Visual ArtsOpenings
Adrian Howard Galleries, at the Suncoast Resort Hotel, 3000 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-6906). The Heart and Art of America is a group exhibition featuring works by Ron Jacobson, Thomas Bouchelle, Michael Chestnut and Ron Reams. The exhibit opens Friday, Nov. 2, and runs through Nov. 30. 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.
Art Harvest, the 38th annual show and sale, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4, at Highlander Park. Art Harvest, sponsored by the Junior League of Clearwater, is the area's top outdoor fall art show. More than 200 artists display their work for purchase. Artists compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes in the categories of watercolor, oil, graphics, mixed media, sculpture, glass, acrylic, ceramics, jewelry, photography and wood. A variety of food and beverages are availble in the outdoor food court. Admission is free. Parking costs $3 per car. Highlander Park is at 1141 Michigan Blvd., corner of Pinehurst Avenue, Dunedin. Shuttle service is available from the Causeway Plaza lot at Curlew Road and Alternate U.S. 19 for $1 per round trip. Call 727-738-5523.
Artists Unlimited, in the Channel District, 223 N. 12th St., Tampa (813-229-5958). Life in Stone is an exhibit of more than 20 hand-carved sculptures by artists from Zimbabwe, Africa. The exhibit opens Thursday, Nov. 1, and runs through Jan. 30. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
ArtsAlive! Museum Week, a citywide celebration of St. Petersburg's cultural arts, kicks off with the Get Downtown street festival, taking place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, on Central Avenue between Second and Third streets North. Events continue Nov. 3 with Family Arts Day, featuring demonstrations by children's book illustrator Frank Remkiewicz at Mirror Lake and Main libraries, hands-on activities at The Arts Center and Japanese kite making at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. On Nov. 4, view an eight-hour showcase of upcoming Palladium shows, or catch a presentation on Contemporary Latin American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts. All events are free to the public. Kids events are free at all museums on Family Arts Day, and ArtsAlive! discounts are available Nov. 2-11. For more information, call 727-893-7111 or each individual venue. Arts Center is at 719 Central Ave. (727-822-7872); St. Petersburg Museum of History is at 335 Second Ave. N.E. (727-894-1052); Palladium Theater is at 253 Fifth Ave N. (727-827-3828); and the Museum of Fine Arts is at 255 Beach Drive N.E. (727-896-2667).
Catherine Hickman Theatre Gallery, 5501 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727-384-9064). Surveying the Landscape offers works by five contemporary landscape artists: Nan Griffin, Keith Stillwagon, Hugo S. Porcaro, Nancy Gable and Billy Zepp. The exhibit opens Friday, Nov. 2, and runs through Nov. 30. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Covivant Gallery, 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa (813-232-3283). Project Confederate Flag: Exhibition/Film is an ongoing project by conceptual artist John Sims. The project investigates the conceptual and social complexities of the Confederate flag. By presenting various re-colorings of the flag, Sims seeks to subvert the design. A presentation and reception for this one day show takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and by appointment.
Crystal Mirage Gallery, at The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-895-1166). A Time for Thanks and a Time for Giving coincides with the ArtsAlive! kick-off. The show, which features glass art, perfume bottles, paperweights and hand-blown ornaments, opens Friday, Nov. 2, and runs through Nov. 11. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Wheels: Artists and Automobiles examines the American obsession with wheels, and addresses the artistry, mystique and cultural impact of the automobile. The exhibit opens Saturday, Nov. 3, and runs through March 3. Round the World for the Holidays, an invitational show and sale, takes place Nov. 3 and 4. This year's exhibition displays 18 holiday trees bedecked with ornaments celebrating such countries as Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy and China. 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.
Gallery 1906, in the Ellis-Van Pelt Building, at 1906 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. On the third floor of this former cigar factory is a lively artists' studio, home to such resident artists as Lori Ballard, Dennis Johnson, Tomas Marais, Diana Mendez and Maida Millan. These and more than 15 other artists are hosting a preview and sale from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3.
Graphicstudio, 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa (813-974-3503). Judith Kickliter's Masters in Fine Arts thesis, an exhibit of books and handmade papers, is on display through Nov. 6. Kickliter's oral defense takes place at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, followed by a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Graphicstudio hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Gulfport Gallery Walk, in the Gulfport Art Village, South of 28th Avenue on Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport (727-321-0830). The village celebrates the eighth year of its monthly Gallery Walk with an anniversary walk, taking place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. The event features Pacific Harmony II, a local Hawaiian band, whose authentic island sound is sure to make you want to hula. Wine and dine at one of Gulfport's restaurants or pubs, then check out the latest paintings, pottery, sculpture, glass, antiques and more during extended hours at over a dozen galleries. HCC-Ybor Gallery, in the Performing Arts Building, Palm Avenue at 15th Street, Ybor City (813-253-7674). The gallery debuts a mixed-media sculpture by Lutz artist Susan Livingston. Created from fossils and clay, the piece represents the process of fossilization. A reception takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. The sculpture is on display from Nov. 2 through Dec. 2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Salt Creek Artworks, 1600 Fourth St. S., St. Pete (727-894-2653). The galleries of Salt Creek host an outstanding exhibit of mixed-media works by German-born artist Joachim Johannes Domschke in the Grey Gallery, while the digital photography of John Gladman, from Lawrence, Kan., occupies the Green Gallery. A reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, and the exhibit runs through Dec. 7. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs (727-942-5605). Brief Images of Time is an exhibit of paintings by Harry Farmlett, who worked as a New York design consultant for many years before retiring to Florida. Farmlett now devotes much of his time to painting. The exhibit opens at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, and runs through Nov. 28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The Gallery of Owen Sweet Design, 16701 Gulf Blvd. N., Redington Beach (727-392-6936). Language of the Heart is an exhibit of oil and acrylic paintings by local artist Dragoslav Milic. Opening celebrations are held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, and the exhibit is on display through Dec. 28. Hours are 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
The Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, next to the Largo Library (727-587-6793). A life-size bronze sculpture titled, Girl with Flower, created by Juno Beach artist Claire May, is unveiled Saturday, Nov. 3, as part of the center's fifth anniversary celebration. The sculpture will be on permanent display in the center's lobby.
Ongoing
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). Landscapes of the Mind is a special retrospective exhibition honoring the work of deceased St. Petersburg native Richard Protovin. The show features Protovin's oil paintings and watercolors, and a video display featuring several of his animated films. The show runs through Dec. 5. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.531central.com.
Baisden Gallery, 442 Grand Central Ave., Suite 100, Tampa (813-250-1511). Pictorial Horizon is an exhibit of landscapes, featuring the work of Alison Burnett, Scott Duce, Jim Draper and Matt Larson. The exhibit, which presents a cross section of media and landscape themes, runs through Nov. 17. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Robin Cody – Recent Work is just that, an exhibit of new paintings by the Sarasota artist. Cody, who received an MFA in painting from Queens College in New York, is currently an instructor at the Ringling School of Art and Design. The exhibit runs through Nov. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
EastWest Gallery & Framery, 529 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-823-9629). Flower Power features acrylics on canvas by Susan Supper. The metaphorical works show flora emerging from cityscapes. The exhibit is on display through Dec. 1. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and by appointment.
Gold Dragon Gallery, 3508 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa (813-832-2755). The Gold Dragon showcases works by clients of Project Return, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults with mental illness through educational and vocational services. The exhibit runs through Nov. 15.
Lemon Studios and Gallery, 1601 N. Marion St., Tampa (813-805-7487). Trajectories is an exhibit of works by Chicago artist Carrie Shield that pays homage to Piet Mondrian. Shield, who received her MFA from the University of Washington in Seattle, works primarily in oil on linen. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and by appointment.
Merrick Gallery, 330 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg (727-896-2787). Sign Language is an exhibit of new works by Steve Carlisle, a mixed-media artist whose images deal with the use of signs to persuade and manipulate people. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, Carlisle incorporates photography, digital printing and screen printing into his work. The exhibit runs through Nov. 25. 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.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). An exhibit of water media, featuring works by Sue Allen, Jane Cheek, Anne Drewery and Betty Rankin, continues through Nov. 30. Hours are noon-3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 3-8 p.m. every third Thursday.
Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-0934). To Fish or Not to Fish features current ceramic works by Ira Jon Burhans, who has made pottery professionally in the Palm Harbor area for the past 21 years. The exhibit runs through Nov. 18. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Romeo Art and Design Gallery, 1515 Seventh Ave., Tampa (813-247-1010). Easy Access is an exhibit of works by talented local artists Jim McCarthy, Karen Pauline, Joe Draye and Randy Alvarez. The cost of the art, the artworks themselves and the gallery's location are all easily accessible, as the show's title hints. The gallery, run by third-generation Ybor City artisan Walter P. Romeo, features original paintings, pottery, stylish European furniture as well as modern furniture designed by architects. The exhibit runs through Dec. 1. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries, corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus (813-253-6217). An exhibit of more than 20 artworks by Stacy Rosende, an emerging Tampa artist, are on display through Nov. 30. The show consists of large, brilliant paintings with layers of textured paint, as well as several monoprints created with inks and mixed media. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City (813-242-4500). Twelve boasts a dozen of Charles D. Doan's most recent two-dimensional and relief painting. The exhibit runs through Nov. 18. Gallery hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Snooty Judy's Gallery for the Open Mind, 514 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin (727-734-9835). Joe Draye displays his surrealist oil paintings and Ron Michael Kelley offers his steel sculptures in an exhibit that runs through Nov. 13. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. See the gallery at www.openmindart.com.
St. Petersburg Main Branch Post Office, 3135 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Getting Wired! is an exhibit of metal media by artist Brandy Stark. The show is part of this post office's project to provide a showcase and expand public awareness of the arts in the Tampa Bay area. The exhibit runs through Dec. 14. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 727-323-6552.
TECO Public Art Gallery, 704 N. Franklin St., Tampa (813-251-3688). Ruth T. Nienhaus exhibits her watercolor paintings through Dec. 31. The exhibit consists of 20 landscapes and various portraits. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Vincent William Gallery Inc., 320 Corey Ave., St. Petersburg (727-363-1334). Keep it Together celebrates the gallery's eighth anniversary. Artists on display include Australian silver jeweler Jose Nunes and Canadian bronze artist Andrew Benyei. The gallery also includes works by more than 120 other local, national and Canadian artists. The exhibit runs through Nov. 23. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museums and Attractions
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater (727-441-1790). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to education and 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). On the Edge of the Abyss is an exhibit of 93 drawings by Ella Liebermann-Shiber of the horrors she witnessed in Nazi captivity. Ella's family was taken from Berlin in 1938, and she eventually ended up in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Her father and brothers were killed, but she and her mother survived due to Ella's artistic ability (she painted portraits for the Germans). The exhibit continues through Feb. 24. Fragments is an exhibit of 120 16-by-20-inch photographs of Florida Holocaust survivors by Jason Schwartz. The commissioned collection is on display through March 10. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $6, $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). Maria Emilia Castagliola exhibits In Praise of Federico Garcia Lorca, a body of work inspired by and devoted to the great Spanish writer, and Randy Batista exhibits American Eyes – Cuban Heart, a photo-documentary of his visits to Cuban relatives. Both shows continue through Nov. 11. 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 $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students (free on Thursday). Visit www.gulfcoastmuseum.org.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). Americanos: Latino Life in the United States is an exhibit of 120 images by 30 prize-winning photographers. The documentary photographs cut across economic groups and tell the story of an array of Latinos, from portraits of celebrities, like Carlos Santana and Sammy Sosa, to children playing chess to physicians at work. The show runs through Jan. 6 and is complemented by numerous educational programs. 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.
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Pete. (727-823-3767). This museum features one of the best collections of the Spanish painter's works in the world, including several masterworks. 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). 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 Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). A View into Antiquity, pottery from the collection of William Suddaby and David Meier, consists of 52 examples of ancient Greek and Italian ceramics from the Late Bronze Age to the Classical Period. The exhibit runs through Jan. 13. Craft is a Verb is a survey of the history of the American craft movement from the late 1950s to the present, drawn from the collection of the American Craft Museum in New York. The exhibit runs through Dec. 30. 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.
USF Contemporary Art Museum, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Cam 101, Tampa (813-974-4133). Lucy Orta: Nexus Architecture & Connector IV is an exhibit of Orta's projects, which includes collaborations with Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa and a new architectural infrastructure for a modular social space. The exhibit runs through Dec. 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Theater/Performance(See Classifieds for auditions.)
Ferdinand the Bull Theatreworks/USA presents a bilingual musical adaptation of the beloved children's story of Ferdinand, the lovable young bull, who would rather sit beneath his tree and smell flowers than fight the matador. Performances take place at 10 a.m. and noon Saturday, Nov. 3, in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Rehearsal Hall. Tickets cost $5.50. The show is part of the Wee Folks Series (ages 3-5). TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827).
Gaslight The Carrollwood Players perform this Victorian thriller by Patrick Hamilton. In a house in London's Pimlico district in 1880, the handsome Mr. Manningham is torturing his wife into insanity under the guise of kindliness. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, through Nov. 3, at Plantation Plaza, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000.
Images/Resonance, a program of classical and contemporary ballet, begins the 2001-02 season of Tampa's Acanthus dance company. The program includes works choreographed by company director Richard Allan Ploch and the 19th century Russian choreographer Marius Petipa. Performances take place Nov. 1-3, at the HCC-Ybor Theater. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $15, $8 for seniors and students. The theater's at Palm Avenue and 15th Street in Ybor City. Call 813-835-1066.
Landscape in Motion, the autumnal concert of the USF Dance department, premieres five works and the re-staging of a 1992 work. The program is a mix of dance repertoires, including classical ballet, modern jazz, African dance and flamenco. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 1-3. Admission costs $10, $5 for students and seniors. Shows are at USF-Tampa's Theatre I, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Call 813-974-2614.
Side Show Nominated for four Tonys in '98 (Best Actress, Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Musical Score) Side Show tells of the Hilton sisters' search for love (the Hiltons, Siamese twins, were vaudeville sensations in the '30s). This Warren Light musical is based on the book by Bill Russell, with music by Henry Kreiger. The show is at the Gorilla Theatre through Nov. 18, with show times at 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $25; $20 for students and seniors. The Gorilla Theatre's at 4419 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa (813-879-2914).
You Can't Take it with You, a comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, plays at Masque Theatre three consecutive weekends: Nov. 2-4, 9-11, and 16 and 17. Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $14, $12 for students and seniors. The theater's at 10901 N. 56th St., Tampa (813-935-8634). Visit www.masquetheatre.org.
Classical Music
Piano Recital Joseph Schwartz's career encompasses solo performance, chamber music and teaching. Schwartz has studied at the Juilliard School, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees, and has performed in Europe, South America and Asia. He performs at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs (727-942-5605).
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). Rene Bray performs Thursday, Nov. 1, through Nov. 4. Open mic night, featuring Artie Fletcher, takes place Wednesday, Nov. 7. Show time is 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). Scott Huffman performs Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3. Show time is 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations suggested.
Homecoming 2001: The Stampede Pep Rally with Comedian D.L. Hughley Non-USF students have to weigh sitting through a pep rally and paying quadruple what the USF students pay against getting to see comedian D.L. Hughley. The event takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at USF-Tampa's Sun Dome. Tickets cost $18; $5 for USF students. USF is at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Call 813-974-3002.
Improv Comedy Theater, at Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City (813-864-4000). Comedian Paul Gilmartin, that guy from TBS' Dinner and a Movie, performs Thursday, Nov. 1, through Nov. 4. Gilmartin has appeared on such shows as Politically Incorrect, HBO's Comedy Showcase and MTV's Half-Hour Comedy Hour. He's also written for the Emmy awards, as well as Dennis Miller. Phat Tuesday takes place at 8 p.m. (when else?) Tuesday. Tickets for most shows cost $10-$16 depending on the night. All prices are advance purchase and cost $2 more at the door. (Get a ticket recently? Call about the Improv's Driving School. No kidding.)
Lloyd's Cajun Cafe, (formerly Blues Ship) 1910 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-242-4364). Actor/stand-up comedian ranney performs at 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. He has performed at such venues as the Apollo Theatre, and shared billing with such talents as Bill Bellamy, Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock. Admission costs $12 or $20 for two.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Ventriloquist Willy Tyler and his wooden pal Lester, who've played at top clubs for 40 years, perform through Nov. 4. Manny Olivera, a hip stand-up reminiscent of Bill Murray, performs Nov. 7-11. 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).
Libraries
Brandon Regional, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon (813-744-5630). Master gardener Nancy Kamm shares tips on growing herbs in Florida, as part of a gardening series co-sponsored by the Hillsborough Extension Service. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. Limit of 25 people on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bruton Memorial, 302 McLendon St., Plant City (813-757-9215). Master gardener Vicky Jourdenias teaches attendees which antique roses are suitable for Hillsborough's water zoning. This informative session explains the resurgence of interest in these lovely plants. The event takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5.
John F. Germany, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-273-3652). Tampa Writers Alliance hosts Tampa Tribune book review editor Diane Egner at their monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, to discuss how book reviewers decide which titles to critique and how to do the review itself. Library patrons can also join a book discussion of James Joyce's Ulysses, 12 copies of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The discussion takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
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.
Computer Port Cafe, 432 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach (727-441-2667). Every Friday and Saturday night the cafe plays host to an open mic from 7 to 11 p.m. for musicians, comedians, poets, etc. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and until 3 a.m. on weekends.
Cool Tunes Coffee Bar, 2551 Drew St., Clearwater (727-799-3788). Open mic takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Open mics are free. Local acts play Fridays, check Soundboard or call the bar for a schedule. 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). Words Awake!, a spoken word open mic, takes place at 8 p.m. every Thursday. 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). An open mic for all musicians takes place from 9:30 p.m. to 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.
Java Jane's, 2908 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727-328-2050). This coffee spot hosts live folk and acoustic music every Friday and Saturday, and holds an open mic from 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. While you're there, check out the civilized graffiti on the walls. The public is invited to contribute to the collection of drawings and writings that are on display. Hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 3-10 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Joffrey's Cybercafe , 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-0605). Doris Owens Yates hosts Broad Stroking, a weekly open poetry reading at 3 p.m. every Sunday. All poets are welcome. Kelly Green hosts a new music open mic from 8 p.m. to midnight every Friday. 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.
Limey's Pub, 1492 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-895-2094). Come share your talent at the Limey's open mics, held every Monday from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m., and every Tuesday from 9 to 1 p.m.
Lloyd's Cajun Cafe, 1910 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-242-4364). Black on Black Rhyme, an intense spoken word event, takes place every Tuesday, featuring the We Take No Prisoners Poetry Troupe. The show organizers challenge artists to a weekly spoken word battle on various topics, like men vs. women, for instance. The weekly events feature guest readers followed by an open mic. Sign-up is at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. The cover is $5. Lloyd's also hosts an open mic jam, featuring blues/jazz-guitarist David DeBlois, from 9:30 p.m. to close Wednesday.
Realm Coffeehouse, 937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-821-5608). Realm's schedule of events includes singer/guitarist Chucky Luv on Mondays, an open mic for musicians on Tuesday, an open mic for poets on Thursday and a Friday drum circle. All events happen from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hours are from 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
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.
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. www.pharmreport.com.
Triple Talent Showcase, in the Ybor Room at HCC, located at Ninth Avenue and Republica De Cuba in Ybor City (813-973-0528). The Pure Poets Society hosts this open mic poetry event every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. Readings are videotaped for an upcoming public access program. Poets of all skill levels are welcome to share their works.
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. 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
Boyd Hill Nature Park, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7326). The grand opening of the park's Birds of Prey Aviary takes place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. One of the largest aviaries in the area, it houses a red-tailed hawk, a great horned owl, vultures and a couple red-shouldered hawks.
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.
Inline Skating with the Tampa Bay Road Rollers The Rollers meet and skate at sponsored events, like the Full Moon Skate at Flatwoods Natural Park, Monday Beginners, Tuesdays on Bayshore, Thursdays in St. Petersburg, Saturdays in Dunedin, Sunday Bladers and Jackson's Monthly Skate. But if you can't skate nine to 11 miles, you might want to wait until you can. Call 813-855-7120, or visit www.SkateTampa.com.
Laser Tag at the Ice Sports Forum The Forum, already a popular ice skating venue, has opened a 3,300-square-foot, space-theme 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).
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.
Special Events
13th Annual Ruskin Seafood & Arts Festival, held at E.G. Simmons Park, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4. The event features works by 30 fine artists, including Fred Rothenbush of Ruskin and Bill Scott of St. Petersburg, and of course great seafood throughout the day. Admission costs $3, $1 for children 6-12. The event is alcohol free. E. G. Simmons Park is at 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin. Call 813-645-2906.
Affairs of the Heart, Safety Harbor's first ever wedding expo and wine tasting, showcases the city's new gazebo in John Wilson (Gazebo) Park, and features bridal displays from a wide variety of area businesses. Displays include the fruits of such businesses as Colonial Florist, The Stuffed Mushroom, Harbourside Travel, Chantilly Cakes and The Ibis Bed & Breakfast. Admission costs $10, and includes a wine tasting and a commemorative wine sampler. The expo takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. John Wilson Park is located in the heart of Safety Harbor's Main Street. Call 727-726-2890.
Fit For the Cure, an event to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, takes place Nov. 1-3, at Dillard's department stores in Tampa. Wacoal, a leading designer of intimate apparel, has launched a complete Awareness Bra Collection. The three bras, available in four colors with coordinating panties, are designed to serve as an at-home health reminder for women to perform monthly breast self-examinations. Each Awareness Bra bears tags that display a diagram on how to administer a self breast exam and a reminder to have regular checkups. For every woman fitted by a Wacoal specialist for an Awareness Bra, Wacoal donates $1 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. An additional $1 is donated per Awareness Bra purchase. The bra brouhaha takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations: Thursday, Nov. 1, at Dillard's-Gulf Square; Friday, Nov. 2, at Dillard's-Tyrone Square; and Saturday, Nov. 3, at Dillard's-Countryside Mall. For more information, call Dillard's at 727-341-6000.
Komater Sisters & Friends, an annual arts & crafts show, features works by 10 local artists, including original hats and clothing, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, stained glass and painted silk. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Friday Morning Musicale, 809 Horatio St. (in Hyde Park) Tampa (813-251-0197).
Martial Arts Demonstration to Benefit Red Cross Martial arts master Mehrad Khan Moayedi, who teaches Hapkido Shaolin Kung-Fu, holds a demonstration to benefit the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. Admission costs $10, with all proceeds going to the Tampa Bay Chapter. The demonstration takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4., at Gladden Park Center, 3901 30th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Contributions to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund may be made directly by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or through their secure web site: www.redcrosstbc.org.
Sail Expo The largest in-water, all-sailboat show in the Southeast takes place Nov. 1-4 at Vinoy Park and Marina in St. Petersburg. The expo includes a sailing and windsurfing regatta, demos, extensive seminar programs for all skill levels of sailors, personalized Ask the Experts consultations and a windsurfing clinic. Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $10 on Thursday, Friday and Sunday; $12 on Saturday; free for ages 12 and under. Vinoy Park is at the east end of Fifth Avenue North, three blocks north of The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. Call 800-817-7245, or visit: sailamerica.com.
SPIFFS Annual Harvest Festival The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society is a nonprofit organization of 40 ethnic member groups. The festival brings them all together to display their cultures through music, food, activities and continuous live entertainment. The diverse nations represented include Bosnia, Laos, Egypt, Argentina and Greece. The fair takes place Nov. 1-4 at England Brothers Band Shell Park. The festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free. The park's at 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park. Call 727-551-3365.
Tampa Bay International Auto Show Auto enthusiasts can enjoy hundreds of the latest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles at this event, held Nov. 1-4 at the Tampa Convention Center. The show, hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Automobile Dealers Association and produced by Motor Trend, is open to the public from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $7; $4 for seniors, students and military. Tampa Convention Center is at 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa (813-274-8511).
Lectures and Discussions(See Classifieds for seminars and classes.)
Earth Charter Summit Follow-Up Meeting Now that the Earth Charter Initiative has been launched in Tampa, organizers are holding monthly meetings. The first of these get-together takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Ferguson Hall. Anyone interested in learning about this grassroots effort is encouraged to attend. Wine and sandwiches will be served. For more information, call the Institute for Ethics & Meaning at 813-254-8454. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa.
Mathematics in Medical Imaging: the Present and the Future, a lecture presented by F. Alberto Grunbaum, covers the impact of Computerized Tomography (CAT) and other techniques, like Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Grunbaum explains the technology's role in interventionist treatments and describes some of the successful applications of mathematics, physics and engineering that have made these advances possible. The lecture is part of the R. Kent Nagle Lecture Series, established in honor of the late mathematician, whose math interests included education and the effects of mathematics on society. The lecture takes place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the University Lecture Hall (ULH) at USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Call 813-974-2643.
Day of the Dead Celebration Lecture, a lecture by Tina Marie Avila on the annual Mexican celebration Dios de los Muertos, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Casa Tina, and includes a full dinner, margaritas and sangria. The lecture and dinner cost $40 per person (plus tax and tip). Reservations are necessary for the lecture only. Casa Tina Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine is at 369 Main St., downtown Dunedin (727-734-9226).
This article appears in Nov 1-7, 2001.