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.
