Visual Arts
Openings
The Second Annual Art Stroll in Safety Harbor, hosted by Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass etc., takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Artists taking part include T.W. Curtis, Dragoslav Milic, Susan Frame and Robin Borland. Local establishments, such as the Stuffed Mushroom and Cello's Charhouse, are serving food. Tickets cost $20. The event takes place at Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass etc., 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808).
9 Gallery, 902 N. Rome Ave., Tampa (813-258-1694). Love Mangled Brain is an exhibit of deconstructionist metal installations by artist Public Hairs. The reception takes place at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and the show runs through Oct. Hours are by appointment only, and gallery owner Doug Attalla invites artists to call for info on showing their works.
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). Sentiment & Sentimentality is an intercollegiate symposium that exhibits the artistic sensibility and talent of graduate students from national and international universities. The symposium is a full day event, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 5, with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The show runs through Oct. 19. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Covivant Gallery, 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa (813-232-3283). The October Surprise, in Gallery A, features projects, proposals and ongoing works by that mysterious Florida Avenue art group, Experimental Skeleton. The group's ever growing Genetic Archive is included in the show, as well as their answer to Ybor's face-recognition software cameras. Characters, in Gallery B, features location photos of Tampa Bay locals by commercial and fine art photographer Justin Smith. A reception for the shows takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and the exhibit runs through Oct. 20. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and by appointment.
Gold Dragon Gallery, 3508 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa (813-832-2755). The Gold Dragon is exhibiting 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. A reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and the exhibit runs through Nov. 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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, Oct. 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. And Dan Bricker from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club offers free viewing of the night sky through his handmade telescopes.
HCC-Dale Mabry Gallery, located in the Social Science Building, 4001 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa (813-253-7560). The newly renovated library hosts a Grand Opening, featuring a reception honoring artist Dr. Ferdie Pacheco. Pacheco, a Tampa native, gained fame as Muhammad Ali's fight doctor, and is also the author and illustrator of several books published by the University Press of Florida. The reception takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. The works on display include Pacheco's Faces, Pacheco's Memorabilia of Muhammad Ali and photographs by Lusita Pacheco. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Ongoing
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). Shades of Autumn is an exhibit of both traditional and abstract works by five artists. The artists are Chris Goertz, Arturo Guerrero, J.P. Monange, Robert Palevitz and Vera Tuns. The exhibit continues through Oct. 20. 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). Placement/Replacement is an exhibit of sculptural wall constructions by Rachel Stewart. The sculptures are carved, torn, sanded, rubbed and painted in rhythmic textural surfaces that attempt to portray the visual and emotional experiences of the artist. The exhibit continues through Oct. 6. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-822-7872). The Arts Center's Fall Focus on Photography includes work by William Eggleston, Robyn Voshardt and Sven Humphrey, Herb Snitzer and Janice Garrin. Eggleston's prints are acclaimed for his use of dye-transfer color printing and his concept of art from the obvious. Voshardt and Humphrey collaborate on large-scale color prints, documenting objects of personal significance. Herb Snitzer's offers a documentary of Winky Wright and the St. Pete Boxing Club, conveying the duality of boxing's violence and grace. Garrin's images are of teens, giving voice to young people by showing their lives and portraying their concerns. The exhibit runs through Oct. 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, through Saturday.
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 presents a cross section of media and landscape themes. The exhibit runs through Nov. 17. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Brad Cooper Gallery, 1712 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-6098). International Voices is an exhibit of work by 10 artists from as many different nationalities. The artists include Eva Lobreis, Peter Mitchev, Roberto Rodriguez, Posoon Sung and Larie Wickenkamp. The exhibit continues through Oct. 31. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Clayton Galleries opens their fall schedule with a two-person show, featuring the work of Jeff Whipple and Virginia Derryberry. The show runs through Oct. 13. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center, 176 Fifth Ave., Safety Harbor (727-723-8638). Return to Sender is the Center's sixth anniversary celebration, at which patrons can purchase black-and-white, postcard-size artworks by students from Creative Clay's arts programs. All pieces cost $20, and are on display through Oct. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Three exhibits of painters whose works depict the meeting of land, sea and sky run through Oct. 14. Drawn to Light is an exhibit of seascapes by eight contemporary artists. Melbourne artist Harry Leach shows a selection of his impressionistic Florida landscapes. Sarasota painter and teacher Roy Nichols presents his academic landscape/seascape works. 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.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete (727-821-7391). The Exotic and the Esoteric is an exhibit surveying new works by 16 of Florida's finest artists working in the medium of wood. The exhibit includes such works as wall sculptures by Cape Coral artist Dennis Elliot, and hand-carved trompe l'oeil quilts and hats by Tampa's Fraser Smith. The exhibit runs through Oct. 26. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Hyde Park Fine Arts, 937 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-258-8883). Toys in Babeland features works by the Peters family: Brandt Elling-Peters, Kathie Peters-Olivas, Karen Peters and Michael Peters. The four Tampa talents consider themselves revisionary artists, recycling nostalgic images and popular icons in order to tell different versions of the past. The exhibition runs through Oct. 27. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Quilt Exhibit, features fabric works by Anthony Jones, is on display through Oct. 31 at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. Jones is a housing manager for the Pinellas County Community Development department, and he also teaches quiltmaking at fabric and craft shops throughout the Bay area. Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center is at 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs (727-942-5605).
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries, corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus (813-253-6217). The Biennial Alumni-Faculty Exhibition features the work of Hoang Van-Bui, Lew Harris, Rebecca Skelton, Gil DeMeza, Carl Cowden and others. One of Van-Bui's pieces is a documentary of a beggar woman on a street in Vietnam. Other works include painting, sculpture, computer-generated images and mixed-media installations. The exhibit runs through Oct. 20. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. on 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 displays 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.
Something Fishy 913 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-461-FISH). Just in Time is an exhibit of new clocks by Pamela Corwin, on display through Oct. 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
St. Pete Beach Art Institute, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-3818). Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a judged members show depicting Hispanic themes. The exhibit runs through Nov. 3. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.suntanartcenter.com.
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-2959). Studio Encanto presents an exhibit of paintings by Edin Gutierrez through Oct. 11. Gutierrez has studied at the Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts in Havana, and his technique utilizes highly textured mixed media. 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.
TECO Public Art Gallery, 702 N. Franklin St., Tampa (813-251-3688). Karen Phillips exhibits her watercolor paintings through Oct. 31. Her work ranges from traditional views of flowers to close-up, snail's-eye views of Florida's aquatic landscapes. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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 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. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 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.
Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (727-822-3693). The following shows continue indefinitely: The Cuban Missile Crisis ($6.95 for adults); The Kennedy Collection ($9.95); Countdown to Destiny, an exhibition of photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ($3.95); and Habana Esperando: Photographs by Margaux Ravis (free). Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. All-inclusive day passes cost $11.95, and annual passes go for $15.95.
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 exhibits continue through Nov. 11. The museum has recently installed A Bestiary, an environmental artwork by Canadian artist Jocelyne Belcourt Salem. The work is an installation of eight bronze markers bearing the images of eight critically endangered species native to the Gulf coast of Florida. 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.
Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891). Simple Pleasures: America's Love of Pond Yachts continues through Dec. 23. The hobby of pond yachting reached its height of American popularity in the 1930s. This show features vintage pond yachts and their rigging, historical memorabilia and photographs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $5.
Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Zoo Boo, the zoo's annual Halloween event, begins Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6. Get spooked in the new Haunted Mansion and enjoy the zoo's decorative transformation, which includes a special area for kids' games, storytelling and haunted hearse rides. The zoo's 1,500 exotic animals are also on display until dusk. The zoo's interactive exhibits include Stingray Bay, Lorikeet Landing and the Petting Zoo. General admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids 3-11.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6300 or 813-987-6100). MOSI celebrates Space Week by holding Aerospace Days Thursday, Oct. 4, through Oct. 6. Highlights include a visit by former astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave and the screening of the IMAX film, The Dream is Alive. 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 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.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, 329 S. Bayshore Blvd., Safety Harbor (727-726-1668). Longrifles, an exhibit of early American weapons that have evolved into a unique art form, is on display through Dec. 31. The weapons on display are modeled after those used by settlers, soldiers and militia in the United States from the 1770s to about 1820. 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 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 Bay History Center, in the Tampa Convention Center Annex, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa (813-228-0097). The center highlights Tampa Bay's rich heritage and diverse culture by highlighting the area's milestones. Exhibits feature artifacts and photographs from the early Timucuan Indians and European explorers through the Civil War and both World Wars. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, in Old Hyde Park Village, 746 S. Village Circle, Tampa (813-251-1800). TGPA exhibits a one-man show by Herb Snitzer entitled, Faces and Places: New York, Paris, London 1958-1962. Snitzer's career spans 40 years, during which he worked for such publications as Life, The Saturday Evening Post and Metronome. The author of five books, he maintains a studio in St. Petersburg. The exhibit runs through Oct. 28. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and open to the public.
Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). 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. On Paper is a visually compelling exhibit of works focused on paper as a medium. The exhibit features six large-scale works from the museum's contemporary collection and is on display through Oct. 21. Arte Contemporanea di Vetri (Contemporary Art in Glass) continues through October. 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). Never Never Land is an exhibit presenting pieces by 25 artists whose work reflects the Walt Disney Company's influence on popular culture. The exhibit continues through Oct. 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Classical Music
Octubafest, a concert featuring USF music faculty, and tuba and euphonium students, takes place at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in the Music Recital Hall (FAH 101), USF-Tampa. Performances include Variations in Olden Style by Thomas Stevens, Concerto for Tuba by Ralph Vaughn Williams and Monolog Number 9 by Erland von Koch. Octubafest includes two later performances (Oct. 11 and 22). Tickets cost $4, $3 for students. The Music Recital Hall is on campus, at 4202 E.Fowler Avenue, Tampa (813-974-2323).
Tchaikovsky's Glorious Fifth The Florida Orchestra, with guest conductor Theo Alcantara and pianist Stewart Goodyear, performs Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 as part of the Masterworks Series. Alcantara has recently completed a successful tenure as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra in Spain, and is also a distinguished guest conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Detroit and Dallas Symphonies, to mention a few. Concert dates and times are as follows: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Carol Morsani Hall; 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Mahaffey Theater; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets cost $20-$38. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827). Mahaffey is at 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg (727-822-7872). REH is at 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater (727-791-7400).
Theater/Performance(See Classifieds for auditions.)
About the Author, an Alley Cats premiere of the comedy written and performed by Ned Snell, takes place at the Silver Meteor Gallery. A full-length, one-actor comedy, it explores how writers create an image of themselves for the reader (Snell himself is a published author). Performances take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5-7 and 12-14. Tickets cost $7, $5 for students and seniors, and are available only at the door. The gallery's at 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City. Call 813-417-4555.
Crimes of the Heart, a play by Beth Henley, opens the West Coast Players season. Nancy Stauffer directs the play, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6, and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Tickets cost $9 in advance and $10 at the door, and performances take place at the Dunedin Community Center, 1141 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-785-0221).
Hair MAD (Music, Acting, Dance) Theatre of Tampa performs Hair, the peace-and-love, anti-war Broadway hit of the '60s, at the HCC-Ybor Theater through Oct. 7. The Tony-nominated musical caused a good deal of controversy during its run on Broadway (1968-72) thanks its anti-war ideals, free-love sentiments and brief nudity. (Note: there's a li'l nakedness in MAD's production as well). Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10-$12. HCC's theater is at the northwest corner of Palm Avenue and 15th Street, Ybor City. Call 813-786-6291. www.madtheatre.com
Riverdance, the highly acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance, comes to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Carol Morsani Hall, Oct. 9, through Oct. 14. The show's international cast includes principal dancers Michael Patrick Gallagher and Tara Barry, the Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe, the Riverdance traditional Irish band and singers, Flamenco firedancer Rosa Manzano Jimenez, the Moscow Folk Ballet Company and baritone soloist Kirk Walker. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $23.50-$65.50 in advance. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827).
Rockapella, a unique vocal group, combines street-corner barbershop harmony, rock, pop and jazz. Rockapella perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Ferguson Hall. Tickets cost $18.50-$27.50. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827).
A Salute to Bobby Darin and the Fabulous '50s, by impressionist/singer Gary Edwards and harmonica virtuoso Jerry Adler, takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. Edwards, a seasoned Las Vegas entertainer, and Adler, who's performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Glen Campbell, pay tribute to '50s legends with startling musical impressions of Bobby Darin, Elvis, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison and many more. Tickets cost $15, $13 for students. TSCC is at 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs (727-942-5605).
Spunk, the Obie award-winning work by Zora Neale Hurston, re-conceived by George C. Wolfe, runs though Oct. 14 at American Stage. Hurston is remembered as a famed author of the Harlem Renaissance who died in obscurity. Wolfe has adapted three of her most passionate tales for the stage: Sweat, Story in Harlem Slang and The Gilded Six Bits. Performances take place Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$30, depending on performance and time. American Stage is at 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg (727-823-7529).
The Wind Beneath Our Wings Young girls pay homage to the mentors who cheer them on, provide inspiration and pave the way to new adventures, challenges and dreams. Performances takes place Thursday, Oct. 4, through Oct. 7, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Shimberg Playhouse. Tickets cost $12.50 in advance. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827).
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). Danny Bevins performs Thursday, Oct. 4, through Oct. 7. Open mic night, featuring Tom Simmons, takes place Wednesday, Oct. 10. 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). Daryl Lenox performs Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6. 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). All My Children hunk Walt Willey, who's performed stand-up comedy since 1989, takes the stage Friday, Oct. 5, through Oct. 7. Show times are at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $14-$16 depending on the night. All prices are advance purchase, and cost $2 more at the door.
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. ranney has performed at such venues as the Apollo Theatre, and shared billing with such talents as Bill Bellamy, Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock. Locally he's been in productions by The Center Theatre Company and has performed at the Improv. Admission costs $12 or $20 for two.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). Jim Carroll performs through Oct. 7. Brian Bradly, who's appeared on Seinfeld and A&E's Comedy on the Road, performs Tuesday, Oct. 9, through Oct. 14. 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).
Poetry & Prose
Inkwood Books, 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa (813-253-2638). If you're hoping to join a book group or are looking for ideas for your current group, check out Inkwood's Book Group Night. You're sure to go home with ideas and a free book or two. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. 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.
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). This cafe offers Internet access in addition to exotic coffees, tea and an assortment of gourmet baked goods. Every Friday and Saturday night the venue plays host to an open mic for musicians, comedians, poets, etc., from 7 to 11 p.m. 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 for schedule). Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
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.
Joffrey's-St. Petersburg , 5165 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-865-0605). Stazja hosts an open mic for poetry and spoken word at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. 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.
Realm Coffeehouse, 937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-821-5608). Outfitted with an outdoor patio for smoking, this coffee hangout offers drawing supplies at the bar. Cool, huh? Realm's schedule of events includes singer-guitarist Chucky Luv on Mondays, an open mic for musicians on Tuesday, an open mic for poetry on Thursday and a Friday drum circle. All events happen around 9 p.m. Hours are 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, and 6:30 p.m.-3 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). Glenn (the other) McCartney hosts Pure Poets Society, an open mic event every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. 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). Take a watercolor workshop at the park, offered by singer/songwriter/artist Suzanne McDermott. McDermott has studied watercolor at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Santa Monica College and Ringling School of Art & Design. The workshop takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, and offers the fundamentals of drawing and watercolor. Class spaces are limited, so reserve your spot. Participants should bring drinking water, sunscreen, snacks and a hat. Call for admission prices.
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 9 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).
Lightning Action, at the Ice Palace, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-301-6600). The Lightning take on the New York Islanders at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. And they take on the Florida Panthers at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Tickets range from $8 to $150.
Osprey Bay Kayaks, 17910 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-524-9670). Aside from a variety of classes, Osprey also offers regular outings, including Sunset and Full Moon Paddles, Weekday Get Aways (Clearwater Bay, Caladesi Island, etc.) and fishing trips. For a full schedule of events, costs and other information, call the above number or visit www.ospreybay.com/trips.htm.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at Raymond James Stadium, 4042 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. All tickets are sold out, so high-tail it to your friendly neighborhood sports bar and drink up as the Bucs take on the Green Bay Packers at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7.
Special Events
Getting Down to Business on the Runway The downtown Tampa chapter of Business and Professional Women presents its annual fashion show and networking night fundraiser for the BPW scholarship fund on Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel in downtown Tampa, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Features fashions by Brigitta's Boutique, entertainment, a silent auction, exhibits, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and prize drawing. A free drawing ticket will be given to attendees who bring a cleaned women's business suit to be donated to The Spring and the Centre for Women. Call 813-274-8294 or 813-258-4101.
OctoBeerfest The Dunedin Brewery hosts a two-day party Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6. This beer-centric Octoberfest features top German beers, handcrafted Dunedin beers, root beer, bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut and more. Musical acts Gumbo Boogie and Gris Gris are performing, and events include a stein-holding contest, a Bavarian costume contest and a miniature log sawing contest. Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 5, and 11 a.m. to midnight Oct. 6. The Dunedin Brewery is at 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin (727-736-0606).
Swing Time, a monthly swing event at the Centro Asturiano, takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, featuring Pretty Boy Freud, a 1920s-style jazz and blues band. Admission costs $10 at the door and includes a free beginner's swing dance lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. The Centro Asturiano is at the corner of Palm and Nebraska avenues, at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. Call 813-274-4950.
A Taste of Palm Harbor, hosted by the Palm Harbor Junior Woman's Club, takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in downtown Palm Harbor. Sample dishes from the menus of more than 30 restaurants, including Aunt Chilada's Cantina, Consciousness Blossoms, Leo's Pizza, The Melting Pot, Mojo's and Fred Fleming's Famous Bar-B-Que. For more information call 727-781-4811, or visit www.phmainstreet.com/phjwc.
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 hand-made 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. Appointment are required, but 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 Oct 4-10, 2001.