the List
The List announcements are chosen at the editor's discretion. Send essential information, including time, date, price, location and contact number to: The List, 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, or fax to 813-248-9999. No calls; information cannot be taken over the phone; e-mail may be sent to: cooper.cruz@weeklyplanet.com. Copy must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, eight days prior to the publication date. Call venue to confirm listings.
Holiday Happenings
Amahl & the Night Visitors and Christmas with the Wilsons WTSP-Ch.10 anchor John Wilson narrates the story of Amahl, a crippled boy (played by Mary Anne Boone) who lives in a hovel with his mother (Mary K. Wilson) and the miracle he receives when he sacrifices his crutches as a gift for the Magi. The performance is produced by the Florida Lyric Opera, directed by Rosalia Maresca. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $13; TSPAC is at 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-942-5605.
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales (863-676-1408). It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens' Christmas at Pinewood: Songs of the Season, where each of the Mediterranean Revival-style rooms are decorated to portray a favorite holiday song. The annual event is open through Jan. 7 (closed Dec. 24 and 25) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission costs $11 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12.
A Christmas Mess in Story Book Land Venue Actor's Studio offers a Holiday Showcase at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Sunshine Center. Young actors, from 4-year-olds to teenagers, present skits, monologues and other material developed in their acting workshops, including the one-act play, A Christmas Mess in Story Book Land. Tickets cost $5, $3 for seniors. The Sunshine Center is at 330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. Call 727-321-6531.
Disney's Magic Kingdom, 1000 Buena Vista Blvd., Lake Buena Vista (407-W-DISNEY). Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Magic Kingdom's popular holiday celebration, features marching toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, holiday shows and sweet treats, plus Santa and his reindeer. And of course, the park is dressed for the holidays. The party, complete with snow flurries, begins at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours) and continues until midnight. Advance tickets cost $33. The party takes place Dec. 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 18.
The Gift of Christmas This program is a cantata for choruses, soloists, narrators and orchestra. The show is performed by the Eckerd Concert Choir and the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, the Eckerd Ringers and the Fellowship Ringers. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 212 Third St. N., St. Petersburg. Admission is free, but freewill offerings are accepted. Call 727-864-8297.
Heralds of Harmony The fourth annual Christmas Celebration with the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Ferguson Hall. Suitable for family entertainment, the show features the highly acclaimed Heralds of Harmony Barbershop Show Chorus and special guest performers. Shows are at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; tickets cost $20, $25 and $30. TBPAC is at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Holiday Art Tour and Gallery Walk The St. Petersburg Downtown Art Association (DAA) holds its eighth annual Holiday Art Tour and Gallery Walk, taking place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Nearly two dozen participating galleries on Central Avenue, Beach Drive and a few downtown side streets offer extended evening hours for strollers to check out their latest exhibits. For a complete list of galleries and addresses, contact The Glass Canvas Gallery at 727-821-6767.
Holiday Bash Swing Time throws a Holiday Bash at Centro Asturiano's Grand Ballroom in Ybor City on Friday, Dec. 7. Jazz band Pepper & Fine Thyme highlight the evening of music, dancing, gifts and prizes. A swing-dance lesson kicks off the evening at 8 p.m., followed by live music and dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event is all-ages, smoke-free and a small cash bar is provided. The $10 admission includes parking and the dance lesson. Centro Asturiano is at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. (corner of Palm Avenue) Ybor City. Call 813-274-4950.
Holiday in New York The Sunday Goes Pop series at the Largo Cultural Center features a December show that's a potpourri of New York-centric holiday melodies. The show takes place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Call 727-587-6793.
Holiday Laser Show The Science Center of Pinellas County offers a holiday laser show at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., and free telescope viewing from 7 to 10 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 8. The laser show costs $2 per person. Planetarium presentations take place at 7, 7:45, 8:30 and 9:15 p.m., and cost $1 per person. The Science Center is at 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727-384-0027).
Old Hyde Park Village A Holiday to Remember 2001 is a season of festive decorations, free live music and holiday tours. Dave Martin performs holiday jazz from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. Allon Sams offers holiday jazz from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. The Dixieland Jazz legends perform from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The Dave Hubbell Brass Quartet chimes in from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The No Requests Jazz Duo plays from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. Musical instruments for needy kids are also being collected. The Village is located at Swann and Dakota avenues in Tampa. Call 813-251-3500.
Santa Fest The man of the season, Kris Kringle, visits with children beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in downtown Tampa, as part of the city's annual holiday celebration. The Krewe of Venus Illuminated Parade begins at 7 p.m., including hundreds of floats and marching bands. All activities, such as make-n-take holiday crafts and carnival-style games, are free. Santa Fest takes place at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. Call 813-274-8615.
Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-551-3100). Sunken Gardens hosts their third annual Victorian Holiday Garden Stroll, featuring a one-mile winding walkway lit with 3,000 luminaries, along with a 15-foot poinsettia tree, on display from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14-16. Admission costs $7 for adults; $5 for ages 55 and up; and $3 for ages 3-12.
Victorian Christmas Stroll Experience the charm of a 19th century holiday at the old Tampa Bay Hotel during the 20th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. Strolls take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23. Antique toys scattered about the museum and lavishly decorated trees in every room bring traditions to life. Complimentary cookies and cider are served on the verandah daily, and soloists and ensembles perform seasonal music. Admission costs $8 for adults; $3 for children. The museum's on the University of Tampa campus, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-1891).
Winter Wonderland Sponsored by the Church of Scientology, Winter Wonderland is Clearwater's best family holiday festival, featuring a skating rink, pony rides, a petting zoo, slides, carnival rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment and more. The event takes place at a Swiss Alpine Village illuminated by more than 90,000 lights, situated at the corner of Drew Street and North Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater. Winter Wonderland is open from 6 to 9 p.m. weeknights, and from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, from Dec. 7 through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but donations and canned food are accepted for the Clearwater chapter of the American Red Cross and the Homeless Intervention Project of Everybody's Tabernacle. Call 727-442-2099.
Visual ArtsOpenings
Ambiance Galleries, 1535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8331). Ambiance is holding its Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. New art and jewelry by gallery artists is on display, offered at gift-giving prices. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Covivant Gallery, 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa (813-232-3283). See You, See Me is a presentation of work by three Vienna-based artists: Maria Hahnenkamp, Fiona Rukschcio and Klaus Pamminger. All three artists deal with the theme of perception. The exhibit is in the large gallery. In the small gallery is Red Meat, a team exhibit by two recent graduates from Blake Magnet High School, Melissa Roll and Sarah Loveland. The exhibit features mixed media and photography. Both exhibits open with a reception from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and run through Dec. 23. 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). All That Shines Bright highlights the gallery's collection of original dichroic glass and crystal. The show coincides with the DAA Holiday Gallery Walk, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. 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.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete (727-821-7391). The gallery's Family Holiday Open House takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, with offerings such as holiday punch, cookies and 10 percent off purchases. Season of Lights, an exhibit of fine contemporary crafts designed for gift giving, and A Show of Cups, an installation of handmade cups and mugs, are on display through Dec. 29. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Gulfport Gallery Walk, in the Gulfport Art Village, South of 28th Avenue on Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport (727-321-0830). Join the pedestrian experience and browse away the evening, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. The show features tropical paintings of flamingoes by John Shevlin Jr., orchids and bamboo from Thai Rific and live jazz by Soulmates, all taking place at Domains. And Dan Bricker, from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club, sets up shop in front of Studio Seven, offering free viewing of the night sky through his handmade telescopes.
The Packinghouse Gallery, 10900 Oakhurst Road, Largo (727-596-7822). The Essence of Nature is an exhibit of fine nature photography by Barb Collins of St. Petersburg. The exhibit opens Friday, Dec. 7, and runs through Jan. 15, with the artist on hand from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries, corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus (813-253-6217). A new multimedia exhibit, on display Dec. 12-15, showcases the work of graduating seniors. A reception takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, for the participating artists: Gregory Bowrin, Stuart Burdette, Karina Hansen, Hope Montgomery, Kelly Nasuta and Jessica Zell. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
T. W. Curtis Studio/Galleries, 331 16th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-898-9898). Curtis celebrates his birthday with a bash and an exhibit, The Big Five O, featuring his work along with works by Nick Juranko, Mike Chestnut and others. The party, which includes live music, starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The gallery is open by appointment only, and you can check it out online at www.twcurtis.com.
A Journey for the Senses Vertical Ventures hosts this multimedia photography exhibit featuring works by outdoor adventurers Brad Augsburger, Alpine and Simi Bhular. Augsburger's photos are from his recent 150-mile bike ride through the Colorado mountains. Alpine's photo presentation covers his recent 3-month climb in Yosemite. And Bhular's photos document her trip through Nepal and India this past summer. The evening also includes readings of Kerouac's On the Road, snacks, and world beat music by Jim Beckwith and DJ Cold Fusion. The event takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. A $7 donation is recommended for admission. Vertical Ventures is at 5402-E Pioneer Park Blvd., Tampa (813-884-7625).
Ongoing
Artists Unlimited, in the Channel District, 223 N. 12th St., Tampa (813-229-5958). Life in Stone is an exhibit of more than two dozen hand-carved sculptures by artists from Zimbabwe, Africa. The exhibit runs through Jan. 30. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-822-7872). Three shows open The Arts Center's holiday season: Celebrations, the Center's annual holiday show; Full Circle, a solo exhibit of new collages by Josette Urso; and Dangerous Curves, sculptural works by Paul Larned. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). High School, a jurored exhibit of art by regional high school students, runs through Dec. 14. The exhibit provides a great opportunity to enjoy the work of some of the area's up-and-coming young artists. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Small Works: A Holiday Group Show brings together 20 gallery artists. All works in the show are smaller than 25 inches, and represent a wide range of media. Ornaments made by the featured artists are also for sale, displayed on the gallery's Christmas tree. The show runs through Jan. 5. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, 1130 Cleveland St., Clearwater. An exhibit of works by five members of The Exhibiting Society of Artists is on display through Dec. 27. The artists are Gloria Agnese, Mary Silvia, Nicholas Soldo, Sheri Salin and Kyu Yamamoto. The exhibit is open during business hours. Call 727-768-0744.
Davidson Fine Art, 725 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-827-1888). The Beat Generation, an exhibit of collectibles and works by notable beat writers, includes original art, manuscripts, letters and books by Kerouac, Burroughs, Ginsberg, Corso, Ferlinghetti, Baraka, Creely, Rivers and Bukowski. The show runs through Jan. 10. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Wheels: Artists and Automobiles is an exhibit that examines the American obsession with wheels, and addresses the artistry, mystique and cultural impact of the automobile. The exhibit runs through March 3. 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.
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. 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.
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). Merrick's latest exhibit features glass by Florida glass blower Duncan McClellan and new works by Antonio Caparello, who worked for pop art master James Rosenquist as a painter and studio assistant for 10 years. McClellan has created some new pieces with his graal-and-overlay technique. Caparello, a billboard artist for many years, has focused of late on smaller works of oil on canvas. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Muse Gallery, 2465 Drew St., in the Fine Arts Building of the St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus (727-791-2685). Color With Out Color is an exhibit of new works by the school's photography students. The show runs through Dec. 7. Hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Octagon Arts Center, 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater (727-531-7704). Whimsical Winter Scenes and Frosted Fantasies is a show with works related to winter, be it in color, content, subject or allusion. The show includes works by metal sculptor Brandy Stark, landscape/dreamscape painter Boo Ehrsam, photographer Kevin Peters and mixed-media artists Lee Edgar and Karen Ann West. The exhibit runs through Jan. 9. Call for hours.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). Cherubim, Seraphim and Other Celestial Beings is a juried, all-media, open competition. The show runs through Dec. 21, with an awards reception at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. Hours are noon-3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 3-8 p.m. every third Thursday.
Plainsmen Gallery, 2450 Sunset Point Road, Suite A, Clearwater (727-726-5100). Plainsmen's 20th annual Holiday & Gift Show runs through Dec. 22. The exhibit features wildlife, western and Florida artworks, including oils and clayboard engravings by Grant Hacking, among others, and bronzes by Michael Storey. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Realty Executives, 2861 34th St. S., St. Petersburg (727-867-9600). An exhibit of paintings by Ludner Confident, a Haitian-born artist/anesthesiologist, hangs in this unlikeliest of galleries. The artist, known as Ludy, paints female portraits enmeshed in such themes as love, sports, the tropics and music. The exhibit is on display through Dec. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. www.confidentart.com
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, and in the Green Gallery, the digital photography of John Gladman of Lawrence, Kan. The exhibits run through Dec. 7. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
St. Pete Beach Art Institute, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-3818). Reflections, a three-woman show, features artworks by potter Ann Sackett, painter Gayle Woodley and multimedia painter Gay Womack. The show runs through Dec. 29. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.suntanartcenter.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 the post office's project to 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.
Susan Benjamin Glass Etc., 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). All the Glitter of Glass is an exhibit of works by fine glass artists from across the country. The holiday collection includes perfume bottles, paperweights, glass flowers and hand-blown Christmas ornaments. The exhibit runs through Jan. 17. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Syd Entel Galleries, 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808). Spirits of the Holidays is a collection of new works by Thomas Arvid, a self-taught oil painter who's quickly gaining a national reputation as today's premier painter of fine wine. Wine Spectator (Nov. 2000) showcased Arvid's work in a handsome profile and U.S. Art Gallery named him one of 25 Artists You Should Know (Aug. 2001). The exhibit runs through Jan. 17. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Synthesis Fine Arts, at Tampa City Center, 201 N. Franklin St., Tampa. Lure of Color, recent works by Yvette Galliher, is on display in the mezzanine and On the Edge, a group show of paintings and sculptures by more than a dozen local artists, is on display in the lobby. The exhibits run through Jan. 12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For details on the show, call the gallery's second location, at 1-877-SYNTHESIS.
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.
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 $8.75 for adults and $6.25 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. www.CMAquarium.org
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 more than 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; and $8.75 for ages 3-12. Visit www.flaquarium.net.
Florida Botanical Gardens, 12175 125th St. N., Largo (727-582-2200). The gardens are a part of the Pinewood Cultural Park campus, designed to educate, inspire and showcase the arts, history and the environment in surroundings that motivate the visitor to practice techniques for sustainable living. For info on their many educational workshops, call 727-582-2100.
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. 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. 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). Heart & Hands: Musical Instrument Makers of America is an exhibit featuring 86 framed Iris prints by photographer Jake Jacobsen, depicting craftspeople from 30 states. The portraits are accompanied by research by Trisja Malisoff. The exhibit has been organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services. The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Kennedy Collection, and U2: The Spy Plane are also all currently on display. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. All-inclusive day passes cost $12, and annual passes go for $20.
Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-518-6833). The Gift of Art is part of an interactive art series put on by Les Fauves, the museum's young professionals membership group. This event allows art lovers to schmooze with local artists, including Leslie Neumann, Susan Gott and Denis Gaston. Original artworks sell for $10 to $250. Music, food and drinks are included in the $5 admission. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Outside the Box: Eleven International Artists, featuring Carmelo Arden Quin and Volf Roitman, and Andrew Morgan: Paintings of the '90s are both on display through Jan. 27. 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.
Lowry Park Zoo, at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Celebrate the holidays at Lowry Park Zoo's annual Wild Wonderland winter festival, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7-9 and 12-23. Wild Wonderland offers attractions such as live reindeer, Santa's Castle, a snow-covered play area, a jingle bell carriage ride and children's games. The zoo also features more than 1,500 exotic animals, on display until dusk. General admission is $7 for adults and $5 for ages 3-11.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). Collecting for the Community: 20 Years of Treasures features major works acquired during MFA director Michael Milkovich's nearly 20-year tenure. Milkovich, who recently retired, now holds the title of Director Emeritus. The museum's comprehensive collection, which more than doubled under Milkovich's care, totals more than 4,000 objects, including significant works by Rembrandt, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, Morisot, Cezanne, Rodin and O'Keefe. The exhibit runs through Jan. 6. Americanos: Latino Life in the United States is an exhibit of 120 images by 30 prize-winning photographers. 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). Through Dec. 31, the Teddy Bear Express, a kid-size choo-choo train, takes kids through a fantasyland of toy soldiers, giant candy canes, toy drums, sleds and decorated trees. Teddy bears are perched on every available perch and there's also a hands-on play area. The IMAX Dome Theatre features an 82-foot hemispherical movie screen. MOSI's newest IMAX film, Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure, tells of the now-legendary 1914-1916 British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. (See Movie Marquee for schedule). The Museum's combo admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $9 for ages 2-13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Pete. (727-823-3767). A retrospective of paintings by the French artist Jacqueline Lamba (1910-93) is currently on display. The exhibition brings together 25 paintings produced by Lamba between 1938 and 1988, including a portrait of her husband, the poet and writer Andre Breton, and a number of non-objective surrealist works from the 1940s. The museum also features one of the best collections of Dali'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.
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 include 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.
Veterans Memorial Museum and Park, 3602 U.S. 301 N., at the Tampa Bypass Canal, Tampa (813-744-5502). Permanent exhibits include Florida Soldiers Walk Through Time: 1590s-1990s, featuring Florida soldiers and American history from the 1590s through Desert Storm, and a Spanish-American War exhibit. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Ybor City State Museum, 1818 Ninth Ave., Ybor City (813-247-6323). Using historical photographs and artifacts, the Ybor City Museum Society's new exhibit, Matriarchs and Mantillas: the Women of Ybor, reveals the unique character of the women who settled the city and created a culture of their own in this immigrant community. These women are remembered as hardworking and business-like, yet also for representing femininity, illustrated by their lace mantillas and Spanish fans. The exhibit runs through March 31 at the Ybor City Museum State Park. 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.)
Aladdin The Carrollwood Players perform the British panto, Aladdin. The play is based on a children's story, tossing in slapstick, comedic dialogue, music and dance. Performances take place through Dec. 15, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. See the show at Plantation Plaza, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000.
Annual Belly Dance Student Review Students of Kadayif's Studio for American Belly Dance perform a repertoire of traditional and cabaret-style belly dancing. Various techniques, styles, music and costumes are presented, as well as solo performances showcasing individual students, and a special holiday choreography of The Arabian Nutcracker. The review takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Friday Morning Musicale. Tickets cost $10. The Friday Morning Musicale is at 809 Horatio St., Tampa. Call 813-909-0051.
Kiss Me, Kate Winner of five 2000 Tony Awards, Kiss Me, Kate is a classic battle of the sexes that follows the amusing backstage squabbles of a divorced couple who are reunited for a Broadway-bound musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Kate is at TBPAC's Carol Morsani Hall through Dec. 9, with show times at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $23.50-$60.50. TBPAC is located at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa (813-229-7827).
Classical Music
Chamber Music The Inman Piano Trio performs works by Haydn, Shostakovich and Dvorak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. The trio includes violinist Beth Newdome, associate concertmaster of the Atlanta symphony orchestra; David Bjella, principal cellist of the Orlando Philharmonic; and pianist Brent Runnels, an international recital soloist, chamber musician and jazz pianist. Tickets cost $14. TSPAC is at 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs (727-942-5605).
Festival of Winds The Festival of Winds has a 20-year tradition of bringing in a large number of top high school musicians from all over Florida. The festival's grand finale concert takes place 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, in the USF Special Events Center. Admission is free. USF is at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-2323).
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Adam Leslie performs Dec. 6-9. Open mic night, featuring Mike McCarthy, takes place Dec. 12. 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). Bob Smith performs Dec. 7 and 8. Show time is 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). Heath Hyche is soon to be seen in the ABC comedy These Old Broads. His TV credits include appearances on Mad About You, The Jeff Foxworthy Show and The Tonight Show. His film credits include parts in Man on the Moon and Odd Couple II. Hyche performs through Dec. 9. Improv troupe the Caffeine Kids perform their Red Bull-inspired skits, bits and songs at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10. Ralph Harris, as seen on HBO, The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, performs Dec. 12, through Dec. 16. Tickets cost $12-$16 depending on the night. All prices are advance purchase and cost $2 more at the door.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). John Dr. Dirty Valby, a classically trained pianist who sings XXX ditties, performs Thursday, Dec. 6. Tickets cost $20 and $25. Kevin Meany, an Emmy Award-winner, performs Friday, Dec. 7, through Dec. 9. Tickets cost $16 and $18. Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Literary & Libraries
Brandon Regional, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon (813-744-5630). Join a book discussion of Thomas Cahill's How the Irish Saved Civilization: the Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe. Copies of the book are available at the library. The discussion takes place at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.
Inkwood Books, 216 Armenia Ave. S., Tampa (813-253-2638). Award-winning St. Petersburg Times columnist Bill Maxwell discusses and signs his new book, Maximum Insight, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. Historian Canter Brown Jr. gives a presentation and signs copies of his new book, All That Makes Life Worth Living: Polk County, Florida, to 1940 (commissioned by the Polk County Historical Association). The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. Brian Lamb, host of C-SPAN's author-interview program Booknotes, discusses and signs his latest book, Booknotes: Stories from American History. Lamb has fashioned the essays from more than 10 years of interviews with historians and authors. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10. 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.
John F. Germany, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-273-3652). Join a book discussion of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, copies of which are available at the Library. The discussion takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Call for library hours.
Lutz, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, Lutz (813-264-3800). Join a book discussion of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent, copies of which are available at the library. The discussion takes place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.
New Tampa, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa (813-903-2280). Join a book discussion of Homer Hickam's Rocket Boys, copies of which are available at the library. In 1957, 14-year-old Hickam decides that building rockets is the way out of his small, coal-mining town. This is the true story of how he did, and went on to be a NASA engineer. This book is the basis for the movie, October Sky. The book discussion takes place at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10.
Ruskin, One Dickman Drive S.E., Ruskin (813-671-7638). Join a book discussion of Jane Shapiro's The Dangerous Husband. The discussion takes place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Call for hours.
Seminole Heights, 4711 Central Ave., Tampa (813-273-3669). Join a book discussion of Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time, copies of which are available at the Library. The discussion takes place at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
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.
Boudreaux's, 27964 U.S. 19, Clearwater (727-726-9030). This New Orleans-style restaurant holds a Blues Jam every Wednesday at 8 p.m., with featured performers playing a set before mixing in all comers. On Dec. 12, the featured act is The Blue Team.
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 for schedule. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Frankie & Johnny's, 10206 N. 30th St., Tampa (813-866-0340). An open jam, hosted by Mike, takes place every Wednesday from 9 p.m. until the last singer has sung.
Hollywood Java Coffee House & Bar, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-348-1415). This new hangout is at Bay Street at the International Plaza. Hollywood Java features Open Mic Nite every Wednesday night from 8 to 11 p.m., welcoming musicians, poets and comedians. Two mics, a P.A. and a guitar amp are provided. Sign-up begins at 7 p.m. Hours are 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
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. 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 mic poetry reading at 3 p.m. every Sunday. All poets are welcome. Kelly Green hosts Two for One Tuesday, an open mic for any and all artists, from 8 p.m. to midnight. 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 (727-895-2049). Come share your talent at Limey's open mics, held every Monday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.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 the spoken word artists with weekly topics, 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 every Wednesday.
Realm Coffeehouse, 937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-821-5608). Realm's schedule of events features singer-guitarist Chucky Luv on Mondays, an open mic for music on Tuesday, an open mic for poetry on Thursday and a Friday drum circle. All events happen from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hours are 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 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.
Shana's Open Mic Night, at The Tavern on Bayboro, 121 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-821-1418). Hosted by Pete Gallagher, this open mic for musicians and poets takes place at 8 p.m. every Wednesday (except Dec. 19-Jan. 2). A different featured guest plays a 30-minute set each week. Join Shana's Holiday Party starring Hollywood Dave on Dec. 12.
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 Poet's 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). Discover the mysteries of the night as you search for bats, owls, snakes and other nocturnal creatures on a night hike. The free hike begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10. Call to reserve your spot.
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, Tuesdays on Bayshore, 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.
Lightning Action, at the Ice Palace, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813-301-6600). The Lightning take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. Tickets range from $8 to $150.
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 Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 9. Kick-off is at 1 p.m., the perfect time to have your first game-day beer.
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
Coming Together in Peace The National Conference for Community and Justice, in conjunction with Color Me Human, the Allegany Franciscan Foundation and the City of St. Petersburg, sponsors an interfaith dialogue on the theme Coming Together in Peace: A Celebration Through Music. The dialogue takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Pete. Call 727-568-9333.
Human Rights Day Festival Amnesty International hosts this event in conjunction with the United Nations Human Rights Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Largo Central Park. Live bands scheduled to perform include Gotohells, Sparky's Nightmare and Car Bomb Driver. Speakers include Abe Bonowitz from Florida for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, members of the United Nations Association of Tampa Bay and USF professor Sami Al-Arian. Activities include letter-writing booths, interactive art murals, holiday cards to decorate and more. Largo Central Park is at 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. Call 727-421-2752.
Liver Walk 2001: Doing the Hepatitis Stomp The Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Liver Foundation hosts this fundraising walk, taking place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Al Lopez Park. To participate, walkers must collect a minimum of $10 in donations. Each walker receives a T-shirt. Al Lopez Park is at 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. Call 813-740-0045.
Project Enterprise The goal of this project is to help educate younger generations about the history of Cuban Tampa, to promote interactive community collaborations and to teach young adults career skills through the arts. Project founders include Carrie Mackin (Covivant), Mireya Linsky (21st Century Community Learning Centers) and Gerald Habarth (muralist and graduate student, USF). A reception takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, to unveil the project's 15-by-40-foot mural mosaic. The reception, which includes a live steel drum band, is at the Marti Maceo Social Club, 1226 Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-232-1267).
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.
Lectures and Discussions
Discovering the Sacred Link: the Way of the Himalayan Masters The spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad, India, and another in Oriental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1976 his teacher, Swami Rama, initiated him into the 5,000-year-old lineage of the Himalayan masters. Lecturing worldwide and living in the United States for more than two decades, Tigunait is a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine and is the author of 11 books. His newest is At the Eleventh Hour: the Biography of Swami Rama. Tigunait's lecture, Discovering the Sacred Link: the Way of the Himalayan Masters, takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, in the Senate Room of the USF Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. To register, call 1-800-822-4547 or visit www.himalayaninstitute.org.
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2001.