble blueprints in the manner in which she's laid out the forms. And the traditional printmaking techniques she employs, such as copper etching, drypoint and black mezzotint, add to the richness of her work. Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 9. 1712 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-6098.
Centre Gallery Form, Space and Light: An Exploration. The University of South Florida's award-winning School of Architecture graduate students exhibit their works, among which are projects for a 9.11.2001 Memorial on the USF campus, a thesis-level project for a Law center and other competition submittals. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 25. Phyllis P. Marshall Center, USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-5464.
Clayton Galleries Craig Rubadoux: New Work. Works by this Florida artist can be found in the permanent collections of the Guggenheim Museum (New York), the High Museum (Atlanta), the Ringling Museum (Sarasota) and the Museum of Fine Arts (St. Petersburg). The show consists of new oils on canvas and paper, watercolors and mixed-media work. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Feb. 16. 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-831-3753.
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce TESA Exhibit. This four-person show features works by Ruth Mabee, Elaine McCormick, Margareta Jacobs and Charles Partin III. All four artists have exhibited their work with TESA (The Exhibiting Society of Artists) for some time. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Feb. 7. 1130 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-768-0744.
Covivant Gallery Medicophilia. This multimedia group exhibition explores the contemporary conjunction of art and medicine by local artists who use medical images in their work. Participating artists include Richard Beckman, Kathie Olivas and Peg Trezevant. The show's curator is Catherine L. Thompson. Sat., Sun., 12-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 27. 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-240-0269.
Crystal Mirage Gallery New Artists Show. This show is the first for LouAnn Millstein of St. Petersburg and Jo-Ann Pearce of Grants Pass, Ore. The gallery, as always, features art glass, perfume bottles, paperweights and blown glass ornaments. Mon.-Thur., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Continues through Feb. 8. 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-895-1166.
Dunedin Fine Art Center Wheels: Artists and Automobiles. Wheels examines the American obsession with automobiles, as well as the artistry, mystique and cultural impact of wheels. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Continues through March 30. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. 727-298-3322.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery 49th Statewide Exhibition. This juried competition has a historical, prestigious reputation for showcasing fine contemporary crafts by artists in the state of Florida. This year's exhibit includes 50 works by 37 artists, including Coral Gables ceramist Christine Federighi, St. Petersburg fiber artist Laura Militzer Bryant and Brandon woodworker Candace Knapp. The juror for the show, Alan DuBois, is Curator of Decorative Arts for the Arkansas Art Center, with 35 years of professional museum experience. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Continues through March 3. Barbara Sorensen: Monolithic Fragments. This solo exhibit consists of current works by Sorensen, a Winter Park sculptor. The textural, earthy works include ceramic totems and smaller sculptures that reflect Sorensen's interest in geological formations of western landscapes. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Continues through Feb. 23. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-7391.
Gallery Enormous Monumental Resolutions. This exhibit features new and recent mixed-media works by Frank Strunk III and Dave Kotinsley. Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through Feb. 2. 540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-551-9865.
HCC-Dale Mabry Gallery The Transatlantic Struggle: West Africans, The Slave Trade and Slave Resistance. This exhibit is a series of paintings by Joseph Weinzettle that depicts reconstructions of slaves' struggles for freedom in the 18th and 19th centuries. The works are based on Weinzettle's historical and ethnographic research. Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; First Saturday of every month, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Continues through Feb. 28. Social Science Building, 4001 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa. 813-253-7560.
HCC-Ybor Gallery Artworks by David Dye. A multimedia artist, Dye has taught art appreciation and ceramics at HCC for 30 years. The works in this show pay homage to Robert Rauschenberg, and all of the prints have been digitally enhanced using Photoshop. Mon., Wed.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 31. In the HCC Performing Arts Building, at Palm Avenue and 15th Street, Ybor City. 813-253-7674.
Merrick Gallery Group Exhibit. This group of featured Florida artists includes Leslie Neumann, Betsy Lester, Antonio Caparello and David Williams. Fri., Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wed., Thur., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through Feb. 17. 330 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-896-2787.
New Heights Gallery Romantic Realists. This two-woman show introduces artists Lou Lair Harton and Beverly Barris to the Tampa Bay area. Harton is a recent arrival from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Barris is from New York City. Harton's oil paintings are accomplished treatments of Brazilian women, adorned with tropical fruits and flowers. Barris, whose influences gravitate toward Rembrandt, creates atmospheric and figurative charcoals and pastels. Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through Feb. 16. 6310 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-234-9758.
Plainsmen Gallery Wildlife/Wilderness. This exhibit features Mill Pond artist Matthew Hillier's new paintings of Florida birds and African wildlife, as well as new oils and giclee canvas reproductions by Charles Rowe. Tue., Thur., Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 30. 2450 Sunset Point Road, Suite A, Clearwater. 727-726-5100.
Salt Creek Artworks New Works by Gustavo Llenas and Tiphanie Windsor Perez. This exhibit is curated by Lance Rodgers. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 25. 1600 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-894-2653.
Snooty Judy's Second Annual Miniature Art Exhibit. Ten to 15 local artists display miniature artwork for sale. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 12-5 p.m.; Mondays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through March 5. 514 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin. 727-734-9835.
SoHo South Gallery A New Beginning. The show features oils by Nancy Gable and Janet Guerrieri, watercolors by Carol Hess and mixed media by Marva Simpson. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Feb. 2. 2105 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-2280.
Suntan Art Center Primary Colors. Featured artist Evelyn Zwerner produces bright, whimsical paintings. She's a snowbird who spends time both in the Bay area and in the Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Continues through Jan. 31. 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-367-3818.
Susan Benjamin Glass Etc. Stephen Cox. This exhibit showcases Cox's fine handblown glass. His designs are carved using sandblasting, diamond tooling and other cold working techniques. The works are contemporary and range from small detailed pieces to larger vases. Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Feb. 21. 247 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-725-1808.
Syd Entel Galleries Susan Grossman: New Works. Grossman is a realist painter who works in oils on canvas. Her works concern the lives of children, are simple in style and capture images like a single frame snipped out of a film. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Feb. 8. 247 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-725-1808.
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center The Dodecanese Islands. This exhibit features artifacts, costumes and recreated room settings from the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. John Lulias and Maria Pantelis curate the exhibit. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Jan. 26. 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-942-5605.
TECO Public Art Gallery The Tropics. Anthony Junior Moore exhibits a show of 20 paintings with an African/Caribbean flavor. Many of the works are vivid and tropical, including portraits, landscapes and still lifes. Moore has been painting since the disbanding of his musical group, The Tamlins, who opened for reggae artist Peter Tosh until his death. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Feb. 28. 704 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-251-3688.
This article appears in Jan 24-30, 2002.