Accent On Tampa Bay #173, March 2012

Accent On Tampa Bay

Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Sales Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designer Julie Johnston Contributors Sylvie Damien Nancy Evans Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Proofreader Charlie deCatta Cover Photos: Courtesy of FL State Fair/Melissa Wolcott PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

P.O. Box 20044 St. Petersburg, FL 33742 (727) 577-5500 e-mail - AccentMagazine@aol.com Accent On Tampa Bay™ Digital Magazine is produced monthly by AM Media Group. Material submitted becomes the property of AM Media Group. All material herein, including ads and artwork is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent from AM Medfia Group. © Accent On Tampa Bay™

TAMPA BAY WALK TO DEFEAT ALS - March 17 On Saturday, March 17, 2012, more than 1,000 people will gather at the University of South Florida in Tampa to join the fight to find a cure for a deadly illness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the Tampa Bay community is rallying together to change that.

Wheelchair-bound patients along with their families and friends will make a 2-mile trek in The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in the Tampa Bay area. Many who walk have

a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one who has lost the battle.

Many people, without any personal connection, still walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

With only two to five years to live, these patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. Last year, these events raised nearly $1.2 million around the state of Florida.

All interested walkers should call 888-257-1717, or register online at www.WalktoDefeatALS.org.

ANTIQUES IN THE PARK - March 17 Gulfport’s popular outdoor antiques and collectibles show – “Antiques in the Park” – returns on Saturday March 17th, from 10 am to 5 pm, in the first block of Clymer Park at Gulfport Blvd. and Beach Blvd. The show features antiques and collectibles exhibitors spread throughout the park, so bring your walking shoes. Some of the vintage fun for sale at “Antiques in the Park” includes estate jewelry, old pottery, art, china and glassware, primitives and folk, kitchen collectibles, linens, toys, fun ephemera including Florida memorabilia, small furnishings, home décor, Aloha shirts, and more. The show is co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport and Gulfport Lions Club and managed by Hula Hula Productions. Admission and parking is free, and food will be available on site.

The rain date is Saturday, March 24th. www.hulahula.biz.

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HISTORIC HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION’S 2012 HOME TOUR - March 17 Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association (HHPNA) will celebrate its Tenth Annual Home Tour on March 17. The tour will showcase Hyde Park’s rich architectural heritage with a number of private homes open to visitors.

The Hyde Park community, developed early in the 20th century, today is one of the most intact bungalow residential communities in the United States.

The tour will include historic homes and select new construction built in Hyde Park architectural styles. Celebrating the home tour’s 10th anniversary, HHPNA will honor the 90 homes featured in previous home tours, and have an extensive showing of vintage automobiles.

The funds raised from the tour will be used to continue to improve Hyde Park, most significantly to mark and beautify the gateway entrances to this jewel of a historic neighborhood.

The March 17, 2012 Home Tour, open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., begins with ticket and map pickup at Kate Jackson Park, 821 S. Rome Avenue. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at any Coldwell Banker location in Hillsborough and Pinellas county, or at City Street Sweets shop in Hyde Park Village.

Advance tickets may also be purchased online at www.historichometours.com or www.ehydepark.org. Tickets are available on the day of the tour for $25 at registration.

Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association, chartered in 1996 to preserve the integrity of its historic neighborhood, encompasses 1200 residences and businesses. Association members actively support their neighborhood to preserve the historic integrity of the community and continue to make it a great place to live.

Funds previously raised have been instrumental in a number of projects to improve the neighborhood, including the renovation of Kate Jackson Community Center on Rome Avenue and the recent completion of Bern’s Park on Howard Avenue.

For more information: Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Website: www.ehydepark.org

34th Annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival Weekends at MOSI Feb 18 - April 1

Journey back in time as more than 100 merchants contribute to the atmos-

phere of a charming 16th century village featuring endless entertainment, shopping, fun and food fit for a king. Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters and specialty acts. Check out LIVE ARMORED CONTACT JOUSTING twice daily, HUMAN CHESS MATCHES, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and Royalty. Renaissance clothing is encouraged — no weapons of any kind allowed.

THEME WEEKENDS: Feb 18-19 - Highland Fling; Feb 25-26 - Wonders of the World; March 3-4 - Buccaneer Beer Fest; March 10-11 - Wine, chocolate & Romance; March 17-18 - Shamrocks & Shenanigans; March 23 - Festival Friday; March 24-25 - High Seas Adventure; March 31 - April 1 - German Invasion: Halfway to Oktoberfest OTHER EVENTS: Live Armored Jousting, Live Human Combat Chess, Pirates Feast, Free Crafts in the Children’s Realm daily.

Open weekends, Feb 218 - Apr 1, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Festival Friday (March 23) at MOSI. 11315 North 46th St., Tampa, FL 33617. www.BayAreaRenaissanceFest.com

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CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER EVENTS KEN WALDMAN, ALASKA’S FIDDLING POET - March 22 And 24 Ken Waldman, Alaska’s Fiddling Poet, will give a free performance at the Carrollwood Cultural Center at 12 p.m. on March 22. He will also perform at the Center’s free Arts in the Park outdoor festival on March 24 at 4 p.m. The performances will combine old-time Appalachian-style fiddling, poetry and Alaskaset storytelling.

A former college professor with an masters degree in creative writing from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, Waldman has six full-length collections of poetry, a memoir, and a book of acrostic poetry for children, as well as nine CDs that combine original poetry with traditional string-band music. More than 400 of his poems and stories have appeared in literary journals.

Since 1995, he’s performed throughout North America at leading performing arts centers, theaters, festivals, concert series, and clubs.

He’s been a visiting artist at more than 160 schools in 31 states, and a visiting writer at more than 80 colleges and universities.

Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa ARTS IN THE PARK - March 24 - 25 The Carrollwood Cultural Center will host its annual Arts in the Park, a two-day outdoor art festival commemorating the fourth anniversary of the Center, on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. The event will take place in the oak-shaded park behind the Center, which will be transformed into a vast outdoor gallery of original artwork.

Arts in the Park will include local artists, live entertainment, food vendors, and hands-on activities for children. The event will showcase works of art done in acrylics, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, printmaking, oils, sculpture, watercolors, wood, and more. Many of the exhibiting artists are also instructors at the Center.

SARASOTA SLIM IN CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUEST NITRO BOZEMAN - March 30 The Carrollwood Cultural Center presents an evening of outstanding blues music by Sarasota Slim with special guest Nitro Bozeman on Friday, March 30 at 8 p.m. Sarasota Slim is the nickname of Gene Hardage, who grew up in Sarasota.

Internationally acclaimed, Hardage has toured Europe and released four albums on Italian label Appaloosa throughout the 1990s. He started the long-running Monday night blues jam at Tampa’s Green Iguana. Nitro Bozeman began playing harmonica in front of audiences at age seven. Sixty years later, he blows audiences away with his skilled harmonica playing.

STRINGS IN THE SPRING: DUOS & TRIOS - March 31 As part of Carrollwood Cultural Center’s Spring Classical Music Series, Florida Orchestra principal violinist Sarah Shellman and cellist James Connors will join pianist Franz Mantini for Strings in the Spring: Duos & Trios on March 31 at 7 p.m. Shellman and Mantini will open the program with Beethoven’s spirited Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in E flat major. Connors and Mantini will then perform the demonic and intriguing Bartok Rhapsody No. 1 for Cello and Piano. The second half of the program will bring all three musicians together for Brahm’s Trio #1 in B flat major.

For more information, visit the Carrollwood Cultural Center website at www.carrollwoodcenter.org.

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ALL ABOARD! CALLING ALL TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS - March 24 The train is pulling into the station at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. The model train that is. Enjoy the fifth Pioneer Florida Museum Model Train Show, Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 10am to 4pm. This collection of model trains layouts, railroad memorabilia and hobby shop vendors is sure to delight all train enthusiasts. Located in the Mabel Jordan Barn, this 10,000 square foot showroom will house HO scale and Lionel model train layouts as well as model train and hobby shop vendors from around the state. In addition, the museum’s own historic Trilby Depot will be open and on display with a working telegraph and running model railroad. The museum’s 1913 Porter 10 wheeler, once owned and used by the Cummer Cypress Company, will also be open and on display.

Not into model trains but want to come along with someone who is? No problem, the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is filled with exhibits and artifacts from the pioneer era that are sure to spark the interest of all guests. The museum’s historic buildings include the Lacoochee one-room school house, the Overstreet 1860’s farm house, the 1950’s CC Smith General store and the 1910 Blanton Packing House. The main building is filled with examples of pioneer life and beyond. With a quilt room, back porch and the renowned First Ladies of Florida Doll Collection. Shop, eat and explore with an exciting day of family fun. General admission fees do apply. Parking is free.

The Pioneer Florida Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Florida’s pioneer heritage.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. General admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students (6-18), children 5 and under free. The museum is located one mile north of downtown Dade City, off of US 301 at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road. For More Information, call 352-567-0262 or go to www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org

MID FLORIDA WALK MS: TAMPA 2012 - March 24 Join the National MS Society, Mid Florida Chapter for their annual Walk MS at the Lowry Park Zoo off Sligh Ave. 1 mi and 2 mi walks, fully accessible and fun for the family. Register to walk as an individual, join a team or create a team. Registration is 5:30 p.m. and the walk kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $20 minimum donation requested per participant. Your participation helps create a world free of MS by funding vital education, support, advocacy, and research, making a HUGE difference in the lives of the 70,000 Central Floridians that are affected by multiple sclerosis every day. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 West Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604 Registration is also open for the 2012 Bike MS: The Citrus Tour on Sat., April 21 and Sun., April 22. Last year, more than 1,500 cyclists peddled their way to raising more than $921,569. This year’s goal is an even more impressive $966,000. Once again, this challenging cycling event starts at the scenic and historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Fla. and finishes day one of the ride with a celebration at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. On day two, riders reverse the route. Teams of all sizes are invited to participate in various routes including a 50, 75 or 100-mile route on Saturday, with the option of a 50 or 75 mile return route on Sunday.

To register for Walk MS, the Virtual Walk or Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, or to make a donation or volunteer, visit /FLC. For more information about Walk MS, contact Gaby Casado, Development Manager, 407-478-8882, ext. 27. For more information about Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, contact: Cody Yerian, Development Manager, 813889-8363, ext. 201. www.MidFloridaMSWalks.org

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BELLE OF THE BALL - March 24, April 14, 21, May 5, 12 Prom and Homecoming dances are a highlight for many high school girls, one that calls for a pretty dress. But as formal season approaches, there are countless girls who are unable to afford a dress. “Belle of the Ball” is a project that gives those girls a beautiful dress for their special evening. The whys and hows of their situation are not important, just that someone is there to help them out with their homecoming or prom needs. Some of the dresses are new with tags still attached and many have been worn only once. All of the dresses are free of charge and we hope they will be returned to Belle of the Ball when they are through being worn. The idea is to not have a single dress hanging in the back of a closet not being loved.

Seminole Mall, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole, FL ; www.belleoftheballproject.com

VINES, HOPS AND BERRIES (A TASTY EVENT) March 24 The Tarpon Springs Rotary Club presents a memorable night of fun, tastings and activities. The annual fund raiser will be held on Saturday, March 24th, 2012, from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Cypress Run Golf Club, 2669 St. Andrews Blvd in Tarpon Springs (727-938-3774). The evening will include wine tasting, premium beers, assorted food station tastings and desserts. Also included will be a silent auction, outdoor putting golf contest, a wine-pull (bring your favorite bottle of wine and exchange for a chance wine selection), raffles and other games. All proceeds will be used to support Rotary’s programs. Admission is $25 per person. Cypress Run Golf Club, 2669 St. Andrews Blvd., Tarpon Springs. For more information call 727-938-3971.

SHRIMP PALOOZA - March 24 Join The Rotary Club of Homosassa Springs for Marti Gras Homosassa Style. It kicks off Thursday and Friday night with Splashdown parties at the local bars with live remotes from WFJV Classic Rock 103.3. Saturday starts with a 10:30 am Parade down Yulee Drive and then the event kicks into full gear with live bands, lots of food and plenty of vendors to visit. Enjoy some great seafood, live music and all the fun you can handle. www.shrimpapalooza.com/

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THE TAMPA BAY PRO RODEO - March 24-25 The Tampa Bay Pro Rodeo, a professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo, will feature bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and more.

Annually, the PRCA sanctions about 600 of the most elite multiple-event rodeos on the continent, 37 states and three Canadian provinces, the cream of the crop among thousands of rodeo-related events that take place each year. As a membership-driven organization, the PRCA works to ensure that every event it sanctions is managed with fairness and competence and that the livestock used is healthy and cared for to the highest standards. www.floridastatefair.com/

TOUCH OF THE OLYMPICS COME TO TAMPA: PART OF THE TAMPA BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL- March 24-25 A taste of the Olympic experience will be available at the Tampa Bay Seafood Festival on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 with the Road to London Fan Zone. The event will be held in downtown Tampa at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This is a Free event for sports, seafood, and music fans of all types. The Road to London Fan Zone will provide an interactive sports environment with a focus on Olympics skills: Precision Shooting; Strength - Rowing; Endurance - Cycling; Speed - Field Hockey; Paralympic - Wheelchair Basketball; Agility - Table Tennis; Flexibility WeightLifting.

When fans enter the Road to London Fan Zone, they’ll be immersed in the atmosphere of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Fan Zone will include athlete meet-and-greet autograph sessions, fan sport experiences, interactive elements and Team USA giveaways. In addition to the Fan Zone, the Tampa Bay Seafood Festival will feature vendors, exhibitors, and plenty of entertainment.

Entertainment schedule: March 24 - KJ and the Ballistics, Tampa Taiko Japanese Drummers, JGLB with Johnny G. Lyon, Tampa Taiko Japanese Drummers, JGLB, Bill Wharton and the Ingredients, Les Dudek. March 25 Mo Gravy, The Shakes Society, The Bobby Friss Band.

It is FREE to attend the On the Road to London Fan Zone and the Tampa Bay Seafood Festival. The Crab Shack, a VIP area sponsored by Infiniti of Tampa has tickets available at $60 per day or $100 for both days. A share of the proceeds from the Tampa Bay Seafood Festival will go to the Friends of Tampa Recreation to benefit Aquatics Programs. www.TampaBaySeafoodFestival.com

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CAF’S RED WHITE AND LOUD TOUR STARRING AARON TIPPIN & B-29 FIFI AT SUN ‘N FUN 2012 - March 29 The Commemorative Air Force is bringing the Red, White & Loud Tour Starring Aaron Tippin and the World’s Only Flying B-29 Superfortress to Sun ‘n Fun 2012. This musical tribute to America’s heroes is a one-of-a-kind performance honoring those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom. The concert is scheduled during the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo on Thursday, March 29, at 8 p.m. on the SUN ‘n FUN Florida Air Museum’s AOPA sponsored Pavilion stage.

Tippin is a platinum-selling recording artists and songwriter with 13 albums and more than 30 charted singles, including “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,” “You’ve Got to Stand for Something” and “Kiss This.”

His live performances have wowed audiences across the country due to his skills as a showman and love for his country.

The evening’s concert pairs Tippin with the CAF’s pin Aaron Tip most famous warbird, their Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FiFi, which will arrive at SUN ‘n FUN earlier in the week and offer tours and “dream flights” plus thundering fly-bys in SUN ‘n FUN’s daily Airshow throughout the entire week. Tippin’s multi-media show will evoke the drama and power of FiFi, the icon of U.S. Military Aviation History, proudly restored and flown by the Commemorative Air Force, Midland, Texas.

A highly experienced airman himself, Aaron soloed on his 16th birthday.

He became a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and his also helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J3 Cub and 1959 Helio Curior – all in flying condition. Over the past two decades, platinum recording artist Aaron Tippin has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music. With 13 recorded CD’s to his name and more than 30 charted singles, he performs nearly 200 dates each year.

Aaron Tippin’s Red, White & Loud concert will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday evening, March 29, as part of the evening program lineup. Seating is available to all SUN ‘n FUN weekly or Thursday ticket (wristband) wearers on a first come, first serve basis. A special $10 after 5 p.m. admission rate to the show site has been announced for those interested in attending the concert that cannot join the SUN ‘n FUN festivities during the day. Parking will be in SUN ‘n FUN’s Main Parking Lot off West Pipkin Road.

Dinner and beverages will be available prior to the concert in the SUNSET Grill on the SUN ‘n FUN campus.

4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, FL 33811; 863-644-2431; www.sun-n-fun.org/

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS March 30-31 Join Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center as they host the Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships. Competitions include: Trails obstacle course, showmanship, pole bending speed event, barrel racing speed event, drill team, English and Western equitation, and dressage. Riders from Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties will compete for top places in order to move up to the State Championships to be held in May. Concessions are available.

The Bakas Equestrian Center is part of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

It has been part of Hillsborough County’s therapeutic recreation program since 1987, and over the years, thousands of disabled riders have benefitted from this program. The Center hosts riding lessons for children and adults who have physical and/or mental disabilities. The Center offers introductory riding lessons, games on horseback, basic to advanced riding skills, competition in Special Olympics and challenge shows, driving with horse and carriage, trail rides and more. It also offers riding to the general public, including scheduled lessons, trail rides and birthday parties.

Friday, March 30, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m. FREE. Bakas Equestrian Center, 11510 Whisper Lake Trail in Tampa; www.bakasridingcenter.com; (813) 264-3890.

GULFPORT’S 18TH ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL - March 31 This festive Spring celebration features garden art, garden products, live plants, arts & crafts, food vendors and live music. Activities include a childrens area and a hat parade & contest. While browsing the vendor booths, dont miss the unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District, now one of the foremost dining destinations in the Bay Area and one of six small-town finalists from across the country in the 2011 Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road competition in the Best Food category.

3129 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707; 727-322-5217; www.gulfportareachamberofcommerce.org/gulfportspringfest

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UPCOMING EVENTS St. Patrick’s Day at The Pier - March 17 It’s all about everything GREEN at The Pier on Saturday, March 17. Shamrock beads and “dealie bobbers” will be available (while supplies last) at The Pier Concierge Center and Jonny Reno’s. “Lucid Druid Celtic Fusion” band will perform in the Courtyard from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and there will be rides available in the Honda Grand Prix “street legal” car - tickets sold by the Children’s Dream Fund - from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

“White Hot Grill” - March 25 - “White Hot Grill” is the Music Fest Band for March 25th. Enjoy their upbeat music in the Courtyard from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Jose Valentino on Easter Sunday - April 8 - Before reaching the age required to obtain a Florida driver’s permit, José Valentino Ruiz, aka-Joe Ruiz, was playing flute with passion and dexterity. José was born in Maryland, and lived there during the first eight years of his life prior to moving to Tampa. Frequent trips with his family to Puerto Rico infused fervor in his soul for his Hispanic heritage and excitement for Latin rhythms. Diligently practicing for hours a day, José honed his skills. He performs as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist in his concerts bringing art music from around the world to his audiences. José’s primary instrument is the flute. In his performances, he captures the audience’s attention because he brings music from all parts of the world and fuses it all together. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Book Nook by the Bay Saturday, April 7 - Book Nook, from 10:30-noon, the first Saturday of each month, is a family program of The Pier Aquarium, and features three scheduled activities.

Fresh Fish Theater - 10:30am: family library time, craft activity with this month’s Featured Creatures, Anthias. Featured Creature facts, suggested reading by Youth Services Coordinator Beth Lindsay from the St. Petersburg Public Library System, the aquarium’s marine science library and the reading of books. It is free with a paid aquarium admission.

Happy Days perform April Fool’s Day - NO JOKE! - You LOVE “Happy Days”, a funny and entertaining duo from “The Big Apple”. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance and sing along, as they do impersonations and songs from those you remember Englebert, Elvis, the Blues Brothers and more. Sunday, April 1, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m.

WD-HAN Debuts at The Pier - April 15 - WD-HAN debuts at The Pier on Sunday, April 15th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. as part of the Music Fest by the Bay. WD-HAN stands for “We Don’t Have a Name”, but I think this band is already making a name for themselves in the Tampa Bay area. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m

www.stpetepier.com

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THE ARMED FORCES HISTORY MUSEUM TO HOST GUEST SPEAKER LT. COL. CAROL BARKALOW - March 31 The Armed Forces History Museum is hostomg guest speaker and highly decorated officer Lt. Col. Carol Barkalow (Ret.) on Saturday, March 31st from 5pm to 9pm. A special exhibit case has been created in her honor and will showcase her uniform, book, United States Naval Academy and career photographs, and feature spreads from magazines.

Lt. Col. Barkalow has an impressive list of accomplishments. She was in the first graduating class to include women at the United States Military Academy. She was also the Staff Officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, Special Assistant to the Army Chief of Staff at the Pentagon, Staff Officer of the 24th Infantry Division of Desert Storm, and Commander of the 25th Transportation Battalion in Korea. She is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the NATO Medal and more She is also author of the book, In the Men’s House: An Inside Account of Life in the Army by One of West Point’s First Female Graduates, where she shares some heat-of-the-moment entries from her journals to chronicle the pioneering achievements of the women who first successfully hurdled West Point’s sex barrier.

Lt. Col. Barkalow has appeared on the TODAY Show, McLaughlin Hours, CNN Future Watch, CSPAN Book Notes, PBS Special, Fox 23 and Life Magazine.

727.443.5146; www.armedforcesmuseum.com.

ARMED FORCES MUSEUM 4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER - April 4 Benefits and proceeds will be used for ongoing educational progress and programs as well as the preservation of the history of the military. Entry fee includes green fees, golf cart, breakfast, awards banquet with a silent auction and luncheon, a gift and range ball. Each entrant can also sign up for the Contest Ticket Package, which includes the Long Drive Contest, Closest to Pin Contest, HoleIn-One Contest and a 2 Mulligan Contest.

Belleair Country Club, One Country Club Lane, Belleair, FL. www.armedforcesmuseum.com or call 727.539.8371.

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ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is located in Al Lang Stadium parking lot (Progress energy Park), hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The parking lot is at the SE corner of First Avenue South and First Street. The Market is located on the western portion of the parking lot. For a GPS location, use 101 1st St SE. (zip - 33701).

The market features a wide variety fresh food, plants and crafts including: Farmers providing locally grown fresh produce and herbs. Meet who grows your food; Fresh Produce with a wide selection of regular & organic fruits and vegetables; Prepared Foods such as BBQ Turkey, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, fruit smoothies and much more; Gourmet Baked Goods including crusty bread, muffins, pies, and delectable desserts; Greenery - Plants, Flowers, Orchids, and Fresh Herbs; and Hand-crafted House wares & Gifts. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

GET DOWNTOWN FIRST FRIDAY ST. PETE At the heart of downtown St. Petersburg between 2nd and 3rd Street South, every First Friday of the month, Central Avenue is transformed into a Block Party between 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Meet up with old and new friends and enjoy some of the best Jazz and oldies in the Tampa Bay area. There’s plenty of great food and fine dining in the area. Enjoy the free live music in a unique, convenient, and safe environment. www.firstfridaystpete.com

LIVE ARTS ON THE 600 BLOCK! - Every Third Saturday Of The Month Hosted by the diverse and creative venues on the Block, LIVE Arts on the 600 Block! is a multi-arts sidewalk fest featuring artists and artisans in downtown St. Petersburg.

Stop by the block every third Saturday of the month, to listen to live music, enjoy the shops, and watch artists of all kinds at work. In addition, many of the shops and galleries will be showcasing their offerings with enticing specials throughout the day. 10am-6pm.

For more information visit www.sixhundredblock.com

COREY SUNSET CELEBRATION - Second and fourth Friday of every month, year round The Corey Avenue Sunset Celebration takes place from 6-10 pm. Each bi-monthly event feature a variety of unique live entertainment, as well as local artists and crafters and a variety of snack food vendors. Buskers and street performers are always welcome at Corey Sunset Celebration, and may work for hat, at no charge to set up.

Corey Avenue is the Heart of Downtown St. Pete Beach, the Sunset Capital of Florida. Discover the unique stores, specialty shops, the theater, restaurants, art galleries, clothing stores, imaginative gift shops, craft and hobby shopping, beachwear shops, and more. Visit by car or trolley. Free Parking and admission. www.CoreyAve.com.

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AMERICA’S GOT TALENT AT THE MAHAFFEY - April 3 NBC’s America’s Got Talent is taping live at The Mahaffey and you can join host Nick Cannon and celebrity judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, and Sharon Osbourne in the live television audience. Watch the country’s best performers compete live in Florida for two days only, April 3rd and 4th with tapings at 12pm and 5pm. ALL TICKETS ARE FREE. The minimum age to attend is 14. For more information and to print free tickets, visit www.on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Americas_Got_Talent.

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET & FREE CLOTHING SWAP - April 9 The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is a yearround open-air market held in Gulfport’s Waterfront District on Beach Blvd. Market hours are 9am to 3pm every Tuesday. Vendors offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, local honey, teas, herbs, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef, cheese, fresh breads, pastries, nuts and granola, gourmet, vegetarian/vegan and ethnic foods, candy, garden plants, fresh flowers, bath and body products and much more. A variety of local artists and crafters offer their wares. Many other unique items are available from over 50 vendors with new vendors appearing each week. Live music is featured in two locations.

On April 9th from 9am to 1pm, The Tuesday Market Free Clothing Swap continues to grow in popularity. Participants are invited to bring up to five gently used garments to exchange for vouchers that may be used to select clothing brought in by other participants. Clothing may be for women, men or children. All cash proceeds, donated clothing, and non-selected garments at the end of the swap will be donated to Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA).

2937 Beach Boulevard South Gulfport, FL 33707; 727-366-4086; tuesday-fresh-market

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TAMPA BAY PRO-AM HOSTED BY TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING - April 9-15 Homeless Emergency Project (HEP), with funds supporting The Campaign to Bring Our Veterans All the Way Home, will share in the proceeds from the premier Champions Tour event taking place April 9-15 at TPC Tampa Bay. Since 1986, Homeless Emergency Project’s mission has been to provide homeless and very low income individuals and families with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. http://www.ethep.org Celebrities scheduled to appear include Ronde’ Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, John O’Hurley, Joe Theismann, and Lightning Founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event in 2012. The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am will take place in Lutz, FL. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com.

GULF COAST RHYTHM & RIBFEST - April 13-15 Make plans to join us for the 6th Annual Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest. Rhythm & Ribfest features a mix of great music, fantastic food from across the U.S., and lots of fun for the entire family. Smoke will fill the air as the top Rib Teams from across the Nation return to serve up their award winning recipes and to compete for this year’s top honors. In addition to the food, music lovers will be entertained by a variety of local, regional and National Recording Artist offering the best mix of Country, Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B and Rock music.

“Greatest Ribs in America”, “Golden Ribs Award”, “Best Sauce in the Nation” and numerous “People’s Choice Awards” are just a few of the Titles and Awards, the attending Rib Masters share amongst them. Last year’s winners of the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” Awards will attend again and are ready to defend their titles. Visit the “Cruise to the Gulf Coast” Car & Bike Show featuring something for everyone including classic, muscle and high performance categories. Families will find plenty to do and will enjoy Games, Rides, Prizes, Thrill Shows, and Live Entertainment in our Interactive Kid’s Fun Zone. Dozens of Arts & Craft and Specialty Item Vendors will showcase their merchandise and round out the activities offered at the Rhythm & Rib Fest. Entertainment lineup includes: Friday April 13: 6:00 PM - MITCH CLARK BAND; 8:30 PM - ERIC DARIUS Saturday April 14: NOON - DR. DAVE BAND; 1:30 PM - KETTLE OF FISH; 3:30 PM WAR; 6:00 PM - THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND; 8:30 PM - MOLLY HATCHET Sunday April 15: 1:00 PM - TBA; 4:00 PM - ACE FACTOR; 6:30 PM - TYRESE www.gulfcoastribfest.com/

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4TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK - April 14 Free admission, live music, fine arts exhibits and sales, kids activities and family fun. Visit local artisans, artists, and organizations in an open air market. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The location is R.E. Olds Park at 107 Shore Drive W. Participants wanting to compete in Sunburst International Pageant & Model Search (held the same day at 11:00 am) may go to www.sunburstbeauty.com or call 352-429-4924 for more info.

TAKE FLIGHT AT THE TRADEWINDS ONBOARD THE NEW JETLEV Beginning in April, area visitors can fulfill their dream of flying with a ride on the new JetLev a water propelled jetpack that soars up to heights of 30 feet at 30 miles per hour. TradeWinds is the first on Floridas west coast to offer flights aboard these custom-designed packs. The exhilarating experience takes riders into the Gulf of Mexico and allows them to fly over or even walk on the water. Each JetLev session is 45 minutes, with a ride time of 30 minutes. The cost is $250 for hotel guests and $285 for nonguests. Fliers must be at least 18 years of age. To see a video of the JetLev in action, go to www.JustLetGo.com/JetLev. The TradeWinds is also adding electric surfboards known as WaveJets to its list of watersport options. These can be rented by the hour and include a lesson. There are various board sizes available, including stand-up paddleboards, longboard, shortboard and bodyboards. Riders can travel over 8 miles per hour on these hands-free, eco-friendly boards that utilize rechargeable batteries.

Riders can document these once-in-a-lifetime experiences by renting a Go-Pro, a small waterproof HD video camera. The cameras are strapped to the riders head allowing them to capture first-person HD video of their experience themselves.

Both the JetLev and the WaveJet surf board rides are open to the public.

The thrills continue with the addition of the Gyrosphere, where guests can flip and spin the day away. The bungee trampoline is now running at night under the glow of neon lights. Other new offerings include stand-up paddleboards, supersize Kinect video games, 100-foot slack line, tetherball and BiminiRing.

These are the perfect complement to last years new addition Splash Island Water Park, a playground floating in the Gulf of Mexico just 60 feet off the resorts sandy shoreline.

For more information, visit www.JustLetGo.com.

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COME FLY AWAY - March 27 - April 1. New Broadway musical that brings together the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out).

BURN THE FLOOR - April 24 - 29. The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing.

BURN THE FLOOR

COME FLY AWAY

The new Straz season offers the singing and dancing nuns of Sister Act, Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes, feel-good romps with ’80s hits like Priscilla Queen of the Desert’s “I Will Survive” and Flashdance’s “Flashdance – What A Feeling,” the chilling return of Jekyll & Hyde, the poignant and spectacular drama War Horse, the exhilarating and evocative Traces and the all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the Gershwins in ’S Wonderful.

In addition to the eight-show series, the Straz Center will also present Green Day’s American Idiot and, based on the hugely popular movie, Elf The Musical, the “endearingly goofy” (USA Today) story of a man raised as an elf at the North Pole who goes in search of his human family. Plus, The Straz presents the triumphant return of Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, Wicked, the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Oz. Season ticket holders will be able to add any or all of these three shows to their package.

“Our Broadway season will offer theater audiences in the Tampa Bay area the opportunity to experience a vast array of top-notch theatrical productions. This entertaining and rewarding series has something for everyone and showcases the best that theater has to offer.”

– Judith Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center.

With the exception of ’S Wonderful, which will play in the intimate Jaeb Theater, the series is presented in the Straz Center’s acoustically perfect Carol Morsani Hall, the largest on the west coast of Florida, with more than 2,600 seats.

For more information, visit Straz Center, 813-229-7827, www.strazcenter.org.

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2.5 MINUTE RIDE - Thru May 6

By Lisa Kron, Directed by Todd Olson. Winner of the 1999 Obie Award, 2.5 Minute Ride is a funny and deeply disquieting story about a daughter who strives to understand the joys and sorrows of her father’s heart. It’s a startling and searingly funny meditation on how human beings make sense of tragedy, grief, and everyday life. Told with wit and compassion, 2.5 Minute Ride tells the story of a father who, in spite of near-blindness, diabetes, and a heart condition, insists on family trips to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, the roller coaster capital of the world. But this isn’t the only journey this daughter would take with her father … a German-born Jew who escaped Nazi Germany as a teenager only to return as an American soldier. Part testimonial, part performance art, Kron seeks to find the humanity in the crevices of human behavior. 2.5 Minute

Ride has been described as “intravenous” – a work which goes directly into the mind and heart of the audience via the serum of a beguiling theatrical entertainment.

A STEADY RAIN - Thru May 6

By Keith Huff, directed by T. Scott Wooten. One night on a routine call, two Chicago cops begin a journey over three harrowing days that will change their lives forever. Joey and Denny are longtime partners and best friends. They are also men with flaws. Joey is single, a recovering alcoholic and lonely.

Denny is married with children, but there are clearly secrets. What begins as a domestic disturbance call snowballs into an avalanche and the friends are eventually forced to offer their differing accounts of what happened. A Steady Rain is the investigation where the audience becomes the jury and Joey and Denny’s lives become changed forever. Mature subject matter and language. www.americanstage.org

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

Up Coming

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm Thru April 22

Apr 27 - June 3

Dinner & Show-$49.50 + Tax • Show Only-$38.45+Tax

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Venue Ensemble Theatre THE OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURES OF SHELDON & MRS. LEVINE - March 22 - April 1

V

enue Ensemble Theatre presents The Outrageous Adventures of Sheldon & Mrs. Levine by Sam Bobrick and Julie Stein. Enter the outrageous world of an all-consuming love-hate relationship between a son and his mother that succeeds in giving

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insanity a good name. Share in the lives and the mail of two people who although thousands of miles apart may still be too close to each other for their own good. The Outrageous Adventures stars Mark Myers as Sheldon and Nonie White as Mrs. Levine under the direction of Mary Kay Cyrus.

Venue Theatre is located in the Hudson Furniture Plaza at 9125 US 19 N (intersection of Mainlands Blvd and US 19), Pinellas Park, FL 33782. www.VenueActorStudio.org; 727-8226194.

JACKPOT

March 2 - Apr 22

From the team who brought you Boogie Wonderland and Viva Vegascomes Jackpot, a

fantastic celebration of the Las Vegas of today and yesterday. It’s an affectionate look at all the great performers and personalities that make Vegas sizzle! Filled with classic standards, handsome crooners, beautiful showgirls and exciting dancing, this toe-tapping, finger snapping, high-rolling musical revue is one that you don’t want to miss. Place your bets on an exciting evening of entertainment Las Vegas style!

SWING! - Apr 27 - June 3

“Two thirds rhythm and one third soul.” That’s how Fats Waller defined the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as “swing.” Requiring only joyful enthusiasm and a ready partner, swing exploded out of pre-war Harlem’s hotbed of youth culture and swept the world. It shattered ethnic and cultural barriers, generating specialty styles such as Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hip-Hop Swing. Swing! celebrates this remarkable diversity to the beat of the most exhilarating songs of the period.

NEW YORK NIGHTS - June 8 July 15 It’s New York City! The “City Rhythm” is taking the streets by storm as The Show Palace presents an all-new musical revue which features high-energy singing and dancing to the sounds of Motown, Rock & Roll, Disco and Broadway.

NEW YORK NIGHTS follows a struggling pop singer as he makes his way through the city that never sleeps. Filled with classic pop hits, high-energy singing and dancing and the sights and sounds of New York City this show is a must-see!

Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson. 1888-655-7469, www.showpalace.net

BECKY’S NEW CAR - April 27 - May 13

RADIUM GIRLS - Thru March 25

By D. W. Gregory. Before Erin Brockovich... even before Norma Rae, there were the Radium Girls.

Inspired by the true story of a group of young women who were exposed to radium while working at a factory where they manufactured and painted the dials of luminous watches.

Radium Girls is written with warmth and humor and is a commentary on safety in the workplace.

A comedy by Steven Deitz.

Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage—with no prospects for change on the horizon. Then one night a socially inept and grief-struck millionaire stumbles into the car dealership where Becky works. Becky is offered nothing short of a new life…and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn’t dare. BECKY’S NEW CAR is a thoroughly original comedy with serious overtones, a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken.

West Coast Players is located at 21905 US 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33765; 727 437-2363; www.wcplayers.org/

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A story that speaks to the very heart of American integrity. A tender portrait of a southern town, brimming with powerful lessons of tolerance, justice and quiet heroism and a message of fighting for what is right. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. He agrees to defend a young black man who is accused of raping a white woman. Many of the townspeople try to get Atticus to pull out of the trial, but he decides to go ahead. Book by Harper Lee. 1961 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

By Neil Simon. Biloxi is the second play in the “Eugene” Trilogy. Social, racial and ethnic issues are tackled with Simon’s superb comic timing. Rich in both humor and ethi-

cal confrontation. A young Jewish man, Eugene Morris Jerome, addresses the issues of anti-Semitism and moral responsibility while trying to survive the rigors of army training. The play details his experiences while he served in the United States Army during World War II. Unlike most war productions, Biloxi Blues focuses not on issues of combat, but rather on the training that young soldiers receive.

Throughout the course of the work, Eugene learns both how to be a better soldier and how to be a better man. Faced with such sociological issues as anti-Semitism and racism, he acquires his own sense of moral responsibility for the times in which he lives. Tony AWARD for best play: 1985. www.stageworkstheatre.org; or call 813-251-8984.

Tomaseen Foley’s Irish Times March 17. Join in on St. Patrick’s Day for some traditional Irish music, song, dancing, and stories drawn from rural Ireland in 1940s live on stage at the Largo Cultural Center. Tomaseen’s new show, Irish Times features some of the finest Celtic artists performing today, including Grammy-Award winning Celtic guitarist William Coulter, World Champion level traditional Irish dancers, and of course native Irish storyteller Tomaseen Foley.

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience - March 30. Yesterday and Today is completely unique from any other Beatles tribute out there.

The band does away with the wigs and the accents and just concentrate on the Beatles music. The audience is encouraged to fill out a request form with their favorite Beatles song and reason why they chose the song.

Those requests are organized five minutes before showtime. The audience’s requests make the set list for the evening and their stories provide the evening’s narrative. www.LargoArts.com, (727)587-6793. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

POP GOES THE ROCK BY CIRQUE DREAMS - April 10-13 Conceived by Neil Goldberg, creator of the groundbreaking Broadway hit CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY and founder of the famed Cirque Dreams Entertainment Brand, POP GOES THE ROCK by Cirque Dreams is a one-of a kind variety show that unites generations through a mash-up of celebrated pop and rock tunes spanning the decades. Neil Goldberg’s stage wizardry blends an international cast of astonishing Cirque Dreamers with singers, dancers and musicians performing crazy feats to off-the-hook beats, on the stage, in the air, and way off the charts.

The entire family will marvel and remember this theatrical celebration. Spectacular Cirque Dreamers perform to popular music hits accompanied by the band, hundreds of colorfully inventive costumes and an array of visual artistry that will explode onstage like a Rock n’ Roll party set in a carnival funhouse. Don’t miss POP GOES THE ROCK by Cirque Dreams … a fun time for everyone!

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS - April 20 With breathtaking songs that began their life with Karen and Richard Carpenter, Yesterday Once More takes audiences back in time; recapturing the music an entire generation fell in love with, and fell in love to. Yesterday Once More is enhanced with behind the scenes stories and anecdotes of the pop culture of the 70’s, along with the lush arrangements by Jim Brickman of songs like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and ”Close To You!” Bringing the show to life is the talented cast featuring accomplished vocalists Joanna Jahn, John Trones, Jen Burleigh Bentz, from Broadway’s Mamma Mia, and Musical Director David Lohman.

LORNA LUFT - April 24 “A rousing, dramatically riveting musical event. The use of Garland video has enormous impact. Luft belts the songs with fully committed vitality, delivering with passion and honesty. Luft infuses it with uplifting joy. The singer’s time has come.” - Daily Variety. See her up close and personal as part of the Mahaffey Theater’s Mid-Day Live series.

The Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 First Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727.892.5798; www.themahaffey.com

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New Seeds Festival Brings National Artists To Tampa For Women’s History Month - March 23, 24 And 30, 31 The Second Annual New Seeds Festival honors women in music, dance, comedy and poetry. The four night festival featuring nationally acclaimed artists will be held in Tampa’s Bob Smith Black Box Theatre.

Organized by award winning off Broadway comedian and theatrical producer Suzanne Willett, the festival highlights women performers and their artistic interpretations of current events. Willett, most recently known for her play, Red Pepper, is bringing in

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artists from across the country and abroad culminating with a performance by the Australian rock/folk phenom, Martine Locke, who gained international success with her powerhouse voice, intelligent stage banter, and intimate life stories.

In addition to Locke, the festival will also feature the Resonance Project, Artist Block, Tampa Bay Ballet, Jacksonville Dance and Cait Capaldi.

Black Box Theatre in the Tampa Preparatory complex. 727 W. Cass Street, Tampa, FL 33606. www.newseedsfest.eventbrite.com or call 813-892-7502.

freeFall theatre company

RIP.TIED. March 16 - April 1.

By Local Playwright Aleshea Harris. A post-hurricane Southern town. Family ties and gripping fears. Tests of love and questions of ever-present Ancestors. And nearly 3,000 gallons of water on stage. Local playwright Aleshea Harris’s play with music, Rip.Tied., embodies all of this and so much more, and will open on March 16 at freeFall Theatre and run through April 1.

Rip.Tied. is the story of a family’s quest for reclamation. Siblings Donis and Viola Masterson struggle with the aftermath of a hurricane, and although the floodwaters are rising, the pair are bound to their crooked house by Donis’ fear of water and Viola’s reluctance to abandon the family home.

When James, a family friend, arrives to urge their immediate departure, old

lyrical epistolary play, Lark Eden. She will feature the talents of some of the Tampa Bay area’s top actresses: Roxanne Fay, Julie Rowe and Bonnie Agan.

Tracing the lives and life-long friendships of three Southern women beginning in the Depression era and continuing through the early years of the new century, Lark Eden offers a poetic exploration of the ties that bind

wounds complicate matters. Add to this the presence of Ancestors (who can be heard but are unseen by the living) and things grow to catastrophic heights both emotionally and physically.

Harris’s piece considers a history that is both cyclic and collective: in the play, history repeats itself, past occurrences inform the present, and ancient trauma necessitates modern transcendence. Inspired by numerous African folk tales used to explain the disappearance of runaway slaves as literally flying away to freedom, this play explores family, legend, and the value of self-determination.

LARK EDEN March 25, 28.

freeFall Theatre is presenting local author Natalie Symons’ touching and

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lives together as tightly as family, and as surely as love. From frog catching girls with skinned knees to world wizened grandmothers, Lark Eden follows these three lives through personal trials and victories no less daunting than the historical tribulations that provide the backdrop to these everyday American lives. www.freefalltheatre.com or call (727) 498-5205.

her beloved vicarís actress wife is having an affair and attempts to expose her. Add an escaped German prisoner of war, a handsome actor, the visiting Bishop of Lax, a rotund locum priest and some meddling neighbors and hilarious confusion and mayhem result.

SEE HOW THEY RUN - March 2 - 18. Comedy

by Phillip King. Set in the idyllic village of Mertoncum-Middlewick in 1940s England, the village

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN – April 20-May 6. Comedy whodunit by Weinstock & Gilbert. Daniel Corban is distraught at the disappearance of his wife Elizabeth from the remote cabin in the Catskill Mountains, where the Corbans were spending their honeymoon. The cabin belongs to Corban’s boss, who will appear later in the play.

Elizabeth just up and disappeared, leaving Daniel in the lurch. While Inspector Levine is out looking for Elizabeth, a priest, Father Kelleher shows up at the cabin with Elizabeth. Corban claims this woman is not his wife. The unexpected turns are maneuvered at high speed, with an ending twist certain to bring you up short.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE - June 1 - 17. Drama by Tennessee Williams. Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-inlaw while her reality crumbles around her.

inhabitants are preparing themselves for the imminent threat of Nazi invasion. Resident nosy-parker and spinster, Miss Skillon, becomes convinced that

For more information, visit www.splt.org.

4025 31st Street South, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973.

specials, and bestselling CDs, videos, and DVDs, Gallagher’s immense talent and broad appeal make him a Hall of Fame comedian. Gallagher is not coasting nor is he slowing down, however. Gallagher is still making us fall out of our chairs with laughter.

Gallagher has the distinction of being the first real star to come out of cable television. To date he has done sixteen specials.

A Gallagher concert is an unforgettable experience. He is a keen and original observer of human nature and the American scene. “My humor makes people think,” Gallagher says. “I want people to look more closely at this country and their lives to see the humor and absurdity in it all …I don’t have to make it up, the truth is funny enough.”

The Improv is at 1600 E. 8th Ave, Centro Ybor, Tampa, FL 33605; www.improvtampa.com

Comedy Legend

GALLAGHER April 4

World-Famous comedian Gallagher became a household name by smashing watermelons during his highly rated HBO specials. But millions of comedy fans around the world were already in love with his razor-sharp observations, hilarious dead-on insights, and incredibly creative word play. One need only see that he has joined the exalted pantheon of the “one-name-only” celebrities (such as Oprah, Madonna, and “The Donald”) to know how beloved Gallagher’s comedy is. With a following built upon countless sold-out concert halls, uproarious HBO www.AccentOnTampaBay.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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S T R E C N O C T O H 1-800-ASK GARY AMPITHEATRE JIMMY BUFFET - March 30

Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett is known for humorous chronicles of a laid-back seafaring life; his philosophical outlook is encapsulated in tunes like “Why Don’t We Get Drunk (and Screw)” and “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I Don’t Love Jesus.” Buffett’s commercial breakthrough came in 1977 with the platinum Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (#12) and its hit single, “Margaritaville” (#8). His 1981 Coconut Telegraph album inspired a fan-club newsletter of the same name, which has maintained a worldwide subscriber base of “Parrot Heads.” The 1985 compilation Songs You Know By Heart (subtitled Jimmy Buffett’s Greatest Hit[s] in self-mocking reference to the fact that “Margaritaville” was his only major pop hit) sold two million copies; 1992’s Boats Beaches Bars & Ballads also went platinum. By that time Buffett had established a Margaritaville empire, including a record label and Margaritaville Store and Cafe outlets in Key West and New Orleans. He also wrote two best-selling books, Tales from Margaritaville, a collection of short stories, and the novel Where Is Joe Merchant?, as well as two children’s books, The Jolly Man and Trouble Dolls, both coauthured with his daughter, Savannah Jane. He continues performing to sell-out crowds and crusades on behalf of Florida’s endangered manatees. www.livenation.com

STRAZ CENTER MARY J. BLIGE - March 19 Pure, unadulterated and empowering. That has been Mary J. Blige’s calling card ever since her 1992 multi-platinum debut album, What’s the 411?

And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter’s musical strong suit has attracted an intensely loyal fan base – responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. With a track record of eight multiplatinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 29 nominations) and four American Music Awards, Blige is only getting started. The singer returns just as fierce and compelling on her tenth studio album, the aptly titled My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act 1). The new project doubles as the sequel to Blige’s 1994 classic, My Life. Mary performs at the Straz Center, March 19. www.maryjblige.com For more information, visit www.strazcenter.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - March 29

The Tampa Bay Times Forum is about to get RED HOT. After 5 years, Frank Productions and C3 Presents bring Red Hot Chili Peppers back to the Tampa Bay Times Forum to kick off their new live tour on Thursday, March 29.

Special guest, Santigold, will join Red Hot Chili Peppers.

VAN HALEN - April 14 With Special Guests Kool And The Gang

After performing at the world famous Cafe Wha? in New York City to announce their world tour, the Big Apple Press applauded as fans and followers posted videos and photos of the band’s unique show opening.

The band continues its campaign with the release of its brand new studio album “A Different Kind Of Truth”. The album is Van Halen’s first original studio album with singer David Lee Roth since the band’s diamond certified album 1984. R&B Superstars Kool and the Gang will open. For more information visit www.LiveNation.com.

B R U U U U U C E!

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND: The ‘Wrecking Ball’ World Tour - March 23

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s only Florida stop is the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Springsteen’s 17th studio album ‘Wrecking Ball’ was recently released on Columbia Records. “We Take Care Of Our Own,” the album’s first single, is “classic Springsteen” with “anguish and challenge [that] run thick and fast” (Rolling Stone); a “richly orchestrated Wall of Sound... that nods to the ‘Born to Run’ era” (Billboard). The E Street Band’s members are: Roy Bittan - piano, synthesizer; Nils Lofgren - guitar, vocals; Patti Scialfa - guitar, vocals; Garry Tallent - bass guitar; Stevie Van Zandt - guitar, vocals; and Max Weinberg - drums; with Soozie Tyrell - violin, guitar, vocals and Charlie Giordano keyboards. www.tampabaytimesforum.com

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HOT CONCERTS MAHAFFEY THEATER Bill Edwards Presents

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS - April 22

Gary Mullen & The Works bring the spirit and passion of rock icon Freddie Mercury to life on with the spectacular rock tribute, One Night of Queen. Fans of Queen will delight in this note-for-note experience of their megahits.

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED - March 30

Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” may not have intended it, but their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited has taken on a startling life of its own. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section (bass and drums respectively) from the legendary group Creedence Clearwater Revival launched the Creedence Clearwater Revisited project in 1995 to once again perform live Creedence Clearwater Revival hits - touchstones of a generation. Having toured North America, South America, New Zealand, Europe and Asia, knocking out audiences with astounding concerts jam packed with songs that are still a staple of radio and movie soundtracks, Creedence Clearwater Revisited has come a long way. As the Hollywood Reporter’s music critic John Lappen wrote about a Creedence Clearwater Revisited concert in Los Angeles, “Their set was an amazing list of hit after hit that was done serious justice by the players involved. If anyone in the cheering crowd was disappointed [anyone] wasn’t there, they hid it well behind their big smiles and whoops of joy at hearing live some of the best American rock ever written and recorded.” www.mahaffeytheater.com/

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HOT CONCERTS

LARGO CULTURAL CENTER STEVE MARCH TORMÈ - March 16 Enjoy an evening of terrific music performed

by Steve March Tormè, son of the late, great jazz singer Mel Tormè, at the Largo Cultural Center on Friday, March 16 at 8pm.

Tormè will sing tunes not only from “The Great American Songbook” but also songs from his own original catalog. He will charm everyone with a voice the Los Angeles called “seductive” and “effortless.” www.LargoArts.com or 727.587.6793.

16TH ANNUAL SUWANNEE SPRINGFEST - March 22 – 25 Four Days Of Music And Camping The 16th Annual Suwannee Springfest Kicks Off At The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park In Live Oak, Fl, March 22-25. Springfest welcomes to the lineup San Francisco rockers Tea Leaf Green, as well as Packway Handle Band, Bobby Miller & The Virginia Daredevils, Grant Peeples, Sanctum Sully, Red June, Taylor Martin’s Engine, Tennessee Firearms, Short Straw Pickers and Uproot Hootenanny.

They Join More Than 30 Other Artists Including Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna The Buffalo, Justin Townes Earle, EmmittNershi Band and others. Additionally, Springfest is hosting two very special sets with Tony Rice, who will sit in with Larry Keel & Natural Bridge and also with Infamous Stringdusters. Full Lineup Details Are Listed On the website, www.suwanneespringfest.com.

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THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA Upcoming Shows

By Henry Adams

A

t the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concert, Stefan Sanderling and the orchestra share the stage with soprano Indra Thomas in Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 on a program of springthemed works, including Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring in the original 13-instrument composition, which Copland composed for choreographer and modern dance icon Martha Graham. The concert also features Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, Spring. As part of the orchestra’s new Progress Energy Morning Masterworks series, the first performance is Friday, March 16, at 10 a.m.

Hilary Kole

at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. This program repeats in the evening on March 17 at the Mahaffey Theater and on March 18 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Hailed by England’s Manchester Evening News as “one of the greats,” internationally renowned conductor Günther Herbig returns to conduct The Florida Orchestra on the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series in a program featuring Principal Trumpet Robert Smith in Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto. The program opens with Schubert’s Symphony No. 6 and finishes with Brahms’ mighty Symphony No. 4. These concerts are April 13, 14 and 15 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater respectively.

Enjoy complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the next Coffee Concert with Stuart Malina conducting a Broadwaythemed program of selections from The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma and more. Taking place in a relaxed setting with the conductor talking to the audience about the music, these concerts are Wednesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater and Thursday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

At the next Raymond James Pops concert, it’s a hit parade of best-loved songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen and

Cole Porter, including such favorites as I’ve Got Rhythm, Our Love Is Here to Stay, Fascinatin’ Rhythm, The Man I Love, I’ve Got the World on a String, Old Black Magic, Too Darn Hot, It’s Delovely, Night and Day, I Get a Kick Out of You and many more.

Featuring vocalists Hilary Kole and Joel Malina, Stuart Malina conducts these concerts on April 21 and 22 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

At the next Tampa Bay Times Robert Smith Masterworks concert, pianist James Tocco performs the U.S. premiere of Eduard Franck’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with The Florida Orchestra. This premiere is made possible with the generosity of the heirs of the 19th century German composer, who are providing manuscripts of the work to produce the orchestral parts for these performances. Stefan Sanderling conducts this program, which also includes the prelude to Wagner’s Die Meistersinger and overtures from Weber’s Oberon, Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Lortzing’s Der Waffenschmied. These concerts are April 27, 28 and 29 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. To subscribe to the upcoming 2012/2013 season or for tickets to the current season, go to www.floridaorchestra.org or call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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LAKELAND CENTER Youkey Theatre KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST: WARMING UP SPRING - March 28

Critically-Acclaimed Kevin Costner & Modern West Will Take Center Stage With A Concert Tour Launching In Lakeland, Florida.

Academy Award-Winning Costner Co-Founded The Rock/Country Band After Being Encouraged By His Wife, Christine, To Reconnect With His Music Passion. In 2005, He Teamed With Songwriter John Coinman And Bassist Blair Forward, Band Mates Of Their Original Group, Roving Boy, From The Late 80’s. Other Members Of Modern West Include Larry Cobb (Drums), Park Chisolm (Vocals & Guitar), Teddy Morgan (Lead Guitar & Producer). Bobby Yang, Roddy Chong And Luke Bulla Will Rotate Fiddle Performances. For The Past 6 Years, The Band Has Been Electrifying Audiences Across The Globe With Shows In Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, And The U.S. Kevin Costner & Modern West Released Their First Cd, Untold Truths, On Universal Records In 2008. The Following Year, Turn It On Was Launched In Europe On Edel Records. The Band Toured Europe During That Period. In 2011, It Released From Where I Stand On Edel Records And Kicked Off Another Extensive Tour.

In The Midst Of Hectic Schedules And A Steady Stream Of Cds, Kevin Costner & Modern West Have Continued With Its Commitment Of Giving Back And Lending A Helping Hand. Over The Years, The Group Has Performed At Various Benefit Events And Uso Concerts For Military Troops Serving Abroad. The Band Has Appeared At Premiere Music Events Such As Country Thunder, Stagecoach, Grand Ole Opry And Ottawa Blues Festival, To Name A Few. It Was Also Featured In An Hour-Long Cmt Special. The Group Plays All Original Material Written By Its Band Members. Www.Kevincostnermodernwest.Com.

LESLIE GORE & CONNIE STEVENS March 29 One of the most successful solo artist of the 60s “Girl Group” era, LESLIE GORE topped the charts with a string of hits, including “It’s My Party,” “Judy’s Turn To Cry,” and “You Don’t Own Me.” It is rare that an actress can successfully transcend the entertainment gamut from Motion Picture Star, Television Star, Broadway Star, Recording Artist, to the concert stage and then on to develop a successful cosmetic empire. In a career that has spanned over 30 years, CONNIE STEVENS has gained worldwide popularity and recognition as a multi-talented performer, producer, and most recently, as a major force in the business arena, all the while managing to remain a timeless classic beauty. Ever youthful, dynamic, vivacious, versatile and savvy are the words used to describe the actress who has truly earned the title of a “Woman for all Seasons. www.thelakelandcenter.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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little hidden gem on Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, is Renzo’s Gourmet, where you will find Argentinean cuisine, along with some Argentinean customers who long for a taste of home.

Renzo’s is 2 1/2 years old, and is family owned by Renzo Menzerotolo. They serve “Argentine Asado” (Brazilian barbeque) slow-cooked homemade food from family recipes. They use their special technique with their Italian, Spanish and South American dishes.

The Argentinean Steak Platter is their delicious signature dish, but they have a full menu choice with chicken, pork, and more. Try one of their Malbec wines, a great pairing with steak.

Renzo’s also has a market section, where you can choose some top quality products to take home: Prime cut beef, all natural pork, Argentinean sausages, side dishes, sauces, breads, homemade desserts and wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

The cozy restaurant gives diners a welcoming feeling, and has a friendly customer base. Several

times a month you will find live musical entertainment with the sounds of tango, bolero and different South American cultural music.

Renzo’s is open seven days a week, and is located at 3644 W Kennedy Boulevard (Between Himes Ave and Dale Mabry Hwy), Tampa, Fl 33609; 813-8703606; www.renzosgourmet.com/

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Embrace 2012 Food Trends And Healthy Decadence Without Packing On The Pounds Healthy Chef and Best Selling Author, Devin Alexander explores how to enjoy food trends of 2012 while maintaining a healthy lifestyle

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s obesity rates continue to climb in America, families are looking for creative ways to keep eating their favorite foods without putting their health at risk. While eating right does not have to mean depriving yourself of the foods you love, it is important to know there are healthy and delicious options available.

MR. POTATO HEAD RETURNS! With only 110 calories, no fat, more potassium than a medium banana, more vitamin C than an orange and more fiber than an apple, the potato, itself, really is good for you. It’s the extra ingredients typically added to prepare potatoes that can make them unhealthy. And in 2012, that’s exactly what we’ll be seeing – fries fries fries. But there’s no reason for the slim to suffer.

It takes only about a teaspoon of olive oil, great seasoning or a bit of creativity with some nitrate-free turkey bacon bits and some reduced fat cheddar to have folks screaming for more of the healthy variety.

MINI-SIZE ME! “Fun-size” sweets and other dishes will be ubiquitous in 2012. We’ll see everything from cupcake pops, tiny macaroons, and bite-size ice cream sandwiches to baby caramel apples. Even McDonald’s recently announced Chicken McBites – bite sized chicken nuggets. But still beware of these tiny treasures. A shot glass full of cheesecake can easily have 250-300 calories and 15-20 grams of fat, even if it’s labeled, “sugar free.”

And a 3 oz serving of McBites has 310 calories 19 g of fat, close to 500 mg sodium and are comprised of less protein than carbs. So go small, but also look for items made with whole grains, veggies, and lean meats, and baked goods made with applesauce or yogurt instead of butter, oil or lard.

GRILLED CHEESE IS THE NEW BURGER! What’s not to love about a great grilled cheese?

There are healthy ways to make your favorite grilled cheese. For instance, use whole or sprouted grain bread and lower-fat cheeses. Then, I always recommend adding a 4 oz portion of grilled chicken to ensure you can pack in some extra lean protein and cut down sodium. And it never hurts to throw in some tomato slices, spinach or another veggie to

bulk up your Sammie without bulking yourself.

BREAKFAST, BREAKFAST, BREAKFAST! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. There are so many easy, healthy and decadent options to choose from whether your body craves protein or you’re Jonesing for a sweet treat. And if you are someone who thinks “bacon” that’s even fine.

Center-cut bacon has about 40 percent less fat than traditional bacon, and turkey bacon can be very lean.

SHAKING THE SALT HABIT! Using less salt and more flavor is in--finally!

Fortunately, there are now a plethora of salt-free seasonings available that allow you to determine exactly how much salt you want to use without sacrificing the flavor of other seasonings.

GLUTEN FREE GLUTTONY! While staying away from foods and products containing gluten may be a necessity for a small number of people who have celiac disease, for most, it’s just another diet trend – and one that could add inches to your waist line. There are plenty of options that are naturally gluten-free, but steer clear of the options that are extra fattening… especially since so many people believe that a gluten-free diet is a calorie-restrict ed diet when it is not.

For more information and healthy recipe suggestions, visit www.devinalexander.com.

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Snapi

Fun and Functional!

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

MenuVue and

VideoVue! AccentOnTampaBay.com

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napi is a new kitchen device that makes it a snap to serve up a wide variety of foods. It is a creatively designed, single-hand server from KitchenHappy.

The Snapi is a serving utensil that resembles an oversized clam shell. It has a molded plastic hard-shell with a soft-touch easy-grip base.

What makes Snapi so fun and functional is its convenient spring-loaded open and close mechanism, making it simple to serve foods like salads, fruit, pasta, veggies, and more, with just one hand. That easy-open spring action allows Snapi to open wide to scoop the food, allowing the hand to apply just enough pressure to gently hold the collected food until it can be release onto a plate. It is ideal for buffets, salad bars, pasta bars, catering use, home use and more.

Not only is the patent-pending Snapi designed and manufactured in America, its raw materials, components and packaging are made in the U.S.A. as well. Snapi is FDA-approved and BPA free. It is dishwasher safe and comes in four bright colors: Kiwi (green), Ice (white), Watermelon (red) and Berry (blue). It also has a built-in lock for storage.

For more information go to: www.kitchenhappy.com, or call 248-453-5177.

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MY LITTLE CUPCAKE

Little hands love to help in the kitchen, so why not get something both you and they will enjoy?

Check out My Little Cupcake Pop molds. They are just the right size for cupcake pops and little hands.

Easy and fun no-bake cupcake pop molds create perfect cupcake shapes every time for your pops.

There is even an easy no-bake recipe on the back of the mold to get you decorating in no time.

The possibilities are endless: decorate your holiday table with edible cupcake pops in your favorite theme, make them as favors for your next get together or kids party, have them at the next baby shower you host or get your kids together in

the kitchen for a fun way to spend time together.

Who doesn’t like chocolate chip cookie dough? Heres a yummy nobake recipe: CAKE POP COOKIE DOUGH (mix these 3 ingredients first) 2/3 cup butter unsalted room temperature 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar (mix below ingredients) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup plain yogurt, french vanilla yogurt or egg replacer for qty of 1 egg.

(Add dry ingredients next) 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt (Add choc chips last with optional nuts or Heath Bar Crunch) 1 cup semi sweet miniature chocolate chip Walnuts optional Heath English Toffee Bits Use flour sprinkled on mold to help remove dough when molding.

Mold dough before chilling. Then chill before dipping.

For more information and recipes, visit www.mylittlecupcakepop.com.

Acai

The World’s Preeminent Superfruit

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eeV is the world’s first Acai spirit and is simply “a better way to drink.” Grown and harvested in the Brazilian Rainforest, this Brazilian national fruit is considered to be the world’s preeminent superfruit. Packed with nutrients, this purple berry tastes like an exotic blend of dark berries plus the added benefit of 57% more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries, and 30 times more heart healthy anthocyanins than red wine.

Acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) grows atop palm trees — the same tree as hearts of palm. Veev has blended hints of prickly pear cactus and Acerola Cherry with the Acai Berry, both fruits loaded with vitamins. To help ensure the sustainability of Acai and protect the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, Veev donates $1 per bottle sold to Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project. VeeV is distilled in the only renewable wind powered distillery in the United States and is the only certified carbon neutral spirits company in the world.

VeeV has catapulted Acai from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest to the martini glasses of influential tastemakers.

Try VeeV’s recipe for Acai Mojito: 2 oz VeeV Açaí Spirit, .75 oz pomegranate juice, .75 oz agave nectar, 8 mint leaves, 1 lime wedge, Club Soda.

Squeeze and drop 1 lime wedge, 8 mints leaves and agave nectar in a shaker. Fill shaker with ice, VeeV Açaí Spirit and pomegranate juice, and shake well. Pour shaker’s contents into a pilsner glass and top with club soda.

For more information www.veevlife.com/

on

VeeV

and

Acai,

visit

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he The largest-ever Disney frontT entrance topiary, an illuminated Haiti produce garden with marketplace

and a stellar cast of HGTV design celebrities boost the flower power at the 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 7-May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s gardening magic goes a long way when an eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds court in front of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff, Sorcerer Mickey directs a riot of color in the manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Disney film, “Fantasia.” The scene pops with pink geraniums, white poppies, violet petunias, blue delphiniums and pansies.

In the World Showcase, the new Haiti: Garden of Many Colors next to the Germany showcase is the first illuminated garden in the festival’s history. Guests can explore the rich heritage of Haitian art, culture and refreshments in this produce garden and marketplace presented by Haiti Originale, LLC, an organization formed to support sustainable Haitian economic and social development.

Twice daily each Friday through Sunday of the festival, HGTV designers and hosts share their insights on landscapes and design with Festival Center audiences.

Music fills each festival weekend when pop music hitmakers of the 1960s and ’70s rule the America Gardens Theatre stage with performances of their greatest songs. Three new festival acts are in store: Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (April 27-29) and The Orchestra fea-

turing former members of ELO and ELO Part II (May 4-6); and “The Monkees’” Micky Dolenz (May 18-20).

Thirty million blooms, 240 floating mini-gardens on two ponds, 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables, dozens of Disney character topiaries, 30 “flower towers” of impatiens and sweeping beds of original floral designs create a new tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre Epcot landscape. It takes more than one year and 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists to plan and prepare for the 75-day festival.

Halfway through the festival, Disney gardeners remove the coldhardy blossoms that thrive in March and early April to plant a new crop of flowers that flourish in spring’s warmer temperatures. And throughout the event, dozens of gardening experts meet guests daily with fresh landscape ideas for 2012. Daily workshops at the Festival Center let guests dig into projects they can take home at the end of the day.

THE FESTIVAL CENTER - Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners. In Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission:SPACE. DISNEY GARDENING AT HOME PRESENTATIONS - Disney horticulturists and local experts like Robert Bowden of Harry P. Leu Gardens will

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Chubby Checker

share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity at the Festival Center.

SPECIAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS - An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 23-25; a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Specialists weekend presents indigenous insects that are part of our world; a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be April 27-29; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute is slated for May 4-6.

BAMBI’S BUTTERFLY HOUSE, three times the size of the festival’s original, is a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies. At Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.

PIXIE HOLLOW FAIRY GARDEN

- Fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5. At the Test Track Walkway.

THE HGTV DESIGNERS’ STAGE presents HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday. At the Festival Center.

FLOWER POWER concert series welcomes back 20th century pop favorites this year when Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and nine other bands rock the America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers and appearance dates subject to change.

More information call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit www.disneyworld.com/flower. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the opposite page for useful and fun Epcot Flower & Garden Festival event details on your mobile device.

RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT ‘GETS ITS GREEN ON’ - March 15-17

Authentic Irish food, music and dance performances set the scene for a three-day St. Patrick s Day celebration and the “ wearin’ of the green March 15-17 in and around the Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.

At Raglan Road, a true Irish pub with Dublin roots, entertainment revs up the evenings of March 15 and 16 with house band Creel on the restaurant’s main stage while

Murphy’s Law and The Irish Rogues perform on the Raglan Road patio. When St. Patrick’s Day arrives March 17, nonstop entertainment kicks off at noon with Creel, The Raglan Road Dancers, more outdoor entertainment and a special appearance by U2 tribute band Elevation.

The weekend of festivities spans Pleasure Island with live Pleasure Island stage performances by The Wyndbreakers Florida’s own “ neo-traditional, pub-rockin’, guitar pickin’ Celtic musicians; Celtic Wave, with its own traditional Irish flair; and Celtic Nova, putting its own twist on popular lrish tunes. Family-fun activities will include face painting and stilt walkers, and St. Patrick’s Day souvenirs will be in abundance.

More St. Patrick’s Day fun is in store: Authentic Irish cuisine is featured March 15 at 1 p.m. as

Raglan Road celebrity Irish chef Kevin Dundon creates a four-course kickoff luncheon and culinary demonstration in the restaurant’s Grand Dining Room. (Call 407-938-0300) or visit www.raglanroad.com for reservations).

March 15 and 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Irish bands Murphy’s Law, known for modern Irish music, and The Irish Rogues, popular for ballads and other Irish folk tunes, perform on the Raglan Road patio. At 7 p.m., house band Creel rocks the audience on the restaurant’s main stage expect surprise guest appearances. Guests can order favorites like fish n chips and Shepherd’s pie from the restaurant’s lunch or dinner menus.

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, doors open at 11 a.m.

House band Creel performs on the main stage at noon and at various times throughout the day. Entertainment on the patio kicks off at 1 p.m. with Irish dancing from The Raglan Road Dancers and performers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing, established in Central Florida more than a decade ago to train young dancers for championship performances. U2 tribute band Elevation is expected to bring down the house with renditions of U22 s greatest hits.

Guests can order from Raglan Road’s dinner menu throughout the day, which includes the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day loin of bacon and cabbage. A $10 cover charge applies on March 17 for guests 18 and older.

SORCERERS INVADE THE MAGIC KINGDOM (early 2012) – In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells.

Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure is included with park admission.

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS 53rd ANNUAL WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL - March 16–18 The festival is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor arts events, rated sixth best by Sunshine Artists. More than 1,000 artists from around the world apply for entry and an independent panel of judges selects approximately

a digital package containing songs from select headliners: “Deck The Halls” by Dave Days, “Finally Free (ft. Talib Kweli)” by DeStorm, “So High” by Asher Monroe, “Like It’s Quidditch (Acoustic)” by Nice Peter, “Moves Like Jagger (parody)” by The Key of Awesome.

In a review of last year’s show, a leading provider of online media and global technology, Gigaom.com, noted: “For artists best known for playing music by themselves for a web audience, they were all adept live performers who know how to work a crowd, It was a darn good concert…” Dallas Morning News reporter commented, “A pop-culture phenomenon made a full-circle voyage Friday night at the House of Blues: YouTube’s DigiTour came to town.” Additionally, The Business Insider stated, “The first show of the YouTubesponsored DigiTour offered solid proof that musical talent translates from a web cam to a live venue.”

ARTFUL STRINGS: FOUR CENTURIES OF HARP MAKING At Albin Polasek Museum - thru April 15 In a collaborative exhibition with The International Harp Museum, the Polasek Museum will present 50 harps from the IHM’s collection dating from the 18th century to 21st century. Along with American and European instruments, there will also be examples of ancient African, Asian and

225 to participate in the show. The three-day event also features show-stopping jazz, children’s activities and great eats. Admission: Free. www.wpsaf.org; 407-672-6390 ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER PRESENTS “ROMEO AND JULIET” AND “CYMBELINE,” - thru March 18.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents two of William Shakespeare’s beloved masterpieces, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Cymbeline,” in rotating repertory.Show times are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. www.orlandoshakes.org; 407-447-1700.

DIGITOUR 2012 - March 18 The second annual DigiTour national tour brings your favorite YouTube musicians to you atThe Plaza Live. This year’s lineup includes Dave Days, DeStorm, Ricky Ficarelli, Alex Goot, Asher Monroe, Nice Peter, and The Key of Awesome. This year’s tour packages all come with Dave Days

Egyptian harps, vintage photos, artwork, costumes and jewelry.

A deconstructed harp display will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience first-hand all the components necessary to construct a harp. This will be an interactive, hands-on installation allowing each person to try playing the harp themselves.

Educational programming will include a live concert series featuring performances on historical instruments, classical and jazz music concerts, the IHM’s annual “Spotlight on Youth” scholarship audition, lectures, beginner harp classes and other educational opportunities. In order to enhance the experience, professional local harpists will

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be periodically providing live music throughout the museum and gardens.

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, www.polasek.org/ DINOSAUR WORLD OPENS 12 NEW ACRES AND BRAND NEW ATTRACTIONS The highlight of the expansion is a 22,000-square-foot addition housing the Prehistoric Museum with the new animatronics display, along with other

Princess Scheherazade. Along with her genie Abracadabra, Princess Scheherazade takes the audience on a magical journey around the world to find her prince – who must love horses as much as she does. You’ll join the princess as Abracadabra takes her to Europe to see the famous military-style quadrilles; to Latin America to see the romance of the garrocha; to a Gypsy camp to see unbelievable acrobatics on horseback; to the world of Imagination to see that beauty of the magical, mystical unicorn; and back to the U.S.A. where four fabulous acts honor America.

Along the way, Abracadabra must protect Princess Scheherazade from the evil Prince Vaneer, and help her find her true love, Prince Khalid. The show includes a 3-course dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407239-9223; www.Arabiannights.com

improvements to the park. The new additions include the remodeled entrance to the new dinosaurs along the one-mile walk through the lush Florida landscape. www.dinosaurworld.com; 813-717-9865.

ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL March 19 - 25 One of the crown jewels of the PGA Tour, the event annually attracts one of the strongest international fields of the season. Past Arnold Palmer Invitational champions who regularly play in the tournament include Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Tim Herron and Tiger Woods.

Proceeds from the Arnold Palmer Invitational benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com; 407-876-2888 ARABIAN NIGHTS SHOW The current featured production at Arabian Nights is a lighthearted tale of adventure and romance.

On her 21st birthday, all-American girl and champion rider Sherry Smith discovers that she is actually the www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Catch all the excitement of Universal Studios Mardi Gras. It’s a party the whole family can enjoy as the sights and sounds of the Big Easy come to Universal Orlando Resort. Enjoy 14 LIVE CONCERTS by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza stage.

Gather the family for beads by the handful as the spectacular parade winds its way through the park with dazzling floats and colorful street performers in glittering costumes. Take a stroll through our French Quarter Courtyard and enjoy authentic Cajun food* and live music from bands direct from New Orleans.

It’s a celebration for every member of the family! “Catch the Beads. Catch the Music. Catch the Spirit.” Mardi Gras at Universal Studios.

Mardi Gras festivities—including the live concerts—are included with your admission to Universal Studios Florida or your Annual Pass. www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/

JACK HANNA WEEKEND Jack Hanna, renowned animal expert and host of TV’s “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” showcases some of his furry and feathered animal friends from all parts of the world. Jack returns to his base camp at SeaWorld for a special limited-time series, accompanied by amazing animal ambassadors.

Hanna’s past “co-stars” have included clouded leopards, chatty kookaburra birds, and all kinds of majestic eagles. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation, “Jungle Jack” will help you share in this wondrous connection to wildlife and the world we share. Hanna introduces unique and exotic animals, shares amazing animal stories and shows hilarious bloopers.

Admission: Included in regular park admission. www.seaworldorlando.com 407-363-2259

Elvis Crespo

VIVA LA MUSICA Saturdays at SeaWorld April 14 - May 5.

Enjoy all the fun beginning at noon. Concerts are located at Bayside Stadium and begin at 3:00 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will move to Nautilus Theater. Celebrate the food, fun, sights and sounds of Latin culture at this annual festival, featuring live concerts by internationally renowned Latin musical artists. All concerts are free with admission.

April 14: Elvis Crespo; April 21: Grupo Niche; April 28: RKM & Ken-Y; May 5: Gilberto Santa Rosa Enjoy savory Latin cuisine prepared by SeaWorld Orlando’s Executive Chef, Héctor Colón. Lechón, arroz con gandules y pasteles, arroz con pollo, habichuelas rojas y maduros, mofongo con carne frita, alcapurrias and bacalaítos are just some of the items available during Viva la Música. www.seaworldorlando.com 407-363-2259

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travelogue

WYNDHAM GRAND ORLANDO RESORT Bonnett Creek’s Newest and Brightest Gem

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Story and Photos by Barbara McGovern and Tim McGovern

When was the last time that you had a perfect stay at a hotel? Usually something is off, the location, the rooms, the food or the service. Nothing major, just something. I know the feeling. Well, let me tell you that I have discovered THE perfect hotel with The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnett Creek. This brand new hotel, which just opened this past October, is set in the beautiful Bonnett Creek section of the Disney World complex.

From your first view of it, it is special. You pull up to an entrance surrounded by beautiful landscaping, and are greeted by friendly and helpful staff. When you go through the doors you sense that something is different here. It just has a friendly feeling. A genial host welcomes you with a cold glass of citrus scented water and asks about your trip and what can he do to help you. You look around at the soaring windows onto the pool and lake and you realize that you are beginning to relax. Your vacation has begun. Across the lake you can make out the fabled buildings of the Magic Kingdom.

Comfortable chairs adorn the lobby if you wish to sit for a spell. As soon as you check in, you are whisked up to you room, and what a beautiful room it is. We were impressed by how much thought went into everything. The Wyndham wants to welcome all their guests, from the biggest to the smallest, and they want to make sure everyone is comfortable. For instance, in the bar and lounge areas, all the chairs are low enough so even the kids that are with mom and dad have a comfortable spot to sit and don’t have to worry about taking a tumble. All the chairs an elegant white leather. Can you imagine white leather? Not to worry, the people at Wyndham have thought about everything, and all the chairs can be wiped off. No sticky fingers to worry about here.

One of the most creative things the Wyndham has is “the bunk room.” Among the 400 elegantly appointed rooms are special King and Double Bunk suites, which are separate rooms within rooms, so the family can share but still have privacy. There are bunk beds for the kids with their own flat screen TV and their own sink. I wish I had that when we were traveling with all our kids. In addition to the bunk room there are 98 King Bed Suites, 206 Double Bed suites, 10 Suite Parlors and 2 Presidential Suites. The two top floors feature 26 select guest rooms with private keyed access use of the concierge lounge.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WYNDHAM GRAND

The Wyndham has several restaurants and lounges.

Tesoro Cove is a casual dining room overlooking the pool with an eat in or take out option. The food and service were both excellent. Also by the pool is the Back Bay bar an grill, serving day and night. It’s beautiful to sit around the fire pit with your libations and watch the Disney fireworks from across the lake.

You can meet and mingle with friends, have a drink and get a snack at Bar 1521, located in the lobby, across from the Barista.

My favorite restaurant, by far, is Deep Blu Seafood Grill. The decor is beautiful, with a view of the lake. You can sit and watch the chief prepare dinner in the open kitchen while you enjoy some Sushi. The service was outstanding, but the food was the star of the show.

Everything we had was great, and the crème de la crème was the Macaroni and Cheese with Lump Crab Meat. It was to die for.

I love food and may talk about it a lot, but there is much more to love at the Wyndham. The resort has several rooms for business meetings and conferences, even small conventions. The property is also perfect for a wedding. With its location, it would be convenient for guests and the hotel can provide all the services that you would need.

I have to mention the Blue Harmony Spa, which is tranquility defined. I was not much of a spa girl before, but I am now. There are several treatment rooms with individual and couple suites. The spa offers soaking tubs, a nail salon, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, showers, steam rooms and two outdoor treatment rooms with hot tubs. There are a wide variety of services, and everyone on staff is talented and gracious. An excellent fitness room has all state of the art machines and it is open 24/7. There is a game room for kids and it’s even soundproof so you don’t need to hear all the bells and whistles. Yea! Adjacent to the resort is the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones. They have PGA certified instructors, a pro shop and reserved tee times for Wyndham guests.

The Grand Kids Club offers daily resort activities, educational programs and children’s activities. The club keeps the kids occupied and safe, so mom and dad can have a little bit of adult time.

The Wyndham’s concierge team is available to book any surrounding area activities that you are interested in, and transportation to the Magic Kingdom is included in the resort fee. The resort is conveniently located to all the attractions in the area. The Orlando International Airport is 20 minutes; the Kissimmee Gateway Airport is 5 minutes and Tampa International is 70 minutes away.

Our stay at the Wyndham Grand Orland Bonnett Creek was a memorable experience. The resort is perfect in every way. I never met a staff that was so concerned about the guests. They went out of their way to be gracious, friendly and accommodating. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and we will be definitely be back.

Please contact www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com for more information.

THREE FROM CUBA EXHIBITION thru April 1 Presented during March at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is the exhibition “Three From Cuba: The Art of Vicente, Miguel and Sandro - The Fantastic to the Sublime” In addition, guests can enjoy a Trips ‘N’ Tours excursion to two local horse farms on March 22 and a “Big Apple Meets Little Apple” docent tour on March 29.

“Three from Cuba: The Art of Vicente, Miguel and Sandro - The Fantastic to the Sublime” features recent artwork by three of the top contemporary artists working in Cuba today, Vicente Hernandez, Miguel Florido and Sandro de la Rosa. All three work in oils on canvas, yet Hernandez creates fantastic scenes on land and in the sky, Florido paints simple yet elegant still lifes and de la Rosa produces dynamic and colorful portraits of family and friends. On view are more than 30 of these artists’ works of art and the exhibition runs through April 1.

The Appleton’s Trips ‘N’ Tours program has scheduled a charter bus trip to two unique Ocala horse farms on March 22. First stop is the Gypsy Gold farm, home of America’s Gypsy Vanner horses. Guide is owner Dennis Thompson who will explain the European gypsy heritage behind this breed and present the farm’s famous stallion Gypsy King. The second location will be at Chasing A Dream thoroughbred farm with owner Chris Weiss hosting the tour and discussing all aspects of the farm’s operations. Lunch is included and price is $65 for members, $75 for nonmembers. For reservations contact Trips ‘N’ Tour representatives Dodie Jerz or Bonnie Janssen at 352-291-4456 or email dodie@cf.edu or

janssenb@cf.edu.

“Big Apple Meets Little Apple” will be the docent-led tour presented at 2 p.m. on March 29. This one hour program focuses on artists whose works are on exhibit at both the Appleton Museum of Art and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tour is free for members and included in admission for nonmembers. No RSVP required.

‘ART AND THE ANIMAL,’ MUSIC, CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS AND MORE At The Appleton Museum In April

April highlights at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, include the “Art and the Animal” exhibition, After Hours starring Southern Express, First Saturday children’s art program, and a “Fashion In History” docentled tour.

“Art and the Animal” opens Saturday, April 14, with artwork in various media from The Society of Animal Artists. The exhibition runs through Sunday, June 17, and showcases a collection of 45 two- and three-dimensional works of art depicting wild and domestic animals in motion and at rest as created by some of today’s best classically trained international artists. In addition, Sunday, April 1, is the final day to view the temporary exhibition “Three from Cuba: The Art of Vicente, Sandro and Florido - The Fantastic to the Sublime.”

On Thursday, April 5, big band music from the ‘30s and ‘40s will be performed by the Southern Express Band during After Hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Horse and Hounds Restaurant and watch art demonstrations by members of

Painting by Sandro de la Rosa from the THREE FROM CUBA Exhibition.

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$30 for adults 18 and over, $40 for two seniors over age 55, $50 for a family of two adults and any children under age 18, and $15 for all other college students and current or retired educators. Owned and operated by College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95).

For more information call the Appleton Museum of Art at 352291-4455 or visit www.AppletonMuseum.org. the Ocala Art Group. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for members, $8 for nonmembers. Seating is limited.

The First Saturday children’s art program on April 7 focuses on animal art. From 1 to 3 p.m., youths ages 4-12 receive instruction on how to draw masterpieces of their favorite animals.

Family members and guardians are invited to join in the program. Admission is free for members and included in admission for nonmembers.

“Fashion in History” is the docent tour presented at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. This one-hour program explores the wide variety of period fashions depicted in the Appleton’s European and American collections. The tour is free for members and included in admission for nonmembers. No RSVP is required.

In addition, educational films on the visual arts are presented each Sunday in the Auditorium at 2 p.m. Scheduled in April are “The National Gallery of Art” on April 1, “Masterpieces of the Met” on April 8, “A Tour of the Louvre’s Art Collection” on April 15 and “The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art” on April 22. The Martha O’DriscollAppleton Film Series presents the 1943 movie “Fallen Sparrow” on April 29.

Daily admission to the Appleton Museum is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors 55 or better and students 19 and over; $3 for youths ages 10-18; and free for members, CF students, children age 9 and under, and active military personnel and their immediate families.

The Appleton Museum of Art presents a permanent collection of European, American and contemporary art, plus Asian, African, Islamic and preColumbian artifacts and antiquities. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A 12-month membership is available for $25 for seniors 55 and over, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ART LINES ANCIENT EGYPT— ART AND MAGIC:

Treasures From The Fondation Gandur Pour L’Art through April 29

This landmark exhibition brings to life one of the greatest civilizations in the history of the world. Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art, currently on view through April 29, spotlights astonishing objects of every kind.

Mummy cases and sacred works in diverse media, tomb and temple reliefs, papyrus fragments, alabaster vessels, and rare objects comprised of precious stones make this one of the most dramatic shows ever presented at the MFA. The 100 works demonstrate the genius of ancient

craftsmen, and the magical or spiritual qualities of the objects are revealed at every turn. The internationally respected Egyptologist Dr. Robert Steven Bianchi is the guest curator.

A magnificent red granite torso of Rameses the Great honors one of the most celebrated pharaohs in history. A large stele, or funerary marker, commemorates his son Rameses III. Other key works include a tomb relief of the nobleman Nefer-Hotep, a relief from the Amarna Period from a temple erected during the reign of the Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, and a fragment from a temple relief paying tribute to Alexander the Great.

A limestone sphinx is similarly impressive. The sphinx, with the head of a pharaoh and the body of a lion, points to the profound interrelationship of humans and nature in ancient Egypt. The natural world was not something apart for the Egyptians, and neither were the deities, who could take the form of animals and natural forces such as the sun.

Ancient Egyptian art centers on transformation, renewal, and eternal life. These objects were invested with visual and symbolic power. Hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian

written language, were, by themselves, a high form of artistic expression.

The mummy cases or sarcophagi are the largest works in the exhibition. One is covered in colorful images—like a brilliant painting—and was designed to honor the status of an unidentified court official and to assure his eternal life.

Another, more than six-and-a-half-feet tall, includes inlays of alabaster or limestone, as well as hieroglyphics, and has a monumental presence asserting the authority of a certain Hor-Em-Akhet.

THE MAGIC OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART Magic and spirituality infused every aspect of Egyptian art. Instead of providing a chronological survey, Dr. Bianchi has emphasized the objects’ sacred qualities. Priests accompanied the workers to gather natural materials and conducted specific rituals upon entering and leaving the quarries.

According to Dr. Bianchi, “for the ancient Egyptians, all

stones were considered to be a privileging material, because they symbolized eternity, permanence, immutability, and incorruptibility… Any object created in stone or any text inscribed into stone remained intact and immune to the agents of time. Stone, possessed of a vital energy, was alive.”

In antiquity, expeditions to the Red Land—the desert, a place of chaos, evil, and demons—were ordered by pharaoh. The materials were returned to the Black Land— named for the rich silt deposited by the Nile—where the ancient Egyptians lived and thrived. Craftsmen then converted these raw materials into timeless objects representing cosmic order. The color black signified rebirth.

SPECIAL EVENT: The Museum is featuring Evenings in Egypt every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Admission from 5- 8 is only $10. Visitors can see Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic, shop in the store, participate in special activities, and have dinner in the café, which is spotlighting Egyptian-inspired dishes.

255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667. www.fine-arts.org

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ROMARE BEARDEN: SOUTHERN RECOLLECTIONS thru May 6 Romare Bearden: Southern Recollections is an exhibition of approximately 70 works of art that span the career of this internationally renowned artist. Bearden (1911-1988) is widely regarded as one of the most important African-American artists who worked in the United States during the 20th century.

The exhibition examines how the South served as a source of inspiration throughout his career. Through visual recollections of his experiences in the South, Bearden meticulously recorded the ritual forms, or the “collective nuts, bolts, and robotic controls. This will be the only second exhibition of ZanFagna’s work in the last 30 years.

beliefs,” that imbue his works with archetypal significance.

The works in his Southern Series, painted in tempera on brown paper, are characterized by strong colors, flattened perspective and stylized, highly formal compositions. In the mid-1960s, his use of collage, which emphasizes distortions, reversals, telescoping of time, and Surrealistic blending of styles enabled Bearden to convey the dreamlike quality of memory and active imagination and was therefore a perfect vehicle for images of his memories of the South.

DON ZANFAGNA: CYBORGS - thru May 6 Don ZanFagna (born 1929) has been active since the 1950s and is known for his stunning works that fuse creativity with futuristic warnings. Between 1968 and 1974, Don ZanFagna created Cyborg Notes, a series of “cybernetic metaphors” that focus on the future problems that DNA mixing might cause. These metaphors take the form of collages of signals or warning of things going wrong. According to the artist, “these works incorporate humans and machines, cloning, eco-architecture and landscape, biology and technology and make use of dark humor, skepticism, irony, and futuristic symbolism.” The resulting Cyborg environment that ZanFagna constructs shows entities that have lost their humanity and sexuality, but mechanically still reproduce new “humans” replete with

JOHN CAGE 33 1/3 - PERFORMED BY AUDIENCE: A Celebration of the Centenary of the Composer’s Birth thru May 6 One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, John Cage (1912- 1992) created sound and performance works that broke through boundary after boundary. In celebration of his enduring legacy and the 2012 centenary of his birth, the Museum presents John Cage’s 33-1/3 Performed by Audience – an interactive installation guest curated by Jade Dellinger.

Conceived in 1969 as an “audience participation” work, John Cage’s original “score” simply stipulated that the gallery be filled with about a dozen record players and twoto three-hundred vinyl records. Museum visitors were encouraged to act as DJs and create a musical mix by playing records freely and thus performing the work.

As “a tribute and in celebration of Cage’s centennial, the exhibition’s goal is both to honor and reinterpret Cage’s score with the assistance of a few rather special friends.

The show aimed to create a broad spectrum of vinyl recordings as source material for visitorparticipants to access at the Museum, and a prominent group of visual artists and performers (even a few Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers) have been invited to submit Top 10 picks or album playlists to fill record bins.

For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org

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Ongoing Exhibition 20TH CENTURY ABSTRACT ART FROM THE RINGLING COLLECTION - Composed entirely

of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s permanent collection, the gallery installation 20th Century Abstraction provides a glimpse at this watershed moment in the history of Western art. Pieces by artists such as Vassily Kandinsky, Arthur Dove, Franz Kline, Jules Olitski, Louise Nevelson, Alexander Calder, Yves Tanguy and Frank Stella among others will be on view inviting visitors to explore this modernist touchstone.

PETER PAUL RUBENS: IMPRESSIONS OF A MASTER - thru June 3 This exhibition showcases the work of one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time: the Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). The exhibition features more than 75 magnificent engravings of the highest artistic standards after compositions by Rubens; these are drawn from the extraordinary collection of the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp), the repository of the largest group of prints after the artist in the world, and from the holdings of The John and Mable

Ringling Museum of Art. The prints will be displayed alongside several important paintings by Rubens from the Ringling collection, perhaps the premier collection of works by the artist in America. This exhibition is organized by the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp) and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota.

DECO JAPAN: SHAPING MODERN CULTURE, 1920-1945 - July 14 – Sept 30 Deco Japan not only provides dramatic examples of the spectacular craftsmanship and sophisticated design long associated with Japan, it conveys the complex social and cultural tensions in Japan during the Taishô and early Shôwa epochs (1912-1945). In these pre-war and war eras, artists and patrons created a Japanese modernism that signaled simultaneously the nation’s unique history and its cosmopolitanism. The vitality of the era is further expressed through the theme of the modern girl, known in Japan as the modaan gaaru or moga, for short – the emblem of contemporary urban chic that flowered along with the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. The collection includes spectacular examples of metalwork, ceramics, lacquer, glass, wood furniture, jewelry, textiles, graphic design on paper, painting and woodblock prints.

For more information, 941.358.3180, or visit www.ringling.org

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One 2 One March 23 -May 26 ne 2 One is a ceramic exhibition that highlights the history of the student/teacher relationship and the strong academic ceramic traditions that we have in the state of Florida. Professors from various institutions have been selected to invite current or former students to exhibit along side them in this exhibition that celebrates the mentoring relationship that teachers share with their students.

LINDA ARBUCKLE: Linda’s work in majolica-glazed earthenware has been recognized through an Artists’ Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a Florida Individual Artists’ Fellowship.

ALYSSA WELCH: Alyssa’s work focuses on special service tableware that can help define the occasion, create ritual, evoke memories, refine the human spirit, and enhance the importance of what is being served.

STEPHEN HEYWOOD: Stephen’s work is influenced by architectural structures including factories, silos and water towers. These vessels are often composed of many wheel-thrown and hand-built parts and take their shape as small “functional sculpture”.

CARLETON HAACK: A major variable in his work is scale relation as well as evoking a certain emotion to the viewer.

BONNIE SEEMAN: is very interested in the utilitarian object and how it can be used as a means of narration. Her work blends the macabre with the beautiful, which acts as a metaphor of the fragility and resiliency of life.

HELEN OTTERSON: Helen’s work is a hybrid of human cells and plant forms that share the pursuit of survival and beauty of natural form.

Florida Craftsmen Inc, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727 821-7391; www.floridacraftsmen.net/

FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS ANDY WARHOL & FRIENDS - Thru May 27

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or the inaugural exhibition in its grand new home in the Cube at Rivergate Plaza, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts welcomes Andy Warhol & Friends to Tampa Bay. This landmark exhibition comes from the Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and runs through May 27.

Included in Andy Warhol & Friends are vividly hued screen prints as well as photographs and photo booth strips from 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. They feature portraits of such celebrities as John Wayne, Liza Minnelli, Sting, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, Grace Jones and Dennis Hopper. Also included are Warhol’s famous self-portraits.

Warhol (American, 1928-1987) came to fame with the rise of the Pop Art movement in the 1960s and the explosion of print media and popular culture. An acute social observer, Warhol saw that the image of a famous person was more important than the actual person. As Marshall McLuhan observed, “The medium is the message.” Warhol realized that the ubiquitous image was the defining quality of a celebrity, that he or she was famous for being famous.

Beginning with a photographic image, Warhol often manipulated it in ways that mimicked the production qualities of mass market magazines and newspapers. A puppet master of publicity, he knew the value of fame. “Don’t pay any attention to what they write about you,” he said, “ Just measure it in inches.”

The Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts is located at 200 North Tampa Street, Suite 130, Tampa, FL 33602; 813-2212222; www.fmopa.org

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with pieces by Elizabeth Vigee le Brun (the personal artist to Marie Antoinette) and Chardin (he is my vote for one of the top 5 best artists ever!).

For 19th Century art, Degas’ work was, by far, represented with the greatest number of pieces yet there were outstanding works of art by Courbet, Rodin (including his famous, life size figural sculpture group called The Burghers of Calais), Gauguin, Renoir, and Cezanne on display too.

If you find yourself in Southern California, take a short drive to Pasadena--pass the Rose Bowl-- and visit this great museum in a small package.

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useums say a lot about their locale, the unique qualities of a collection, or the founders’ mission.

In my travels, I visit many museums.

They run the gamut from the fun to the funky. Here is sampling of museums, both on and off the beaten path, which recently captured my attention.

MUSEE LALIQUE (www.musee-lalique.com) There is a new museum devoted to jeweler and glassmaker Rene Lalique in the village of Wingen sur Moder where his glass factory was built in 1919. The museum is a site to behold located north of Strasbourg, near the German border. Musee Lalique opened in June 2011 after receiving numerous gifts. For instance, the Lalique Company donated crystal pieces from its archives and Lalique’s chairman of the board donated perfume bottles from his own private collection.

Rene Lalique was born in 1860 and opened his own shop in 1885. Jewelry was his first love and first commercial success. Exquisite jewelry pieces including enamel, gold and diamond pendants and aquamarine and citrine brooches became Lalique’s trademark. In the Art Nouveau style of the late 19th Century, Lalique pieces were characterized by a concentration of sinuous lines and organic forms based on nature.

After success in the jewelry realm, Lalique moved to the making of art glass. His objects -perfume bottles, vases, chandeliers--were all the rage at the Paris International Exhibition of 1925.

At Rene Lalique’s death in 1945, his son Marc took over the Wingen factory and changed it from producing glass to making crystal. Marc designed the crystal chandelier that now hangs in the Musee Lalique’s main foyer and he also designed the medals for the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. At the Musee Lalique, the tradition of making great objects lives on.

Rodin’s Burghers of Calais from the collection of the Norton Simon.

NORTON SIMON MUSEUM (www.nortonsimon.org) Like many intimate yet fine American museums, the story of the Norton Simon is a story of an industrialist with a love for art. In business, Norton Simon (1907-1993) enjoyed unprecedented success by establishing corporations such as Max Factor, McCall’s publishing, Avis rental car, and Hunts Foods among others. He shared his private art collection, one of the best in the United States, with residents of Southern California as well as the world of art enthusiasts.

Located on eight acres in Pasadena, CA in a California Modern style building renovated by architect, Frank Gehry, the Norton Simon is a place of wonder with ten major galleries broken down by art historical period.

When I visited the museum, there were enough museum security guards on duty to fill a major museum, like the MET or the Louvre. For such a small museum, I was taken by the sheer amount of masterpieces. The Norton Simon is known for its impressive masterpieces of Impressionism, particularly paintings, works on paper, and sculpture after sculpture by Edgar Degas. Yet, the Italian Renaissance was well represented by works by Botticelli, the Baroque was highlighted with paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, and the 18th Century shined www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

MEMPHIS MUSIC MUSEUMS (www.sunstudio.com and www.staxmuseum.com) In Memphis, TN, there are many museums that chronicle the city’s numerous contributions to American culture. The Sun Studio museum tour gives visitors the opportunity to experience the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll.

Just a short walk from Beale Street, visitors can stand in the spot where Elvis sang, learn about the careers of B. B. King, Ike Turner, and Johnny Cash and listen to vintage recordings.

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music has a great collection and an equally great promotional tagline…Nothing against the Louvre, but you can’t dance to DaVinci.” If that doesn’t make you consider a visit, I don’t know what will! The Stax Museum displays 2,000 artifacts and exhibits that feature the Stax sound and focus on the illustrious careers of music legends like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and others.

When it comes to museums, there are a lot of choices. Visit a local or faraway museum soon and open your world to something new.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide.

Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on the hit TV show, Auction Kings on Discovery channel airing Tuesdays at 9 PM. Visit w w w . D r L o r i V . c o m , www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.

Weedon Island Preserve serve

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

4.54 miles of hiking and nature trails that meander through mangrove forest and seagrass flats, where one can spot wading birds, manatee and various fish species. Almost two miles of

Weedon Island Preserve is an ecologically important reserve with a highly informative and beautifully designed interpretive Cultural and Natural History Center. Their musuem exhibit focuses on Florida Native American history and artifacts. In the preserve visitors can enjoy

the trails are handicap accessible with boardwalk or concrete.

Every Saturday guided Hikes of Weedon Island are conducted by volunteers.

(Pre-registration is required at (727) 453-6506.) Guided canoe trips are also offered through the Cultural Center.

CATCH THE EXPERIENCE!!

WWW.JOHNSPASS.COM

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The Weedon Island Preserve Center’s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Government budget cuts are always threatening all the Pinellas preserves, so please take out some time soon to enjoy our natural wonders.

For more information on Weedon Island, visit www.weedonislandcenter.org For more Weedon Island photos, visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Event Photo Gallery, click on Tampa Bay Attractions.

THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

OK. So New Orleans may have the most famous Mardi Gras celebration, but Biloxi has the largest and most family-friendly one along the Gulf Coast. Polish up your beads and gather up your most garish outfit, for the Parade Of The Year is quickly approaching. On February 21, colorful floats will take to the streets with bead throwing and entertainment for thousands of spectators.

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ack in 1908 when the tradition began, there was one parade with 17 floats. Today that number has swelled to 23 parades with many floats along the coast. The festivities actually begin the day before with the elaborate celebration crowning King D’Iberville and his Queen Ixolib (in case you didn’t get the Queen’s odd name, it’s Biloxi spelled backward.) The King and Queen are chosen each year for their contribution to the community. The crowning event is quite a spectacle, with many Dukes and Duchesses in attendance in amazing colorful costumes beaded, sequined and gemmedout. You can see that no expense is spared in making them.

Mardi Gras is but one of many events along the coast that brings in visitors. Throughout the year you can visit many museums, established attractions, and, of course, casinos galore.

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THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Mardi Gras and Much More!

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iloxi’s newest pride and joy is the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, with George (The “Mad Potter of Biloxi”) Ohr’s (1857-1918) renowned pottery now housed in an amazing structure built by the world famous architect, Frank Gehry. The objects d’art are impressively presented with plenty of space and perfect lighting. Ohr is considered an early leader in the modernist movement. The museum has revolving exhibits as well as it’s permanent collection. www.georgeohr.org/

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cean Springs is home to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Anderson (1903-1965) is famous for his endearing water colors, and a walk through the museum with a docent will enlighten you to his life. Anderson’s depictions of local plants, animals and people make him a highly regarded American master although, sadly, he didn’t realize fame during his lifetime. An eclectic artist, he would row his boat 12 miles to Horn Island, turn the boat over and sleep under it. He would stay on the island for weeks at a time until food and art supplies ran out. A lot of his watercolors are done on typing paper, which have miraculously survived the years. The museum houses his studio cottage and a large ballroom — both filled with his artwork painted directly on the walls. His painting influence was the cave paintings in France. Walter never owned a car, he rode a bike everywhere. (The bike and rowboat are hanging in the museum.) He painted on every surface possible, including napkins, drapes, etc.

Walter was schizophrenic, and went through some dark periods which you can see in some of his work. www.walterandersonmuseum.org/

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eauvoir was the home of Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederacy) and is a Biloxi landmark that sits on 65 acres. The 1852 French-Creole style home had a lot of damage from hurricane Katrina (it’s located right on the gulf), but has been refurbished to it’s original glory. Some of the original furniture and items were saved from the storm and can be seen in several of the rooms. www.beauvoir.org/

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he Biloxi Lighthouse is still standing since 1848, weathering many storms and hurricanes. Made of cast iron, you can see watermarks from the storms inside. iI is the only lighthouse in the USA that is in the middle of a 4 lane highway. The lighthouse was manned by women through the years - they had to mount 54 steps and an 8 step ladder in petticoats! The lighthouse can do tours in the morning only, since it gets too hot the rest of the day. www.biloxi.ms.us/museums/biloxilighthouse/

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THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Mardi Gras and Much More!

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ne mustn’t visit the coast without experiencing a ride on a shrimp boat. The Biloxi Shrimping Trip takes you out of the harbor and sets out a net, which captures all forms of sealife. When they haul it in is when the fun really begins, as the captain’s mate will tell you all about the different creatures in the net. They are then released back into the sea.

Another way to enjoy the gulf is to sail on a Biloxi schooner. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum has daily sails on one of it’s two 65-foot two-masted schooners. The musuem also has exhibits on shrimping, oystering, fishing, wetlands, wooden boat building, and more.

Trolleys ride up and down the coast for ease of tourist transportation. As you ride along the coast from Biloxi to Gulfport, you will see wildlife sculptures along the way. These are the work of Marlin Miller and Dayton Scoggins, who created their works of art out of dead trees (courtesy of Katrina) using chainsaws. www.biloxishrimpingtrip.com/ www.maritimemuseum.org/

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ometimes, out of the (very) bad comes good. In this case, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast destroying almost everything in her path. From this devastation rose new, modernized structures.

Pretty much any hotel/motel you choose to stay in was rebuilt or at least, refurbished, so you won’t find yourself in a dilapidated place.

The gorgeous Beau Rivage Resort’s structure was left intact after the storm, but it was gutted and refurbished inside. It has maintained it’s comfortably elegant feel, and is a destination unto itself. The guest rooms are large yet cozy with understated decor. Large marble bathrooms have a separate tub and shower.

The location of the Beau is such that you either have a fabulous view of the city, or a fabulous view of the water. Win-win. Speaking of win, the casino is loaded with everyone’s favorite slot and table games, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

and the Beau keeps up with the most current popular slots around.

The lovely and calming spa overlooks the large pool, which overlooks the gulf. A state-of-the-art exercise room also looks out over the pool. Upscale fashions and accessories are available in the Beau’s promenade.

The Beau has plenty of dining options for all budgets. With eleven restaurants,

from the upscale BR Prime to the Snack Bar, there is something for everyone. The Buffet is one of the best you will ever experience - with loads of all-you-can-eat crab legs in the seafood buffet. www.beaurivage.com/ Continues on following pages.

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THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST www.AccentOnTampaBay.com Mardi Gras and Much More!

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here are a lot of dining options along the coast, and it’s rewarding to try different restaurants that are area favorites. The awardwinning Bayview Gourmet in Ocean Springs is a must for breakfast or brunch. Try the Shrimp & Grits and you won’t be sorry. www.bayviewgourmet.com/

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nother dining gem in the artsy bedroom community that is Ocean Springs is the family-owned McElroy’s On The Bayou. Crowd favorites are the Bayou Special, with Snapper Filet cooked to order, topped with Fresh Crabmeat and Creole Cream Sauce), or the Eggplant Augratin with Lump Crabmeat.

(On facebook) 228-818-4600

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he Half Shell Oyster House in Gulfport is popular for it’s oysters served just about any way you can think of. A yummy dish to try is the Oyster Combo, with 3 Oysters ‘Orleans, 3 Charbroiled Oysters, 3 Oysters Bienville, and 3 Oysters Rockefeller - something for everyone. Fish dishes are fresh straight from the Gulf. www.halfshelloysterhouse.com/

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he most famous coast restaurant has to be Mary Mahoney’s Old French House (referred to in John Grisham’s “The Runaway Jury” and “The Partner”, as John used to live in Biloxi, and still revisits the place.) As with Biloxi’s Lighthouse, it has withstood even more storms, since it was built around 1737 during the French occupation of the coast.

It has been Mary Mahoney’s since 1964, and although it has been added to over the years, it retains its original characteristics. The building was constructed of hand-made brick with wooden pegged columns of hand-hewn cypress and roofed with slate brought over from France. In front of the restaurant is another old soul, “Patriarch”.

Patriarch is one of the oldest know live oaks, at an estimated age of 2,000 years. All history aside, it’s the deliciously prepared fresh seafood (especially their famous gumbo) that keeps people coming back. www.marymahoneys.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Mardi Gras and Much More!

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though Mardi Gras is a lot of fun, anytime on the Gulf Coast is the right time to visit. In addition to top-name entertainment at the casinos and convention center, there are plenty of other events that take place along the coast weekly, as well as popular annual events. Here are just a few that are coming up in the next few months: 32nd Annual Gulf Coast Rod Run takes place March 16-18, with a family fun car & truck show featuring hundreds of Pre-80’s cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

On the same weekend, March 16-18 is the 35th Annual Coastcon, when Sci-fi fans converge on the Coliseum. There are always interesting and eclectic special guests that show up.

And if that’s not enough, get your Irish on in the same weekend, March 17-18 for Grillin & Green, with parades, tasty food, and arts & crafts.

March 19-25 is for golf fans when the Champions Tour comes to Fallen Oak Golf Club. Look out for fan favorites, Hale Irwin, Fred Funk and Tom Kite.

The 60th Annual Diamond Jubilee takes place over 9 days — March 24-April 1, and features visits to beautiful homes, gardens and historic locations, from Moss Point to Bay St. Louis.

Jazz lovers will want to go to the coast for the 4th Annual Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival in Long Beach on April 7.

Get you motor running for the 5th Annual MS Gulf Coast Bike Fest in Ocean Springs, April 13-15. All brands of motorcycles are welcome, whether it is a Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph or any other type of bike, and all enthusiasts are welcome regardless if they ride a bike or not.

Weekends April 19-29, brings the Crawfish Music Festival with name acts such as The Band Perry, Montgomery Gentry, and some Cajun/Zydeco acts, carnival rides, arts & crafts, and, of course, a crawfish cook-off.

You may need earplugs for the 9th Annual Smokin’ The Sound & Smokin’ The Lake Boat Race April 26-29 in Biloxi channel and Gulfport Lake. Smokin’ the Lake features over 60 boats racing in seven categories while Smokin’ the Sound features over 30 race boats clocking speeds of over 150 mph in 13 categories.

To find out more about the Gulf Coast, visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB at www.gulfcoast.org. You are sure to find something of interest within the friendly communities along the coast.

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LookinÕGood . . .

ISIS HATS Stylish and Practical

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ade of 100% boiled wool with microfleece lining, The Northern Lights hat is the perfect après hat, or the ideal around town beanie. It is embroidered with a unique appliqué that is sure to fit into your winter wardrobe. The fleece lining will keep you warm no matter where you find yourself. It’s great at blocking wind and snow.

Microfleece, felt overlays and stitched design makes this hat as much a piece of art as it is technical.

Isis is one of the most technical women’s outdoor apparel companies in existence. Built from the ground up by two Vermont visionaries, Poppy Gall and Carolyn Cooke, the lone purpose of Isis is to create the best fitting, technically detailed, attractive female winter wear on the planet. From base layers to beanies, softshells to bibbed mountaineering pants, Isis prepares you to face the elements and look fine doing it.

Hand wash the Northern Lights hat in cold water with gentle detergent and air dry flat, or dry clean; One size fits most.

Isis hats can be purchased on Amazon.com and other winter clothing websites.

New “Peace Offerings” for the Holidays

KISS MY FACE Pomegranate Acai and Grassy Mint

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elebrate the holidays and instill goodwill with new scents of the Kiss My Face Peace Soaps. Pomegranate Acai and Grassy Mint to lift spirits this holiday season. Formulated with just 6 natural ingredients, these soaps are perfect for the body and hands and are as gentle as they are effective. Coconut oil cleanses without harshness, while olive oil soothes and moisturizes. Treat yourself and others to the cleansing experience that only a simple, pure and 100% natural Castile soap can deliver.

Kiss My Face Peace Soap is free of parabens, phthalates and was not tested on animals. The packaging features peace written in languages from around the world and is made from 50% recycled plastic. The key ingredients in Kiss My Face Peace Soap are: Organic olive, coconut and jojoba oils provide rich, luxurious lather and skin softening moisture. The simple formula cleans thoroughly without drying, and it’s environmentally friendly and biodegradable Kiss My Face Peace Soap is aptly named for its support of Seeds of Peace Organization. 10% of profits from every bottle of Peace Soap support this organization that brings teens from regions of conflict around the world, like Israel and Palestine, to a camp in Maine to develop a better understanding of each other, build leadership skills and learn how to build a new generation of peace.

For more information, visit www.Kiss My Face.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Turn Your Style Around With THE BRA BARRETTE

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he Bra Barrette is a fashionable bra strap holder that stops straps from slipping. You can use a Bra Barrette to avoid fashion faux pas and hide your bra straps under clothing. It’s invisible under clothing and comfortable to wear. But you will probably like to show it off, as it comes in many different cool styles.

The Bra Barrette is the only strap holder that comes in 3 sizes and was designed to work on tank tops, swimsuits and bras, or add beautiful jewelry to the back with interchangeable charms that show off your personal style. If your straps are a little too long, wrap your strap with genuine Swarovski Crystals. Perfect for spaghetti straps, they come fully covered in crystals, big bling charms, or Swarovski crystal drops.

You can show off the hottest innovation in fashion with a Charmed Bra Barrette. All Charmed BB’s have a lobster claw to change charms to suit your mood and personality.

Charm Packs come with 3 interchangable charms, and the Bra Barrette is also available in 2 fashion packs — the perfect stocking stuffer! ˜ —Multi Color Heart, and Celtic Lore.

Beat the Cold Weather Blahs! Go from Drab to Fab with Australian Gold and Got2bVolumizing Styling Powder As the leaves change and days are shorter, you can feel blah. Adding to the blah feeling is that you may not look your best. Pale skin and flat hair are two of the biggest beauty concerns as less exposure to the sun and winter hats can make you look drab. Two easy quick solutions are Australian Gold Instant Self Tanning Lotion and got2b POWDER’ful volumizing styling powder that will have you looking fab in an instant.

Australian Gold Instant Bronze Self Tanning Lotion gives you an even complexion. Unlike other bronzers, its Advanced Elimiscent Technology prevents the odor associated with DHA. The unique gel-lotion blend provides exceptional coverage without streaking and the lightweight formula dries quickly on skin, so you can apply and head straight out the door! göt2b POWDER’ful volumizing styling powder is formulated with virtually weightless microparticles that help texturize the hair’s surface, giving hair radical root lift in only 10 seconds.

Simply shake it into your roots for instant volume on demand.

For more information, visit www.australiangold.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Tarpon Springs Events HAITIAN FOLKLIFE IN FLORIDA thru May 20.

The City of Tarpon Springs’ Center for Gulf Coast Folklife presents its inaugural exhibit: Haitian Folklife in Florida. The exhibit runs through May 20 in the Folklife Gallery.

There has long been a Haitian presence in the U.S. During the colonial era and the Haitian Revolution, many fled to New Orleans and Charleston to escape violence.

After independence, Haiti suffered a succession of oppressive dictatorships that impelled many of its people to

seek better conditions elsewhere.

From the 1950s to 1980s, hundreds of thousands Haitians fled to Florida— especially Miami—and other parts of the U.S. In Florida, Haitians have reconstructed parts of their social structure in order to negotiate the difficult transition between their past and their present. Haitian Americans express and reinforce their identity through a wide array of everyday activities and special events. Haitian Folklife in Florida explores aspects of Haitian history and traditional culture that are reflected through domestic and decorative arts, music, dance, Carnival, and religion. Center for Gulf Coast Folklife Gallery, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. BABY, THE MUSICAL - March 16-18 Book by Sybille Pearson, Music by David Shire, Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Baby tells the story of three couples as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this universal experience. There are the college students, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; the thirty-somethings, having trouble conceiving but determined to try; and the middle-

aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started. This fun pop rock musical is directed by Rick Hite with music direction by Bill Cusick. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 HUNGER GAMES PARTY - March 17 at 2 pm The party is open to all fans ages 10-18 years old. Participants will enjoy a book discussion on the popular series as well as food, games and fun.

Registration is required for this event.

(727) 943-4922; Tarpon Springs Library, 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs; www.tarponspringslibrary.org ALLEGRO STRING TRIO - March 25 at 2 pm Musicians from the Florida Orchestra, Oleg Geyer, violin; James Conners, violoncello; and Miroslava Panayotova, piano; perform a chamber concert at the Heritage Museum on beautiful Spring Bayou.

Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

www.thespongeexchange.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

HAITIAN STORYTELLING - March 30 at 1:30 pm In association with the exhibit Haitian Folklife in Florida, the City of Tarpon Springs’ Center for Gulf Coast Folklife presents a storytelling workshop by celebrated Haitian Cont on next page

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Tarpon Springs Events storyteller Liliane Nérette Louis. When Louis was a child in Port-au-Prince, her mother used to tell Haitian Kreyòl stories to the children in the evenings.

As she grew older, Louis began to tell the stories to her younger siblings and later to her children. She regularly tells konts at festivals, schools, and other events, and she wrote When Night Falls, Kric! Krak! Haitian Folktales (1999). Louis is also an accomplished chef.

On Saturday, March 31 from 10 am to 12 pm, at the Safford House, 23 Parkin Ct., Louis will offer a workshop in cooking soup joumou (yellow squash soup) and pen patat (sweet potato pudding).

Participants will learn how to prepare the dishes, and will sample them at the end of the class.

Tarpon Springs Library, 138 E. Lemon St. Tarpon Springs FL 34689.

727-942-4922

CARMEN BY GEORGES BIZET March 30 – April 1 Presented by New Century Opera, Directed by Constantine Grame, Sung in English. Bizet’s exciting masterpiece tells of one man’s obsession with Carmen, a gypsy girl whose lighthearted attitude to love brings tragic

results. Beautiful music and the evocative Spanish setting have made Carmen one the most beloved operas of all time.

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center.

NIGHT IN THE ISLANDS - Apr 7, May 5 The City of Tarpon Springs presents Night in the Islands, a free event on the Sponge Docks. Enjoy Greek music, dancing, and dining. The event features live music by Ellada, an exciting Greek band composed of three of the most accomplished Greek musicians in the state. Ellada will perform nisiotika, the lively traditional music of the Greek islands, as well as old and new Greek favorites. Ellada includes George Soffos, bouzouki; Dino Theofilos, keyboard; and Elias Poulos, vocals. Prior to the event there will be live Greek music on Dodocanese Blvd. at Riverwalk, west of Hope Street.

BALLET FOLKLORICO QUETZALLI DE VERACRUZ - April 14 The acclaimed traditional dance and music group, direct from Veracruz, Mexico, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli is a visual fiesta of culture and folklore featuring regional dances of old Mexico, in particular, their home state of Veracruz (birthplace of the world famous “La Bamba”). The music, performed live on authentic stringed www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

instruments, punctuates the meticulous movement, colorful clothing, and pulse established by the dancers.

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 South Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs FL 34689; 727-942-5605, www.tarponarts.org

Full Service Agency Specializing In Auto, Home Owner And Business Insurance Our mission is to give our clients the best possible combination of service and price. We try to make insurance shopping as simple as possible.

We have 22 years of insurance experience.

Please visit us at our web site: petergillisinsurance.com 536 E. Tarpon Ave. Ste 1B Tarpon Springs Fl. 34689 727-942-7530 Fax: 727-942-6099 www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

9am – 2pm with the official Strut at 11am.

Miss Tampa Bay, Tiffany Raia and her pooch Princess will be the special guest and will lead our paved, scenic walk around Eagle Lake. Don’t forget to take the time to strut your own mutt.

Eagle Lake Park, 1800 Keene Rd., Largo, FL 33756; www.HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org

20th ANNUAL MUTT STRUT - March 17

The Mutt Strut offers demonstrations, vendors, games, prizes, raffles & adoptable pets from

Tiffany Raia

4th ANNUAL PET PRIDE and THE BIG GAY PET PARADE April 7th Pet PRIDE Magazine Presents the 4th Annual Pet PRIDE, the Gayest Day of The Year for Our Four-Legged Friends.

Go dressed to impress. They will be crowning the King and Queen of Pet PRIDE. The event will also feature silent auctions & raffles, fabulous contests and prizes, GLBT and pet friendly vendors, live entertainment and more. While browsing the vendor booths, don’t miss the unique shops, boutiques and galleries.

Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District.

3129 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707; 727-215-9573; www.petprideevents.com

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PetLit for your Nighttime Pet’s Walk

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he Nite Ize PetLit LED Collar Light is a specially designed, batterypowered LED that you can clip securely to your pet’s collar, keeping him or her stylish and visible at all hours of the day and night. Made of durable, plastic, with a playful paw or jewel crystal, its bright light is easy to activate with a simple twist. It’s a fun, yet reliable way to keep your furry friend safe and visible when you’re out hiking, camping, running, walking, or playing in the park—and all other early morning or late evening romps.

PetLit is available in bright White LED illumination, in two fun designs – paw or jewel.

Compact, convenient illumination has a battery run time of 24 Hours. It includes an easily replaceable battery – CR 927 3V Lithium. PetLit is weather resistant with a secure clip, which is easy to attach and remove from the D-Ring of a pet’s collar. Twist on/off. It’s 1.8” x 1” x .7”.

For more information, visit www.niteize.com/

Keep Your Pets Warm with Pet-ZZZ-Pad

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hey may have built in fur coats, but our little 4-legged friends get chilly in the winter (or from high air-conditioning in the summer) just like we do. Some of us have the luxury of an electric blanket to snuggle into on a cold night.

How about our little furry friends?

The normal body temperature of cats and dogs is actually 102°. Vets recommend that a pet’s bed be warmed to 102° to keep them warm during cooler months. The new Pet-zzz-pad is the answer to your pet’s ultimate comfort. It heats up to the recommended 102°. It also molds to your pet’s body and cuddles them in warmth. The pad activates with your pet’s weight and fits any size pet bed with a regular 12-inch pad for small to medium pets, and a large 16inch for medium to large pets. The regular size comes with a cozy fleece machin-washable cover.When they get up off the bed, the pad turns off too so you don’t have to worry about it being on all the time. You also don’t have to keep your home heat turned up all day while you’re at work. It might even help keep your pet off your bed for a more restful night’s sleep.

According to Christopher Hallihan, DVM, Managing Partner at Animal Care Center in NJ, “You’ll often notice dogs with muscle or joint pain seeking out sun spots. It’s perfect for dogs that shiver, as well as puppies and kittens that need extra warmth.”

For more information, visit www.petzzzpad.com

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ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats who have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats.

The sanctuary houses tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others — a total of 16 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild.

At this home for rare and exotic cats, The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home they can for these cats.

The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. People are urged to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity.

This is accomplished through guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that is a great resource for information about exotic cats.

Big Cat Rescue has built enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on a 45 acre site, and provides the best nutritional and medical care possible.

They have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for the cats physical and psychological well being.

The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation.

Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. Call 813-920-4130 for more information, or visit BigCatRescue.org.

unken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.

Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers.

Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals.

If you enjoy Yoga, Pilates, or want to try Hoop Dancing, why not go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise.

Monday - Thursday; 10:00am - 11:30am; $45/month or $12/class NEW: Weekend classes $10 Sunken Gardens Members / $15 non-members Saturday: 10am - 11:30am / Sunday: Noon 1:30pm HOOP DANCING - Tuesday 10am - 11am, Wednesday 9am 10am, $80/8 sessions or $15/ class

CHUTE CHI GONG Friday, 10am - Noon, $10/class Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-5513100; www.stpete.org/ sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

• Discover the beauty of a 100 year old botanical paradise.

• Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers and the walk through butterfly encounter.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; adults; $6 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 3 to 11 $8 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100

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www.stpete.org

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Cool NEW Stuff

ALIEN SKIN SNAP ART 3

Simple Tools for Amazing Pictures Snap Art 3 from Alien Skin turns your photograph into a beautiful work of art that looks completely handmade.

Improved realism in version 3 keeps your subject natural and recognizable. The result is a finished piece worthy of printing on canvas and hanging in a gallery.

Using Snap Art just requires a creative idea, not handeye coordination or technical training. Simply choose from hundreds of styles such as oil paint, watercolor, pencil sketch, or the new crayon. If you need more control, the new detail mask let’s you quickly mark areas where you want the subject to be clearer.

To use Snap Art, you will need to have one of the Adobe products Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, or Lightroom.

Version 3 uses more refined stroke placement to keep edges sharp and reproduce natural texture. This keeps the subject natural and recognizable. If you used Snap Art in the past then you will notice dramatically clearer results, especially on portraits.

Instead of oval focus regions, Snap Art 3 now has a detail mask. This lets you quickly mark exactly where you want more detail. This is great for leaving backgrounds abstract while faces are detailed and natural.

With Snap Art you can draw with a wide range of physical media, such as oil paint, watercolor, pencil, and charcoal. Within those, you can choose from a plethora of styles like impasto, pointillism, or modern art techniques like comics and stylize.

Snap Art supports a non-destructive workflow, making experimentation easy. Effects in Photoshop are rendered on a new layer, leaving your original image untouched. In Photoshop, Snap Art can be run as a Smart Filter for easy tweaking of the effect after it is created.

Snap Art 3 can now upload your creations to Flickr.

Optionally, you can add your art to the Alien Skin Flickr group where other artists share their work and techniques.

For more information, visit www.alienskin.com.

MY PASSPORT FOR MAC

Mass Transit For Your Digital Life

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y Passport for Mac is designed for Mac users who need high capacity in a small design. It’s an ideal companion for the MacBook, and has plenty of room for all the user’s files. Use WD Security utility to set password protection and hardware encryption and protect your files from unauthorized use or access. Register your drive, set drive timer, run diagnostics and more using WD Drive Utilities.

The sleek, compact design enclosure offers plenty of storage making it the ideal companion for the graphic professional, student or road warrior. It works right out of the box with your MacBook and is compatible with Apple Time Machine.

Conveniently powered through the USB 2.0 interface, you can quickly connect to your MacBook or MacBook Air and access your files. There’s no need to carry around a power adapter.

For more information, visit www.wdc.com.

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GOSMART CLIP

Convenient, Compact and Versatile Smartphone Holder

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he GoSmart Clip is designed to hold your iPhone or smartphone so that your hands are free. It is compact and portable, making it ideal for travelers, multi-tasking parents and drivers who depend on their mobile phones and who are always on the go. Take it with you while traveling and use the GPS apps in rental cars or the built in speakers to talk hands free.

You can secure it to your backpack, suitcase, or shoulder bag and watch a video while you are waiting at the airport. Fasten it to a cardio machine and listen to your music while working out Keep your phone off

the sand by strapping it to a b e a c h umbrella.

Attach it to the strap or handle of your purse or shoulder bag for easy access to your cell phone.

T h e GoSmart Clip is a simple solution to a common modern day problem. The GoSmart Clip fits most smartphones on the market today. Check out www.gosmartclip.com for full product descriptions, details and videos.

CHICBOOM KEYCHAIN, ROCKBOOM CASSETTE Portable Speakers for iPod

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et ready to raise the roof with your RockBoom Cassette Speaker. No one will guess that such delectably small packaging can pump out so much volume. You’ll be amazed by the crispness and clarity of purse sound that will be turning all the heads in your direction. This retro portable speaker is decked out in a stylish design and warning... it may cause others to stare. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but loud enough to get the party started.

Connect to any listening device with a standard 3.5 mm stero jack. Built in rechargeable battery.

Up to 2 hours of distortion free sound. Stereo cable and USB cable included. chicbuds Keychain Speaker is also for basically any listening device. This small accessory has a big sound with a 2 watt amplified speaker that gives out four hours of quality sound. With the built-in rechargeable battery, you just plug them into your computer to charge and you’re ready to go! Attach to your MP3, iPod, iPhone, CD Player, DVD Player, Laptop... and play. Connects to any device with a standard 3.5mm stereo jack. Clarity, incredible volume and clear distortion-free sound.

Visit www.chicbuds.com for more information.

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Get Ready to Ride

iBIKE COACH

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he iBike Coach is a tough, rugged, water-resistant case with a mount designed to protect your iPhone or iPod Touch while you ride. It provides true performance in security, stability, shock-absorption, and moisture protection.

The anodized aluminum steer tube mounting bracket works perfectly with low angle stems. Just slide your iBike Coach onto the bracket and lock the iBike Coach into place with a thumb screw - simple, yet secure and safe. You can take the iBike Coach off your bike whenever you want, there’s even an optional pouch available for your iBike Coach so you can carry it with you wherever you go.

The iBike Coach’s durable and resilient ABS plastic construction, reinforced with a strength-increasing internal rib cage, carefully absorbs shock.

A watertight gasket seal on the door of the iBike Coach locks out moisture, and a glare-reducing touch screen cover keeps water from making contact with the surface of your iPhone or iPod Touch screen.

Need to find out where you are, where you’re going, or maybe where you can stop for lunch? Just touch the map icon on the top right corner of the iBike App and the map

screen you’ve set up appears (requires data network).

Weather can change dramatically during the course of a ride and no rider wants to get caught unprepared. Your weather apps are accessible any time you stop along your ride. Just pull over and use any of your iPhone Apps weather updates, web browser, anything you’d like. When you start riding again, the iBike App will update your ride data automatically.

Some calls just can’t wait no matter how important your ride is. With the iBike Coach & the iBike App, you’ll never miss a call. iBike lets you take or make a hands-free call (using your iPhone and BlueTooth headset) whenever you’d like. And ride data collection won’t get interrupted! iBike’s innovative Always On feature insures that ride data is stored even when the iBike App is interrupted by phone calls or other apps.

After your ride, the Mac and PC compatible iBike software lets you relive every aspect of your ride, analyze your data, and track your progress so that you can plan your next ride. If you’ve used an iPhone on your ride, you’ll even get a map/route display.

For more information, visit www.ibike-coach.com/

Move Twice your Gear with Half the Effort

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he Train Reaction Device allows travelers to quickly connect and roll twice the luggage with half the effort.

“Anyone on the road typically struggles with transporting all their clothes, shoes, toiletries and other belongings,” says company founder Jeff Herold. “It always amazes people how a device that costs so little can dramatically reduce the strain of getting bags from one place to the next.”

Linking luggage in seconds, the Train Reaction Device creates a stable, balanced, four-wheel unit with a perfect

center of gravity. By using the smaller piece to leverage the larger, or connecting two of the same size, the device produces a weightless effect, allowing users to move their gear with a single hand -- leaving the other free for coffee, a cell phone or holding a child.

To eliminate 100 percent of downward and upward force on luggage handles, users simply slip the device over the retractable handle of the smallest wheeled bag and through the riveted handle of the second. The process is completed by attaching the hook to the appropriate crossbar for desired incline, and quickly adjusting it to find the perfect balance point. A third, non-wheeled piece can be placed against the retractable handle.

For more information, visit www.trainreaction.com.

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Wired and Wireless Headphones For Kids

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idz Gear has introduced adult-featured stereo headphones made specifically for kids. Manufactured with the same high quality components as those used in standard adult headphones, the Kidz Gear wired stereo headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of audio content - DVDs, MP3s, Game Players, Television, Radio and more. Featuring BOTH a built-in Volume Control knob as well as a free independent volume control cable, the Kidz Gear Wired Headphones are also safe for the little ones. They are great for children in the car, on the plane or hanging out at home.

The Wireless Car Headphones, also designed specifically for children, are 100% compatible with all U.S. vehicles that meet supplier specifications. Vehicle systems must support Built-in, Single-channel IR DVD/Video systems. The infrared (IR) wireless stereo headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of audio content - DVDs, MP3s, Game Players, the Radio and more. Great for children on the move, or even hanging out at home using a (separately sold) wireless transmitter for home use. It requires a 120VAC Wall Power.

For more information, visit www.gearforkidz.com

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GAMING SCENE Blair Garner, host of After MidNite with Blair Garner, and will feature performances by ACM New Artist of the Year nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery as well as Love and Theft and headliner Luke Bryan on Friday, March 30th, and Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Eli Young Band, Jana Kramer, and headliner Eric Church. www.vegasexperience.com/

LAS VEGAS ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS - April 1 Country Music’s Party of the Year, the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, honoring country music’s best and introducing the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1st on the CBS Television Network. The show will be hosted for the second consecutive year by Reba and Blake Shelton. www.acmcountry.com.

THE ROYAL HOUSE PRESENTS: THE PASTEL PROJECT - March 2324 The Pastel Project is the first in the series of outdoor concerts and festivals of the season. Outside there will be a main concert stage with stage side cabanas and a spring/festival

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE March 30-31 The Academy of Country Music is hosting two days of all-star concerts at Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas during The Week Vegas Goes Country! The weekend-long party will be hosted by three-time ACM On-Air Personality of the Year Award winner

Rod Stewart continues his hit-making residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas beginning March 24. The Grammy Living Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer returns with Rod Stewart: The Hits. on March 24, 25, 28, 31 and April 1, 4, 6 and 7. A variety of exclusive ticket packages are being introduced including the Hot Legs and Celtic VIP Packages.

Rod Stewart has been lauded as having one of the most distinctive voices in pop music. In a career spanning five decades, with an estimated 250 million album and single sales as well as sold-out concerts around the world, he is indisputably one of the most successful singers, songwriters and performers of all time. www.ticketmaster.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

inspired atmosphere. Activities such as roller skating, strolling Americana entertainment troop, sidewalk chalk, art sculptures, carnival rides, above ground pools flying. www.royalhouselv.com/ BELLAGIO PRESENTS CLAUDE MONET: IMPRESSIONS OF LIGHT Thru Jan. 6, 2013 Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light” features works that illustrate the height of Monet’s engagement with color and

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cifically tuned for professional Gran Turismo Racing. www.dreamracing.com/

light. All of these works will be on display. www.bellagio.com/.

MICHAEL JORDAN CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL - March 29-April 1 The 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational returns to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year.

Included in the tournament are a Celebrity-Amateur tournament, two-person, 36-hole scramble tournament for competing celebrities and various parties and entertainment. www.arialasvegas.com/mjcigolf/ O’SHEA’S CLOSING - April 30 As part of the Project Linq massive makeover of the Imperial Palace and the alley way between O’Shea’s and Harrah’s, the little casino O’Sheas will shut the doors for the last time on April 30. The place has an energy not matched at surrounding casinos.

DREAM RACING LAUNCHES IN LAS VEGAS Dream Racing is now open at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dream Racing offers thrill seekers the opportunity to become a race-car driver for the day, taking a track-ready Ferrari F430 GT for fast laps just like a professional.

This is the only place in Las Vegas where participants can take to the track at the wheel of a machine spe-

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What’s Happening at the Beau Rivage

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ocated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both - the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Vision Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $199 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport. Right now the flights are once a day, and leave (and return) on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Fallen Oak

CIRCUS CIRCUS UNVEILS NEWLY REMODELED GUEST ROOMS More than 1,900 guest rooms in the Casino and Skyrise Towers at Circus Circus have been remodeled, offering guests a fresh selection of accommodations.

Contemporary jewel and earth tones welcome guests into the Casino and Skyrise Tower rooms.

These accommodations feature classic furnishings, pillow-top mattresses, 40-inch flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi Internet access.

The remodeled rooms are part of an overall re-fresh at Circus Circus that also includes new wallpaper and carpet throughout the property. www.circuscircus.com/

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevation changes (unique for a Gulf Coast course) and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. GOLF Magazine rated it one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.”

A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to the Gulf Coast, and a perfect place for a Girlfriend Getaway with their special “Pamper Parties.”

The dining opportunities at the Beau are wonderfully varied - from the simple Snacks Deli to the exceptional BR Prime (the Beau’s signature steak and seafood restaurant), and every thing in between. Guests have eleven restaurants to choose from, as well as several bars.

Welcome back the 70s with the Doobie Brothers on March 23. Get some soul with Gladys Knight on April 13. See the Amazing Asian Show on April 15. The one — the only — Miss Diana Ross entertains on April 21. Get your country on with Randy Travis on May 4.

You’ll be dancing in the aisles with The O’Jays on May 11. Call 888-5667469, or visit www.beaurivage.com for act dates Diana Roass and times.

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THE MOREAN ARTS CENTER Programs Geared Towards Youth, Teens And Families PRESCHOOL ART WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - Mar 16 and Apr 20 - Ages 4-6. Children will explore drawing, painting, clay and fiber art under the guidance of the instructor based on the Reggio Emilia

method of collaborative learning. The teacher will guide them in collaborative and individual projects based on the children’s interests. Children will learn about the artistic mediums and their own creativity by experiencing the material world around them.

KID CRAFTERNOONS WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - Mar 16 and April 20 - Ages 6-12. Embracing the spirit of DIY “design it” yourself, children will learn basic design priciples, and hands on art methods while receiving some teacher direction for crafty creativity.

FAMILY ART NIGHT WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - Mar 16 and Apr 20 - Parents and kids welcome. Family art get together for dinner, art and a movie about the “Artist of the Night”. The “Artist of the Night” will be based on a contemporary artist chosen by the instructor. Hands on fun together so each artist in the family may take home a creation basedon the methods of

that artist. Price includes pizza and a drink. Families may bring their own drinks or other snacks. This is an opportunity for families to create together.

GRAFF-STREET ART WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - Mar 17 and Apr 21 Ages 10-16. Explore the elements of Graffiti style, sketching walls, bricks to pixels, tape art, history and use of tools. Students will finish an individual piece and have an opportunity to work on a group installation.

727.822.7872; www.moreanartscenter.org/

TARPON SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY Bunny Birthday Party - March 27

Meet the author of Wow! An Upside Down Cake Birthday Party, Jeanne Hansen and enjoy a special Bunny Birthday Party story time at the Tarpon Springs Public Library on Tuesday, March 27th at 3:00 p.m. Author, Jeanne Hansen will read from her book, Wow! An Upside Down Cake Birthday Party, followed by a special bunny craft and light refreshments.

Copies of the book will also be available for sale and signing.

All ages are welcome and admission is free. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

727.943.4922 or tslibrary@pplc.us for more information.

29TH ANNUAL TINY TOT OLYMPICS - March 28 Tiny Tots is a social/recreation program held during the school year for ages 3-5 that helps prepare the kids for pre-

school. The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will host the 29th Annual Tiny Tot Olympics, Wednesday, March 28, from 10 a.m. – noon, at Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 Fletcher Ave., just east of the Hillsborough River. The event features approximately 200 3-5 year olds currently enrolled in the PRC Tiny Tot program. Participants will compete in events such as the basketball toss, bean bag toss, bucket relay, football throw, hula hoop relay, obstacle course, parachute games, sack race and soccer dribble. Scores are not kept and all participants receive ribbons. Everyone is a winner at these games.

For more information, call 813.672.1120

CURIOUS GEORGE ANNOUNCES EVER DANCE CONTEST

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Kids are Invited to Exercise Their Creativity Through Dance for a Chance to be Featured in an Upcoming Curious George DVD. Calling all parents! Does your child love Curious

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George? Do they love to dance? Have them show off their best monkey moves and exercise their creativity in the firstever Curious George Dance Contest.

During its sixth season on PBS KIDS, the Curious George television series is featuring a special focus on the arts, including dance. Dance is a great way for kids to express themselves, and a fun way to exercise. Parents and guardians are NOW invited to enter a video of their child dancing to the Curious George theme song for a chance to be featured on a Curious George DVD! You might even win a visit from George himself. Whether your child likes to bop, shake, jump, twirl, or spin, we want to see how they boogie along with Curious George.

Now through April 2, parents and guardians of kids aged eight and under can send in videos of their child’s moves to CuriousGeorgeDanceContest.com. A panel of judges will choose ten finalists based on their creativity, enthusiasm, and originality. Then, starting April 16th through April 30th, Georges friends and fans - the public will vote for the winner. All finalists will receive a Curiosity Kit, filled with a Curious George book, game, DVD, and other fun George merchandise. Contest entries will be accepted through April 2. For complete rules and regulations, and to submit your childs video, visit CuriousGeorgeDanceContest.com.

Children need to move. Not just for their physical selves, but also for social, emotional and cognitive development, says Rae Pica, childrens activity specialist.

You can promote your childs fitness, self-confidence, learning, and much more. All you have to do is dance! www.curiousgeorge.com.

SUPER SPECIAL SATURDAY - Family Day at The Museum Of Fine Arts On the third Saturday of the month the Museum presents entertaining family programs, 11:00 am to 2:30

pm, free with museum admission. Discovery Hour, Encore, and MFA Hands-On! are designed for people of all ages and especially for children.

Discovery Hour: 11 a.m. – noon, third Saturday of the month. Explore the MFA. You will find a work of art in the Museum’s permanent collection using a Museum Masterpiece “treasure hunt” sheet. March 17: Ancient Greek Amphora.

Encore: 11:30 a.m., third Saturday of the month.

Imaginative performances for people of all ages by Nan Colton, the Museum’s talented performing artist-inresidence. Her mini-plays: March 17: Clio the Muse of History.

MFA Hands-on! 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., third Saturday of the month. Create your own artwork inspired by works in the permanent collection and special exhibitions. March 17: Make a Zigzag Book to document your history.

Free with regular admission. 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727-896-2667; www.fine-arts.org/

WEE-TIME at Weedon Wee-Time at Weedon provides a fun, educational experience for children ages 3 to 5 to learn about the

environment through stories, puppet shows, and hands-on activities. From 10:30am–11:15am. Free, but registration is required. Thurs, Mar. 22 - “Busy Buzzers: Bees in Your Backyard” by Nancy Lowen.1800 Weedon Dr NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33702 (Weedon Island Preserve). 727-4636500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org

“JUNGLE BOOGIE” TODDLER PROGRAM at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

The nature preserve presents a special program for children ages 3 and 4. Each session begins with a story and continues with discovery walks, dramatic play, crafts, or animal encounters. The goal is to nurture children’s curiosity, help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills, and instill appreciation and respect for our natural world. Weekly on Wednesdays from 11:15am–12:00pm.

1101 Country Club Way S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705 (Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.)

727-893-7326, www.stpete.org/boyd/

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Childs Play

All-In-One Nap Solution

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y NapPak is the brainchild of Beth Clampitt of Dallas, Texas, who, one day realized when she picked her 18month old son up from daycare, that he was stuck to the mat from sweating and the blanket that he was using was twisted around his legs. The nap time mat provided for children to lie on in a majority of preschools is covered with a plastic surface which makes it easily sanitized but not very user friendly for the child who is lying on it. Plastic is hot, nonabsorbent and not at all snuggly.

After searching unsuccessfully for satisfactory bedding, and realizing there was a need for it, she decided to create a product herself. My NapPak is an all-in-one product with pillow, comforter and fleece blanket, which is comfortable, durable enough to handle weekly washings and keeps the child from direct contact with a mat that another child has used.

Parents and schools responded enthusiastically to her design. My NapPak is versatile enough to use for a variety of situations – school and day-care, traveling and sleeping over at grandparents.

My NapPak has several colorful, whimsical patterns, all

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of which are very appealing to children — Play Ball, Noah’s Ark, Lil’ Princess, and the newest additions, Under the Sea and Cowboys & indians. “Under the Sea” has tiny mermaids and fish in a blue sea with a lemon-yellow cover blanket trimmed in bright pink; “Cowboys and Indians” has a pattern of young braves, decked out cowboys all patch worked onto a sky-blue bandana background; the accompanying blanket has a pattern of brown and white cowhide trimmed out with a contrasting red.

My NapPak will also monogram the blanket, and what child doesn’t like to see their name on their favorite blankee?

For more information, visit www.mynappak.com

Be Seen, Be Safe!

Fun Product Line

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naplite is designed to keep moms and babies safe outdoors by making them highly visible to vehicles.

The snap-on design quickly and easily attaches the safety light to most strollers, infant carriers, ride-on toys, bikes or trailers at any position with no tools required. Unlike the traditional bike lights with nuts and bolts clamp mounting system, Snaplite’s smooth silicon strap ensures your expensive gear remains scratch-free and installs in only 3 seconds.

Snaplite is weatherproof, and the signal is visible for up to one mile. The light has three functions: Random flash, steady flash, and steady beam.

Snaplite available photos by www.fotosbyt.com

nyone can have a “whoops” moment, and an Australian couple, Maude and Brian Humphris, have created some fun characters and creative products that try to minimize a whoops. Meet Whoops Bunny, a character that will appeal to all ages with clever little stories for the products.

The products are functional, but at the same time have a feel-good factor. Whenever possible, products are environmentally friendly, and are packaged with recyclable material.

The full product line ranges from paper products, to clothing, to accessories, and more.

The Munchin’ Hand Set is a 5-piece melamine set that won’t smash if dropped. It comes complete with a hand patterned bowl, plate, cup, spoon and fork, and is dishwasher safe.

The Rainy-Play Rain Coat is lined in cotton and polyester, and delightfully vibrant and multi-colored. Pair with coordinating rain boots and splash away.

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is at

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