Accent On Tampa Bay #227, January/February 2017

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Accent

On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 29, Issue 227 Jan/Feb, 2017 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Bridget Burke Sylvie Damien Vicki Kolb Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Wicked by Joan Marcus.

PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

savethemanatee.org

AM PUBLICATIONS St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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LOCAL FOCUS Thur Jan 12

FUEL THE FIRE WITH 2-1-1. 5:30 – 8 pm.

An entertaining evening of fantastic food, drink and hot glass demonstrations. All proceeds raised will support 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares programs and services. Duncan McClelland Gallery, 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg. www.211tampabay.org

Compiled by Vicki Kolb

BRAD GARRETT opens the new Hard Rock Poker Room

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK TAMPA TO DEBUT NEW POKER ROOM. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa will unveil its new state of the art poker room at 11:30 a.m. The 46table, non-smoking poker room will feature Wi-Fi throughout and will have the sports fan in mind (the room will offer 40 TV’s, including six 75-inch TV’s and four 65-inch TV’s). A new high-limit lounge will feature two VIP tables. Also new is a bar with seating to accommodate 15, as well as a snack bar with seating for more than 20, and an outdoor covered area for smoking.

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MONSTER JAM

Sat, Jan 14 - Raymond James Stadium

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onster Jam is the most action-packed live event on four wheels where world class drivers compete around the globe. Each Monster Jam truck is approximately 10.5 feet tall, 12 feet wide, 17 feet long and weighs 10,000 pounds. The truck bodies are custom-built and constructed of fiberglass. The venue will offer 40 TV’s, including six 75-inch TV’s and four 65inch TV’s. www.monsterjam.com

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To celebrate the opening of the new poker room, comedian BRAD GARRETT, best known for having played the role of Robert Barone in the hit CBS series Everybody Loves Raymond, will be doing a ceremonial guitar smash before the new venue opens to the public. He will then play the first hand, which will include the presentation of a commemorative chip (limited to the first 800).

Following the ceremonies, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa will present to Garrett a $10,000 check for the charity of his choice, Maximum Hope Foundation, which offers urgent financial relief to families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness. www.seminolehardrock.com

“BREWS & BITES” Brings Food Trucks and Live Music to THE SAIL. The second Friday of each month, THE SAIL hosts a Brews & Bites Food Truck Rally. A rolling celebration of food and fun, Brews & Bites will feature a fleet of area food trucks, and live entertainment from local musicians at the venue’s unique 360-degree waterfront bar. From 6 to 10 p.m. 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa. (813) 274-7778. www.tampaconventioncenter.com WEST AFRICA WORLD CULTURES INITIATIVE.

Fri Jan 13

MOVIES IN THE PARK, CITY OF OLDSMAR. “Inside Out” Disney/Pixar, 6:00 PM. Mobbly Bayou Environmental Education Center.

Free, All Ages. Bring your own chairs. Snacks and refreshments will be sold. 813-749-1152 Continued

Sat, Jan 14 - Vinoy Park

www.sunshinemusicfestival.com/

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The opening Exhibit will include African art, dance, music and food. 7 PM - 11 PM. Group Dodo Ahoco showcases the rich heritage of instruments, rhythms and songs from the Cote d’Ivoire and the rest of West Africa. Dodo Ahoco is made up of various African musical instruments. The Dodo, an instrument from the Bete Tribe of the central west region of Cote d’Ivoire, resembles the ark (or bow) and arrow traditionally used by hunters. It was also used by storytellers to accompany their stories with melodies.

The Ahoco is a small instrument from the central region of Cote d’Ivoire and from the Baoule ethnic group. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct, Rear, Sarasota.

(941) 545-5635. www.squareup.com/store/peace-education-andaction-center/

Sat Jan 14

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION. 10 am – 4 pm.

Free with admission. Kids crafts, scavenger hunt

Amalie Arena

and free tree seedlings. Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. www.stpete.org/sunken WALK TAMPA: THE YBOR CITY STORY.

This 90-minute walking tour is led by a History Center-trained docent and focuses on the foundContinued

Jan 25 - 29

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t’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things at America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth. Get ready for an X-HILARATING adventure with X-TRAORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC animals. It’s time to awaken the spirit of Children Of All Ages and stir the imagination of your family.

www.ringling.com

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ing and development of Ybor City in the late 19th century early 20th century. You’ll tour Tampa’s only National Historic Landmark District and learn about the people, social life and work culture of early Ybor. You’ll visit mutual aid societies, the Ybor Cigar Factory and other key landmarks, and hear the stories behind one Florida’s oldest and most unique communities. Participants will walk a total of approximately one mile along public sidewalks and brick streets. Tours are limited to 25 people. Pre-registration is required. 10:30 AM 12 PM. Circulo Cubano de Tampa, 2010 Avenida Republica De Cuba, Tampa, FL. 813-228-0097. www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-tampa-the-yborcity-story-tickets-29766512440?aff=erellivmlt

Sat & Sun Jan 14-15

20th ANNUAL SPORT KITE COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL.

10 am – 5 pm. Free. Be amazed by the talented kite flyers performing to music at this twoday event in dual-line and multi-line sport kite flying in a wide array of disciplines. Learn to fly a kite or win one in a raffle. TISKC (Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition) will be offering Team Mul-

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tiline Precision and Ballet as disciplines. TISKC will also be offering a novice class competition for multi-line precision and ballet. If you haven’t participated in a multi-line competition, this is your chance. Individual precision events for Experienced and Masters Classes will be run according to program precision (formerly called leaguestyle) rules. Sponsored by Windworks. Treasure Island Beach, 107th Ave. and Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. www.easternleague.net

Mon Jan 16

33rd ANNUAL REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION. The NAACP Clearwater/Upper Pinellas County branch and the City of Clearwater will honor and celebrate the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 33rd Annual Celebration. This year’s theme is Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice. The event starts with a 7:30 a.m. leadership breakfast at the North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex, 900 N. Martin Luther King Ave. $5 donation for adults and $3 for children under 10 is requested. Line up to march to Coachman Park at 9:45 a.m. followed by a rally with speakers and a program at Coachman Park. There will be entertainment, food vendors, arts & crafts, educational information and more. bayline2@ tampabay.rr.com. www.clevelandstreetdistrict.com/ 28th ANNUAL CITY OF TAMPA MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY PARADE. The City of Tampa’s Martin Luther King Day Parade celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King, and displays the diversity and community spirit of the Tampa Bay Area. Thousands line the streets of a two mile route winding through East Tampa beginning at Cuscaden Park, and ending at Middleton High School. The MLK Day parade is family friendly, entertaining, and fun. Free admission. www.mlkjrparade.com/

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GEORGETTE’S

28th Annual Fashion Show

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eorgette’s Boutique held their Holiday Fashion age Cover Show recently at the Hilton Downtown Tampa. This year the show benefited St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital’s newborn resusicitation room.

Georgette’s runway show and luncheon featured celebrity models, performers, raffles and silent auctions. The event was co-emceed by Fox 13’s Kelly Ring and Russell Rhodes.

Countless amounts of beautiful clothes made their way down the runway worn by equally beautiful local celebrities and professional models. The fashion display was interspersed by dancers in colorful costumes performing to upbeat tunes and holiday music. The event usually draws around 700 guests, and it looked like the attendance number didn’t disappoint this year.

At the end of the show all the modeled outfits were for sale, along with many accessories and some holiday items. otos and ph

by Me

Russell Rhodes

For more information about St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation, please visit sjhfoundation.org Georgette’s is located at 141 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-254-1141. georgettesfashions.com

Kelly Ring

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Georgette (4th from R) takes a well deserved bow along with her crew for a show well done. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Sat, Jan 21

WOMAN OF THE YEAR. Enjoy brunch at the Woman of the Year award presentation with a runway fashion show. 10:30 am.

Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country club. 6000 Sun Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-452-7653.

THE D.A.N. RUN (Defeat ALS Now!) 9:00 AM. 5K walk/run, all proceeds to be donated to local ALS foundation. All ages welcome.

This is the effort of a group of 4th graders who have had loved ones affected by ALS. 101 central park drive, Largo, FL. matthew_simpson4@yahoo.com. www.sportoften.com

Sat, Jan 21-22

2nd ANNUAL SARASOTA SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Select from exquisite foods cooked onsite incorporating the freshest ingredients by local restaurants and food purveyors. Choose from grouper, mahi-mahi, stone crabs, oysters, shrimp and soft-shell crabs, crab cakes and more. Meat entrees include Italian and Polish sausage, steak sandwiches and chicken-on-a-stick and a variety of vegetarian and rice dishes also are offered. While savoring your meal, sit back and relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups. Performances are live on-stage in musical genres from Rock N’ Roll, R&B, Blues, Rumba and Flamenco to Reggae, Jazz and Big Band sounds. Performers at this year’s event include Jah Movement, the Greg Billings Band, John Emil and from North Carolina Mr. Bacon. Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Free admission to event and music; variable food costs. Free parking. Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236. www.seafoodfestivals.com/

Fri - Sun, Jan 27-29

10th ANNUAL FORKS & CORKS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Forks & Corks is presented by The SarasotaContinued 14

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Manatee Originals, a group of nearly 60 locally owned and operated restaurants. Forks & Corks food and wine festival continues to draw widespread attention to the prevalence of quality, independently-owned restaurants in the SarasotaManatee area. Forks & Corks 2017 promises an impressive lineup of celebrity winemakers along your favorite local chef and restaurants. Events over the weekend include: Winemaker Dinners: Friday January 27th and Saturday January 28th at various Original member restaurants Forks & Corks University Master Class Sessions: Saturday, January 28th at Michael’s On East Ballroom, Wine Cellar and Restaurant

Forks & Corks Grand Tasting: Sunday January 29th at The Ringling. On this day each year, The Originals and their chefs offer their signature dishes and invite ticket holders to sample fine wine from over 50 international wineries.

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HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE & BOARDWALK

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ocated on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps and Hubbards Marina. The beach is a short stroll away. Conveniently located near St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa, and just a short drive to the Orlando area. Open daily!

12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, Florida Located on the Gulf-to-Intercoastal pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island

(727) 394-0756 • johnspassvillage.net

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Sat, Jan 28

SUNCOAST HOSPICE BALL: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Live music, dancing, auctions. 6:30 pm, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

727-523-3352.

FEST TAIL-GATE PAWTY. Bringing together pets and their owners to share a day filled with fun for the entire family. There will be adoptable pets, demonstrations, Pet and people related vendors, vaccines/microchips, and concessions.

9am - 1pm. 200 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg. www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/

86th ANNUAL ALL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CHARITY BALL. Dinner, dancig and auction benefits Johns Hopkins All children’s Hospital. St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-347-6288. www. achgevening.org

FL ORCH GALA WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN. The Florida Orchestra’s Gala Evening concert, featuring violin superstar Itzhak Perlman, to support TFO’s growing community engagement programs. Music Director Michael Francis conducts.

In a rare opportunity to see Perlman perform here with a full orchestra, he will play some of his favorite movie music, including the Theme

HUMANE SOCIETY OF PINELLAS PET-

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Sat, Feb 4

VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP To Rock Tampa Bay with TOBY KEITH - March 6-12

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esides 144 of the world’s best golfers competing for more than $6 million in prize money and valuable FedExCup points, the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship offers a free concert by Toby Keith and an expanded array of culinary treats and hospitality venues at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor.

The excitement begins with a special run/walk called the HSN Cares Par4Miler to Benefit Moffitt Cancer Center on Sun, March 5 and continues through Sun evening when a new champion will hoist the tournament’s distinctive trophy after battling the difficult Copperhead Course for four days and 72 holes. Last year, that champion was Charl Schwartzel, a former winner of the Masters from South Africa.

The Valspar has been known for great food and drink over the years with the Innisbrook Resort options like Packard’s and Market Salamander Grille available as well as Frenchy’s, Hooters, and Michelob Light among the sponsors. In 2017 there will be a new Food Truck Rally, an Earl of Sandwich kiosk and a new Wine Bar. The Valspar Championship is kid friendly and a major supporter of the U.S. Military. Kids under 15 are admitted free with a ticketed adult and McDonald’s is sponsoring the expanded Family Fun Zone.

Active duty members of the U.S. military also enter the tournament free and have their own hospitality area..

For more information and all ticket packages, visit ValsparChampionship.com. For the latest tournament information, follow the tournament on Twitter (@ ValsparChamp) or Facebook. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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BUBBLEOLOGY

at the Citrus Park Mall

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f you’re a tea lover and you haven’t stopped by the Bubbleology kiosk at the Citrus Park Mall, you are in for a real treat when you do. A “Bubbleologist” creates a tea based beverage with fruit flavor infusions. These nutritional beverages (and there are many to choose from) use freshly brewed tea combined with Tapioca pearls, which add an interesting twist to the taste experience. Teas are made with milk or fruit, and can be customized with extras. They are 100% vegetarian and are hand made to order. There are also some very tasty specials, such as the Cookies & Cream Tea (as pictured middle left). A few of the Milk Tea flavors are: Jasmine, Taro (the most popular), Honeydew, Mocha, Coconut, Vanilla. Some Fruit Tea flavors are: Mango, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Ginger, Lychee, Apple.

You can customize with extra tapioca, flavored jelly, and “popping boba”— a fun tiny juice ball that bursts with flavor in your mouth.

For more information visit www.bubbleologyusa.com/

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from Schindler’s List – which he recorded for the Academy Award-winning film – along with As Time Goes By from Casablanca, the love theme from Cinema Paradiso and more. 727-892-3337. www.FloridaOrchestra.org

Tues, Feb 7

INFINITY’S MARDI GRAS MADNESS — SPRING FASHION SHOW AND FUNDRAISER.

Elegant luncheon, live entertainment, fashion show, Mardi Gras mask contest, silent auction and much more. 11 am — 1:30 pm. $50. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. info@infinitystpete.org

Feb 10,11,18

WINE WEEKEND ST. PETE 2017: WINE & CHOCOL’ART TO SUPPORT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. Continued

Huzzah and Cheers for 39 Years! Feb 18 - April 2 T

ake a time-travel adventure into the 16th century at the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival! Join the Queen in a jubilee. Journey back in time as more than 100 merchants contribute to the atmosphere of this charming 16th century village. Experience live armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, 7 theme weekends, and fun and food for the whole family. The Festival is open weekends, with a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, March 31st. The Festival is open from 10 am – 6 pm, Rain or Shine.

Parking at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival is always free. Discount tickets are available at participating Walgreens stores and at MOSI. 11315 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617. www.BayAreaRenFest.com

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A Coastal Chic Party kicks off this extravaganza on Friday, February 10, from 7:30-11 p.m. at the MFA. Participants can savor Florida favorites, craft beer, wine, and decadent chocolate. The Mad Beach Band will provide the music. Dressy casual resort wear is suggested.

Paint the Town Red, White & Chocolate follows on Saturday, February 11, from 6:30-11 p.m. at the MFA. Cocktail attire is recommended. Tyson Grant, Executive Chef of the Parkshore Grill, will prepare the dinner and select the wines. There will be live and silent auctions, and the TomKats Jazz Orchestra will add to the ambience. Among the auction items are: a 10-day cruise to any place in the world offered by Holland America, a one-week stay at Vermont’s legendary Stowe Mountain Lodge in a three-bedroom suite sleeping six, and a one-week vacation at a Casita at Pebble Beach, California.

The 1000 Points of Wine Gourmet Dinner on Saturday, Feb-

ruary 18, from 7-11 p.m. is the pièce de résistance and will be held at the Rolls Royce Tampa Bay Showroom, 3255 Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park. Dress to impress is the suggested attire. Five courses will be curated by gifted chefs David Varley and Jeffrey Hileman of the San Franciscobased Mina Group. They will be paired with 10 wines. www. stuartsociety.donorshops. com/wine-weekend-overview.php

Sat, Feb 11

CUPID’S UNDIE RUN. Put some hilarity into charity as hundreds run through the streets in their undies (not required). Party and awards ceremony. Benefitting the Children’s Tumor Fund. 12 noon — 4 pm. Yard of Ale, 260 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg. www. cupidsundierun.org COLISEUM BIG BAND BALLROOM DANCE. A tribute to Harry James and the Andrew Sisters featuring Charly Raymond and his orchestra. Dance hosts available and singles welcome. BYOB, snacks and setups available.

7:30 pm. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

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Tue, Feb 14

TAMPA THEATRE INVITES MOVIE LOVERS TO RENEW VOWS BEFORE SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY SCREENING. At 7:00pm, the Right Reverend John Bell (also known as Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, armed with an internet-official certificate of ordination) will invite married couples to make their way to the stage for an en masse renewal of their wedding vows and a champagne toast to “happily ever after.” And should there be anyone ready to walk down the aisle (both literally and figuratively) that night, just bring your legal marriage license, and they will have a notary on hand to make it official. After the nuptials, Nora Ephron’s rom-com classic Sleepless in Seattle will provide the perfect excuse to sneak an arm around your date. www. tampatheatre.org

Fri, Feb 17

6th ANNUAL BLUES WALK. The 6th Annual Blues Walk will take place on Cleveland Street.

This restaurant crawl event will kick off an awesome weekend filled with blues music and great seafood. On Friday night there will be live blues music. Select restaurants will offer “Sea-Blues” themed dinner and drink specials all night. With each participating business you walk into, you will have a chance to win great prizes with the Sea-Blues Raffle. www.clearwaterseablues.com/

Sun, Feb 19

13th ANNUAL GULFPORT’S GET RESCUED PET FESTIVAL. Gulfport’s Get Rescued is one of the largest animal rescue events in the state, with all profits to benefit participating nonprofit rescue groups. From 10am to 6pm, animal rescue organizations, many appearing with adoptable pets, take over Beach Blvd. to raise money and awareness for their causes. Additionally, animal-related vendors, artists and crafters offer their wares to festival-goers. Pet Related activities will include an adoptable pet parade, pet care education, pet services, a pet food and supplies drive, animal rescue groups, free samples, training demos, a Bark-B-Que, food, DJ music & more. Well behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome. The daytime event is free for the public to attend, with plenty of free parking in and around the area. 3101 Beach Boulevard South Gulfport, FL 33707. www.GulfportsGetRescued.com

Sat & Sun, Feb 18-19

11th ANNUAL CLEARWATER SEA-BLUES FESTIVAL. Enjoy the Festival for two days filled with seafood and blues.

Saturday’s performers include JJ Grey & Mofro, The Record Company, The Sheepdogs, The Congress, The Ries Brothers, and Bear & Robert.

Sunday’s performers include Walter Trout, Sonny Landreth, Mike Zito, Selwyn Birchwood, THE BETTY FOX BAND, and Souliz. Reserved Seating & VIP upgrades are available for purchase here and general admission is FREE. www. clearwaterseablues.com/ 26

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE AT THE MAHAFFEY. It may have been 65 million years in the making, but it was worth the wait. The puppets of Dinosaur Zoo Live are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide – but don’t! You won’t want to miss a minute of this fun, unique, entertaining and educational

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live show. It’s an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill kids while stimulating their imaginations. www.themahaffey.com/

Inside, there will be games, prizes, free popcorn and soda, hair and makeup touch-ups with stylists from Paul Mitchell the School, the OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show on the big screen, and a cash bar. ABC’s live coverage of the Academy Awards begins at 8:30 p.m., and guests who stay until the Best Picture is announced at the end of the telecast will enjoy doughnuts and coffee in the lobby. A limited number of “Backstage Pass” tickets will be available, which include exclusive access to the

Tampa Theatre Green Room and a spread of complimentary appetizers, beer, wine, and signature cocktails until 11:00pm. www. tampatheatre.org

Sun, Feb 26

HOLLYWOOD AWARDS NIGHT at TAMPA THEATRE. Tampa Theatre celebrates Hollywood’s biggest night of the year with a Red Carpet Reception and VIP watch party for the live telecast of the 89th annual Academy Awards on the big screen. Now in its 18th year, the Hollywood Awards Night Red Carpet Reception begins at 7:00 pm on Franklin Street under the historic marquee. After a limo ride around the block courtesy of longtime event sponsor Skyline Limousines, superstar guests will walk the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, rub shoulders with costumed characters representing Hollywood’s biggest bigwigs, pose for a picture with a living award “statue,” and chat with “Roan Jivers” about who they’re wearing. Guests are encouraged to show off their star status with a movie-themed costume, or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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SMASHBURGER Definitely Craveable

Coverage and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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o call Smashburger a fast food restaurant would be a huge disservice. Yes, it has the appearance of a fast food spot (albeit with a cool urban vibe), and your meal is delivered rather quickly, but the taste and quality of the food far surpasses any fast food we have previously experienced.

Smashburger recently opened in the Tri City Plaza in Clearwater, with a menu that is kid-friendly and vegetarianapproved. I do believe we have found our new favorite burger joint.

Partly top notch fresh ingredients and partly the process is responsible for the great taste that becomes the final product.

The burgers are never frozen, 100% all natural Certified Angus Beef, and are literally smashed on a hot buttered grill, which apparently seals in the flavors and caramelizes them. Then comes the fun part — dressing it up any which way you like it.

Smashburger has a unique and tasty menu all set up, but you can mix and match for your personal taste. We were fortunate to experience a tasting of a lot of what is on the menu, and can say with all honesty that everything was delicious. And not just the burgers, there are also chicken sandwiches, salads, and sides. The bun choices are egg, multi-grain, and chipotle, and even taste great as stand-alones.

Fries are offered as French, sweet potato, and spicy buffalo, but we found the “Smash Fries” to be our favorite, as they are tossed in Italian olive oil, rosemary and garlic, and have just the right crunch.

Non-meat eaters will like the Avocado Ranch Black Bean burger, and the Veggie Frites — fresh green beans & carrot strips, flash fried. Everyone will love the Cobb Salad with fresh greens, blue cheese, sharp cheddar, fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes and onion, with buttermilk ranch dressing.

Ordering a shake is a must, since they, too, are made with the best ingredients — hand-spun with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, whole milk and Ghirardelli chocolate. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Smashburger is now located in 32 states. We visited the new one at Tri City Plaza, 5300 E Bay Drive, Clearwater, FL 33764. The next closest at the moment is in Sarasota.

More are planned — and soon, so please visit the website for information about the Clearwater location and more.

www.smashburger.com/

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Smash Fries with olive oil, rosemary & garlic.

Spicy Jalapeno Baja Grilled Chicken

Rod Boyer, VP of Franchise Operations for Smashburger, gave us a crash course in the art of “smashing.”

Cobb Salad with fresh greens, blue cheese, sharp cheddar, fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes & onion with buttermilk ranch dressing, surrounded by some choice menu items from Smashburger.

Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger with sauteed crimini mushrooms & truffle mayo on an egg bun.

Oreo Shake made with vanilla HäagenDazs ice cream & crushed Oreo cookie

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1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813229-Star. www.strazcenter.org

BROADWAY SERIES

CABARET - Jan 24 - 29. Hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life is beautiful at Cabaret, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way.

SOMETHING ROTTEN! - MARCH 7 - 12. Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared!”

(New York Magazine).

WICKED - Feb 01 - Feb 26. WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz …but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another girl, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships … until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” With a score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” WICKED has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade.”

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RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I - May 2 - 7 One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score which features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

FINDING NEVERLAND - May 30 - June 4.

FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story

behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. He sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers.

Barrie leaves his old world behind for Neverland where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever.

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID - July 11 - 16. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this beautiful Broadway hit is based on a favorite Disney film. Fall in love with the magic for the first time – or all over again. “One of the most ravishing things I have ever seen on a Broadway stage” – Time Magazine

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t AMALIE ARENA 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813.301.6500. www.amaliearena.com JANUARY 14 – Winter Jam 20 - The Comedy Get Down FEBRUARY 3 - Impractical Jokers ‘Santiago Sent Us’ Tour Starring The Tenderloins 14 - Bon Jovi

28 - Twenty One Pilots MARCH 12 - Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience with Ramin Djawadi AMERICAN STAGE 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org/ JANUARY 18 – Feb 19 – Come and Gone 22 – Improv House Teams Live FEBRUARY 5 – Hawk & Wayne

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. www.asolorep.org 32

CAPITOL THEATRE 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues JANUARY 13 – Greg Billings Band 15 – Dr. John and the Nite Trippers 17 – Michael Bolton 20 – Doyle Bramhall II 21 – Lisa Lampanelli 22 – Tom Segura 24 – Geoff Tate Acoustic 27 – Keller Williams & Leo Kottke 28 – Kathleen Madigan 29 – Adam Trent FEBRUARY 3 – Gallagher’s 70th Birthday Bash 6 – Rick Astley 9 – Gaelic Storm 10 – Under the Streetlamp 11 – Delbert McClinton 12 – Pure Prairie League 13 – Al Di Meola 40th Anniversary 14 – Richard Thomas 15 – Hayes Grier CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa JANUARY 11 - TURNING EMOTION INTO MELODY with Charles Calandra. 6 p.m. Charles Calandra will host a presentation about his songwriting.

14 - SHAUN HOPPER TRIO. 8 p.m. Finger-style guitarist Shaun Hopper will return to the Center for an intimate concert 18 - 19 - FLORIDA TREASURES. 10:30 a.m. Two tourists discover a treasure chest full of historical artifacts on the beach, they are magically transported back in time in a fun-filled journey through Florida’s history.

20 - JAZZ WITH JIM presents Fusion with Tom Ziegelhofer. 7:30 p.m. Jim Burge and The Jazz Directions will welcome guest trumpeter Tom Ziegelhofer in a program dedicated to jazz fusion.

21 - PARENTAL ADVISORY COMEDY SHOW. 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening with a few comedians who prefer to burn the envelope rather than push it.

Steven Lolli, featured comedian Aniria and emcee Michael Murillo. (Adult content.)

24 - 26 - FRANZINI FAMILY SCIENCE CIRCUS.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 10:30 a.m. Join Professor Franzini and Lippo the Clown for an action-packed science show.

26 - SQUADRON SPECTACULAR” SHOW FOR CHILDREN - Ideal for ages 8 to 12, “Squadron Spectacular” is an interactive show about science and drawing the human form.

CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS THEATRE 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000. www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ JANUARY 6 - 28 - The comedy LIE, CHEAT, AND GENUFLECT by Billy Van Zandt & Jane Milmore.

Loaded with sight gags and puns, LIE, CHEAT

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Bridg tos by

AND GENUFLECT tells the tale of two brothers, Billy and Tom, part of the black sheep side of the family, who are convinced they’ve been left out of their millionaire Grandpa Buckle’s will.

CATHERINE HICKMAN THEATER 5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport, 727.893.1070. www.mygulfport.us JANUARY Thru 22 – PARFUMERIE 28 - 29. THE RAT PACK, TOGETHER AGAIN! A trip back in time for those who remember “The Rat Pack”. Rat Pack impersonators Johnny Petillo, Tony Sands, and Geno Monroe help us relive the golden era of Las Vegas when seeing Davis, Martin, and Sinatra at The Las Vegas Sands was one

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he holiday season got off to a rockin’ start when Melissa Etheridge hit the stage at the Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg in December.

Along with all of her hits, she played some great holiday classics to a full capacity audience.

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of the most popular things travelers came to enjoy.

CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo.

727.587.6793. www.largoarts.com JANUARY 13 – Livingston Taylor 14 – Pam Tillis 19 – The Machine performs Pink Floyd 21 – Jeff Lorber

10 – I Moved A Mountain 11 – Rave On! Buddy Holly Experience 13 – Neil Zirconia – Faux Diamond COCONUTS COMEDY CLUB 5501 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach 727.360.5653. www.coconutscomedyclubs.com Open Mike on Tuesdays. Shows: Wed - Sat, 9pm JANUARY 11 – 14 – Bengt Washburn 18 – 21 – Mike Rivera

THE COLISEUM 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727.892.5715. www.stpete.org/coliseum FEBRUARY 11 - A Tribute To Harry James & The Andrews Sisters. 7:30.

EARLY BIRD DINNER THEATRE 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762. 727.864.7600. www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com

ECKERD COLLEGE OPERA Continued

23 – The Fabulous Hubcaps 27 – The J3 Vocal Band 28 – Al Stewart FEBRUARY 2 – Girls Night Out Comedy Show 4 – The Rat Pack Together Again 7 – The Four Bitchin’ Babes 9 – Y&T

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Miller Auditorium. 727.864.7600. www.eckerd.edu/metopera The Met in HD Series. Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera JANUARY 21 – Romeo et Juliette EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE 105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727.587.6793, www.eightoclocktheatre.com Argentina’s controversial First Lady is the subject of this dynamic musical. As an illegitimate fifteen year old, Eva escaped her dirt-poor existence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires.

Driven by ambition and blessed with charisma, she was a starlet at twenty-two, the president’s mistress at twenty-four, First Lady at twentyseven, and dead at thirty-three. Eva Peron, “saint to the working-class” and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina, reviled by the aristocracy and mistrusted by the military, was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy unique in the 20th century. Told through a compelling score that includes “What’s New Buenos Aires,” “A New Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” and the powerful “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina,” EVITA creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself.

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA 727.662.7286. www.floridaorchestra.org See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center FLORIDA OPERA FESTIVAL Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Florida 33602 www.operatampa.org JANUARY 20 – Donors Appreciation Dinner 20, 22 – Romeo & Juliette 24, 26, 30, 31 – Open Rehearsal - Cinderella FEBRUARY 2 – Open Rehearsal – Cinderella 5 – Discover Opera 10, 12 - Cinderella 36

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.

(941) 366-9000. www.floridastudiotheatre.org JANUARY thru 29 - Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves. Celebrates the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals.

From the 1970s to today, ffeaturing songs by powerhouse performers such as Cher, Tina Turner, Reba McEntire, and Peggy Lee.

thru MARCH 11 - Clever Llittle Lies thrr April 9 - Piano Men. FREEFALL THEATRE COMPANY 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.498.5205. www.freefalltheatre.com JANUARY Thru 29 – Peter and the Starcatcher MARCH 16 - SIMRIT “Songs of Resilience”. Working with an elegant, expressive musical palette and Americana producer Paul Mahern (Willie Nelson, Iggy Pop, Lily & Madeleine, John Mellencamp), Simrit encourages listeners to find grounding endurance, hope, and transformation. Her music is heavily influenced by Greek orthodox chants, West African traditions, and yoga themes.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t GLENRIDGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 941.552.5325 www.gpactix.com JANUARY 13 – Hunter & Doe 18 – Wild Carrot 26 – Lecture – Michael Lasser 28 – The Great American Songbook FEBRUARY 4 – Giacomo Gates 15 – The Mersey Beatles

GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org *Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport JANNUS LIVE 200 1st Ave. North, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.jannuslive.com/29 JIMMY FERRARO At Sparton Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey, Fl 34653. 727-409-0293.

JOBSITE THEATER Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the PerContinued

at the Tampa Theatre Sat, February 4 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

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o the delight of fans of the American Big Bands and the Big Band era, the brassy, all-singing, all-dancing, all-American 1940s musical revue In The Mood will perform at the historic Tampa Theatre.

Hop aboard the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" to "Tuxedo Junction" and get "In The Mood" for a "Moonlight Serenade." In the Mood is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, The Andrews Sisters, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the '40s.

Complete with authentic costumes, music arrangements and choreography, In The Mood pays homage to America's greatest generation who fought WWII. Experience the swing, the rhythm and the jazzy, sentimental and patriotic music of this pivotal time in America's history.

In The Mood has a cast of nineteen on stage: the 13-piece "String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra" and the "In The Mood Singers and Dancers" performing over fifty unforgettable hits.

www.tampatheatre.org/in-the-mood/

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t forming Arts. 1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa . 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org Jan 13 - Feb 5 - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S AS YOU LIKE IT. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and woman merely players” begins one of the most iconic monologues written in any language. Join Jobsite Theater, resident theater company of the Straz Center, in the forest of Arden this new year for a timeless tale of love, liberation, and transformation.

As You Like It is set in present-day Tampa.

2015’s Twelfth Night, set in 1926 Ybor City, was one of Jobsite’s most successful productions of all time and the company is equally hopeful for this classic tale of love, lust and mistaken identity. Featuring some of the most famous lines penned in the English language, As You Like It subverts the traditional rules of romance. Gender roles, nature and politics all become a muddle in a clever and astute comedy that reflects on how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be.

MAHAFFEY THEATER

Mar 17 – Apr 9 - A SKULL IN CONNEMARA. Mick Dowd is hired one week a year to disinter the bones in the local cemetery in Leenane, Ireland to make way for the new arrivals. As the time approaches for him to dig up those of his own late wife, strange rumors surrounding his involvement in her sudden death seven years ago begin to resurface. Populated by misfits and miscreants all digging for the truth, A Skull in Connemara is a blasphemously funny whodunit complete with flying skulls and bloody hatchets.

MAHAFFEY THEATER 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767. www.themahaffeytheater.com JANUARY 13 – Billy Gardell 14 – TFO – Bravo Broadway 15 – Capt. “Sully” Sullenberger 19 – Elvis LIVES 20 – The Five Irish Tenors 21 – TFO – Brahms, Mozart & Mendelssohn Continued

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER - The Musical Fri, March 17

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he iconic story of Tony Manero, the kid from Brooklyn who wants to dance his way to a better life, is back! An all-new stage production of Saturday Night Fever - The Musical comes to the Mahaffey Theater Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m.

Fueled by the Bee Gees’ timeless hits, this contemporary retelling of the classic story captures the energy, passion and life-changing moments that have thrilled audiences since 1977. Now, a new generation of talented actor/singer/dancers meets a new generation of theater-goers to explore the soaring sounds and pulsating rhythms of this coming-of-age disco fantasy.

Based on Nik Cohn’s 1975 New York Magazine article “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,” and Norman Wexler’s hit 1977 film, Saturday Night Fever - The Musical includes nearly all of the songs from the original movie soundtrack. The album spent a recordbreaking 24 weeks on the top of the U.S. chart.

www.themahaffey.com

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 22 – Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild 26 – TFO – Symphony in C 27, 28 – Shen Yun 29 – Terry Fator FEBRUARY 1 – Pat Metheny 2 – TFO – Young at Heart 3 – TFO – The Legend of David Bowie 4 – TFO Gala – Itzhak Perlman 9 – Smokey Robinson 11 – YES – The Album Series 12 – Dionne Warwick 17 – Loretta Lynn MATINEE OPERA PLAYERS Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. 64th Way, Pinellas Park. www.facebook.com/MatineeOperaPlayers ORPHEUM 1915 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

THE PALLADIUM 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg. 727.822.3590. www.mypalladium.org JANUARY 13 – Beacon 17 14 – Los Lobo 15 – Ethan Bortnick 18 – Palladium Chamber Players 27, 29 – Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore FEBRUARY 3 – Arlo Guthrie 8 – Ehnes Quartet PATEL CONSERVATORY 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.

813.222.1002 www.patelconservatory.org Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes FEBRUARY 16 – 19 – The Adventures of Flat Stanley POWER STORIES THEATRE 2015 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33606. 813-2532000. www.powerstories.com ROCK BOAT RUTH ECKERD HALL 42

1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater .

727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com JANUARY 14 – ELO – Former Members 15 – Golden Boys 15 – TFO – Bravo Broadway 16 – John Denver Tribute 17 – Van Morrison 20 – Riverdance 22 – Kenny Rogers 22 – TFO – Brahms Mozart Mendelssohn 23 – The Last Waltz 40 Tour 24 – Don Henley 26 – Jerry Seinfeld 29 – Battle of the Big Bands 30 – Gladys Knight 31 – Billy Crystal FEBRUARY 1 – TFO – Young at Heart 1 – Boz Scaggs & Robert Cray 2 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 6 – Beehive – The 60’s Musical 9 – Sicilian Tenors 11 – Steve Martin & Martin Short 13 – 109 Years of Broadway 17 – Three Dog Night & America

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 941.359.0099 ext.101 www.sarasotaopera.org SEMINOLE HARD ROCK JANUARY 11 - Brad Garrett, 7:00pm, 9:30pm.

SIDESPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 .(813) 960-1197. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com/

A SIMPLE THEATER The Biniger Theater, Eckerd College. 4200 54Th Avenue S, St. Petersburg. 727.864.7811 www. asimpletheatre.org JANUARY 18 – The Time Trail FEBRUARY 7 – Shipwrecked!

ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t Located Just Off I-275 At 4025 31St. St. South, St. Petersburg, 33712. Box Office:tickets / Information 727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org JANUARY Thru 22 – Neil Simon’s Proposals

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY 727.823.2040. www.stpeteopera.org Various performance locations JANUARY 21 - BROADWAY CABARET. The cast of The Elixir of Love sing their favorite Broadway numbers. Drinks and dessert included in ticket price.

Preis Hall, Opera Central, 2145 First Ave.S, St. Petersburg. 727-823-2040. www.stpeteopera.org 27 - 31 - THE ELIXIR OF LOVE. A poor peasant dreams of love with a beautiful landowner. He’s making no progress until a quack doctor sells him a bottle of Love Potion #9. A pompous sergeant almost steals the potential bride, but just in time, the peasant inherits wealth and becomes irresistible. Donizetti’s comic romp includes the aria “Una furtiva lagrima” which Pavarotti made famous.

SARASOTA BALLET 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 941-359-0099. www.sarasotaballet.org JANUARY 27 – 30 – Ashton, Graziano & Tuckett SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 941.359.0099. www.sarasotaopera.org JANUARY 21 – The Opera Gala FEBRUARY 7 – Meet the Artists 11, 16, 19, 22, 25 – Madam Butterfly 14 – Meet the Artist STRAZ CENTER 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813.229. STAR www.strazcenter.org JANUARY thru March 12 – Forbidden Broadway thru February 5 – As You Like It 24 – 29 – Cabaret 29 – Josh Bell

FEBRUARY 1 – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 1 – 26 – Wicked 2 – TFO – A Toast to the Classics 2 – Open Rehearsal – Cinderella 4 – Greg West – Live & Local 5 – Discover Opera 10 – 12 – Cinderella 11 – Don Miggs 11 – Rebecca Zapen – Live & Local 14 - Yanni

THE STUDIO @620 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 27895-6620. www.studio620.org SUNCOAST DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY 727.596.7142 www.sdjs.org TAMPA BAY SYMPHONY 727.827.8087. www.TampaBaySymphony.org Performances in various locations FEBRUARY 12 – Spring Awakens – SPC 14 – Spring Awakens – The Palladium 19 – Spring Awakens – The Straz TAMPA BAY TRIPLE THREAT THEATRE Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651Wells Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. 813-969-0240.

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The Florida Orchestra draws top talent to Tampa Bay

i

The Florida Orchestra is known for bringing world-renowned artists to bay area stages.

January and February concerts do just that, as well as feature TFO’s own stars. Check out these highlights, including two new series: BRAHMS, MOZART & MENDELSSOHN (JAN. 21-22): TFO’s own Principal Oboe John Upton takes the stage as soloist in Mozart’s Oboe Concerto. Also on the program is Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian,” and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. Stuart Malina conducts.

Note: This concert also will be performed in Avon Park on Jan. 19 as part of TFO’s state residency program.

A GALA EVENING WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN (FEB. 4): The violin superstar joins Michael Francis and the orchestra to perform some of his favorite music from the silver screen, including the Theme from Schindler’s List. Benefits the orchestra’s growing community programs.

Tickets: $50, $75, $100 and $150 at Mahaffey Theater (dinner and reception not included).

BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 2 (FEB. 17-19): TFO’s Principal Harp Anna Kate Mackle takes center stage for Debussy’s Danse Sacrée Itzhak Perlman et Danse Profane on a program that features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 and Durufle’s Requiem, with the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Michael Francis conducts.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA: Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45 at floridaorchestra. org. Kids and teens get in free to all Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts with Classical Kids tickets.

The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

TFO DEBUTS 2 NEW SERIES Happy Hour Concerts: Presented by Smith & Associates Real Estate. Instead of sitting in traffic after work, let the music move you instead, with this hour-long concert and free drinks from sponsors Stella Artois and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. $35 general admission. Up first: A Toast to the Classics on Feb. 2 at the Straz Center.

WOODSON CHAMBER CONCERTS: January kicks off TFO’s new series of four Sunday afternoon chamber concerts at the intimate Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg. The first one is “American Inspirations,” featuring Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet on Jan. 22. More follow on Feb. 26, March 26 and April 23. Admission is pay what you can at the door.

The Florida Orchestra: The Florida Orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45. Rock concerts are $35, $50 and $65. Buy at floridaorchestra.org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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COOLSTUFF!

BOOK

Unlikely Friendships: DOGS 37 Stories of Canine Compassion and Courage

by Jennifer S. Holland

E

nhanced with beautiful full-color photographs, these true stories of camaraderie, affection, and remarkable bravery are from the author of the New York Times bestsellers Unlikely Friendships, Unlikely Loves, and Unlikely Heroes.

Meet Rex, a German shepherd who learned to love and trust again through the improbable friendship of a goose.

The pit bull named Dolly, whose antics with her best friend, Sheldon the tortoise, include games of tag.

For the millions of dog lovers, this heartwarming and inspirational book celebrates 37 stories of unusual canine companionship.

Jennifer S. Holland is a contributing writer for National Geographic. She has also written for, among others, The Discovery Channel, NPR, and The New York Times, specializing in science and natural history.

Workman Press www.amazon.com/

BOOK

MELVIN The Sad...(ish) Robot

Mascot Books www.amazon.com/

by Joshua Margolis

M

elvin the Sad...(ish) Robot is a story about one robot’s longing for love and happiness. Melvin wakes up each morning with a familiar sense of sadness and loneliness. He goes to school each day to learn how to be a fixer bot, but as much as he loves what he is learning, he is failing all his classes. He has friends that ask him to join in on fun activities, but he has trouble accepting their offers for fear of new experiences. What happens one day when he gathers the courage to confront those obstacle? Will he succeed? Will he fail? Fall in love with Melvin and find out.

Joshua Margolis is an artist and educator living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He teaches ceramics to children and adults by day, and works on creating monsters and robots out of clay in the evening. His work has been shown in many galleries throughout the country.

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YANNI

CD

Sensuous Chill

Y

anni is a true global artist - a multiple Grammy Awardnominated composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and performer whose extraordinary body of work has both pioneered contemporary instrumental music and reimagined the live concert-going experience. Yanni’s new album, Sensuous Chill, is a lush sonic experience featuring 10 brand new tracks. The album sees the visionary musician exploring new realms of sound and creativity inspired by his world travels. Tracks like the rhythmic “Desert Soul” and the bhangra-spiced “Dance For Me” offer a new sonic perspective on his adventures and experiences.

Portrait Records www.amazon.com

CD

BETTE MIDLER: THE DIVINE MISS M•DELUXE

R

hino Records revisits the early days of Bette Midler’s incredible career with a deluxe version of her iconic 1972 debut album, The Divine Miss M. The collection features a remastered version of the original album, including the Top 40 hits: “Do You Want To Dance” and “Friends,” as well as the Top 10 smash, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Co-produced by Barry Manilow, The Divine Miss M was released in November 1972, reached the Top 10 on the album chart, and was later certified platinum by the RIAA. The following year, Midler won the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist.”

2-CD set that includes the remastered album, plus a bonus disc of singles, outtakes and demos, as well as new liner notes written by Midler.

www.amazon.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ATTR ACTI ONS & M U S E U M S E V E N TS TAMPA B AY A RE A

BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg 727.893.7326. www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill. Tram Tours Saturdays, Guided Tours, Classes.

FEBRUARY 4 – 4th Annual Raptor Fest. Celebrate birds of prey including trained raptors in free flight. Exhibitions, presentations, live bird photo ops and so much more. www.raptorfest.org BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.

453.6800. www.brookercreekpreserve.org JANUARY 14 – Intro to Plant Identification 21 – Tree Planting Imperative 21 – Spiders – Saturday Youth Program 28 – Capture the Moment – Photography FEBRUARY 4 – Frogs 4 – Star Party 11 – Intro to Outdoor Survival 18 – Invasive Plants of Pinellas

(727) 441-1790. www.seewinter.com Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after the injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, features the story of Hope, a young resident dolphin.

727.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

CRACKER COUNTRY Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610. (813) 627-4225. www.crackercountry.org/ Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history mu-

B

usch Gardens’ concert series returns with live music spanning from the 1950s to today, including soul, blues, country, pop and rock ‘n roll.

The Real Music Series runs through March 4.

Concerts are held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (subject to change) The Real Music Series is FREE with park admission. Show tickets are required and can be picked up at the tent outside of the Stanleyville Theater

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Real Music 2017 Line-

The Platters - Jan 23-28 Fernando Varela - Jan 30 - Feb 4 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Feb 6-11 Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band - Feb 13-18 Micky Dolenz - Feb 20-25 Lee Greenwood - Feb 27 - March 4

10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, (888) 800-5447. www.buschgardens.com 50

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L A M I N A Y B A B NEWS D

isney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a new female elephant calf, Stella.

This is the third calf for Donna, (left) who has given birth to two other female calves. Stella raises the number of elephants in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom herd to 10, including three males and six females. Guests onboard the Kilimanjaro Safaris attractions can see Stella and Donna exploring the savanna.

W

elcome Berisi, a young Malayan tiger cub, born in September at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo to mom, Bzui. The two have been bonding and nursing in a den for months, and the cub has ventured outside to explore her surroundings. This is the first chance guests have gotten to see the rambunctious cub, which has a TON of energy from relaxing in her den for so long.

A

fter over a year of pregnancy, “Ubi,” an endangered Malayan tapir at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, gave birth on Sept. 10 to her third calf, a girl named “Tengahari,” which means “noon” in Malay – the time she was born. She is a sibling to “Tembikai” - the male calf born at the Zoo in January 2015. This species is facing a number of threats, primarily due to human development and habitat loss.

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ATTRACTIONS

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seum, was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr. so future generations might better understand and appreciate Florida’s rural heritage.

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2240 9th Ave.S, St. Petersburg. www.woodsonmuseum.org EGMONT KEY SHUTTLE Hubbard’s Marina, Ft. DeSoto Co. Park. RSVP; 727.867.6569. www.hubbardsmarina.com/egmont 727.893.2627 www.egmontkey.info

FLORIDA AQUARIUM 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2734000. www.flaquarium.org Explore and learn about marine life at The Florida Aquarium. For all ages. Exhibits, Journey to Madagascar, Wetlands Trai, Bays and Beaches, Coral.

12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo , 727.582.2100. www.flbg.org Closed weekends & County Holidays.

FEBRUARY 14 – Valentine’s Day Group Wedding FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org JANUARY Thru 15 – I Am My Brother’s Keeper Thru 29 – Matzevot for Everyday Use 14 – Courage and Compassion 28 – The Greatest Crime of the War FEBRUARY 11 - April 16 – Holocaust by Bullets Exhibit 18 – July 16 – Jehovah’s Witnesses – Faith Under Fire Exhibition FORT DE SOTO PARK Tierre Verde. 727.552.1862. www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm One of the world’s best beaches. Guided Nature Walks – Sat & Sun. JANUARY 29 – Chilly Willy Duathlon

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

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 walk through a butterfly encounter.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; $6 seniors 62+; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 52

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www.stpete.org

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/ During each SMALLab experience, museum guests can work together to solve puzzles, create stories and character plots, learn about the world, and paint digital masterpieces.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 8218992. www.greatex.org/

Science and humanities exhibits allow visitors to touch, move and actually become part of several pieces. First Sunday of month open special hours for special needs families.

JANUARY 13 – Parents Night Out 14 – Winter Wonderland 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FEBRUARY 17 – Night at the Brewseum GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM 115 10th Ave, St Pete Beach 727-552-1610. www.gulfbeachesmuseum.com Only museum dedicated to the preservation of history of the local barrier island. Preserving island history for tomorrow’s generation.

GULFPORT HISTORY MUSEUM 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. 727-327-0505. www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.org Free Admission HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 2541891. www.ut.edu/plantmuseum The Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the south wing of the original Tampa Bay Hotel, features original opulent furnishings and artifacts from the hotel collected by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Plant. Educational exhibits and events of the late Victorian period, the beginning of Florida’s tourist industry, and the early years of the City of Tampa.

JANUARY 13 to Feb 26 - GASPARILLA: A TAMPA TRADITION. The new exhibit explores Tampa’s premier party, attended by a motley crew of the famous and infamous, the beautiful people and bad dudes. Learn more about Continued

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ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest accredited sanctuary devoted to big cats. The nonprofit sanctuary is home to more than 70 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, servals, caracals, and various other exotic cats.

BCR has built enclosures in a natural habitat with foliage and shelter on 55 acres in the Citrus Park area of north Tampa. They provide the best nutritional and medical care possible, and have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is primarily supported by donation.

The facility offers a variety of guided educational tours at 14 set times during the week. Be aware that most tours are not open to children ages 9 and under. All ages tours are held Saturdays at 12 pm. They also offer private tours, field trips, birthday parties, and other events.

BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. For tour times and reservations, call 888-316-5875, or visit www.BigCatRescue.org

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the early Gasparilla parades and enjoy vintage photographs from 1904 to the present. Visitors can also enjoy film coverage on the celebration.

HERITAGE VILLAGE 11909 125th St N, Largo. 727.582.2123. www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage Free 21-acre living history museum. New exhibit Boathouse display.

Sundays – Speaking of History.

LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. 813) 935-8552. www.lowryparkzoo.org FEBRUARY thru AUG - Dinos Alive! Grab the whole family and step back in time to the Jurassic and Cretaceous Eras and share in the fun surrounded by life size animatronic dinosaurs. Guests can transport and immerse themselves in another time, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

Get up-close and personal with varying species of dinosaurs to take pictures, learn fun facts about how they lived, and maybe acquire a better appreciation of how we can help save present-day species of wildlife from extinction. Feast with Dino-sized food and drinks, or just enjoy this larger than life experience with the entire family.

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MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731. www.selby.org MONDAYS - Yoga in the Garden JANUARY 8 – 28 – Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica Exhibit 9 – Borucan Mask Painting 11 – Borucan Masks, Native Artists and the Role of Fair Trade in Protecting Resources 20 – Orchids 101 20 – Lunch in the Garden Series FEBRUARY 1 – Visual Poetry 2 – 4 – Zen Watercolors 7 – Singing in the Gardens 11 – The Orchid Ball 13 – The Color of Dreams 15 – Flower Fantasy 15 – Chagall Nights 18 – Chagall Family Saturdays

MOTE AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org JANUARY 20 – Marine Science Film Festival

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FEBRUARY 1 – Teen Science Café 8 – Coffee with a Scientist Science, Education, Aquarium

stage rehabilitation facility which provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The facility is the permanent home to Manatee County’s most famous resident and the oldest known manatee in the world, Snooty.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org

Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line.

JANUARY 21 – Vino with Venus 28 – Member Night – Rogue One SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor. 727724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/MuseumCultural-Center SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores. 727.391.6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com Located on the Gulf Coast, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds. This is the largest nonprofit wild bird hospital sanctuary. More than 100 birds live in the sanctuary, representing 20 species.Tours are available. FREE admission. Donations accepted.

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205. (941) 746-4131. www.southfloridamuseum.org/ The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing.

The Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium is a second

ST. PETERSBURG AUDUBON SOCIETY 727.753.9731 www.stpeteaudubon.org 101+ Years Conservation. Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month First Saturday of month Boyd Hill Bird Walk JANUARY 15 – Painting with a Twist Fundraiser 17 – Peruvian Amazon 21 -Possum Branch Preserve FEBRUARY 4 – Boyd Hill 4 – 4th Annual Raptor Fest 11 – Great Backyard Bird Count 18 – Tour Circle B Bar Ranch ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg. 727.894.1052 www.spmoh.org Schrader’s Little Cooperstown is made up of more than 4,800 baseballs, documents, story boards and video screens – connects America’s national pastime with historical events from the region and around the world.

JANUARY Thru March 5 – African Americans Experiences in WWII 14 – Happy Hour w/ Historian - Shipwrecks FEBRUARY 9 – Dr. Martin Luther King in St. Augustine ST. PETERSBURG PRESERVATION WALKING TOURS Central Ave. & 2nd St, St. Petersburg (Oct. - Apr.) 727.824.7802. www.stpetepreservation.org National Register listed downtown. Free for members. Suggested donation non-members.

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SUNKEN GARDENS 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 551-3102. www.sunkengardens.org/ Sunken 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.

JANUARY 14 – Arbor Day Celebration. 10a– 4p. Kid’s crafts, scavenger hunt, and free tree seedlings. 10:30a – 11:30p - Tree Talk and Stroll: Bruce Turley, owner of Wilcox Nursery, leads you on a walk through the gardens highlighting the best trees for your yard with tips on planting, pruning, and more. Start off with an overview of the trees you may wish to take home for free to determine the best one for your yard.

28 – Succulent Centerpiece Workshop. O’Berry’s Succulents owner, Jamie O’Berry, guides you through creating a wine bottle succulent display.

Pre-registration required. $60/person fee covers succulents and all other materials. 727-551-3102 TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727.579.8226,

www.tbauto.org Unique collection of vintage cars and vehicles.

Cousteau Society Artifacts on exhibit.

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER 801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2280097. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/

Exhibits include coverage of the Tampa Bay area’s first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, and historical figures who shaped the area’s history, as well as a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store.

JANUARY 14 – Walk Tampa – The Ybor City Story 19 – Book Group – Cassadaga Spiritualists FEBRUARY 11 – Walk Tampa – The Ybor City Story 15 – Florida Conversations TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2748981. www.tampatheatre.org/ A restored classic theatre showing modern independent and classic films. Pre-show Wurlitzer organ concerts.

WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org JANUARY 27 – Volunteer Archaeology Lab 28 – Archaeology Works – Food 28 – More than a Movie – Fierce Green Fire 29 – Nature by the Book 58

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The Florida Holocaust Museum Celebrates 25 Years

Betty Grebenschikoff (center) with other survivor’s and families participate in a candle lighting ceremony.

Story and Photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

n International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27th), the Florida Holocaust Museum (FHM) in St. Petersburg celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary. It was on this date in 1945 that the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated by the Russian army. The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust, and is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides.

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Students from St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School joined in on the candle lighting ceremony.

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vaguely remember the museum’s opening, but have never visited because I deemed it too sad. I have been through the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and it was so very heartbreaking. We were invited to the FHM anniversary commemoration, so we decided to finally go. Yes, it is sad. Very sad. Beyond sad, into words I cannot conjure up. But it also sends the extremely important message that we can never be complacent when actions around us become threatening to certain factions of our society. Six million Jews were killed back then, but five million more were also killed. Who were the other five million? Eastern European “gypsies,” homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, political dissidents, and more — anyone who didn’t fall into the party line.

The 25th commemoration included a Holocaust survivor — Betty Grebenschikoff — who shared her harrowing story with an audience made up of other survivors, their children, other interested parties, and students from St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School. I watched the students listening intently to Mrs. Grebenschikoff, and was glad that the young people are being exposed to the horrors of the past so they will know not to repeat them as they grow into maturity. After the speech, the students shared a candle lighting ceremony with the survivors.

The museum is very well laid out, telling the story of the Holocaust through images, videos, and artifacts. There is a large photo that covers a whole wall of Hitler giving a speech to the biggest crowd you’ve ever seen. It was filled with the disenfranchised, and Hitler told them exactly what they wanted to hear, so they followed him fervently.

The most poignant exhibit is an actual wooden boxcar that carried people to one of the death camps. It is placed on the original tracks from the Treblinka Killing Center. When in use, one hundred plus people were crammed in for days with no water and air accessible only through cracks in the wood, and one chamberpot that was useless after the first few hours. Many died in the boxcar — mostly the elderly and children and just lay there until the journey’s end. Man’s inhumanity to man is unfathomable.

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The Florida Holocaust Museum is located at 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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COOLSTUFF! “I

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

! n e h c t i K In The

AnySharp

THE Best Knife Sharpener

t’s a poor workman who blames his tools.” I know you’ve heard that old adage, but sometimes it is the tool’s fault. In this case, any chef/cook will tell you the most important tool in the kitchen is a knife. A sharp knife. If it isn’t sharp, it can be the cause of much frustration and unpleasantness.

The AnySharp Knife Sharpener Pro will be a chef’s 2nd most important tool in the kitchen. There are other knife sharpeners out there, but if you’ve tried a lot of them, as I have, you know they may be difficult to use, may work for a little while, or not work at all. The AnySharp is hands-free, super easy to use, and tucks away in a drawer when not in use. It will sharpen pretty much any kind and size knife (except ceramic), even wide tooth serrated blades which are usually difficult. A few light strokes and you’re done. If you don’t want to tuck it away, you can leave it out as they come in a variety of colors sure to match your kitchen decor. (Pink Cream, Pistachio, Almond Cream, Royal Red, British Racing Green, Royal Blue, Orange Zest, and Citrus Lime.) A handle snaps a rubber base tightly to your counter so you are hands free, then releases easily when you are done.

Once you add this tool to your kitchen gadgets, your soufflé may frustrate you, but not your knife.

AnySharp Pro also comes with a 10 year warranty, and is available at Amazon.com Visit the AnySharp website for more information on this and other products.

www.anysharp.com/

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SCRAMBLE

Makes Tasty Egg Dishes www.cleverfoodies.com

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cramble is a handy line of small-batch cooked mixed veggies and herbs you add to eggs for an easy — yet impressive and tasty dish. It’s kid-friendly, low cal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and has no sugar added, plus it makes healthy breakfast and snacking super easy — you don’t need to chop any veggies, just open the jar and add to eggs (or use to make dips, or as a pizza, quiches, pasta and quesadilla topping).

Scramble comes in 3 different delicious flavor styles: LEAFY GREENS (kale, tomatoes, onion, spinach, garlic, broccoli rabe, sunflower oil, olive oil, parsley, jalapeno, spices, citric acid) RANCHEROS (tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, black beans, sour cream, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, sunflower oil, olive oil, spices, citric acid, oregano ) MEDITERRANEAN (tomatoes, onion bell pepper, Kalamata olives, parsley, garlic, basil, capers, sunflower oil,olive oil, spices, citric acid, oregano ) Scramble comes to you from the folks at CleverFoodies. For more information and some great recipes, check out their website above.

AUTOSEAL WEST LOOP

Stainless Steel Travel Mug from Contigo

www.gocontigo.com

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he reusable AutoSeal West Loop Travel Mug is BPA-free, with an easy clean lid, and is 100% leak-proof — AND spill-proof, even for the most active person. Contigo’s vacuum-insulated technology keeps drinks hot for up to five hours and cold for up to 12 hours. It’s a larger capacity mug (14 oz, 7.8” tall, 3” wide) and will fit most car cup holders and under most single serve brewers. It also provides one-handed drinking with the push of a button.

Every year, 14.8 million plastic beverage cups and 12.3 million paper hot cups are sold in the food service industry, accumulating into millions of cups in our trash. Opting for a reusable mug cuts down on this waste and offers considerable money-saving benefits.

$20.99 on Amazon and GoContigo.com

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vorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, and seminars. The festival is included with regular Epcot admission.

A New Land of Fantasy Highlights A New Year Full of Magical Additions and Openings EPCOT

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - Jan. 13 – Feb 20. - Combining visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world, the 1st Epcot International Festival of the Arts will create a global masterpiece for six weekends, FriMon. The Festival will feature new art each week, making each weekend original. A collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions will bring a new showcase of music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Park Guests will enjoy different pairings of Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including ‪The Lion King‪, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few. New Food Studios will showcase delicious and intricate culinary creations. There will be hands-on experiences for the whole family, fa-

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DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR, opens this summer In DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR, in a breathtaking new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage will send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Bioluminescent rainforests dramatically wrap around Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride.

Hungry adventurers can recharge at SATU’LI CANTEEN, the main dining location, or PONGU PONGU, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.

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RIVERS OF LIGHT Coming in 2017 in DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM. this powerful theatrical production takes Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests on a magnificent emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. The amazing after-dark show celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world.

Wars fan comes the ultimate tour — ­ a seven-hour immersion in all current Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character greetings, themed dining, ride experiences, insider’s tours, dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular are among highlights.

SKY DINE-AROUND

The new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around gives Walt Disney World Resort guests priority boarding on the monorail for an unparalleled dining journey around the circuit between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The journey takes guests to all three resort hotels along the monorail route, and includes a welcome drink, appetizers, an entree and a wine pairing, dessert, cordials and coffee, plus other sips and samplings along the way and a private patio to watch the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Highway in the Sky Dine-Around is offered each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Cost is $150 per person, gratuity included, tax additional. 407-WDW-DINE. wwwDisneyWorld.com/Dining

MAGIC KINGDOM

A NEW WELCOME SHOW AT MAGIC KINGDOM PARK. Now performing, a new welcome show is on the Castle Forecourt Stage. Guests can meander up Main Street, U.S.A. to the edge of the Castle and join in the celebration as a Royal Herald delivers a proclamation and welcomes a few familiar characters.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

STAR WARS GUIDED TOUR AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. For the ultimate Star

DISNEY SPRINGS

MORE ADDITIONS TO DISNEY SPRINGS IN 2017 – GREAT NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE VENUES LEAD THE WAY. PADDLEFISH – Sleek and modern after a bowto-stern transformation from the former Fulton’s Crab House, Paddlefish will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops. A new rooftop lounge will serve up a late-night menu and views of the water and Disney Springs. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

PLANET HOLLYWOOD OBSERVATORY – The reborn space will be themed to a turn-of-the-20thCentury observatory serving up burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.

THE POLITE PIG – Focuses on genuine Florida cuisine. Lunch and dinner menus will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program.

WINE BAR GEORGE – Orlando master sommelier George Miliotes uncorks his first Disney wine bar in a space reminiscent of a winemaker’s estate warmed by oak wood and cozy lighting.

Small plates dominate the food menu but it will be the wines with a starring role: more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals and vintages.

For more information, call 407-934-7639. Check online at www.DisneyWorld.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Jungle Cuisine in Adventureland Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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alt Disney World is always upping the ante on giving guests new and interesting food from around the world (the real world in this case). One of the newer such eateries is Skipper Canteen, a casual sit-down restaurant, located in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, across from the popular Jungle Cruise, and it’s theme has a connection to the cruise ride.

Punch Line Punch and Shiriki Noodle Salad

There is a story attached to the restaurant so that diners may feel more involved in their experience. As it goes.... Alberta Falls is the proprietor of Jungle Navigation, a cargo shipping company. When business started to take a downturn, she decided to offer passenger jungle cruises instead. This was such a success that she set up Skipper Canteen in her home to host passengers before and after their cruise.

There are three dining rooms, a mess hall, and two smaller, more private rooms. All three are loaded with memorabilia from the Falls family travels, and are fun to view more closely.

Looking around Skipper’s, you may see some familiar items adorning the restaurant, that is, if you had ever visited the Adventurer’s Club in Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs) years back. A lot of thought always goes into the decor anywhere in Disney World, and they keep and recycle the “good stuff” when it fits in. Skipper’s servers are all up on the story, and pitch in with friendly humor.

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o enter one of the smaller rooms — the S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) room — you pass through a narrow hallway with bookshelves on both sides. In years past, according to the legend, this used to be a secret room hidden by the wall of books. On close inspection, the book titles all have some connection to Disney World. The meaning of some of which we “got” right away, and others were apparently over our heads. We dined in the S.E.A. room, and really enjoyed the ambiance. Dark wood paneled walls and gentle lighting make the room feel cozy. The chandeliers are made using stained glass parrots, and antiques can be viewed in a lighted glass china closet as well as throughout the room.

The Skipper Canteen menu is truly unique, and you will find some new taste treats to try out. It is an eclectic mix of Asian, African and South American. (Don’t worry, in amongst the interesting food fare you will still find good choices for picky-eater children.)

We started our dining experience off with the popular Punch Line Punch, made with tropical fruit juices, mango purée, and a spiced-rim for extra zing.

Falls Family Falafel

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Several intriguing appetizers came our way, starting with the Falls Family Falafel, a traditional recipe of chickpeas, garlic, onions, lemon juice, and herbs, served with White Bean Dip and Tomato-Cucumber Salad, which was delightfully crispy on the outside. Next was the S.E.A. Shu Mai, a perfect blend of pork, shrimp, edamame beans, and spices wrapped in a dumpling and steamed. Then we sampled the Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas, very flavorful housemade corn pancakes, topped with mojo-braised pork, black bean salad, and avocado cream.

The Sustainable Fish Collar was applauded by several members of the group, it was served with a papaya salad and soy sauce. A refreshing Shiriki Noodle Salad came with rice noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango, and cucumber tossed with a sweet chili sauce.

S.E.A. Shu Mai,

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rom the delectable entrée menu we chose the Baa Baa Berber Lamb Chops which were spiced with mint couscous, curried carrots, sun chokes, and topped with lamb-butter sauce. A table favorite was the boldly flavored Char Siu Pork, marinated and grilled, and served with Chinese broccoli and jasmine rice. The Sustainable Fish was cleverly titled “Not Piranha,” and was served over Chinese broccoli, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and red bell peppers in a fragrant lemon grass broth.

Skip’s Beefy Baked Pasta is an Egyptian-inspired dish of spiced braised beef, pasta, cheese, and béchamel sauce served with seasonal vegetables (Mac & Cheese with meat!)

We tried two really fine tasting and visually creative desserts with Kungaloosh! an African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas served with cashew-caramel ice cream topped with coffee dust, and the Coconut Bar Vanilla Chiffon Cake with pineapple-basil compote, vanilla cream and LimeWhite Chocolate Ganache.

Plan to make Skipper Canteen a lunch or dinner stop next time you visit the Magic Kingdom (before or after your Jungle Cruise adventure), and broaden your palate with some tantalizing new world flavors.

For more information and reservations, please call 407-WDW-Dine or visit www.disneyworld.com/dine

Char Siu Pork

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Sustainable Fish Collar

Baa Baa Berber Lamb Chops

Skip’s Beefy Baked Pasta

Kungaloosh! and Coconut Bar

Sustainable Fish

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ATTRACTIONS CONTINUED ORLANDO AREA CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, FL 32771. www.centralfloridazoo.org/ See over 500 animals representing 205 species. Take to the sky and enjoy an aerial adventure course, ZOOm Air Adventure Park or bring your flip-flops and swimsuit to cool-off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.

See domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo, or see the Southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in the Herpetarium.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - LA NOUBA Disney Springs. www.cirquedusoleil.com/la-nouba Enter the Attic of Make-Believe. A door opens and two worlds collide. The mundane meets the marvelous.

Dreams and nightmares intertwine. La Nouba is an unforgettable journey into a world both threatening and exhilarating, frightening and familiar, calling on individual and collective memory, to uncover passions thought to be lost long ago.

DINOSAUR WORLD 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565. (813) 7179865. www.dinosaurworld.com/florida/

Dinosaur World features over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures in over 20 acres. Fossil dig, Dino Gem Excavation, Geode Cracker and more.

GATORLAND 14501 S Orange Blossom Tr, Orlando, FL 32837.

(407) 855-5496. www.gatorland.com/ A 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando showcasing thousands of alligators and crocodiles including four extremely rare leucistic “white” alligators. The free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one of a kind animal shows, natural alligator breeding marsh, and the “thrilling” Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.

KISSIMMEE AIR MUSEUM WARBIRD ADVENTURES 233 N Hoagland Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741.

(407) 870-7366. www.warbirdadventures.com/air_museum The Kissimmee Air Museum is located at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Kissimmee, FL. It houses vintage aircraft from World War II to the Vietnam War including an outdoor showroom.

LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org Leu Gardens offers a unique setting to see a clas-

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e a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the only official event where you can celebrate your love for Harry Potter and discover more about the Wizarding World.

Take part in film talent Q&A sessions, access special panels and demonstrations, and discover many more surprises. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. With park-to-park admission, you can even ride the Hogwarts Express to travel between both lands. Dine at the Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders, then experience Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and other attractions.

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sic or current feature film. Each month from Feb to Dec, (no movie in July) Leu Gardens hosts a movie night on a 32 ft screen, weather permitting. Movie goers may bring dinner picnics including alcohol and seating (chairs or blanket) then sit back and enjoy an outdoor movie. Leu Gardens opens at 6 pm on movie nights so movie goers can stroll the 50-acre gardens before the movie. Visit lwebsite for movie selections and times.

JANUARY 13 thru APRIL 30 - Dinosaur Invasion. An outdoor exhibit of prehistoric creatures which will inhabit the gardens. The exhibit will feature 13 life-size dinosaurs ranging in size from 14 inches to a massive 33 feet.

Creator Guy Darrough meticulously crafts each dinosaur for authenticity creating one of the most prominent dinosaur exhibits in the United States. Leu Gardens will be offering special classes and programs on fossils and prehistoric plants during the exhibit.

28 - Dino Day from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A special family fun-filled day of dinosaurs including hands-on activities, crafts, scavenger hunt and a fossil dig.

MADAME TUSSAUDS 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866630-8315. www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/en/ Madame Tussauds Orlando has announced the arrival of Scarlett Johansson and Zac Efron for a limited

time only - in the attraction’s A-List Party Room. Millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains just as popular as it ever was. Pose for the paparazzi’s on the red carpet with today’s biggest celebrities.

OLD TOWN 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (407) 396-4888. www.myoldtownusa.com/ Old Town is an amusement park with rides and outdoor shopping mall. Wednesday night is the Little Darlins’ Street Party while a cruise of classic cars are the free entertainment every Saturday night. A rock and roll band (specializing in tunes from the 1950s and the 1960s) plays prior to the classic car cruise.

ORLANDO EYE 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866228-6438. www.officialorlandoeye.com The Orlando Eye is one of the newest attractions in Orlando and the largest observation Ferris Wheel on the East Coast.

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ith the return of Praise Wave, guests can celebrate Christian fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. Uplifting, live concerts from the hottest names in Christian music will light up the stage at Nautilus Theater at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Guests can also enjoy SeaWorld’s rides, shows and attractions.

TobyMac - Sat, Jan 14. Seven time Grammy award winner, TobyMac kicks off Praise Wave. With more than 11 million units in career sales, fans will go gangbusters with songs like “Feel It” and “Lights Shine Bright.”

Francesca-Battistelli - Sat, Jan 21. Billboard Chart Topper and Grammy award winner, Francesca Battistelli will delight audiences with famed songs such as “Holy Spirit” and “He Knows My Name.”

Skillet - Sat, Jan 28. Billboard Award winning and Grammy nominated Skillet takes the stage with hits such as “Stars,” “Feel Invincible,” and “Awake & Alive.” www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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622-0607. www.visitsealife.com/orlando/ Sea Life Orlando will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. From face-to-face encounters with sharks, to a hands-on touchpool experience, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at the newest aquarium in Orlando.

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 2065100. www.piratesdinneradventure.com/ Set aboard an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon measuring 46 feet long, 18 feet wide with 40-foot masts, the ship is anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting.

Surrounding the lagoon is a six-sided showroom of six additional ships where the audience is seated. Voyagers on each of the six ships have their own pirate mascot whom they cheer on as the adventure unfolds with a cast a dozen actors, singers and stunt performers engaging in action-packed exploits, accompanied by cannon blasts, pyrotechnics and plenty of laughs.

In addition, more than 150 guests have the chance to

play an actual role in each show as the evil Captain Sebastian the Black leads his crews of renegades on a swashbuckling adventure before your very eyes.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS / ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE / WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER www.universalorlando.com/ SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG honors one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests at Universal’s Islands of Adventure can explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors.

Experience the two uniquely different lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — one located in each of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks.

Step inside a world where magic is real. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park you can visit the iconic Hogwarts castle and explore Hogsmeade village. And, at Universal Studios, you can enter Diagon Alley to enjoy unforgettable thrills, magical experiences, and more.

CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR December 17-18, 24-30

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EGOLAND Florida Resort has debuted an all-new theme park land where you BecomeTheNinja in your very own LEGO NINJAGO [NIN-JAH-GO] adventure. LEGO NINJAGO World is an immersive area filled with several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a dazzling new attraction that blends 3D computer animation, “4D” effects and groundbreaking technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park.

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AROUND FLORIDA DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, Fl32114. 800-748-7467. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com THE DAYTONA 500 RETURNS FOR ITS 59th EDITION IN SPECTACULAR FORM - FEB 26 Fresh off of a sold-out crowd witnessing the closest finish in DAYTONA 500 history against the backdrop of the world’s only motorsports stadium, the 59th running of the DAYTONA 500 is sure to be another for the record books. Two-time Daytona 500 Champ, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. returns for the 59th Daytona 500. At a place where the timeline unfolds like the pages of history, a proud new chapter is set to be written at the “World Center of Racing.”

by Lockheed Martin, the SBIRS GEO 3 satellite is deployed for the U.S. military to detect missile launches and provide other tactical support.

HEROES & LEGENDS - An immersive experience that celebrates the brave men and women of America’s fledgling space program. Relive the stories of NASA’s pioneering astronauts and discover why they chose to launch into the great unknown.

Their stories have the power to ignite heroism within us all. Heroes & Legends seeks to inspire new generations of space explorers, while serving as a compelling prologue to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guest experience.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Cape Canaveral, FL 32899. www.kennedyspacecenter.com Kennedy Space Center is the official site for Kennedy Space Center. Visit NASA’s launch complex, astronaut hall of fame, or see a rocket launch all just an hour from Orlando.

Jan 19 - ROCKET LAUNCH: United Launch Alliance Atlas V SBIRS GEO 3. 07:46 PM. Watch from up close as United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas V rocket will carry SBIRS GEO 3, a satellite of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) that is a consolidated system for United States infrared space surveillance. Built 76

ALAN SHEPARD - One of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, Alan Shepard was the first American in space and later walked on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission.

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ArtLines Events 5TH ANNUAL SARASOTA WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL - Jan 14 - 15.

The event will be on Main Street between Osprey and Orange Aves in downtown Sarasota, and will be hosted by the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

They will be onsite with their “Big Mac” mobile adoption center. Artwork brought to Sarasota by the local, regional and national artisans transforms Main Street into an outdoor gallery of original handmade art. Included are works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. Discuss with the artists the option of commissioning a unique piece of art made specifically for you or your company. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both Sat and Sun. Admission and parking are free. www.paragonartevents.com ST. PETERSBURG’S ARTS ALLIANCE 4TH ANNUAL MUSE BENEFIT FOR THE ARTS - Fri, Jan 27.

MUSE will celebrate artistic inspiration at the Museum of Fine Arts. Proceeds will benefit artists, arts businesses, and arts & cultural organizations through our Arts Alliance programs and services. MUSE will be an unforgettable signature event. No stiff tuxes, no boring speeches; it’s the art community’s pARTy to uniquely celebrate the Muses of St. Petersburg. Creative pARTy

attire suggested. Events include interactive digital art, pop-up performances, artful by-the-bite dinner courses, curated auction items, and the Muse Arts Awards. www.stpeteartsalliance.org 44th ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL BETH-EL - Jan 28-30 This art exhibit and sale features more than 165 award-winning artists from around the country. Cocktail reception on Sat. 7-10pm. Exhibit 10am-5pm. Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727347-6136. www.artfestivalbethel.com 6th ANNUAL 2COOL ART SHOW - Feb 4-5 Thirty eight juried fine artists will show and sell their work within the Gulfport Casino. Parking and admission are free for this weekend event. Gulfport Casino 5500 Shore Blvd.

Gulfport, Fl. 33707. www.pavaartists.org 4th ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG FINE ART FESTIVAL - Feb 25-26 Many people are already collectors of artists attending the event; others will undoubtedly become collectors upon seeing the extraordinary creativity of the artwork.

The event is to be held in North Straub Park adjacent to the Museum of Fine Arts - St. Petersburg. Hours of the event are both Saturday and Sunday from 10am to

MAGNIFICENT MINIATURES - Jan 15 - Feb 5 at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

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ou will be amazed by the spectacular display of miniatures in the Miniature Art Society of Florida’s International Miniature Art Exhibition at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Tarpon Springs. There will also be scrimshaw, fired porcelain, and sculpture - including works created by some of the world’s finest miniature artists from around the world. With few exceptions, all of the art is for sale.

Approximately 700 works of art will be on display. Magnifying glasses are available for the enjoyment of the exquisite treasures.

Entries have come from 33 states and 10 different countries. This is a juried show, with 180 artists. Visitors may talk to and observe artists while they work. Demonstrators may be from England, Canada, many US states, and local Florida artists.

The show will open to the public at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 E. Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, Florida, at St. Petersburg College. $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, Free to Children 17 and under and Students with ID, and active Military with ID. Hours are Mon: Closed; Tues, Wed, & Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thurs: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am -4pm; Sun: 1 - 5pm. 727-712-5762. www.leeparattner.org

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ArtLines continued 5pm.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4638. www.fine-arts.org Thru FEB 19 - FROM THE HEART: FOLK ART ON PAPER. JACK BARRETT: PEOPLE WATCHING brings together works that convey the breadth of Mr. Barrett’s explorations of the human figure.

In addition to paintings and sketchbooks, select sculptures will be on view. At the core of Jack Barrett’s vibrant, whimsical canvases is the steady hand of an expert draftsperson.

PRINTS AND SCULPTURE. This Museum premiere of 30 works by accomplished Inuit artists spans the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Inuit people of the Arctic, formerly known as the Eskimo, have combined traditional and contemporary worlds in their work and have developed a distinctive visual language using modern materials and techniques. Through their art, the Inuit have continued a vital storytelling tradition among themselves, while reaching out to the broader public. They are especially known for their prints and sculpture. Art is part of traditional knowledge in Inuit society, also encompassing storytelling, mythology, music, and dancing.

14, 21 – Make and Take Saturday 14, 21 – Kidding Around Yoga 11 – Coffee Talk – Contemplation 12, 19 – Cinema Series 13 – Mornings with the Maestro 14, 28 – Drumming 19 – Museum Store – Trunk Sale 19 – Beer Project: Winner’s Release Party 27 – MUSE Awards 21 – May 7 – Greg Smith – Breakdown Lane Exhibition FEBRUARY 4, 18 – Kidding Around Yoga 8 – Coffee Talk w/ Nan Colton Continued....

Thru MARCH 19 - THE FAR NORTH: INUIT

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ArtLines continued 9 Thru June 4 - THE OPEN ROAD: PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP. This exhibition includes approximately 100 photographs that trace the rise of road culture in the United States.

It begins with Robert Frank’s series The Americans from the mid-1950s and continues to the present day with images by Ryan McGinley and Justine Kurland. Cars, billboards, signs, the landscape, urban and rural areas, motels and restaurants, and people.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org JANUARY 14 - Free Family Day At Tampa Museum Of Art Features Black Lives In Art. 11a until 4p. Visitors can dropin to enjoy a day filled with art activities, music, and fun highlighting the black artists currently on view in the Museum. Guests can create their own masterpieces designed to inspire reflection on Black heritage in America, enjoy scheduled music in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival and can also take part in an array of fun activities for the entire family.

Also…Be a part of the Art! From 12-3pm. Artist Sheryl Oring invites area residents to share stories about their city during an interactive performance called “Greetings from Tampa Bay.” The stories will be typed up on a manual typewriter and later integrated into a sculpture at the Tampa International Airport.

Thru 16 – Self Taught Genius Exhibition Thru 22 - COMPLICATED BEAUTY: CONTEMPORARY CUBAN ART. Complicated Beauty is the Tampa Museum of Art’s first survey of contemporary Cuban art from the 1970s to the present. With 40 works on view by over 25 artists, this exhibition is a cross-generational look at recent trends in Cuban art.

10, 11, 18 – Stuart Society Wine Weekend 11,25 - Drumming DALÍ MUSEUM One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org JANUARY Thru APRIL 17- FRIDA KAHLO AT THE DALÍ.

An exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s paintings and drawings, together with her personal photograph collection.

Kahlo’s works have achieved monumental importance in art and popular culture. Her dreamlike work suggests that love and suffering create a new sense of beauty.

Frida Kahlo at The Dalí will be Florida’s first solo exhibition showcasing the extraordinary career and life of the acclaimed 20th century artist. The exhibit will feature a collection of more than 60 Kahlo pieces including 15 paintings, seven drawings and numerous personal photographs from the celebrated female artist and influential icon. The exhibition will extend outdoors where a special collection of flowers and plants representative of those in Kahlo’s own garden at Casa Azul, her home in Mexico, will grace the grounds of the Museum’s Avant-Garden.

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ART LOFTS Florida Craftsmen Galleries (2nd floor) 10 5th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727.504.8788. www.theartlofts.com Second Saturday Gallery Walk ARTPOOL GALLERY 2030 Central Ave., St Petersburg. 727.324.3878. www.artpoolrules.com JANUARY 21 – I Love St. Pete pARTy

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FEBRUARY 4, 5 – Crafty Fes 18 – MUSE Body Art Show CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. (813) 269-1310. www.carrollwoodcenter.org

CHIHULY COLLECTION 720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.822.7872. www.moreanartscenter.org Only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work.

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.323.2787. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Cafe-Pottery Studio 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk JANUARY 13 – Zowie Lewis FEBRUARY 4 – Localtopia 23 – Sunshine City Songwriter’s Festival

DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 813.760.6600 www.dmglass.com 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk JANUARY 14 – Shelley Muzylowski Allen & Rik Allen 15 – Art Glass Afternoon FEBRUARY 11 – Guest Artist TBD 12 – Art Glass Afternoon

DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298.

DFAC - www.dfac.org JANUARY 13 – Family Fun Night 20 thru March 14 – Cuba- New Eyes. The Gamble Gallery will feature select photographs from Veronica Stewart, Leslie Joy Ickowitz, Kirk Ke Wang and greatest hits from DFAC’s Cuban ‘delegate’ photographers.

20 thru March 14 - Oye Cumo Va? Representing a cross-section of contemporary Cuban artists, educators and visionaries, this exhibit is a vibrant sampling of the vital, creative culture active in Cuba today.

27 – 10th Annual Founders Luncheon FEBRUARY 5 – Jimmy Wright – History of Pastel 10 – Viva Cuba! Festival Cubano

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ArtLines continued DUNEDIN WINE AND ART WALK - 2nd Fri of the Month Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, 34698. www.2ndfridaydunedin.com/ Celebrate the second Friday of the month as downtown Dunedin merchants offer specials and discounts; browse the art exhibits, sip wine at tastings, enjoy food samplings, live entertainment and a drawing. Wristbands to get special offers from merchants and be eligible for prize drawing.

FLORIDA CRAFTART GALLERY 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.821.7391.

www.floridacraftart.org Second Saturday Artwalk Mural Walk on Saturdays JANUARY 13 thru February 25 – Sharp Edges Exhibition FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-221-2222. www.fmopa.org GALLERIE 909 909 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 727.565.3930. www.gallerie909.com Featuring African American Artists Second Saturday Artwalk Drum Circle First Friday each month “Word is Bond” Last Sunday each month GULFPORT 1ST FRI AND 3RD SAT ART WALKS 727-322-5217. Free. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfporftlorida.com

The Gulfport Art Walk event features new artists every first Friday and third Saturday each month and includes several different sculpture and paint mediums, jewelry, photography, folk art, upcycled items, handmade/designed clothing and accessories, body products, authors, entertainers and more. Live musicians appear at several venues throughout the waterfront district during Art Walks from 6-10 PM, year round.

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 246-4278. www.mennellomuseum.com/ Once the private home of Howard Phillips, son of local philanthropist Dr. P. Phillips. Changing exhibitions featuring American art of all genres and time periods, including original as well as traveling shows.

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Over 40 galleries and studios in the Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, Edge District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District come together as one arts destination. ArtWalk is Opening Night where many galleries and studios premiere new works. Some are only open on ArtWalk, and many offer demonstrations and refreshments. Plan to drive, walk or take the trolleys to visit the districts of your choice. Free parking can be found on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St. to 30th St. and at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.

407-645-5311. www.morsemuseum.org/ A collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as fine 19th and 20th century American decorative arts.

ST. PETERSBURG WALKING MURAL TOURS Departing from Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Murals and history behind them. 727.821.7391 www.floridacraftart.org

PINELLAS PARK ART SOCIETY Park Station Building, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. 727.360.4406 www.pinellasart.com POLK MUSEUM OF ART 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941.359.5700. www.ringling.org Mondays FREE admissions all day Thurs - Art After 5 JANUARY Thru 17 – WWII to the August Coup Exhibition Thru APRIL 1, 2017 - Walker Guest House Replica Thru Early MAY – Pathless Woods Exhibition Thru NOV, 2017 – First Five Years of Art of Our Time 16 – Ringling by the Bay 29 – Forks & Corks – The Grand Tasting 31 – Conversation with the Artist FEBRUARY 2 – Ringling Underground 4 – April 30 – A Feast for the Senses Exhibition 7 – Conversation about the Japanese Tea House 9 – Gallery Walk & Talk 11 – Family Festival – A Feast for the Senses 14 – Conversation – Sacred and Profane Love ST. PETERSBURG’S 2nd SATURDAY ARTWALK www.stpeteartsalliance.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FRIDA KAHLO at THE DALÍ Thru April 7th

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n exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s paintings and drawings, together with her personal photograph collection, is on exhibit at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, FL, continuing through April 17. Kahlo’s dreamlike work suggests that love and suffering create a new sense of beauty. Kahlo’s art and storied life stir immense public interest.

This is Frida Kahlo’s first Florida solo exhibition show casing the extraordinary career and life of the acclaimed 20th century artist. The exhibit features a collection of more than 60 Kahlo pieces including 15 paintings, seven drawings and numerous personal photographs. The exhibition extends outdoors where a special collection of flowers and plants representative of those in Kahlo’s own garden at Casa Azul, her home in Mexico, grace the grounds of the Museum’s Avant-Garden.

“Much like Dalí, she constructed an eccentric identity through the iconography in her paintings and then dressed and carried herself as the personality she created in her art. Painting by painting, she becomes a heroic figure of struggle and perseverance” said Dalí Museum Executive Director, Dr. Hank Hine.

In conjunction with the exhibition, The Dalí will host a series of programs that engage visitors in journaling, Mexican cooking, and gardening – some of Kahlo’s favorite pastimes. Additional programming such as films will accompany the Kahlo exhibition and a large variety of Kahlo-inspired merchandise – including jewelry, home décor, apparel and more – will be available in The Dalí Museum Store.

The Dalí Museum is located at One Dalí Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. For additional information contact 727.823.3767

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Frida standing by her garden at the house she was born and died in.

Autorretrato con changuito (Self Portrait with Small Monkey), 1945

Portrait of Alicia Galant, 1927

Frida and Doctor Juan Farill in her studio in the Casa Azul in front of her 1951 “Portrait of Doctor Farill,” 1951.

A young Frida (L), dressed androgenously, and her family.

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Flowers and plants representative of Kahlo’s own garden in the Daliº’s AvantGarden.

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

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Overlooked but Valuable Antiques

ver wonder what valuable anrior designers are bringing these actiques are hiding in your house? cessories back into favor and others There are many antiques, works of are using them as starting points for art, and collectibles that have signifirepurposing projects. cant value which many people want 4. FURNITURE. Modern furniture you to just toss out with the trash or is making a big splash in the marput out on your front lawn at a low ketplace now. Art Deco, Mid Century market priced yard sale.

Modern, Art Moderne, and vintage I evaluate quality antiques all the pieces from the 1920s to the 1980s time and I know value when I see it. are all the rage. Also, some specialty At more than 150 public and corpopieces from the 18th and 19th Cenrate events every year, I tell people turies are also valuable. I have heard what their antique is and what it is many people talk about “brown furreally worth. Here are my top 5 overniture” as being worthless when that looked valuable objects —and some simply is not true. Some dealers and surprises--that you should cherish auctioneers who don’t want to be which are hiding right under your bothered moving large pieces of vinnose: tage mahogany furniture and are tell1. JEWELRY. Hold onto granding folks it is worthless. The oddity ma’s old brooch, earrings, or rings. is that I have seen many millennials Those pieces of jewelry featuring seeking out such pieces of furniture precious metals, faceted or cabothat remind them of grandma’s house chon gemstones, pearls, etc. can Kenneth Jay Lane original designer when decorating new homes. Durahave big value on the antiques and costume jewelry worth $500. ble, good looking, and strong pieces collectibles market. Look for the auof furniture made of hard woods datthentic marks on gold like 14K and 18K and the eming from the early 1900s are finding their place in trendy, bossed marks on silver like sterling or 925. Remember youthful apartments and newlyweds’ homes. Rememthat even costume jewelry pieces by Trifari, Kenneth ber, if someone convinces you that your piece of furniJay Lane, Renoir and Matisse, Miriam Haskell and othture is not marketable or not valuable, they get to buy ers are trendy and valuable dating back to the 1940s to that furniture from you for a steal. Don’t be fooled. the 1980s.

5. GLASS. Don’t bypass that piece of Murano glass 2. PAINTINGS. Some of the most commonly overfrom Italy, a Dale Chihuly sea form sculpture, grandlooked objects in our homes are works of art like oil ma’s Carnival glass candy dish or a striking stained and acrylic paintings on canvas depicting landscapes, glass window from a local church since these items are still lifes, portraits, and famous or historic places. These sought after the world over. Glass remains a very desirpaintings, in good condition, can represent a windfall able collectible. Good looking and alive with color still once they are properly appraised and authenticated. attracts collectors to art glass.

Remember, do not have your paintings cleaned before you have them appraised.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award3. SCULPTURES. Do you have an old bust hanging winning TV personality, Dr. Lori hosts antiques aparound the house? The most valuable sculptures are praisal events worldwide. She is the star appraiser on those made of good quality materials like cast metal, international hit TV shows: Discovery’s Auction Kings, constructed metal, or carved wood. Look for three diHistory channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Fox mensional sculptures depicting famous figures, well Business’ Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, known people, literary figures, and the like. Many intewww.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas CAESARS PALACE INTRODUCES LV’S FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY LOUNGE www.caesars.com Caesars Palace recently introduced Las Vegas’’ first Virtual Reality Lounge, featuring Oculus Rift.

The Oculus Virtual Reality Lounge will feature four Oculus Rifts with Touch, taking guests on a fully immersive 360-degree experience. The lounge will include a variety of the most popular VR games available, providing guests with the ability to manipulate objects and gameplay elements with extraordinary precision.

WYNN LAS VEGAS ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF AMAZON ECHO TO ALL HOTEL ROOMS www.wynnlasvegas.com Wynn Las Vegas and Amazon announced plans to equip all 4,748 hotel rooms at Wynn Las Vegas with Echo, Amazon’s hands-free voice-controlled

speaker. The introduction of this technology into every guest room, which began in December with installation in suites, will be an industry first in the world, allowing guests of Wynn Las Vegas to control various hotel room features with a series of voice commands via Alexa, the brain behind Echo.

RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT COMING TO THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO - March 11 www.hardrockhotel.com Raiding the Rock Vault will join the Hard Rock’s lineup of entertainment, with headline shows inside Vinyl. Raiding the Rock Vault brings the history of rock ‘n’ roll to life, featuring classic anthems by the biggest acts in music, including The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Free, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Boston, Kansas, U2, Aerosmith, Van Halen, AC/DC, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Heart, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Supertramp and many more.

February 8 - 25

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he Venetian Theatre presents a new nineshow engagement featuring the original diva, Diana Ross.

The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade will feature a special set of hits from the iconic star’s career, spanning over five decades.

One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the Diana Ross Charitable Foundation.

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COMEDIAN RALPHIE MAY BRINGS “NO APOLOGIES” SHOW TO HARRAH’S starting Jan 26 www.caesars.com With no subject off limits, this raw, edgy, and uncensored, late-night show will reveal the hilarious quirks that infiltrate politics, race and even Ralphie’s family, curated especially for Las Vegas audiences.

COSMOPOLITAN MARQUEE DAYCLUB POOL DOME - thru March 13 www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Winter weather doesn’t put a stop to a party in Las Vegas. The Marquee Dayclub has brought back its pool dome for the winter season so guests can continue to enjoy a Las Vegas pool party despite the cold. At more than 22,000 square feet, 50 feet at its highest and accompanied by a climatecontrolled pool, the Marquee Dayclub festival-style dome is Las Vegas’ only winter pool party location.

Open every Sat through March 13, with select holiday Sundays.

THE ULTIMATE HIGH ROLLER CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE ABOVE THE LAS VEGAS SKYLINE www.ethelm.com Chocolate has the power to transform a casual bite into a deep, multi-sensory experience. Journey 550 feet into the air on the High Roller observation wheel, as it launches the in-cabin chocolate tasting experience with Ethel M Chocolates.

Guests will learn about the origins of chocolate and how the pieces were created, all while focusing their attention on the aroma, taste and texture.

The 30-minute (one rotation) adventure includes a chocolatier ambassador showcasing five different types of pieces and the story behind them.

ENTERTAINMENT AT TROPICANA LAS VEGAS www.troplv.com/ CHERRY BOOM BOOM - The awe-inspiring, immersive, engaging and interactive new show with a fresh and masterful mix of amplified choreography, packs a powerful punch. Cherry Boom Boom is a playground for excitement, music, love and rock ‘n’ roll. Cherry Boom Boom is leading a movement about empowerment for strong, sexy women – with a great storyline threaded throughout a visceral rock ‘n’ roll performance.

BAND OF MAGICIANS - The celebrated production brings together four of the brightest young magicians from across the globe to create a revolutionary experience. Band of Magicians has been described as “truly baffling, hilarious and even strangely moving marvel of a show.” The international consort of magicians includes James Galea, Stuart MacLeod, Brett Loudermilk, and Joel Ward.

Continued....

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van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, Jean-François Millet and many more.

Las Vegas cont THE BRONX WANDERERS ROCK BALLY’S LAS VEGAS www.caesars.com/ballys The Bronx Wanderers are charming audiences with 90 minutes of America’s Rock ‘N’ Roll songbook at Bally’s Las Vegas. Up close and personal, yet larger than life, the father-and-son trio, flanked by their top-notch band, effortlessly perform hits made famous by the likes of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion, the Beach Boys, Queen, Bruno Mars and many others spanning from the beginning of Rock ‘N’ Roll right through today’s tunes.

BELLAGIO GALLERY OF FINE ART PRESENTS “TOWN AND COUNTRY: FROM DEGAS TO PICASSO” thru Feb 20 www.bellagio.com Small towns transform into sophisticated, alluring and mysterious urban cities, and countryside villages into picturesque, serene, untouched landscapes inside Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s (BGFA) newest exhibit “Town and Country: from Degas to Picasso.” The display features 47 works of art ranging from paintings and prints to drawings and photographs. Featured artists include Vincent

VEGAS VENUE CONCERTS

CAESARS COLISEUM ELTON JOHN - Feb 7-20 REBA, BROOKS & DUNN - Feb 22 - Mar 4, Jun 21 - Jul 2, Nov 29 - Dec 9 ROD STEWART - March 17 - April 1 MANDALAY BAY TWENTY ONE PILOTS - Feb 18 PANIC! AT THE DISCO - March 24 HOUSE OF BLUES at Mandalay Bay: JOE WALSH - Jan 18; 20 - 21 CARLOS SANTANA - Jan 25; 27-29, Feb 1-4 BILLY IDOL FOREVER - March 8; 10-11; 15; 1718; 22; 24-25; May 3; 5-6; 10; 12-13 MGM GRAND ARIANA GRANDE - Feb. 4 BLAKE SHELTON - March 4 GAME OF THRONES LIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCE - March 25 MIRAGE ACES OF COMEDY DANIEL TOSH - Feb 3-4; March 17-18; June 9-10 JAY LENO - Jan 27; March 3; July 7 TIM ALLEN - Jan 28; March 4; April 8 RON WHITE - Feb 10-11; March 31-April 1 ; June 2-3 SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO - Feb 17-18 RAY ROMANO and DAVID SPADE - Feb 24-25;

PARK THEATER • February 8 - 25 & May 3 - 20

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worldwide superstar for more than six decades with over 100 million records sold, Cher is set to perform at Park Theater.

From concerts to television, film and beyond, the Oscar, Emmy, GRAMMY and Golden Globe Award-winning Goddess of Pop continues to break the mold of a traditional performer. Be prepared for an incomparable, intimate entertainment experience with the legendary talent.

www.montecarlo.com

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April 21-22 BILL MAHER - March 10-11; May 19-20 NICK SWARDSON - March 25 PARK THEATER www.montecarlo.com CHER - Feb 8-25, & May 3-20.

BRUNO MARS - March 11-12, & Sept 2-3 IL VOLO - March 25.

PLANET HOLLYWOOD BRITNEY SPEARS - thru Feb 4, & March 22 - May 20 JENNIFER LOPEZ - Feb 8 thru June 11, & Sept 6 - Oct 7 T-MOBILE ARENA GEORGE STRAIT - Feb 17-18, April 7-8,

DEAL ME IN with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/ STREAK END. BUT WHEN? Dear Mark: This regular reader and occasional correspondent continues to view in awe the breadth of your knowledge about all casino operations, but occasionally I take issue with your comments. The newest case in point is your observation: “Streaks, Jeremy, are nothing more than hindsight of past performance. You, me, even casino management know not when a streak starts, let alone ends.” That was offered in reference to slot machine play, but this blackjack player dissents.

Streaks are real, actual events that can be observed. When a player wins three in a row, four in a row, five, six, seven, etc., the run (my preferred word) can be seen (and acted upon) in real time. No, we don’t know, at the time, exactly when a run starts, but I make that assumption when I win three consecutive hands and begin pressing my bet quite aggressively at that time. It’s a geometric progression (1,2,4, 8, 16, 32, etc.), and it has served me very well.

BON JOVI - Feb 25

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VENETIAN www.venetian.com BAZ - Star Crossed Love - thru July 1. The Movies You Love. The Songs You Know. BAZ Star Crossed Love is a celebration, a mash-up of music, and moments from the greatest love stories imagined by famed director Baz Luhrmann.

HUMAN NATURE JUKEBOX - thru March 30.

Human Nature, Australia’s top selling pop vocal group & Las Vegas headliners, effortlessly blends retro cool with contemporary sounds to bring you

Alternatively, near the top of every dealer’s list of stupid player tricks is flat-betting through a run. Finally, we do know when a run ends: When you finally lose a bet. Robert W. Call me whacky, Robert; many have. But if you flip a coin ten times and it is streaking heads, the chance of getting heads on the 11th flip remains 50-50. Yet, I can recognize a streak. Once I was on such a losing one that had I been around in 1775, I would have taken the British and given points.

Yes to your comment, “Streaks are real, actual events that can be observed.” We all can see streaks: the good, the bad, and back-andforth ones. The problem with streaks when dealing with the randomness inherent in casino games is that it is impossible to predict what comes next. All we know for sure is what has happened in the past, and, that we will all experience streaks in the future.

I see streaks, Robert, as nothing more than a welcome (to the winning side, that is) momentary blip in someone’s endless gambling timeline, which eventually is balanced by one or more unwelcome runs.

That said, Robert, yes, future streaks are coming your way. Unfortunately, you cannot predict when they will arrive. Far too many gamblers are inclined to be overconfident and read too much into hot or www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

cold streaks.

As for my streak belief in reference to slot machine play, and you, a blackjack player, dissenting, I see some merit in your thinking, not in your hot-hand theory, but in your use of progressive betting.

I have advocated many times in this column progressive betting while winning consecutive bets. In one of my first columns 20 years ago, I wrote how I once dealt a young lady 32 straight winning hands of blackjack. I beseeched her to progressively wager more, but she took her $64 (32X$2) after the run ended and walked, gambling story in hand.

Although different from yours, the winning progressive method I employ uses a predetermined percentage increase for each winning wager. For example, I increase my winning bets by 50% after the second win: $5, $5, $7, $10, $15, $22, etc. I continuously flat bet (table minimum) once the streak stops.

Likewise, there is no harm, no foul with progressive betting when making safe bets that have a low house edge. Slots can have a 20% hold whereas it can be under .05% for the skilled blackjack player.

Finally, Robert, let us agree to disagree in your belief of the predictability of streaks. One thing I am sure that we can agree on, is that when you are on a winning streak, there is no better feeling.

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Gaming Scene cont Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage www.beaurivage.com

Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage 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 Sun Country 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 $299 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport.

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevations and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands.

The newly-remolded course is player-friendly and more strategic. With some bunkers removed, the remaining bunkers have been rebuilt creating a much more strategic course. In addition, 15 of the hallmark live oak trees were repositioned to add to the Fallen Oak experience.

A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to the Gulf Coast, and 94

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. The popular Terrace Cafe Terrace Café offers a delicious new twist on café dining. A new menu celebrates classic southern favorites, fresh and healthy alternatives, and a number of savory specialties to satisfy every appetite.

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 888.640.8973. www.beaurivage.com PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS MISSISSIPPI GULF RESORT CLASSIC - March 30 - April 2. Now in its 8th consecutive year, the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic is returning to the coast. “The PGA TOUR Champions players always enjoy coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with its great food, fans and hospitality,” said Chairman of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Foundation Frank Bertucci.

For tickets: www.2017mgrc.com/ MARDI GRAS EXPERIENCE OFFERS PARADE-FRONT REVELRY - Feb 9. “Party Gras” at Beau Rivage will take place on Fat Tuesday in downtown Biloxi on the corner of Reynoir St. and Water St. Celebrate the historic tradition of Mardi Gras with food, music and fun. This free community event offers local residents and visitors a classic Biloxi Mardi Gras experience, Beau Rivage-style, complete with big crowds and plenty of moon pies, fun and entertainment.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT Jan. 20 - Engelbert Humperdinck Feb. 3 - Billy Crystal Feb. 10 - Cowboy Mouth & Dirty Dozen Brass Band Feb. 17 - Dennis Miller Feb. 24 - Johnny Mathis March 3 & 4 - Rodney Johnny Mathis Carrington

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WWW.BEAURIVAGE.COM/FLIGHT

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Looking Good SMATERIA

Fair Trade Bags

www.smateria.com/

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materia makes cool and attractive bags, purses and accessories using only re-purposed, up-cycled or recycled materials, including fishing net, plastic shopping bags and leather off-cuts from a sofa manufacturer.

The bright-colored, long-lasting bags are designed with Italian flair and made by Cambodian artisans. Smateria’s philosophy is to use materials that already exist or that have been designed for another purpose, and create a whole new accessory.

Smateria’s greatest triumph is recycling plastic bags while training and employing women displaced from Phnom Penh under the city’s wave of building and urbanization.

Every Thursday, a Smateria employee travels to a shanty village and trains the women to crochet and knit plastic strips.

She takes new patterns and templates, oversees their techniques and checks the quality of the products. The women work at their own pace, in their own time for fair wages and safe labor conditions as well as daycare and free school for their children.

Every purchase made provides an average of five meals to children in Cambodia.

Anthony Men’s Grooming Line

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nthony Sosnick was one of the first to create a comprehensive men’s grooming line over 16 years ago, changing the landscape and perception of men’s skincare. Anthony continues to create skincare and grooming products based on his active lifestyle. Anthony Brands consists of five umbrella brands including: Anthony, Shaveworks, Emily & Tony, Grandma Stelle’s and ACTION Solutions for Men. The core line, Anthony, is consistently highly ranked among the top men’s brands in prestige skincare.

Anthony is a multi-functional, multi-benefit personal care system designed with natural ingredients utilizing the latest in technology., and is comprised of a wide array of products that address specific skincare concerns from head-to-toe.

THE PERFECT SHAVE KIT This four-piece set of essentials for a clean, close shave eliminates the bumps, burns, and irritations while ensuring the closest, cleanest shave possible.

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COMPLETELY BARE C

Hair Removal

ompletely bare offers spa-quality hair removal at home with a complete collection of gentle, innovative and highly effective easy-to-use products and formulas, infused with soothing ingredients that provide long-lasting results.

Salon Quality Bikini & Body Wax Kit. A low temperature wax designed to remove the deepest and coarsest of hairs. Wax lifts hair as short as 1/6th inch, resulting in smoother skin, less redness & irritation, and minimized bumps.

Don’t Grow There Body Moisturizer & Hair Inhibitor. Wonderfully scented with lemongrass & green tea, this body moisturizer contains CB tricomplex and Capislow to help reduce hair density, length, and growth.

www.completelybareproducts.com

BEACH GLAM Look Chic at the Beach

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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each Glam’s fashion forward accessories are perfect for strolling along the beach or around the resort. If you’re going to travel, why not go Glam? Items are all highquality and beautifully made. Pictured here are just a few of the many products you can find at BeachGlam.com/ This LEOPARD PRINT SARONG can be worn as a scarf, a dress, a wrap, or swimsuit coverup. One size; 100% Silk Polyester. $49.99.

The sturdy and stylish BLUE POM POM BAG has a hand-woven 100% straw exterior with cotton lining interior and side pocket, and rattan wooden handles. $74.99.

The must-have BEACH HAT! This 100% straw hat has a unique white rope design,is soft yet durable, easy to pack, and comfortable to wear all day long. $54.99

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Tampa Bay Lightning First Half Season Review

ith two games remaining in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first half of the 2016-17 NHL season, things have not gone according to plan.

Thus far in January, Tampa Bay has lost eight of 10 games, with seven losses coming in regulation. The team is a far cry from where many expected it to be and where it has been each of the past few seasons.

Part of the reason for the Lightning’s failures has been the resurgence of Canada. Three Canadian members of Eastern Conference’s Atlantic division are having bounce-back seasons. All of Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto have already passed the 50-point threshold and are in the running for playoff spots come year’s end. Last year, those three teams finished sixth, fifth, and eighth respectively in the Atlantic.

The rest of the division, and really the entire Eastern Conference, has been pretty well-balanced this season. As of January 23rd, every single team in the East has between 68 and 47 points; no more and no less. Compare that to the West, where first and last are separated by nearly 40 points at this juncture. That has led to Eastern teams tumbling down the standings with even the smallest of losing streaks. With the way Tampa is stumbling this month, it is no surprise that the Lightning have dropped to last place in the division.

The team’s struggles haven’t all been circumstantial, though. Tampa has had plenty of issues factoring into its poor first half. For one, the defense simply wasn’t up to snuff to start the season. Ben Bishop was having his worst season in net as a member of the

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By Gordon James

Lightning. A team that had leaned on its defense and goal-prevention for years was instead forced to turn to goal-scoring to win games. That would be survivable if it wasn’t for all the injuries that decimated this squad on both ends of the ice.

Those injuries have had effects on the team’s performance obviously. The Lightning entered the season with 7-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup, but have not come close to that expected level of play. While the offense had been hanging on and carrying the team for a while, the lack of star power and depth eventually took their toll. The offensive production has tumbled in recent weeks. The team has been ranked in the bottom third of the NHL in goals allowed for most of the season, but now it also ranks in the bottom half in goals scored.

Star center Steven Stamkos is recovering from knee surgery; Ben Bishop missed time with a lower-body injury; Nikita Kucherov was out for a while; while Ryan Callahan, J.T. Brown, and Brayden Point are all on injured reserve. That doesn’t even count time missed by Jonathan Drouin, Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman and others. To say this Lightning team has been bitten by the injury bug this season is an understatement.

Tampa Bay has made the conference finals two straight years. Unless everyone comes back healthy and a major step is taken, that streak is going to end this year, possibly without even a playoff berth. It is very hard to consistently win in this league. Perhaps that has finally caught up to the Lightning.

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Audubon’s Nebraska Crane Festival Kearney, Nebraska

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udubon’s Nebraska Crane Festival brings together hundreds of crane lovers from around the country to Kearney, Nebraska, to interact with a wide range of environmental speakers, take part in incredible birding trips, and experience the world’s largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes!

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