Daily Loaf

X Bash is the ninth annual clothing-optional event that features indie artists, musicians and performers who showcase their talents while they showcase their, um, goods. But what would a naked party be without a foam pit, hot tub, sauna and fire eater? X Bash has that, too. What began as an adventurous young woman’s birthday party has become a much-anticipated networking event for the local arts community — but with more booze and less clothing than your run-of-the-mill mixer. Featured musicians include David “Scary” Perry, Dreddy John, Global Decay, DJ Kaos and more, along with spoken word performances and visual arts displays. Visit xzanthia.com for more info and event schedule. (Pictured: Foam pit revelers at X Bash 2008, courtesy xzanthia.com) July 17-19, The River Boat Club, 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, $15 per day, $40 weekend pass in advance; $25 per day, $60 weekend pass at the gates.

Begun last year as an experiment, the Craft Beer Expo has quickly shouldered its way into the hearts and mouths of beer fans across the Bay area. Sure, it’s a benefit for the endangered Gamble Mansion State Park down in Ellenton, but that’s just a side note to the huge line-up of brews poured at the event by more than 25 breweries. Unlike most donate-and-sip charity tastings around town, the Expo also takes the time to educate via a slew of beery seminars that are best enjoyed before you fill your tasting cup 30 or 40 times. Learn the ins-and-outs of beer and food pairing, beer judging, and tips for home brewing. Then, taste away. But remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. July 18, 2-7 p.m., Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, $30 (tasting)/$50 (tasting and seminars), 727-892-5798, mahaffeytheater.com. —Brian Ries

If your idea of a special day includes big hair and a big dress, the Evolution of Drag is for you. More than 25 dressed-up, down ‘n’ dirty divas take over GaYbor to dance, sing, and swing their way through this fundraiser to send the local queen bee of drag, Daphne Ferraro, to the National Entertainer of the Year Pageant in Louisville, KY. Expect cameos from cross-dressing characters like Cher, Marilyn Monroe, Dionne Warwick, Wynona Judd and many others, who take audiences on a trip through the “Evolution of Drag,” complete with a Big Ole Gay finale. The lovely ladies’ creative stage names may be the highlight of the evening — they range from the demure April Fresh to feisty Chi Chi La Lique and the naughty nun-ishness of Divinity Everlasting. (Pictured: Daphne Ferraro, the creator and star of Evolution of Drag) Sun., July 19, 4 p.m., Honey Pot, 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, $10 in advance/$12 at the door, myspace.com/evolutionofdrag. —Franki Weddington

More naughty and nice weekend events, like the Tampa Bay Bridal Show and Elvis Fest, after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ll go ahead and say it — Mr. Dunderbak’s pretty much owns the draught beer game in the Tampa Bay area. It takes me forever to choose a beer from among the 50 options. Rare brews, classic brews, hometown brews, casks, a Guinness surger. Every style is represented, and the finest examples of those styles at that. So, a very enthusiastic cheers to owner JB Ellis for being dedicated to good beer and consistently tapping the best kegs available in the local market.

But it’s impossible to enjoy a tasty brew among the kitschy décor without giving in to the intoxicating aromas of German food. So here’s a short guide to pairing this playground of beer with some of the choicest menu items. Since the taps rotate frequently, the beers used for pairing will come from the extensive bottle menu. Read the rest of this entry »

Pairing beer and food has always been a major fascination, but lately I have become preoccupied and unable to focus. All I can think about is a variety of fine brews accompanied by little plates of delectable fare. After much persuading, five of my friends agreed to skip dinner and embark upon a beer and snack paring marathon.

Read the rest of this entry »