Accent On Tampa Bay #230, May/June 2017

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Accent

On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 29, Issue 230 May/June, 2017 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Vicki Kolb Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Live Nation PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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LOCAL FOCUS EVENTS MAY Fri, May 12

SEAGRAPES WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL. Enjoy wonderful wines and sample fantastic foods while strolling among some of the most amazing animals and plants native to Florida and around the world. 8 pm - 11 pm. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. www.flaquarium.org/event-calendar.aspx

manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies, and great accessories too. This threeday sales event offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. The main floor will be filled with new boats, trailers, docking and safety equipment and many outdoor-related exhibits. Admission is free. Fri. & Sat. 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy 301, Tampa, FL 33610. www.tampabayboatshows.com

Sat, May 13

“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. 6 to 10 p.m. 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL. (813) 274-7778. www.tampaconventioncenter.com

TEMPLE TERRACE CRAFT BREWFEST. Sample 70 plus beers from 30 different brewers all under the shady oaks of Historic Woodmont Park in Temple Terrace. Home brewers to local brewing companies to the really BIG guys all agreed to bring their best brews. A wide variety of food trucks will be on hand to add to the fun as well as the lively sounds of several bands. Free parking.

Proceeds benefit the many charities of the Rotary Club of Temple Terrace including CAIRFlight, the USF Bridge program, Rotary’s Camp Florida, and many more. 415 Woodmont Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. www.eventbrite.com/e/templeterrace-craft-brew-fest-tickets-30343191302

May 12 - 14

TAMPA BAY BOAT SHOW.

This event showcases area boat dealers and 4

ST. PETE BEACH BEER FEST. More than 50 beers from National and Local craft breweries will be available for sampling. Food available for purchase. Brewing demonstration throughout the

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event. 4 - 8 pm, St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. www. eventbrite.com/e/st-pete-beach-beer-festival2017-tickets-32188185730 17TH ANNUAL MONOPOLY NIGHT EVENT AT THE BELLEAIR COUNTRY CLUB.

“AWAY” GAME WATCHING PARTIES ON THE BEACH. Head out to St. Pete Beach for fun-filled, family-friendly game watching parties all season long. The action takes place at Guy Harvey Outpost. The games will be broadcast on a huge screen directly on the beach and Rays Radio will broadcast live. The Rays Street Team will also be on-hand with fun giveaways. Food and beverages including cookout items and buckets of beer will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed, but fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Stay after the game to enjoy live music and sunset drink specials.

Open to the public. Admission is complimentary.

Guy Harvey Outpost, 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. (727) 367-6461. www.JustLetGo.com/Rays

Mon, May 15

Players compete in the fun and excitement of a fast-paced championship match for high-priced properties like Park Place and Boardwalk. Or worst-case scenario: Go to jail! The popular event is being held at Belleair Country Club beginning at 6 p.m. to benefit Charity Works. When the dice settle, the top three players overall will receive prizes ranging in value from $750 to $2,500 plus. Bay News 9’s Veronica Cintron, the celebrity host, will emcee the event and guide players through the tense and fun-filled competition. The event also includes live, silent and chance auctions. Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron Fodiman, publishers and editors of Tampa Bay Magazine are this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs. Belleair Country Club, Belleair, FL. www.clearwaterflorida.org

IKEBANA SOCIETY - IT’S A WRAP. Margaret Salmon will demonstrate the distinct art of Japanese gift wrapping using cloth, paper and other materials. Potluck lunch will be provided. 10 am, $10, Chapel On The Hill Church - Evans Hall, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole. www.ikebanastpetersburg.com

Wed, May 17

RENAISSANCE HOTELS’ GLOBAL DAY OF DISCOVERY.

May 13 - June 25

11TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL TEAPOT SHOW AT THE CRAFTSMAN HOUSE. This year’s show showcases a wide variety of functional, ceramic teapots on display & available for purchase. 5 - 9 pm, Free, Craftsman House, 2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com

May 14 - Sept 24

Renaissance Hotels will host its sixth annual Global Day of Discovery at 160 hotels around the world. Global Day of Discovery will host unexpected hotel events and neighborhood experiences that bring an unusual taste of the local scene to life in more than 35 countries around the world.

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Humane Society of Pinellas

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HAPPY TAILS

appy Tails, an annual benefit for the Humane Society of Pinellas, was held again at the Ozona Blue Grilling Company in Palm y otos b h p d Harbor.

The event featured fun, food, and some adoptable pups, all n rtino age a Cover Wolcott Ma while raising some much needed money for the animals under the care of a Meliss HSP. For more information on the Humance Society of Pinellas, please visit www.HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org

Centerpieces featured Lindy’s story.

Home Port Marina pool side event space.

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Tasty buffet from Ozona Blue Grilling Company

A foster volunteer with HSP Executive Director Stacey Efaw.

Twila Cole, Director Of Community Relations

Another beautiful sunset over Home Port Marina. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Ave., Treasure Island. 727.360.4121.

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The Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel will celebrate the day with bachata lessons, a performance by celebrated bachata dance troupe La Fuerza from Sarasota, Latin music, bachata and salsa dancing plus Latin-themed food and cocktails. Jorge Chavez leads the free bachata lessons in the lobby 7:30 - 8 p.m. and the acclaimed La Fuerza dance troupe performs bachata from 8 8:15 p.m. The evening’s activities continue in Pelagia Trattoria starting at 8:15 p.m. when DJ Koki Lizonde plays Latin dance music until midnight.

4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33607. 813313-3235.

“FREE SMOOTHIE DAY” AT SMOOTHIE KING STORES IN TAMPA BAY. Smoothie King is kicking off summer with free smoothies! On May 17th, Tampa Bay-area Smoothie King stores will be offering free 12 oz. Strawberry X-Treme smoothies to all guests who stop by between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. First come, first serve. Limit one smoothie per customer, while supplies last. 28 participating Tampa Bay Smoothie King store locations.

Thurs, May 18

FREE HEALTH EXPO. Entertainment, door prizes, gift bags to the first 200 visitors. 1 - 4 pm.

Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th

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JUMP FOR KIDS FASHION SHOW. Hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live DJ, silent auction and a companion fashion show by Jackie Z’s and Anzley Z’s featuring 12 year old fashion designer Connor Totten. 6 pm - 9 pm. www.jumpforkidsfl.org

Fri, May 19

THE GULF: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN SEA. Environmental scholar and author Jack Davis will talk about the history of the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay. 6:30 - 9 pm, Free. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. www. facebook.com/GulfportHistoricalSociety

May 20-21

INAUGURUAL ST. ARMANDS SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL.

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All food entrees (seafood, meat and vegetarian) are prepared fresh onsite by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes use indigenous and sustainable ocean resources from Florida’s coastal waters. Foods will be accompanied by an assortment of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Be entertained by the sounds of live musical performances on stage by some of the region’s top musical talents. Music will include such genres as R&B, jazz, rock, soul, steel pan band sounds and Caribbean. While there, stop by the Humane Society’s Big Mac mobile adoption unit. Perhaps find a loving and devoted companion from among their family of friends awaiting adoption. Sat 11 am - 8 pm; Sun 11 am - 8 pm. Admission: FREE. St. Armands Circle Park, Sarasota, FL 34236. www. seafoodfestivals.com/S-25-St%2E+Armands+ Seafood+%26+Music+Festival.html

Sun, May 21

TASTE OF DUNEDIN. Each participating restaurant will provide a 2 ounce taste and breweries will provide one to two 5-ounce tastes. Many retail merchants will partner with Dunedin restaurants Continued

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located outside the downtown core, hosting them in front of their stores. There are a maximum of 2 tastes per customer per restaurant. There will be many different foods available from sushi to barbecue, craft beer, wine and spirits. Desserts included. A percentage of all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to HEP (Homeless Emergency Project) and the Dunedin Cares Food Pantry. each guest can purchase a taste card that will get punched or stamped at each restaurant they visit. They will also be collecting food donations for the Dunedin Cares Food Pantry. www.TasteofDunedin.Com PAINTING WITH A TWIST TO BENEFIT THE SPCA. Unleash your creative side with Painting with a Twist. Bring your favorite beverage, and/ or snack, and relax. A talented team of instructors guides you step by step through the night’s featured painting. These classes

are intended for adult painters, although painters aged 15-20 are welcomed if accompanied by an adult. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get uncorked, smocked & in your seat. 2527 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. 727300-5424. $ www.paintingwithatwist.com

Wines. Proceeds benefit Feeding Tampa Bay. 4 – 6 PM. Participating Restaurants: On Swann, Marriott Renaissance, Bascom’s Chop House, Birch and Vine, Stillwaters Tavern, Besito Mexican Restaurant, Carne ChopHouse, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Grille 54, Currents Restaurant Tarpon Springs, Parkshore Grill, Clear Sky Cafe. The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL. (727) 896-1080.

Tues, May 23

TOUR DE SHINE. Guided bicycle tour that will bring riders up close for a personal look at St. Pete’s colorful outdoor art gallery. 10 am. St. Pete Bike CoOp, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg. $ www.shineonstpete.com/tours BEST OF THE BAY. Top Chefs from Tampa and St. Pete team up and battle it out to see who can prepare the ultimate bites paired with La Crema

KEEP PINELLAS BEAUTIFUL FRIENDRAISER. Join in for an evening of friend making, fun and festivitites. Learn about how we can partner to make Pinellas County a cleaner, greener, more beautiful place to live. Keep Pinellas Beautiful is a non profit organization that aims to conserve and beautify our natural environment by means of community engagement and education. Bj’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 27001 US Highway 19N, Suite 1160, Clearwater, FL. 727-533-0402. www.mykpb.com/

Thurs, May 25

SARASOTA MUSIC HALF MARATHON BEER RUN SERIES.

5k Starts promptly at 6:00pm.

Beer run Series includes: Live Music by SMHM musicians, Free registration raffles, Free SMHM hat after you attend 3 12

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Beer Runs, Registration Flash Discounts. Each registrant will be entered to win an iPad Pro. Must attend beer run for entry to be valid. www.sarasotahalf.com/sarasota-music-half-marathonbeer-run-series/

Sat, May 27

Go early to get SWAGS from each featured bar (while supplies last, with purchase) and stay ‘til the end to enjoy the biggest fireworks show in the area and end your night with a bang. 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampamargaritafest.com/

5th ANNUAL TAMPA BAY MARGARITA FESTIVAL. Enjoy a huge variety of Margaritas, an awesome lineup of bands with headliner Barenaked Ladies and a fireworks show to end the night. General Admission Tickets allow in and out access to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival to enjoy all the amenities, games, and entertainment. Listen to live music all day on the main stage, chill & play games with your friends while you sip and drink on a variety Margarita drinks available for purchase.

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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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May 27-28

SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017.

in Tampa, bringing with it dance music’s most indemand players to soundtrack a Memorial Day weekend blowout.Make the journey to SMF and get a taste of the freshest sounds, from today’s fast-rising newcomers to top tier mainstays. Rally your Sunset crew for an unforgettable holiday in the Sunshine State. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter the event. To purchase and consume alcohol, you must be at least 21 years of age. Raymond James Stadium North Lot, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL. www.smftampa.com/

Mon, May 29

The sixth consecutive Sunset Music Festival returns in 2017 to Raymond James Stadium

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. Begins at the Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Center, 10315 Paradise Blvd. and ends at the Treasure Island Community Center, Gulf Blvd. and 106th Ave. 9 am, Free. 727.235.1784. www.mytreasureisland.org

TAMPA THEATRE 26th Annual SUMMER CLASSICS MOVIE SERIES For more than 25 years, the community has flocked to Tampa Theatre on hot Sunday afternoons to enjoy Summer Classics as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen, surrounded by friends, with a bag of fresh popcorn and a cold drink in hand.

Sing-Along BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991) 3:00pm Sat and Sun, June 3-4 SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) 3:00pm Sun, June 11 RAISING ARIZONA (1987) 3:00pm Sun, June 18 THE GRADUATE (1967) 3:00pm Sun, June 25 ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930) 3:00pm Sun, July 2 THE STING (1973) 3:00pm Sun, July 9 YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974) 3:00pm Sun, July 23

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IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963) 3:00pm Sun, July 30 RESERVOIR DOGS (1992) 3:00pm Sun, Aug 6 THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) 3:00pm Sat and Sun, Aug 12-13 Sing-Along GREASE (1978) 3:00pm Sun, Aug 20 CASABLANCA (1942) 3:00pm Sat and Sun, Aug 26-27 METROPOLIS (1927) 3:00pm Sun, Sept 3

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SKYWAY CAT CLUB CAT SHOW. TICA All breed Championship hosted by Skyway Cat Club of Tampa Bay. Cats will compete in 12 different rings, both days. Judges from all around the country judge cats both days. Learn about different breeds of cats and how to care for them. Meet 25+ all breeds of cats. All Breeds of cats, short hair, long hair, short legs, hairless, curly hair and straight hair, leopard look alikes, tiger look alikes, werewolf cats and new breeds may be attending the show as well as a Household Pet Category.

Vendors will have cat trees, cat bed, toys, unique gifts, and much more cat related items for sale.

Cats and kittens from local shelters will be available for adoption. Raffle table. Food available at hall. Free Parking. Minnreg Hall - 6340 126th Ave North, Largo, FL 33773. 727-289-1989. www.skywaycatclub.com

Tues, May 30

LOCAL INDIE FILM “ART IN THE CITY” TO SCREEN AT THE STUDIO@620.

Local Indie Film “Art In The City” to screen at The Studio@620. The film stars: Stephanie Joy Porto, Cranstan Cumberbatch, and Co-stars the City of St. Petersburg and its murals and landscape. A homeless war veteran who suffers from P.T.S.D.Is in a fight for his life trying to survive living

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CHILLOUNGE NIGHT

at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

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urtis Hixon Waterfront Park was transformed into the ultimate os by t o h p d outdoor lounge under the stars on April 8. Comfy sofas and rtino age an Cover Wolcott Ma banquettes were set up in the park for VIPs, and tables and chairs for a Meliss regular admission attendees. Three live bands entertained an enthusiastic crowd

— Kafkasso, the Jah Movement Reggae Band, and the Bus Stop Band. Kafkasso kicked off the evening with their Mediterranean sounds and extraordinary musicianship. Belly dancers performed along with their music to the delight of the crowd. Then the Jah Movement Reggae Band brought the sounds of the Caribbean to Tampa to set the tone while folks dined on tastes from Tampa restaurants and food trucks. Later in the evening, the Bus Stop Band got the crowd going with their R&B repertoire.

Included in the evening’s entertainment was a fashion show presented by the Luxe Fashion Group, and a colorful Brazilian Samba Parade. The evening ended with a firework display donated bye Julie and XXX Weintraub from the Gold & Diamond source. Part of the event’s proceeds benefited Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across The Bay. for more information about future Chillounge nights, visit www. chilloungenight.com/ Tasty bites from Oggi Italian Restaurant in Tampa

Kafkasso and a belly dancer entertain the crowd.

Tender Pulled Pork Sliders.

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Chillounge creater Rainer Scheer pumps up the crowd.

Two very tall bunnies danced through the crowd.

The very high energy Phoebe Samba Team

Nothing Bundt Cakes brought their very yummy “Bundtinis”.

Sofas and banquettes await the VIP arrivals.

The Luxe Fashion Show.

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life on the streets of St. Petersburg. Upon a chance encounter he meets Sandy (Stephanie Porto), a mysterious stranger who through her efforts helps him to see that “just because you’re homeless doesn’t mean you’re poor”, and from this meeting opens his eyes to a different level of homelessness, his talent to do art, and love. Now, Danny must make a decision on taking a leap of faith in trying to change his quality of life, or continuing with life as he knows. 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 727-895-6620. www. studio620.org

JUNE Thru June 25

HARD ROCK CAFE WORLD BURGER TOUR. World Burger Tour is a limited-time offering of Hard Rock Local Legendary Burgers, inspired by the taste and flavors from cafe locations around the world. This year more than 160 local burgers were evaluated by Hard Rock’s culinary team with crowd favorites added to the 2017 World Burger Tour lineup.

Hard Rock Cafe Tampa’s menu will feature the following World Burger Tour offerings: SEMI-

NOLE CATTLEMEN BURGER – topped with bacon infused Heart of palm coleslaw, fresh tomato and Tupelo breaded gator tail smothered in Seminole wing sauce; TANGO SALSA BURGER – with andouille sausage, Angus Beef, salsa criolla, garlic aioli, Monterey jack cheese, fresh arugula and a fried egg to top off the burger; TENNESSEE BBQ BURGER – Angus Beef burger with BBQ dry rubbed beef topped with pickle slices, Memphis slaw, pulled pork, pig sauce, crispy onions and cheddar. www.HardRock.com

June 1

A WEEK TO REMEMBER GALA. This fundraiser’s purpose is to raise money so 15-20 children with life threatening diseases can be sent from St Joseph’s hospital in Tampa Bay, FL to a camp in California called, “The Dream Street Foundation.”

Dream Street provides camping programs for children and young adults with chronic and life threatening illnesses. The evening will have music, dancing, comedy, a magic show, a stunt/ skit show, and much more. Tickets Include: A catered dinner, Concert, A Show (with superheroes), Magic Show, Comedy Act, a Silent Auction. Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore - Airport Area, 700 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL. 727-458-9685. www.dreamstreetfoundation.org/

June 1-2

6TH ANNUAL EARNEST GRAHAM INSHORE SLAM. At the Tampa Harbor & Hula Bay Club. Enjoy a day on the waters of Tampa Bay and help children 18

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battling cancer. This is a CCA sanctioned tournament and the categories are Redfish, Trout, Snook and Grand Slam. There is a division for everyone: Guided Celebrity, Guided, Angler and Ladies. Registration includes admission to the Captain’s Party on Thurs from 7-10 pm, Friday breakfast, snacks and beverages for your boat and a luncheon poolside at Hula Bay. Hula Bay Club, 5210 West Tyson Avenue, Tampa, FL. 813-7873042. www.facebook.com/ events/307682399605093/

give online, www.wmnf.org/support/donate/

Fri, June 2

FIRST FRIDAY DOWNTOWN. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase. Proceeds benefit Breakfast Optimists Club. 5:30 - 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. www.firstfridaystpete.com

Sat, June 3

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June 1-3

ROBOFEST 2017 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Robofest is a festival of competitions and events with autonomous robots that encourages students to have fun while learning principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Computer Science. St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. www.robofest.net/index.php/ current-competitions/worldchampionship

June 1-8

WMNF FUND DRIVE. Please support this nearly 38year radio experiment known as WMNF. Without support, they cannot broadcast. Please call 813-238-8001 to pledge early or www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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support of the fight of Human Trafficking and Housing for rescued youth. Attire: All White.

Tickets Include: Red Carpet, Champagne Mixer, Formal Dinner, Guest Speaker, Award Presentation, Ball Room Dancing with Live Band, Complimentary Valet Parking gratuity. Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL. www.thegentlemenscours. wixsite.com/tgctf

Sun, June 4

MADEIRA BEACH TRIATHLON 2017. One of Tampa Bay’s best sprint triathlons supporting both youth and adult events.

Space is limited to 600 athletes.

7 am. Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. www.madeirabeachtri.racehawk.com/ Default.aspx

Tues, June 6

INNISBROOK CELEBRATES WOMEN’S GOLF DAY. Salamander Hotel and Resort’s Founder and CEO, Sheila C. Johnson is an executive com-

mittee member of the United States Golf Association and has helped lead efforts to increase participation in the game. Women’s Golf Day aligns with Johnson’s vision of inspiring females on a global level to partake in the sport. At Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay (Copperhead, Island, North and South courses), the celebration of Women’s Golf Day begins at the Island Clubhouse at 4pm with a Golf Clinic including instruction and a putting contest hosted by Innisbrook Golf Professionals. Wind down from 6-8pm with mini spa treatments and services, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, door prizes, and a merchandise trunk show. 727942-5275. www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

June 8 - 9

TARPON RODEO. The Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo is an all release tarpon tournament with the mission to restore the Tampa Bay Estuary. 6:00 pm Thursday.

Tradewinds Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach / 1 pm Fri-

day, Fort De Soto Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. www.tampabaywatch. org/edalbertarponrodeo.html

Fri, June 9

THE BEER PROJECT AT MFA. Sip and savor the liquid interpretations of works in the Museum’s collection while lounging in artistically designed spaces.

Brewing companies create limited batch brews for a one-night only exhibition at the Museum.

7 - 10 pm. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg. www.mfastpete.org/ event/beer-project-artbeerlounge-save-the-date BREWS & BITES Food Trucks and Live Music at 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. THE SAIL, located on Tampa’s Riverwalk, adjacent to Tampa Convention Center. 6 to 10 p.m.

(813) 274-7778. 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, Fla. www.tampaconventioncenter.com PURPLE REIGN: LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW. We Care Manatee presents Purple Reign, a fundraisContinued

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ing luncheon filled with great music, good times, and an over the top fashion show. This is a funraising party with raffles, silent auction, cash bar, fashions that rock and tunes from the Minneapolis sound. Wear something PURPLE and go prepared to have a good time. Event proceeds will benefit We Care Manatee, a local nonprofit facilitating free medical care for low-income, uninsured residents of Manatee County, FL. 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL. 941-755-3952. www.wecaremanatee.org/

June 9 -11

INK MANIA TATTOO & ART EXPO. Live Tattooing, live entertainment, tattoo contest, Art fusion wall, Ink And Pistons Bike Show and more, at the Coliseum. Blooming with Autism charity Auction.

535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.inkmaniaexpo.com/

JOIN VACTB IN HONORING KRISTIN BECK AT TWO ST. PETE PRIDE EVENTS. Highly decorated retired Navy SEAL Kristin Beck, who gained public attention when she came out as a transgender woman in 2013, will be honored at an artist reception, film screening and parade during St. Pete Pride June 23 and 24. Beck’s military service includes 13 combat deployments, 29 medals, and being a member of a special counter-terrorism unit popularly called SEAL Team Six. “Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story” Film Screening: Fri, June 23 - Reception, Screening and Q&A at FreeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Artist Reception: Sat, June 24, 10am-3pm, Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay Gallery, Gaslight Square, 6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Petersburg Both events are free and will include opportunities for the public to meet her.

Sat, June 24

BARLEY’S ANGELS BEERFEST TAMPA THEATRE.

OPA! PALOOZA. Greek food & music festival in Historic Tarpon Springs. Noon - 9 pm Friday / 10 am - 9 pm Saturday / 10 am - 5 pm Sunday.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, 20 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. www.spongedocks.net/index.htm

June 21

GO SKATEBOARDING DAY. June 21st is Go Skateboarding Day, a national celebration of taking to the streets, hitting downtown and Ybor City.

Then back to SPoT for free skating.

11:00AM - Skate the Bro Bowl park, 100 E. Kay St. (corner of E. Kay St. and N. Lamar Ave.) Skate through Ybor City 2:00PM - Arrive at SPoT, 4215 E. Columbus Dr. 3:00PM - Best Trick Jam (obstacle TBD) Free skating at SPoT all day.

Skatepark of Tampa, 4215 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL, (813) 621-6793 22

BeerFest 2017 kicks summer into high gear with Barley’s Angels on Saturday, June 24, featuring craft beers and local brewers, plus snacks and samples from some of Tampa’s top independent restaurants. A limited-capacity premium sampling will begin at 7:00 p.m., and grand sampling ticketholders can enter at 8:00 p.m. Costumes inspired by the grrl-power action movie starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu are encouraged. www.tampatheatre.org

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12th ANNUAL TAMPA NATSUMATSURI.

Experience a taste of Japan with the 12th annual Tampa Natsumatsuri, an authentic Japanese summer festival taking place at Christ the King Catholic Church. Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, music and dance performances, a cosplay contest, vendors of Japanese crafts and goods, and traditional Japanese festival games. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charities in Japan such as the disaster relief foundations for victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. 5 to 9 p.m.

Admission is free! Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. www.facebook.com/tampanatsu/ KOTFILA DOG PARK GRAND OPENING IN CHANNELSIDE. This is a family-friendly event.

Activities for children include a toddler seahorse dry slide, octopus play land, bouncy house and Connect Four game. The Kotfila Dog Park is in the shade of the Expressway so fur babies will have the opportunity to try out the new dog park in comfort! Giveaways include portable dog bowls, treats and photos. To honor Deputy Kotfila’s service and sacrifice to our community. After learning of the strong bond between Deputy Kotfila and his German Shepard, Dexter, THEA built the dog park in remembrance of Deputy Kotfila. The City of Tampa will maintain the dog park. 9am - 12pm; Dedication and remarks at 9:30am. 705 Raymond Street, Tampa, FL 33602, underneath the Selmon Expressway, behind the Bell Channelside Apartments. www.tampa-xway.com/ 24

ST. PETE PRIDE CELEBRATION: LGBT PRIDE PARADE.

The LGBT Pride Parade, held within the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood and Grand Central District, features more than 150 organizations and businesses supporting and celebrating the Tampa Bay LGBT community. Festival goers come together to make history while enjoying a day of live performances and entertainment, community booths, art and fantastic food. (727) 342-0084. www.stpetepride.com

Sun, June 25

TAMPA BAY BRIDAL SHOW.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Something old, something new, so many details you just don’t know what to do? Meet the area’s top Briday professionals at the Tampa Bay Bridal Show.

More than 100 area businesses will be in hand. The show will feature the latest in fasions, flowers, photography, caterers and more. Amalie Arena noon -4 pm.

401 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

727-893-8134. www.tampabaybridalshows.com 25TH GOURMET GENTS: THE SILVER EDITION. The Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc is celebrating 25 years of investing in the lives of young women in the Tampa Bay area from 4-7pm at the St. Lawrence Parish Catholic ChurchHiggins Hall. This annual event brings together an audience of approximately 500 attendees consisting of corporate sponsors, politicians, members of grass roots organizations and the community-at-large. 5225 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa. 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. www.nc100bwtampabay. org/

for the month of June will be donated to Paws With A Cause.

Palm Harbor Dance Studio will also have a service dog presentation and demonstrations on June 20, 2017 between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. These demonstrations are also open to the public. Paws With A Cause provides services in 30 states and has placed more than 2,700 Assistance Dogs teams throughout the country. There are more than 300 PAWS Dog Volunteers as well as community presenters and special event volunteers. www.pawswithacause.org/

JULY Sat, July 1

GARAGE ONE RISE N SHINE CARS & COFFEE. The feature of July 1st is the British Invasion. Join in the first Sat morning of every month from 8:am - 11:am. Improve your automotive image. See demonstrations of all Garage One Pro products. The Rise & Shine cars and coffee is a free event open to All cars , trucks , jeeps and motorcycles. All spectators welcome. A gathering of automotive enthusiasts free coffee

Fri, June 30

PALM HARBOR DANCE STUDIO HOSTING BENEFIT FOR PAWS WITH A CAUSE. The benefit will include dancing, a silent auction and a Paws With A Cause presentation with demo dogs. Demos will include seeing a Service Dog work as well as DANCING when they are off duty! This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. In addition to the benefit, a portion of all sales www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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and donuts. Music door prizes and a $50 cash giveaway. Garage One, 5136 W Idlewild Ave., Tampa, FL. 813-391-3653. www.garageonepro.com/

Tues, July 4

THE S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY JULY 4TH FIREWORKS. The S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY will host viewing of Tampa’s an-

nual July 4th Fireworks aboard this historic World War II merchant steamship and national landmark, Tuesday, July 4, 2017, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. The S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY offers the “best view in Tampa” for watching the celebrated fireworks display. The evening event features musical entertainment from DJ Ian Paul, a special Kids Zone with two face painters from 6:30-

8:30pm, games, as well as arts and crafts. Refreshments will be available for purchase from some of your favorite local food trucks. Beer and wine available as well. Help celebrate Independence Day and raise funds for the maintenance and operation of the S.S. AMERCIAN VICTORY. Built in 1945, the S.S. AMERICAN VICTORY is one of only four operational World War II merchant steamships in the U.S. The ship is supported by public donations, special events, training services, educational activities and historical tours for children and adults.

813-228-8766. 705 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. www.americanvictory.org

Thurs, July 6, Aug 3

Sally is a beautiful and confident gal who can be indepentent, snuggly and affectionate. She is 6 years old and doesn’t mind sharing her space with others. Consider adding Sally to your family; she is a great gal.

HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org

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DALI CULT CLASSICS. Grab your lawn chair, don some movie-inspired duds and enjoy free flicks, local food truck fare, and cold craft brews. The fun goes down the first Thursday of the month all summer long.

Go early to enjoy The Dali’s extended hours on Thurs nights at reduced admission, then stay for the film and festivities. Doors open & vendors start serving at 7pm. Movies begin at 8:30pm.

The event is held rain or shine (movies and tastings are moved inside during inclement weather). Please bring only low-seating lawn chairs. No pets, coolers, outside food or beverages are permitted. 7 - 11pm July 06 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Aug 3 - Edward Scissorhands The Dalí Museum, One Dalí Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.thedali.org

Sat, July 8

6TH ANNUAL TBEC CRAFT PARTY. The 6th Annual TBEC Craft Party presented by the Tampa Bay Etsy Crew is a free community event with make & take projects, artist demos, and vendors exclusively selling vintage or hand made goods.

There will be a raffle to benefit The Heart Gallery.

First 100 adults get free swag bags. 11am – 4pm.

TampaBayEtsyCrew@gmail.com. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave No, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Clearwater, FL 33765. 727-441-5050; Clothes to Kids - St. Pete Store, 2168 34th St So, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. 727-441-5050

Thru July 15

CLOTHES TO KIDS AT SEA SEA RIDERS IN DUNEDIN. Donate NEW underwear to Clothes to Kids at Sea Sea Riders in Dunedin. There are more than 52,000 students in Pinellas County that are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Their families are having a hard time providing the basics. Clothes to Kids, a charity partner of the Rotary Club of Dunedin Waterside, provides a complete wardrobe of 5 pairs of new socks, 5 pairs of new underwear, 5 tops, 4 bottoms and pair of shoes to local children in need. With your help, 67,500 pairs of new underwear will be given out this year.

New underwear and socks – must be in unopened packages - children’s and junior’s sizes A donation box will be available at these locations: Sea Sea Riders Restaurant, 221 Main St., Dunedin, FL 34698. (727) 734-1445; Clothes to Kids Clearwater Store, 1059 North Hercules Ave,

THE PINELLAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S SUMMER FOOD DRIVE AT ALL REGIONS PINELLAS BANK BRANCHES. Did you know 36,000 Pinellas County children live each day with food insecurity? The summer months are often the most challenging time for these children who often rely upon their school lunch program as their primary meal source. You can help local children in need by donating to the Pinellas Community Foundation’s first annual summer food drive, benefitting Florida Dream Center and UMCM Suncoast. You can also show your support by texting ihelped to 41444. The Pinellas Community Foundation will match the first $20,000 donated. www.pinellascf.org

RINGLING MUSEUM - 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941-359-5700 www.ringling.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa.

813-229-Star. www.strazcenter.org

BROADWAY SERIES 2016-17

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.

Finding Neverland

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 MOTOWN THE MUSICAL - Aug 8 - 13. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown The Musical!

RENT - 20th Anniversary Tour - Sept 19 - 24.

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway … and forever changed the landscape of American theater. A reimagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

Rent

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t AMALIE ARENA 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813.301.6500. www.amaliearena.com MAY 12 - THE WEEKEND - Starboy Legend of the Fall. Starting off his career anonymously, The Weeknd first broke into the music scene with the 2011 mixtape House of Balloons followed by studio album Kiss Land in 2013 and the widely recognized Beauty Behind the Madness that earned him two Grammy Awards in 2015, followed by many more awards.

28 - ALABAMA: Southern Drawl Tour 2017 with very special guest The Charlie Daniels Band. From humble beginnings picking cotton in the fields to international stars that went on to sell 73 million albums while changing the face and sound of country music, ALABAMA, hits the Amalie with the Southern Drawl Tour 2017.

JUNE 11 - Iron Maiden & ghost 14 - CHANCE THE RAPPER 22 - ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, Pitbull & CNCO

21 - The Invisible Hand Forward 21 - IMPROV - House Teams Live 31 - The Invisible Hand JUNE 1 - 25 - The Invisible Hand 4 - Hawk & Wayne 18 - IMPROV - House Teams Live ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. www.asolorep.org MAY Thru 28. BEATSVILLE: The Beatnik Musical.

BEATSVILLE – the world of subterranean coffee shops, goateed artists, turtle-necked poets, and bongo-playing jazzbos. Tragically square busboy Walter Paisley wants nothing more than to be one of the beatniks, but he has no artistic talent whatsoever. When he accidentally kills a cat and hides it in a lump of clay, “Dead Cat” is declared a masterpiece, and Walter a genius. More “sculptures” bring more acclaim – but will the world discover Walter’s secret?

JUNE

7 - JULY 1 - TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES

AMERICAN STAGE 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org/ MAY THRU 14 - HAIRSPRAY 15 – AMERICAN STORIES 19 - 21 - American Songbook Series 30

UNDER THE SEA - The new theatrical re-imagination of Jules Verne’s classic deep sea tale has magnificent sea creatures, and a spectacular submarine. Take a plunge into the pages of Jules Verne’s classic science fiction story and get swept away in this multisensory experience. Our modern-day storyteller Jules finds himself transported on board the Nautilus submarine, where he joins the mysterious Captain Nemo on a journey to the depths of the sea, brought to life through a mix of

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unforgettable characters, projections and interactive technology.

CAPITOL THEATRE 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues MAY 12 - Pure Zeppelin w/Laser Lights 24 - Damien Escobar 25 - Sister Hazel w/Special Guests Greg Billings Duo 27 - The Marshall Tucker Band JUNE 3 - Joe Jackson 8 - Allen Stone 10 - Ann Wilson of Heart 13 - Dave Mason Band: Alone Together Again 16 - Classic Albums Live: RUSH 2112 17 - YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. www.carrollwoodcenter.org MAY 19 - JAZZ WITH JIM 21 - STRINGS IN THE SPRING. A classical music concert featuring pianist Franz Mantini and guest violinist Tiffany Lu. The concert on May 21 will be Lu’s first appearance at the Center.

JUNE 10 - Cypress Creek Dixieland Jazz Band. The Cypress Creek Dixieland Jazz band is a group of local musicians with strong roots in the Tampa.

Members have performed in brass bands, concert bands, pit orchestras, symphonies, chamber ensembles, swing bands, polka bands and more.

The Cypress Creek Dixieland Jazz Band performs early jazz music from New Orleans.

CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS THEATRE 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000. www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ JUNE 2 - 17. INCORRUPTIBLE. Welcome to Priseaux, France, c. 1250 A.D.:The river flooded again last week. The chandler’s shop just burned to the ground. Nobody’s heard of the wheelbarrow yet.

And Ste. Foy, the patron of the local monastery, hasn’t worked a miracle in thirteen years. In other words, the Dark Ages still look pretty dark. All eyes turn to the Pope, whose promised visit will surely encourage other pilgrims to make the trek and restore the abbey to its former glory. That is, until a rival church claims to possess the relics of Ste. Foy-and “their” bones are working miracles. All seems lost until the destitute monks take a lesson from a larcenous one-eyed minstral, who teaches them an outrageous new way to pay old debts.

CATHERINE HICKMAN THEATER 5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport, 727.893.1070 www.mygulfport.us JUNE

9 - 11. SOUTH PACIFIC. RisingSTARZ, a group of actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their 4th season, along with director Corinne Broskett will be presenting an adaptation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical “South Pacific”

CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727.587.6793. www.largoarts.com MAY 24 - Melanie JUNE 7 - Definition of Dance

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16 - 17 - Hairspray Jr. COACHMAN PARK

301 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33755. (727) 562-4700

MAY

13 - John Legend 20 - ArrowPoint IV JUNE 10 - THIRD EYE BLIND with Silversun Pickups

COCONUTS COMEDY CLUB 5501 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach 727.360.5653. www.coconutscomedyclubs.com MAY 10 - 13 - Bill “Bull” Ohse 17 - 20 - Tim Moffett 24 - 27 - Ku Egenti 31 - JUNE 1 - Carmen Ciricillo CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.323.2787 www.craftsmanhousegallery.com MAY 20 - Kevin So in Concert. In addition to his guitar & vocal artistry, the versatile So also plays piano & harmonica, with an original blend of pop, folk, rhythm & blues.

EARLY BIRD DINNER THEATRE 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762.

727.864.7600. www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com MAY thru JULY 9 - SYLVIA. Greg and Kate have moved

to Manhattan, and Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age.

To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection.

SEPT 2 - OCT 22 - Mama Won’t Fly NOV 4 - DEC 17 - A Nice Family Christmas

ECKERD COLLEGE OPERA 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 MAY 13 - Der Rosenkavalier 26 - Twelfth Night

EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE 105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727.587.6793, www.eightoclocktheatre.com MAY 12 - 21 - MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. The 2005 Broadway production won the 2006 Grammy Award, three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and received 14 Tony Award nominations. One of the funniest shows you will ever see.

JUNE 14 - 16, 20 - 23 - A Chorus Line FLORIDA ORCHESTRA 727.662.7286. www.floridaorchestra.org See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center

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

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t (941) 366-9000. www.floridastudiotheatre.org MAY 31 - JUNE 18 - Burt & Me JUNE 13 - 16 - The Jersey Tenors JULY 5 - AUG 6 - The Absolute Bightness of Leonard Pelkey 18 - 20 - The Blue Eyed Bettys AUGUST 2 - 20 - Doublewide 22 - SEPT 24 - Roar! The Music of 1920’s and Beyond

FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, Florida 33755. 727446-1360. www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/ MAY 4 - 21 - The Wedding Singer

FREEFALL THEATRE COMPANY 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.498.5205. www.freefalltheatre.com MAY thru JUNE 4. End of the Rainbow

HCC STUDIO THEATRE on the HCC Ybor Campus, 1st Floor, 1304 E 11th Ave, 33605. www. tampafringe.org MAY 12 - 14 - Timothy Mooney Presents BREAKNECK JULIUS CAESAR! It’s “the greatest thing since sliced Caesar!” Tim Mooney cuts away two hours of asides, diversions and blind alleys, stripping away just the right number of extraneous “trees” to reveal the essential “forest” of Shakespeare’s great historical tragedy, in the one-man one-hour 34

romp, “Breakneck Julius Caesar” coming to the Tampa Fringe Festival.

JANNUS LIVE 200 1st Ave. North, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.jannuslive.com MAY 13 - The Shins 16 - The Head and the Heart, Signs of Light Tour JUNE 3 - Blue October 10 - T.I.

JOBSITE THEATER Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa . 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org MAY 11 - 14 - TAMPA INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL. Events will take place across six venues in this historic district. The show venues include HCC Ybor, the Silver Meteor Gallery, Crowbar, and Urban Phoenix, while New World Brewery will be acting as Fringe Central -- the artist and audience hub for information, opening and closing parties, and pre-post-show drinks to talk about the shows. CL Space will serve as a special event space with VIP events for those holding Eliminator All-Access Passes, and special panels and workshops for artists. Festival performers come from all over the country and from around the world. www. tampafringe.org 19 - June 11 - GLOUCESTER BLUE.

Stumpy and Latham are working-class housepainters, and husband and wife Bummy and Lexi are

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their upscale clients. Blue may be the color being painted on the walls, but blood-red and blackmail emerge as dominant hues of the palette in this darkly comic drama. Journey into a story painted with seduction, betrayal, and deceit. With themes of gentrification, economic inequality, and infidelity this pitch-black comedy will surely feel right at home here in the Tampa Bay area.

MAHAFFEY THEATER 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center

St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767. www.themahaffeytheater.com MAY 13 – The Florida Orchestra: The American Songbook 14 - Bell Biv DeVoe, En Vogue & SWV 20 - Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto 25 - Jamey Johnson 27 - Todd Rundgren JUNE 2, 4, 6 - The Tales of Hoffmann Continued

MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPITHEATRE

Fri, Sept 9

Chicago & The Doobie Brothers “The perfect summer line-up, playing dozens of the best-loved rockin’ pop classics. I’m happy to be hangin’ out with our ‘Doobie’ friends… a great band,” said Robert Lamm of Chicago. “We are so excited to once again be sharing the stage with our wonderful friends Chicago! They’re a great band, and musically we fit together very well,” added Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers.

Veteran classic rockers the Doobie Brothers tour worldwide, performing up to 100 concerts each year. Behind the nucleus of founding members, guitarists and vocalists Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, along with multiple stringinstrument wizard and vocalist John McFee, the Doobies deliver a feel-good, good-time mix of tunes culled from their self-titled debut right up to their latest releases at each show. Their signature brand of biker-rock, folk-rock, blues-rock and R&B has led to hits such as “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Take Me in Your Arms,” up to the honky-tonk groove of “World Gone Crazy” and beyond.

Chicago, the self-styled “rock band with horns,” throws a little bit of everything at their audiences when they hit the stage, tapping into an extensive catalogue of ballads, hard rockers and jazz-tinged jams. Songs such as “You’re the Inspiration,” “Free” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” have made Chicago one of the best-selling American rock acts of all time. Newer songs, such as “Naked in the Garden of Allah” and “Now” epitomize the softer sound of their later work. Chicago concerts traverse decades and styles as they blaze through hits and audience favorites from their 1969 debut to their latest releases.

4802 US Hwy 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610 • www.livenation.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 9 - Joe Popp 23 - ARTURO SANDOVAL MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATER - Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 Us Hwy 301 N, Tampa, 813.740.2446. www.ticketmaster.com MAY 21 - MUSE with special guests THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS and PVRIS 26 - TRAIN PLAY THAT SONG TOUR with O.A.R. and

NATASHA BEDINGFIELD JUNE 1 - COUNTRY MEGATICKET TAMPA 2 - BRANTLEY GILBERT: The Devil Don’t Sleep Tour with Tyler Farr and Luke Combs 3 - JIMMY BUFFET: I don’t Know Tour 2017 16 - DIERKS BENTLEY: What the Hell World Tour 22 - RISE AGAINST & DEFTONES 29 - CHICAGO & THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

ORPHEUM 1915 E. 7th Ave., Tampa MAY 17 - Delain, HammerFall 18 - Lewis Del Mar, with GRAMMY award-winning soulful singer/songwriter, ANNA WISE. 20 - Sabaton 24 - Morbid Angel 25 - HAVE MERCY, Supporting Real Friends with Tiny Moving Parts, Broadside and Nothing, Nowhere. Have Mercy’s recently released album, Make The Best Of It rings loud and true throughout, being the bands catchiest and tightest endeavor to date.

JUNE 12 - The Birthday Massacre 25 - CHON - Their 2nd full-length album Homey will drop on June 16. Underneath a canopy of electronic-tinged soundscapes and tapestries of lush guitar mastery, you can practically feel the Southern California coast come to life on Homey. www.chonofficial.com

THE PALLADIUM 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg.

727.822.3590. www.mypalladium.org MAY 12 - All You Need is Love: Una Voce The Gay Men’s Chorus Of Tampa Bay Performs The Music Of The Beatles. The concert includes more than two dozen hits of the Fab Four, their familiar Continued 36

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t timeless songs as well as equally amazing but less well known songs. The chorus of nearly 50 men is backed up by a rock ensemble to re-create the electrifying musical style and spirit of the Beatles.

13 - Pinellas Youth Symphony 13 - Kafkasso 14 - Scott Stapp the founding member of Creed, brings his “Live and Unplugged” show to St. Petersburg.

RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM MAY 27 - 28 - SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL. Taking place in Tampa on Memorial Day weekend, this year’s Sunset Music Festival is coming back bigger and better than ever before, featuring headlining performances by heavy hitters Major Lazer, RL Grime, Above & Beyond, and Zeds Dead, with over 45 acts in store. Stacked across three stages, from the main stage talents at Sunset, to a full on Eclipse by bass music’s power players, and ethereal goodness on the Horizon.

JUNE 14 - U2

RITZ YBOR Tampa.

JUNE 6 - Mon Laferte 10 - Benny Benassi 38

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RUTH ECKERD HALL 1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater.

727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com MAY 13 – Julianne & Derek Hough: Move Beyond Live On Tour 14 – TFO: The American Songbook 18 - George Thorogood 23 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 25 - Idina Menzel 27 - Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd Show JUNE 2 - Trevor Noah 10 - Happy Together Tour 16 - Gipsy Kings 21 - Diana Ross SARASOTA BALLET 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941.359.0099 www.sarasotaballet.org MAY 21 - HD: Un ballo maschera 28 - HD: Jewels JUNE 4 - HD: Marriage of Figaro 11 - HD: Tristan and Isolde 18 - HD: La forza del destin SIDESPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 .(813) 960-1197 www.sidesplitterscomedy.com/ MAY 12 - C.R.A.P. Comedy presents Nate Jackson from MTV’s Wild ‘N Out 18 - Tommy Blaze 25 - Theo Von

JUNE 9 - 10. BUZZED BARD: SHAKESPEARE ON THE ROCKS. Join in as the Tampa Bay literary community joins with the Tampa Bay acting community in this new bi-annual series that allows the actors to drink freely through the night before unleashing them on to conduct a staged reading of some of Shakespeare’s greatest hits - - - only with actors a bit tipsy! When artist meets alcohol meets audience who knows what can happen - disaster or genius - - - or both.

STAGEWORKS THEATER 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa, 813.374.2416. www.stageworkstheatre.org MAY thru 21 - Avenue Q JUNE 2 - 18 - The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity STATE THEATRE 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. www.statetheatreconcerts.com MAY 13 - The Damned 40th Anniversary Tour 17 - Bishop Briggs JUNE 1 - Austin Mahone ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE Located Just Off I-275 At 4025 31St. St. South, St. Petersburg, 33712. 727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org MAY thru 14 - SQUABBLES.

THE SPACE 2106 West Main Street, Tampa, Fl, 33607. 813575-0230. www.thespacetampa.com/

This hilarious play pits a father in law against a mother in a comedic succession of squabbles.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t ing jingles married to an equally successful lawyer. Living with the happy couple is the not so happy Abe Dreyfus, Jerry’s curmudgeon of a father in law. Abe is a funny guy to the audience, not to Jerry. The situation is exacerbated when Jerry’s mother Mildred looses her house in a fire and needs a place to stay. Abe and Mildred can’t stand each other. This play is one hilarious confrontation after another until the heart warming finale in which the oldsters discover that, really, each is not so bad.

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY JUNE 2 - 6 - THE TALES OF HOFFMANN. Jacques Offenbach’s last and only serious opera is packed with compelling melodies and dramatic tension.

30 - JULY 9. INTO THE WOODS. As the result of the curse of a once-beautiful witch, a baker and his wife are childless. Three days before the rise of a blue moon, they venture into the woods to find the four things that will reverse the spell. During the journey, they meet Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack of the beanstalk fame, each one on a quest to fulfill a wish of their own.

STRAZ CENTER 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813.229. STAR www.strazcenter.org MAY 12 – TFO: The American Songbook 12 – Sebastian Maniscalco 13 – 14 - Masters of Dance 15 – Darrin Bradbury 17 - Wondrous Wednesday 17 - 31 - Gloucester Blue 18 - Latin Nights 19 - TFO: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto 21 - Mann Family Tour 30, 31 - Finding Neverland JUNE 1 - 4 - Finding Neverland 1 - 11 - Gloucester Blue 2, 3 - The Naked Magicians 15 - 30 - Company 16 - Jim Jeffries 16 - Tig Notaro 22 - Latin Nights 40

THE STUDIO @620 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 27895-6620. www.studio620.org MAY 25 - 26 - Vivaldi’s Griselda and other Baroque tales of broken hearts. Showcasing excerpts from Vivaldi’s Griselda alongside Handel’s La Lucrezia and Partì l’idolo mio, this program features rarelyperformed Baroque opera and cantatas presented by early music specialists from around the country.

Works for soprano and mezzo will be performed alongside a late 17th century style harpsichord with cello continuo.

URBANITE THEATRE 1487 Second Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. www.urbanitetheatre.com JUNE 2 - JULY 2. NAMING TRUE. Amy, a transgender teenage girl from Seattle, and Nell, a dying woman who’s lived most of her life on the streets of Detroit, find themselves in an unlikely meeting in a Florida motel room to discuss publishing Nell’s childhood memoir. An intimate tale of survival, redemption, and the desperate need to share our stories, Naming True investigates how to persevere in the absence of hope.

VAN WEZEL 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.953.3368. www.vanwezel.org MAY 14 – Julianne and Derek Hough 20 - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons 27 - Idina Menzel JUNE 23 - Diana Ross

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Carmina Burana to Open Florida Orchestra’s 50th Season

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he Florida Orchestra and Music Director Michael Francis go all out to celebrate TFO’s 50th anniversary in the premier Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series. The 2017-18 season kicks off in October with the popular Carmina Burana and includes plenty of old favorites. Don’t forget kids and teens get in free with Classical Kids tickets. Here are five can’t-miss concerts: OPENING NIGHT! CARMINA BURANA (Oct. 6-8): Orff’s masterpiece has taken on a life of its own in everything from the Super Bowl to political spoofs to The Simpsons. But nothing can compare to hearing it live with Michael Francis and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. The opening will knock you back in your seat.

BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 7 (Nov. 3-5): This weekend in November marks 50 years since the official merger of the St. Petersburg Symphony and the Tampa Philharmonic. TFO will celebrate with Beethoven’s jubilant Symphony No. 7 and thrilling French Canadian pianist Alain Lefevre, who makes his TFO debut on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Michael Francis conducts.

JAHJA LING CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN (Jan. 6-7): In honor of the 50th anniversary, former TFO Music Director Jahja Ling returns to conduct Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 -performed by his wife, Jessie Chang -- and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, which Ling conducted in 1987 for TFO’s 20th anniversary.

DVORAK’S THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY (Feb. 23-25): Old favorites -- Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - are paired with a world premiere work by Tampa native Michael Ippolito, who composed a Florida-inspired piece just for TFO’s 50th season. Michael Francis conducts.

VERDI’S REQUIEM (April 20-22): A true highlight of the 50th anniversary season. TFO has not performed Verdi’s massive masterpiece since 2002. Drama, passion and deep faith combine for an extraordinary evening in the concert hall, featuring the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay under the baton of Michael Francis.

The Florida Orchestra: Series subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets available Aug. 14. The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. And for the first time, the Masterworks series branches off with a five-concert Sunday Matinee subscription series of select shows at the Mahaffey Theater. Subscribe at floridaorchestra.org. 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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www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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

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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

Tamp a B ay Ar ea

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.

BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727.

453.6800. www.brookercreekpreserve.org MAY 13 - Migratory Bird Day 14 - Mother’s Day Nature Hike 20 - Kitchen Botany JUNE 3 - The Solar System and Telescopes 17 - Beekeeping Part 3

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

(727) 441-1790. www.seewinter.com

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2240 9th Ave.S, St. Petersburg. www.woodsonmuseum.org The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg Florida community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture and community.

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.

MAY 12 – Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo , 727.582.2100. Closed weekends & County Holidays. www.flbg.org The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques.

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org Thru JUNE 25 – The Armenian Genocide Exhibition Thru JULY 2 - Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals

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.

CRACKER COUNTRY Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610. (813) 627-4225. www.crackercountry.org/ Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum, was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr. so future generations might better understand and appreciate Florida’s rural heritage.

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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.

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/ MAY 27 - JULY 9 - MATHALIVE! Perfect for tweens, this exhibit brings S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) to life as kids experience real math at work in sports, robotics, music, dancing, gaming, and more. Its high energy exhibits – from fashion to robotics to games – tell exactly how math plays a role in all our lives. Tweens will love the snowboarding exhibit, custom designing their own video game and skateboard, and exploring the latest in robotics.

28 - SUNSHINE SUNDAY. Sunshine Sunday is

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a special morning on the last Sunday of every other month. This program is a limited-engagement event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Children can explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at their fingertips.

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.

MAY 13 - Marvelous Mothers 21 - Big and Small Royal Ball. 10 am - noon. Children and their parents will delight in royal meet-andgreets, brunch bites, DJ/Dancing, both adult & kids’ Princess Punch, crafts, chance drawings, and more.

26 - Don’t Fry Day! 29 - Memorial Day at Great Explorations. 10 am 4:30 pm, $9 to $10, Free one-day admission for retired and active duty military men and women. Use household ingredients to create underwater fireworks, participate in a red, white and blue bucket toss or make your very own firework craft.

30 - Summer Play Days begin

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. Free Admission. www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.org The Gulfport Historical Society preserves and cele-

SESAME STREET SAFARI of Fun Cookie Monster Weekend - thru May 15 Everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends are hosting a party just for kids. Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all of your favorite Sesame Street characters for a fun-filled weekend at Busch Gardens. Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekend will feature dance parties, interactive craft stations and character parades at the top of every hour during the event.

Continued

MAY JUNE Events

“JUNGLE JACK” HANNA - May 27 - 28 Serengeti Night Safari featuring Jack Hanna - The 2.5-hour experience includes an upclose look at the nocturnal behaviors of hippos, lions and hyenas.

Jack Hanna VIP Experience - This exclusive VIP experience includes a private meet-andgreet, commemorative photo, a personalized autograph and reserved seating for the Jack Hanna show.

Jack Hanna Family of Fun Sleepover - Guests will spend the night at Busch Gardens in one of the park’s secure on-site venues and enjoy a night of family fun, interactive activities and an animal adventure hosted by Jack Hanna.

Jack Hanna Brunch - Enjoy a delicious meal sure to satisfy all ages while making unforgettable memories with a special meet and greet with “Jungle” Jack Hanna.

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

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brates Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public.

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 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.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731. www.selby.org MONDAYS – Yoga in the Garden Thru JULY 31: Marc Chagall, Flowers, and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams Exhibit Thru JUNE 14: Chagall Nights Thru JUNE 17: Chagall Family SATURDAYS Thru JULY 16: Garden Music Series MAY 12 – Improve Your Photography 14 - Mother’s Day Brunch

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 46

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

www.stpete.org

17 - Chagall Nights 18 - Hand Printed Botanical Journal 21 - Garden Music Series 22 - Orchids for Everyone 23 - Tripod Tuesday 26 - Adobe Lightroom 31 - Potting & Mounting Orchids JUNE 2 - Growing Orchids 5 - Learn to Draw & Paint 10 - Splashin’ Saturdays

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

MOTE AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org JUNE 3 - World Oceans Day Family Festival

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

MAY 13, 20, 27 - Minecraft Mania 6, 13, 20, 27 - Discover Saturdays 9 - Pop-Up Art 13 - Scratch Day 13, 14 - Free Admissions For Moms 23, 25 - Who Has Their Hand In The Cookie Jar? 23, 25 - Rockin’ Around 27 - SEPT 5. CARDBOARD SPACE ADVENTURES - . Guests will help create a huge outpost in outer space, full of hands-on creativity, engineering, and art—all constructed entirely from cardboard. Cardboard Space Adventures begins with a child’s dream to Continued on page 44

B

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

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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he T n O Seen ne

sce

S P A SN

rmick McCo n m i T esig s by Photo in Photo D b of Ro

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary Grand Opening Celebration

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easide Seabird Sanctuary welcomed the community to its facility recently for their grand opening celebration. People came out to see all the improvements, hear about the future of the nonprofit organization and to support the mission to care for the birds and the environment. The Sanctuary welcomed members from environmental and wildlife conservations groups that they work closely with including Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue, Blue Turtle Green Bird Society and the Audubon Society.

The sanctuary receives about 2,000 birds annually. Common injuries include fishhook and line enL to R: Andrew von Gontard, Kyle Swenfurth, Brian Tharp tanglement, environmental pollution and collisions with automobiles, boats, buildings and telephone wire. Seaside relies 100% on charitable contributions to maintain operations. They have more than 100 permanent avian residents.

Andrew von Gontard and Brian Tharp presented two young boys with a certificate of recognition; 9-year-old Kyle Swenfurth raised $300 for the sanctuary at his lemonade stand and 10-year-old Charlie Parker wrote and illustrated a book inspired by his visits to the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is located at 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL 33785. Call 727-392-4291, or visit www.seabirdsanctuary.com L to R: Andrew von Gontard, Charlie Parker, Brian Tharp

Ribbon Cutting with Eddie Gayton, Beatrice von Gontard, Andrew von Gontard and Brian Tharp.

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create a rocketship out of an empty box and fly off to explore the galaxy. That dream leads to an incredible adventure that mixes fun and learning as guests discover science, engineering, math, architecture, design, and more.

JUNE 3 - Women in Space 3, 10, 17, 24 - Minecraft Mania 15 - 18 - Maker Days

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.

REPLAY AMUSEMENT MUSEUM 119 Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs www.replaymuseum.org An Interactive museum with 100 pinball games, video games and other amusements from the past.

SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor. 727724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/MuseumCultural-Center The Safety Harbor area has long been an ideal place to live. From the earliest peoples (20,000 B.C.E.) who hunted giant mammals on a peninsula twice the size of present day Florida, to our present city of dedicated preservationists, Safety Harbor has an impressive history.

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SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205. (941) 746-4131. www.southfloridamuseum.org/ The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

MAY 13 - 10:30am. SUCCULENT WREATH WORKSHOP. Create a heart shaped succulent wreath with CONTINUED

HENRY PLANT MUSEUM

www.ut.edu/plantmuseum/

MENUS: THE EPICUREAN EXPERIENCE Thru Dec 23

T

his exhibit uses original menus as a starting point to explore the fine dining at the Tampa Bay Hotel and other grand Florida resorts from 1891 to 1932. These rarely exhibited menus draw visitors into the conversation of Victorian food, the source of food, its preparation, etiquette, fashion, and utensils that blend together to create the Victorian epicurean experience. They will briefly touch on menu art and children in the Hotel dining room. This exhibit displays original artifacts, including menus, photos, clothing, and utensils from the Tampa Bay Hotel and other Florida hotels.

At the Tampa Bay Hotel, and other Florida resorts, meals were not simply about eating, but instead were a fine dining experience. Thought and care were put into food choices, decorations, place settings, music selection, and of course, menu design. Dressing for dinner often took over an hour, and meals could be a full ten courses. Meals for special events and holidays were even more elaborate. Included in the exhibit are menus from holidays.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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accents of dried eucalyptus and wax flowers. Small group setting and plant care instructions. Pre-registration required. $ 27 - 10:30am. RAIN GARDENS AND BARRELS. Learn inventive ways to collect rain water just in time for the rainy season. Create your own beautiful and functional rain garden and learn the best collecting techniques using rain barrels. Free w/ admission.

JUNE 3 - Exotic Bird Ballyhoo for Kids

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/ MAY 13 - The Ybor City Story 17 - Exploring Tampa Bay’s History 18 - Life of the Party 31 - Florida’s Fantastic Artifacts JUNE 5-9, 12-16 - History Adventure Camp: American Girl 26-30 - History Adventure Camp: Archaeology Mysteries

www.tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org The Historic Train Depot Museum houses the office and Archives of the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society, which has filled the old station with exhibits telling the story of Tarpon Springs’ past.

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

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org MAY 13 - What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?

21 - The Yearling JUNE 1 - Weedon Walkabout 10 - Great Weedon Bird Quest WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS www.weekiwachee.com/ A natural tourist attraction where underwater performances by “mermaids”, women wearing fish tails as well as other fanciful outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River. A waterpark, Buccaneer Bay, and boat rides are also part of the attraction.

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.

TARPON SPRINGS HISTORIC DEPOT MUSEUM 160 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727.943.4624 Free Admission. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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World Record National Parks Trip, or, “Where in the World is Mikah Meyer”

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

T

here are bucket lists and then there are very ambitious bucket lists. Mikah Meyer has the latter kind. His father’s death at age 19 left him reeling, and he would take one road trip a year on the anniversary of his father’s death. This was the seed of a larger ambition that was to come some years later when he decided his goal was to visit every US national park.

This is where grand ambition comes in, as there are 416 national parks throughout the United States and territories.

I had the opportunity to meet Mikah recently when his journey took him to the #116 national Park on his list which was De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton.

As an openly gay man he is not just doing this for himself but for the larger purpose of spreading the word that national parks are welcoming to minorities and the LGBTQ community. As of now, their visiting numbers are surprisingly low at the parks.

The National Park Service is now over 100 years old, and they launched the “Find Your Park” movement to inspire folks to discover parks that

appeal to them. Mikah is an unofficial ambassador of the movement. Every state and US territory has at least one national park, and there are 14 in Florida alone. At least one is probably within driving distance from you.

Mikah is from Nebraska, and is now 30 years old (though he looks 20). His journey was 4 years in the planning, and he is totally self-funded, taking donations along the way by singing in churches. His career goal is to eventually host a TV travel show aimed at the LGBTQ community.

Mikah started his trip almost a year ago in April. I asked him what his most memorable parks were so far, and he mentioned the Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park in North Dakota, and snorkeling at Buck Island Reef off St. Croix, U.S. VI. “Life’s more fun when you talk to strangers” is his mantra as well as the title to his forthcoming book.

When I met up with Mikah, I had never been to the DeSoto Nat’l Memorial before, so I was able to experience the park too. The park commemorates the

Photos of the DeSoto National Memorial Park by Melissa

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1539 landing of explorer Hernando de Soto. They have living history programs and demonstrations that take place from December to April. A nature trail, kayaking, and a picnic area are available for park goers. While most national parks charge an entrance fee, this park is free. IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: Right now the cost for a lifetime pass to National Parks for citizens over 62 is only $10. Before the end of 2017 it is expected to go to $80, or an annual pass for $20, so get one for $10 while you can! You can buy one in person at most national parks, or online.

You can learn more about Mikah Meyer and follow his travels by visiting his website and following him on FaceBook.

HELPFUL WEBSITES: Mikah Meyer: www.tbcmikah.com/ Mikah’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TBCMikah Find Your Park: www.findyourpark.com/ De Soto National Memorial - 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209. www.nps.gov/deso/index.htm Buy a senior Nat’l Park pass online: www.store.usgs.gov

Photo by Mikah Meyer taken along the Appalaichian Trail 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

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

as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.

RIVERS OF LIGHT OPENS FEB 17 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.

SKY DINE-AROUND

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR, opens May 27 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

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The new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around gives Walt Disney World Resort guests priority boarding on the monorail for an unparalleled dining journey

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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 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.

DISNEY SPRINGS

MORE ADDITIONS TO DISNEY SPRINGS. PADDLEFISH – Sleek and modern after a bow-

to-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.

LA NOUBA by CIRQUE DU SOLEIL to take it’s final bow Dec 31. Audiences have until the end of the year to enjoy the theatrical spectacular. After 19 years of dazzling more than 10 million guests with breathtaking acrobatics and stunning choreography, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil will give its final performance at Disney Springs on Dec. 31. Theatergoers who have yet to see La Nouba, which features daring stunts, vibrant music and whimsical characters, or fans who want to see the Disney Springs staple one last time have until the end of the year to attend a performance.

Most recently La Nouba introduced two new acts: B-Boy, commonly referred to as breakdancing, and Aerial Bamboo, a technique mastered by only a handful of performers worldwide. The acts joined following the addition of new uproarious clowns and a breathtaking juggling rolla bolla act. www. lanouba.com or call 407-939-7600.

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.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com For more information, call 407-934-7639.

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PANDORA: The World of Avatar High Expectations Are Met And Surpassed

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Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino & Al Martino

he long wait is over. Pandora: the World of Avatar is now open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

People who liked the movie “Avatar” will love Pandora.

People who loved “Avatar” will be blown away by Pandora. With the combined genius of James Cameron, Joe Rohde (the design and production of Pandora) and Disney imagineers, the movie set has been brought to life (minus the actual floating worlds, which would have been impossible even for Disney.)

Strange vegetation mixed in with earthly vegetation creates the feeling that you are, indeed, somewhere else.

We got to experience Pandora with a media sneak peek before opening day, and so were able to explore everything without too much of a crowd. Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger and Avatar director James Cameron opened the new $500M park. Several of the cast members were on hand, including Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, and Sigourney Weaver, as well as some other film dignitaries.

Zoe Saldan

a meets up

with her Na

’vi self.

photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

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(L-R) Jon Landau, Wes Studi, Joel David Moore, Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, James Cameron, Zoe Saldana, CCH Pounder, Bob Iger, Sigourney Weaver and Laz Alonso at the dedication. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Add your beat to the rhythms of Pandora in the drum circle.

Wilderness Troop Leaders in Pandora (and Animal Kingdom) inform about flora and fauna. Earn badges from guides.

The Flaska Reclinata plant by day and by night (below). It is most happy when being touched, and shoots out water spores.

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e entered into the Valley of Mo’ara, and first came upon a Flaska Reclinata, a Pandoran plant that receives it’s energy from touch. Rub certain glowing parts of the plant and it shoots out watery “spores” to the delight of passersby. The impressive “floating” tall mountains are the centerpiece of the park. Tied together with “vines” for support, they give the illusion of floating. There are not a lot of wide open spaces, and very little signage, so you feel more immersed in the world of Pandora. Waterfalls and babbling streams complete the experience. A drum circle built into some rocks is available for anyone to let their inner rhythm out.

The rides are amazing. The Na’vi River Journey is a gentle boat ride through Pandora at night, with all it’s glowing splendor. So much is going on all around you, you need a few more rides to take it all in. You see fantastical beasts running through the forest, and little critters scampering in the glowing leaves overhead. All complete with the sounds of the night. Towards the end of the ride we meet an animatronic Na’vi singing a native song. cont’

The Na’vi River ride

Get in the Pandora spirit with some face painting and/or ears and even a tail.

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eues e interesting qu One of the mor ge sa ight of Pas is on Avatar: Fl ve past colorful ca when you go awings. writings and dr

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ove over Soarin’, you have just been beaten as BEST. RIDE. EVER. by “Avatar Flight of Passage” — just WOW! There is a very long walk from the beginning of the queue to get to the ride, but it’s very interesting. You walk through Pandoran caves full of colorful cave drawings, and into a lab where avatars are being made. There is a fully formed avatar floating in a tube which is quite fascinating. The ride itself is like Soarin’ on steroids. Rather than hang-gliding, you are riding the back of a large banshee (a fierce bird-like creature). Instead of a chair, you are straddling a seat (think motorcycle). The imagery in front of you is breathtaking and loaded with detail all around. There are swoops over thundering rhino-type animals, riding under the crest of a huge wave, and many more thrills. As you swoop and turn, your seat mimics the banshee’s movements. When he stops, you can hear his heavy breathing. As you ride, you feel blasts of air and smell a woodsy aroma timed to coordinate with where you are.

All this and it’s 3-D too! We rode it 3 times during our stay, and it still was not enough time to take it all in.

on our whole exWe spotted only two Na’vis one along the Flight ploration of the park. This Na’vi River Cruise. of Passage, and one on the de , and is full of moThis is an avatar being ma tion — very cool!

There is no photography allowed on Flight of Passage, so this is a shot supplied

by Disney.

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Satu’li Canteen — the only restaurant in Pandora serves up artful and tasty dishes.

Pongu Pongu - a beverage stand serving green beer among other libations.

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here is only one restaurant in the new park, Satu’li Canteen. It’s has a “build your own meal” concept. You choose a protein, vegs or grains, and a sauce. Options include chicken, sliced beef, fish and tofu. There are dumplings filled with cheeseburger or veg curry. Desserts are a choice of blueberry cream cheese mousse or chocolate cake. In keeping with the Pandoran theme, the food is artfully presented and tasty. Satu’li is open from breakfast, lunch and dinner. A beverage stand near the restaurant, Pongu Pongu sells green beer and frozen drinks.

The gift shop, Windtraders, is also fun. You can make your own avatar, “adopt” your own banshee that sits on your shoulder while you operate him with a control unit, and find lots of Avatar related souvenirs.

A kiosk in the park also does face painting and sells Na’vi ears and tails if you are so inclined. cont’

Make your own avatar, adopt a movable banshee and shop ‘til you drop at the Windtraders gift shop.

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ur suggestion would be to enjoy the park in the daytime, then tool around in Animal Kingdom, then return to Pandora at night. It’s a whole different looking place. A lot of the Pandoran plants come “alive” with bioluminescense, and the sounds of creatures fill the night. Even the ground is glowing.

James Cameron announced four sequels to Avatar are to be filmed at the same time and released at the end of 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025. The new park should have a good long run way beyond the movies.

Pandora comes alive at night.

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hen you visit Pandora: the World of Avatar (note that we say “when” not “if”) you should really consider staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a full immersion effect. The resort is fabulous, the food is great, and where else (besides actual Africa) can you enjoy coffee sitting on your guest room balcony and watch giraffes, zebras, ostriches and wildebeasts walk past?

Animal Kingdom Lodge

For more information about Pandora: the World of Avatar, visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/animal-kingdom/pandora-world-of-avatar/ For more information about Animal Kingdom Lodge, visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tiffins

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

A Fine Dining Restaurant Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom After a full morning or afternoon of enjoying Animal Kingdom, guests become totally immersed in African and Asian animal lore.

The whole park is designed to transport you to that world, and the restaurants are themed with African-influenced menus. The Tusker House in the Harambe marketplace features family-friendly food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Harambe Market is an open-air casual food court with some unique tastes. And there is Pizzafari, which has, of course, pizza, plus flatbreads, pastas and salads.

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The newest concept in dining in Animal Kingdom is Tiffins, an upscale restaurant with an adjacent bar called the Nomad Lounge, located on the Discovery Island section of the park. This is not something you would expect to find inside the theme park, but it is a welcome edition. The cuisine covers influences from Africa, Asia and South America, and is outstanding. As is with all Disney concepts, the design of the restaurant itself is well-thought out, and carries a storyline with it.

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Beautiful hand-carved African totems in the Grand Gallery dining room.

Tasty breadstuffs start the evening off.

The Berbere-Spiced Lamp chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and tomato-Mint Jam gets rave reviews from our group.

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The artwork throughout is quite clever and authentic. A wall behind the reception desk is a hand-carved relief map of Africa and Asia depicting animals from those regions, and it is exquisite. There are other wall-hangings and sculptures that are equally fascinating, which all goes to making your dining experience that much more enjoyable. The Nomad Lounge serves delicious cocktails as well as interesting beer and wine, and some small plates set among comfy sofas.

W Grilled Head-On Prawns with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives, and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce.

The Grand Gallery dining room in Tiffins.

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We savored a lovely 4-course meal with our group at Tiffins which opened our eyes (or should I say mouths) to wonderful new tastes.

On the table, a silver serving bowl contained different breadstuffs that were quite unique and tasty, and were accompanied by several dipping sauces of Pomegranate Olive Oil, Harissa Yogurt, Zhough Yogurt, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus.

Our first course was a flavorful salad of Roasted Baby Beets with

Nomad Lounge adjacent to the restaurant. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Goat Cheese Crema, Walnut Granola, and Sun-dried Cherry Vinaigrette, then a Seasonal Fish Crudo with Roasted Corn Salsa, and Lime. This was perfectly paired with a Torrontes Bodega Colome, the signature white wine of Argentina.

The second course was Black-eyed Pea Fritters with Zhough Yogurt and black-eyed Pea Hummus, and Marinated Grill Octopus with Artichoke, Saffron Aioli, served with a Matetic Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. The grilled octopus was one of the table favorites.

The main course had such a wide-ranging choice of delicious-sounding items it was hard to choose. I settled on the Wagyu Striploin and Braised short Rib which was served with Rainbow Carrots, Roasted Peruvian Potatoes and Chimichurri. A paired wine was Carmen Merlot from Chile. The meat was flavorful and melt-inyour-mouth wonderful — a wise choice on my part. Table mates ordered a variety of food, so we all genially

offered tastes around. The served food looked gorgeous enough for a cover shot on Bon Appétit. Some of our companion’s dishes were a Berbere-Spiced Lamp chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and tomato-Mint Jam, which received many kudos from the group. Another well-loved dish was the Hoisin-Glazed Halibut with Forbidden Rice, Swiss chard, and Turmeric Sauce.

In keeping with the amazing dinner, desserts were likewise wonderful — especially the Calamansi Mousse made of Mango Lava and Swiss Meringue.

Yes, this was a pricey meal, however, it was also an unforgettable event and memory to take home as part of the Animal Kingdom experience.

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Tiffins is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are suggested. (407) 939-5277. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/

Lucious Calamansi Mousse — a signature dessert.

Clever wall art around the restaurant. Lighted animals against African fabrics.

Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib with Carrots, Peruvian Potatoes and Chimichurri.

Hoisin-Glazed Halibut with Rice, Swiss Chard, and Turmeric Sauce.

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rlando’s best deals (offering savings up to 50%) for Floridians of all ages to take advantage of this spring. For a full list of destination-wide offers, go to VisitOrlando.com/deals.

ATTRACTIONS Universal Orlando Resort is offering a four days for the price of two with its 2 Park 2 Day Base Get 2 Days Free ticket.

Walt Disney World Resort is offering guests the opportunity to buy a four-day basic ticket and get the fifth day free.

SeaWorld Orlando is offering unlimited admission and parking for 14 consecutive days at four parks – SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Adventure Island Tampa Bay – for $149.99 per guest. Guests can save up to $30 per ticket by purchasing in advance online.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Wild Florida is offering a FL resident deal of 50% off

gator park admission and 15% off one hour airboat tours.

Buena Vista Watersports at Paradise Cove is offering up to 30% off with advance purchase.

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides is offering up to 19% off gate prices with advance booking.

Segway of Central Florida is offering a 20% discount on its outdoor historical guided tours (enter code VISITORLANDO17 at checkout).

HOTELS Reunion Resort is offering 25% Off Vacation Homes with promo code 25OFF. Hilton Orlando is offering one night free when you book a 4-night stay.

CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort is offering 20% off best available rates.

8TH ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE WEEKEND May 12 - 13 Rosen Plaza, 9700 International Dr, Orlando, Florida 32819, Orlando, FL. www.facebook.com/ events/1783732021851780/ Black and White Weekend is a fun and unique get together for 700+ people from all over Central Florida

VOLCANO BAY Opens May 25

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ade up of four immersive areas filled with innovative opportunities for thrills and rejuvenation, Universal’s Volcano Bay is an all-new water theme park. Here you’ll find a full day’s worth of fun with an island breeze and lush views. With 18 attractions, you’ll be able to experience water adventures and moments of relaxation— all without having to worry about waiting in line or carrying around rafts. You’ll be granted the powers of the TapuTapu wearable. With just a wave of your wrist you can hold your place in the ride lines and reveal surprises throughout the park. Which means more time to careen down slides, brave whitewater torrents, drift down a winding river or relax in your own waterside cabana.

This hassle-free island is just steps away from Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, five themed on-site resort hotels and the dining, shopping and entertainment of Universal CityWalk.

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and beyond for eating, drinking, dancing, mingling, socializing, networking, photos, entertainment and more in an upscale indoor and outdoor venue all while supporting BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Black and/or White Masquerade Masks and Formal or Semi-Formal dress code is strictly enforced. There are no exceptions for Friday evening. Wear All Black and White, OR All Black OR All White ONLY, Including SHOES. 800-627-8258.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE - Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show - May 13 thru July 31.

60 S Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32804. www.thedinnerdetective.com/orlando/schedule The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

is very different from traditional murder mystery dinner shows. They hide non-costumed actors in the audience that are pretending to be part of the crowd. This results in a more social and interactive evening. The shows are set during the present day and take place in real time. Over the course of the night, costumed Detectives will uncover clues, interrogate audience members that may or may not be part of the show, and help everyone get closer to solving the mystery. You’ll enjoy a four-course, platted dinner, while trying to solve a suspenseful murder. Just becareful, the killer is still in the room, and could be seated at your table.

ORLANDO FRINGE - May 16 - 29 Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Rep, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL. www.orlandofringe.org Fringe Festivals date back to 1947. During the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland, a number of artists and performance groups showed up uninvited.

With no official stage to perform, they decided to produce their own work in empty stores and church basements, literally “on the fringe” of the established festival. The concept was an immediate success, and the Fringe soon became more popular than the “official” Edinburgh Festival. in 1991, Orlando Fringe was creCONTINUED

ELECTRIC OCEAN - JUNE 17 - AUG 6

As the sun goes down, the lights and energy go up, offering guests a different kind of fun after dark.

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he sea comes alive at night as you dive into Electric Ocean, SeaWorld’s new summer nighttime celebration. Electric Ocean is a festival of lights, music, and life that’s as vibrant as the sea itself. Voyage into exotic underwater worlds that come alive as the sun sets with brilliant energy, electrifying dance music, and dazzling light. Join live performers inspired by playful sea creatures at the party along the shore where DJ’s transform the night into an all-ages club beneath the waves. Dance along to Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up The Night and then surf the wave to a whole new level with a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park.

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ated. The first festival was held in 1992 in downtown Orlando, with most venues being created in empty storefronts. This continued until 2005, when the festival moved to Loch Haven Park and has been there since.

lando, FL. foodandwineconference.com This is a conference to inspire, empower and make a difference in your business and the lives of others.

GAYLORD PALMS SUMMERFEST - May 26 - August 13 www.GaylordPalms.com/SummerFest

FOOD WINE CONFERENCE BY SUNDAY SUPPER MOVEMENT - May 19 - 21.

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Or-

LEGO NINJA ADVENTURE. Legoland has a new theme park land where you BecomeTheNinja in your very own LEGO NINJAGO [NINJAH-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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Gaylord Palms Resort celebrates the spirit of beach parties and summer ballads with this year’s Sumwith Free Admission Through May Real-life heroes dedicated to keeping our cities safe will receive FREE, single-day theme park admission at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. In addition, eligible personnel can purchase tickets for up to four guests at a 50 percent discount. Open to active and retired law enforcement, fire-and-rescue and EMT/ EMS personnel working in the USA. Eligible personnel must visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket windows on the day of their visit and present their employee ID or professional organization membership card. This offer is not available online, by telephone or through ticket resellers, and is valid through May 31, 2017.

LEGO STAR WARS DAYS Returns for Double the Fun - May 13 - 14. Kids can explore some of the most famous scenes from the Star Wars saga made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks, including detailed displays inspired by the films, plus life-size LEGO models of Darth Vader, Darth Maul and R2-D2. Dress up as your favorite LEGO Star Wars character and participate in the intergalactic costume parade (ages 12 and under)

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merFest featuring Surf In & Rock Out. The event’s family-friendly entertainment will have guests singing along with shows and activities in addition to riding the wave on the resort’s FlowRider Double and splashing down one of seven waterslides waiting at the newly expanded water park. Many of the highlights for the SummerFest event lineup put Cypress Springs Water Park center stage, including the daily Aquafina RiffTide Pool Party. DJ Cowabunga Chris spins classic and contemporary tunes to rock out to while hanging out in Cypress Springs Water Park. Other exciting highlights for SummerFest featuring Surf In & Rock Out include: I Wanna Rock! Sing-A-Long Show; Legends of Rock & Surf Scavenger Hunt; Cypress Springs Theater Showings; Rockin’ Arts & Crafts; Summer Fun at Relâche Spa; PJ Party Under the Sea; Paint the Waves Party featuring the GlowRider; Rock n’ Roll Never Dies Ghost Tour; and Build-A-Bear Workshop on the Pool Deck.

In addition to all this, Guests will find poolside games, airbrush tattoos, rocker hair braids, face painting and much more happening at Cypress Springs Water Park alongside the zero-entry family pool, treehouse water play structure with four water slides PLUS the recent $4.2 million addition of Big Cypress, towering nearly 60 feet above the pools with the Florida Free Fall drop slide and the Tamiami Twister racing slides; and The Wake Zone, a FlowRider Double surfable wave simulator.

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.

DINOSAUR WORLD 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565. (813) 717-9865. 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 freeflight 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. 407870-7366. 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 classic 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.

EXPERIENCE MOVIES OUTDOORS. Leu Gardens offers an amazing and unique setting to see a classic or current feature film. Each month from Feb to Dec, (no movie in July,) Leu Gardens hosts a movie night at the floral clock on a 32 ft screen, weather permitting.

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Movie goers may bring dinner picnics including alcohol and seating (chairs or blanket) then sit back and enjoy an outdoor movie. Visit website for movie selections.

MADAME TUSSAUDS 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866630-8315. www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/en/ Madame Tussauds Orlando has unveiled a new interactive guest experience in the themed room featuring Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. The attraction has added a one-of-kind customized camera system that utilizes multiple cameras to stitch together a unique photo of fans interacting with Neymar’s figure. The camera technology captures 40 photos in less than one second to produce a GIF image. Guests will receive the GIF via email to share with friends. 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 SCIENCE CENTER 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 5142000. www.osc.org/ ORLANDO SEALIFE AQUARIUM 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866622-0607. 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.

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.

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.

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Around Florida CAPE CANAVERAL 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.

FIFTH GRADERS NATIONAWIDE OFFERED FREE ADMISSION - May 26 - Sept 4. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a front row seat to NASA’s Journey to Mars for free to fifth graders nationwide this summer, with an invitation for a full-day of adventure and fun. The offer is part of the Summer of Mars campaign designed to highlight experiences and activities that focus on the future of space exploration and Mars missions. Incoming fifth graders (for fall 2017) who visit with a full-admission-paying-adult, will receive free, one-day admission to Kennedy Space Center

Visitor Complex. The online ticket can be printed and then presented at any ticket window, along with one of the following as proof of age: a fourth-grade report card verifying that the child is an incoming fifth grader, a passport or birth certificate. www.kennedySpaceCenter.com/SummerOfMars

NAPLES The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples www.artisnaples.org/baker-museum

The Baker Museum houses 15 galleries, a glass dome conservatory and three Dale Chihuly instalcontinued

LIDO BEACH RESORT Summer’s Coming!

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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earing up for some summer fun and relaxation, the beautiful Lido Beach Resort on Lido Key pretty much has everything you need. A wide stretch of private white sand beach, crystal clear water, and recently renovated guest rooms and suites in the hotel. The resort amenities are plentiful — perfect for the romantic couple or family fun. This pet-friendly resort has two beachfront pools and three poolside jacuzzis, three restaurants and lounges, and a fitness center. If you decide to leave the property, the bustling St. Armands Circle is just minutes away, as well as all the numerous attractions Sarasota has to offer.

Visit the Lido Beach Resort website for more information and attractive package plans. www.lidobeachresort.com

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Around Florida

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lations. Five origami sculptures and 40 unfolded pieces of origami are on display. Kids can view works by modern European and American artists such as Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning and Georgia O’Keeffe. Pop Art culture comes to life through the works of Robert Indiana, one of America’s most celebrated living artists. “Jacque Fresco, 100 Years of Vision” presents an overview of a lifetime of creative output by this visionary designer and social engineer. Louise Nevelson’s last major work, “Dawn’s Forest,” is arranged in segments throughout campus.

Lowdermilk Park 1301 Gulf Shore Boulevard, is open daily from 8 am to sundown. www.explorenaples.com Lowdermilk Park is one of Naples’ premier beachfront parks. Kids can release their energy on two playgrounds, build castles in the sand or roam about the pair of huge origami cranes. Pack a picnic or grab some refreshments from the concession stand. Consider a visit near the end of the day

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to take in a beautiful sunset.

THE PALM BEACHES Affordable Summer Luxury in The Palm Beaches www.thepalmbeaches.com/special-offersand-packages/free-hotel-nights

The Palm Beaches are rolling out the red carpet for families this summer with free-night promotions at 16 hotels and resorts, and a build-your-ownadventure Discover Pass that provides discounts at area attractions. A collection of 39 cities and towns stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter and

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Tequesta, The Palm Beaches have 47 miles of pristine beaches. Add watersports, eco-activities, farm-fresh dining options, cultural offerings and lodgings that range from luxury beachfront resorts to in-town hotels, and there’s something for everyone.

FLORIDA KEYS Mystery Key West Fest - June 16 - 18 DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. www.mysteryfestkeywest.com Readers and writers can uncover valuable clues about enjoying and penning mystery fiction from “suspects” including some of America’s most notable authors. The fourth annual Mystery Fest Key West is to star Clifford Irving, with more than 20 books to his credit (including a faux Howard Hughes “autobiography” that landed him in prison); “Strange Tribe” author John Hemingway, grandson of literary master Ernest Hemingway; and Randy Rawls, past president of the Mystery Writers of America’s Florida Chapter. Other featured “culprits” include NY Times and USA Today author Heather Graham, NY Times bestselling

author Lisa Black and crime and science fiction writer James O. Born. Representatives of mystery genres ranging from hard-boiled and noir to “cozy” and true crime are to offer insights, as are law enforcement and military experts. The popular event also features book signings and social gatherings where attendees can mingle with presenting authors. The highlight is a Friday night reception and buffet dinner at Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St., with special

guest speaker John Hemingway. And it would be “criminal” for attendees to miss Sloan’s Ghost Tour guided by Heather Graham, author of more than 100 novels and novellas from romantic suspense to occult-flavored offerings.

INN ON FIFTH Cruise & Cuisine!

T he Inn on Fifth and Club Level Suites has created a new two-night Cruise & Cuisine package for summer, blending a trio of luxury experiences to showcase the best of downtown Naples. The package includes a two-night stay in one of the Inn’s 119 elegantly appointed guest rooms, featuring an array of superior standard amenities; a Pure Florida sunset sightseeing cruise for two; and dinner for two at Ocean Prime Naples, one of Naples’ newest culinary hotspots. Available through October 13, the Cruise & Cuisine package at the four-star, four-diamond Inn on Fifth starts at just $403. Guests can choose to enhance the experience with a Club Level Suite and additional exclusive amenities for a package price of just $623.

For more information, (888) 403-8778 or visit www.InnonFifth.com

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ArtLines Events CLOTH WORKS: AN EXPLORATION OF TEXTILE DESIGN - Thru MAY 30.

Clearwater Main Library, 100 N Osceola Ave., Clearwater. www.surfacedesignguild.com Two- and three-dimensional artwork inspired by the long tradition of creating decorative textiles featuring member-artists of the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild. Free. Noon - 5 pm Friday - Sunday / 9 am - 6 pm Monday / 9 am - 9 pm Tuesday /10 am - 9 pm Wednesday / 10 am - 6 pm Thursday.

7th ANNUAL “ART TO THE RESCUE” Benefits THE DUNEDIN DOGGIE RESCUE - THRU MAY 31 Stirling Art Studios & Gallery, 730 Broadway, 2nd floor gallery. 727-439-4740 2-D and 3-D art show is juried with prizes awarded.

There will also be a Children’s Artwork Wall. The Dunedin Doggie Rescue has saved 570 dogs and counting.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4638. www.fine-arts.org 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 mid1950s 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.

Thru July 2. DOMINIQUE LABAUVIE: DIG Multimedia artist Dominique Labauvie has earned critical acclaim in the United States and Europe and is best known for his exploration of line – seemingly fragile, yet strong as steel – in his sculpture.

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Thru July 23. DOROTHY HEIGHT’S HATS Civil rights icon Dr. Dorothy Irene Height (19122010) was known for her courage, intelligence, leadership, standing straight—and hats. The 42 hats in the exhibition have been borrowed from The Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

June 24 - Oct 1. SKYWAY: A CONTEMPORARCOLLABORATION - Skyway spotlights the

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ArtLines continued compelling work of 57 artists in the Tampa Bay area, spanning sculpture, photography, video, painting, and prints. The work is being shared by the MFA, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This is the first time all three museums have joined forces to present the work of gifted contemporary artists in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.

MAY 14 - Jason Chakravarty and Jennifer Caldwell 18 - Dominique Labauvie and Katherine Pill 20 - Functional Imaging of the Human Brain JUNE 9 - Beer Project 14 - Coffee Talk w/Nan Colton 18 - Richard Dowling, piano 22 - Skyway Film Series DALÍ MUSEUM One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767 www.thedali.org MAY 13 - SEPT 24. THE WORKS OF EDUARDO CHILLIDA. An exhibit of world-renowned Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida’s works in paper, alabaster, steel and stone opens at The Dali. “Memory, Mind, Matter: The show will present more than 60 Chillida works including 16 sculptures, a large-scale wall mural, numerous drawings and ‘gravitations,’ the artist’s unique approach to paper collage. Eduardo Chillida is well known for his monumental works in public spaces, for instance, De Musica, Dallas XV at I.M. Pei’s The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and outdoor environs as well as museums in his native Spain as well as France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the U.S.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org thru May 29 - ALEX KATZ: BLACK AND WHITE. Black and white works by the Alex Katz. An artist of international renown, this exhibition features Katz’s signature portraits of family and friends, renderings of Maine’s countryside, and ephemeral still lifes. The stark contrasts in light and shadow, as well as the emphasis on line and form, illustrate the beauty of Katz’s reductive black and white landscapes and figurative work.

Fri – Art on The House – 4 to 8 pm Sat – Art Spot for Families ART LOFTS Florida Craftsmen Galleries (2nd floor) 10 5th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727.504.8788. www. theartlofts.com Second Saturday Gallery Walk LUSTER - May 13 -31 Rebecca Skelton presents life drawings created in a palette based on copper, brass and their patinas. This new work shows the humanity of the models through the warmth of these lusters. Enjoy the show then visit with the 18 artists in their working studios where they produce paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, copper and mixed media. Exhibit is free to the public.

ARTPOOL GALLERY 2030 Central Ave., St Petersburg. 727.324.3878. www.artpoolrules.com JUNE 3, 4 - Crafty Fest

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.

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ArtLines continued CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.323.2787. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Cafe-Pottery Studio 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk MAY 13 – June 25 – Invitational Teapot Show 13 – Fair Trade Celebration 14 - Mother’s Day Brunch 20 - Kevin So JUNE 10 - July 1 - 9th Annual Clay Pride Show 17 - Loving Day Celebration

DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 813.760.6600 www.dmglass.com 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk MAY 13 - Jason Chakravarty & Jennifer Umphress 14 - Art Glass Afternoon

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 Thru JUNE 17 - CONTEMPORARY FIBER IN FLORIDA 2017 AT FLORIDA CRAFTART.

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

DFAC - www.dfac.org JUNE 9 - AUG 18. Slow Seeing: Erin E. Castellan. An assembly of embroidered paintings on fabric and paper that capture the provocative vision of an artist marrying her studies in Textile Design and Painting.

A juried exhibition, with cash prizes, showcasing original artwork representing contemporary approaches to fiber art, pushing the boundaries and/ or traditions in mediate and execution. Lectures and workshops will be available during the exhibition time. Wall Works, Sculptural Works, Vessel Forms/Basketry, and Art to Wear.

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-221-2222. www.fmopa.org

DUNEDIN WINE AND ART WALK - 2nd Fri of the Month 86

GALLERIE 909 909 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 727.565.3930. www.gallerie909.com Featuring African American Artists

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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.

MARC CHAGALL,FLOWERS, AND THE FRENCH RIVIERA: THE COLOR OF DREAMS at Marie Selby Gardens - Thru July 31 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236. www.selby.org/ An exhibition of Marc Chagall’s nature-inspired artwork is on view in Sarasota’s botanical garden in an immersive exhibition. The Color of Dreams marks the first time nature’s profound influence had on the artist is examined in-depth. The six-month exhibit features the masterwork painting The Lovers (1937), along with two additional paintings that have not been publicly exhibited before, as well as ceramic vases once owned

by Chagall, archival photos, a glass house cathedral of plants, and outdoor garden scenes reminiscent of the French Riviera where Chagall spent the later part of

his life. Accompanying cultural performances, special events, classes and lectures will be part of the exhibition, which encourages visitors to use all five senses, immersing themselves in the dream world created by Chagall in his artwork.

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) Continued....

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ArtLines continued 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.

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.

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 Thru May 15 - A Most Magnificent Sight Thru November 30 - First 5 Years of Art of Our Time Thurs - Art After 5 Thurs through Sun - Joseph’s Coat Skyspace Third Thurs - Ringling by the Bay ($10) Fri - ROAR - Ringling Order of Art Readers Fri & Sat - Bayfront Garden Tours Sat - Kid’s Quest, Family Workshop MAY 13 - Family Day: Summer Kick-Off! 15 - Ringling by the Bay 19 - September 11 - Amazing Acts JUNE 9 - September 10 - Chinese Ritual Bronzes 12 - July 27 - Art Making 17 - Family Day: Eternal Offerings ST. PETERSBURG’S 2nd SATURDAY ARTWALK www.stpeteartsalliance.org

RINGLING MUSEUM - 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941-359-5700 www.ringling.org 88

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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.

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

USF CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. 813. 974.4133. www.ira.usf.edu

MUSEUMS ON US - The First Full Weekend Of Each Month www.museums.bankofamerica.com Bank of America’s Museums on Us offers free weekend access to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Participating Tampa Bay area museums are: Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Present your B of A or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID for free general admission.

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas MASTER IMPRESSIONIST GORDIE BROWN NOW AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD www.caesars.com Known for his eccentric impressions of some of the biggest celebrities in the world today, longtime Las Vegas entertainer Gordie Brown debuted Gordie Brown Live at Planet Hollywood recently.

Brown has performed in numerous showrooms around Las Vegas since 2004. Gordie Brown Live is a fast-paced high energy show of hilarious, spoton impressions.

TENORS OF ROCK AT HARRAHS www.tenorsoftock.com Formed with five of the best male rock voices in the United Kingdom, Tenors of Rock bring a new sound to familiar rock hits. From the original producer of “Rock of Ages” and director/choreogra-

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phers The Goldenboyz (Katy Perry, P!nk), Tenors of Rock is a full production show featuring classic and contemporary rock hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Living on a Prayer,” “Back in Black,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Here I Go Again” and more.

Since appearing on The X Factor UK, the highpowered vocals of Tenors of Rock have rocked millions worldwide.

FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE Has Free Entertainment with DOWNTOWN ROCKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES www.vegasexperience.com Downtown Rocks is an amplified concert series emphasizing the entertainment, music and party atmosphere of the destination and experience.

Downtown Rocks showcases free, nonstop entertainment all summer long, in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Headliner concerts include: May 26: Theory of a Deadman June 10: Rock’n Road Trip Tour featuring Fuel, Tonic, Marcy Playground and Dishwalla July 3: Ann Wilson of Heart July 22: Good Charlotte Aug 12: Rick Springfield Aug 26: Seether Sept 1: Collective Soul Sept 30: Chevelle Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Debuts I AM THE GREATEST: MUHAMMAD ALI - thru Sept 30 www.mgmresorts.com The exhibit celebrates the legacy of the world’s

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greatest heavyweight boxer through six core principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality. Inside the gallery, guests can enjoy unseen video footage, family photos, rare personal heirlooms, notable artifacts and stories from some of Ali’s closest friends. Guests can sit ringside while marveling at clips of Ali’s most legendary fights and learning about his philanthropic endeavors.

LAS VEGAS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES LAUNCHES ALL-AMERICAN EXPERIENCES FOR ADRENALINE SEEKERS www.vegasoutdooradventures.com/ This new adventure-tour company offers convenient access to a variety of all-American outdoor experiences, with activities suitable for all ages and areas of interest. Options include ATV, Razor and Jeep tours to the Colorado River—the only tour through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area of its kind; an outdoor, military-style shooting range and thrill-inducing rides in a monster truck that holds the Guinness World Record for its truly monstrous length. LVOA tours include roundtrip transportation to and from most hotels in Las Vegas.

BRITNEY: PIECE OF ME AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD - Sept 3 thru Dec 27 www.caesars.com Britney Spears has announced final show dates of her Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood.

Her final performances will be Sept 3 through Dec 31. Since opening in 2013, “Britney: Piece of Me” has received rave reviews from both critics and fans alike.

VDARA HOTEL & SPA ENHANCES GUEST EXPERIENCE WITH INTERACTIVE TABLETS www.mgmresorts.com Vdara Hotel & Spa teamed up with Crave Interactive to install digital tablets in all of the resort’s 1,495 suites. The tablets serve as the digital command center for each suite, offering an array of guest services that include in-suite dining, spa services, show tickets and access to the latest hotel information and activities. Tablet docking stations double as charging stations for multiple devices, as well as a sound system that guests can connect to via Bluetooth. This installation follows the deployment of more than 4,000 interactive tablets at ARIA Resort & Casino, which is the world’s largest installation of in-room tablets to date.

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Las Vegas cont THE WYNN MASTER CLASS SERIES www.wynnlasvegas.com Wynn Las Vegas debuts a new experiential program, featuring a collection of curated master classes and workshops that invite guests to go behind the scenes and learn from the experts inside exclusive areas throughout the resort. The Wynn Master Class Series will offer interactive courses led by master chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and artisans. From blending varietal wines alongside a master vintner to learning Red-Carpet beauty secrets and techniques from an internationally renowned stylist.

MANDALAY BAY’S 2017 CONCERTS ON THE BEACH SERIES www.mgmresorts.com Concert-goers are invited to enjoy musical performances which perfectly complement the warm season as they sip on cocktails, sink their toes in the sand and wade in the water at Mandalay Bay’s 1.6-million-gallon wave pool.

RANDY HOUSER - June 2 REBELUTION: THE GOOD VIBES SUMMER TOUR - June 16 ZIGGY MARLEY - June 17 DIRTY HEADS - July 15 UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL, ASTRO & MICKEY - July 29 311 - Aug. 18 I LOVE THE ‘90S - Sept. 2 LOST ‘80S LIVE - Sept. 9 PALACE STATION’S NEW BINGO ROOM www.palacestation.sclv.com Palace Station has always been known in Las Vegas as the place to go for bingo, and the game is imbedded in Station Casinos’ DNA. In celebration of this history, Palace Station embarked on renovations and upgrades. The new, 10,000-squarefoot venue has 350 seats for bingo players, and six recliners in a VIP area, plus five barstools for those who prefer to take their bingo straight up. Palace’s

PARK THEATER • 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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new bingo room has state-of-the-art technology scattered throughout the space. A VIP area features custom, upholstered recliners, while TVs encircle the entire room. The focal point is the huge bingo stage and projection screen, while modern tables set off the new room beautifully. Chandeliers made of red and orange glowing rings give an air of elegance to the space from overhead.

130 million albums sold worldwide, is coming to the Las Vegas Strip. The pop juggernaut Backstreet Boys have an exclusive Las Vegas headlining residency show, “Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life,” inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood.

BACKSTREET BOYS RESIDENCY AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD www.caesars.com The best-selling boy band of all time, with over

DEAL ME IN with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/

DOES THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM EXIST?

Dear Mark: I am an avid craps player. My usual game is a Pass line bet with full odds plus one or two Come bets also with full odds. I also enjoy reading anything related to craps in hopes of gaining an “edge.” I just finished a book on controlled shooting. In your experience, is it possible to gain an edge being a “controlled shooter?” Michael F. Readers of Deal Me In should easily recognize the value of your craps strategy, Michael, that being “a pass line bet with full odds plus one or two come bets also with full odds,” as it is often advocated in this column.

Your inquiry though, that a player aptly called ‘the arm,” is so gifted

at throwing dice that he or she can alter the conventional odds of the game, deserves a thoughtful response. Michael, I am in disagreement with those in the gaming community who believe in the magic that it is possible. As to whether or not such a golden arm truly exists is ‘dicey’ at best.

I believe that you probably read the book, Golden Touch, Dice Control Revolution: How to Win at Craps Using a Controlled Dice Throw by Frank Scoblete. Frank believes that a skilled dice controller can control the outcome of a roll and change the nature of the game to favor the player. Is it a good read? Absolutely.

However, I fall on the side of gaming folklore and respectfully differ, especially on a legitimate game.

With many years on a dead game on graveyard shift experimenting both with pocketing a roulette ball at will and simulating precision rolls on a crap table, I have never come anywhere close to altering the odds of either game, nor in 18 years on the inside have I witnessed anyone who could.

As for a player sliding the dice across the table to get a specific result, yes, that is achievable. However, Michael, if you do that twice, you can plan on being 86ed from the casino via a boot to your keister.

Crap dealers, a box person, the pit boss or the eye in the sky have little tolerance for charlatans trying to illegally manipulate the cubes so as www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

to preclude a random outcome.

Dear Mark: How would you bankroll a three-day gambling trip for a blackjack player? Chuck P. At its top level, Chuck, your gambling bankroll refers to all of your hard-earned money that you specifically set aside to support all of your gaming activities, including travel, lodging, and food expenses.

A subgroup of that bankroll is your gambling specific bankroll, or the amount of money carried on a person to support your gambling timeline – in your case three days.

This traveling bankroll should be further divided into specific lesser amounts for each day of the trip, then into even smaller amounts called table sitting playing stakes, which predetermine how much will be risked during any given single session.

Once you are sitting tableside, Chuck, set a goal of winning between 50 to 100% of a single-session bankroll. Then set aside your original bankroll plus half your winnings. Now play with the remainder and continue to set aside additional winnings.

When you subdivide your bankroll this way, this will not only figure suitably into your overall money management strategy but also help you maintain discipline during your gambling activities.

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Gaming Scene cont Biloxi

ALLUSA room packages start at $129 plus tax and fees, and include deluxe accommodations at MGM Resorts International’s AAA Four Diamond resort and two tickets to the show. This offer is valid Mon-Thursday.

Reservations can be made by calling 888.767.5687.

Mention offer code ALLUSA17 when booking.

What’s happening at the Beau Rivage www.beaurivage.com

Beau Rivage’s Summer Entertainment Production ALLUSA Takes Center Stage June 6 - August 6

ALLUSA, this summer’s patriotic, fun and upbeat Cirque-style show will perform at Beau Rivage, June 6-Aug. 6, 2017.

“This show will take audiences on an inspirational journey through the decades of American culture,” said Beau Rivage President and COO Marcus G. Glover.

“ALLUSA combines vivid digital imagery and nostalgic music with stunning costumes and breathtaking performances to create an engaging show for the entire family. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this highenergy production that pays tribute to the spirit of a proud nation.”

ALLUSA performances are $12.95, $16.95 and $29.95 plus tax and service fees. 888.566.7469 or www.ticketmaster.com/ A family four pack of tickets is available for $40 (offer code USA). Active duty and retired military can enjoy four tickets for $30 every Monday during the show’s run with valid military ID. Advance reservations are required and package pricing is based on availability.

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WWW.BEAURIVAGE.COM/FLIGHT

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Gaming Scene cont

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

Fresh Seafood Year ‘Round at Beau Rivage’s

Coast Seafood & Brew

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eau Rivage’s restaurant, Coast, which has always served up tasty food, has turned it’s attention to fresh seafood all year long. That, and featuring over 40 local craft beer and signature cocktails. The Coast recently reopened with some decor changes as well as the menu. Chalkboard menus and fishing gear populate the restaurant as a seafood inducing mood enhancer. The opening event featured samples of the new fare and libations set to music provided by the popular local group, the Blackwater Brass Band.

Executive Chef Kristian Wade is utilizing the abundance of fresh seafood found locally, and

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has created tantalizing offerings on the new Coast menu, with such succulent items as Boudin Stuffed Shrimp, Crabmeat Au Gratin, Seafood Explosion, Triggerfish, Red Snapper, Black Grouper and Shrimp Corn Dogs, pressed po-boys, gumbo and more. Oysters come in several delicious forms, such as charbroiled, Bienville and Rockefeller, and Coast’s own Oysters Beauvoir and Mother Shucker (an homage to Biloxi’s minor league baseball team The Shuckers.) Non-seafood lovers will also find taste treats on the menu.

As far as beer and spirits go, the Coast offers up a variety of ambers, ales, lagers, ciders, and

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local crafts along with spirits including the Texas Mule, Oyster Shooter, Jalapeno Margarita, Back Bay Mojito, Lost on the Beach and the Southern Cucumber.

Dessert is presented in mini-mason jars filled with Poppin’ Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Shortbread Cookie Cheesecake with Citrus Marinated Berries, Black Bottom Butterscotch Pudding with Shaved Chocolate, Southern Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers or Salted Caramel Mississippi Mud Pie with Toasted Marshmallow.

With sixteen hi-def TVs conveniently placed around the restaurant, the Coast is still a great place to dine and catch your favorite sports team in action.

The Coast is open Mon, Thurs and Fri, 5:00pm 9:00pm, and Sat & Sun, 11am - 9pm. Closed Tues and Wed. For more information, visit wwwbeaurivage.com

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

Settling Estates filled with Antiques

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randma passed away leaving behind a house filled with art, antiques and collectibles. You and your family members have varied feelings about her heirlooms. Some of your relatives want to divvy up everything. Others want to just bring in a reseller. Other family members are ready to pile it all into a dumpster. And, some relatives are ready to give away every unwanted object. And, of course there are also those folks who just can’t deal with grandma’s objects as tears flow at the sight of grandma’s quilts or wash bowl set.

What should you do?

Arrange a family caucus at a location other than Grandma’s empty home. Give everyone a turn to express their feelings about what should happen with the objects left behind. Everyone needs to keep an open mind and not necessarily an open mouth about how to deal with Grandma’s personal property.

The person in your family who keeps saying that everything is worthless old junk and that the best thing to do is to trash everything is the person throwing away your money, throwing away your inheritance, and probably should not have the last word. Let them have their say and while some items will not be worth a king’s ransom, the trash option is usually the one that people regret in the long run. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Remind yourself to ask that person to consider how he would feel once a valuable item worth thousands of dollars is left sitting in the dumpster outside your late

grandma’s house. How would he feel when a nosy neighbor, local trash man or antique reseller stops by and helps himself to that valuable piece?

Often, a dumpster is the original location of many items that you will later find for sale at sky high prices at some of the most prestigious auction houses and trendy antique dealerships. Recently, an antique chair found on a neighbor’s trash pile was sold by the guy next door for $198,000. And, a jogger in New York City helped herself to an abstract painting on a curbside garbage heap that she later sold for $1.2 million dollars.

So, without an unbiased appraisal and review of the current market for your late grandmother’s stuff, this dumpster-happy family member is just helping your entire family lose lots of money. Get an unbiased appraisal first where the appraiser does not want to buy anything from you.

The best solution is open communication with all of your family members and an action plan for the appraisal of Grandma’s antiques.

Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an internationally syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. www.DrLoriV.com/events or 888-431-1010.

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Bucs Bits

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pring is here and sports fans in Florida are over the moon.

What sport is your favorite? I’m sure it features a ball of some sort. March started with golf at Innisbrook for the Valspar championship. It featured some of the best golfers in the world. If great golf wasn’t enough, there were food trucks, celebrity chef Ming Tsai and a super concert featuring Toby Keith. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Not into golf? How about basketball? March Madnesses ran and ran for what seemed forever.

I mean, I like basketball, but it never seemed to end. Three Florida teams in, but none won.

by Barbara McGovern

How about baseball? It seemed like Florida was the center of the universe for several weeks then it was April and the regular season started. Go Rays!

Soccer fans flocked to St. Pete to cheer on the Rowdies, and we can’t forget the Lightning. They looked good most of the time but in the end.....

What about the Bucs, you say? If course I’d never forget my Bucs. They have been working tirelessly since last season ended tweaking everything that needed tweaking. April started with several big announcements from the Bucs. Brian Ford showed the next phase if the $150 million dollar renovation to Ray Jay. Fans will see many interesting new features that will enhance their game day experience. One of the best things will be a new team store that will be open all year on the west atrium where you can get all your Bucs gear.

The Bucs are excited to get back onto the field to start the season. They will face some old foes like the Giants and the Patriots, plus the Lions, Falcons, Carolina and New Orleans. This will be great time to be a Bucs fan. The preseason starts August 26th.

Now for the really big stuff. In case you haven’t heard, HBO’s Hard Knocks is coming to Tampa to showcase the Bucs. I’ve never seen the show but it’s in it’s 12th Season so they must be doing something right. A 30-person crew from NFL Films will have total access to every thing: the players, coaches, training room, team hotel and the field.

They will record more than 1,500 hours of footage over the five week series. For every 350 minutes they record only 1 minute will make in air. That seems Coach Mutter crazy but they know what they are doing. I guess it’s a reality

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an organization to give them what ever they need.

If everybody behaves and there are no major injuries, this is their year. From my mouth to Gods ear.

The other big event is the draft. It will determine to a large degree how things shakes. I hope they got what they need.

GO BUCS!

show or a soap opera for super fans. My first reaction to the whole thing was, is this going to be a team building experience or a distraction? Time will tell. I hope it all works out for everyone. It will be must see TV For all Bucs fans.

I think this might be the Bucs year. This is a great young team, lots of talent, great coaches and

Brian Ford shows the next phase of the $150 million dollar renovation to Ray Jay.

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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

www.beachglam.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Sussex County, New Jersey S

ussex County is the mostly rural northernmost county in New Jersey. Here we look east from the ridge of Kittatinny Mountain in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Walpack Township. Approximately 1 mile north from the gate for Fairview Lake Road at “Fiddler’s Elbow.”

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Photo Credit: Colonel Henry