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.
