Visual Arts/Openings
531 Central Fine Arts, 531 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-822-2787). Next Stop: St. Petersburg; The City in the 21st Century, along with a group show by the gallery's resident artists, are both featured during Taste of the Arts, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Get a glimpse of the possible future of St. Pete, while enjoying select treats from Uptown Deli and a wine tasting courtesy of Premier Beverage. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.531central.com.
Ambiance Galleries, 1535 Ninth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-8331). Interior Reflections begins with a reception from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and continues through June 2. In conjunction with Taste of the Arts, the reception lets you sample some fine gourmet fare from Fancy's Specialty market while admiring the oil, ink, mixed-media and textile works by Charla and Joel Gaglio. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Career Summit and Artists Exchange, at the USF-St. Pete campus, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Artists with disabilities are invited to display and demonstrate their work at this event. Mentors offer advice to emerging artists, and workshops are available for those wishing to pursue a career in the arts. Workshop topics include writing a resume, creating a portfolio and producing a videotape. The show is free to attend, and the general public is welcome to view and purchase art. The campus is at 140 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Call 850-656-9439.
Centre Gallery, in USF's Phyllis P. Marshall Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-5464). (un)Focused, a photography exhibition by Claudia M. Sanchez, begins Monday, May 14, and continues through May 31. The artist's extreme close-up shots of the human body remind us that physical identity shouldn't be limited to the face alone. Sanchez captures everything from strands of hair to stretch marks to goose bumps. A reception for the show takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 18. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center, 176 Fifth Ave., Safety Harbor (727-723-8638). Creative Clay hosts an opening reception for the VSA Arts Conference, from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 11. The conference explores strategies for new art programs for people with disabilities. The center celebrates the opening of its new studio with an exhibition, Communicating Sideways, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, as well. The show features works by students in the center's arts programs. Both the reception and opening are at the new studio, at 1001 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment.
Crystal Mirage Gallery, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-895-1166). The gallery presents new works by Mary Hills with a reception from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Hills takes large vases, bowls and pieces of glass specially blown for her by Blanko Glass, hand-cuts the rims and etches beautiful Florida scenes on the pieces. In conjunction with Taste of the Arts, the reception features tasty treats from Cafe Lido. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin (727-298-3322). Mentor to Mentor: A Legacy in Watercolor, Mentor to Mentor II and Mary Lowe: Intimate Impressions all begin with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 11, and continue through June 29. These combined shows feature works by 20 watercolor artists, including Miles G. Batt, Rowena M. Smith, Juliane Ketcher, Marie Cummings, Edgar Whitney and Nita Engle. Batt offers a gallery talk at 6 p.m. during the reception. The Florida Experience: The Interactive Exhibition for Children and Adults continues through Sept. 14. Hours are 9 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.
EastWest Gallery & Framery, 529 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-823-9629). The gallery celebrates its first anniversary with a reception for Journey to Joy, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12. This show features the giclee prints of artist Stuart Tang, who's on hand during the reception to discuss his "stories in color," and the mythical tales behind his imagery. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Scarfone/Hartley Galleries, corner of North B Street and Brevard Avenue on the University of Tampa campus (813-253-6217). View up-and-coming talents during High School Arts 2001, a juried exhibition featuring works from students in Hillsborough County private and public schools. The show begins Friday, May 11, and continues through May 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Shapiro Studio and Gallery, 538 Central Ave., St. Pete (727-894-2111). Treasured Boxes begins Friday, May 11, and continues through June 7. Stop by the gallery during Taste of the Arts, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and enjoy treats from a local restaurant while taking in the show's sculptural, functional, decorative and intricate boxes in wood, clay, glass and metal. Twelve artists from throughout the country have contributed to the show. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and by appointment.
Snooty Judy's Gallery for the Open Mind, 514 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin (727-734-9835). Visions, Games & Fantasies begins with a reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 13, and continues through July 10. Bring Mom to the gallery to enjoy free champagne and other goodies, and to admire the mixed-media works of Boo Ehrsam, as well as the "Dreamcastings" of Nancy and Steve Eggert. 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.
Studio Encanto, 209 First St. N., St. Petersburg (727-821-2959). A one-man show by Miguel Ordoqui begins with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and continues through June 6. Influenced by his Spanish heritage and Cuban upbringing, Ordoqui's colorful and sensual paintings offer satirical views of the Spanish masters, imaginative portraits and glimpses of Cuban folklore. As a participant in Taste of the Arts, the studio teams up with The Columbia Restaurant. 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.
Taste of the Arts 2001, a glorified gallery walk, takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at various downtown St. Pete galleries. Feast your eyes and tempt your palate by visiting St. Pete's ever-growing collection of arts venues. Each gallery teams up with a local restaurant or caterer to offer the best in visual and culinary arts. The event's free, and the long list of galleries and restaurants includes 531 Central Fine Arts/Uptown Deli; Crystal Mirage/Cafe Lido; Florida Craftsmen Gallery/Marchand's; Red Cloud Indian Arts/Red Mesa/Adobe Grill; and Ambiance Galleries/Fancy's Specialty Market. Call participating galleries for more info, including a full list of venues.
Visual Arts/Ongoing
9 Gallery, 902 N. Rome Ave., Tampa (813-258-1694). This brand-spanking new gallery presents Public Hair's Posters & Propaganda through May 31. Public Hair, performance artist, jazz singer and comedian, fills the gallery with his show posters, which touch upon politics, sex, religion and law. Hours are by appointment only, and gallery owner Doug Attalla invites artists to call for info on showing their works in this sick new space.
Clayton Galleries, 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-3753). Crime Scenes: Recent Paintings continues through May 27. This exhibit features the latest works of George Pappas, which focus on the hidden motives that compel people to commit acts of violence or exhibit other unreasonable behaviors. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Collection Privee of Old Hyde Park Village, 1627 Snow Circle W., Tampa (813-258-6199). The gallery features the only North Florida showing of Frederick E. Hart's monumental work, "Daughters of Odessa," appearing through June. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Florida Craftsmen Gallery, 501 Central Ave., downtown St. Pete (727-821-7391). Ground Cover: Contemporary Quilts continues through June 22. This in-depth exploration of the landscape through textiles (both metaphorical and concrete) features the works of six cutting-edge quilt artists, including Nancy Crow, Michael James and Pauline Burbidge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Glass Canvas Gallery, 233 Fourth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727-821-6767). The gallery's spring art show continues through May 31. Boldly boasting "the world's most beautiful studio-quality art glass," the show features works by more than 350 glass artists from around the world. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
HCC-Ybor Gallery, in the Performing Arts Building, Palm Avenue at 15th Street, Ybor City (813-253-7674). The 27th annual Juried Student Art Exhibition continues through May 23. Created by students enrolled in the visual and performing arts program, this show features an extensive range of media, including black-and-white photography, digital imagery, graphic arts, painting and sculpture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MacArthur Galleries, 100 E. Madison St. (corner of Ashley Street) Tampa (813-221-5343). The gallery's adorable Rip Squeak show continues through May 12. Rip, an adventurous little mouse, is the creation of Leonard Filgate. The artist's images of Rip, along with a book written by his wife Susan, The Roaring Adventures of Rip Squeak, are available at the show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Mad Fish Gallery, 6116 Central Ave., Tampa (813-234-9300). This contemporary gallery features Keywest pottery, functional pewter by Tim Woodsman, hot glass by Paul Maiville, watercolors by Ray Koehler, John Piening mixed media and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
New Heights Gallery and Coffeehouse, 6310 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa (813-234-9758). Zsolt: Zsolted Watercolors continues through May 15. This one-man show features the latest watercolors by the highly-degreed Zsolt, ranging from landscapes to portraits. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Old Hyde Park Art Center, 705 Swann Ave., Tampa (813-251-3780). An open juried competition, Pastel, Pen, Pencil and Charcoal, continues through June 2. An awards reception, where the Dorfmuller Memorial Award for Best Pastel is bestowed, takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, during the center's monthly membership meeting. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Painted Fish Gallery, 350 Main St., Dunedin (727-736-0934). Kiaralinda & Todd's Whimsical Wire Garden Party continues through May 13. Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda's garden-theme, mixed-media sculptures, created mainly from aluminum wire, found objects and reverse painting on Plexiglas, are the focus of this unusual show. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (extended to 7 p.m. on Friday).
Salt Creek Artworks, 1600 Fourth St. S., St. Pete (727-894-2653). New Photographs, featuring works by Vincent Serbin, continues through May 19. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Sidler Studio/Gallery, 641 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-867-2213). A new show of oil paintings by Juan Arroyo and Hani Sidler are on display through June 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
St. Pete Beach Art Institute, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-3818). Snowbird Marie Bonenfant shows off her vivid portraits and floral works through May 31, alongside works in a variety of media by SPBAI members. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit www.suntanartcenter.com.
Szilage Gallery, 600 Ninth St. S., St. Pete (727-896-5504). One, featuring a new work by JSG Boggs, continues through May 31. This show features a piece by Boggs that will appear at the prestigious Pierwalk, at the Chicago Art Fair. A second outdoor installation, Possible Transportation to East Indiaman Ridge, continues through May 31. New York artist David Greg Harth, a regular on the Tampa Bay art scene, is the sole artist in this show. Harth's works run the gamut of media, from photography and film, to digital art and site-specific installations.
T. W. Curtis Studio/Galleries, 331 16th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-898-9898). The gallery features the acrylic paintings and sculpture of T. W. Curtis, as well as special exhibits by guest artists. The gallery is open by appointment only, and you can check it out (and read about some of the artist's unbelievably immense sculptural pieces) online at www.twcurtis.com.
USF Teaching Gallery, in the Fine Arts Building on the USF Tampa campus, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-974-2301). Behind the Mask: Africa in Tampa continues through May 18. This show addresses and explores the many misconceptions and stereotypes about Africa and its people, the impact of the culture on our country, and the African communities in Tampa today and in the past. 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, research and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals. Drop by to visit the dolphins, sea turtles and river otters, and maybe 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). Fish FantaSea takes place around 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Borrowing TAN's Sticks of Fire idea, the aquarium invites you to raise funds by hosting a dinner party in your home, then enjoy dessert, coffee, casino games, entertainment and more at the aquarium. Tickets for the after-dinner party only cost $25. Moms get free admission, with a kid's ticket, on Sunday, May 13. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission costs $13.75 for adults; $12.75 for seniors; and $8.75 for ages 3-12. Visit www.flaquarium.net.
Florida International Museum, 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg (727-822-3693). Moms get free admission on Sunday, May 13, to see these current exhibits: The Cuban Missile Crisis; The Kennedy Collection; Countdown to Destiny, an exhibition of photos of Martin Luther King Jr.; and Habana Esperando: Photographs by Margaux Ravis. 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.
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). The zoo's annual series, Summer Safari Nights, begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11. Enjoy sunset strolls, live entertainment and animal shows that include Birds of Prey and Reptile Encounter. Admission to this special event costs $7 for adults, $5 for ages 3-11. Regular admission costs $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and $5.95 for ages 3-11. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Pete (727-896-2667). H.A. Sigg: Recent Work continues through July 1. Largely unfamiliar to American audiences, this Swiss artist uses color and form to suggest spiritual exploration and transcendence. The exhibit includes 18 acrylic paintings, eight sculptures and 11 collages from the one-time farm boy. Beyond Adornment: Beads from Around the World also continues through Aug. 26. Admission costs $6 for adults, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Pete. (727-823-3767). A Disarming Beauty: The Venus de Milo in 20th Century Art continues through Sept. 9. This show explores our culture's continued fascination with the mass-produced Venus through surrealists and contemporary artists who incorporate the icon into their works. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Hours extend to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, when admission is half off. Visit www.salvadordalimuseum.org.
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. N.E. (on the Pier approach), St. Pete (727-894-1052). Capturing Florida Culture: From Kitsch to Collectibles continues through Sept. 30. This fun show details the long and illustrious history of Florida's tackier tourist items, like coconut and alligator teeth items, postcards, palm frond creations and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for ages 7-17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-274-8130). Landscape/Land Use, a contemporary landscape photography show, continues through July 8. This show, featuring the works of six artists, demonstrates how cultural and economic forces have shaped the topography in places like New Mexico, Florida and Tokyo. Also showing: The American Experience: 20th Century Prints from the Berkman Foundation, through July 22; Tampa Public Art: A Selection of Recent Projects through July 8; and James VanDerZee: Seattle Sampler: Works by 12 Studio Glass Artists from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Barbara Basch through June 10. 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.
Theater/Performance(See Classifieds for auditions.)
The Civil War, a much-lauded Broadway musical, continues through May 13, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Grammy Award-winning country star Larry Gatlin stars in this powerful production that sees the Civil War through the eyes of individual families and soldiers. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $19.50-$56.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
A Couple of Blaguards, presented by American Stage, begins Friday, May 11, and continues through June 3. Written by Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, this play has two brothers sharing memories of mischief-making in the old country, their Irish-Catholic upbringing and the wayward way they came to America, all while downing pints in the local pub. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday (with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday May 19 and 26). Tickets cost $20 and $24, and American Stage's at 211 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, presented by the Carrollwood Players, continues through May 19. Carlyn Postle directs this musical look at the life of Pseudolus, a Roman slave, who'll do anything (including trick, tease and connive) to gain his freedom. Show times for this comedic romp are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $14, and the Carrollwood Playhouse is at 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Call 813-265-4000).
Inherit the Wind, presented by The West Coast Players, continues through May 13, at the Dunedin Community Center. This classic tale of evolution vs. creationism is a dramatization of the famous 1925 "Monkey Trial," at which Tennessee schoolteacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Admission costs $10, and the center's at 1141 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Call 727-298-3332.
Ladies' Man, presented by the Francis Wilson Playhouse, continues through May 13. This comedy by D. K. Oklahoma centers on a widower who resides in a house with five widows (all friends of his deceased wife). Trouble brews when the man's cousin, half-owner of the house, decides it's time to sell, potentially ruining the widower's cushy harem-like situation. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10, and the playhouse is at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater. Call 727-446-1360.
Late Nite Catechism, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, begins Tuesday, May 15, and continues through May 27. Sister makes a return engagement to the center and turns the audience into her classroom during this wacky comedy. The nun's abrupt mood swings strike a resonant chord with anyone who's ever survived Catholic school. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $15.50-$29.50. TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Love's Labour's Lost, the 16th annual Shakespeare in the Park production, continues through May 13, at Demens Landing. This American Stage production portrays the King of Navarre, who, along with three young lords, makes an extremely unsuccessful attempt at celibacy. The 16th century play is updated to 1930s Europe. Tickets cost $7 (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and $10 (Friday and Saturday) for blanket seating, and $22 for reserved chairs. All shows start at 8 p.m., and the park's at First Avenue South and Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg. Call 727-823-PLAY.
Through Men's Eyes, part of the Women's Works Series, begins Friday, May 11, and continues through May 19, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Adapted from a collection of letters written by men to their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends, this show (directed by Monica Bishop Steele) features a cast of men sharing their hidden feelings through song, dance and storytelling. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $13.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
The World of Jacques Brel, presented by The Center Theater Company of Tampa Bay, continues through May 13, at the Tampa Bay performing Arts Center. Brel, '60s cabaret artist extraordinaire, is remembered through his stirring, poetic, ironic and humorous songs, which are just as entertaining now as they were 30 years ago. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $21.50 and $24.50, and TBPAC's at 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call 813-229-STAR.
Comedy
Coconuts Comedy Club, at Howard Johnson, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-JOKE). Open mic starts at 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday. 25. All show times are at 9:30 p.m. Cover charge varies (two-drink minimum). Reservations are suggested.
Coconuts Comedy Club, at the Cinema Cafe, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater (727-797-JOKE). The incorrigible Charming Hooligans improv troupe also perform every Friday at midnight for a mere five bones. 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). Jerry Miner gets the ball rolling on Wednesday and Thursday, May 9 and 10, before Kevin Pollack takes over. Pollack, he of the many movies and lifelong stand-up chops (well, since age 10), adds star quality Friday-Sunday, May 11-13. Local improv troupe The Charming Hooligans offer a 10:30 p.m. gig each Thursday (except during special engagements). Admission costs $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; and 7, 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Saturday.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-960-1197). The American Comedy Awards' Best Female Stand-Up winner Maryellen Hooper charms the crowd with her storytelling and unique physical humor from Friday, May 11, through May 13. Tickets for this special show cost $16 and $18. Show times are 8:30 p.m. weekdays; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Wacky Weaver's, located inside the Brandon Brew House, 779 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon. (813-661-5527). Steve Mingolla, the original "rebel without a clue," works the crowd over on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. on both nights. Admission is $10, and reservations are recommended.
Poetry & Prose
Barnes & Noble-Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry (813-962-6446). Frederich Schofield stops by to sign and discuss his books, A Run to Hell and Megasino: The 13th Casino, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10. The R.E.A.P. Book Group discusses Tavis Smiley's Doing What's Right, at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Borders-Carrollwood, 12500 N. Dale Mabry (813-265-8455). The G Strings offer smooth jazz tunes at 8 p.m. Friday, May 11. The Dagari Jazz Trio performs at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13. The Women's Fiction Book Group meets at 7 p.m. Monday, May 14, to discuss Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon. Dr. Charles Rice lectures on various medical topics at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. And staff members from Yogassage Therapeutic Massage & Yoga demonstrate yogassage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Borders-St. Petersburg, 6901 22nd Ave. N. (727-381-8890). Laura York signs her cookbook, Simple Strawberry Sensations, at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Dr. Thomas discusses the topic of hormones (no word on whether or not this rather vague discussion by the surnameless doc is for adults or kids) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Borders-Tampa, 909 N. Dale Mabry (813-874-5722). The Healing Arts Alliance meets at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11. The Buccaneer Mystery Writers hold their inaugural meeting at 10 a.m., and Laura York signs her cookbook, Simple Strawberry Sensations, at noon, both on Saturday, May 12. Also on Saturday, Leni Stern offers tunes from her new CD, Kindness of Strangers, at 8 p.m. Robert Clay signs his poetry books, Within These Walls and My Hearts Memory, at noon Sunday, May 13. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Peace Bookstores Inc., 14851 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-265-9433). Ongoing discussion groups at this metaphysical bookstore include: A Course In Miracles group at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, as well as 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, each week. A Course In Miracles In Spanish at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. The Celestine Prophecy group meets at 7 p.m. Friday, and Joseph Campbell's Transformations Of Myth Through The Ages is discussed at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The Joseph Campbell discussion costs $5 per week; all others are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (most groups meet after store hours).
Waldenbooks, in the West Shore Plaza, 345 West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-286-8096). African-American author Timmothy B. McCann signs his novels, Forever, Always and Until, from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12.
Libraries
Four Seasons Author Series, presented by the Friends of the Library, begins at noon Friday, May 11, at the University Club. Support the Friends and secure your spot for lunch with bestselling authors during this new series. The $100 membership fee buys you four luncheons, including the first on May 11, with Norman Jetmundsen, author of The Soulbane Stratagem. The club's at One Tampa City Center, Suite 3800, Tampa. Call 813-273-3616.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa (813-264-3831). Artist Dorothy Bibb, whose exhibit, Florida Menagerie, is currently on display at the library, discusses her acrylic renderings of endangered marine life from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Call for hours.
John F. Germany, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa (813-273-3652). At noon Thursday, May 10, the library's Discover Broadway program offers a question-and-answer session with cast members of The Civil War, a musical currently showing at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Call for hours.
Largo, 351 East Bay Drive, Largo (727-587-6715). The library's new Young Writers' Club holds its inaugural meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15. Young authors can share excerpts from their works, and discuss current writing trends and ideas. Elizabeth Brincklow, artistic director at Ruth Eckerd Hall, also discusses playwriting and the Florida Playwright's Process, REH's adult/student playwriting competition. Call for hours.
Ruskin, One Dickman Drive S.E., Ruskin (813-671-7638). Increase your electronic resources skills at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday, and join a knitting group at 9 a.m. every Friday, both throughout May. The library's book discussion group critiques Tommy Hay's In the Family Way at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. Call for hours.
Science Library at MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa (813-987-6378). In honor of National Pet Week, local veterinarian Stephanie Losurdo introduces kids to a variety of small animals at 1 p.m. Friday, May 11. A Science Story Time begins shortly thereafter. Call for hours.
Seminole Heights, 4711 Central Ave., Tampa (813-273-3669). Get one-on-one instruction in the library's online resources at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in May. The book discussion group talks about Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12. Call for hours.
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, featuring American Psycho (based on the bestselling Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name) on May 11 and 13. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily, extended from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and 7 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee and tea are free.
Bitter Shot, at Joffrey's Coffee Shop, 1616 Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-5282). This spoken word and open mic night takes place at 9 p.m. every Wednesday, complete with background music. Admission is free.
Brass Mug, 1441 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa (813-972-8152). The Mug offers an open jam night every Monday. Beginning at 9:30 p.m., the event allows musicians to take the stage and show off their chops. As extra incentive, all musicians can down 75-cent drafts throughout the evening. A full P.A., sound and drums are provided.
Irish Cottage Cafe, 4233 U.S. 19, Holiday (727-842-5929). Local musician Ted Wray hosts an open mic from 7 to 11 p.m. every Monday. While this event is open to everyone, it is geared toward musicians. Stop by to show off your talent or get in on a jamming session with the regulars.
Market on 7th, 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City (813-248-2356). If you can't catch Vince Longo's Wednesday Open Mic at Yeoman's Road, schlep on down to the market, where Longo and John Meats host yet another, this one from 8 p.m. to midnight each Thursday. The event is mostly musical, but any appreciable talent is welcome.
Tavern at Bayboro, on the USF St. Pete campus, 121 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-821-1418). Hosted by Shana, this open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Cool feature performers show up every week, musicians, poets and performance artists are welcome and visual artists are encouraged to bring out their works as well. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
Tycoon's, 526 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-826-6716). Keyboardist Kevin Wilder hosts an open jazz jam from 6 p.m. to midnight every Sunday. Players from around the Bay area join Wilder for this weekly improv session (easily the most popular, ongoing jazz event in the Bay area). Admission's free.
Y-Project, at Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Davis Islands (813-251-BRIT). The Rev. Roy T. Justice leads this Sunday night event, featuring a collection of stage hoppers from the Tampa Bay open mic scene. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and continues till the group's damn good and ready to quit (or until they get tossed out).
Yeoman's Road Pub, 236 E. Davis Blvd., Davis Islands (813-251-BRIT). The open mic lineup at Yeoman's includes a blues jam every Tuesday with Mike Tozier, Weekly Planet's 2000 Best Acoustic Act winner. Vince Longo also hosts an open jam every Wednesday, featuring an eclectic mix of performers from the Bay's music scene. And, for good measure, an open jazz jam takes place every Thursday. All events are free and start at 9 p.m. (or thereabouts).
Sports & Nature
Boyd Hill Nature Park, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7326). Staff members teach you how to create a butterfly garden from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 12. Admission costs $30. Moms can enjoy the park's peaceful setting while their kids create a leaf-print T-shirt in honor of Mother's Day, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Staff and volunteers offer tram tours, limited to seven people each, at 1 p.m. daily. Other guides offer night hikes, bird hikes, nature walks and wildflower walks for free.
Butterflies of Hammock Park, an adult nature stroll, takes place at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 10. Representatives from the Dunedin Nature Center offer a short course in butterfly identification before walking you through the park to search of various species. Admission costs $1 with a Dunedin Recreation ID, $2 without, and bring binoculars if you have 'em. The park's at 1900 San Mateo Drive, Dunedin. Call 727-298-3271. (The center also offers a Butterfly Gardening program on Wednesday, May 16.)
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 Meet the group at 12th Street Park, on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and 12th Street. The adventure starts at 8 p.m. every Saturday at downtown Tampa's Inline Hockey Arena for an invigorating roll around downtown, Hyde Park, Bayshore Boulevard and Ybor City. If you can't skate 9 to 12 miles in an evening, don't bother. There's no cost to join and the Rollers sponsor other events like the Full Moon Skate, Tuesdays on Bayshore and Jackson's Famous Thursday Night Skate. For more information, call 813-815-7120, check out the Web site at www.SkateTampa.com, or e-mail SkateTampa@aol.com..
Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society, continues through May 19 at various Bay area locations. Build a team of friends and family, and walk a lap or two (or 12) for cancer. Each event starts with a Survivor Celebration, with cancer survivors walking a victory lap before volunteers take over. At least one member from each team must be on the track at all times during this 18-hour relay. Relays are located at the following tracks: Tarpon Sports Complex (May 11 and 12), and University of Tampa and Clearwater Long Center (both May 18 and 19). Relays run from 6 p.m. to noon the following day. Call 800-ACS-2345 for location and participation info.
Special Events
BeachFest, the 10th annual event, begins Friday, May 11, and continues through May 13, at Treasure Island County Park. Bring the whole family to this fun event, which features a sand sculpting exhibition, children's area, fireworks (on Friday night), the best food local restaurants have to offer, live entertainment and more. The event's free to attend, and the park's at 104th Street and Gulf Boulevard on Treasure Island. Call 727-360-6957.
Bringing Art to Temple Terrace, the fourth annual dinner and art auction, begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club. Support the Temple Terrace Arts Council by anteing up $20 and enjoying some fine dining, along with an auction of items like paintings, jewelry, sculpture and pottery. Reservations are requested, and the club's at 200 Inverness Ave., Temple Terrace. Call 813-985-6469 or 813-988-4431.
Cotee River Seafood Festival & SunTrust Boat Show, in downtown New Port Richey, takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13, in Sims Park. The title pretty much says it all; expect plenty of boats and tons of seafood at this inaugural event. On Saturday, guests can jam to Molten Mike, Hazard Factor, Women's Blues Revue and the Sauce Boss himself, Bill Wharton & The Ingredients. Admission's free, but $2 donations are suggested. Times are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The park's at Main and Bank streets in New Port Richey. Call 727-842-8066.
Homeowner Conference and Trade Show, hosted by the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Westin Innisbrook Resort. Attend the conference for $30, which features workshops on landscaping, butterfly gardens, water conservation and more, or just mosey around the free trade show, which offers tons of plants, accessories and exhibits. The resort's at 36750 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Call 866-FL-NATIVE.
Largo Safety Day, presented by the Police and Fire departments, takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Largo Central Park. Kids can learn handy safety tips while enjoying firetruck and police vehicle exhibits, K-9 demos, puppet shows and more. And parents can take advantage of free blood pressure checks and EKGs. The event's free, and the park's at 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. Call 727-587-6714.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock Craft Festival, the fourth annual event, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13. American Craft Endeavors presents this weekend filled with arts, crafts, homemade spices and foods, gardening accessories and more. Stephen Mikes provides the entertainment, and a food court is handy if you don't care to sample Tarpon's fabulous array of Greek restaurants. Admission's free, and the festival's on Dodecanese Boulevard. Call 813-962-0388.
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 the Latin Quarter. Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for ages 8-13. Walks take place Thursday through Sunday by appointment, and 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.
Lectures and Discussions(See Classifieds for seminars and classes.)
Intellectual Capital, The DNA of Organizational Value in the Next Economy, begins with a 5 p.m. registration and reception on Thursday, May 10, at UT's John H. Sykes College of Business. Steve Samek, author of the bestseller Cracking the Value Code, helps Bay are organizations fine tune their strategy development and improve their productivity at this free lecture. Reservations are requested, and UT's at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-936-5100.
Myths and Realities of Optimal Aging, presented by Dr. Douglas Powell, takes place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Dunedin Country Club. Dr. Powell, director of behavioral research at Harvard Medical School and author of several books on aging, offers tips on aging successfully at this free lecture. Reservations are required by Friday, May 11, and the club's at 1050 Palm Blvd., Dunedin. Call 727-733-3197.
This article appears in May 10-16, 2001.