Visual ArtsOpenings
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). Beginning Saturday, June 9, the gallery showcases the oil paintings of Kay Sutherland, along with pieces by Jean Lou Carel, Catherine Maize, Jacques Ousson, Antuan Rodriguez and Dan Godzieba. Through July 11. Summer hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.531central.com.
Ambiance Galleries, 1535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8331). The gallery features a group show beginning with a reception from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9, and continuing 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.
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). The Potato Years, an exhibition of paintings by Bradikus (Brad Kokay), begins with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 7, and continues through July 21. The artist's fascination with comic books and animation come through in this show of playful, organic and thought-provoking works. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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," begins from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9, in conjunction with the SPDAA Gallery Walk. The gallery also features The Collection of Avenair, which includes glass beads and semi-precious stones embedded in wearable art, along with a large collection of art glass perfume bottles and paperweights on a regular basis.
Gallery Enormous, 540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-551-9865). Enormous Talent: A Taste of Things to Come, the inaugural show at this new St. Pete gallery, begins with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 9, and continues through July 13. Like the title says, this gallery's debut show features works by artists represented by the gallery throughout the coming year. A couple of the artists in question include Theo Wujcik and Frank Strunk III. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and by appointment.
St. Petersburg Downtown Art Association's Art Walk, taking place on the second Saturday of each month, runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9, on Central Avenue, Beach Drive and a few downtown side streets. Nearly two dozen galleries expand their hours each month for strollers to check out their latest exhibits. The Arts Center, EastWest Gallery, Florida Craftsmen Gallery, Red Cloud Indian Arts, Studio Encanto and T.W. Curtis Studio and Gallery are among the participants. For a complete list of galleries, contact Shapiro Studio and Gallery at 727-894-2111.
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-2959). A two-man show featuring the works of Dragoslav Milic and Andrej Kroslak begins with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9 (in conjunction with the St. Pete art walk), and 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.
Susan Benjamin Glass Etc., 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). Nourot Glass Studio: Beauty, Excellence, Imagination in Glass begins Thursday, June 7, and continues through July 5. The studio, a partnership of Michael Nourot and Ann Corcoran, offers glass pieces handcrafted via ancient glassmaking traditions. The free-blown works capture the light and appear to shine from within. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to 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 colorful and eclectic works of James Rizzi, begins Thursday, June 7, and continues through July 5. Inspired from his designs for the popular Zurich and Chicago "Cows on Parade" exhibits, Rizzi's current works are delightful and downright dazzling. The five, three-dimensional silkscreen prints at this show are just the thing to bring a smile to even the most curmudgeonly faces. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Ongoing
Adrian Howard Galleries, at the Suncoast Resort Hotel, 3000 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-6906). Just Around the Bend continues through July 1. A wide variety of media is showcased at this exhibition, including 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 paintings 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.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Hot Summer Show I, featuring works by Peter Brown, Robin Cody, Lynn Davison, Billie Hightower, Cassandra James, Rebecca Sexton Larson, Stacey Rosende, Craig, Rubadoux, Jeff Whipple and others, continues through July 7. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Dresses For Humanity, presented by The People's Princess Charitable Foundation, enjoys an exhibition through July at Centro Ybor. On June 25, 1997, Christie's of NYC featured 79 dresses worn by Princess Diana on its auction block. The dresses, along with the auction catalog, raised a total of $5.6-million for charity. Tampa resident Maureen Rorech Dunkel purchased 14 dresses and, after Diana's death, formed The People's Princess Charity, which continues to raise funds for charity through exhibitions of her collection. Tampa is fortunate enough to host the last show before the dresses begin a 10-year exhibition at Britain's Kensington Palace. The dresses are featured in the vacant store between Victoria's Secret and GameWorks on Eighth Avenue. Hours are 1 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. Proceeds from this event benefit Metropolitan Ministries and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. Call 813-961-8388 or visit www.princessdidresses.com.
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 hightailed 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.
MacArthur Galleries, 100 E. Madison St. (corner of Ashley Street), Tampa (813-221-5343). The Spring Collection continues through June 17. This show features bright and bold works by a variety of artists. Everything from Tibetan meditation paintings to impressionistic landscapes are included, by the likes of Sigrid Burton, Chica Brunsvold, Caleb Fiske and husband/wife team Gustavo Castillo and Carmen Lagos. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
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). The center's annual Oil and Acrylic Open Competition continues through June 30. An awards reception for the competition begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14. The $5 fee doubles as registration for the competition, if you want to enter your chair. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
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 works on paper, 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. At the 7 to 10 p.m. reception on Thursday, June 7, guests can busy themselves with coloring sheets Porcaro has created for the occasion. The Globe's at 532 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-5282.
Museums and Attractions
Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). Lisa Williamson: Gardens; The Wild, The Timid and The Invisible, along with John Henry: Wandering Spirit, continue through June 24 and Aug. 27, respectively. The former features Williamson's paintings and fiber art, while the latter offers 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.
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.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300 or 813-987-6100). The IMAX Dome Theater features Journey Into Amazing Caves and Ocean Oasis through Nov. 15 and Aug. 30, respectively. MOSI also offers The Saunders Planetarium, SkyWatch and more. Aero Adventure explores the science of flight, and the latest exhibit, opening Saturday, June 9, allows guests to peddle a bike across a 98-foot-long steel cable suspended 30-feet above ground. 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.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Dean Quigley unveils a new major work at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10. Quigley's work shows a panoramic view of the 1528 landing of conquistador Panfilo de Narvnez at Boca Ciega Bay. 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.
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. The Brothers Quay Collection, an evening of 10 surrealist-inspired stop-motion animated films, begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 7. 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). Capturing Florida Culture: From Kitsch to Collectibles continues through Sept. 30. This fun show details the long and illustrious history of Florida's tackier tourist items, like coconut and alligator teeth items, postcards, palm frond creations and more. 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 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). 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 VanDerZee: Seattle Sampler: Work by 12 Studio Glass Artists from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Barbara Basch, through June 10; and 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.
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.)
Cinderella Two, or After the Ball, presented by the Francis Wilson Playhouse, begins Thursday, June 7, and continues through June 17. This musical comedy is a political spoof of the classical children's tale. The play's musical composer and lyricist is Gulfport resident Gil Perlroth, the man who gave us Sex and Sensibilities. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $12, and the playhouse is at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. Call 727-446-1360.
A Couple of Blaguards, presented by American Stage, continues through June 10. Written by Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes, this play has two brothers sharing memories of mischief-making in the old country, their Irish-Catholic upbringing and the wayward way they came to America, all while downing pints in the local pub. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $20 to $28, and American Stage's at 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY
Jasmine, presented by The West Florida Ballet, takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. WFB has the honor of presenting the world premiere of this delicate, Arabian love story filled with magic, mystery and wonderful dance. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $16.95 to $25.95, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Ladies of the Camellias, presented by the St. Petersburg Little Theatre, begins Thursday, June 7, and continues through June 17. This backstage farce, written by Lillian Garrett-Groag, pits two dueling divas against one another when they are scheduled to perform Camille at the same theater. Oh yeah, and a mad Russian is planning on blowing up the theater. Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $13. SPLT's at 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-866-1973.
Let's Play Two, by Anthony Clarvoe, continues through June 16, at Silver Meteor Gallery. Skip Volkle directs this refreshingly amusing and romantic comedy, which finds two complete opposites (Phil and Grace) united through their love of baseball. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and tickets cost $10. Silver Meteor's at 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City. Call 813-765-1486.
Rumors, presented by Masque Theatre, continues through June 16, at the Lightfoot Center. Four couples gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a married couple in this hilarious Neil Simon play. Everything's great until the couples arrive to find the husband bleeding while the wife and maid are nowhere in sight. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $14, and the center's at 10901 N. 56th St., Tampa. Call 813-980-3321.
Write Me a Murder, presented by the Carrollwood Players, continues through June 23. Frederick Knott's suspense thriller, a mixture of romance, greed and deceit, keeps the audience guessing as a young writer plots the perfect murder. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $12, and the Carrollwood Playhouse is at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000.
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Steve Moore helps you get your giggle on from Friday through Sunday, June 8, 9 and 10. Open mic starts at 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday. All 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). Mike McCarthy's in the house on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9. The Charming Hooligans improv troupe performs every Friday at midnight. Admission costs $5. Show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations suggested.
Improv Comedy Theater, at Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City (813-864-4000). Tom Simmons finishes a short stint on June 7 (tix cost $10). Christopher Titus, star of Fox's new dysfunctional family sitcom Titus, is in the house Friday through Sunday, June 8, 9 and 10 (tickets cost $18-$22). Phat Tuesdays offers a different comedian every week at 8 p.m. ($11.50). The Charming Hooligans perform at 10 p.m. each Thursday. Tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; and 7, 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Saturday. All prices are advance purchase; tickets cost $2 more at the door.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Jimmy Shubert, who's been seen on Go!, Coyote Ugly and a ton of TV shows, appears through June 10. Pat Godwin swaps stories about his failed rock 'n' roll career, failed marriage and wacky Irish-Catholic upbringing from Tuesday, June 12, through June 17. Regular admission ranges from $5 to $12 (depending on the night). Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Wacky Weaver's, located inside the Brandon Brew House, 779 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon. (813-661-5527). Comedy Club hopper Nick Arandes gives us some Puerto Rican lovin' on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9. Admission is $10 and reservations are recommended.
Poetry & Prose
Barnes & Noble-Brandon, 122 Brandon Town Center Drive (813-661-9883). Eugene Orlando hosts a poetry and art gathering at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 8. The Writers Group meeting, featuring author Liz Larrabee, takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 11. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday.
Barnes & Noble-Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry (813-962-6446). The R.E.A.P. Book Group discusses Nelson George's Show and Tell, at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 9. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Marcille Walls & Ceol Binn perform Celtic tunes in the cafe. The 40 + Fabulous Groups discusses The Surrendered Wife at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Barnes & Noble-Tampa, 213 N. Dale Mabry (813-871-2228). Vincent Ruhl signs and discusses his new novel, Finding God, Finding Each Other, at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 7. Diane Klein signs her enlightening book, In the Name of Help: A Novel of Psychiatric Abuse, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8. The Fiction Writer's Group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Haslam's, 2025 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-8616). Bay area author Meg Clairmonte signs her true crime novel, Ultimate Judgement: A Story of Emotional Corruption, Obsession and Betrayal, at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 9. Clairmonte's book tells the story of millionaire shrimping magnate Donald Sahlman, who was posthumously tried for sexually abusing his stepdaughter.
Inkwood Books, 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa (813-253-2638). Florida fiction writer Randy Wayne White stops by to sign and discuss his eighth suspense novel, Shark River, at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 7. The book features White's retired CIA operative, Doc Ford. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, extended to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Libraries
Bruton Memorial, 302 McLendon St., Plant City (813-757-9215). The Master Gardening series talks about Good Bugs, Bad Bugs, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 11. See slides, photos and actual specimens of bugs you do and don't want hanging around your garden.
Lutz, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, Lutz (813-264-3800). Stella Suberman's novel, The Jew Store, is under the microscope at the 2 p.m. book discussion group meeting, on Tuesday, June 12. This autobiography reflects upon a small town's assumptions and prejudices when a Jewish family moves in and opens a dry goods business.
North Tampa, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa (813-975-2111). The book discussion group critiques David Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars, at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. Set in 1954, an American fisherman stands trial for murder in this wonderfully crafted courtroom drama/love story/war tale.
West Gate, 7606 Paula Drive, Tampa (813-554-5031). The Book to Film Book Discussion Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. Meeting twice each month, the group discusses a book that has been adapted to film during the first meeting, then watches the film during the second (June 26).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Sports & Nature
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.
Philippe Park and Upper Tampa Bay Field Trip, with the Clearwater Audubon Society, begins at 7 a.m. Sunday, June 9, at Philippe Park. Join the society to locate, identify, observe and appreciate Florida's beautiful flora and fauna. Bring a lunch and help the society tabulate the birds at the end of the day. The park's at 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor. Call 727-786-2764 for information and directions.
Special Events
Books to Troops, presented by the newly formed Gulfcoast Jaycees, continues through June 10. We've all got tons of old paperbacks lying around the house, and now's the time to get rid of them. The Jaycees are accepting book donations to send to U.S. troops currently serving in the Balkans, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Talk about your unique book drives. Call 727-845-5300 for dropoff locations, or e-mail gulfcoastjc1@hotmail.com.
Monte Carlo Night, at the Center for Conscious Living, takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 9. This annual fundraiser for the center promises food, fun and fortune, not to mention a very appealing free admission charge. Stop by for some French delicacies, great wine, lively entertainment (including can-can dancers), plenty of casino-style games and more. The center's at 6152 126th Ave. N., Suite 500, Largo. Call 727-538-0900.
Pioneering the Biotech Age, a breakfast meeting/lecture, begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, in the music room at UT's Plant Hall. Two Tampa Bay leaders of startup biotechnology companies explain their work at this event. Dr. Tony Frudakis, chief scientific officer of DNAprint Genomics, discusses his company's development of genetic technology. And Dr. Timothy Ganey, president of co.don Tissue Engineering, talks about his company's cell-based medical technologies. Admission costs $5 and advance registration is necessary. UT's at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-253-6268.
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 handmade 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 7-13, 2001.