Daily Loaf

The University of South Florida’s School of Theater and Dance Fall Dance Concert, which kicks off tonight, offers a veritable So You Think You Can Dance episode’s worth of styles.You can see everything from modern to flamenco-fusion to ballet and swing (albeit no krumping), which puts these students and choreographers on our Hot Tamale Train. In celebration of USF’s Day of Dance, the Nov. 5 performance also includes contributions from high school and college students from around the state, who visit to pay tribute to the art of expression through motion. (Pictured: Cathryn Lacy rehearses for the USF Fall Dance Concert. Photo by Kyle Scharf) Oct. 29-30, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri.; Sun., Nov. 1, 3 p.m.; and Nov. 5-7, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., USF College of Visual & Performing Arts Theatre I, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, $12, $8 students and seniors in advance; $15, $10 students and seniors day of the show, theatreanddance.arts.usf.edu. – Franki Weddington Read the rest of this entry »

At Thrill the World, St. Pete joins MJ fans across the world in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Simultaneous Dance — in this case, the famous, phantasmic Thriller dance. The Pier hosts music, food, activities and a pre-dance lesson for anyone who needs to learn the monster moves. Then, Michael Jackson achieves what no world leader ever has: a world united – united by zombies. No word on whether Obama’s participating, but we hope to see everyone from the local Blockbuster guy to the Prez paying tribute to the one-gloved man. Come in your most dashing undead duds, and an on-site make-up artist adds scabs and scars to make sure that you thrill and terrify like the real thing. Sat., Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. sign-in, 8:30 p.m. dance, The Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, free admission; $5 zombie make-up, thrillstpete.com. – Franki Weddington

Hello voracious readers, welcome to heaven. Seriously, the St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading is a nice reminder that in 2009, people still read theses little things called books. Held on the USF St. Petersburg campus, this lovely celebration of the written word features book signings, panel discussions, entertainment, family activities, refreshments, and various booksellers and exhibitors. There are also book signings by Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. The name “Celtic Thunder” sounds pretty cool for a soccer team.  But when the bombastic appellation describes five attractive guys from Ireland and Scotland who sing an odd mix of pop hits and traditional Irish songs at the Mahaffey Theater on Friday, it’s hard not to think someone dipped into the same well of kitsch that inspired over-the-top names like “Lord of the Dance.”

Be that as it may, when Celtic Thunder takes to the stage at the Mahaffey this Friday, they’ll bring with them impressive credentials.  Two of their CDs reached number one on the Billboard World Music Charts, and Read the rest of this entry »

Tes One (nee Leon Bedore) returns to Tampa for Repeat Offender, his first solo show in five years. The artist’s prints are familiar to local gallery-goers (and to CL readers — he did our Obama-inauguration cover in January), and his new collection contrasts “nature with technology, grime with grace.” The results are immediately striking and visually interesting, but require closer inspection to fully digest. More often than not, what’s underneath the surface is even more important than the clearly visible — like the snarling grizzly bear screenprinted over a sign advertising “space available.” Ironic, of course, because we’re cutting down the trees in the grizzly’s space to make our signs. Best of the Bay-winning DJ Mega and Nak 1 scratch at the opening reception. Sat., Oct. 3, 7-11 p.m.; on display through Nov. 30, Redletter1 Gallery, 1510 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City, free, 813-241-2435, tesone.net. –Franki Weddington

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when buxom lasses and dudes in lederhosen lift steins to praise the amber liquid that will sustain us through the cold, cold winter — Oktoberfest! But how will you be able to take advantage of the two simultaneous brew celebrations this weekend? No worries, you won’t have to.  Do you like the crisp and simple taste of American and international macro-brews, sampled in refined comfort while sharks and rays look on in jealous hunger? Head to the CL-sponsored Brews by the Bay: Oktoberfest 2009 at The Florida Aquarium. Along with the full repertoire of Anheuser-Busch, you’ll be able to sample beers from Magic Hat, Boddington’s, Stella Artois and many others, all while noshing food from restaurants like Datz Deli. Smoke, and more. If local craft brew floats your sudsy boat, then Dunedin Brewery’s ninth annual OktoBEERfest is more your cup of tea. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Next weekend brings Women Taking Care of the World to the Mahaffey, an empowering event that unites women in an effort to make a change.

The day-long conference includes inspirational speakers, artists, musicians, and more than 100 exhibits that offer lady-centric products and services. Speakers include Pulitzer-nominated journalist, Fawn Germer; author, television host and financial coach, Michelle Boudreau; minister and motivational speaker, Temple Hayes and more. Headlining the evening concert is Lisa Lavie, whose music fuses sounds of pop, R&B and jazz. The ever-impressive Lynda Lyday is the Mistress of Ceremonies. This special affair has it all, ladies: celebrate the beauty of life and join strong, passionate women to support the effort to bring peace and aid to women in need. A portion of proceeds benefits CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) and Earth Charter. Sat., Oct. 3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. conference, 7:45 p.m. concert, edit event  Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, $29-$49 concert, $49-$69 conference, $75-$99 combo package, 727-892-5767, iammoxywomen.com. — Lily Reisman

The University of Tampa Film Society hosts the Black Box Film Festival, a showcase of the year’s best student-directed films complete with a plethora of panel discussions and workshops with film industry professionals from across the country. Highlights include a lecture on the pitfalls of indie filmmaking (and how to avoid them) with The Reel Truth author Reed Martin; a presentation by the EXTREME stunt and driving team; and a screening of National Campus Movie Festival winner Sarah Wilson’s latest flick. The fest also secured an advance screening of Touching Home, starring Ed Harris and Robert Forester, which sees nationwide theater distribution in April 2010. Brothers Logan and Noah Miller, the co-producers, directors and actors of Touching Home (which also screens at Muvico BayWalk), lead a free “Guerrilla Filmmaking” workshop in conjunction with the Sunscreen Film Festival, and the dynamic movie-making duo are on hand to answer audience questions and sign copies of Either You’re In…Or You’re In the Way, their book documenting the whole crazy ride, from Hollywood nobodies to a silver screen debut with Oscar-nom actors on board. (Pictured: Noah Miller (left), Ed Harris and Logan Miller in Touching Home. Photo by David Moir) Black Box Film Festival, Sept. 24-26, University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, utampa.edu, contact jbusche@ut.edu for complete schedule of events; Guerilla Filmmaking workshop and Touching Home BayWalk screening, Fri., Sept. 25, Muvico BayWalk 20, 151 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 5:15 p.m. workshop, 7 p.m. screening, book signing to follow screening, touchinghomemovie.com. –Franki Weddington Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This weekend, check out a comedy show inspired by playwright Tyler Perry and a benefit party for the hardworking folks of the Gasparilla International Film Festival.

Tyler Perry must the most inspired man in Hollywood, cranking out show after movie after comedy special, non-stop. Something is working for him though – I feel like I see a new “Madea does (insert crazy situation here)” movie on Blockbuster’s shelves every week. Another of his never-ending onslaught of loud, sassy, overly-made up characters hits the stage for the Meet the Browns Comedy and Gospel Extravaganza this weekend.  David Mann (pictured) reprises his role as Mr. Brown, and his real-life wife, Tamela Mann, busts out said extravaganza of soul singing. Doug Williams opens. Sat., Sept. 12, 8 p.m., 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, $37.40-$47.50, mahaffeytheater.com. – Franki Weddington

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Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

Caribbean Night at Greenwise- Friday, August 28; 4-7 pm. Join us for this storewide event and sample the food, wine and music from the Caribbean. Publix Greenwise Market- 2403 W. Azeele St., Tampa. 813-250-0129.

Kayak/Yoga Outing- Saturday, August 29; 7-10 am. Roger McKeever guides a 45 minute kayak trip to an island where he leads a yoga flow practice on a beautiful, secluded beach. Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic upon return to shore. $55 (w/ kayak), $45 (if you bring your own kayak). Meet at Fort DeSoto Causeway. Space is limited; reservations required: 813.961.3160.

Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturdays; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in “green” natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment. Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida (exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I – 75).

Saturday Summer Market- every Saturday through September 19; 9 am-1pm. Brought to you by the Saturday Morning Market, this market features the same great vendors (food, crafts, art) as the original market, but this one’s in the shade of the Mahaffey Theatre parking garage. 400 1st St S., St. Petersburg. (which is just 2-3 block south of our current location at Al Lang stadium).
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Hollywood hopefuls are expected to be a quintuple-threat these days: reality stars spawn their own shows, actors become singers and vice versa, pro wrestlers star on the silver screen, and robots from the future become Governators. So it’s no surprise that stand-up comedian and Def Comedy Jam host Mike Epps (pictured) has parlayed his “it’s not the beauty, it’s the booty” schtick into a legit movie career, with roles in everything from comedies that appeal to gurus of grass and connoisseurs of cannabis like Next Friday and How High, to family friendly fare like Dr. Doolittle 2 and Guess Who. One thing’s for sure, though: Epps leaves the kiddie stuff behind when he and his fellow funny-men step onstage, so you’re sure to hear more about pimpin’ than pimples. Fri. Aug. 21, 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, mahaffeytheater.com – Franki Weddington Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is a stand-up show this weekend at the Mahaffey, starring Mike Epps and his merry band of comedians.

Hollywood hopefuls are expected to be a quintuple-threat these days: reality stars spawn their own shows, actors become singers and vice versa, pro wrestlers star on the silver screen – and the Governator, the ultimate celeb-gone-serious, who, after years of kicking bad-guy ass on screen has gone on to kick the crap outta California’s legislature. So it’s no surprise that stand-up comedian and Def Comedy Jam host Mike Epps has parlayed his “it’s not the beauty, it’s the booty” schtick into a legit movie career, with roles in everything from comedies that appeal to gurus of grass and connoisseurs of cannabis like Next Friday and How High, to family friendly fare like Dr. Doolittle 2 and Guess Who. One thing’s for sure, though: Epps leaves the kiddie stuff behind when he and his fellow funny men step onstage, so you’re sure to hear more about pimpin’ than pimples. Fri. Aug. 21, 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, $42-$67, mahaffeytheater.com – Franki Weddington

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:

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When Fred Ebb penned the lyric “In fifty years or so, it’s gonna change, ya know” for the 1975 Kander & Ebb musical Chicago, the ironic intent was clear. Sung by a pair of beautiful murderesses famous for being famous, the message seemed to be: Sure, we’ve set this so-called “musical vaudeville” in the late 1920s, but you know and we know that “in 50 years or so” — say, in 1975 —America’s obsession with celebrity and sensational gossip will only get more intense.

That message seemed more prescient than ever in 1996 when the musical was revived. Director Walter Bobbie further blurred the lines between past and present by removing the Roaring 20s period trappings, stripping down the set and costumes to basic black (with lots of see-through and spandex), downplaying the overt links to vaudeville archetypes and pushing the undercurrent of sex and violence to the forefront.

And audiences loved it. Chicago finally got the attention it deserved, going on to become Broadway’s longest-running revival, winning eight Tonys and generating an Oscar-winning movie adaptation and multiple tours. Judging by the version that came to the Mahaffey Friday (and closes tonight), Chicago has lost none of its razzle-dazzle, its relevance or its sex appeal. Read the rest of this entry »

"That's Weird," by Bluelucy at ARTPool.

FRIDAY
Fever Fakers. Opening night for an exhibition of five artists from Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta — notable, says CL art critic Megan Voeller, for fine examples of figurative drawing and painting. April 24-May 22, with opening reception 7-10 p.m. Fri., April 24 at [5]art, #210, West Tampa Center for the Arts, Tampa, 813-340-9056, five-art.com.

International Cinema Series. This week’s selection is My Winnipeg from wildly imaginative Canadian director Guy Maddin, who reinvents his own childhood in via a “docu-fantasia” fusing history with surrealist images and metaphorical myths. Fri., April 24, 7 p.m., Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, free.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Chicago. You may have seen the movie, but you haven’t fully experienced the down-and-dirty razzle-dazzle of this classic Kander & Ebb musical about murder and showbiz in the Roaring 20s until you’ve seen it on stage. Apr. 24-26, Progress Energy Center for the Arts/Mahaffey Theater. Fri. at 8 p.m.; Sat. at 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun. at 2 & 7:30 p.m. 800-982-2787 or BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

SATURDAY
Super Saiko! The latest show from Bluelucy (Chad Mize and Phillip Clark) includes work (like “That’s Weird,” above right) inspired by Japanese pop culture and by music — “from Of Montreal to Animal Collective, Kanye West to TV on the Radio,” says Mize. April 25-May 7, with opening reception 7 p.m. to midnight, Sat., April 25 ($10 cover) at ARTPool, 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-324-3878, artpoolrules.com.

Tampa Does Dallas. What’s not to like about hot chicks on roller skates? This weekend, the badass babes of the Tampa Tantrums meet the Dallas Devils in a roller derby bonanza. This may prove to be the dirtiest day Dallas has seen since Debbie left. Sat., April 25, 8:30 p.m., Skateplex, Temple Terrace, $10 in advance/$12 at the door, 813-989-2122, tampabayderbydarlins.com. (Franki Weddington) Read the rest of this entry »

Nobody Don’t Like Yogi. As Yogi Berra prepares to revisit Yankee Stadium for Old Timers Day in 1999, he asks himself why he is breaking his vow never to step foot in the stadium again. Has his rocky relationship with volatile owner George Steinbrenner been overcome by his dedication to baseball fans? C. David Frankel plays Yogi in this one-man show. March 12-22, 7 p.m., Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sat., 3 and 7 p.m. Sun., Gorilla Theatre, Tampa, $20-$25 ($10 student rush tickets available 30 minutes before showtime), 813-879-2914.

Holland America Line Coffee Concert: Romantic Rhapsodies. Conductor Alastair Willis joins The Florida Orchestra for a program that includes Mendelssohn’s Marchen von der schonen Melusine, Elgar’s Sospiri, the first movement of Grieg’s Concerto for Piano with 2008 TFO Young Artist Competition winner, pianist Aza Torshkoeva, Glinka’s Russlan and Ludmilla, Finzi’s Romance, and Khachaturian’s Adagio from Spartacus. Thurs., March 12, 11 a.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, $24-$40, 727-892-5767.

Contemporary Chinese Photography / My Florida Home: Recent Works by Benjamin Dimmitt. Now that the Super Bowl has passed, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts moves from football photos to modern China and the wilder side of Florida. Contemporary Chinese Photography is culled from area collections and various international dealers and includes panoramas by Ma Liuming, Zhang Huan, Rong Rong and others. The centerpiece is a series of works by photo maker/architect Chen Jiagang, whose digitally blended photographic works investigate the downfall of China’s big cities, and the disparities between time-honored traditions and 21st-century ideals. Also on display is My Florida Home: Recent Works by Benjamin Dimmitt, an exhibit of large-scale black-and-white images of Florida’s tropical wildernesses by a Gulf Coast native-turned-New Yorker who currently teaches at NYC’s International Center of Photography. Dimmit gives a gallery talk 10:30 a.m. Sat., March 14.  Both exhibits are featured through May 9, FMOPA, downtown Tampa, $4 suggested donation, 813-221-2222. (Leilani Polk)

Britney Spears w/The Pussycat Dolls Over the past few years, Britney Spears has been through the media gauntlet. But the superstar songstress picked up the pieces, clocked some hours in the dance studio and got in svelte shape, hit the studio with the right producers, and got her pop groove back.  Sun. Mar., 8, 8 p.m., St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

Jessica Simpson The Strawberry Fest’s concert closer features the country-music-friendly curves of Simpson, who makes up for her limited singing ability with  sun-kissed girl-next-door sexiness. Sun. Mar. 8, 7:30 p.m., Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City.

Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts More than 300 artists and crafters take part in the 39th annual fest, displaying paintings, ceramics, fiber, jewelry and more along Franklin Street and throughout Lykes Gaslight Square Park. March 7-8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Lykes Gaslight Square Park, downtown Tampa, free admission, gasparilla-arts.com.

GASP!Arilla. If you’re looking for the after-dark, floral-free alternative to the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Café Hey presents GASP!Arilla. The single-day art party features live music by Acho Brother, Bay Area Klezmer Konnection and DJ Fuego, and work by up-and-coming artists. Sat., March 7, 8 p.m., Cafe Hey, Tampa, free admission, myspace.com/cafehey. (Leilani Polk)

Verdi Requiem The Florida Orchestra and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay present a Progress Energy Masterworks concert of Verdi’s powerful operatic work. More than 200 musicians and singers perform. Sat., March 7, 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, and Sun., March 8, 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, $19-$65.

After the jump: Whitest Kids, Pen Is Mightier, Abilities, Emerge, Urban Dare and more. Read the rest of this entry »

This was a busy week for the Street Team!

We went to downtown St. Pete and downtown Tampa handing out Super Bowl supplements to out-of-town visitors, we hit the St. Pete Times Forum, we saw Al Roker Thursday morning at Teatro in Ybor (and even got our CLTampa.com sign on the Today Show!), we rocked out to the Pink Floyd Orchestra at the Mahaffey Theater, saw Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down at Bud Bowl and finally tailgated outside RayJay for Super Bowl 43.

Here are some pics from Bud Bowl to hold you over. More pics and video of Super Bowl weekend to come.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, a fanciful circus reminiscent of (though not affiliated with) Cirque du Soleil, is coming to the Mahaffey Feb. 3-8. To rev up local interest, the Cirque Dreamers will be auditioning local acrobats, musicians, singers, dancers “and anyone else with a special talent” for a small walk-on (cartwheel-on?) role in the production. Auditions take place on Saturday Jan. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (”limited to the first 100 dreamers”) at the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Pete. A stage will be set up at one end of the market, so there should be no danger of gymnasts doing double-somersaults into your Uhuru breakfast tortilla. (Auditioners get two minutes each and must bring their own CD if they require music; only one or two performers will be selected.)

For its 16th Anniversary Bash, Skatepark of Tampa welcomes the latest band from Brooklyn to generate a buzz, Les Savy Fav (pictured below); also on the bill are No Age and How Dare You. For more info, see Upcoming Concerts. Sat., Dec. 6, 9 p.m., Czar, Ybor City, $10.

Another area institution, Jobsite Theater, also celebrates an anniversary this weekend with its annual fundraiser-cum-wrap party. Jobsite’s Rockin’ 10th Birthday Party features the Jobby Awards, sets of music by Bay area bands Nessie, Poetry n’ Lotion, and The Vodkanauts, and raffle drawings throughout the night. Sat., Dec. 6, 8 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $10.

Event number three in Ybor City this Saturday night is Virgin 2.0, a Square One Creative multi-disciplinary fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Guests enjoy live music, dance performances, a fashion show, an exhibit of works featuring 85 or so artists and food. Sat., Dec. 6, 7 p.m.-midnight, The Ritz Ybor, free admission. Read the rest of this entry »