Visual Arts

Openings

HCC-Ybor Gallery, in the Performing Arts Building, Palm Avenue at 15th Street, Ybor City (813-253-7674). HCC's campus gallery season begins with Words-Stories-Images, an exhibition of visual poems, photo collages and altered atlases by Fort Lauderdale artist Mimi Shapiro. The exhibit opens Monday, Aug. 20, and runs through Oct.1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Purple Moon, 833 Douglas Ave., Dunedin (727-738-1540). This bar and music venue plays host to the Feel Good Art Series, featuring local artists showing off their talent on the third Sunday of every month, from noon to 8 p.m. J. Warlyn Douglas exhibits her watercolor, pastel and mixed-media works on Sunday, Aug. 18. Douglas has attended Northwestern University and won a scholarship to the Chicago Institute of Art. Admission is free. Call 727-738-1540.

Ongoing

531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). To celebrate the close of summer, 531 is highlighting the work of Vincent Magni, offering his popular sculptures and provocative oil paintings at reduced prices. Also featured is a selection of Barbini glass and works from the gallery's company of fine artists. The exhibit runs through Sept. 5. 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). As Seen Through an August Moon is an exhibit of a variety of media by artists Andreij Kroslak, Michael Harris, Packard de la Vega, Steven James, Alexander DeLorka, Mark Bebermeyer, Vesna Anderson and Robin Gary Wood. The exhibit runs through Aug. 26. 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.

Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-822-7872). Uncharted Water, a collection of 36 paintings selected by Juror Edward Minchin of the American Watercolor Society, focuses on diverse uses of water media. H2O, the Arts Center's annual members show, is the work of more than 200 member-artists who were challenged to create artworks that include water as an image, medium or subject. Both exhibits are on display through Aug. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, through Saturday.

Baisden Gallery, 442 Grand Central Ave., Suite 100, Tampa (813-250-1511). Presently on display is an exhibit of glass works by Lucio Bubacco, Dale Chihuly, Louis Sclafani, Richard Royal and Janusz Pozniak. The exhibit also includes paintings by Ron Pieniak, among others, and photography by Matt Larson. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.

Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Hot Summer Show III features 19 gallery artists in the last of three rotating group shows. The exhibit continues through Sept. 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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, continues through Aug. 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.

Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Bear's Paw features quilts with strong design, color and innovation while paying homage to the traditional craftsmanship of quiltmaking. Star Search: 2001 Challenge of the Quilter's Crossing features works by 25 members of the Quilter's Crossing utilizing the Star block assigned to them. And the Quilts of Mildred Dort showcases the creations of this highly respected artist, demonstrating her versatile designs. The three exhibits continue through Aug. 26. Hours are 10 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.

Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete (727-821-7391). Clay Rocks surveys new works by some of Florida's best ceramic artists. The exhibit features work by several local artists, as well, and continues through Aug. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Galerie du Soleil, formerly the Thomas Kinkade Spring Gate Galleries, 727 S. Dakota Ave., Tampa (813-249-5880). This gallery in the heart of Hyde Park not only continues to carry the beautiful works of Kinkade, but also stunning pieces by impressionists Leonard Wren, Royo and Stephen Shortridge, realist Chao Young, serigraphs, giclees and oils by Don Hatfield and actress Jane Seymour, and more.

Glass Canvas Gallery, 233 Fourth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6767). The new summer show, continuing through Aug. 31, presents recent acquisitions from Eastern Europe and the United States. 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.

Gold Dragon Gallery, 3508 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa (813-832-2755). Florida Fantasies, a summer exhibit curated by Patt Fosnaught, continues through Sept. 8. The Gold Dragon specializes in original paintings, limited edition prints, pottery, sculpture, blown glass, stained glass and custom framing using only conservation techniques. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Graphicstudio, 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa (813-974-3503). Visual/Verbal is an exhibit featuring word and image works by artists including William S. Burroughs, Kiki Smith and John Scott. Nudes is a collection by 14 artists, including Robert Mapplethorpe, Philip Pearlstein and Jim Dine. Both shows run through Sept. 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Heavenly Things, 216 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727-822-8938). Don Williams has recently returned from Europe, where several pieces of his Raku pottery won him an award at an art exhibit in Romania, of all places. A collection of Williams' work can be seen through Aug. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Merrick Gallery, 330 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg (727-896-2787). Contemporary Masters II can currently be seen at the gallery, with all works 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 and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

New Heights Gallery and Coffeehouse, 6310 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa (813-234-9758). Garbage is Garbage – Drawings of Kurkryneksy, a collection of anti-regime posters from 1975 U.S.S.R., are on display through Sept. 20. Glass, sand-cast sculptures by Marlene Rose-Coates are likewise on display until Sept. 20. A reception for Rose-Coates takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Nuance Galleries, 720 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-875-0511). Nuance and 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino have teamed up for an exhibit benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Fazzino is best known for his brightly colored serigraphs of New York City, but his images vary from classic films to sporting events. The exhibit runs through Sept. 1, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting the MDA. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-0934). The gallery's new show presents hand-colored etchings by Tampa artist John Costin, whose latest show, Vista, concentrates on herons and egrets in their natural habitats. The exhibit runs through Sept. 2. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (extended to 7 p.m. on Friday).

Plainsmen Gallery, 2450 Sunset Pt. Road, Suite A, Clearwater (727-726-5100). Reality and Beyond is an exhibit of whimsical prints and fairy sculptures by fantasy artist James Christensen, whose interpretation of reality is often quite amusing. Wildlife artists Diane Pierce, Dennis Logsdon and Ernest Simmons represent more traditional views of realism. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Romeo Art and Design Gallery, 1515 Seventh Ave., Tampa (813-247-1010). The gallery of third-generation Ybor City artisan Walter P. Romeo features stylish furniture and original pieces by local artists Dennis Johnson, Greg Latch, Ray Paul, Guillermo Portieles, Tomas Marais and Alex Espalter-Torres. The exhibition continues through Sept. 1. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7-10 p.m. Thursday.

SoHo Gallery, 2105 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2280). The World of Man features a collection by visual artist Aurora Heuple, whose works are based on her experiences growing up a native of Mexico City, as well as her studies of Indian cultures. The exhibition continues through Sept. 1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Studio Gallery on Azeele, 3707 Azeele St., Tampa (813-875-5160). Metaphor in Abstraction, an exhibit of three Florida women (Nancy Sykes Cockerham, Fern Samuels and Rebecca Skelton), runs through Aug. 30. Hours are 2-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, or by appointment.

T. W. Curtis Studio/Galleries, 331 16th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-898-9898). The gallery features the works of T. W. Curtis, as well as special exhibits by guest artists. Curtis has recently completed painting a turtle to be included in the Tampa Bay Tour of Turtles. The gallery is open by appointment only, and you can check it out online at www.twcurtis.com.

TECO Public Art Gallery, 2623 704 N. Franklin St., Tampa (813-251-3688). Teachers from the Hillsborough Art Education Association are exhibiting their works through Aug. 31. The exhibit consists of 30 paintings, photographs, ceramics and fabric sculptures created by teachers in the Hillsborough public school system. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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 Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-273-4000). The aquarium's latest exhibit, Sea Hunt, includes colorful predators from the world's oceans. The aquarium also features over 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, a touch-tank with sharks and rays, and special exhibits like No BoneZone, Frights of the Forest and Dragons Down Under. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets cost $13.75 for adults, $12.75 for seniors, $8.75 for kids age 3-12 and free for children under 3. Visit www.flaquarium.net.

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 Dr. 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.

Great Explorations, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-8992). The whole family can learn art and science concepts at this interactive museum. Exhibits include Music!Music!Music! and SSSnakes, SSSpiders and SSScorpions, as well as the new VETerinary Office and ZOOMzone. Admission is $4 for everyone ages 3 and up. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). John Henry: Wandering Spirit, continues through Aug. 27, offering Henry's sculptural installation 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.

Kid's Firehouse Museum, 9510 Kids Firehouse Ave., Largo (727-585-1300). The museum has 11 antique firetrucks and memorabilia on display as well as a playground facility. Kids can learn fire safety tips, watch a safety video and get some free memorabilia. Admission is free, donations are encouraged. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays.

Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). Beyond Adornment: Beads from Around the World 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.

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300 or 813-987-6100). 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 Saunders Planetarium. The IMAX Dome Theatre features an 82-foot hemispherical movie screen (see Movie Marquee for schedule). The Museum's combo admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $9 for ages 2 to 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call the info line at 813-987-6100 for IMAX show times.

Pier Aquarium, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-895-7437). The Aquarium, a nonprofit marine education resource center, is home to fabulous exhibits that include California sharks, invertebrates and coral reefs. Tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is $1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Teachers, call about special field trip rates and tours.

Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Longrifles, an exhibit of early American weapons that have evolved into a unique art form, is on display through Dec. 31. The weapons on display are modeled after those used by settlers, soldiers and militia in the United States from the 1770s to about 1820. 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.

Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Pete. (727-823-3767). A Disarming Beauty: The Venus de Milo in 20th Century Art continues through Sept. 9. This show explores our culture's continued fascination with the mass-produced Venus through surrealists and contemporary artists who incorporate the icon into their works. Admission costs $10 for adults. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hours extend to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, when admission is half off. Visit www.salvadordalimuseum.org.

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 from 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 Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). On Paper, a visually compelling exhibit focused on the paper medium, features six large-scale works from the museum's contemporary collection and is on display through Oct. 21. UnderCURRENT/overVIEW 5 features work by 15 artists who've achieved a certain level of expertise, offering a wide range of innovative forms of expression and artistic concerns. The exhibit runs through Sept. 16. Arte Contemporanea di vetri (Contemporary Art in Glass) continues through October. 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.

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.)

Spike Heels, a play by Theresa Rebeck, tours the minefield of contemporary relationships and class conflict. Performances take place Aug. 17-19 at the Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City (813-247-6653). Shows begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $7; $5 for students and seniors. (See review in Performance.)

The Nature of Fear and its Effects, this year's Original Works feature from Jobsite Theater, uses the framework of a scholarly lecture on the subject of fear. Professor Templeton Q. Westlake leads the audience through a spectral bus stop, a haunted morgue and a graveyard where the dead don't stay down. The play runs Friday, Aug. 17, through Sept. 2 in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827). Tickets are $15; $12 for students. Visit www.jobsitetheater.org.

The Two Mrs. Thorpes, by local playwright Marc S. Sanders, is a tale of sex, drugs, violence and rock 'n' roll between a man, a woman and another woman. The play is directed by Sanders and Miguel E. Rodriguez. Performances take place through Aug. 18 at the Carrollwood Playhouse, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-960-0664). Show times are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $10; $8 for students.

Comedy

Brewmasters, 401 E. Second St., Indian Rocks Beach (727-515-8059). G. David Howard performs every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies and there's a two-beverage minimum.

Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Howard Bevins performs Thursday, Aug. 16-Aug. 19. Open mic night features Al Romero on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Show times are at 9:30 p.m. 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). Jay Hewlett performs at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 18. Show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations suggested.

Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Bobby Collins, who The New York Times called, The most natural comedian working today, performs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 17-Aug. 19. Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Regular admission costs $8-$14 (depending on the night).

Literary & Libraries

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, from 7 to 9 p.m., on the third Friday of each month.

John F. Germany, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-273-3652). Ask a Genealogist, one-on-one sessions with Florida Genealogical Society volunteers, takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 18. Call for library 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-on-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.

Open Mic

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 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee, tea and cake are 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, 1615 16th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-821-2673). C.O.R.E. 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.

Cool Tunes Coffee Bar, 2551 Drew St., Clearwater (727-799-3788). Open mic takes place from 9 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday, and guitarist Paul Reynolds plays from 9 to 11:30 p.m. every Thursday. Open mics are free. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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.

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-St. Petersburg , 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-0605). Doris Owen Yates hosts an open mic for poetry and spoken word every Sunday at 3 p.m. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Seabreeze on Sunset Beach, 9546 Gulf Blvd. W., Treasure Island (727-360-1398). The Blues Jam, a jam night and open mic for blues-oriented singer/songwriters, takes place 8 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday.

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.

The Pharm, 941 Huntley Ave., Dunedin (727-735-9019). The Pharm's open mic takes place Wednesdays from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. A wide variety of talented musicians and performers grace the stage. Visit www.pharmreport.com.

Triple Talent Showcase, in the Ybor Room at HCC, located at Eighth Avenue and Republica De Cuba in Ybor City (813-973-0528). Sanman's Pure Poets Society offers 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.

Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-251-BRIT). 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, there's another open mic on Sunday from 7 p.m. until close. All events are free and subject to change when there's a band scheduled.

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.

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, has opened a 3,300-square-foot, space-themed 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. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. The Ice Forum is located 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 Sunset and 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 Sierra Club Outings The club is always off hiking, canoeing, biking or backpacking somewhere in the Florida wilds. Give 'em a call and join in the positive energy. Call 813-253-3555 in Tampa or 727-584-8889 in Pinellas.

Tampa Tempest, the Bay's first women's professional football team, takes on the New York Sharks at p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Tickets cost $22 for VIP seating, $15 for general. All home games are at Leto High School, at 4409 W. Sligh Ave. (at the corner of Sligh and Manhattan avenues), Tampa (813-908-3545).

www.womensprofootball.com/tam/.

Special Events

The Art of Helping Children, an art auction to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, offers art lovers and collectors an opportunity to view an important collection of original fine and graphic art. The auction is held on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Netpark, 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. The evening begins with a VIP reception at 5 p.m., followed by the art preview and reception, including hors d'oeuvres and wine, from 6 to 7 p.m. The auction begins at 7. This year's signature piece is Picasso's Peace Dove, and works by such masters as Chagall, Dali, Matisse, Miro, Renoir and Rubin are also featured in the collection. VIP tickets cost $70 and advance general admission costs $30. Call 813-287-2210.

Broadway and Beyond, a touring song group, appears Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Clearwater Arts Studio. The group performs a mix of Broadway hits, Gilbert & Sullivan, love duets and solos. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The Clearwater Arts Studio is at 101 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-446-8883).

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 Brewing Company Tour, 2205 N. 20th St., Ybor City (813-242-9222). Daily guided tours let you see beer being made right before your eyes. Then end the tour with a taste-test and visit to the Hospitality Room. Continuous tours are given 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission: $2.

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.

Lectures and Discussions

Photography Lecture, featuring Chuck Vosburgh, takes place at the Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-7872). Impressionistic photographer Vosburgh offers a lecture and shares his photographs for fans and fellow shutterbugs alike, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19. Admission is free.

This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2001.