Independence Day
97X Free Concert Tampa Bay's Rock Alternative hosts a good old-fashioned, free Fourth of July rock concert, with live music from Rehab, Bliss 66 and Prime, starting at 3 p.m. at Jannus Landing, 19 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (727-896-1244). The all-ages show includes a barbecue.
Cypress Gardens, 2641 S. Lake Summit Drive, Winter Haven (863-324-2111). Enjoy a full day and evening of live entertainment, the park's regular attractions plus The Becker's Comedy Magic Show, a barbecue dinner and a fireworks extravaganza. Admission costs $20 for adults, $10 for kids age 6-12.
Gulfport Celebrates July 4th The city of Gulfport's residents and businesses plan to celebrate Independence Day with a variety of events and ceremonies, from a sandcastle contest behind the Gulfport Beachhouse at 10 a.m., to a spectacular fireworks display from the Gulfport fishing pier at 9 p.m., with numerous other festivities in between. Call 727-893-1000.
Saftey Harbor Fireworks and Festivities Safety Harbor celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks and festivities, featuring live music by The Barracudas. The celebration takes place from 5 to 11 p.m. on Bayshore Boulevard, between Main Street and Fifth Street South, and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Call 727-724-1545.
St. Petersburg 4th of July Celebrations Independence Day celebrations on the downtown waterfront 6-9:30 p.m. include family activities, vendors and fireworks in Straub and Vinoy Parks. More free entertainment is happening at The Pier 3-11 p.m. with fireworks at Spa Beach Park near The Pier at 9 p.m. Call 727-893-7441.
Visual Arts
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). The gallery is showcasing the oil paintings of Kay Sutherland, along with pieces by Jean Lou Carel, Catherine Maize, Jacques Ousson, Antuan Rodriguez and Dan Godzieba. The show continues through July 11. Summer hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.531central.com.
Adrian Howard Galleries, at the Suncoast Resort Hotel, 3000 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-6906). Adrian Howard Galleries is celebrating the Fourth of July with Arts-A-Poppin, a colorful burst of artwork commemorating art's freedom of expression, showing Wednesday, July 4, through July 29. Just Around the Bend, continuing through July 1, includes a wide variety of media, like multicolored glass mobiles by Steven James, metal sculptures by Mark Perhot, water fountains by David McClure, ink and graphite drawings by Budapest-based artist Patu and acrylic on plastic canvas by Cristobal Sanchez. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 1 p.m. to midnight Friday; and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
African Art Gallery, 1711 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-737-5312). This gallery features the finest in hand-carved African art, as well as other collectibles imported from West Africa. Paintings by Hargraves Nutkwana and Cecile Boswell Brown are also on display, along with the Benya Collection of never to be found again ancient artifacts from different African tribes. The West African Fofole Collection of modern, hand-carved furniture rounds out the collection. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday.
Ambiance Galleries, 1535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8331). The gallery features a group show through June 30. Works on display include oil, water and mixed media by Lee Smith Albion, John Canning, Betsy Vincent, Chica Brunsvold and Joyce Lazzara. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-822-7872). The center celebrates Latin heritage with four new shows through June 29: Places in the Heart features paintings of homelands and other significant places by Andrea Carreno, Luis Vega, Gustavo Acosta and Angel Hurtado; El Cinco de Mayo combines the work of sculptors Felipe Packard and Ricardo de la Vega with paintings by Dodie O'Keefe; The Daily to the Divine offers oil and acrylic abstracts by Alekxey Sabido; and Colors of the Sun highlights Dr. Ludner Confident's vivid, allegorical paintings. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Brad Cooper Gallery, 1712 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-6098). Mysteries, featuring the works of contemporary artist Peter Mitchev, continues through July 21. Mitchev, one of the most successful and productive Bulgarian painters, offers works that are slightly Byzantine, and reminiscent of Gustav Klimt. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). Splinters Pearls, a multimedia exhibition of sculpture and prints by Yudit Naage, runs through July 12. Yudit's work started out as imaginary explorations of small openings in the ground and broadened to include body spaces and exteriors. The Potato Years, an exhibition of paintings by Bradikus (Brad Kokay), continues through July 21. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Collection Privee of Old Hyde Park Village, 1627 Snow Circle W., Tampa (813-258-6199). The gallery is proud to feature the only North Florida showing of Frederick E. Hart's monumental work, Daughters of Odessa. Appearing through June, Hart's sculpture (subtitled Martyrs of Modernism) is ultimately a tribute to life. The allegorical work was created in remembrance of the victims of all acts of repression in the 20th century. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Covivant Gallery, 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa (813-232-1267). Covivant and independent missionary Rhonda Pennington present Gimme Some Sugar, a film-fest fundraiser featuring Haitian film and video 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, June 29. Admission is $5, and all proceeds benefit missionaries working with People's Relief Inc. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and by appointment.
Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center, 176 Fifth Ave., Safety Harbor (727-723-8638). Independence, Freedom and Justice For All, an exhibit of freedom-themed art, opens at 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 29, and continues through Aug. 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.
Crystal Mirage Gallery, at The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-895-1166). Enchanting Glass, featuring paperweights that have a story to tell, continues through June 30. The gallery also features The Collection of Avenair, which includes glass beads and semi-precious stones embeaded in wearable art, along with a large collection of art glass perfume bottles and paperweights on a regular basis.
Decor Direct Gallery, 2542 17th St., Sarasota (941-365-5757). The gallery features hand-painted porcelain, decorative furniture, pottery and carvings, as well as a multimedia exhibit of paintings by Bobbie Benz, Caroline Harnish, Emily Mallot, Donna Marks and others. Sculpture by Leonard Cremer and photography by Isabel DeLuccia, Chris Marks and Adrienne Scott round out the collection. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Dresses for Humanity, presented by The People's Princess Charitable Foundation, continues through July at Centro Ybor. Back in 1997, Princess Di auctioned off 79 of her dresses for charity, and local resident Maureen Rorech Dunkel bought 14 of the coveted beauties. The auction and catalog raised more than $5-million for charity, and Dunkel continues the Princess' charitable work by exhibiting her collection. Tampa is the last city lucky enough to see the wardrobe, before it enjoys a 10-year run at Kensington Palace. The exhibition takes place in the vacant store between Victoria's Secret and GameWorks, on Eighth Avenue. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. Call 813-961-8388 or visit www.princessdidresses.com.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Mentor to Mentor: A Legacy in Watercolor, Mentor to Mentor II and Mary Lowe: Intimate Impressions each continue through June 29. These combined shows feature works by 20 watercolor artists, including Miles G. Batt, Rowena M. Smith, Juliane Ketcher, Marie Cummings, Edgar Whitney and Nita Engle. The Florida Experience: The Interactive Exhibition for Children and Adults continues through Sept. 14. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit the center at www.DFAC.org.
EastWest Gallery & Framery, 529 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-823-9629). The gallery celebrates its first anniversary with Journey to Joy. This show, which continues through June 30, features the giclee prints of artist Stuart Tang, whose works are filled with imagery from mythological tales. This is Tang's first exhibition outside of China. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Gallery Enormous, 540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-551-9865). This new St. Pete gallery is located in the space previously occupied by Fusion Gallery. The first show, Enormous Talent: A Taste of Things to Come, features works by those artists that will be represented by the gallery throughout its first year. The debut show continues through July 13, and artists include Theo Wujcik and Frank Strunk III. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Glass Canvas Gallery, 233 Fourth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6767). The new summer show presents recent acquisitions from eastern Europe and the United States, and runs through Aug. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Hyde Park Fine Arts, 937 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-258-8883). Momente, featuring the latest works by Thomas Murray, continues through June 30. Roughly a year ago, Murphy pulled up his Tampa stakes and high-tailed it to New Mexico to pursue a masters in fine art at UNM. The series of works at HPFA, consisting of paintings and hand-pulled lithographs, is the product of the artist's first year in his new locale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Image Brewery, 112 N. Mulrennan Road, Valrico (813-685-7600). After more than a year, Image Brewery (the safest place for unsafe art) is finally exhibiting once again, celebrating its reopening with an installation of Rucci's sculptural artifacts, illustrative text, reconstructive drawings and color photos documenting the recent excavation of a concrete road barrier in Tampa. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and by appointment.
Merrick Gallery, 330 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg (727-896-2787). Contemporary Masters II can currently be seen at the gallery, all discounted in honor of the gallery's second anniversary. Continuing through August, the show features works by Crash, Hirst, Rosenquist, Rauschenberg and Warhol. Gallery resident artists (Gerhard Birkhoffer, Rocky Bridges, Antonio Caparello, Leslie Neumann and David Williams) also contribute works. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). Influx, a showcase of works by four emerging artists — Kathryn Jill Johnson, Roxie Veasey, Joanna Coke and Hector Del Campo — enjoys a reception 7-9 p.m., Friday, July 6, and continues through Aug. 11. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-0934). The owners/artists of Painted Fish celebrate the gallery's sixth anniversary with new artworks and fine crafts reflecting contemporary Florida themes. Works on display include watercolors by Bill Renc and Cindy Jednaszerski, calligraphy by Linda Renc and wheel-thrown pottery by Ira Burhans. The show continues through July 1. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (extended to 7 p.m. on Friday).
Plainsmen Gallery, 2450 Sunset Pt. Rd., Suite A, Clearwater (727-726-5100). A Summer Reprieve, a collection of bronzes by Frank Divita and scratchboards by wildlife artist Dennis Logsdon, shows through July 3, alongside new wildlife lithographs. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Romeo Art and Design, 1515 Seventh Ave., Tampa (813-247-1010). Third generation Ybor City artisan Walter Romeo has returned, and with fellow artist Dennis Johnson, presents a new art space featuring work by local artists (Guillermo Portieles, Alex Espalter-Torres, Tomas Marais), stylish furniture and coffee. A grand opening is being planned, as are nights of live music. Hours are noon-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Snooty Judy's Gallery for the Open Mind, 514 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin (727-734-9835). Visions, Games & Fantasies continues through July 10. This show features the mixed-media works of Boo Ehrsam, as well as the Dreamcastings of Nancy and Steve Eggert. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. See the gallery at www.openmindart.com.
Something Fishy 913 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-461-FISH). Fabulous Florals continues through June 30. This show features pottery, handmade soaps, floral accessories and furniture. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
St. Pete Beach Art Institute, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-3818). Makin' Art, featuring the works of Nancy Wallace Gable, continues through July 6. The artist's works run the gamut from collages to still lifes to abstracts. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.suntanartcenter.com.
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-2959). A two-man show featuring the works of Dragoslav Milic and Andrej Kroslak continues through July 12. Milic's bold works range from florals to landscapes to portraits, while Kroslak shows off his Lady Bug floral series. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Studio Szabries Gallery, 2109 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-895-2444). Bodies of Light: A Celebration of the Human Form is held over through June 29. This show offers Fred Szabries' latest paintings on aluminum and acrylic. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Syd Entel Galleries, 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). Cows in the City — Moo-velous, featuring the works of James Rizzi, continues through July 5. Have you seen or read about the Cows on Parade in Zurich and Chicago? Well, same idea. In fact, Rizzi's five three-dimensional silkscreen prints are inspired by his designs of the large, fiberglass cows. The images are whimsical, bright, colorful and a complete treat to look at. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
TECO Public Art Gallery, 2623 Jetton Ave., Tampa (813-251-3688). TECO exhibits the paintings and sculptures of Ronald Jaco throughout the month of July. The exhibit consists of 20 acrylic paintings and bold, 3-Dimensional sculptures of familiar subjects, with subtle artistic interpretations. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Unsupervised, featuring works on paper by Hugo S. Porcaro Jr., hangs at The Globe Coffee Lounge through July 7. Part of the Globe's Art Shots series, this show features Porcaro's easy, fun pieces, along with a series of darker works. This makes for an interesting mix of acrylics on paper portraying everything from flowers, cakes and coffee, to meditations on attracting violence to broken relationships. The Globe's at 532 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-5282.
Museums and Attractions
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater (727-441-1790). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to education, research and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals. Drop by to visit the dolphins, sea turtles and river otters, and to touch a stingray or two. Admission costs $7.75 for adults and $5.25 for kids. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg (727-820-0100). Women of Ravensbruck: Portraits of Courage continues through Aug. 19. This show features images by Julia Terwilliger, who immortalized the faces of triumphant women who survived Ravensbruck, the major Nazi concentration camp for women. Working Through the Past: 1946-2000, The Art of Samuel Bak also continues through Aug. 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $6 for general, $5 for seniors and college students, $2 for ages 18 and under and members get in free.
Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (727-822-3693). The following shows continue indefinitely: The Cuban Missile Crisis ($6.95 for adults); The Kennedy Collection ($9.95); Countdown to Destiny, an exhibition of photos of Martin Luther King Jr. ($3.95); and Habana Esperando: Photographs by Margaux Ravis (free). Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. All-inclusive day passes cost $11.95, and annual passes go for $15.95.
Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). Betye and Alison Saar: Conjure Women of the Arts, a video examining the personal and artistic relationship between artist and daughter, runs through July 8. John Henry: Wandering Spirit continues through Aug. 27 in the Sculpture Garden. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (extended to 7 p.m. on Thursday), noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission costs $3 for adults (free on Thursday). Visit www.gulfcoastmuseum.org.
Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891). Simple Pleasures: America's Love of Pond Yachts continues through Dec. 23. The hobby of pond yachting reached its height of American popularity in the 1930s. This show features vintage pond yachts and their rigging, historical memorabilia and photographs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $5.
Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Summer Safari Nights, the zoo's annual summer series, has returned 6-8:30 p.m. June 29, featuring the zoo's main exhibits, as well as swing and reggae bands. Admission is free for zoo pass holders. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children age 3-11 and free for children under 3. Call 813-935-8552.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). H.A. Sigg: Recent Work continues through July 1. Largely unfamiliar to American audiences, this Swiss artist uses color and form to suggest spiritual exploration and transcendence. This exhibit includes 18 acrylic paintings, eight sculptures and 11 collages from the one-time farm boy. Beyond Adornment: Beads from Around the World also continues through Aug. 26. Admission costs $6 for adults, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Collecting: It's Contagious is on display through June. This unique show features a dozen exhibits by local collectors, featuring such items as Brownie cameras, buttons, silver spoons, pedal cars and even fishing lures. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission costs $2 for adults and $1 for ages 12 and under.
St. Petersburg Junior College Planetarium, Natural Science Building, 69th Street North at Fifth Avenue, St. Pete (727-341-4320). The SPJC planetarium offers the current star show, Giants of the Solar System, at 7 and 8:15 p.m. every Friday. Telescope viewing of the heavens follows each show (weather permitting). Star shows are free and parking is ample.
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. N.E. (on the Pier approach), St. Pete (727-894-1052). Souvenirs of Florida – From Tasteful to Tacky continues through Sept. 15. The exhibit traces the earliest souvenirs of the 1880s, made of naturally occurring materials such as alligator teeth and palm fronds, through the dreadful kitsch of the 1960s. On permanent display is the Walk through Time and Try History on For Size galleries, where visitors can see themselves in vintage costumes through mirrors creating the illusion of wearing period clothing. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for ages 7-17, and free for kids 6 and under. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Bay History Center, in the Tampa Convention Center Annex, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa (813-228-0097). The center highlights Tampa Bay's rich heritage and diverse culture by highlighting the area's milestones. Exhibits feature artifacts and photographs from the early Timucuan Indians and European explorers through the Civil War and both World Wars. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, in Old Hyde Park Village, 746 S. Village Circle, Tampa (813-251-1800). Tampa's latest museum, the first devoted solely to the art of photography, features Masters of Black & White through July 1. This stunning display of visuals includes works by internationally known artists Willy Ronis, Andreas Feininger, Julius Shulman, Clyde Butcher and, of course, Ansel Adams. Admission's free, and hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.tgpa.org.
Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). Nota bene: The Museum is offering $1 admission to all Florida residents for the month of July. Arte Contemporanea di vetri (Contemporary Art in Glass) continues through October. Landscape/Land Use, a contemporary landscape photography show, continues through July 8. The museum also features The American Experience: 20th Century Prints from the Berkman Foundation through July 22; Tampa Public Art: A Selection of Recent Projects through July 8; James Rosenquist: The Florida Years, 1976-2001 through Aug. 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (extended to 8 p.m. on Thursday) and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission ranges from $3 to $5; free 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
USF Contemporary Art Museum, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Cam 101, Tampa (813-974-4133). Contemporary Art from Cuba: Irony and Survival on the Utopian Island continues through July 14. Sixteen Cuban artists use their works to explore irony and humor as a survival technique for their country's political difficulties. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Veterans Memorial Museum and Park, 3602 U.S. 301 N., at the Tampa Bypass Canal, Tampa (813-744-5502). Permanent exhibits include Florida Soldiers Walk Through Time: 1590s-1990s, featuring Florida soldiers and American history from the 1590s through Desert Storm, and a Spanish-American War exhibit. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Ybor City State Museum, 1818 Ninth Ave., Ybor City (813-247-6323). As We Heard It: Three Generations of Ybor City News continues through Sept. 30. This show pays tribute to the Manteiga family, founders of La Gaceta, the nation's only trilingual newspaper. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors may see the Museum and the Casita (worker's home) for $2 per person.
Theater/Performance(See Classifieds for auditions.)
Blue's Clues Live, the stage presentation based on Nickelodeon's hit series for preschoolers, returns to Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Carol Morsani Hall through July 1. Blues' Clues follows Blue and her friends as they search for clues on their quest for the most spectacular place. Tickets range from $11 to $26. Parents who bring babes in arms, 18 months and under, are required to purchase a lap ticket for $5. TBPAC is located at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-222-1000).
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Independence Day Comedy Fest featuring Chris Barnes, 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28-Sunday, July 1. Dow Thomas performs 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 2 and 3. Cover charge varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations are suggested.
Coconuts Comedy Club, at the Cinema Cafe, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-797-JOKE). Dow Thomas performs 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. Admission costs $5. Show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations suggested.
Comedy Night at Planet 9 Ball, 11236 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-818-7665). Steve Holmes and Ben Sanez host an open comedy night at 9 p.m. every Thursday. Tampa's best up-and-coming comedians are in attendance, novices are welcome and the first 60 people in the door get a complimentary brew. Admission is free.
Drew Street Station Comedy Night, 1717 Drew St., Clearwater (727-441-3350). From 9 to 11 p.m. every Thursday, the Station lets up-and-coming comedians cut their comedy teeth on the club clientele. Each week, six comedians contribute to the all-you-can-stand smorgasbord of laughs. The evening, like every other at Drew Street, imposes no cover charge or drink minimum.
Improv Comedy Theater, at Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City (813-864-4000). Phat Tuesday features a variety of comedians seen on HBO's Def Comedy Jam, BET's Comic View and Showtime at the Apollo. Jim Short takes the stage Wednesday and Thursday, July 4th and 5th. All prices are advance purchase, and cost $2 more at the door. (Get a ticket recently? Call about the Improv's Driving School. No kidding.)
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Ken Whitener, The Master Hypnotist, spellbinds audiences and doubles them over with laughter from July 3-15. Ted Alexandro, who's appeared on CBS's The Late Show with David Letterman and guest starred on Comedy Central's Dr. Katz, performs through July 1. Regular admission ranges $5-$12 (depending on the night). Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Snaps Comedy Club, (formerly Tropix) 810 E. Skagway Ave., Tampa (813-935-7576). A mixed bag of comedians from BET and Def Comedy Jam troupe through Snaps each week, having worked their way up from the Miami comedy joints. Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursday, as well as 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission costs $10 (two item minimum).
Libraries & Literary
Harmony Books & Gifts, 2517 W. Henry Ave., Tampa (813-872-0295). Aside from a spiritual cafe, psychic readers, aura video cameras and compatibility charts, this unique book/gift shop offers a variety of workshops and classes. A Beginning Spiritual Development class takes place at 7 p.m. every Tuesday, while Advance Spiritual Development begins at 7 p.m. each Thursday. Each class costs $10. Harmony also offers a Spiritual Mingle 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Friday of each month.
Peace Bookstores Inc., 14851 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-265-9433). Ongoing discussion groups at this metaphysical bookstore include: A Course In Miracles group at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, as well as 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, each week. A Course In Miracles In Spanish at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. The Celestine Prophecy group meets at 7 p.m. Friday, and Joseph Campbell's Transformations Of Myth Through The Ages is discussed at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The Joseph Campbell discussion costs $5 per week; all others are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (most groups meet after store hours).
Powerful Online Resources, for the technically challenged, takes place at many Tampa-area libraries each month. Ask your local branch about appointments to receive one-one-one training on the library's extensive electronic resources, as well as basic e-mail instruction. Call Tampa's main library, John F. Germany, for your nearest branch at 813-273-3652.
Seminole Heights, 4711 Central Ave., Tampa (813-273-3669). Get one-on-one instruction in the library's online resources, including the library catalog, Information Gateway and Suncoast Free-Net, at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in June.
Tarpon Springs, 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs (727-943-4922). The library's Summer Reading Program introduces and discusses a bevy of animals every Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday nights (7 p.m.) in addition to readings and other fun stuff, kids can check out a variety of birds, iguanas and snakes. On Thursday mornings (11 a.m.) plays and magic shows commingle with various animals, reptiles and the occasional huge cat from WildLife on Easy Street. All events are free, but reservations are a good idea. Call the library for more details.
Open Mic
Albi's, 123 Hyde Park Ave., Tampa (813-253-2771). Suzanne Willett hosts a late-night open mic for poets, musicians and comedians at 11 p.m. every other Wednesday. Call ahead to find out if this is one of the lucky weeks.
Beaux Arts Gallery and Folk Coffeehouse, 2635 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-328-0702). 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. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily, extended from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and 7 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee and tea are free.
Big Kahuna's, 450 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach (727-447-7088). Every Thursday, the Big K hosts a music-oriented open jam at 9 p.m. Admission costs $4.
Bitter Shot, at Joffrey's Coffee Shop, 1616 Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-5282). This spoken word and open mic night takes place at 9 p.m. every Wednesday, complete with background music. Admission is free.
Brass Mug, 1441 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa (813-972-8152). The Mug offers an open jam night every Monday. Beginning at 9:30 p.m., the event allows musicians to take the stage and show off their chops. As extra incentive, all musicians can down 75-cent drafts throughout the evening. A full P.A., sound and drums are provided.
Center of Radical Empowerment, formerly the George Orwell Resource Center, hosts an open mic from 8 to 11 p.m. every Monday. Music, poetry, spoken word, performance art … whatever floats your boat is OK by the progressive folks at C.O.R.E. Admission's free but donations are accepted. Call 727-821-2673.
Cool Tunes Coffee Bar, formerly Java Lounge, 2551 Drew St., Clearwater (727-799-3788). Open mic takes place from 9 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday, and an open music jam runs from 9 to 11:30 p.m. each Thursday. Local bands perform every Friday and Saturday (admission costs $1). Open mics are free. Hours 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
Corrigan's Irish Pub, 4685 28th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-528-0711). Poets, musicians, comedians and everybody else can have their 15 minutes at Open Mic Night every Monday from 7 to 11 p.m. The Dough Boyz Duo host the show and play a few ditties of their own in between the amateurs.
Cruzin' 66, at 66th Street and 50th Avenue in Pinellas Park (727-547-0230). Richie Vee and Dread, White & Blue host an 8 p.m. open blues jam every Sunday. Join in the jam, learn a few new tricks and maybe meet your new bandmates.
Gatorz Southern Rock Cafe, 509 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813-662-1557). Mike Childs hosts a Wednesday open jam at Gators, which begins at 10 p.m. Dillon G. helps Childs host the event, which is geared toward musicians but open to poets as well.
Insomnia Coffee House Gallery, 32884 U.S. 19, Palm Harbor (727-789-3771). Musicians, poets, comedians, magicians and anyone else can perform at the 9 p.m. open mic events every Tuesday, hosted by Big Rick (sign-up starts at 8 p.m.). Hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday and Monday.
Irish Cottage Cafe, 4233 U.S. 19, Holiday (727-842-5929). Local musician Ted Wray hosts an open mic from 7 to 11 p.m. every Monday. While this event is open to everyone, it is geared toward musicians. Stop by to show off your talent or get in on a jamming session with the regulars.
James Joyce Irish Pub, 1704 1/2 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-247-1896). Tuesday's female singer-songwriter night has become an open mic for all musicians, 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. every Tuesday, hosted by Rebekah Pulley and Jerry Provost. The pub also offers a variety of live, acoustical music nightly. Call for hours.
Joffrey's Coffee Shop, 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-946-7622). Doris Yates hosts a poetry/spoken word open mic at 3 p.m. every Sunday. Sign in by 2:30 p.m. if you want to read. Also, Stazji (yeah, we can't pronounce it either) hosts a poetry slam the first Sunday of each month, with prizes for the winners. For info on the slam call 727-449-0597 or slide and e-mail to stazja@aol.com.
Market on 7th, 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-2356). If you miss Vince Longo's Wednesday Open Mic at Yeoman's Road, schlep on down to the market where Longo and John Meats host yet another, this one from 8 p.m. to midnight each Thursday. The event is mostly musical, but any appreciable talent is welcome.
Rockwell's Corner Pub, 10801 Starkey Road, Suite One, Largo (727-398-1055). The Blue Team hosts an 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. open mic every Thursday. Musicians are welcome to come on down and jam with the band during this highly improvisational evening of blues tunes.
Subterranean Digs, an open poetry event, takes place every other Tuesday at Atomic Age Cafe. This event begins with sign-up at 9 p.m., followed by the open mic at 9:30 p.m. Admission's free, but donations (money, clothes, non-perishable, etc.) are always collected for Metropolitan Ministries. The cafe's at 1518 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. Call 813-247-6547, or visit http://sybil.org/dig.
Tavern at Bayboro, on the USF St. Pete campus, 121 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-821-1418). Hosted by Shana, this open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Cool feature performers show up every week, musicians, poets and performance artists are welcome and visual artists are encouraged to bring out their works as well. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
Triple Talent Showcase, at the HCC-Ybor campus courtyard, located at Eighth Avenue and Republica De Cuba in Ybor City (813-973-0528). Sanman's Pure Poets Society is back, offering an 8 to 10 p.m. open mic event every Wednesday. Poets of all skill levels are welcome to share their works, but a $3 donation is requested prior to performing.
Tycoon's, 526 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-826-6716). Keyboardist Kevin Wilder hosts an open jazz jam from 6 p.m. to midnight every Sunday. Players from around the Bay area join Wilder for this weekly improv session. Admission's free.
Y-Project, at Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Davis Islands (813-251-BRIT). The Rev. Roy T. Justice leads this Sunday night event, featuring a collection of stage hoppers from the Tampa Bay open mic scene. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and continues till the group's damn good and ready to quit (or until they get tossed out).
Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-251-BRIT). The open mic line-up at Yeoman's includes a blues jam every Tuesday with Mike Tozier, Weekly Planet's 2000 Best Acoustic Act winner. Vince Longo also hosts an open jam every Wednesday, featuring an eclectic mix of performers from the Bay's music scene. And, for good measure, an open jazz jam takes place every Thursday. All events are free and start at 9 p.m. (or thereabouts).
Sports & Nature
Brooker Creek Preserve Grab the bug spray and a few good friends before heading out to Brooker Creek for a free guided tour of the grounds. Tours are given from 9 to 11 a.m. every Saturday and reservations are a must. Brooker Creek is located in Tarpon Springs. Call 813-943-4003 for more information and directions.
Coed Volleyball, at Forest Hills Recreation Center, takes place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday. If you want to get your game on without committing to a team or schedule, this is the place. Walk-ins are always welcome at this free, social spike fest. The center is at 724 W. 109th Ave., Tampa. Call 813-977-0892.
Gravity Games Registration The national Gravity Games Airwalk Amateur Challenge series is at Clearwater's Central Skatepark on Saturday and Sunday, July 7 and 8. Up to 150 amateur skateboarders and 60 amateur bikers compete through qualifying rounds on Saturday in order to make the final rounds on Sunday. Entry fees are $30 on site. Early registration is recommended. On-site registration is available 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 6, and 7-9 a.m. Saturday, July 7. Central Skatepark's at 6140 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater (727-523-0785). www.gravitygames.com.
Inline Skating with the Tampa Bay Road Rollers Meet the group at 12th Street Park, on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and 12th Street. The adventure starts at 8 p.m. every Saturday at downtown Tampa's Inline Hockey Arena for an invigorating roll around downtown, Hyde Park, Bayshore Boulevard and Ybor City. If you can't skate 9 to 12 miles in an evening, you might want to wait until you can. There's no cost to join and the Rollers sponsor other events like the Full Moon Skate, Tuesdays on Bayshore and Jackson's Famous Thursday Night Skate. For more information call 813-815-7120, check out the Web site at www.SkateTampa.com, or e-mail SkateTampa@aol.com.
It's Our Nature Outings, environmentally and historically informative events, gets you back to nature with hikes, birdwatching, kayak adventures, full moon walks and more on a regular basis. Some events are weekly; some are scheduled; and a full list of activities can be had by calling 727-441-2599 or by checking out www.itsournature.com.
Laser Tag at the Ice Sports Forum, already a popular ice skating venue, the Tampa Bay Lightning's practice facility has opened a 3,300-square-foot, space-themed laser tag facility able of handle up to 40 players at once. Competition levels vary from fun-seekers to experienced, all-out players, welcoming walk-ons and offering leagues. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. The Ice Forum is at 10222 Elizabeth Place, Tampa (813-684-7825).
Osprey Bay Kayaks, 17910 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-524-9670). Aside from a variety of classes, Osprey also offers regular outings, including Full Moon Paddles, Weekday Get Aways (Clearwater Bay, Caladesi Island, etc.) and fishing trips. For a full schedule of events, costs and other information, call the above number or visit www.ospreybay.com/trips.htm.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays, at Tropicana Field, One Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg (813-825-3250). The Rays face the Toronto Blue Jays in a pain of games, at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, and 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. Tickets start at $4 and go up to $195.
Mad Mars Viewing, a fantastic view of the red planet (which will be in opposition), is made all the more spectacular by the Carol Samuels Observatory's powerful Meade 16-inch telescope, open for public use at the Science Center of Pinellas County from 7:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 30. Mars is best visible around 10 p.m., and the Science Center is at 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727-384-0027). Admission is $1.
Special Events
Duck Tours of Tampa Bay, a historical and entertaining tour of Tampa Bay by land and sea in authentic World War II amphibious vehicles (Ducks), lasts approximately an hour and 20 minutes and is fully narrated. The Tampa/Ybor tour departs from Newk's Cafe, 514 Channelside Drive (813-310-3825) and the St. Petersburg tour departs from The Pier, 800 Second Ave., NE (727-432-3825). Adult tickets cost $18.50, $16.50 for seniors and military, $9.95 for children 3-12. www.DuckToursOfTampaBay.com.
Race Unity Lecture Mawushi Nutakor of Togo, Africa, presents the lecture, Is Racism Universal? Nutakor, originally from Ghana, has an MA in linguistics and computer science and is the author of two books in French. The lecture takes place at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the St. Petersburg Baha'i Center, 675 Second Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-895-9828).
Renaissance Vinoy Resort Tours, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-894-1000). Pamper yourself for a day and partake in a Vinoy history tour and luncheon. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday through Saturday, guides lead the tours and share stories of the rich and famous who once frequented the historic hotel. For $7 you'll receive a souvenir history book and tour. For $20 they'll throw in lunch in the hotels original dining room. Tours take place at the top of every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Ybor City Fresh Market Inc., in Centennial Park, is up and running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Drop by for a free glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice and check out all the fresh foods and other nifty items the market has up for grabs. Local vendors offer everything from fruits and veggies to plants to hand-made crafts. The park's at Eighth Avenue and 18th Street in Ybor City. Call 813-241-2442.
Ybor City Ghost Walk, an actor-guided tour of Tampa's Latin Quarter, takes place Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, beginning at Centro Ybor. Get to know the Ybor of yore when actors, re-creating historical figures from Ybor's past, lead you through the streets and buildings of Ybor. Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for ages 8-13. Walks take place Thursday through Sunday by appointment, and times are flexible. Self-guided tours-on-tape are also available in English, Spanish and German. Centro Ybor is at Seventh Avenue and 16th Street. Call 813-242-4600 for appointments.
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 4, 2001.