Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Bon Appetit in Dunedin on August 12
Written by Lil BarcaskiThe Showcase Arts Foundation Inc. (SAFI), dedicated to creating theater arts performances in the Tampa Bay Area, is proud to present another of their interactive comedy, murder mysteries. This will be a fun filled evening of entertainment accompanied by the wonderful food and beautiful atmosphere of the waterfront restaurant Bon Appetit at the Harbor in Dunedin.
Sunscreen Film Festival Salutes Summer Camp Graduates
Written by Lisa Mansell
ST. PETERSBURG: Forget the bug spray and the rain poncho – at the Sunscreen Film Festival’s first annual Summer Camp, 9 aspiring filmmakers between the ages of 14 – 18 braved the elements of film making with laptops and their imaginations.
Instead of a campground and hours of lanyard making, the students converged on Studio 620 in downtown St. Pete. Owned and operated by Bob Devon Jones, the studio provided the perfect venue for two action-packed weeks.
Youth Sing and Dance for Human Rights Education August 8, 2009
Written by Denise McGahee
A stage filled with youth, from ages 2 years of age to 17, will not only sing and dance their hearts out for their audience, but they will also entertain them with skits that educate their audience about human rights, in a one-of-a-kind Broadway production of “Annie Jr.”, on Saturday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the Francis Wilson Playhouse Theater. In addition to an awe-inspiring evening, proceeds go to Youth for Human Rights Tampa Bay, a group dedicated in promoting the education of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to children and adults, to make a better world.
Short Films Festival at NOVA 535 in St. Petersburg on 9/9/09
Written by Margaret Fuesy
St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Backroom Short Film Festival will present their next festival on September 9th at NOVA 535 in St. Petersburg, Florida. This one-day festival will feature films from 2 – 7 minutes in length in three categories: inspiration/motivation, comedy and animation. Conversations with the filmmakers will be interspersed throughout the evening. It’s a visual and interactive evening of film, conversation, food and spirits.
4th Friday in Clearwater Will Return After the Summer on September 25th
Written by Heidi Lux
Fourth Friday, the party on the street in Downtown Clearwater, is on summer break! After a short hiatus, due to the frequency of afternoon rainstorms during the summer months in Florida, Fourth Friday will return on September 25th with a Clearwater Jazz Holiday kick off.
Demi Lovato and David Archuleta Concert at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa on July 31st
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Demi Lovato, the 16-year-old singer/actress, opened for Jonas Brothers on their sold-out “Burnin’ Up” 2008 summer tour, impressing critics and fans along the way with her powerhouse voice and musical abilities on both piano and guitar. But with her Hollywood Records debut album “Don’t Forget,” Demi throws away the textbook. Instead, she rewrites the rules, making music her way. Demi Lovato and special guest, American Idol season seven finalist David Archuleta visit the St. Pete Times Forum on Friday, July 31st at 7pm.
NOVA 535 To Give Away A $50,000 Dream Wedding to One Lucky Bride
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On Sunday, August 9th 2009 at their first annual Bridal Gala, NOVA 535 will be holding filmed interviews for brides who are interested in winning a free
“Dream Wedding” valued at over $50,000. The decision will be made by August 31, 2009.
Applicants will be screened by film producer Tony Armer and must agree to be filmed for an upcoming documentary on the bridal process. The winner’s "Dream Wedding" ceremony must be held at NOVA 535 on Sunday January 31st, 2010.
Walking with Dinosaurs Stage Show Comes to St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa October 2009
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TAMPA BAY- Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in a spectacular theatrical arena show, “Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular”, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. “Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular” is now on tour and will have eight performances at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, presented by the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (TBPAC).
Carmen Pavlovic, CEO of the Creature Production Company, said, “The BBC Series was a brilliant blend of special effects, escapism, excitement and information. Our show brings together all of that, plus something extra - it’s live! In this production, 17 roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs mesmerize the audience – and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth.”
Black Crowes at Ruth Eckerd Hall With Concert on October 7, 2009
Written by Ruth Eckerd Hall
The Black Crowes have sold more than 20 million albums including their 1990 debut album Shake Your Money Maker which sold more than three million copies on the strength of the singles Hard to Handle, She Talks to Angels and Jealous Again. The Crowes released their second album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion in 1992. The record debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums. The effort spawned the singles Remedy and Thorn in My Pride, which broke the Billboard Top 100 singles chart. In 1994, the band offered up Amorica, which reached Gold. Last year, they released Warpaint, which debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 200. Their new album, Before the Frost…Until the Freeze, is scheduled to be released on September 1st of this year.
Concerts at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa for the Summer of 2009
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The Florida State Fair may only occur once a year, but the fairgrounds are open year round! Here are some of the fun concerts that the Florida State Fairgrounds and the Ford Amphitheatre will host this summer.
Aug. 8: Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney will perform in concert with special guests Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum on Saturday, August 8 at the Ford Amphitheatre. The gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $80 for reserved seating and $39.50 for each lawn area ticket.
Disney on Ice Princess Classic this September at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa 2009
Written by Heidi Lux
The magical world of the princesses Disney has been creating through cartoon films for the past 70 years will come to life with Disney On Ice. Come experience some “Disney magic” and spend a fantastical evening with Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White as they skate into the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa with “Disney On Ice Presents Princess Classics”. There will also be a special guest appearance by Tinkerbell.
Bark at the Ballpark from the Humane Society of Pinellas at Bright House Fields Returns Aug 21, 2009
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Bark at the Ballpark is back! Following the success of the Humane Society of Pinellas’s annual Bark at the Ballpark events, the society is announcing their first ever Bark at the Ball Park III.
The event will take place on Friday, August 21st at Bright House Field (601 Coachman Road, Clearwater) starting at 6:00pm when the gates open. At 7:00pm, there will be a game between the Clearwater Threshers and the Dunedin Blue Jays.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Schedule for Jul/Aug 2009
Friday, July 17th at 8:00pm
Circus Theater: Carnivale – A high energy presentation of various kinds of circus skills and fun characters creating an action-packed Cirque-style show.
Pop Artist Lord Colin O'Neal has Local Art Exhibit at Pangea Cafe in Clearwater 2009 Featured
Written by David Ziff
While the days are still long and the dog days of August are still ahead of us, there’s time to see the extraordinary display of Pop Art at the local hot spot, Pangea Café, in downtown Clearwater. On the other hand, when you see school buses back on the roads in September you’ll know you’re too late if you haven’t made the pilgrimage to see the exhibition of artist, Lord Colin O’Neal.
Pourin' on the Sunscreen at the Fort Harrison Hotel 2009 Featured
Written by David Ziff
The lights lowered on the audience, all eyes riveted on the bright stage when, suddenly, from the back of the Fort Harrison Auditorium, a familiar voice swelled, putting nearly 200 heads on a swivel. Eyes stayed glued as Paul Wilson, singer extraordinaire, weaved his way through the crowd to mount the stage singing, “Luck Be a Lady,” followed by “New York, New York.” It was in this spectacular fashion that the Sunscreen Film Festival Concert began on the evening of June 20th, 2009 at the recently refurbished hotel at 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater.
4th of July Fireworks, Celebrations and Events in Pinellas County
Written by Heidi Lux
This Fourth of July, the celebrations will be abundant for Pinellas County. With so many festivities planned, there is sure to be fun for everyone!
In Tarpon Springs, a Patriotic Picnic will be held in Craig Park from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be music and fun-filled activities such as a bubblegum blowing contest and sack races as well as free hot dogs, soda and water.
On the lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa in Safety Harbor, revelers will be treated with carnival games, inflatables and a rock climbing wall, with a fireworks display at 9:00 pm.
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Clearwater Jazz Holiday Unveils Poster and Neville Brothers June 23, 2009
Written by Heidi Lux
On Tuesday, June 23rd, the official poster for the 2009 Clearwater Jazz Holiday music festival was unveiled in Clearwater. The poster, a vivid and lively contemporary piece depicting a jazz band playing in front of a piano-key bridge reminiscent of Clearwater’s Memorial Causeway, was designed by John Brennan, a 20 year old USF junior music major, and an accomplished emerging artist. Brennan was the winner of this year’s contest.
4th of July All Day Events from the City of Gulfport 2009
Written by Heidi Lux
The City of Gulfport would like to invite you to their Fourth of July celebration in the city's Waterfront District. The holiday falls on a Saturday this year, and the festivities will be going all day!
The fun starts at 8:00 am, with a Kid’s Fishing Derby at the Recreation Center seawall, which lasts until 11:00. Registration for the derby will begin bright and early, at 7:30 am.
From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, there will be a free Family Sandcastle Contest on Gulfport Beach. The contest theme is “red, white and blue,” and the event is sponsored by the Gulfport Recreation Division. Registration for the contest begins at 9:30 am.
City staff will also be on Gulfport Beach from noon to 6:00 pm, with a variety of free kid friendly activities.
From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, there will be an array of cars on display at the annual Auto Show on Beach Blvd. S (towards 54th St. S). From 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, vendors will offer artwork, crafts, food and patriotic souvenirs, and beginning at 5:00 pm, 60s Groove will entertain the crowds with music from the flower-power era.
The community Independence Day parade will begin at 6:00 pm, making its way southbound down Beach Boulevard to the Gulfport Casino, then heading west on Shore Boulevard to 58th Street South.
The grand finale of the Fourth of July fun will of course be a spectacular display of fireworks, kicking off at 9:00 pm.
There will be street closures, starting at 6:00 am on Beach Boulevard (from 31st Ave to Shore Boulevard), Shore Boulevard (from 54th Street South to 56th Street South), and 54th Street South (South of Essex Ave.). Beach Boulevard south of 28th Avenue S. to 31st Ave. S. will also be closed temporarily for the parade, from 5:45 to 6:30 pm.
With all the street closures to make room for the festivities, the city trolley will run from 4:00 to 11:00 pm to provide rides to and from the designated parking areas, which will be at the Library (5501 28th Ave S.), the Senior Center Theatre (5501 27th Ave S.), Hoyt Field (2306 56th St. S), Chase Park (54th St. S and 28th Ave S.) and Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park (58th St. S. and 28th Ave. S.).
Ruth Eckerd Hall Phedre Performance Starring Helen Mirren at Capitol Theatre July 10 and 11
Written by Heidi Lux
The Capitol Theatre, recently purchased by Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater, is set to hold another show. Instead of a concert as in the previous two performances, however, this one will be a play. Or perhaps a movie, depending on how you want to look at it.
NT Live, a new initiative from the United Kingdom’s National Theatre, will broadcast live performances of plays onto movie screens around the world, and one of those screens will be at the Capitol Theatre. They are beginning this experiment with a performance of Phèdre by French playwright Jean Racine (this version of the play by Ted Hughes), directed by the National Theatre’s Nicholas Hynter. The play will be performed live, and the premier will be broadcast to The Capitol Theatre. The play stars Helen Mirren as Phèdre, as well as Dominic Cooper and Margaret Tyzak.
Phèdre is based on Greek mythology. It is the tale of a queen, Phèdre, who declares her love for Hippolyte, her husband Theseus’s son from a previous marriage, when her husband is rumored to be dead after disappearing during an expedition. On Theseus’ unexpected return, Phaedra accuses Hippolyte of trying to seduce her, and a nightmare of tragedy ensues.
Performances will be presented on Friday July 10th at 8pm, and Saturday, July 11th at 2pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 19th at noon at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office. The Capitol Theatre is located at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater. For more information, visit http://www.rutheckerdhall.com/, or call the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727-791-7400
Clearwater Celebrates America Annual Fourth of July Festival
Written by Heidi Lux
CLEARWATER, FL - On the Fourth of July, the city will hold their annual "Clearwater Celebrates America" event and fireworks display. Come celebrate the birth of our country with your friends and family with fireworks and fun in Clearwater's gorgeous Coachman Park.
This year, Independence Day falls on a Saturday, and the gates to the free festival will open at 4:00pm, live musical entertainment from the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson will begin at 7:30pm and the much anticipated firework display will begin at 9:30pm.
CLEARWATER, FL - On Friday, June 26th, the Clearwater Downtown Partnership will hold the fourth 4th Friday event right in the middle of Cleveland Street in between East Avenue and Ft. Harrison. There will be vendors, a rock climbing wall, live music from The Invasion Band, magicians, fire breathers and more! Past events have included a bouncy house, mimes, a Ray's game viewing and a Todd Rundgren concert put on by Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Sunscreen Film Festival's Summer Camp Film School Begins July 6th
Written by Heidi Lux
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The Sunscreen Film Festival's Summer Camp Film School for children will begin on July 6th. The two-week program will give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to have a hands-on opportunity to learn about the art of filmmaking. They will be scripting, shooting and editing as many as four short films.
The camp runs from July 6th to July 17th, and will be from 9 to 5 on Mondays through Fridays. The camp is for kids aged 14-18. On July 17th, at 6:30pm, the campers will hold a film screening to show off the films made during the camp to their family and friends.
For more information about the program, visit http://www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com/news/view/45
Mamma Mia Tour Comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall August 11 2009
Written by Ruth Eckerd Hall
Clearwater, FL - A mother, a daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! MAMMA MIA! returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall beginning August 11 for 8 performances! Tickets are on sale now! More than 30 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! “…one of the most successful musicals of all time!” according to the Chicago Tribune.
Maxwell Tour Comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall July 30
Written by Ruth Eckerd Hall
Clearwater, FL - Grammy® nominee Maxwell is on tour for the first time in more than two years in support of his studio release BLACKsummers’night. He will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Thursday, July 30 at 8 pm.
This soulful R & B singer has had four top 10 singles including Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder), Pretty Wings, Fortunate and Lifetime (the latter two went to number 1). He is scheduled to release BLACKsummers’night, (his first CD in more than 8 years) this July, and the sultry single Pretty Wings is already number 1 on the Billboard charts. Don’t miss Maxwell in this rare concert appearance.
Cleveland Street District 4th Annual Pet Festival May 9th, 2009 Featured
Written by Heidi Lux
Cleveland Street District, Clearwater - On May 9th, Cleveland Street went to the dogs! But don’t worry, they had their owners with them. The 4th Annual Pet Festival was held in the Cleveland Street District, between East Avenue and Ft. Harrison. Animal lovers and the animals they love browsed booths while picking up information on canine-related issues.
John Levique Pirate Days in Madeira Beach June 12 to 14
Written by Heidi Lux
June 11, 2009 – MADEIRA BEACH, FL – This weekend, Friday, June 12th through the 14th, The Eighth Annual John Levique Pirate Days will invade the city of Madeira Beach offering a variety of pirate-themed events, food and beverages as well as merchandise for all the swashbucklers in the area to plunder.