Accent On Tampa Bay #246, Jan/Feb 2019

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 34, Issue 246 Jan / Feb, 2019 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Mary Lou Janson Vicki Kolb Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover photo courtesy of Pink Management PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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PUBLICATIONS

St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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LOCAL FOCUS EVENTS SIP ON THE STRAZ CENTER RIVERWALK Located near the southern end of Straz Center’s Riverwalk expanse, and fashioned inside a retrofitted 1966 Airstream Safari Land Yacht, the new Straz dining addition, SIP, offers an array of cocktails and a rotating selection of local craft brews on tap, as well as smoothies, coffee, soft drinks and water. SIP promises to be a casual urban oasis with a stunning view and a cool vibe. The Straz is one of a handful of facilities licensed by the city to provide to-go cups for alcohol. These speciallydesigned cups are available at SIP so that guests can take their libations with them as they explore the Riverwalk. Hours: Tues-Thurs from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., Fri from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m., Sat from 11 a.m. until 12 a.m. and Sun from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., weather permitting. Closed on Mon. www. strazcenter.org

Thru Feb 9

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: THE ART OF JANE SEYMOUR.

Thru Jan 20

PETER MAX RETROSPECTIVE. A newly-curated collection by artist Peter Max’s paintings will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at Syd Entel Galleries in Safety Harbor. This unique exhibition is a never-before seen collection of the artists’ most Iconic works from six decades, and a tribute to the legend that defined the genre of POP ART. 247 Main Street, Safety Harbor, FL, 727.725.1808. www.sydentelgalleries.com

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The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, invites fans and art collectors to view a unique selection of works of art created

by Seymour. The exhibition of nearly fifty original watercolors, oils, open heart bronze sculptures and limited-edition giclee prints are on display and available for acquisition. Ms. Seymour will be there in person to help unveil the newest piece of public art on the Bradenton Riverwalk. The unveiling ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on Fri, Jan 18, directly across from Veteran’s Monument Park. In addition to the art exhibition and unveiling event, Seymour will appear at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205) on Saturday, January 19 at 12 p.m., when she will talk about her artwork. This event will conclude with a short Q & A, followed by a book signing, and photo opportunity with the artist. tickets.manateeperformingartscenter.com Seymour is best known for her performances in the James Bond film Live and Let Die, Somewhere in Time, as well as the American television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

The Studio Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. www.studioatgulfandpine.com

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he Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake.

The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival where “It’s A Hit!” will take place February 28 - March 10 in Plant City, FL. The Florida Strawberry Festival’s lineup of headline entertainment artists performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the 2019 event: Thursday, February 28 10:30 am - Jimmy Sturr & Orchestra 3:30 pm - The Oak Ridge Boys 7:30 pm - Alabama

Coasters 7:30 pm - Needtobreathe

Friday, March 1 3:30 pm - Willie Nelson 7:30 pm - Brothers Osborne

Thursday, March 7 10:30 am - The Kingston Trio 3:30 pm - The Letterman 7:30 pm - for King & Country

Wednesday, March 6 3:30 pm - Gene Watson 7:30 pm - STYX

Saturday, March 2 3:30 pm - Home Free 7:30 pm - KOOL & THE GANG

Friday, March 8 3:30 pm - Tanya Tucker 7:30 pm - Chris Janson Saturday, March 9 3:30 pm - Florida Strawberry Festival’s Battle of the Bands Finale 7:30 pm - Keith Sweat Sunday, March 10 3:30 pm - Bill Anderson & Bobby Bare 7:30 pm - OLD DOMINION’s Make It Sweet Tour

Sunday, March 3 3:30 pm - Chicks with Hits featuring Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss 7:30 pm - An Evening with STEVEN TYLER and The Loving Mary Band Monday, March 4 3:30 pm - Pat Boone 7:30 pm - Martina McBride Tuesday, March 5 3:30 pm - The Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s

For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ 6

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7th Annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked Food and Wine Festival

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learwater Beach Uncorked returned in November to celebrate the Bay area’s most renowned chefs, restaurants, and brewera ies in a culinary showcase served with 180-degree Gulf of MexiMeliss y b e co views on the beach infront of the Wyndham Grand Clearwater erag & cov s o t Beach.

Thousands of eager foodies, wine lovers and beer aficionados enjoyed o Ph the best in culinary trends. The two-day event featured interactive experiences, tastings, cooking demonstrations and competitions between some of the area’s most notable and award-winning chefs and restaurants. All guests received a limited-edition wine glass, custom tote bag and enjoyed the Grand Tasting Village with unlimited tastings. VIP Guests also enjoyed one-hour early admission to the Grand Tasting Village and exclusive access to the Spirits Pool Lounge at the Wyndham Grand pool deck to sample crafted libations.

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LOCAL FOCUS

Fri, Jan 18

Continued

Thru March 16

BUSCH GARDENS REAL MUSIC, REAL MASTERS. Live music and entertainment spanning from the 1950s to today. Daily performances at the park’s Stanleyville Theater include the following acts: Cirque Vertigo featuring the Wallenda Duo: March 11 – 16 Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA: January 14 – 19

Thomas McClary: The Commodores Experience: January 21 – 26 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone: January 28 - February 2 The Diamonds: February 4 – 9 Ballroom with a Twist: February 11 – 16 The 5th Dimension: February 18 – 23 Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Ealges Tribute Band: February 25 – March 2 Lorrie Morgan: March 4 – March 9 MORE BUSCH GARDES EVENTS! Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends Sat & Sun Feb 2-10, May 4-19, and Oct 5-27.

Families can enjoy seasonal fun with fan-favorite characters, including hands-on activities and specialty character meals during select times.

Food & Wine Festival - March 16 – April 28.

Tastes for every palate. Guests can sample delectable cuisines paired with a wide selection of wines, craft brews and specialty cocktails, while enjoying some of the biggest names in entertainment. www.BuschGardensTampaBay.com 10

CITY OF GULFPORT ARBOR DAY. Celebrate trees and their importance to the environment.

Children from the School Year Child Care Program will read excerpts and the Gulfport Teen Council will serve refreshments. Free Sweetgum and Red Maple seedlings will be available to guests while supplies last. 727.893.1118. 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Free, Tomlinson Park Complex, 19th Ave. S & 54th St. S, Gulfport. www.mygulfport.us

Jan 18-20

4TH ANNUAL SARASOTA SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL. share in the festivities of the 4th Annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival in downtown Sarasota. Enjoy fresh seafood and live musical performances. The event offers a diverse menu of foods cooked fresh on site. Seafood items are prepared using local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Meat and vegetarian offerings are also on the menu, along with a variety of side dishes and desserts. During breaks between performances, explore shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items. Relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds. During the event, the Humane Society will have their “Big Mac” mobile adoption center on site. www.seafoodfestivals.com

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Jan 18 - Feb 24

HENRY PLANT MUSEUM - GASPARILLA: A TAMPA TRADITION. Dive deep into the history of Tampa’s oldest and most fun-loving community festival. This exhibit explores more than 110 years of parades, pirate invasions, coronation balls, and more. See memorabilia including invitations and pirate tokens, and gowns worn by Gasparilla queens and members of their courts. Visitors can also enjoy film coverage on the celebration. “Memories of Gasparilla Festivals” includes scenes from the 1920s and reveals pirate capers and images of early parades. 813-258-7302. www.plantmuseum.com

Sat, Jan 19

GASPARILLA CHILDREN’S PARADE. The parade takes place along Bayshore Boulevard and

uses part of the same route as the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. 3:30PM-6:00PM. The Parade will begin at Bay to Bay Blvd. & Bayshore Blvd., north along Bayshore, and ends at Edison Ave. The Parade will be broadcast live on FOX 13. Also, it will be streamed live on www.Fox13News.com www.gasparillapiratefest.com/

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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Belleview Inn

The “Queen of the Gulf” Lives On

Story and Photos by Melissa W. Martino and Al Martino 12

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The inviting hotel lobby.

A sunny and airy guestroom. No two are alike.

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n 1897, railroad magnate Henry Plant hoped that his new endeavor, the Hotel Belleview, located on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Bay in Bellaire, FL, would attract the elite to Florida’s West Coast (and use his railroad to get there) when it opened to much fanfare. And it did. For over 100 years (and several changes — it became the Belleview Biltmore) it played host to dignitaries, presidents and celebrities. After almost falling totally to the wrecking ball much to the dismay of the community, the last grand period resort on Florida’s West Coast was saved by JMC Communities which kept a historic portion of the hotel and created a luxury golf community around it. The community has carriage homes and condos (referred to as mid-rise residences.)

We attended the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the newly reimagined resort.

Having visited the old hotel many times, we were concerned that it would have lost it’s original charm.

However, we were very impressed by how the transition was handled. Very clean lines without clutter, soft beiges and grey tones, natural wood, and the front structure is totally recognizable. It still has a quiet, relaxed charm throughout, including the guest rooms. One interesting touch on an upper floor is a section of wall that was left exposed, showing the original beams and construction, and the original blueprints are also displayed.

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Belleview Inn cont’

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t the opening, JMC Communities CEO Michael Cheezum and the renowned Florida artist Christopher Still were on hand, along with other area dignitaries. Christopher Still has a lot to do with touches of nostalgia in the lobby area. He and his wife painstakingly studied different elements of the old hotel over several years, and Christopher created magnificent paintings in the lobby area that fascinatingly tell the story of the Belleview. A bar off the lobby also contains many pieces relating to the history of the hotel on display.

The Belleview Inn is located at 25 Belleview Blvd, Bellaire, FL 33756. For more information, please visit

TheBelleviewInn.com

Lovely dining room for special events with original Tiffany windows.

Lovely lawn area leads to the pool and serves as an event space.

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Christopher Still’s rendition of the original Bellview Hotel and original setting hangs predominantly in the lobby.

Artist Christopher Still arrived in period costume

Belleview Hotel nostalgia replicated in paintings by Christopher Still and actual items from the hotel.

Still’s infinite details are amazing. The little bell lamp shown here contains figures prominent to the new hotel.

Actual wall cut out exposing structure along with original blueprints.

Every item in this painting by Christopher Still is meaningful to the hotel. Mrs. Still (here in period costume) did a lot of research for it.

The lobby bar is filled with celebrity photos and nostalgic hotel items.

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LOCAL FOCUS

Continued

Sat, Jan 19

WHOs TIE-DYE FUNDRAISING PARTY. TieDye for a cause. A $10 donation will include a shirt of your size and supplies for you to personally design your own shirt to benefit Women Helping Others - WHO of Tampa Bay. Light refreshments will be offered. 12 PM - 2 PM. 1020 W Busch Blvd, Tampa. 813-644-2302.

2ND ANNUAL MLK BANQUET & CELEBRATION AWARDS CEREMONY 6 PM - 9 PM . $. Clearwater MLK Jr Neighborhood Center Coalition, 1201 Douglas Ave, Clearwater, FL. 727-443-5437. Purchase tickets at the door or online. www.mlk-banquet2018.eventbrite.com

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS CHALLENGE EVENT. 9am-2pm. An amazing event celebrating, honoring, and challenging some of Hillsborough County’s greatest First Responders. Challenge events, and offering food and prizes. Donations to participate start at $5. Proceeds to benefit firefighters, families, and burn victims through HCFF Charities, Inc. 813-935-2639. Gold’s Gym Tampa, 3689 W Waters Ave, Tampa.

COMMUNITY, NUTRITION, HEALTH & WELLNESS DAY. 10 AM - 1 PM . 727-893-7441. Enoch D Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL. Bring out the whole family for a fun and active day of learning about health and wellness resources. Enjoy fun activities for all, including exercise demos, food tasting, entertainment, wellness speakers, health checkups, free healthy food and giveaways. Admission is free. www.StPeteParksRec.org/events FREE JANUARY YOGA AT SUNDIAL. 727800-3201. 9 AM - 10 AM. Sundial St. Pete, 153 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg. It’s a new year and that means it’s time to inhale the future and exhale the past. Start 2019 off fresh + energized with FREE yoga in the Mall at Sundial St. Pete’s courtyard.

Check in will start at 8:30 AM. www.SundialStPete.com

Jan 19-20

ST. PETE BEACH CLASSIC WEEKEND RACE. Several Kids Dashes (50 to 300 yards), a 10K, 5K, 3.8 Mile Beach Fun Run and a Half Marathon separated by a couple post-race parties, free concert and a beach bonfire. Times and registration fees vary, Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. www.stpetebeachclassic.com/race-info

TREASURE ISLAND SPORT KITE COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL. Be amazed by the talented 16

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kite flyers performing to music in dual-line and multi-line sport kite flying in a wide array of disciplines. 10 am – 5 pm, Free, Treasure Island Beach, Thunderbird Beach Resort, 10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. www.eventbrite.com/e/22ndannual-ti-sport-kite-competitionfestival-tickets-47388008810

Sun, Jan 20

MLK WEEKEND BOOK TALK + SIGNING W/ CORINNE L. GAILE. 2 PM - 3 PM. Meet author & artist Corinne L. Gaile as she discusses her children’s novel, “Fearless Freedom.” 727328-4822. (727) 328-4822. Cultured Books, 833 22nd Street S., St. Petersburg.

SUDS ON SUNDAY CHARITY DOG WASH. 12 PM - 4 PM. 813-235-0883. Vets4Pets Charitable Clinic, 5010 E Broadway Ave, Tampa. Help pets in need of veterinary care, at Ferg’s Live Tampa. from noon-4pm. For a $10 donation, your best pal will receive a sudsy bath and special doggie treat and you a Tito’s Handmade Vodka Cocktail. Add $5 for a nail trim. There will be pet-friendly vendors on site as well as raffle prizes. For more details contact Karen@hahf. org

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11th Annual St. Petersburg Chillounge Night

he 11th Annual St.Petersburg Chillounge event organized by founder Rainer Scheer in November transformed St. Petersa burg’s North Straub park into a magical glowing wonderland. The Meliss y b e beautiful playground of color was created with a new LED furnig overa c & s ture line and several LED art installations. Entertainment shone with live band Photo performances by Kafkasso and Smooth D and the Boyz, as well as a mystical fire dance by performer Tuni. A Cleopatra fashion daybed parade wound it’s way throughout the event, and Phoebe’s Samba team danced with the crowd in their special LED feather costumes. The event benefitted Creative Clay. There are several Chillounge events held throughout the year in the Tampa Bay area. Please visit the website for more information. www.ChilloungeNight.com

LED furniture adds the to exciting atmosphere.

Massage Therapist Jan Marin provided relaxation for event goers.

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Rainer Scheer welcomed Chillounge guests

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Selfie Contest Invites Fans of Florida Strawberries to Pose, Post and Compete for Sweet Prizes Florida Strawberry Growers Association Partners with Select Tampa Bay Restaurants to Showcase Tasty Ways to Savor Strawberries

By Mary Lou Janson

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ans of Florida’s juicy strawberries are encouraged to enjoy this delicious fruit while dining at some of their favorite Tampa Bay restaurants that will be serving menu selections featuring the bright red berries but only for a limited time.

Local restaurants participating in this two weeklong promotion will highlight a variety of dishes and drinks made with fresh-from-the-fields strawberries.

The strawberry-centric courses can include beverages, appetizers, entrées, side dishes or desserts and will only be available from Jan. 21 - Feb. 3.

Guests dining at select restaurants during Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week can compete for special prizes by taking selfies with the featured dish or beverage, posting their photos on Facebook and Instagram, as well as other social media accounts, and tagging images with #FLStrawberrySelfie2019.

Each post earns points that can add up to some “berry” nice prizes. The diner with the most points wins the following: A VIP weekend for two at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort (https://www.tradewindsresort. com/index) on St. Pete Beach plus more.

The winner will be notified and presented with awards in February.

“Chefs love to be creative and find new ways to include fresh Florida strawberries into their menus.

We are excited to work with these great restaurants to promote our locally grown, seasonally fresh strawberries during Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week,” said Sue Harrell, director of marketing, Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). Hillsborough County is recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and the home of some of the sweetest, reddest and juiciest strawberries around, according to FSGA. Among the items featured are the following: a Skinny Florida Strawberry cocktail at Splitsville; Charred Tuna with Whipped Potatoes, Spinach and Florida Strawberry Ancho Salsa at Rumfish Grill; New York-style cheesecake with a house-made Florida Strawberry topping as well as a Florida Strawberry Lime Caipiroska cocktail at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse; Florida Strawberry Shortcake at Noble Crust and a Strawberry Roasted Almond Vietnamese Salad at Bamboozle Café.

Get ready to enjoy these culinary treats, and more, featuring Florida strawberries at the following restaurants:

Bamboozle Café 516 N. Tampa Street, Tampa, FL. 33602. (813) 223-7320 www.bamboozlecafe.com

Noble Crust 8300 4th Street N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. (727) 329-6041 www.noble-crust.com

Splitsville Southern & Social 615 Channelside Drive, Suite 120, Tampa, FL. 33602. (813) 514-2695 www.splitsvillelanes.com

Frenchy’s Original Café 41 Baymont Street, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767. (727) 446-3607 www.frenchysonline.com/frenchysoriginal-cafe/

Oggi Italian 236 E. Davis Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 252-7778 www.oggiitalian.com

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 1108 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629. (813) 999-4332 www.terragaucha.net

RumFish Grill 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. (727) 329-1428 www.rumfishgrill.com

Johnson Barbecue 1407 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. (813) 759-0009 https://www.johnsonbarbeque.com

Grace Restaurant 120 8th Avenue, Pass-a-Grille Beach, FL 33706. (727) 317-4770 www.gracestpete.com Mad Dogs & Englishmen 4115 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL. 33611. (813) 832-3037 www.maddogs.com

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Southern Bay Bakery 1961 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727)440-8988 10112 Montague St, Westchase, FL 33626. (813) 328-8010 www.southernbaybakery.com

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Topping Out Ceremony

eminole Hard Rock recently held a “Topping Out” Event including many Hard Rock dignitaries and invited guests. The event e by M g a r signifies the putting in place of the final steel beam of the property’s e & cov s o t o $700 million expansion. The beam itself has been signed by members of the SemiPh nole Tribe’s Brighton, Immokalee, Big Cypress and Hollywood Reservations, as well as the onsite construction teams. CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of hard Rock International, Jim Allen was on hand to thank everyone for their participation and efforts. When all is said and done, Tampa’s Hard Rock will be one of America’s largest casinos. The centerpiece of the complex is the new 15-story hotel tower with 800 guestrooms including 70 new hotel suites, three outdoor swimming pools, new Rock Spa & Salon. A new event center will accommodate concerts and events. For more information, visit www.seminolehardrock.com elissa

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L Bar Opening

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ollowing shortly on the heels of the new Center Bar opening at the Seminole Hard Rock is the new L Bar which recently opened near the hotel check-in desk and adjacent the Rise Restaurant and a whole new casino section. It has a glitzy elegance, with a large glittery overhang over the bar and comfortable chairs and sofas in the lounge area. We were treated to a jazzy duo for the reveal of the bar. They will continue to provide live music on the weekends. The L Bar specializes in delicious handcrafted cocktails, and has over 30 different selections of bourbon, imported beer, wine and champagne. A few cocktail offerings are the Cucumber Smash (cucumber vodka, macerated fruit, ginger beer and lime), the Blueberry Margarita (silver tequila, blueberry liqueur, pineapple juice and lime, and the Penicillin (Scotch whiskey, Islay mist, ginger honey syrup and lemon juice.) For more information, visit www.seminolehardrock.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

Continued

Thurs, Jan 24

BOSCO SODI, MURO PUBLIC INSTALLATION AND PERFORMANCE. As part of the exhibition The Visible Turn: Contemporary Artists Confront Political Invisibility, USFCAM will present the public installation and performance of Muro, a wall constructed with 1080 unique clay bricks.

Made by hand at Bosco Sodi’s studio in Oaxaca, Mexico, with the help of local craftsmen, each brick is sealed by the artist with his signature. Muro is to be erected in front of USFCAM’s entrance for

one day, at the end of which visitors are invited to collectively disassemble the wall by removing one brick to take home with them. Public Interaction, 10am–3pm. Dismantling of Muro, 3–8pm. Reception 6–8pm; remarks by Bosco Sodi at 6:30pm. www.facebook.com/events/2105733412822132/

Huzzah and Cheers for 41 Years!

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Feb 16 - March 31

ake a time-travel adventure into the 16th century at the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival. Join the Queen in a jubilee. Journey back in time to this charming 16th century village. Experience live armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, 7 theme weekends, and fun and food for the whole family. New this year: Battle Axe Pub, Living Unicorn, Giant Puppet Troupe, Bow Blast, Bloody Mary Bar, and Aerial Act! The Festival is open weekends from 10 am – 6 pm, Rain or Shine. FREE Parking. 11315 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617.

Discount tickets are available at Circle K and www.BayAreaRenFest.com

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Innisbrook Resort South Course NEW GREENS!

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he already amazing South Course at Innisbrook has been improved with the planting of TifEagle Bermuda Grass, the same lissa e M y putting surface found on Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course. The eb verag o c & Copperhead is, of course, where the Valspar Championship takes place s Photo every year, and where PGA Tour professionals love to play. The South Course renovation takes it back to it’s original size after 35 years of subtle reconfigurations. Using a no-till method of turf replacement results in a firmer, more consistent playing surface. All four courses at Innisbrook now have the same greens.

Guest rooms are also undergoing some upgrades, and are expected to be finished in the fall. Each suite is being completely refreshed with new furniture, furnishings, flooring, appliances, quartz counters, cabinets, lighting, draperies and other decor.

Dining is always great at Innisbrook. Turnberry Pub is a casual dining experience inside or outside overlooking the Island course. My favorite is Packard’s Steakhouse — ­ worth a trip alone.

Innisbrook is offering a 20% savings when you stay for two nights or more now through April 30. Enjoy this resort surrounded by 900 acres of beautiful golf courses and woods, and relax.

For more information, visit www.innisbrookgolfresort.com Innisbrook’s Managing Director Mike Williams checks out the new greens.

Innisbrook’s Dawn Mercer, Mike Williams, Bobby Barnes 26

Ribbon cutting for the South Course. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS

Jan 25-27

Continued

Fri, Jan 25

BLAST FRIDAY: FASTBALL AND THE BLACK HONKEYS.

Sat, Jan 26

BLACK HONKEYS

GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their platinum selling album, All the Pain Money Can Buy, Grammy nominated band Fastball makes their way to Clearwater for their Blast Friday debut with returning band The Black Honkeys! With hit songs, “The Way”, “Fire Escape”, and “Out of My Head.”

The Black Honkeys, voted “Best of the Bay Local Soul/R&R/Funk act”, is a band with a throwback style. Blast Friday returns to the Cleveland Street District in Downtown Clearwater for its 9th season. Food trucks and vendors will be serving a wide variety of food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages that will be available for purchase. Concert goers are welcome to bring their lawn chairs to watch the concert. www.rutheckerdhall.com/ event/blast-friday-fastball

Jan 25-26

QUILTING UNDER THE PALMS 2019. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Over 200 Beautiful Quilts ~ Traditional to Contemporary. “Couture, Décor & More.” Boutique, Door Prizes, Vendors. Drawing for a FREE Sewing Machine. Demonstrations by Happy Apple and Florida Quilting Center. Raffle Baskets including one with a Featherweight Sewing Machine.

Block Party (quilt block auction/sale.) Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater, FL 727-669-1914. www.quilterscrossing.net/Pages/qpalms.html 28

TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW AT TROPICANA FIELD. See and learn about and buy the latest home products and services from more than 600 exhibits under one roof. Discover the newest design ideas and hottest trends for your home, furniture, garden, and more. The Tampa Bay Home Show is your source for everything you need for your home- inside and out. Show up early for daily giveaways and register to win a variety of promotions at individual booths as well as advice and trade secrets that could be exactly what you need to know to more forward with your next project. Daily Seminars. First 1000 people each day receive a FREE household item. 727.893.8523. www.tampabayhomeshows.com

The 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest will feature the 102nd Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. After successfully capturing the Key to the City the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrate with a victory parade that begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates winds its way along Hillsborough Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring one-hundred three (103) floats, three (5) marching bands and over fifty (50) participating social organizations (i.e. krewes). The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel from Bayshore into downtown Tampa. The Parade will cross into downtown over the Brorein Street bridge, turn north on Ashley Drive, and end at Cass Street and Ashley Drive in the heart of the Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa. www.gasparillapiratefest.com/main-festival/

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SUNCOAST ANNUAL GALA. Gather your krewe and enjoy an elegant night for the 60th Anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. Set sail and enjoy dinner, auctions and swashbuckling entertainment sure to unleash your inner pirate! Arrrrr! 6 PM 9 PM. 727-524-2427. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL OLDSMAR LIBRARY AND WOMAN’S CLUB OF OLDSMAR IS 100 YEARS OLD. The Oldsmar Library was established in 1919 by the Woman’s Club of Oldsmar. Join in for an Ice Cream Social at TECO Hall, from 1-3pm. This FREE celebration will feature live string ensemble, poetry readings, ice cream and cake. Attendees will receive a FREE chance drawing ticket to win gift baskets. Need not be present to win. No reservations necessary.

The Friends of Library, Woman’s Club of Oldsmar and Oldsmar Historical Society are organizing this event. 813-749-1178. 400 St Petersburg Dr E, Oldsmar, FL 34677. www.oldsmarplace.com

Jan 31 - Feb 1

FAITH, COURAGE, AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT WITH DR. SUSANNAH HESCHEL. In collaboration with “Legacy Week 2019” and USF St. Petersburg, The Florida Holocaust Museum (The FHM) is hosting Dr. Susannah Heschel, Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College and daughter of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, confidant and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was Rabbi Heschel who brought Dr. King and his message to a wide Jewish audience, and it was Dr. King who made Rabbi Heschel a central figure in the struggle for civil rights. They often lectured together as their shared concern was “saving the soul of America.” Dr. Heschel will speak at USF St. Petersburg on January 31st and in Sarasota at Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life on February 1st.

The message Dr. Heschel will share of these two contemporary prophets is steeped both in American history and Florida’s. These programs are free. For more information, call 727.820.0100 or visit www.flholocaustmuseum.org

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Fri, Feb 1

PAUL’S LANDING TO HOST FUNKY & FABULOUS 1ST ANNIVERSARY BASH.

The Vinoy Renaissance’s marina-front restaurant, is throwing a funky and fabulous first anniversary party. Guests are invited to break out their

grooviest tie dye and bell bottoms and “party like it’s 1974,” accompanied by R&B, funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll tunes performed by The Black Honkeys.

In 1974, the Vinoy Park Hotel closed its doors for what many believed to be the last time... 45 years later, the iconic resort is thriving and ready to celebrate the first year of Paul’s Landing. The festivities will take place on the event lawn adjacent to the restaurant, and will include a 1970s costume contest and a hula hoop competition. 7 PM - 10 PM. Admission is free and food and drink can be purchased separately. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg. www.paulslandingstpete.com STARS FOR HOPE - CARS, COCKTAILS, & CHARITY. Your ticket purchase includes the following and helps provide items and services to families in need: Red Carpet Entry, Complimentary Cocktails, Heavy Hors D’ Oeuvres, and Charity Auction. Hope Driven is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to supporting needy families in the Tampa Bay area. If you know a family who may

Miniature Art Society Magnificent Miniatures

B

Jan 20 - Feb 10

e amazed by the spectactries have come from 30 states ular display of miniatures and 7 different countries, the – not only paintings but scrimshow provides a diversity of shaw, fired porcelain, pastel, subject matter and frames. colored pencil and sculpture This is a juried show and the – including works created by jury is composed of five awardsome of the world’s finest minwinning miniaturists, who have iature artists from around the carefully selected the finest world at the The Miniature Art works for display. One hunSociety of Florida’s Internadred fifty- five artists are in tional Miniature Art Exhibition, the show. Fifty- eight awards at the Leepa-Rattner Museum are given and a slide show, of of Art. Over 800 works of art these award winners’ works, will be on display, including will be presented at the Awards Best of Show – Linda Wacaster, Midlothian, Texas, “Going to the River” the society’s Permanent ColBrunch on January 20. With a lection of more than 100 miniatures. Magnifying few exceptions, all of the art is for sale. Visitors, glasses are attached to all of the screens, so that starting January 22 - through Feb 10, may talk to guests may view the detailed works. Since enand observe artists while they work.

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 Klosterman Road East., Tarpon Springs, FL 727-712-5762. www.miniature-art.com 30

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be struggling, needs a vehicle, vehicle repairs, or transportation please refer them to our website. In 2019 Hope Driven plans to: Provide 30-50 families with vehicle repairs, Provide 100 bus passes, Provide free classes for single parents, Provide emergency housing, electricity, food, and clothing, and donate to several other local and national nonprofit organizations. www.HopeDriven.org

Pete Beach. Enjoy a blending of delicious foods, live music and shopping a marketplace of arts, crafts and fine products. Relaxation begins Friday.

Food booths open at noon and live entertainment joins the mix at 4pm. The food and music combo continues Saturday 11am - 10pm and Sunday 11am - 6pm. Admission is FREE. Some of Florida’s top musical entertainers perform live on-stage.

Free Beach Ride: www.freebeachride.com , Free Island Hopper: www.freeislandhopper.com .The event will be held on Corey Avenue in downtown St. Pete Beach. www.seafoodfestivals.com/

Feb 1-3

2ND ANNUAL ST. PETE BEACH SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL. Corey Avenue in downtown St.

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Sat, Feb 2

CITY OF TREASURE ISLAND COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY. There will be a showcase of the City Departments, Civic Associations and Community Partners with additional activities including a Touch-a-Truck event, Vehicle Extrication Demo, Sunstar Talking Ambulance, Moonwalks and Inflatables, Bike Rodeo, Train Rides, live music and a Chili Cook-Off Contest. The Chili Cook-Off will be held 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Community Center Garden Room. A $5 donation allows you to sample and vote on all entries. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd best chili recipes as judged by the chili sampling public. Live music provided by local favorites Chris Manings and Sarasota Slim. FREE parking at the City of Treasure Island’s Public Metered Lots will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Treasure Island Community Center and Park located at 1 Park Place @ 106th Avenue.

FREE BUS SHUTTLE from Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis facility on Paradise Island, Rosselli Park on the Isle of Capri and Sunset Beach Ring Billed Gull Lot to the EVENT will be offered from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The events is FREE to the public, with the exception of the Chili Cook-Off. For additional information please contact the City of Treasure Island at (727)547-4575, ext 221.

your chairs, bring your coolers, bring your ukuleles for an afternoon and evening of music, jams, workshops and fun. There will be a raffle for 6 ukuleles that have been donated to Tampa Bay Ukulele Society. All net proceeds will help fund TBUS Cares community services projects. Enjoy performances

by Cosmo and Friends, Ladies of Uke, Michael Doyle, Adam and Christy, Mark Paulson, and Bernadette Fausto. There will be Free Introduction to Ukulele Workshops for Kids and Family. 25 ukuleles will available to try out if you don’t own one.

Sign up at the TBUS Booth day of event. Dunedin Ukes Jam with the crowd 4:00. Connie Manson Children’s performance 4:30. The main concert starts at 5pm with performances by five well known ukulele influenced bands. Big Tiki and The Mai Tais, Reenee and The Rollers, Jct 27, Tom Hood and Tropical Sons, The Barnkickers, Peter Grace & Friends. Food & Drinks will be available.

1:30 to 8:00PM. at 420 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698. www.worldukeday.com

STAGEWORKS GALA 12. Go into space for Stageworks’ Gala. Leave your anti-matter at the door but bring your heavenly body. 6:30pm. Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.

813-374-2416. www.stageworkstheatre.org/events WORLD UKULELE DAY II CONCERT IN DUNEDIN. In celebration of World Ukulele Day, The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society is holding a Free Concert at John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. Bring 32

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER. Feb 2 - CYPRESS CREEK JAZZ BAND. The band is known for performing traditional New Orleans jazz.

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Feb 8 - PAINTING FOR FUN. Artist Gainor Roberts will lead a one-day workshop for beginner students. Roberts will guide students step-by-step to create a painting using acrylic paints.

Feb 9 - THE ROYAL BALL WITH CARROLLWOOD JUKEBOX. The Carrollwood Jukebox big band will perform in a Valentine’s Day-themed ball. Swing Time of Tampa Bay will give dance lessons before the band takes the stage.

Feb 15 - “TWO TENORS” WITH JAZZ WITH JIM. The concert is best known for fusing personal stories by the musicians with popular jazz tunes suited for that month’s theme.

Feb 16 - TAMPA BAY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL. Food trucks will prepare dishes – savory and sweet – using chocolate as one of the main ingredients.

Feb. 16 - Coco (2017) – 7:00pm at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Avenue March 16 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – 8:00pm at River Tower Park, 401 E. Bird Street.

March 29 - The Little Mermaid (1989) – 8:00pm at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Boulevard April 13 - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – 8:00pm ‑at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Avenue

Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa.

(813) 922-8167. www.carrollwoodcenter.org OUTDOOR FILM SERIES, PARKCINEMA FREE SCREENINGS. parkCINEMA screenings are FREE and open to the public. Picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are welcomed. The spring 2019 parkCINEMA lineup includes: Feb. 2 - Black Panther (2018) - 7:00pm at River Tower Park, 401 E. Bird Street www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Thurs, Feb 7

OLDSMAR’S ANNUAL GALA “One Love, One Heart”. Featuring plenty of tropical entertainment, live/ silent auction, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and delectable dishes from eleven area restaurants as well as all the beer and wine they can pour. This year’s gala kitchens include Amici’s Catered Cuisine, Baystar Restaurant Group, Casa Cosenza, Cracker Barrel, Cuban Foodies, Ed’s Fine Wine, Erdinger Weissbräu, Eve’s Family Restaurant, Hot Tuna Sushi Bar & Grill, Jack Willie’s Bar, Grill & Tiki, Mother’s, Mystic Fish, Smallcakes and Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Attendees not only drink and dine on the best local gastronomy, they also serve as judges for the coveted annual “Best Of” awards. www.oldsmarcares.org/gala

ration at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg at 7:00 p.m. The sixth annual benefit for the arts will recognize the breadth and beauty of art and culture in our City of the Arts, and pay tribute to those that continue to inspire and guide St. Petersburg to its standing as an international arts destination. Proceeds will benefit artists, arts education, and arts & cultural organizations through Arts Alliance programs and services. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/muse/

Sat, Feb 9

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA GALA FEATURING SEAL. Four-time Grammy Award winner and international star Seal will perform with The Florida Orchestra at its annual gala concert at the Mahaffey Theater.

He will be joined by Music Director Michael Francis, who will conduct the orchestra in a sparkling evening of American standards and soulful music from Seal’s hit albums to benefit the orchestra’s community and artistic initiatives. Hear such classics as Luck Be A Lady and I’ve Got You Under My Skin from his 2017 Standards album, all imbued with his singular sense of soul. Seal also will sing his early hits including Crazy and charttopping Kiss From a Rose, which earned him multiple Grammy Awards and global esteem. www.floridaorchestra.org

FLORIDA CRAFTART PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE IMPROV IN JEWELRY EXHIBITION. Gentlemen of Verona interpretation; Improv performance at 6:30 p.m. In collaboration with The St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts, Florida CraftArt will present a lecture and improv performance featuring William Shakespeare’s Gentlemen of Verona. Set among the jewelry exhibition “Offbeat Bijou” the troupe Improvaholics will involve the audience in a humorous and poignant interpretation of the bard’s play. Refreshments will be offered at 5:30 p.m. with a play interpretation at 5:45 p.m. and Improv at 6:30 p.m. 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. (727) 821-7391. www.FloridaCraftArt.org

Fri, Feb 8

MUSE PATRONS OF THE ARTS AWARD: Lisa and Perry Everett. MUSE will celebrate artistic inspi34

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THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY CELEBRATES 52 WEEKS OF EVENTS FOR FAMILIES SESAME STREET SAFARI OF FUN

Pirate Party Weekends, Sats & Suns: Feb 9 & 10 from 11:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Families can enjoy special character interaction, themed story time, treasure scavenger hunts, and dance parties for pirate-inspired frivolity. Families can also catch the return of Let’s Play Together, a heartwarming live show all about the beauty of friendship, now playing select days at the Sunny Day Theater.

CELEBRATE WITH PEPPA PIG - March 2 & 3.

Guests can make mealtime more than memorable at Dine with Peppa Pig, featuring a kid-friendly buffet and photographable moments at the Sesame Pavilion.

TIME TO BE A HERO WITH PJ MASKS - March 9 & 10. Guests will be ready to save the day with an actionpacked visit with the PJ Masks. Dine with PJ Masks – a kid-friendly buffet where kids can meet and take a photograph with their favorite mystery-solving heroes, Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko. www.BuschGardensTampa.com

THE CRUCIBLE ILLUMINATION EVENT. A stimulating series of theatre and conversation exploring the topical and social themes threaded throughout the season, IllumiNation events begin one hour prior to curtain with a ticketed reception on the mezzanine, continue with the performance, and conclude with a free, opento-the-public conversation. For each IllumiNation performance, some seats will be held for pay what you can (minimum of $5 per ticket). These tickets can only be reserved on the day of the show starting at 10am.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. 941.351.8000. www.asolorep.org

Sat, Feb 9

PATHFINDER ANNUAL HOOTENANNY FUNDRAISER. It’s time for Pathfinder Outdoor Education’s annual Hootenanny fundraiser. Join in for a foot stompin’ good time and dance the Hoot under a gorgeous live oak adorned with twinkle lights. Local beers, cocktails, and wine. Southern comfort food. Music, friends, a fabulous silent auction. www.2019pathfinderhootenanny.eventbrite.com

Sat, Feb 9

URBANITE THEATRE’S BLACK PARTY. This year’s Black Party is sure to be the biggest installment yet. Join in at the Aloft Hotel courtyard to celebrate.

Cocktails, entertainment, models in body paint and more. This party isn’t just a good time, it’s an important part of supporting Urbanite Theatre’s ability to produce theatrical experiences in Sarasota. Attire is all-black, semi-formal. Free valet parking. www.urbanitetheatre.com/ 36

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STAMPFEST WINTER. The StampFest Rubber Stamp, Scrapbook and Paper Crafts Show offers: Premiere Classes, Show Prizes, Paper Crafting - Scrapbook. 9 am -5 pm. Parking is FREE. New Port Richey Recreation Center, 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey, FL 34653. 727-376-6289. www.stampfest.com

Feb 9-10

4TH ANNUAL GULFPORT FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. The fourth annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival is open to the public to attend, with complimentary admission and parking conveniently located within walking distance.

Courtesy transportation is also available from remote parking locations throughout the City. The juried art show will feature the fine works of art from across the region, including but not limited to; 2D, 3D, Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Metal, Mixed Media, Wood, Acrylics, Collage, Assemblages, Drawing, Leather, Oils, Pastels, Fine Photography, Stone, Watercolors, Fine Jewelry and Sculpture. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Veterans Park, 5350 31st Ave. S. www.gulfportchamber.chambermaster.com SAGES THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS THE COMEDY “A CORSET LINE”. Time was when “show girl” was not “proper” for a respectable young lady. Today’s women decide for themselves what is proper. Will the ladies, now 50 years older, sit it out or dance? Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., 727-5367076. www.senioractorsguild.com/

Tues, Feb 12

FREE MOVIE ON RAILROAD SQUARE, NEW PORT RICHEY: THE PRINCESS BRIDE. First New Port Richey Picture Show, a pop up movie theater on Railroad Square (Nebraska Avenue between Grand Boulevard & Adams Street) at 6:00 pm. The Princess Bride is a romantic cult classic fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs or park golf carts in designated areas for viewing. Several businesses on the square have outdoor seating available. Participating businesses will be offering special menu items, free delivery, and drink specials. www.facebook.com/events/1603362229809429/

Feb 13 - 26

Sun, Feb 10

GULFPORT PEACE, LOVE & PRIDE FESTIVAL. This Festival is a celebration for everyone! Live Music (TBA) will take place on the Casino outdoor deck. ProSisters Radio will be streaming a special selection of music inside the Casino. Gulfport is small but mighty when it comes to granting equal rights to LGBTQ residents, employees and visitors. noon - 5 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom. 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 727-289-9365. www.facebook.com/events/332338080668183/ 38

STUDIO@620 EVENTS. Feb 13 - BEAUTIFUL DISASTER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY WITH POETRY. a poetric tribute to black history with theme readings inspired by black poets..

Feb 14 - THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL. Bring your sweetheart and celebrate Valentine’s Day with the international singer, Judy Bechar.

FEb 16 - TIED. Tied is an avant garde dance work by Black Horse Theatre... danse macabre.

Feb 20 - HALF-BAKED BOOMER. Solo Improv Comedy with Francine Wolf with lots of audience interaction, participation, laughter, drama, home-baked delights and fun.

Feb 26 - SUNSCREEN FILM FESTIVAL. A handful of short films, each chosen from the past years of the Sunscreen Film Festival. 620 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 895-6620. www.thestudioat620.org/

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paragonartevents.com/S-36-Lido+Beach+Winter+F ine+Art+Festival.html

Continued

Fri, Feb 15

BOOK SIGNING WITH MYSTERY WRITERS. Join mystery authors Lissa Marie Redmond and J.D. Allen from 6-8pm at Books at Park Place. Both authors will be on hand to sign books and meet fans, and if you’re enjoy mysteries, you won’t want to miss. 10468 Roosevelt Boulevard North St Petersburg, FL 33716 (In the Gateway Shopping Center). RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/249386309121867/

Sun, Feb 17

TAMPA BAY BRIDAL SHOW. Spend the afternoon with the area’s bridal experts! Look for great fashions, tips and wedding advice plus door prizes, giveaways and more. Noon - 4 P.M. The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.tampabay.com/expos/bridal-show/

Tues, Feb 19

Sat, Feb 16

BEER, BOURBON AND BBQ FESTIVAL BAND COMPETITION. The fest combines an alcohol-based foundation with America’s obsession for Barbecue. The MainStage will present Love and Addiction, Ronnie Dee and The Superstars, and The Spazmatics. 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. www.beerandbourbon.com/tampa-fl/show

HEART GALLERY OPEN HOUSE. Public Adoption is an adoption from child welfare – foster care. Many children are being parented by the state’s contracted agencies and foster families because the courts terminated parental rights. That means the state is the legal parent unless the child is adopted or until the child ages out (becomes a legal adult). Adoption is not for everyone, and not everyone is picked to adopt. All you questions will be answered. 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

RSVP, please. 727.258.4806. Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, 500 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St N., Suite 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. www.heartgallerykids.org

Feb 16-17

3RD ANNUAL LIDO BEACH WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL. Explore original, handmade art hosted by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association at Lido Beach on Lido Key in Sarasota, FL. See works in such mediums as painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass and ceramics, photography, fiber and wearable art to mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking and more. 10 am – 5 pm both days, rain or shine. Admission is free.

400 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236. www.

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Feb 22-23

WINEFEST 2019: VINO ROYALE AT THE TAMPA THEATRE. Now in its 17th year, this weekend serves as the landmark theatre’s biggest annual fundraiser.

WINEFEST 2019 WINE TASTING - The two-tiered Wine Tasting features with dozens of boutique wines and small plates from Tampa’s top independent restaurants.

WINEFEST 2019 WINE PAIRING - On Sat, the Theatre’s stage will be expanded to seat more than 275 for the elegant Wine Pairing at 007 pm. The multi-course menu by Mise En Place chef Marty Blitz is paired with exquisite wines, and the evening also includes a live auction of getaway trips and unique experiences. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Bond–inspired costumes. www.tampatheatre.org

Shen Yun

Sat, Feb 23

TROLLEY MARKET SQUARE CAR SHOW. Best of Show, Mayor’s Choice Grand Champion of show. Judging will also be done in age groups in increments of 10 years starting with the youngest car on site. Additional judging will be done on other areas such Top Car Club (most cars registered), Most Miles Traveled to show and much more. Great Food, Over 90 Trophy’s will be presented. 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Free spectator admission.

727-327-3509. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S., Gulfport.

15TH ANNUAL GULFPORT’S GET RESCUED STREET FAIR. Pet themed vendors, arts & crafts, themed retail/resale, food vendors. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. www.facebook.com/ events/841840422668765/

Feb 20 - 24 Mahaffey Theater

ST. PETERSBURG ATHON.

WALK-

Family-friendly, dog-friendly, Walkathon. Walk for a worthy cause as they provide paws for people with vision loss and veterans with disabilities. Bring lots of dogs because they’re going for a world record. Help break a world record for the most dogs wearing a bandana at a single event. You provide the dogs, they’ll provide the bandanas. This free event includes a 3K walk and a Waggin’ Tails Festival with live music, a beer garden, food trucks, doggie zone, kids’ corner, vendor fair, and raffle drawing.

Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.guidedogswalkathon.org

T

he culture of ancient China was divinely inspired. Shen Yun’s works reflect this rich spiritual heritage. Travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away. The traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun presents cannot be seen anywhere else in the world—not even in China.

There, the ruling communist regime has viewed China’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and for decades tried to erase it.

www.shenyun.com/stpetersburg/mahaffey-theater www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Feb 23-24

THE 6TH ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG FINE ART FESTIVAL. Explore original, handmade art at the 6th Annual St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival. The event is a ‘boutique’ festival of about 130 of Florida’s and America’s top artisans. South Straub Park is transformed into an outdoor gallery showcasing extraordinary artwork.

These artisans and their works weave a tapestry of creativity from works in painting, glass, mixed-media, ceramics, sculpture, photography, metalwork, digital art, fiber art, woodworking – and more. Within each medium is a diversity of styles, materials and creative vision. Meet the artisans creating the works as they are all at the event. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE. Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.paragonartevents.com/S-37-St%2E+Peters burg+Fine+Art+Festival.html

CLEARWATER SEA-BLUES FESTIVAL. Head down to Coachman Park for two days surrounded by the finest seafood Clearwater has to offer while enjoying blues music from international recording acts. Artists appearing over the 2 day event: Vintage Trouble, Fantastic Negrito, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, Mark Telesca, Jamie N Royce, The Devon Allman Project festuring Duane Betts, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Davy Knowles, RJ Howson, Victoria Gnty and Ladyhawke. Open at Noon.

301 Drew Street Clearwater, Florida 33755. www.myclearwaterevents.com/featured-events/ sea-blues-festival

Sun, Feb 24

HOLLYWOOD NIGHT AT THE TAMPA THEATRE. Join Tampa Theatre as they celebrate Hollywood’s big42

gest night of the year with a Red Carpet Reception and VIP-worthy watch party for the live telecast of the 91st annual Academy Awards on the big screen. The Hollywood Awards Night Red Carpet Reception begins at 6:30pm on Franklin Street under the historic marquee.

After a limo ride around the block, superstar guests will walk the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, rub shoulders with costumed characters representing Hollywood’s biggest bigwigs, pose for a picture with a living award “statue,” and chat with “Roan Jivers” about who they’re wearing. Inside, there will be games, prizes, free popcorn and soda, hair and makeup touch-ups with professional stylists, the OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show on the big screen, and a cash bar. ABC’s live coverage of the Academy Awards begins at 8:00 p.m.

This year’s event offers THREE levels of experience: $20 Balcony ticket, $50 Mezzanine ticket, and $150 Party Deck ticket. Guests are encouraged to show off their star status with a movie-themed costume, or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit. Stars who stay until the Best Picture is announced at the end of the telecast will also enjoy doughnuts (courtesy of Krispy Kreme) and coffee in the lobby. www.tampatheatre.org/annual-event/hollywoodawards-night-2019/

Feb 27 - March 3

ST. PETERSBURG JAZZ FESTIVAL. The lineup of artists for the 2019 St. Petersburg Jazz Festival includes multi-instrumentalist & singer Valerie Gillespie and band, vocalist Alexis Cole backed by the Helios Jazz Orchestra, Remembering Sam Rivers - a tribute to jazz legend Sam Rivers from his bandmates, flutist Nestor Torres with his quartet, the Martin Bejerano Trio performing his Chamber Music America commission and more. All concerts are at the Palladium Theater and Palladium Theater Side Door venues. For more information, visit www.stpetejazzfest.com

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MARKETS & WALKS TUESDAY

EVERY TUESDAY MORNING GULFPORT’S FRESH MARKET - 9am-3pm - Oct - April; 9am-2pm - May - Sept. Vendors offer a variety of produce, including local, organic and hydroponic fruits and vegetables when available. Vendors also offer local honey, teas, herbs, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef and other locally raised meats, eggs, cheeses, fresh breads, pastries, nuts and granola, gourmet, vegetarian/vegan and ethnic foods, candy, garden plants, fresh flowers, bath and body products, jewelry and much more. www.gulfportma.com/gma-events/ tuesday-fresh-market

WEDNESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY THE MID-WEEK SEMINOLE OPEN AIR MARKET - November through the end of April. 10am - 2pm, 9100 113th St, Seminole, Florida. Local Growers, hydroponic and local produce, gourmet and specialty foods, fine arts and crafts, spa-quality body care products, community connections. Family and pet friendly, free. www.TheBeachMarkets.com

3RD THURSDAY TAMPA FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS - The Gourmet Food Truck Fun is paired with Independent short Flicks and Live Music. 10-15 gourmet food trucks offer everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites. 6pm – 10 pm, Rain or Shine. The Grand Central at Kennedy. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampabaymarkets.com/flicks-andfood-trucks

FRIDAY

1ST FRIDAY NIGHT ST. PETE. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase.

Proceeds benefit the Christmas Toy Shop. 5:30 - 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. www.firstfridaystpete.com 1ST FRIDAYS ART IN THE HEIGHTS - First Friday Art in the Heights is at participating galleries, studios, and small businesses, from 7 to 10. Art After Hours features restaurants and bars in the area, from 9 to midnight. Several Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights neighborhood art galleries, studios and small businesses extend their hours so that you can see a slew of new art at different venues all in one outing. www.facebook.com/FirstFridayArtintheheights/

THURSDAY

1ST THURSDAY NIGHT ROCK THE PARK CONCERT - Rock the Park is held at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the 1st Thursday of the month. A monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. This FREE event is pet and family-friendly. Starts at 6:30pm. www.facebook.com/RockThePark 1ST THURSDAY MONTHLY URBAN STREET FAIR. Urban Street Fair on the Esplanade at the Tampa City Center. The outdoor event takes place monthly on first Thursdays. Along with music and street performers, the event brings in local artists, makers, crafters, and trendy fashion vendors. Entertainment and vendors change monthly, making each event different. Free and open to all ages. 201 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL. www.TampaNightMarket.com 44

1ST FRIDAY GULFPORT ART & GALLERY WALK. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. 6 - 10 pm, Free. Complimentary parking is available nearby with courtesy trolley rides available to and from off-site parking areas. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfportflorida.com 2ND FRIDAY DUNEDIN WINE AND ART WALK. 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. Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, 34698. www.2ndfridaydunedin.com/

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SATURDAY

2ND SATURDAY ARTWALK AT THE EDGE. The Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District become one arts destination for the St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk. 40 artist’s studios and galleries from 5-9 p.m. Rain or shine. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk

2ND SATURDAYS AT WILLIAMS PARK, ST PETE. Family friendly event that takes place each second saturday of the month. www.y2kpro.com 3rd SATURDAY ART & GALLERY WALK. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. 6-10 pm. Free. Rain or shine. Complimentary parking is available nearby with courtesy trolley rides available to and from off-site parking areas. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfportflorida.com 3RD SATURDAY ISLA DEL SOL MARKET The Isla del Sol 3rd Saturday Market around the boardwalk at Shoppers Village between 10am and 2pm. A variety of local vendors and products, ranging from handcrafted items and baked goods to handmade giftware and organically-grown produce. Free parking. www.facebook.com/IsladelSolSaturdayMarket EVERY SATURDAY CITRUS PARK MALL INDOOR MARKET. 10am -4 pm. Sample the Best Rum Cakes in Tampa. Meet talented Artisans and Fine Handcrafters. Bring the kids - relax and join paint classes from 1- 4 pm. Market in The Park, Westfield Citrus Park Mall, 7814 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa FL 33625. www.marketatthepark.com/ EVERY SATURDAY YBOR CITY MARKET. May Sept - 9am-1pm; Oct - April - 9am-3pm. Featuring regionally grown produce and ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, prepared foods, gourmet foods/baked goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, unique and quality collectibles, and some import items. Free admission and parking. Pets welcome. Centennial Park, 1901 19th Street, Tampa, Fl 33605. www.ybormarket.com/ EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER FARMERS MARKET - Every Saturday year-round

from 10am-2pm on Cleveland Street. Shop over 100+ vendors, fresh local produce, live music and more. Pet friendly. Free parking. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33755. www.clearwaterfarmersmarket.net

SUNDAY

1ST SUNDAY ST PETE MARKET - Oct thru April. The market features local artists and crafters, mimosas, live music and free chair massages, flowers, artisan soaps, gourmet sauces, handcrafted jewelry, local art, soy candles, home decor and other curated products crafted or sourced locally. Noon to 4 pm. Free admission. Caddy’s on Central, 217 Central Ave, St Petersburg 33701. 727-637-5586. www.stpetesundaymarket.com 2nd SUNDAY SEMINOLE HEIGHTS MORNING FALL MARKET. Oct through April, 10 am to 2 pm.

60+ vendors. A mixture of Fresh Produce, Plants, Herbs, Fresh Baked Goods, Take Home Foods, Hand Crafts and Ready to Eat Lunch Bites. The front lawn of Hillsborough High School, 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603. www.tampabaymarkets. com/seminole-heights-sunday-morning-market 3RD SUNDAY THE INDIAN SHORES SUNDAY MORNING MARKET - thru May 14. 9am-1pm, On the grounds of the Town of Indian Shores Municipal Center. Local produce, gourmet and specialty foods, fine arts and crafts, body care products, community connections. Family and pet friendly, beach close.

Free. 19305 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores. www.TheBeachMarkets.com EVERY SUNDAY HYDE PARK FRESH MARKET. 125+ vendors selling a mixture of fresh produce, eggs, plants, herbs, fresh baked goods,take home foods, hand crafts,and ready to eat lunch bites. 10am - 3pm year round. Hyde Park Village, 742 S. Village Circle, Tampa FL 33604. www.tampabaymarkets.com

EVERY SUNDAY COREY AVENUE SUNDAY MARKET - October thru May. 80 vendors. 10am – 2pm. Corey Avenue Between Boca Ciega Ave and Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706. www. tampabaymarkets.com/corey-avenue-sundaymarket

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TRAVELOGUE

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Fort Lauderdale Never Looked So Good Upscale, Tony, and Fashionable, the Transformed W is the Envy of the Beach Story and photos by Melissa W. Martino and Al Martino

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n trend in hotel design and sought out by stylish travelers, W Fort Lauderdale is a magnet for sophisticates. Their $55 million-dollar renovation was completed in 2018, and is obvious in the sleek elegance of the hotel (which also contains residences.) There are 517 guest rooms, suites, and residential suites which have all been redesigned and modernized. The W is located right on Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, and close to all that is happening in Ft. Lauderdale. Only a few minutes drive from luxury shops on Las Olas Boulevard, Port Everglades, and the airport. A water taxi can also take you to several points of interest, and complimentary bicycle rentals are available at the hotel.

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When I say fashionable, I mean it literally. The hotel features changing fashion themes in the lobby (the spacious area is actually called The Living Room.) When we stayed at the hotel, the Susanne Bartsch Fashion exhibit was in the Living Room, which you could observe while enjoying a cocktail from the W’s impressive bar. Susanne is the legendary NYC party girl, and her costumes are known for pushing boundaries. The Living Room is the heart of the hotel, where folks gather to have a drink, chat, or just relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs.

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guest rooms are not cookie cutter. They all have the same relaxed and comfortable color scheme, but the layouts are different.

Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors afford amazing views of the W’s fabulous location. The blue carpet design is reminiscent of ocean waves, and white bedding and appointments along with light wood tones carry the ocean-feel throughout. The featherbeds and duvets are very, very comfortable. Our room had a spacious bathroom area with set tub overlooking the beach, and a balcony that was accessible from either the bedroom or the bathroom. There is 24-hour room service, and you also have an in-room coffee maker, among other perks.

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he W’s pool area (WET) is very cool and unique. Located above the Living Room, you can walk up the stairs through a cutout in the pool to an oasis of white chairs and day beds overlooking the ocean. There is also a full-service poolside bar.

A 24/7 FIT gym at the hotel has the latest equipment if you are inclined to work out. You can also head over to the beach for beachside bootcamp and yoga. At the W’s AWAY Spa, you can detox and unwind with a massage and other treatments.

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e were also there to experience the W’s new El Vez (tongue and cheek reference to Elvis) Mexican Restaurant from James Beard Award winner, Stephen Starr. We went back several times to try out different selections, and all were superb. The Classic Guacamole is the best I’ve ever had, as well as the house made chips. It’s made with cilantro, lime, onion, serrano, and tomato. Queso Fundido with wild mushrooms, green chiles, and a flour tortilla is so good we ordered it every time we went back there to eat. Tacos al Carbon is a build your own taco platter with grilled chicken, shrimp, and skirt steak and all the fixings.

The restaurant is part open air, so you can dine outside and watch the ocean waves.

There are several restaurants on site. Another by Steven Starr is Steak 954, providing more of a fine dining atmosphere, but also with some outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. One wall of the restaurant is an aquarium filled with mesmerizing jellyfish. We ate there on our last night, and enjoyed a filet mignon cooked perfectly, along with truffle potato gratin and a baby beet salad with toasted pistachios, goat cheese and sherry vinaigrette. Instead of bread for the table Steak 954 serves wonderful popovers with chives.

Their lobster bisque soup with creme fraiche is equally tasty.

Off the Living Room is a Sushi Bar, with a menu designed by Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, a protégé of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Sushi fare includes such items as Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Poke Bowls, Yellowtail Jalapeno and Lobster Roll with Wasabi Aoili.

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he W Ft. Lauderdale is sophisticated yes, but definitely fun too. Every night something is happening in the Living Room, such as complimentary mini massages one one night, complimentary henna designs on another, live art demonstrations, DJ request night, and live music on others.

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W Fort Lauderdale is located at 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304.

For more information, please call 954-414-8200 or visit www.wfortlauderdale.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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COOLSTUFF

X A R T C I S MU

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All music is available on www.Amazon.com

MICHAEL DULIN My Beloved

y Beloved is an intensely personal album by pianist/ composer Michael Dulin. It is a beautifully melodic and passionate testament to enduring love, inviting you to live your own love story through 12 romantic solo piano songs. My Beloved blends classic and contemporary influences to create a beautifully melodic collection that critics are saying “Is Like A Long And Passionate Love Letter” and “Makes Every Time You Listen To It Feel Like Valentine’s Day.” Live and relive the magic of great love, through the prism of these timeless and evocative love songs. www.michaeldulin.com

STEVE TYRELL That Lovin’ Feeling On That Lovin’ Feeling, Steve Tyrell celebrates what he calls “the Great American Songbook 2; the next generation of the Songbook,” recording seminal rock era classics penned by legendary songwriters who are also longtime friends. While sharing the magic of timeless songs by such songwriting teams as Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and as well as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, and Carole Bayer Sager, That Lovin’ Feeling also has spirited guest vocal appearances by B.J. Thomas, Neil Sedaka and Bill Medley in addition to backup singer Judith Hill and Tyrell’s daughter Lauryn Tyrell. The set also includes instrumental contributions by Stoller, Chuck Leavell, and saxophonist Dave Koz.

JAMES HALL Lattice

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ailed as “A warm-toned lyrical player” with “harmonic sophistication” (Kirk Silsbee, Downbeat Magazine), James Hall is a versatile trombonist/composer re-imagining professional musicianship for the millennial generation. Intricately weaving together voices, melodies, ideas and genres, Lattice is the alluring and inventive release from trombonist/composer James Hall.

The album is built around the harmonious combination of Hall’s dexterous trombone and the virtuosic flute playing of Jamie Baum, a study in contrasts that proves remarkably pliable and expressive through Hall’s inspired vision.

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www.stevetyrell.com

LINDA RONSTADT Live In Hollywood

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IVE IN HOLLYWOOD features amazing performances from a concert that Ronstadt recorded in 1980 for her HBO television special. Recorded at Television Center Studios in Hollywood, the concert captures Ronstadt at the peak of her reign as America’s most popular female rock singer. In concert, she was joined by an outstanding band. The CD has powerful renditions of her biggest hits – “Blue Bayou,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “It’s So Easy” – plus a previously unreleased six-minute jam of “You’re No Good.” The concert also showcased a trio of Top Ten hits from Ronstadt’s album – Mad Love – with performances of “I Can’t Let Go,” “How Do I Make You” and “Hurt So Bad.”

KEVIN SUN Trio

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rio features bassist Walter Stinson and drummer Matt Honor on a set of complex compositions, devised from close study of the jazz tradition. On Trio, Sun crafts era-spanning compositions that are as propulsive and swinging as they are intricate and challenging. Sun appears on tenor as well as clarinet and the rarely-seen C-melody saxophone. While to the listener these songs offer knotty melodic lines and shape-shifting rhythms that are tricky but enticing to navigate, for Sun, each one posed a unique challenge. Sun’s supple clarinet can be heard on “Loading Screen” and the elegiac “Deliver the Keys.” The C-melody comes to the fore on the album’s sole standard, “All of Me,” www.thekevinsun.bandcamp.com

QUINSIN NACHOFF FLUX Path of Totality

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uinsin Nachoff’s Flux communicates a colourful palette of conceptual reasoning and musical expression in this release featuring saxophonist David Binney, pianist/keyboardist Matt Mitchell, drummers Kenny Wollesen and Nate Wood, plus a clutch of guest artists. Saxophonist/composer Nachoff’s overarching inspiration arose from the moon’s total eclipse of the sun in 2017. That event became a dramatic, natural metaphor for the band’s evolutionary creative process. www.whirlwindrecordings.com/

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

813-229-Star. www.strazcenter.org

BROADWAY SHOWS

LES MISÉRABLES - Jan 15 - 20 Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

HUNDRED DAYS - Jan 15 - Mar 24 Hundred Days is an uncensored, exhilarating and heartrending true story about embracing uncertainty, taking a leap and loving as if you only had 100 days to

live. With magnetic chemistry and anthemic folk-punk music, creators and stars Abigail and Shaun Bengson explore a fundamental question: how do we make the most of the time that we have?

A BRONX TALE - Jan 29 - Feb 3 Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes, A Bronx Tale is a story of loyalty and family based on Chazz Palminteri’s story.

A Bronx Tale contains strong language and gunshot effects.

HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL - Feb 12 March 10 A sung- and rapped-through musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, with music, lyrics, and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, inspired by the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Incorporating hip hop, R&B, pop, soul, traditional-style show tunes, and color-conscious casting of non-white actors as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures, the musical achieved both critical acclaim and box office success.

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Straz Center, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org

THEATER & MUSIC AMALIE ARENA 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813.301.6500. www. amaliearena.com Feb 18 - FLEETWOOD MAC - The tour will feature the newly announced line-up of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie + More

Feb 24 - TOBYMAC HITS DEEP 2019. TOBYMAC, Jeremy Camp, Ryan Stevenson, We Are Messengers and Aaron Cole Mar 3 - P!NK. Beautiful Trauma World Tour 2019 Mar 8 - Blake Shelton. Friends and Heroes Tour Mar 15 - Bob Seger. Roll Me Away - The Final Tour

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 800.361.8388 www. asolorep.org Jan 16 – March 31 – A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2. Nora Helmer did the unthinkable when she abandoned her husband, Torvald, and children to put her own happiness first. A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 picks up 15 years later in the Helmer home where time has stood still. Nora, who has a successful career returns to her former home in need of help from the man she walked away from. A poignant look at the ways women’s roles in and out of the home have and have not changed, this fresh new comedy turns the Ibsen classic on its head.

CAPITOL THEATRE 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues Jan 13 – Engelbert Humperdinck Jan 16 – The SteelDrivers Jan 17 – Arlo Guthrie Jan 18 – Lake Street Dive Jan 19 – Robert Klein Jan 22 - Leonid & Friends Jan 23 - Shawn Colvin Acoustic Jan 24 - Howie Mandel Jan 25 - Hot Tuna Acoustic Jan 26 - Air Supply Jan 27 - Crash Test Dummies Jan 31 - Drew and Ellie Holcomb Feb 1 - Under The Streetlamp Feb 2 - RONNIE SPECTOR & THE RONETTES

AMERICAN STAGE 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org/ Jan 23 - Feb 4 - PIPELINE. TEACH. OUT LOUD. Nya, a single mother teaching at an inner-city public school, wants what’s best for her teenage son, Omari—even if it means sending him to a private school far from their neighborhood. But when an explosive classroom incident threatens Omari’s future, Nya must reevaluate the choices she’s made as a parent and educator. In this lyrical and timely drama, acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau brings an urgent conversation powerfully to the fore, compassionately probing the limits of our education system and a mother’s fight to give her son a future — without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Feb 5 - G. Love & Special Sauce Feb 6 - Alan Doyle Feb 7 - Gaelic Storm Feb 8 - Paul Thorn Feb 9 - The Magpie Salute Feb 10 - Al Di Meola Feb 12 - Taj Mahal Trio Feb 13 - Lewis Black Feb 15 - MICHAEL BOLTON

Feb 16 - Los Lobos Feb 17 - An Evening with DAWES Feb 19 - The Zombies Feb 20 - Jake Shimabukuro Feb 21 - Justin Hayward Feb 22 - Southside Johnny & Asbury Juke Feb 23 - Art Garfunkel Feb 24 - Jim Brickman-Share the Love Feb 26 - Christopher Cross Feb 28 - CAL Eagles Hotel California Mar 1 - Sierra Hull

CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. www.carrollwoodcenter.org Jan 26 - Robert “Freightrain” Parker. Bassist Parker is an internationally recognized performer, and was inducted into the Buffalo, New York Music Hall of Fame in 2015, being the first Indigenous inductee since the inception of the hall in 1983.

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CATHERINE HICKMAN THEATER 5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport, 727.893.1070 www.mygulfport.us Thru Jan 20 – Never Too Late.

Jan 27 - Rat Pack Together Again. Experience Frank, Dean, and Sammy as they perform a wonderful mix of song, and comedy sketches. A sensory experience you don’t want to miss - the music that inspired and thrilled an entire generation! Rat Pack Together Again brings these characters to life and makes them vibrant.

CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727.587.6793. www.largoarts.com Jan 17 – The Machine performs Pink Floyd Jan 18 – Yako Smiroff Jan20 – Let’s Hang On

EARLY BIRD DINNER THEATRE 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762. 727.864.7600. www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com Thru Feb 24 - What the Bellhop Saw. A comedy involving an author in hiding, a bumbling assassin, a wife from hell, a conniving bellboy, an incompetent F.B.I. agent, a nubile ce- lebrity-mad maid and a dimwitted secretary.

ECKERD COLLEGE 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.

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Feb 2 - Carmen.

March 2 - La Fille du Régiment March 30 - Die Walküre

EIGHT O’CLOCK DINNER THEATER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727-587-6793. www.largoarts.com March, 1-3, 7-10, 14-17 - ANYTHING GOES. This hilarious, rousing shipboard boy-meets-girl romp is wrapped around one of Cole Porter’s most magical scores. With the help of famed evangelist-turnednightclub-singer Reno Sweeney – and numerous disguises and mistaken identities – Billy manages to woo the lovely Hope. Tap dancing and a hummable score (I Get a Kick out of You; You’re the Top; Friendship; Let’s Misbehave; Blow, Gabriel, Blow) prove that Anything Goes is truly Delightful, Delicious, and De-Lovely!

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. (941) 366-9000. www.floridastudiotheatre.org NOW thru FEB 3 - UNCHAINED MELODIES. Celebrating male harmony groups of the 50s and 60s.

Jan 28 - April 7. GUITAR GIRLS. a tribute to some of the greatest female singer-songwriters of the past century. Featuring such hits as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Jolene,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and “I Will Always Love You,” this FST original music revue follows the careers, personal journeys, and impact of female music icons from Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to Joni Mitchell and the Dixie Chicks.

Thru MAR 1 - STRAIGHT WHITE MEN. Straight White Men. Straight White Men is a comedic, yet ruthless, look at the classic father-son drama. Included in Christopher Isherwood’s coverage of the “Best Theater of 2014” for The New York Times, Young Jean Lee’s latest work pairs questions about identity, privilege, and gender with humor.

FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, Florida 33755. 727446-1360. www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/ Jan 17 - 27 - Funny Money. A mild-mannered CPA accidentally picks up the wrong briefcase and it’s full of money. Assuming it is illicit, he keeps it. He and his wife decide to fly one way to Barcelona or Bali; until the doorbell rings. Enter a police detective asking questions that send this madcap farce into laughable territories complete with mistaken identities and confusion.

Feb 9 - Concert: Broadway in the Forties. Shows included are Pal Joey, Lady In The Dark, By Jupiter, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Allegro, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate, Bloomer Girl, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Brigadoon and many more.

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t www.freefalltheatre.com Jan 26 - Feb 24. PERFECT ARRANGEMENT. The year is 1950, and two couples have found the perfect arrangement. Bob and Millie are married; so are Jim and Norma. But behind closed doors, these marriages of convenience merely hide the fact that Bob is with Jim, and Norma is with Millie. But when Bob and Norma (career public servants at the State Department) are tasked with rooting out “deviants and homosexuals” in their ranks, shenanigans and moral dilemmas abound.

JANNUS LIVE 200 1st Avenue N., St Petersburg, FL 33701. 727565-0550 www.jannuslive.com Jan 21 - City Girls and Glokk Nine Jan 22 - Greensky Bluegrass Jan 31 - Winejoused: The Amy Celebration Feb 1 - Drive-By-Truckers & Lucinda Williams Feb 5 - Sevendust JOBSITE THEATER Shimberg Playhouse at the STRAZ www.jobsitetheater.org Thru Feb 9. OTHELLO. Backstabbing politicians, two-faced frenemies, gaslighting, treachery, true love and the never-ending cultural complications of a “black ram tupping a white ewe,” Shakespeare’s Othello might as well be talking about this year’s headlines. And in this production, it does. Othello features Jobsite’s signature modern spin on a Shakespeare favorite. Shimberg Playhouse at Straz.

MAHAFFEY THEATER 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767. www.themahaffeytheater.com Jan 17 – Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Jan 18 - Nile Rodgers & CHIC Jan 19, 20 – TFO: Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 Jan 22 - Glen Miller Orchestra Jan 25 - Music of Tom Petty Jan 27 - Pink Martini Jan 31 - iLuminate Feb 1 - Penn & Teller Feb 2 - TFO Pops: Dreams of Spain Feb 12 - ABBA mania Feb 15 - BB King featuring Tito Jackson Feb 22-24 - Shen Yun

HCC YBOR MAINSTAGE THEATRE 6402 Olympia Ave, Tampa, FL 33634. 813-690-4983. www.spanishlyrictheatre.com Jan 18-20 - INSPIRED. by Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” “Man of La Mancha” debuted on Broadway in 1965 and became one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history. Powerful, brutal, hilarious, and heartbreaking, “Man of La Mancha” celebrates the perseverance of an old man who refuses to relinquish his ideals or his passion.

March 15-17 - LA VERBENA DE LA PALOMA. Spanish operetta. The story focuses on the little love drama between sweethearts Julián and Susana whose love endures the amusing meddling of an old bachelor suitor.

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MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATER Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813.740.2446. www.ticketmaster.com/ venue/107257 May 10 - Slayer May 11 - Hillsong United Tour 2019 With Special Guests Amanda Cook & Mack Brock

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. www.campusce. net/eckerd/course/course.aspx?C=2071 Jan 18 – Hamlet (2018 Encore) Feb 8 - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof March 8 - I’m Not Running

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THE PALLADIUM 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg. 727.822.3590. www.mypalladium.org Jan 16 – Palladium Chamber Players: Haydn, Dvorák, Mendelssohn Jan 17 – Pavlo in Concert Jan 18 - Diego Figueiredo & O Som Do Jazz Jan 19 - Ward Smith & Friends, featuring G. David Howard Jan 20 – Tampa Bay Symphony: Composition Contest Finals Feb 2-10 - St. Petersburg Opera: Kiss Me Kate Feb 12 - Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello, Ed Metz and James Suggs Feb 13 - Palladium Chamber Players: Beethoven, Korngold, Schumann Feb 14 - Whitney James Jazz Valentine

Feb 15 - The Mersey Beatles: Four Lads From Liverpool Feb 16 - Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Feb 17 - One City Chorus W/ Special Guest Roy Zimmerman Feb 18 - Dailey & Vincent Fun In The Sun Tour Feb 19 - Tampa Bay Symphony: Brush Up on Your Shakespeare.

Feb 12 - The Florida Orchestra: Inside Mozart’s Piano.

Feb 22 - Chuchito Valdes Trio Feb 23 - The Florida Orchestra: A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream Feb 26 - Puddles Pity Party Feb 27 - Valerie Gillespie Ensemble Feb 28 - Remembering Sam with Rivers Lost March 1 - Nestor Torres Quaartet Continued

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AMALIE ARENA

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fter incredible success and demand, international pop icon P!NK will make a stop at Tampa’s Amalie Arena on March 3 at 7:30 PM. Since her debut in 2000, P!NK has released 7 studio albums, 1 greatest hits album, sold over 50 million albums equivalents, over 75 million singles, over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide and has had 15 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (four at #1). In addition, she is the recipient of three Grammy Awards (19 nominations), one Daytime Emmy Award, three Billboard Music Awards, seven MTV Video Music Awards (including the 2017 Michael Jackson Vanguard Award recipient), two MTV Europe Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2013 and has sold out arenas all over the world. Her seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma is certified platinum, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s 200 chart and marked a career high for first week sales. Additionally, the album debuted at #1 in 10 other countries, on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart and Digital Albums Chart. The first single, “What About Us” is also certified platinum, received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance and reached #1 on the Adult Pop Songs chart earning her ninth leader on the chart, the most number-ones at the format for a female (second overall).

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PINELLAS PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. www.pinellas-park.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=189 Jan 26 - Everly Brothers Tribute Feb 9 - ABBA Tribute Feb 23 - Bee Gees Tribute Mar 9 - ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE. Scotsman Rus Anderson is Elton John’s official body double.

Hand picked by Elton John and David Furnish, it was Rus’ live tribute production, “The Rocket Man Show” which got him noticed.

March 23 - Bruce Springsteen Tribute

POWEL CROSLEY THEATER One Seagate Drive, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. www.bradentongulfislands.com Jan 15-27 - An Improv to Murder. includes multiple vignettes: Murder by Six Degrees of Murder, Murder by Death, Murder by Musicals and more crime solving capers, all of which invite guests to follow characters gathering clues as they solve an interactive murder mystery taking place throughout the estate.

POWERSTORIES THEATRE 2015 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33606. 813-2532000. www.powerstories.com Feb 7 - 24 - THESE SHINING LIVES chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits—or endanger the lives of those who come after them.

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RITZ YBOR 1503 E 7th Ave., Tampa, Fl 33605. 813-248-4050. www.theritzybor.com/ Feb 16 - 17. Whigfest Music & Arts Festival. Over 40 artists, 5 stages: Flow Tribe, Front Country, Lindsay Lou, The Trongone Band, Honey Hounds, Austin Plaine, Leon Majcen, More to come.

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

727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com Jan - 17 – Pilobolus Jan 19 – Month Python’s Spamalot Jan 20 – Masters of Illusion Jan 22 - The Doo Wop Project Jan 23 - Disney DCappella Jan 25 - Gladys Knight Jan 26 - Star Wars Live In Concert Jan 27 - Beginnings - Chicago Tribute Jan 27 - America: 50th Anniversary Tour Jan 29 - All County Choir Concert Jan 31 - Tony Orlando In Concert Feb 1 - The Mavericks Feb 4 - 111 Years of Broadway Feb 6 - TFO: Beautiful Bohemia Feb 12 - Carol Burnett Feb 15 - Herbie Hancock Feb 16 - Dave Mason & Steve Cropper Feb 17 - GOLDEN BOYS: BOBBY RYDELL, FRANKIE AVALON, FABIAN

Feb 17 - TFO: The Planets Feb 19 - David Foster Feb 21 - Vienna Boys Choir Feb 23 - Finding Neverland Feb 24 - Live From Nashville Feb 24 - TFO: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Feb 27 - TFO: Symphonic Shakespeare Feb 27 - Sarah McLachlan

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Feb 28 - The Beach Boys Mar 1 - PAUL ANKA – ANKA SINGS SINATRA

Mar 22 - Apr 7. THE MOUSETRAP. A group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a snow storm, one of whom is a murderer. The suspects include the newly married couple who run the house, and the suspicions in their minds nearly wreck their perfect marriage. Others are a spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis. He no sooner arrives, when the jurist is killed. Two down, and one to go.

ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE 4025 31st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712. 727.866.1973. www.spcitytheatre.org/ Feb 22-24, & March 1-3 - PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Young love and bumbling pirates…come join the musical fun.

SARASOTA BALLET 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 941-359-0099. www.sarasotaballet.org Jan 16 – Inside the Studio – World Premiere Jan 25-28 - Transcending Movement Feb 15-17 - Martha Graham Dance Co March 8-9 - Poetry and Liberty SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941.359.0099. www.sarasotaopera.org Feb 9, 12, 14, 17, 20, 23 - Turandot Feb 16, 21, 24, 27, 28 - Magic Flute

SIDESPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618.

(813) 960-1197. SEE Footlights AD FOR ACTS. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com/ Jan 20 - Fifty Shades of Men LIVE! The Fifty Shades of Men Male Revue is back by popular demand for one night only!

STAGEWORKS THEATER 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813.374.2416. www.stageworkstheatre.org Feb 8 - 24 - READY STEADY YETI GO. In the aftermath of a hate crime, Goon befriends Carly Uhlenbeek, the only black girl in school. Things start to go south when bad parental advice, passive-aggressive acts, and ill-formed gestures of kindness create a “White Guilt Perfect Storm” that threatens to drown their relationship.

April 5-7 & 12-14 - DRIVING MISS DAISY. The unforgettable classic that will win your heart all over again.

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY 727.823.2040 www.stpeteopera.org Mornings, Afternoons, Evenings and Cocktail with the Maestro. Various performance locations.

Feb 2-10 - Kiss Me, Kate. A Shakespeare troupe is putting on The Taming of the Shrew, but the cast is embroiled in interpersonal relationships that lead to offstage bickering and onstage surprises. Cole Porter’s score, performed with the original-size Broadway orchestra, is filled with great numbers such as “So In Love,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Why Can’t You Behave?”, and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” Performed at the Palladium.

STRAZ CENTER 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813.229. STAR www.strazcenter.org Jan 15 – March 24 – Hundred Days

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t Jan 15 – Into the Arctic Kingdow with Florian Schulz Jan 15 – 20 – LES MISÉRABLES

Jan 18 – TFO: Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 Jan 21 - Carrie Newcomer Jan 26 - Russell Peters: Deported World Tour Jan 29 - A Bronx Tale Feb 1 - Live & Local - Frankie Raye Feb 1 - The Florida Orchestra - Dreams of Spain Feb 2 - Im Hussein in Double Trouble Feb 2 - Live & Local - Hannah Jae Feb 6-7 - Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play Tour Feb 12 - March 10 - Hamilton Feb 13 - Farruquito Feb 14 - March 3 - mad Theatre presents Heathers The Musical Feb 15 - The Florida Orchestra - The Planets Feb 16-17 - C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert Feb 21 - Mayumana: Currents Feb 22 - The Florida Orchestra - A Midsummer Night’s Dream Feb 23 - Ronny Chieng Feb 24 - Tampa Bay Symphony presents Brush Up Your Shakespeare Feb 25 - Michael Glabicki & Dirk Miller Feb 27 - Havana Cuba All-Stars Mar 1 - Live & Local - Danielle Mohr Mar 1 - Trae Crowder LIVE! with Drew Morgan and Corey Forrester 66

THE STUDIO @620 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 27895-6620. www.studio620.org Jan 15 - Tied. The Studio@620 and The Dali Museum are presenting a new avant garde dance work from local performer/dancer Alice Ferrulo Stempfle and her initiative Black Horse Theatre. “Tied” tells the tale of Louise Davies, of England’s Victorian Era. “Tied” will be performed on January 15 at The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, and on February 16 at The Studio@620.

Jan 19 - “Voices: The Encore”, featuring Dance Artist in Residence Alex Jones. Jones “gets personal” in this dynamic and interactive solo that seeks to reveal life’s many complexities.

Jan 24 - An Evening of Percussive Resonance.

An evening of dynamic and bold percussive chamber music. The program will feature Andrea Tafelski and Washington Squared.

TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. www.TampaTheatre.org Jan 19 - Raffi Feb 8 - The Simon & Garfunkel Story Feb 9 - In The Mood Feb 10 - Aaron Lewis: The State I’m In Tour Feb 15 - Bert Kreischer: Body Shots Tour Feb 16 - Jo Koy: Break the Mold Tour Feb 28 - Welcome To Night Vale Mar 7-8 - Tom Segura: Take It Down Tour

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TARPON SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER 101 South Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs. www.tarponarts.org/ Jan 18-27 – Bayou Radio Theatre

TARPON SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 324 Pine St, Tarpon Springs, FL www.tarponarts.org/ Feb 2 - Beethoven’s Wig Feb 3 - Farewell Angelina Feb 8 - reVoiced Feb 10 - Presidio Brass Sounds of the Cinema Feb 15 - Ranky Tanky with opening act The LaRue Nickelson Feb 17 - Two on Tap Feb 24 - Christopher Still: Anthology of an Artist March 3 - The Phat Pack

URBANITE THEATRE 1487 Second Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. www.urbanitetheatre.com Thru Feb 17 - APPLES IN WINTER. Miriam bakes a sensational apple pie, and today she has a special request to make her signature recipe. But, the request comes with a heavy expense: making peace with a heinous act from over 20 years ago.

USF YUENGLING CENTER 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Fl 33620. (813) 9743111 www.yuenglingcenter.com/ Jan 20 – Trevor Noah Feb 5 - TRUTV IMPRACTICAL JOKERS. The Cranjis McBasketball World Comedy Tour Feb 22 - Maze Ft. Frankie Beverly & Friends

VAN WEZEL 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-953-3368 www.vanwezel Jan 15 – The Righteous Brothers Jan 17 – LINDA EDER

WEST COAST PLAYERS 21905 Us 19 N. Clearwater, 727.437.2363. www.wcplayers.org Jan 18 – Feb 10 – Bingo! The Winning Musical.

In this splashy, zippy, and smart musical comedy, a group of die-hard bingo players stop at nothing to play their weekly game. In between the number calling, strange rituals and fierce competitions, love blossoms and long lost friends reunite. Audiences will be laughing in the aisles when they aren’t playing games of bingo along with the cast.

VILLAGIO CINEMAS AT CARROLLWOOD 11778 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. www.hellonheelsrhps.com EVERY FRIDAY - ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WITH LIVE CAST. The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live cast Hell on Heels. Join in for a night of sinful indulgence in classic RHPS style.

Live cast, call backs, liquor, lingerie, plush reclining seats, and plenty of fishnets to go around.Time warp into the early hours of the morning.Make Fridays into a tradition of Transylvanian cultural appreciation, complete with plenty of virgin sacrifices. Doors for the show open around 11:30 PM. Preshow begins at 11:45, and every show ends with a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.

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hen four-time Grammy Award winner and international star Seal performs with The Florida Orchestra in February, it will be more than a unique concert. It will be a banner of support for a performing arts institution that has been a vibrant part of Tampa Bay for more than 50 years.

The evening is the premier fundraising event of the year for The Florida Orchestra, the largest professional orchestra in the state, performing for more than 200,000 patrons last season. All proceeds help TFO in its mission on stage and in the community, which includes using music to teach life skills to schoolkids, to comfort hospital patients and to bring together diverse communities throughout Tampa Bay. Conducted by Music Director Michael Francis, “An Intimate Evening with Seal” features the multiplatinum singer-songwriter performing classics from the Rat Pack era such as Luck Be A Lady and I’ve Got You Under My Skin from his 2017 Standards album, all with his singular sense of soul.

Seal also will sing his early hits including chart-topping Kiss From a Rose, which earned him multiple Grammy Awards and global esteem. The Londonborn singer has sold more than 30 million albums

photo by Jan Welters

W

SEAL: A Concert You Can Feel Good About

worldwide.

Tickets are on sale now for the Feb. 9 concert at the Mahaffey Theater at FloridaOrchestra.org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286.

Other upcoming concerts at The Florida Orchestra include: UNFORGETTABLE: 100 YEARS OF NAT & NATALIE (Jan. 11-12 with Saturday matinee): Celebrate a century of the legendary Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie. Jeff Tyzik conducts, with Dee Daniels and Denzal Sinclaire on vocals.

SCHUBERT’S SYMPHONY NO. 9 (Jan. 1820 with Sunday matinee): Featuring conductor Joshua Weilerstein and “rock star” cellist Joshua Roman on Bates’ Cello Concerto.

STAR WARS LIVE IN CONCERT: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (Jan. 26): The orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live while the movie plays on the big screen at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA: Performs regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

The orchestra offers affordably priced tickets to a variety of concerts; prices vary. See FloridaOrchestra.org or call 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286.

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Looking Good Compiled by Melissa Wolcott Martino

JEWELRY JUNKIE Leather Cuffs

For more information please visit www.thejewelryjunkie.com

he Jewelry Junkie collections are complete T with earrings, necklaces, chokers, rings, bracelets and more! Each piece has a unique

touch of leather, gemstones, and beads. No matter your personal style, The Jewelry Junkie’s versatile pieces can be worn with a casual look or even a night out on the town. The pieces include features such as: All products and materials manufactured in the USA, in Dallas, TX. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuffs, rings, and chokers feature genuine leather, gemstones & pearls.

The piece shown here contains genuine chunks of African turquoise, which is sewn on to a genuine leather cuff with two adjustable snaps.

The entire length of bracelet is 3/4” by 9”, and adjusts with snaps. Each piece is created by hand, so no two are identical. Prices vary from $8 - $40, based on piece.

DONA BELA SHREDS Unique Fashion Neckwear

D

ona Bela Shreds upcycles fabric remnants into one-of-a-kind creations, designing beautiful neckwear and headwear that stand out for their style and environmental impact. All Shred neckwear designs and color combinations reflect current fashion trends and are designed in-line with seasonal color palettes. Lightweight, whisper-soft and comfortable (no tension headaches here), The Dona Bela Shreds team designs unique pieces using the leftover fabric from this season’s must-have wardrobe. The results are colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Designed and handmade in Des Moines, Iowa.

The DB Shreds Donate Back program donates a percentage of proceeds each month to selected foundations in line with the company’s values, like Water.org, Women Strong, Feeding America, Dress for Success, Toys for Tots and more.

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OZNaturals

Cold Processed Skincare

O

ZNaturals is setting a new standard in natural skincare.

Furthering the brand’s commitment to nature, the environment, and sustainability, OZNaturals utilizes a unique manufacturing system called Cold Processing to formulate a variety of moisturizers, serums, toners, exfoliants and masks. Without the use of heat or petrochemicals in the formulation, this process takes place at room temperature, which allows the active ingredients to remain fresh and potent as intended. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it also eliminates the need for harmful preservatives or known toxins such as phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. Combining the best of science with the power of nature, OZNaturals is creating high quality, effective and affordable skincare formulations, safe for all ages and skin types. OZNaturals Skincare Collection includes cleansers, exfoliators, masks, toners, serums, moisturizers and eye treatments for daily skin care regimens. Prices range from $15.49 to $19.99.

www.OZNaturals.com

LAVISH LEATHERS Lightweight Earrings

L

avish Leathers is owned by sisters, Amber & Sienna. Raised in a family where creativity ran wild, they were taught at a young age the joy of creating and sharing it with others. Their line is whimsical and energizing - and they are constantly at the drawing table, coming up with new designs and fresh takes on old classics. You will fall in love with these ultra light and very stylish handcrafted leather earrings.

Most come in several sizes — large, medium, small and minis. All hooks are nickel free. Items are handcrafted and custom orders are welcome.

For more information please visit www.lavishleathers.com

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ATT RACT I O NS & MUS E UMS E V E N TS

Tampa Bay Area ARTpool Gallery 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.324.3878 artpoolrules.com

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 Tram Tours Saturdays. Guided Tours, Classes

movies), and a choice between the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chihuly Collection. The included tickets are valid over a period of nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

The mobile ticket will work in the same manner as printed CityPASS ticket booklets, although instead of scanning a printed ticket at the attraction, the visitor will scan their phone. Mobile tickets, as well as ticket booklets, can be purchased online.

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

TAMPA BAY CITYPASS MOBILE TICKET OPTION www.citypass.com/tampa City Pass, the company that specializes in packaging discounted admission to attractions in 12 North American destinations, has a mobile ticket option for its Tampa Bay CityPASS program. An advantage of the Tampa Bay mobile ticket, as well as all future mobile ticket programs for other CityPASS partner destinations, is that it is delivered to the purchaser’s phone in the language the buyer selected when they first visited the CityPASS website. The Tampa Bay CityPASS program includes prepaid admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park, plus four additional attractions: The Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home to Winter and Hope, stars of the Dolphin Tale 72

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

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

Thru JAN 6 – Winter’s Wonderland

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.

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.323.2787. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Cafe-Pottery Studio 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk

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DALÍ MUSEUM One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767. www.thedali.org Thru FEB - WATERCOLORS AND DRAWINGS FROM THE VAULT. The Dalí Museum is displaying 25 rarely shown drawings and watercolors from The Dalí’s vault. The museum owns over 150 drawings and watercolors by the surrealist master, which periodically rotate to give visitors a continuing retrospective of Salvador Dalí’s works. The newly unveiled works range from 1917 to 1968 and highlight Dalí’s superior ability to draw in a variety of techniques to illuminate his complex dream imagery.

JAN 15 – Tied 17 – Opera at The Dali 19 – Introduction to Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2240 9th Ave.S, St. Petersburg. www.woodsonmuseum.org

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.

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 CRAFTART GALLERY 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.821.7391. www.floridacraftart.org Second Saturday Artwalk Mural Walk on Saturdays

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org THRU JUNE 30 - BILL GRAHAM AND THE ROCK & ROLL REVOLUTION.

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.

One City Chorus – Mondays 7 Pm DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 813.760.6600 www.dmglass.com 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298.

DFAC - www.dfac.org

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This exhibition explores the extraordinary life of renowned music promoter Bill Graham (19311991) who helped launch and promote the careers of countless rock & roll artists. As a promoter and manager, he worked with iconic artists including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi

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Hendrix, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. It also traces the indomitable spirit of a man brought to the United States as an eleven-year-old Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazis, fueling a lifelong passion and advocacy for social justice. Treasured photographs and artifacts from Graham’s early life and career will be on loan from the Graham family. An installation of “The Joshua Light Show”- the trailblazing liquid light show conceived in 1967 by multimedia artist Joshua White, which served as a backdrop to many Graham-produced shows - will be customized by White specifically for the exhibition. It will be one of several gallery components designed to evoke the sights and sounds of the era. thru May 5. THE SAM AND INGE LEWKOWITZ COLLECTION. Sam Lewkowitz and Inge London were forced to the edges of society by the Nazis during World War II. Sam was forced to flee Germany to Shanghai, China. Inge was trapped in Berlin during the war and was constantly under the eyes of the Nazi regime. After the war they met in the United States and married, beginning a new phase of their lives. Inge saved her Star of David patch, important documents, and a number of pre-war family photographs. Mindy and Judith donated all of these objects to The FHM and are on display.

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

FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM 12210 83rd St East, Parrish, FL 34219. 941-7760906. www.frrm.org

The Florida Railroad Museum was founded in 1982, and many train cars, cabooses, an ex-fruit growers express refrigerated car, a stainless steel baggage car plus others were donated, purchased and traded. Since then, they have received a former Pennsylvania RR sleeper, the “Bradenton,” two retired cars which were purchased from Ringling Brothers Circus, the ”Short Leaf Pine” and a 89-foot flatcar which they converted into an open-air car. The FRRM sponsors A Day Out with Thomas, the Little Engine That Could; A Month of Steam; the Easter Bunny Special; the Pumpkin Patch Express at Halloween; the North Pole Express during the Christmas season; annual Veterans Day Von Kessinger’s Express, a (WWII special event); North/South Days; and Hole in the Head Gang, a train robbery event.

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.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $10 Adults; $8 seniors 62+; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 76

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www.stpete.org

Complimentary rides are given to moms and dads on Mother’s and Father’s Days, to kids accompanied by adults during the summer and to Southeastern Guide Dogs for training purposes.

FORT DE SOTO PARK Tierre Verde. 727.552.1862. www.pinellascounty. org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm The park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.. Guided Nature Walks – Sat & Sun. GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/ OCEAN SANDBOX! Move and shape the sand to create the ocean’s topography. Sculpt mountains, islands, underwater channels, and caves to see augmented reality marine landscape come to life with ocean creatures, treasure chests, and more SUNSHINE SUNDAY: Last Sunday Of Every Other Month 10am - 1pm. This program is a limitedengagement 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) 821-8992. www.greatex.org/ Science and humanities exhibits allow visitors to touch, move and actually become part of several pieces.

GREAT CONNECTIONS - The second Sunday of month is open 10am - 12pm for special needs families. www.greatex.org/programs/great-connections/ MEMORY MONDAYS - First Monday of the Month.

A free monthly program for adults with memory loss, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Memory Mondays will be a private event focusing on art, music, and moveCONTINUED

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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ment activities for adults with memory loss and their families and caregivers. Memory Mondays is a social engagement opportunity providing activities that encourage stimulation for people with early stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory Mondays is a program that will provide a relaxing way for people living with memory loss and their caregivers to interact with others in a casual, judgment-free, non-clinical setting.

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

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 254-1891. www.plantmuseum.com/ Mar 22 - Dec 22. Henry Plant: He’s More Impor78

tant Than You Thought. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. A special exhibit in honor of Henry Plant’s 200th birthday.

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.

IMAGINE MUSEUM 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg www.imaginemuseum.com Contemporary American Studio Glass.

JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. www.thejamesmuseum.org The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art revives interest and passion about the history of the American West. The tenacious spirit of Native American, pioneer and immigrant cultures embodies the history of our country. See works in oil, in ink, and stone from the private collection of Tom and Mary James.

LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. 813) 9358552. www.lowryparkzoo.org MANATEE VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK 1404 Manatee Ave. E (SR 64), Bradenton. www.manateevillage.org Free open-air history museum

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731. www.selby.org MONDAYS – Yoga in the Garden

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MOREAN ARTS CENTER 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727-8227872. www.moreanartscenter.org/ Chihuly Collection Thru FEB 28 – Norwood Viviano: Postindustrial First permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org Science, Education, Aquarium

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. 727.894.4638. www.mfastpete.org/

Petersburg,

thru MARCH 31 – Jewels of the Imagination. This exhibition highlights the work of Jean Schlumberger, placing his jewelry and objets d’art as inimitable examples of twentieth-century design. His creations graced such notable style icons as Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn.

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.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line.

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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.

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Crossley Gallery, 2400 Old Bradenton Road on the Ringling College campus, Sarasota, FL.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941.359.5700. www.ringling.org Mondays FREE admissions all day. Thurs – Art After 5 Thurs – Art After 5 Fri – ROAR – Ringling Order of Art Readers Fri & Sat – Bayfront Garden Tours First Sat – Kid’s Quest, Family Workshop Jan 18, 19 – Bill Bowers: All Over The Map

SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor.

727-724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/Museum-Cultural-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.

SAFFORD HOUSE MUSEUM 23 Parkin Ct., Tarpon Springs. www.tarponarts.org Restored Victorian home built in 1883.

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 non-profit wild bird hospital sanctuary. More than 100 birds live in the sanctuary, representing 20 species.Tours are available. FREE admission. Donations accepted. (727)391-6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com

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

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.

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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.

ST. PETERSBURG SCULPTURE EXPERIENCE 780 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727.316.1718. www.facebook.com/St-Petersburg-Sculpture-Experience-661090064029529/ Jon Hair Monumental Sculpture combines art, rock and roll and the biggest sculptures you’ve ever seen in one place. More than 100 sculptures from life size to giant size.

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 SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY 4600 Alt Hwy 19, Palm Harbor, FL www.suncoastprimates.org 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.

TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park.

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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/

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org Friday - Art on The House - 4 to 8 pm Saturday - Art Spot for Families

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 HERITAGE MUSEUM 100 Beekman Ln., Tarpon Springs. www.tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community.

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

USF BOTANICAL GARDENS 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 813-974-2329. www.gardens.usf.edu

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

VETERANS ART CENTER 6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Petersburg 813.504.3092 www.vactb.org Provides opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase creative and artistic accomplishments.

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

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org

stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Learn all about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory; so, we can use them to learn about the past. You will get the chance to sort through, identify, and wash artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites. One Friday a month.

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.

Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that

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The Dali Museum Presents

Magritte & Dali Coverage and photos by Melissa W. Martino

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he Magritte & Dali exhibit at the Dali Museum is the first time the two surrealist icons have had a solo pairing.

Magritte & Dalí takes viewers on a journey from the late 1920s to the early 1940s, the period when the two artists spent significant time together and displayed their works in the same Surrealist exhibitions.

Although both had very different and distinctive approaches to their respective paintings, they were equally committed to implementing practices that challenged reality and generated fuller freedom of imagination and experience. Their works also employ several shared themes which are explored throughout the exhibition. Over 30 works are on display including photos of the artists.

Visitors will enjoy the special interactive “cloud room” and the opportunity to capture images of themselves intermingled with surrealist icons & symbols.

The exhibit continues through May 19, 2019.

For more information, please visit www.thedali.org

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Both artists interpreted the Venus de Milo. Dali on the left, and Magritte on the right.

Museum goers can have fun taking selfies with interactive Dali and Magritte iconic paintings.

This one is based on Magritte’s Son of Man.

Dali Museum Executive Director, Dr. Hank Hine, in the exhibit’s “Cloud Room”.

Magritte (L) and Dali (R) both used holes as a method of “looking through”, compounding the inner and outer visions.

Magritte’s The Single Player. Both artists were intrigued with the theme of baseball. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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S D V D COOLSTUFF!

All DVDs are available on www.Amazon.com

THE GOOD FIGHT 2nd Season

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tarring Emmy Award winner Christine Baranski, The Good Fight Season Two is available as a 4-disc set featuring all 13 episodes plus deleted scenes and a gag reel. With the world going insane and the Chicago murder rate on the rise, Diane (Baranski), Lucca (Cush Jumbo), and Maia (Rose Leslie) and the rest of the law firm find themselves under psychological assault when a client at another firm kills his lawyer for overcharging. After a copycat murder, the firm begins to look at its own clients suspiciously, while Diane battles with a new partner at the firm.

Meanwhile, Maia becomes harder and tougher after her parents’ scandal puts her on trial and Lucca is brought back into Colin’s (Justin Bartha) orbit.

THE LOVE BOAT Season 4, Vol 1

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ome aboard, we’re expecting you.” Set sail on the cruise ship Pacific Princess on Aaron Spelling’s 1977-86 series that followed a different group of passengers each week as they traveled to exotic locales in search of love. Your crew consisted of Capt.

Merrill Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), Dr. Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell), ship’s purser Gopher (Fred Grandy), bartender Isaac (Ted Lange), and cruise director Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes). Season four starts out strong with “Friends and Lovers / Sergeant Bull / Miss Mother” bringing future Oscar winner Tom Hanks on deck. Also along on the cruise is Nipsey Russell. They loaded this episode of up with a lot of star power including Darren McGavin, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Graves, and Rue McClanahan.

NCIS The 15th Season

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onfronting cold cases, running secretive stings, and chasing down kidnappers are all part of the job for the unsung heroes of the Major Case Response team in the suspense-packed Season 15 of NCIS. As the team continues to search the jungles of Paraguay for Special Agents Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), the cases keep coming in this 6-disc, 24-episode set. Co-stars Pauley Perette, Emily Wickersham, David McCallum, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll, Duane Henry, and Wilmer Valderrama are joined by Maria Bello as Special Agent and forensic psychologist Jacqueline Stone to solve suspicious suicides, run protection details and face the crimes and the criminals that threaten our country.

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BILLIONS Season 3

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eason three of BILLIONS finds Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) in a world that has shifted on its axis. Both men are still determined to destroy the other, but must also battle for their own survival amidst new forces and powerful enemies. Wendy Rhoades, Chuck’s wife and Axe’s performance coach, is all in for both of them, an uneasy and dangerous position for her, and one that ultimately puts her to a decision that could alter the direction of her life irrevocably.

Money, power, justice and revenge are all on the line for each of these characters.

DYNASTY Season One

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n a modern re-imagining of the iconic primetime soap, the extravagant Carrington family returns. Including all 22 episodes and bonus content, Dynasty centers on the lavish and powerful Carrington family as they defend their throne agains the Colbys, new rivals and threats, and even each other. Including wealth, power, deception and doubledealing, the Carringtons’ rocky relationships still manage to prove the theory that family sticks together no matter what. Dynasty stars Grant Show, Nicollette Sheridan, Elizabeth Gillies, Sam Adegoke, and James Mackay.

WWW.NETFLIX.COM

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New Parties, Shows, Characters and More MICKEY & MINNIE’S SURPRISE CELEBRATION ARRIVES AT MAGIC KINGDOM PARK Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will honor those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages at Magic Kingdom.

They will greet guests together inside Town Square Theater, wearing all-new, colorful outfits for their special celebration. Guests will enjoy Celebration Station inside Town Square Theater, where they may sign a guestbook to let Mickey and Minnie know, personally, how much fun they had during the party. An all-new song, “It’s a Good Time,” will play several times daily as part of the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.” During this high-energy bash, singing hosts will invite guests to join in the fun with Disney pals including Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and many others. Mickey’s beloved dog, Pluto, will meet guests under the big top at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus.

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PARTY WITH PIXAR PALS AND MORE AS DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS MARKS 30 YEARS May 1, 2019, marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park will celebrate this milestone all year long, starting Jan. 18 with the reveal of a new 30th anniversary logo.

Pixar Avenue will be the place for guests to show off their inner Supers with The Incredibles.

Guests will celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a party featuring lively music, dancing, interactive games and more Super fun. Guests will meet super-suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations. They may also spot signs for the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible – the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.

A door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, inviting guests to visit with Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”

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Epcot, featuring an expanded selection of delicious new tastes to savor.

Guests will feel like honorary toys in the new Toy Story Land. Based on the Pixar Toy Story Films.

The land features two new attractions – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers – as well as fanfavorite Toy Story Mania. In addition, the new highenergy live show “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will feature characters from Disney Junior television series, including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and many more.

MORE BROADWAY MUSIC THAN EVER AT EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS The Epcot International Festival of the Arts comes to life Jan. 18-Feb. 25 where guests will indulge in world-class culinary, visual and performance arts.

Art collectors and Disney enthusiasts alike will find artwork for sale throughout the park, from the Art of Disney store to Festival Markets. In addition, special festival merchandise will be available at Mouse Gear and other Epcot locations.

The 2019 festival provides fun every day for the whole family, including performance artists, complimentary seminars, hands-on activities and Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt.

Guests will want to spend the evening around World Showcase Lagoon taking in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” FEEL THE LOVE DURING ‘HAKUNA MATATA TIME DANCE PARTY’ AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM Guests will take a walk on the wild side at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party,” featuring Timon and Rafiki from Disney’s “The Lion King.” The dance party will encourage young adventurers to let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor as a street band plays in a World Beat style.

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week during the festival, providing more opportunities than ever before to hear pairs of Disney on Broadway stars sing favorite tunes from award-winning productions.

The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast” and other hit shows.

The festival will include 13 Food Studios, plus additional creative food and beverages around

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

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Sebastian’s Bistro

It’s Island Time In the “New” Old Port Royale Story and photos by Melissa W. Martino and Al Martino

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here are many truly great resorts in the Walt Disney World complex, and each one has some amazing dining opportunities. If you are visiting in, or near, the “World,” it’s worth a visit to a resort to enjoy some fine fare. We had the occasion to sample some tasty dishes recently at the newest restaurant at the Old Port Royale promenade of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Sebastian’s Bistro, named after everyone’s favorite crab from The Little Mermaid.

As the Disney designers do whenever there’s a restaurant theme made to appeal to adults as well as children, it’s subtle so as to not be too “cutesy.” Sebastian’s decor has warm woods, light tones, wainscoting, comfy chairs, and ambient lighting — Cape Cod homey. Sebastian’s Bistro is located on the dock right on the water affording spectacular sunsets and attractive evening lighting to guests.

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A clever use of fishing bobbers for decor.

Guava-Rita

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he menu is surf n’ turf Caribbean-style, offering salad to steak and everything in between. We started off with a pretty margarita called Guava-Rita, with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Sweetand-Sour, and Guava with Pomegranate and Lime Juices. We’ve tried Wine Flights before, but Sebastian’s also offered a Rum Flight, which was enlightening. A sharable appetizer was Marauders Snack with Tostones, Arepas, and House-made Crackers with Black Bean Hummus, Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo. Another treat was the appetizer duet of Raw Sliced Tuna and Arepa with Chili-Mango Barbeque Sauce. The entree sampler consisted of Jerk Chicken with a dark rum glaze, Caribbean Goat Curry with Lime Crema, and Crispy Sustainable Cobia with mash plantain and escovitch sauce. Though we barely had room for dessert, the Trio of Minis was too delicious to pass up. The Mile Marker Zero is an iced key lime pop with sea salt and a tropical fruit sauce, and the Banoffee Tart is made with banana custard, chocolate ganache, and caramel sauce. The star of the trio was the Warm Chocolate Pudding, with dark chocolate cake, cocoa nibs tuile, and caramel crispies.

Sebastian’s adjacent bar is open to the outside overlooking the pool, and has some clever rope swing sofas to relax and enjoy some music by strolling “pirates.” On your way out (or in) relax on the comfortable sofas in the very inviting “new” Old Port Royale lobby.

For more information on Sebastian’s Bistro, please call (407) 939-5277, or visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Goat Curry and Crispy Sustainable Cobia

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Desert Trio of Minis.

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ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Orlando Area

FROM STAR WARS TO SESAME STREET, ORLANDO WELCOMES NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES AND FANATICS OF ALL AGES. NEW THEME PARK THRILLS Orlando theme parks have experienced unprecedented growth within the past five years, with expansions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Pandora - The World of AVATAR and brand-new waterpark Volcano Bay. The thrills continue in 2019 with brand-new immersive lands, rides and experiences to excite both first-time and return visitors.

The Lego Movie World debuts at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in spring 2019, with three new attractions based on the 2014 film: Unikitty’s Disco Drop, Battle of Bricksburg and The Lego Movie Masters of Flight, a unique 180-degree rotating theater attraction with additional 4D elements such as smells and water sprays.

THRILL RIDES AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS An all-new roller coaster thrill ride is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Replacing what was once the “Dragon Challenge” double coaster, it is expected to be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences that Universal Orlando has ever created.

New family thrill ride, KareKare Curl at SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers riders a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure as they “climb” a vertical wave wall.

The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway,” will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will enter the world of “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies to bring the flat cartoon world to life.

NEW IMMERSIVE LANDS Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opens late-fall 2019. Set on the remote planet Batuu, the area will feature two signature attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, putting guests in the cockpit of the famous space ship, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where an escape from The First Order turns into all-out battle.

A new Sesame Street-themed land at SeaWorld Orlando is scheduled to open in spring 2019. Guests can explore the iconic neighborhood, including the famous 123 stoop, exciting rides, the park’s first-ever parade, beloved characters and interactive experiences.

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Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy,a live show opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in early 2019, will feature beloved characters from the Cars movie series.

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NEW ADVENTURES BEYOND THE PARKS Dezerland Action Park, Orlando’s largest indoor entertainment, events museum complex, will offer 800,000 square feet of family entertainment.

In 2019, the Orlando Auto Museum, one of the largest privately-owned collection of automobilia in the world, will open as part of phase one. The 250,000-square-foot experience will boast over 100 TV and Movie Cars, including dynamic displays of Hollywood Cars, 007 James Bond, Batmobiles, Vespa Scooters, Military and Micro Cars.

Wild Florida is expanding by more than six times its size to add a zipline and drive-through safari, bringing visitors nose-to-snout with giraffes, wild boars and other exotic animals.

include a dining and entertainment district, a 12-acre water park, wellness center, miles of fitness trails and a destination water taxi system.

NEW ENTERTAINING EATERIES From international celebrity chefs to local culinary superstars, Orlando’s food scene continues to reinvent itself, pleasing both distinguished palates and cashconscious families. Orlando is among the top 10 Best Foodie Cities in America, according to Wallethub.com.

Epic Axe Throwing is the first-of-its-kind in Orlando, a rustic “sport” open to anyone over the age of 13.

Guests will have coaches on hand to teach them the art in a safe environment, for a unique new attraction with a competitive “edge.” It opened in late-2018.

NEW RESORTS AND HOTELS Orlando accommodations continue to experience significant growth. By the end of 2019, Orlando is expected to add approximately 6,000 new rooms.

Disney Riviera Resort, the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is expected to open fall 2019 complete with a rooftop restaurant with views of both Epcot’s and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectaculars.

The resort will be part of the new Disney Skyliner gondola line, connecting the hotel along with three other properties to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort will open in summer 2019, the first of two new value hotels that will make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. The hotels, with rates starting at $100 per night, offer guests a more affordable on-site experience while keeping the perks of Early Park Admission and resort-wide transportation.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando is expected to open early 2019. The waterfront destination resort will feature 175 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed vacation homes and 300 timeshare units. The resort will also

TOURISM DISTRICT Disney Springs welcomes The NBA Experience, a state-of-the-art restaurant, complete with interactive games, and City Works Eatery and Pour House, which will serve 80 beers on tap, shareable American favorites and live sporting events broadcasts on high-definition TVs. Pointe Orlando, an outdoor dining and entertainment complex on International Drive, welcomes The Hampton Social, themed after the New York coastal resort region, and Lotus Asia House, serving Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by street food vendors.

The Orlando Forum’s ROCK Dinner Show is a one-of-a-kind, dining and entertainment experience that brings audiences of all ages through a high-energy musical journey of the Kings of Rock and Pop – from Prince to Elvis to Katy Perry. It opened in late-2018.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO AND WINTER PARK From the owners of local favorite and nationally-recognized bakery Se7en Bites, comes Sette, a rustic Italian kitchen offering pastas made from scratch.

The operators of one of Orlando’s most popular vegetarian restaurants, Sanctum Café, are bringing this new concept to Winter Park, Proper & Wild, serving plant-based dishes that focus on modern food trends.

The District GastroBar, a new upscale restaurant and bar, inspired by Orlando’s mid-twentieth century African-American music scene, will feature an open-air patio, beer garden, and a menu with Caribbean flare.

Visitors can get continuous updates on new attractions and planning tips at VisitOrlando.com

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COOLSTUFF

! f l e h s k o o B On The

HUNTING CHARLES MANSON

The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter

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by Lis Wiehl with Caitlin Rother

n the late summer of 1969, the nation was transfixed by a series of gruesome murders in the hills of Los Angeles. Newspapers and television programs detailed the brutal slayings of a beautiful actress as well as a hair stylist, an heiress, a businessman, and other victims. In the weeks and months that followed, law enforcement faced intense pressure to solve crimes that seemed to have no connection. Finally, Charles Manson and members of his “family” were arrested.

The trials that followed once again captured the nation and forever secured Manson as a byword for the evil that men do. Former federal prosecutor Lis Wiehl has written a propulsive, page-turning historical thriller of the crimes and manhunt that mesmerized the nation.

A prominent trial lawyer, Lis Wiehl is also a professor at NY Law School and host on the Law & Crime live trial network.

Caitlin Rother is a NY Times best-selling author or co-author of 12 books, and is a writing and research instructor.

Nelson Books • www.thomasnelson.com

THE LITTLE BOOK OF

by Scott Kim BIG MIND BENDERS

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he Little Book of Big Mind Benders is a cornucopia of spatial puzzles, number challenges, wordplay, visual conundrums, and more. The puzzles are categorized by type but distributed throughout the book in a mixed fashion (i.e., a word puzzle next to a number puzzle next to a visual stumper). Readers can move page by page, working different parts of the brain―or easily find their favorite type of puzzle, going from easy to challenging. Test your knack for patterns with Dot Matrix. Put the pieces together in Assemblies. Deduce the secret word in Letter Swap, or untangle the mangled phrases of Lost in Translation. Plus discover cool twists on Sudoku, far-out ambigrams, Wordezoids, mazes, and number crunches.

Answers are included in the back of the book.

Created by puzzle master Scott Kim―a contributor to Games and Discover magazines―and adapted from the bestselling Amazing Mind Benders Page-A-Day Calendar.Kim designs visual puzzles and games for toys and online.

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Workman Publishing www.workman.com

LUCKY DOG How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life

by Dr. Sarah Boston

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hat happens when a veterinary surgical oncologist (laymen’s term: cancer surgery doctor) thinks she has cancer herself? Enter Sarah Boston: a vet who suspects a suspicious growth in her neck is thyroid cancer. From the moment she uses her husband’s portable ultrasound machine to investigate her lump — he’s a vet, too — it’s clear Lucky Dog is not your typical cancer memoir. She takes us on a hysterical and thought-provoking journey through the human healthcare system from the perspective of an animal doctor. Weaving funny and poignant stories of dogs she’s treated along the way, this is an insightful memoir about what the human medical world can learn from the way we treat our canine counterparts. Lucky Dog teaches us to trust our instincts, be our own advocates, and laugh while we’re doing it.

Dr. Sarah Boston is an associate professor of surgical oncology in the department of small animal clinical sciences at the University of Florida. She is also President of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology. She lives in Gainesville, FL. www.houseofanansi.com

A CHANGE OF FAITH Torn Between Love of God and a Man

by Roger Kazanowski

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s For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, a vote is passed to allow women to enter the seminaries and become priests. In the wake of this religious revolution, aspiring artist John Adams meets and falls in love with Charlotte Kotlinski, a woman whose influence drives him to artistic greatness. But little does he know, Charlotte intends to join the priesthood.

After the first female priests die under suspicious circumstances and Charlotte’s reputation is thrown under scrutiny by a retinue of lawyers, a global conspiracy begins to take shape. A plan is hatched to discover the culprits and save the remaining priests from a grisly fate. Charlotte finds herself torn between her love of God and her love for John, but she may not live long enough to choose.

In addition to holiding many consulting positions, author Roger Kazanowski has participated in numerous Board of Director positions in both for profit and nonprofit charities. He resides between St. Pete Beach, Florida, Union Lake and Petoskey, Michigan.

Independently published, available on Amazon.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Casino/Resort Gaming Scene Tampa SEMINOLE HARD ROCK TAMPA www.seminolehardrocktampa.com Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay Charity Slot Tournament - Jan 31 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa will host a charity slot tournament with a $20 entry fee in the Hard Rock Cafe. 50% of each entry will go to the prize pool and 50% will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. There will be three cash prize winners. The first winner will receive 50% of the prize pool; the second winner will receive 30% of the prize pool; the third winner will receive 20% of the prize pool. All Sweepstakes winners must be present to win. Not a member?

Seminole Wild Card Membership is free to join.

Mo’Nique takes the stage at SLS Las Vegas for her first-ever Strip residency. “Mo’Nique Does Vegas” will perform Thurs, Fri and Sat at 8 p.m., with additional 11 p.m. shows Fri and Sat.

Las Vegas ‘MO’NIQUE DOES VEGAS’ RESIDENCY AT THE SAYERS CLUB AT SLS LAS VEGAS - thru Feb 28 www.slslasvegas.com Academy Award-winning actress and comedian

CELESTIA COMING TO THE STRATOSPHERE Jan 30 www.stratospherehotel.com Celestia, an all-new, international production will

LADY GAGA Enigma + Jazz & Piano S

ix-time GRAMMYAward-winner, Golden Globe Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee superstar entertainer Lady Gaga is enjoying her Las Vegas Residency at Park Theater at the Park MGM resort. Lady Gaga’s Las Vegas Residency consists of two separate shows: LADY GAGA ENIGMA, a brand-new odyssey of her pop hits built as an experience unlike any other in Las Vegas, and LADY GAGA JAZZ & PIANO, where she performs stripped-down versions of her hits alongside music from the Great American Songbook.

PARK MGM

Now thru Feb 2 • May 30 - June 14 • Oct 17 - Nov 8 www.parkmgm.com 98

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make its debut at the Stratosphere. This tour de force of acrobatics, technology, artistry and illusion will perform eight shows a week in a unique 200,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art tent located right on the Las Vegas Strip. Presenting an otherworldly story of love and sacrifice through elite acrobatics and dance, aerial feats, live music, state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated illusion, Celestia brings together a talented troupe of 32 multicultural performers to create an eye-popping, immersive experience.

VDARA HOTEL & SPA DEBUTS NEW CLUB LOUNGE - January www.vdara.com Vdara, the all-suite, non-smoking resort in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, will add to its amenities with the debut of Vdara Club Lounge in January. The Club Lounge is a secluded, well-appointed retreat where guests will have access to a pre-arrival concierge to contact guests prior to arrival to assist with booking restaurant reservations, show tickets or any other needs, and continue to assist guests throughout their Las Vegas visit; delectable bites including a rotating selec-

tion of gourmet options and a selection of grab-and-go items stocked throughout the day; social hour each afternoon from 2 – 4 p.m., featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and select beer and wine; and collaborative work spaces featuring a naturally lit, comfortable and quiet place for guests to work. Vdara Club Lounge will be an included feature for guests of Luxury Suites, City Corner Club Lounge Suites and Studio Fountain View Continued....

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group Earth, Wind & Fire will return to The Venetian Theatre.

Las Vegas Club Lounge Suites, and will be available to all Vdara guests for an additional fee.

LADY ANTEBELLUM ‘OUR KIND OF VEGAS’ RESIDENCY AT THE PEARL IN THE PALMS - Starting Feb 8 www.palms.com As the first Country act to headline the venue, the seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio will combine their chart-topping songs with unparalleled production and multidimensional staging. Lady A will bring Nashville to Sin City with stripped-down performances each night that will often feature the songwriters behind the group’s fan-favorite hits.

THE VENETIAN / PALAZZO NEWS: www.venetian.com CHICAGO RETURNS TO THE VENETIAN - Feb 8-23 - One of the most successful and critically acclaimed rock bands of all time – Chicago – will return to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for an eight-show limited engagement.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE WILL RETURN TO THE VENETIAN - March 20 - 30. Due to popular demand following six sold-out shows in 2018, legendary music

CAESARS PALACE EVENTS www.caesars.com DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES RETURN TO LAS VEGAS FOR SPECIAL LIMITED ENGAGEMENT AT

Thru January 2019

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ue to ongoing ticket demand, Celine Dion has announced additional show dates for her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Celine has performed over 1,000 shows to over 4 million fans at The Colosseum. Her second Las Vegas residency is directed by producer Ken Ehrlich and features her biggest hits mixed with timeless classics including her newest song, “Ashes,” from “Deadpool 2.”

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CAESARS - March 20 - 23. Daryl Hall and John Oates, the number-one selling duo in music history, will return to Las Vegas at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN TO OPEN AT CAESARS PALACE. Lisa Vanderpump and Caesars Palace will partner to open Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, set to debut early 2019. Marrying natural elements with industrial touches, Vanderpump Cocktail Garden will have an indoor patio welcoming guests upon arrival, transporting them to an al fresco-style garden with towering trees and romantic lighting. Inside, the romantic elements continue, including Lisa’s signature touches of pink, with contrasting masculine details. The lounge area will feature booths as well as a full bar that focuses on craft cocktails. Small bites will be available to be shared or paired with libations.

BRITNEY SPEARS TO LAUNCH NEW RESIDENCY AT PARK THEATER - starting in Feb www.parkmgm.com Multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Britney Spears will launch her new residency, “Britney: Domination,” at Park Theater. Britney’s new show will embody her strong, take-charge attitude. Designed to give her fans and concert-goers an immersive experience, this show will bring them closer to the excitement than ever before as they party, dance and sing along to her catalogue of hit songs.

GWEN STEFANI ANNOUNCES NEW SHOW DATES FOR RESIDENCY AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO - Feb - March www.caesars.com/Planet-hollywood

Multi-Platinum recording artist and global icon Gwen Stefani has announced 21 new dates for her headlinContinued....

DIANA ROSS Diamond Diana I

n celebration of her 75th birthday diamond jubilee, international music icon Diana Ross makes her return to Wynn Las Vegas in winter 2019 with her all-new show, “Diamond Diana.”

Following three highly-successful engagements, Ross will present nine performances in her fourth headlining engagement at the Encore Theater.

Ross will celebrate her enduring collection of award-winning songs, brilliant new costumes and timeless memories in this exclusive, self-named powerhouse production at Wynn.

WYNN ENCORE Feb 6 - 23 www.wynnlasvegas.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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WYNN LAS VEGAS EVENTS www.wynnlasvegas.com

Las Vegas ing residency, “Gwen Stefani – Just A Girl” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The eye-popping spectacular celebrates the breadth of the star’s illustrious musical career with fan-favorite hits, including “Hollaback Girl,” “Sweet Escape” and “What You Waiting For.” INTERNATIONAL SENSATION FUERZA BRUTA IS COMING TO THE EXCALIBUR HOTEL & CASINO - starting March 7 www.excalibur.com The dynamic and immersive theatrical production will perform 10 shows weekly in a technologically advanced tent. FUERZA BRUTA delights the senses through music, emotion and kinetic aerial imagery.

With incredible visual effects, FUERZA BRUTA breaks free of the confines of spoken language and theatrical convention to transport audiences to a parallel reality where emotion takes control. At every show, FUERZA BRUTA guests are ushered onto the main stage, where they are surrounded in a 360-degree spectacle with performers demonstrating spectacular feats just inches away.

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KENNY LOGGINS RETURNS March 27-30. Singersongwriter Kenny Loggins will present his iconic hits and storytelling alongside his band. Spanning his multi-

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decade career, Loggins’s creativity and diverse playlist has awarded him 12 platinum albums, two GRAMMYs and the Icon Award, presented by The Guild of Music Supervisors. Performing his Hollywood soundtracks and other fan favorites from his days performing with Jim Messina, Loggins will once again bring the audience to its feet with celebrated hits like “Footloose,” “Danny’s Song,” “I’m Alright,” “House on Pooh Corner” and many more.

SARAH MCLACHLAN SET TO MAKE WYNN LAS VEGAS DEBUT - April. Marking her return to the Las Vegas Strip after more than eight years, McLachlan will perform fan favorites such as “Angel,” “I Will Remember You,” and “Building A Mystery” in an intimate evening with format, accompanied by cellist Vanessa Freebairn-Smith.

DEAL ME IN

with Mark Pilarski

www.markpilarski.com/

Card counting is NOT cheating, but…

Dear Mark: When it comes to blackjack, why is counting cards considered a form of cheating? I look at it as someone who is very good at the game and no different from someone playing poker, like players who are very skilled at bluffing and reading the body language and facial expressions of the others at the table.

Gary When it comes to counting cards, Gary, you don’t need to be a math wiz. All card counting does is establish mathematically the degree to which the as-yetundealt deck favors the dealer, or

THE COSMOPOLITAN NEWS: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com THE COSMOPOLITAN PREMIERES GHOST DONKEY AND RED PLATE - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas expanded its restaurant collection with the introduction of two new venues recently. GHOST DONKEY, a speakeasy-style mezcal and tequila bar, rounds out the offerings at newly-opened Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Featuring an extensive selection of mezcal, Ghost Donkey serves tasting flights alongside specialty crafted cocktails and late-night snacks. RED PLATE, a sophisticated new dining concept, celebrates traditional Chinese cuisine in a refined setting. Helmed by esteemed Chef Yip Cheung, Red Plate honors traditional Chinese techniques and preparations to present an authentic Cantonese menu with hints of modern inspiration.

favors the player. Counting does this by tracking the changing imbalance of big and little cards in a diminishing deck.

Card counters, theoretically, have an advantage of anywhere from 0.5% to 1.5% over the casino. A deck rich with high cards (10, jack, queen, king, ace) favors the player, whereas, an excess of low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), favors the dealer. When that ratio favors the counting player, he/she bets more money; when it favors the dealer, the counter bets less.

Your assertion, Gary, “why is counting cards considered a form of cheating?” is erroneous in that card counting is NOT illegal under federal, state, and local laws in the United States; just so long as the player does not use any external card counting device, or persons, to assist them in counting cards.

In their pursuit to identify card counters, casinos can ban players believed to be counters, sort of. It depends, Gary, on where you are playing.

For instance, in Atlantic City, they will let you take a whack at counting cards, again, sort of.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that players can not be discriminated against because of their playing skills (counting), www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

even if detected. Instead, the casino will employ countermeasures to hinder card counters on the Jersey shore.

They “lawfully” impede a skilled card counting blackjack player by using eight-deck shoes, shuffling at will to thwart bet variance, and instruct the dealers to move the cut card near the top of the shoe on suspected counters.

In Nevada, before you sit down at a blackjack table, you will need to check your brain at the door.

There, laws allow casinos to operate sort-of like a private club, so plan on being asked to leave for using your cerebral matter.

So, Gary, though not “technically” illegal, or cheating for that matter, what a casino in Nevada can do is bar the counter from playing blackjack by backing them of the game. Those who want to play this cat and mouse game to gain a one percent plus advantage should expect a pit boss to come up to them and unsympathetically say, “we appreciate your business, but we are going to ask you to stop playing blackjack here. Feel free to play any of the other table games that we offer.”

Translated, that means go play any other game that has a much higher house edge.

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

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ocated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both — the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Sun Country Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom. The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport.

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

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

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

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 888.640.8973.

21ST ANNUAL GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICS - FEB 13 – MARCH 31. The Gulf Coast Classic Company celebrates its 21st Anniversary of Hunter-Jumper Horse Shows on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Guests of Beau Rivage are invited to celebrate the beauty, grace and power of these competitors during the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, at the Harrison County Equestrian Center. Beau Rivage players are invited to catch all the high-jumping action each week throughout the event.

Grand Prix events take place each Sun beginning at 2 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information go online to gulfcoastclassiccompany.com or contact Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Competition at 228-669-2687.

UPCOMING HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT Jan 18 - Engelbert Humperdinck Feb 1 & 2 - Rodney Carrington Feb 15 - Penn & Teller Feb 22 - George Clinton March 2 - MARIAH CAREY

EVENTS LAP OF LUXURY $250,000 GIVEAWAY - Jan 1 – Feb 23. Guests are invited to enter in Beau Rivage’s Lap of Luxury $250,000 Giveaway in prizes including FREEPLAY, $50,000 jewelry shopping spree including The Jewelry Box and an Infiniti QX50. Guests just need to swipe their M life Rewards card at a designated kiosk on the casino floor on each drawing day from 10 a.m. – 8:50 p.m. Guests get one virtual drawing entry for every 100 Slot Points or table games equivalent. Drawing days are every Sat during the promotion period at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the main casino floor. Must be present to win. Drawing Days: Jan. 5, 12, 19 & 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23.

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

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Protecting Your Collections

ll of us have art, antiques, and collectibles that we have acquired over the years. No matter what family heirlooms we have or what antiques we like to collect, there are few things we should all know about our collections and protecting them. Here are some tips about donations, obtaining insurance, and tax implications.

You want to make a donation? Here are some of the rules for making charitable donations according to the Internal Revenue Service. Before you make decisions about donations or financial matters, it is always wise to consult with a tax professional or accountant. This information should not be used in place of a consultation from a professional financial advisor or other expert in the field of tax preparation, accounting, etc.

TAX DEDUCTIONS You may receive a tax deduction for a donated item’s full value up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. If you donate a collection while you are still alive, you must be sure to make the donation properly. It is a little-known fact but in order to command the biggest tax deduction for your donation, your donation must be for related-use. What’s that? If you are gifting a work of art to an organization that is typically not in the business of displaying art, then your donation may not be considered related-use. So, you cannot get the full benefit for your donation if you donate your art to that charitable organization. But, if you donate your art to an organization or charity that displays art on a regular basis like a museum, then that is related-use and you can expect a higher tax deduction for your donation.

Donations are complex but insurance is pretty straightforward. The deal with insurance for your art, antiques, or collectibles is simple. If something you’ve collected is valuable—based on monetary or sentimental value— then, you’ve got to protect it with insurance. If you don’t insure it and something happens to it, you are out of luck.

I think it is worth paying the premium to protect your valuables.

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INSURANCE How do you get insurance? You need a current appraisal of value for your collection which meets the standards set by the insurance industry. Accordingly, personal property appraisals for art, antiques, and collectibles should be updated every 3-5 years. Insurance coverage should be considered for your valuable collections, fine art, collectible objects, books, antiques, couture, historic documents, jewelry, wines, spirits, etc.

Today, the appraisal process can be started online with a photograph and some basic information or with a video chat conference using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Duo, etc.

INHERITANCE When it comes to inheritance and you are thinking about leaving your collection to an heir like children, grandchildren, or friends, then you need to know this new information. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 offers tax savings and changes to the inheritance laws. The new law doubles the estate tax exemption to $11.2 million for an individual ($22.4 million for a couple) and this will expire in 2025. Check in with your financial advisor and tax professional to see how this may impact your planning.

Seasoned financial advisors tell their clients to collect those objects that are likely to appreciate the most in value. That’s good advice. But, do you know what items are most likely to increase or appreciate in value? History shows us that investing in fine art, antique furniture, historic documents, specialty wines and spirits, and jewelry will bring a good return on investment in most cases. Those types of items have historically maintained their value or increased in value over time. When it comes to protecting your collections, consider donations, insurance, and inheritance wisely.

Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV personality who appears on History channel and Fox Business Network. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year from audiences nationwide, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events. Find out when Dr. Lori is coming to your town at www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.

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COOLSTUFF!

GUARD YOUR ID

Security Rollers, Stamps & Tapes

www.plus-america.com

GARCINIA Liquid Water Enhancer

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o make sure you get your essential vitamins and nutrients each day without the hassle of swallowing large pills or keeping track of endless bottles, BPI Sports’ Liquid Water Enhancers have created a great product to stay hydrated and lose weight. These zero-calorie and zero-sugar liquid supplements give you all the essential nutrients your body needs to help you get through the day. The product is made with Garcinia Cambogia— a native fruit of Asia and Africa scientifically proven to provide fullness.

Recommended 30-60 minutes before each meal.

They are available in four varieties and contain benefits tailored to the specific needs of users. $19.99 suggested retail for 6-pack.

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ew fraud-fighting technology makes it easier to Guard Your ID when disposing of mail and unneeded documents. No more shredders. Guard Your ID security rollers, stamps and tapes will stop thieves in their tracks. These products help keep others from seeing your private and confidential information. Advanced Rollers mask private information on glossy paper and labels. Guard Your ID Stamps cover more information with just one impression. Unique stamp pattern masks the letters where applied. Guard Your ID Camouflage Tape hides complete sentences or just a single letter. They are easier and safer to use than shredders as thieves can reconstruct shredded paper.

Perfect for bills, bank statements, junk mail and more.

GUMMY Vitamin C Slices

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et enough immune-boosting essential vitamins in a fun and tasty way with Rainbow Light Gummy Vitamin C Slices. Naturally fruitflavored gummies offer super boost of vitamin C plus added vitamin E for immune health and added antioxidant protection.

They are all natural; Contains no eggs, fish, gluten, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, or wheat. These gummies help support healthy skin and blood vessels. $12.99 suggested retail for 30 count box.

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www.rainbowlight.com

TUBSHROOM Strainer Hair Catcher

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nlike regular plugs that go over the drain, TubShroom fits inside, neatly collecting hair around it. When it’s time to clean up, simply wipe TubShroom off and go. No harsh chemicals, no more tangled messes. TubShroom is made out of high grade material making it virtually resistant to corrosion and discoloration. This bathtub drain strainer fits any standard 1.5” tub drain and is guaranteed to catch human and pet hair every time. It’s available in five colors: Clean White, Marine Blue, Neutral Gray, Organic Green, and Autumn Orange. It is not for shower stall drains, but ShowerShroom is!

ShowerShroom fits any standard 2” stand-up shower stall drain. And then there’s SinkShroom which fits a typical sink drain of 1.25” in diameter.

SinkShroom will also catch jewelry and other undesired objects before they clog your drain — all without interrupting the flow of water. $12.99 retail.

www.TubShroom.com

BANANA PHONE A phone with appeal!

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eave the seriousness behind with a Banana Phone. This bananashaped, Bluetooth-enabled, mobile handset connects to your smartphone and lets you talk to your loved ones on a banana. Pair your Banana Phone with your smartphone via Bluetooth and start receiving or initiating calls via Siri or OK Google. It has over 10 hours of talk time and 70 hours of idle time and is rechargeable, with a built in lithium battery with micro USB. The Banana Phone also supports a great cause , as it donates 2% of all revenue to support Gorilla Conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. They partner with Gearing Up For Gorillas and The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund and are certified by 1% For The Planet. $39.99 retail www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

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s an iconic spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill is one of the most popular and recognized landmarks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Located at Milepost 176, the mill offers a beautiful scene during all four seasons.

Mabry Mill was originally constructed in 1905 by Ed and Lizzie Mabry. It was in operation by 1908 and was used by many in the region who brought their corn to be ground. The mill had a lack of water power, earning it a reputation as a “slow mill,” but because of this, the mill would not grind too fast or scorch the corn, which resulted in the Mabry’s mill being known for producing some of the finest tasting corn meal in the region. Ed would eventually construct a sawmill and woodworking shop alongside the grist mill, and a number of the tools he used in the shop were powered by the waterwheel. He would also go on to build a nearby blacksmith shop.

Ed Mabry passed away in 1938 and the National Park Service purchased the property from Lizzie. The Park Service completely restored the facility in 1942 and continues to preserve the area as a celebration of the rich culture of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

The mill still stands as a unique symbol of the region’s heritage and has attracted visitors from around the world.

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www.visitroanokeva.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com