Daily Loaf

It may have been the day after Halloween, but thousands of people had plenty good reason to play dress-up this past Sunday afternoon at the St. Pete Times Forum. One didn’t have to look far to find a Yoda or Princess Leia milling about the concourses. Many congregated toward a makeshift exhibit of original Star Wars props and artifacts, including a Darth Vader costume, blasters and helmets. Nearby, children and adults alike sidled up next to Stormtroopers for photo ops. It was all a prelude to the main event inside the arena, “Star Wars: In Concert.”

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Today, the Bay area’s 93.3-FLZ announced the lineup for its holiday concert, 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball, set to takes place on Sun., Dec. 13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum. Among the featured Top 40 acts scheduled to perform thus far are piano rock quartet The Fray, R&B pop singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks [pictured], Miami rap artist Pitbull, electro pop purveyors 30h!3, reggae lovin’ hip-hopper Sean Kingston, emo rock four-piece Boys Like Girls, and British electro rock duo the Ting Tings. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, October 24. The first 1,000 tickets sold in person, at the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office, will be offered for $9.33. Regular-priced tickets start at $33.

Don’t panic: The dinos in the Walking with Dinosaurs arena show aren’t going to reenact a scene from Jurassic Park and start eating audience members, but the animatronics in this arena show are so life-like that it almost seems like a possibility. The award-winning epic is based on the BBC series of the same name, and includes life-sized replicas of 10 dino species that collaborate with actors for an entertaining show that explores native dino habitats throughout the history — from the splitting of the continents to the Triassic and Jurassic periods, finally ending with the extinction of these creatures that have fascinated humans for centuries. Oct. 14-18, 7 p.m. Weds. -Fri., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Sat., 1 and 5 p.m. Sun., St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, $17-$62, 813-223-1000, dinosaurlive.com. – Franki Weddington

Best of the Bay winning Café Hey is celebrating its two-year anniversary with Monster’s Ball, a not-so-spooky night of music, art, and partying. Super Secret Best Friends, Florida Night Heat, SOG and DJ’s SowsDef and Pocket Chomper stop by to drop some live music in your ears, and lotsa local artists — like Chad Mize and Phillip Clark of BlueLucy, Anthony Zollo (another BOTB alum), Josh Pearson and more – showcase an array of awesome art. Don’t let the artists and musicians have all the fun, though — there’s body plastering for anyone who wants in on the action, and fire spinning for those who prefer spectator sports. Sat., Oct. 17, 8 p.m.-midnight, Cafe Hey, 1540 N. Franklin St., Tampa, free, cafehey.com. – Franki Weddington

After the break: Get the mess scared out of you by the Woman in Black, the Florida Orchestra plays for free at Pops in the Park, shake your moneymaker at Block Party Parranda and more. Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t panic: The dinos in the Walking with Dinosaurs arena show aren’t going to reenact a scene from Jurassic Park and start eating audience members, but the animatronics in the arena show that begins on Wednesday are so life-like that it almost seems like a possibility. The award-winning epic is based on the BBC series of the same name, and includes life-sized replicas of 10 dino species that collaborate with actors for an entertaining show that explores native dino habitats throughout the history — from the splitting of the continents to the Triassic and Jurassic periods, finally ending with the extinction of these creatures that have fascinated humans for centuries. Oct. 14-18, 7 p.m. Weds. -Fri., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Sat., 1 and 5 p.m. Sun., St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, $17-$62, 813-223-1000, dinosaurlive.com. – Franki Weddington

Some shots from the Metallica show this past Saturday, October 3, at the St. Pete Times Forum; more pics and photo gallery (including shots of support act Gojira) after the jump.

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A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule of concerts, check out our Upcoming Events page.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Between the Trees w/Action Item/Farewell/Punchline The music of Orlando’s Between the Trees is unexpectedly melodic for a band on the road as part of Absolutepunk.net’s “Next Favorite Band” tour – emo expressive vocals that tend to hit the high notes against the easy-going tempos of tastefully radio-friendly Brit invasion-style pop rock, like Keane meets Travis with a hint of Coldplay. The trio – made up of lead singer/guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Kirkland, and rhythm section brothers Josh and Jeremy Butler on drums and bass, respectively – just released their sophomore album, Spain, which debuted on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart at No. 4. 7:30 p.m., Orpheum, Ybor City, $12.

Third Eye Blind [pictured left] I have a grudging respect for Third Eye Blind, an alt rock trio that emerged in 1997 with a self-titled debut and catchy-as-hell hooks in tow. Of their Billboard charters, you probably know the melancholy relationship-ending ode, “How’s It Going to Be” best, though their songs have been used in various films and TV shows for the past 10 years, from “London” and “Graduate” in 1998’s Can’t Hardly Wait, to “Semi-Charmed Life” in 1999’s American Pie and 2005’s A Lot Like Love, to “Jumper” in the 2008 Jim Carrey comedy, Yes Man. The band’s August release, Ursa Major, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and is their first new album since 2003. 8 p.m., The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City, $28.50.

Side Door Jazz: Belinda Womack Quintet The homegrown contemporary gospel-jazz vocalist plays an intimate concert as part of the Palladium’s Side Door Jazz series. 7:30 p.m., Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg, $20.

Greenland is Melting w/Rebekah Pulley/Jon Gaunt/Me & the Devil Gainesville trio Greenland is Melting produces pleasant acoustic bluegrass melodies of the back porch sort with three-part harmonies, rhythms made from stomping feet, and the merry strumming and plucking of a banjo all throughout. The band is currently offering their new self-released album, Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue, for free download at greenlandismelting.com. 9 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $7. Read the rest of this entry »

A quick breakdown of this holiday weekend’s most worthy concerts. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Events page.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
JJ Grey & Mofro w/Shooter Jennings/Earl Greyhound [pictured] A good ol’ boy from the backwaters of Jacksonville, JJ Grey is the creative force and frontman of Mofro, their music swamp-stomping, finger-licking, funked-out rock ‘n’ roll with a solid R&B groove marked by Grey’s husky soulful drawl. LA alt-country rocker Shooter Jennings (the sole spawn of country singers Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter) just released his first compilation, Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357’s, which includes select tracks from his first three studio albums, a few live recordings and a cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s 1976 single, “Living Proof.” And NY’s Earl Greyhound features afro-thrashing bassist/singer Kamara Thomas, who brings charismatic energy to the power trio’s fiery, heavy-handed blues rock. 8 p.m., The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City, $20.

Tom Goss w/Mara Levi Goss is an out-of-the-closet singer-songwriter who abandoned seminary school and impending priesthood to pursue social justice issues and his love of music. His vocals are high and pleasantly emotive, his acoustic pop touching and uplifting. He’s currently touring in support of his 2009 release, Back to Love.  4:30-6:00pm, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg,  free (students only). Read the rest of this entry »

While the Rays are wrapping up their season and the Buccaneers kicked off their year this past Sunday, another pro team is gearing up for another year. The Tampa Bay Lightning has opened its training camp, and that means freebies for fans. Read the rest of this entry »

If you had asked me four years ago whether I’d ever be ringside at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa for a Disney on Ice show (let alone one named “Princess Classics”) I’d have laughed out loud. But last night, there I was, holding my breath in an arena full of 3 – 5 year old girls, waiting for the show to begin.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” boomed a deep voice over the P.A. as Tinkerbell skated onto the ice, setting the stage for a full night of magic by twirling a glitter-loaded wand above her head. Then, Mickey and Minnie Mouse appeared from behind the castle gates to a perfectly timed musical opening, and that’s when the real screaming began.

It was a last minute invitation (our friend Shannon had an extra ticket), but unfortunately my wife Jen had to work and couldn’t take our daughter Alchemy to the show. I, conveniently enough, had no plans whatsoever. Shannon’s daughter Violet “really wanted Alchemy to go” and Jen assured me that she would “have Alchemy’s clothes laid out for me” when I got home. This sounded easy enough. Then, Shannon promised to drive. Even better! How could I say no to an easy “cool dad” opportunity? When I arrived home, however, I discovered my first clue to what the night had in store. Laid out on the dining room table – alongside a juice box and a bag of snacks – was a flowing, blue Cinderella dress and a silver tiara.

“Shit,” I thought, “I’ve got to dress her up like a princess?”

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Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans In Tampa enjoyed an action-packed nine-bout fight card hosted by the Xtreme Fighting Chamionships (XFC) at the St.Pete Times Forum on Saturday. In the main event of the evening, Pablo Alfonso was crowned as the new XFC Bantamweight Champion after a four-round war against defending champion Jason Goodall. War Machine defeated Mikey Gomez in the co-main event of the  XFC Evolution bouts. Read the rest of this entry »

So far, we’ve given you a heads up about a range of this fall’s best bets in music — Leonard Cohen, electronica artists from Paul Van Dyk to Junior Boys, Yo Yo Ma, a quintet of quality indie artists (The Decemberists and MuteMath, among others) who are not stopping in Tampa but at least gracing us with their presence in nearby Orlando, and a couple of worthy jazz shows. Here are rest.

The Big Drawers
We get most of the big tours in Tampa because we have the audiences and venues to support them. This fall is no exception and the biggest among them are longtime barn burners Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Sat., Sept. 12, Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, $36-$98); U2, the first band to play Ray Jay solo, i.e., not for any Super Bowl festivities. (Fri., Oct. 9, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, $30-$250); and the queen of teeny bop pop herself, Miley Cyrus (Tues., Dec. 1, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, $39.50-$79.50). 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 all about the return of next weekend’s epic MMA battle that’s sure to make Labor Day weekend anything but uneventful.

The Tampa-based mixed martial arts promoter Xtreme Fighting Championships returns with an explosive ten-bout card after a tour of  the Southeastern U.S. and Germany. In the main event on the Evolution fight card, the yet-undefeated Roger Bowling from MMA Bigshow faces former finalist of The Ultimate Fighter 6 reality show, Jon Koppenhaver (pictured) — better known as the “War Machine” in MMA circles.  Jason Goodall defends his XFC Bantamweight title against Pablo Alfonso from Miami in the co-main event and title bout, scheduled for five rounds of five minutes each.  Also on the fight card is Chris “Beast Boy” Barnett, who faces off against three-time Florida State wrestling champion, Daniel Perez. Perez gained notoriety when he knocked out ex-Buccaneer and TUF Heavyweight contestant, Marcus Jones, in 22 seconds flat at the World Fighting Championships 6.  In one of two pro debuts of the evening, recent XFC Open Fighter Tryouts winner, Julien Williams, fights Jiu Jitsu ace, Jeremy “Buttercup” Thurlow. Sat., Sept. 5, 7 p.m., St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, $15-$140, stpetetimesforum.com. — Astrid Bidanec

In his speech for Leonard Cohen’s induction into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, Lou Reed said Cohen belongs among the “highest and most influential echelon of songwriters.”

No question, Cohen is one damn talented man; though he’s been doing his thing since the mid-1960s, he found new popularity in the last 15 years beginning when three of his songs from The Future — “Waiting for the Miracle,” “The Future” and “Anthem” — appeared on the soundtrack for Oliver Stone’s 1994 film, Natural Born Killers. A whole new cult audience fell in love with his husky, mournful baritone and evocative lyrics. Read the rest of this entry »

Some shots from last night’s Tuesday, August 18 show at the St. Pete Times Forum featuring The Jonas Brothers and support acts Jordin Sparks (who won the sixth season of American Idol) and South Korean girl group the Wonder Girls.

The Jonas Brothers

(See more pics plus my complete gallery from the evening after the jump.)

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The Think + Drink Cinema Series focuses on cultural, social and scientific topics. This week’s selection is I’m Your Man, which explores the life and times of Leonard Cohen (pictured, photo by MJ Kim), the prolific musician and poet whose tunes inspired covers by everyone from Rufus Wainwright to Beth Orton, Jarvis Cocker, Nick Cave, Kate and Anna McGarrigle and U2. Cohen’s also slated to visit the St. Pete Times Forum in October. The American Music Series prior to each movie explores the history and icons of the music that have shaped America, and features a live performance by a new local musician each week. Tonight’s live guest musician is Dennis Brock. Music begins at 6 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 27 unless otherwise noted. Visit southfloridamuseum.org for more info. Thurs., Aug. 6, 6 p.m., Bishop Planetarium, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, $8, $6 students, $5 museum members.

Dalí in New York is a documentary of the artist during the 1965 opening of his exhibit at Huntington Hartford’s Gallery of Modern Art. Dalí devoted himself to making the film as interesting as his art; he staged several avant garde scenes utilizing props like a plaster cast, a thousand ants, and a million dollars in cash. Then, see the psychedelic BBC documentary Hello Dalí, featuring montages of the artist’s paintings and videos, scenes with Salvador and Gala Dalí, and images of Teatro Museo Dalí during its construction. Thu., Aug. 6, 6 p.m., Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg, free with $5 museum admission, salvadordalimuseum.org.

The 18th annual Gourmet Feastival benefits the Tampa Centre for Women, and includes a mouthwatering array of decadent cuisine. Participating restaurants include wine devotees Bin 27, scrumptious sandwich shop Datz Deli, fancy fare from Chez Bryce, fondue from the Melting Pot, and more food and wine purveyors than you can shake a fondue fork at, along with live music and door prizes. Visit centreforwomen.org for more info. Thu., Aug. 6, 6-9 p.m., Tampa Hyatt Hotel, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa, $50 in advance, $60 at the door.

I’ll be completely honest and out myself as a Green Day fan, but the latest album, 21st Century Breakdown, just didn’t do it for me. For the St. Pete Times Forum show this past Monday, August 3, I sifted through the punkish, and Hot Topic fashion-entrenched crowds knowing that even if the new album wasn’t my favorite, the band would still put on a good show. They exceeded my expectations … and then some. (Photos by Tracy May)

Kaiser Chiefs opened, warming up the crowd and drawing in stragglers to the front of the general admission floor section with their hypnotic energy. Front man Ricky Wilson demanded attention and won over the crowd instantly, exclaiming, “You may not know us, but who cares, right?” Kaiser Chiefs played a short but sweet set, leaving the crowd wanting more and antsy to see Green Day.

Between sets the “Green Day Bunny,” adorned in a new tour shirt and chugging Miller Lite, came out to further rile and ready the crowd. A quick scan showed the vast array of the ages of their fanbase: Myself – mid-20s, to my right — high school teens, and my left — a married couple in their 40s and in front — parents accompanying their youngish (ages 9-12) kids. (SEE THE PINK BUNNY AND MORE NEW PICS AFTER THE JUMP) Read the rest of this entry »

Some shots from last night’s Green Day show at the forum. More are featured in a follow-up review by new contributor Alison Egan-Lodjic.

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Earlier this week hopeful young ladies attended the Tampa Breeze tryouts to become part of the bay area’s hottest sports team.  The St Pete Times Forum was loaded with prospective players suited up in T-shirts, short shorts, and shoulder pads.  The Lingerie Football League may sound cute, but it’s no joke. These girls are ready to play hardcore smash-mouth football, all while looking hotter than any cheerleaders safely yelling from the sidelines.

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At the Summer Sunset Film Festival, The Studio@620 and Push Ultra Lounge team up to present a free movie screening in celebration of the picturesque Florida sunset every week until the weather cools down. Well, maybe just through the end of August — though we know it won’t actually cool down until sometime in January. Today’s selection is Funny Face, starring Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn and her cigarette pants. 8:30 p.m. Mon., July 20, Push Ultra Lounge, 128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, free, studio620.org.

Spiff up your resume, shine your shoes, and get ready to say hello to a new career — the local companies at the Tampa Bay Job and Career Fair have immediate employment needs for everything from entry level positions to skilled trade, to health care and managerial positions. Visit tampabayjobfair.com for more info. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon., July 20, St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, free, 813-223-1000.

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

TRA’shion Fashion and Art Show 2009 (photos) – The fabulous trashionistas were out in force for ARTpool’s annual TRA’shion Show, and photographer Chip Weiner caught all the recycled green glamour.

Letting go of addictions: Using alternative methods to release addictions of any type- Kelly Rothwell gives us alternative methods such as energetic healing, visualizations and affirmations, that can be used to not only cope with such addictions but to understand the reason behind the addiction and let it go for good.

Living sustainably in Tampa Bay: Dave Starman’s biodiesel fueled car and green lifestyle – The first in a series of profiles, by Jack B., of individuals who are living sustainably in Tampa Bay. This profiles Tampa Bay resident Dave Starman.
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Sat. July 18. The grand opening of The Quest’s exercise room and play area. Work out your kinks with the Quest’s newest toys: free weights, a bowflex, and an inversion Bondage table. The Quest. 12517 66th St. N. Largo, FL 33773.

Sat. July 18. Taboo Swinger’s Sexy Superhero Party. It’s time to go into the phone booth and don your alter egos for Taboo’s Sexy Superhero Party!!! Come dressed as your favorite superhero or create your own caped crusader. tabooswingers.com. 9pm. Orlando.

Sat. July 18. Caliente’s Eyes Wide Shut Party. Read the rest of this entry »

The Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Pete Times Forum employees and staff members participated in a “River Cleanup this morning - cleaning the shoreline and water’s edge of the Garrison Channel around the Cotanchobee Park.

Wearing shirts saying “Together We Will”, the group picked up trash and debris in the park and river areas.

It’s great to hear about individuals, groups and companies doing “the green thing” and setting an example for others to do the same. Whether its picking up trash, planting trees, or even donating money to green charitable causes, many people are jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon.
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All photos by Phil Bardi.

Here are a series of pics from the first set of the opening night presentation of Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco. Cirque presents its 5000th performance of Saltimbanco this Tues., June 30, at 7:30 p.m. The Cirque staple, which first premiered in Montreal in 1992, is more simplistic than later productions, the costumes are less fantastic, the color palette is neon, and the music is a mix of New Age, progressive jazz and late ’80s synth funk. But all the wonder is present along with the cast of quirky, amusing characters and their playfulness is perfectly intact. For a complete review, check out David’s wrap of the Lakeland run by clicking here. The regular schedule is 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 and 5 p.m. Sun., now through July 5, at the St. Pete Times Forum, Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa. Tickets are $42.75-$112.75 (discounted tickets for children 12 and under). (More pics after the jump) Read the rest of this entry »

I was poking around the Internet this morning, reading about last night’s Phish show in Mansfield, MA., when something hit me. The author kept referring to the concert’s venue, The Comcast Center, by its pre-sponsorship name of Great Woods. I started thinking about the big-three Bay area sports venues and their old names, and now I’m thinking about ditching the corporate sponsorship names too. I have my reasons, and they are as follows:

Building: That big stadium with red seats on Dale Mabry where they play football
Corporate sponsorship name: Raymond James Stadium
Old-school handle: Tampa Stadium. OK, technically it’s always been Raymond James Stadium, but it was built next door to, and replaced, Tampa Stadium.
Reason to switch back: It’s The Great Recession folks, and you want some investment bankers slapping their logo feces all over the local altar to the biggest sport in America? (On a personal note: I think Raymond James had a hand in the Loaf 401(k) program last year. Fell free to label me bitter in the comments.) Tampa Stadium is an excellent name, a simple-but-solid description of the place the moniker represents. Tampa Stadium sounds tough. Not to many players want to travel to Tampa Stadium, a blistering sand pit where opposing teams get the life suffocated out of them. Raymond James Stadium, on the other hand, is the type of place that sees cash from the hometown squad’s retirement account vanish quarterly for as long as they’re in the league.

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Last time Miley Cyrus played Tampa Bay it set off a Ticketgate, with moms of young daughters up in arms about being screwed out of the opportunity to buy tickets. Many of them dropped several hundreds of dollars as to not run afoul with their progeny.

Let’s hope there’s not another ticket fiasco this time. Actually, the best thing that could happen is that Miley-mania has calmed down the extent that MILFs aren’t breaking the household budget to take 11-year-old young Brittany to see her heroine.

Here we go:

Miley Cyrus will perform at the St. Pete Times Forum on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.

More important, though:

Read more.

Check out CL’s one-top, all-purpose music site.

So you think you’ve got a lot of luggage to cart around this summer vacation? Imagine the burden of the Cirque du Soleil crew, who bring the wondrous Saltimbanco to the St. Pete Times Forum June 25-July 5. I spoke with Adam Miller, the show’s artistic director, during the company’s earlier visit to the Tampa Bay area this spring at the Lakeland Center. He doesn’t have to do any of the lugging around of stuff himself — he has people for that — but he did have some interesting things to say about Saltimbanco’s “urban” theme and how he explores a city when he’s touring with a show. Video after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, UB40 is one of the most successful and durable of the British reggae bands. The group is a two-tone ensemble that scored dozens of hits in the U.K. and a few major smashes in the States, including two — “Red Red Wine” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — that reached No. 1. The name UB40 is a reference to the unemployment form in England, which I’ve always thought was pretty catchy and clever. Sun., May 3, Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $35. (Eric Snider)

Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of the Far East during Asia Fest, which is held in honor of National Asian Pacific Heritage Month. The event includes cultural performances, a fashion show with native costumes, martial arts demonstrations, the Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races, and authentic cuisine from Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Visit asiafest-tampabay.com for more info. Sat., May 2, 10:30 a.m., St. Pete Times Forum Plaza, Tampa, free, 813-223-1000.

Adrienne Nadeau premieres a new original theater piece, Stereotypes in America, at the Studio@620 this weekend. A diverse cast of green and veteran Bay area actors perform in the play, which covers race, religion and sexuality via a series of monologues told from the viewpoints of a diverse cast of relatable characters. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., May 1-2, Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, $10. Read the rest of this entry »

“It’s awesome,” said the girl into her cellphone during intermission for Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco, which opened last night at the Lakeland Center.

For once, that adjective didn’t sound cliched. “Amazing” wouldn’t have, either. When it comes to this show, superlatives that ordinarily seem like lazy word choices turn out to be the only logical reaction.

I mean, what else can you say about people who bend themselves into human parentheses in mid-air? About creatures who are part lizard, part human, part bird, who can clamber up poles, hurtle through space, slither across the stage and do all kinds of other things you didn’t know humans could actually do? About mimes who are genuinely funny, even (or especially) when they’re doing potty jokes? (Man-under-water is a fairly standard mime trope, but man-under-water-because-the-toilet’s-overflowing? Not so much.)

For an interview with one of Saltimbanco’s amazing humans — Olivier Renaud, the human “engine” who powers the Russian Swing — listen to my ArtsSpeak interview. For more on the show, read on. Read the rest of this entry »

Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco The touring company’s signature show visits Florida for the first time in this fantasy-filled evening of agility and acrobatics. See a stunning amalgamation of theater, dance and gymnastics combine with unique music, costumes, lighting and makeup that has enthralled more than 10 million people all over the world. Following its run at the Lakeland Center, Saltimbanco returns to the Bay area for a run at the St. Pete Times Forum in June.  Lakeland Center, Lakeland, April 29-May 3: 7:30 p.m., Weds.-Thurs.; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 and 5 p.m. Sun. $40-$110 adults, $32-$88 children 12 and younger, 863-834-8111.

Fourth Annual Sunscreen Film Festival. Yesterday Was a Lie, a haunting mixture of science fiction and film noir; Behind the Wheel, a doc about a cross-country expedition following the lives of a group of artists in search of answers, and an “Around the World” shorts program featuring 30-minute tales from around the world — these are just a few of the more than 50 dramas, comedies, documentaries and student productions that will be screened at the fourth annual Sunscreen Film Festival. In addition to the films, which will be screened over the course of five days, the fest features acting workshops headed by prominent casting directors and parties for moviemakers and movie lovers alike. Rub elbows with stars like Patrick Wilson, Michael Rooker, Bill Cobbs and Jeffrey (Burn Notice) Donovan, meet various filmmakers and fest crew, and find which films were considered award-worthy at the Saturday night awards ceremony and VIP after party. April 29-May 3 (showtimes vary), Muvico 20 Theaters at Baywalk, 151 Second Ave N., St Petersburg, $35 single-day pass/$125 entire weekend/$175 VIP. (Michelle Stark)

University of Tampa Spring Dance Happening. More than 80 students participate in a program of upbeat dance with styles ranging from hip-hop, modern, tap and ballet to lyrical and jazz. New choreography by UT students and alumni is featured as is the UT Dance Team, with live music to accompany one of the pieces. April 29-May 2, 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., Edison Building, University of Tampa, 214 N. Boulevard, Tampa, free admission.

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 »

Truth in 24 at Gasparilla International Film Festival Truth in 24 is a thrillingly inside look at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fabled sports-car endurance race in Le Mans, France. The focus is on the Audi Sport team, with so many caressing shots of Audi’s logo and its vehicles that the film sometimes feels like a feature-length ad. But the multi-accented cast of drivers and technicians, the suspense of the race narrative and the abundance of “oh my god” racing footage add up to a terrific ride (and a nice warmup for those of you who can’t wait for St. Pete’s Grand Prix). Audi’s R10 Race Car makes a personal appearance at both showings of the film. Thurs., Mar. 5, 8 p.m., Beach Theatre, St. Pete Beach; Fri. Mar. 6, 9 p.m., Channelside 6, Tampa, gasparillafilmfestival.com.Billy Joel & Elton John These venerable superstars, singers and piano men, have plenty in common: a knack for writing and performing a wide range of material that falls within the general realm of mainstream pop, an overall likeability, recognizable but unspectacular singing voices, and solid but unspectacular piano skills. Both experienced their artistic pinnacles in the 1970s, but have maintained their status as beloved musical figures. They’ll perform separate sets and together at two pianos. Mar. 5, 7:30 p.m., St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, stpetetimesforum.com.

Barbados native singer Rihanna is a Def Jam artist with the whole package — good looks, great voice and undeniable magnetism. She was propelled into stardom with five number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the most by a female artist this decade. Her Grammy-winning single “Umbrella” featuring rapper Jay-Z has been covered and remixed by too many singers and DJs to name, and even made a MySpace star of singer-songwriter Marie Digby. No doubt she’ll bust it out at tonight’s NFL Pepsi Smash Superbowl Bash, probably on the cue of Jerry O’Connell, who’s hosting the live VH1 broadcast of the concert. Illinois pop-punk foursome Fall Out Boy and soft rockin’ LA trio Lifehouse round out the bill. Thurs., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301 N.,Tampa, $20-$45. (Leilani Polk)

Plus more things to do today:

— All Star Poetry Slam (Super Bowl Edition). According to Lizz Straight, local spoken-word star and host of WMNF’s Poetry Is…, poets are coming in from all over the country for this slam. Super Bowl fans? Or maybe they’re coming for the cash-money prizes? Whatever the lure, this looks like a great night for spoken-word fans and for anyone seeking a dynamic alternative to mainstream Super Bowl entertainment. Tickets $12, live band, vendors, food and bar. 813-516-5012 or 813-380-0414.

— John Legend at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

— The Eagles at St. Pete Times Forum.

— Super Bowl Kickoff Party w. DJ AM & DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The Charles Fazzino Super Bowl Art Party, featuring 3-D art, helmet sculptures and commemorative paintings (like the one at left) by Fazzino. The perennial Super Bowl artist appears with Bucs quarterback Brian Griese at a fundraising reception for Griese’s nonprofit grief support organization for children and families, Judi’s House, founded in memory of his mother. Nuance Galleries, 804 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 6-9 p.m., 813-875-0511.

Louisiana alt-country songstress Mary Gauthier (pictured) plays a show in the intimate Jaeb Theater at Tampa Bay Performing Art Center. 7:30 p.m., $25.50. Read more about her in Upcoming Concerts.

Feminism is alive and kicking, and USF Women’s Studies Department stages a series of talks that celebrate the ever-evolving movement. Several of the country’s foremost feminist scholars are scheduled to appear. The first is Jennifer Baumgardner, a writer for rags ranging from Allure to The Nation, co-author of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism and the Future and Grassroots, A Field Guide for Feminist Activism, and producer/creator of the award-winning documentary, I Had an Abortion. Her talk is on “Aborton and Life.” 3 p.m., USF TECO Room., free admission.

The top 11 dancers from the fourth season of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance perform at the St. Pete Times Forum when the show’s national live tour lands in Tampa tonight. 7:30 p.m., $35-$54.50.

Interested in taking part in a lively conversation about diversity? A new local networking and forum group, Community Members for Diversity, holds its monthly meeting tonight and invites the public to come out and get involved. This month’s featured organization is NFL Youth Education Towns, with special guest rep Stephanie Owens sharing info about the organization’s goals and mission. 6:30 p.m., Shimberg Playhouse-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, free admission.

The latest installment of the Gorilla Reading Series spotlights William Leavengood’s new play, Charley and Emma, about the turbulent relationship between Charles Darwin and his devoutly Christian wife and first cousin, Emma Wedgewood. The staged reading is directed by James Rayfield and the cast includes Mike Norton, Meg Heimstead, Jim Wicker, Chris Jackson and Justin Duggan, among a few others. 7 p.m., Gorilla Theatre, Tampa, $5.

The final guest appearing as part of the Sustain it(!) – Strategies + Tactics for Sustainability in Architecture and Urbanism series is Miami-based sustainable architect Chad Oppenheim, who talks about development in his presentation, “In Search of Essence.” 6 p.m., C.W. Bill Young Joint Military/ROTC Building, Tampa, free admission.