Visual Arts
Openings
The 9 Gallery, 902 N. Rome Ave., Tampa (813-258-1694). This brand-spanking new gallery presents Public Hair's Posters & Propaganda, beginning with a reception from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday, May 4, and continuing through May 31. Public Hair, performance artist, jazz singer, comedian and winner of the Planet's new Fucked-Up Moniker award, fills the gallery with his show posters, which cover politics, sex, religion, law and other topics. These works were part of the artist's late '90s international poster campaign. Hours are by appointment only, and gallery owner Doug Attalla invites artists to call for info on showing their works in this sick new space.
Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-822-7872). The center celebrates Latin heritage with four new shows, beginning with a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, and continuing 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 works 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, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete (727-821-7391). Ground Cover: Contemporary Quilts begins with a reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, and continues through June 22. This in-depth exploration of the landscape through textiles (both metaphorical and concrete) features the works of six cutting-edge quilt artist, including Nancy Crow, Michael James and Pauline Burbidge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Gulfport Gallery Walk, in the Gulfport Art Village, South of 28th Avenue on Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport (727-321-0830). The village's monthly Gallery Walk takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 5. Wine and dine at one of Gulfport's restaurants or pubs, then check out the latest paintings, pottery, sculptures, glass, antiques and more during extended hours at over a dozen galleries. David Domingo, Soul Mates and Tawny & Kathy provide tunes at different locations, and Dan Bricker from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club gives you a view of the night sky through his handmade telescopes.
Ongoing
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). Perceptions of the Heart, a one-man show by Jacques Ousson, continues through May 9. This French artist shares impressionistic oil paintings, pastels and more depicting landscape scenes from his home on the Loire River in the village of Ousson. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.531central.com.
Grossman Gallery, 1111 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-258-4441). After a 25-year career in television broadcasting, USF alumnus Marc Grossman switches from the TV biz to the art biz, opening a new gallery in Hyde Park. Promising a fun place to see art (i.e., no intimidation or elitism), Grossman includes the works of impressionist painter Greg Cartmell and abstract oils by Sikrat for his first show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Hyde Park Fine Arts, 937 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-258-8883). Confessions continues through May 26. Steven Verriest, Perri Neri, Jack Barrett and Leslie Elsasser fill the gallery with dark, highly narrative paintings that focus on the human condition. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Nature Exposed, a photography exhibition by Ed Lawlor, continues through May 31 at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. Lawlor, an award-winning nature, wildlife and landscape photographer, takes the viewer to Florida's most raw and wild environments through his works. A reception for the artist takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission's free and the center's at 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-942-5605.
Nuance Galleries, 720 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-875-0511). The works of Pennsylvania artist Daniel Watts are on display through May 31. Watts pulls together the visual languages of shape, style and color in his oil paintings on wood. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). An open juried competition, Pastel, Pen, Pencil and Charcoal, continues through June 2. An awards reception, where the Dorfmuller Memorial Award for Best Pastel is bestowed, takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Positive Expressions, 2435 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-328-8932). Reggie & Me, a video installation celebrating the gallery's eighth anniversary, continues through May 5. The multimedia installation includes video, prints, projections and mixed media produced by Tampa filmmaker and artist Edward Isin, along with PE member artist Reginald Brown. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries, corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus (813-253-6217). The Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show, where graduates display their works before leaving college behind, has a short run through May 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Something Fishy 913 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-461-FISH). Color Me Crazy continues through May 31. This exhibit puts the spotlight on Femo artist Harriet Smith, of New Orleans, the pottery of Lynette Phillips and accessory pieces by Boston's Jasmine Keane. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-2959). Two shows continue through May 10: Cuban artist Alberto Donat offers paintings influenced by his early exposure to the Afro/Cuban culture; Sana Doumet's jewelry, created with sterling silver, 18 and 24-carat gold, and semi-precious stones, is also up for grabs. 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 continues through May 11. 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.
TECO Public Art Gallery, 2623 Jetton Ave., Tampa (813-251-3688). Other Visions, featuring works by Project Return members, continues through May 31. Project Return, a mental health facility in Tampa, improves the quality of life for adults with mental illness through various programs, including art. This show includes works by about 20 members, and offers landscapes, portraits, abstracts and more. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Museums and Attractions
Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-273-4000). In honor of its sixth anniversary, the aquarium offers $6 admission on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6. The aquarium 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.
Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). Next Stop: St. Petersburg; The City in the 21st Century begins with a reception at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, and continues through June 2. Intended to broaden lifestyle choices for the locals, this exhibit offers suggestions for building upon St. Pete's history and character, while taking advantage of current social and economic conditions. Also, Miriam Schapiro: Works on Paper; A Thirty Year Retrospective and Another Country: New Works by Roger Chamieh both continue through May 13. 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.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Dr. Alfred R. Frankel offers insight into Florida's unique pottery heritage at 2 p.m. Friday, May 6. 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). The museum's film series features Heroic Trio, a mystical, kung-fu adventure, at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 3. 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. 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 Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). Landscape/Land Use, a contemporary landscape photography show, begins Sunday, May 6, and continues through July 8. This show, featuring the works of six artists, demonstrates how cultural and economic forces have shaped the topography in places like New Mexico, Florida and Tokyo. Also, The American Experience: 20th Century Prints from the Berkman Foundation continues through July 22; and James VanDerZee: Seattle Sampler: Work by 12 Studio Glass Artists from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Barbara Basch runs through June 10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission ranges from $3 to $5 and is 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. Photos of founder Victoriano, along with successors Roland and Patrick Manteiga, are featured, as well as Rolando's famous red phone, which perpetually reserved his table at La Tropicana. Rolando's typewriter and paintings of Victoriano and Roland by Ybor artist Ferdie Pacheco are also included. 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.)
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, presented by the Carrollwood Players, continues through May 19. Carlyn Postle directs this musical look at the life of Pseudolus, a Roman slave, who'll do anything (including trick, tease and connive) to gain his freedom. Show times for this comedic romp are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $14, and the Carrollwood Playhouse is at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000).
Disney's Jungle Adventures on Ice, at the Ice Palace, continues through Sunday, May 6. The Jungle Book, The Lion King and Tarzan come together for this high-energy, family-style adventure. Think lush foliage, bodies swinging on vines and sharp skates. Kids, don't try this at home. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $11.75 to $18.75, and the palace is at 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Call 813-287-8844.
InFlyte, presented by Moving Current, take place Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, at the Largo Cultural Center. Tampa's contemporary dance collective welcomes guest choreographer Dale Andree, who joins MC founding choreographers Cynthia Hennessy, Erin Cardinal and Elsa Valbuena, in presenting an evening of premier and repertory works. This is MC's first Pinellas County performance. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $8, and the Center's at 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Call 727-587-6793.
Inherit the Wind, presented by The West Coast Players, begins Friday, May 4, and continues through May 13, at the Dunedin Community Center. This classic tale of evolution vs. creationism is a dramatization of the famous 1925 "Monkey Trial," at which Tennessee schoolteacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Admission costs $10, and the center's at 1141 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Call 727-298-3332.
Ladies' Man, presented by the Francis Wilson Playhouse, continues through May 13. This comedy by D. K. Oklahoma stars a widower who resides in a house with five widows (all friends of his deceased wife). Trouble brews when the man's cousin, half-owner of the house, decides it's time to sell, potentially ruining the widower's cushy harem-like situation. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10, and the playhouse is at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. Call 727-446-1360.
Little Mary, a new project by Bill Leavengood, receives a staged reading at 7 p.m. Monday, May 7, at American Stage. Leavengood's latest tale surrounds a 15-year-old virgin who claims to be carrying the seven unborn children of God. Not surprisingly, this causes an international sensation, and causes two Catholic cardinals (a mentor and his protege) to clash over faith, God and politics. Tickets cost $5, and American Stage is at 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY.
Love's Labour's Lost, the 16th annual Shakespeare in the Park production, continues through May 13, at Demens Landing. This American Stage production portrays the King of Navarre, who, along with three young lords, makes an extremely unsuccessful attempt at celibacy. The 16th century play is updated to 1930s Europe. Tickets cost $7 (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and $10 (Friday and Saturday) for blanket seating, and $22 for reserved chairs. All shows start at 8 p.m., and the park's at First Avenue South and Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY.
The World of Jacques Brel, presented by The Center Theater Company of Tampa Bay, continues through May 13, at the Tampa Bay performing Arts Center. Brel, '60s cabaret artist extraordinaire, is remembered through his stirring, poetic, ironic and humorous songs, which are just as entertaining now as they were 30 years ago. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $21.50 and $24.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Spike Rizzo impales patrons with his sharp wit Friday through Sunday, May 4, 5 and 6. Open mic starts at 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday. 25. 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). Steve Moore breaks your funny bone on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. Rumor has it the incorrigible Charming Hooligans improv troupe performs every Friday (we think) at midnight. But, being just a rumor, we suggest you call to confirm. 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). Local improv troupe The Charming Hooligans start a regular gig at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, continuing each Thursday into infinity. Admission costs $8 in advance, $10 at the door. The bold, brazen (and rather loud) Sheryl Underwood makes the more timid audience members run for cover from Thursday, May 3, through May 6. Tickets cost $18 and $20 in advance. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; and 7 (nonsmoking), 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Happy Cole, who's appeared on VH-1, MTV, Comic Strip Live and Caroline's Comedy Hour, entertains through May 6. Regular admission costs $5 on Tuesdays; $8 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; $12 on Fridays and Saturdays. Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and nonsmoking shows are 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. Friday.
Poetry & Prose
Barnes & Noble-Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry (813-962-6446). The 40+ Fabulous group discusses Laura Louis' Talking in the Dark, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Dr. Daniel Stein signs his book, Passionate Sex, at 7 p.m. Friday, May 4. Roland Bishop signs his suspense novel, Code Name: Fire Ant, at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Judy Weyand, author of The Patchwork Angel and A Vintage Treasure, offers a reading at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Borders-St. Petersburg, 6901 22nd Ave. N. (727-381-8890). Authors Janet and Joel Watson sign their book, Labrador Retrievers for Dummies, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3. At 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, popular children's book hero Arthur visits during storytime. The Writer's Roundtable meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Borders-Tampa, 909 N. Dale Mabry (813-874-5722). Friends of Classical Music meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Future Perfect performs haunting melodies at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6. And the Society for Creative Anachronism meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Inkwood Books, 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa (813-253-2638). Laura York shares tea and scones from her debut cookbook, Simple Strawberry Sensations, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 8. Tom Corcoran returns to Inkwood to read and sign his latest suspense novel, Bone Island Mambo, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. 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
College Hill, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa (813-273-3681). The Let's Talk Support Group meets at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Gino and His Fabulous Reptiles stop by at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. And Jerry Davies offers Tax Tips for Small Businesses at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. John F. Germany, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-273-3652). The Moss Gown: A Cracker Cinderella, a puppet show that plants Cinderella in Florida during pioneer days, takes place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3. Library tours take place at 2 p.m. each Saturday in May. Ask a Genealogist offers research tips and hints at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5.
North Tampa, 8916 N. Boulevard, Tampa (813-975-2111). The Born to Read series, designed to develop prereading skills in babies, begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3. The Book Discussion Group talks about Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.
Temple Terrace, 202 Bullard Parkway, Tampa (813-989-7160). Attorney Sue Walker walks you through life and estate planning at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5. The Master Gardening Series discusses micro-irrigation at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5. And the Jazz Ensemble spices up the library at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6.
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.
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.
Female Singer/Songwriter Night, at James Joyce Pub, 1704 1/2 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-247-1896). This chicks-only event, hosted by Rebekah Pulley, takes place at 9 p.m. every Tuesday. All talented females are welcome to come out and network, perform or just make new acquaintances at this free event.
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.
Joffrey's Coffee Shop, 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-946-7622). William Martin hosts a poetry/spoken word open mic at 2 p.m. every Sunday. Musicians are also welcome to stop by and jam any night of the week. Joffrey's hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to midnight Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
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.
Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-251-BRIT). Vince Longo hosts an open jam every Wednesday, featuring an eclectic mix of performers from the Bay's music scene at 9 p.m. (or thereabouts).
Sports & Nature
America II Corporate SportsFest Games, at Pier 60, takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Head to the beach and cheer on 200 corporate teams – including Capital One, GTE and Raymond James & Associates – as they raise money for United Way. The teams go head-to-head at tug-of-war, beach volleyball, relays and more, and onlookers can enjoy interactive events and live music. The event's free to attend, and the pier's at 10 Pier 60 Drive (end of State Road 60), Clearwater Beach. Call 800-699-TEAM, or visit www.sportsfest.com.
Boyd Hill Nature Park, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7326). The park offers a free, guided Bird Walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Staff and volunteers offer tram tours, limited to seven people each, at 1 p.m. daily. Other guides offer night hikes, bird hikes, nature walks and wildflower walks for free.
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.
Cockroach Bay Canoe & Kayak Adventure, with the Clearwater Audubon Society, begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Meet at Cockroach Bay (with or without your own canoe or kayak) and join the society in observing the beautiful diversity of this natural Tampa Bay gem. Bring a lunch and meet the society in the Cockroach Bay parking lot. Call 727-734-5196 for directions and information.
Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society, continues through May 19 at various Bay area locations. Build a team of friends and family, and walk a lap or two (or 12) for cancer. Each event starts with a Survivor Celebration, with survivors walking a victory lap before volunteers take over. At least one member from each team must be on the track at all times during this 18-hour relay. Tracks include: Largo High School (May 4 and 5), Tarpon Sports Complex (May 11 and 12), and University of Tampa and Clearwater Long Center (both May 18 and 19). Relays run from 6 p.m. to noon the following day. Call 800-ACS-2345 for additional locations and participation info.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays, at Tropicana Field, One Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg (813-825-3250). This week, the Rays take on the Cleveland Indians at 7:15 p.m. Friday, May 4, 4:15 p.m. Saturday, May 5, and 1:15 p.m. Sunday, May 6. After a day's rest for the Rays, the Baltimore Orioles are in town for a trio of 7:15 p.m. matches Tuesday through Thursday, May 8, 9 and 10. Tickets start at $4 and go up to $195.
Tampa Bay Mutiny, at the Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-289-6811 or 1-888-289-6811). The Los Angeles Galaxy visit the Mutiny turf at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and discounted group rates are available.
Special Events
Beech-Nut Baby Show, the seventh annual event, takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Harborview Center. More than 70 businesses have everything a family needs for its new addition at this "greatest show on birth." (Hardy-har-har.) Coupons and samples, child safety info, the Struttin' Strollers Parade, Daddy Olympics, Baby Derby, Maternal Fashion Show and more await moms and dads-to-be. Admission costs $4, and the center's at 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Call 727-893-8790.
Break the Cycle of Juvenile Crime, a benefit for the Project Action Foundation, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at the CardioKarate Center. The center joins dance, gymnastics and other martial arts school around the world in various fitness demonstrations, including a crack at the World Record Board Breaking Attempt. On hand are members of the world-renowned Little Ninja Demonstration Team (Ninja Fox, Ninja Cat and Ninja Panda), and activities include a kickboxing kick-a-thon. The event's free, and the center's at 9112 Seminole Blvd., Seminole. Call 727-392-3198.
CrossGen Comics Signing, featuring Mark Waid and Steve Epting, takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Hooked on Comics. Smack-dab in the middle of the store's fourth anniversary celebration (rabid collectors, read: huge sales!), Hooked on Comics offers a signing with two of CrossGen Comics' talented artists. Waid and Epting, writer and penciler, respectively, are two members of the four-man team that created Crux, a futuristic tale that sees the earth turned into an "intergalactic tourist attraction." The shop is at 3643 W. Waters Ave., Tampa. Call 813-932-8919.
Elite Model Look 2001, at University Mall, takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Rail-thin hopefuls are invited to an open cattle call by one of the country's most prestigious modeling agencies. Elite is responsible for the careers of Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Stephanie Seymour. The event is free, and the mall's at 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Call 212-529-9700, ext. 117, or visit www.elitemodellookusa.com.
Fiesta Del Sol al Sol, a fiesta celebrating Florida's relationship with Mexico, continues through May 5, at several locations. This week's activities include the first annual Uno Latin Film Festival, Friday, May 4, through May 6, at Clearwater's Main Street Cinema (727-712-5720); a reception for The Arts Center's new show, highlighting works by Latin American artists, takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 (727-822-7872); the Fun & Sun Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Parade takes place at Station Square Park (time to be determined), in Clearwater (727-562-4804); the Gulf Coast Museum of Art's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5 (727-518-6833).
Fur Ball, the fifth annual event, begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Harborview Center. This benefit for the Humane Society of North Pinellas Inc. has "A Hollywood Premiere" theme, complete with a "Growlmann's Chinese Theater" and a cast of adorable pets. The night of dining and dancing also features a silent auction, goodie bags, door prizes and more. Tax-deductible tickets cost $75, and the center's at 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Call 727-797-7722.
Millennium Million Marijuana March & Hemp Festival, presented by FORML, takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Courthouse Square Park. Fight for your right to toke up (for medicinal purposes, of course) at this march, which features speakers, live music, vendors, information booths and a march on the County Courthouse. The event's free, and the park's at 419 Pierce St., Tampa. Call 813-779-2551 or e-mail forml420@marijuana.com.
This article appears in May 3-9, 2001.