Accent On Tampa Bay #186, April 2013

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 25, Issue 186 April, 2013 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Vicki Kolb Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designer Missy Lynn Contributors Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy: War Horse: Straz Rihana - Tour Mgmt Taylor Swift - Tour Mgmt PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

AM PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 20044 St. Petersburg, FL 33742 (727) 577-5500

e-mail - AccentMagazine@aol.com Accent On Tampa Bay™ Digital Magazine is produced monthly by AM Media Group.

Material submitted becomes the property of AM Media Group. All material herein, including ads and artwork is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent from AM Medfia Group. © Accent On Tampa Bay™

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LOCAL FOCUS Let’s Dance Featuring Burn The Floor at Busch Gardens - Thru April 7 Sixteen dancers from around the world heat up the Desert Grill stage when Busch Gardens Tampa Bay presents Let’s Dance featuring Burn the Floor. Set against a fast-paced soundtrack of familiar favorites, the international dance troupe offers a new twist on the Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha cha, Jive, Swing, Mambo and more.

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ORLANDO 321-397-2050

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5th Annual RIDE FOR HOSPICE - April 13-14 Saddle up for a good cause. The Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse is holding its fifth annual Ride for Hospice on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 to benefit Gulfside Regional Hospice. This fun event takes place at Fair Haven Farms, located at 15212 State Road 52. New this year for the event is the overnight camping and bonfire the night before the main trail ride on Sunday. On April 14, the two – to – three hour trail ride begins at 9:45 a.m.

If you do not have a horse, you can still participate at the event where there will be pony rides, petting zoo, wagon rides, nature walk and much more. The trail ride begins at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday; with the other activities beginning at 10 a.m. Children under 16 must wear a helmet, safe riding attire and accompanied by a parent or guardian on the ride. Current negative Coggins test must be presented at the gate to take place in the ride. Registration for the event is available at www.rideforhospice.net

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Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach April 19 - 28

yatt Regency Clearwater Beach is presenting the inaugural Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival. The ten-day event, taking place Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 28, will showcase the destination’s beaches with a 1,000-ton Sugar Sand Walk Exhibition, an artistic walk-through display in a 14,000-square-foot tent, which will be accessible to visitors and the local public for a small admission fee. No-cost event highlights will include Frenchy’s Master Sand Sculpting Competition, sand-sculpting clinics, speed sand demonstrations and Camp Hyatt Sandbox, a 40-foot-by-15-foot, fenced-in children’s play area sponsored by the resort.

Throughout the 10-day event, the resort will have several food and beverage promotions. The resort’s featured Sugar Sand signature drink, the Cool & Refreshing Gulf Coast Orange Crush, will be served all day for $3 per drink at both Skimmers Bar and Swim Bar. Swim will also offer Sugar Sand sunset happy hour specials; starting a half hour before sunset and running until a half hour after sunset, Swim’s sunset happy hour will include two-for-one classic margaritas, sangria and draft beers.

From 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. all week long, festivals goers can enjoy a 20 percent discount off of any food order from the lunch and dinner menus at SHOR and Skimmer’s Lounge by presenting a receipt or wrist band from the event. Families who buy one entrée from Hyatt’s new “For Kids, By Kids” menu will also receive a second children’s menu item free. Lastly for those craving something sweet to end their meal, Sugar Sand Doughnut Bites will be available at both SHOR and Skimmer’s. clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or by calling 1-800-233-1234 with offer code SUGAR.

For more photos of this event, please visit www.ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/TAMPA-BAY-EVENTS/

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Executive Chef Richard Preston

FRENCHY’S BEACHSIDE CHEF’S TABLE April 26-28

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e had the extreme pleasure of being at the inaugural event of Frenchy’s Beachside Chef’s Table presented by the Hyatt Regency Clearwater, as part of the Sugar Sand Festival. In this case “beachside” is very literal. You are actually dining in the beach. Clever sand artisans dug out a table and seating area so diner’s eye level is at beach level. A white cloth covered table top was adorned with Moroccan style lanterns and colorful napkins, while the sand seats had bright orange pillows scattered about. Steel drum music played in the background as waiters brought out delectable courses.

The 5-course dinner was prepared by executive Chef Richard Preston of SHOR American Seafood Grill at the Hyatt. First course was a succulent trio of Local Ceviche, with Grouper, Key West Pink Shrimp & Snapper presented in little crunchy cone-shapes, and paired with a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. The salad course was hand picked Greens, Mango, Avocado, Oranges, Hearts of Palm and a passion Fruit Vinaigrette presented in a hollowed-out avocado shell, and paired with Erath Pinot Gris. Intermezzo was a fabulous homemade Coconut Sorbet served in a half coconut. The evening’s entree was a beautiful and tasty Surf & Turf, with American style Kobe Beef Tenderloin and locally caught Stone Crab on Truffled Mashed Potatoes and Baby Spring Carrots, paired with a Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. The dining experience concluded with a lovely dessert assortment of hand crafted Tropical Macaroons cleverly presented alongside a sample of the food they were made from, and paired with an Inniskillin Ice Wine.

This unique experience costs $200 per person inclusive for a table of eight (which also includes 8 tickets to the Sugar Sand Festival) and continues through April 28. Please call the resort directly at 727-3731234 for information and reservations.

For more photos of this event, please visit

www.ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/ TAMPA-BAY-AREA-DINING

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Gulfport’s 19th annual Springfest - Sat, April 27 Gulfport’s 19th annual Springfest will move to Clymer Park along the Beach Blvd. approach to the City’s historic waterfront district. Springfest will take place on 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The theme of the event is a “Garden, Art and Faerie Festival.” For one day only, the park will be transformed into an “enchanted village” inhabited by costumed faeries, sprites, gnomes, ogres and trolls. Renaissance-era characters, gypsies, minstrels, wizards and roving entertainers in costume will also stroll through the event. All visitors are encouraged to join in the spirit of Springfest by donning wings, faerie-tale finery, Renaissance flair or any imagination-inspired attire. A costume contest will take place to recognize the most colorfully-clad visitors.

The event is free, family and dogfriendly, and open to the public.

Activities and entertainment for all ages will be offered. Live music will be performed throughout the day.

A wide variety of activities and entertainment will include a May pole dance, a labyrinth, magic shows, a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt.

A children’s area will offer many activities including tiara-making, face painting, pixie dusting, bubble blowing, a “faerie fight” and more. Live performances of “Makin’ Larvae,” a short “honey bee love story” by Kenny Silkie will take place during four shows. Vendors will offer live garden plants, garden art, flowers, herbs, Renaissance-period items, clothing, jewelry, art, hand-made crafts and more. Assorted food and drink vendors will be on hand, and an enchanted beer garden will offer adult beverages.

Free parking is available on site and free trolley rides to and from off-site parking will be offered.

Clymer Park - 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. For more information, visit and “like” Springfest on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GulfportSpringfest or call 727-3225217. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FMC Foundation casino night to benefit multiple local charities – Sat, April 27 The Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring is bringing the spirit of Las Vegas and a generous heart to the TPepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa on April 27, 2013.

VIPs, local dignitaries and honored guests will enjoy classic casino-style gaming, an incredible Vegasstyle stage show, heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, signature drinks and valet parking. Casino Night 2013 will be fun and games benefitting the many charities supported by the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring. Funds raised at Casino Night 2013 will support local charities including Layla’s House, Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club and Sunrise Domestic Violence Center as well as many other local non-profits serving children, youth and families in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. RSVPs for the party are requested

by April 6 and can be made (813) 783-9932. www.fmcfoundationofcaring.org/casino-night

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NEW CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES at TAMPA THEATRE April 7 – May 19 Tampa Theatre has been a favorite destination for Bay-area moviegoers for generations. Starting in April, the next generation of young fans will get the chance to see some of their parents’ most beloved childhood films on the big screen, thanks to a new Family Favorites classic movie series.

The Theatre also hopes that offering a discounted kids’ ticket price for this series will appeal to families looking for an affordable weekend outing in downtown Tampa.

COMING UP: The Princess Bride (1987)

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- 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7. This beloved classic fairytale begins with a grandfather reading his favorite book to his hard-to-impress grandson. The story, he promises, has everything. Starring: Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and Mandy Patinkin.

Babe (1995) - 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14. In this touching story of triumph, a shy Yorkshire piglet doesn’t quite know his place in the world until Farmer Hoggett wins him at the county fair. Starring James Cromwell Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) - 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 21. A poor little boy named Charlie wins a ticket to visit the inside of a mysterious and magical chocolate factory with his grandfather. Starring: Peter Ostrum, Gene Wilder.

Annie (1982) - 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.

Annie, a red-haired girl who dreams of life outside her dreary orphanage, is chosen to stay for one week with the famous billionaire “Daddy” Warbucks One week turns into many, and the only person standing in the way of Annie’s dream of a new family is Miss Hannigan, the gin-soaked ruler of the orphanage. Starring: Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett.

The Muppet Movie (1979) 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5. It all began with a rainbow, a song and a Frog.

After a fateful meeting with a big-time talent agent, Kermit the Frog heads for www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Hollywood with his friends Fozzie Bear, the Great Gonzo and the dazzling Miss Piggy to break into showbiz. Starring: Charles Durning, Steve Martin, Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor.

The Neverending Story (1984) - 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12. When young Bastian borrows a mysterious, ornately-bound book, he never dreamed that turning a page would draw him into a shimmering fantasy

world. Starring: Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19. When a meek and alienated little boy finds a stranded extraterrestrial, he has to find the courage to defy the authorities with his sister Gertie and brother Michael to help E.T. find a way back home. Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton. www.TampaTheatre.org

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8th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival – April 18 - 21 On April 18-21, the 8th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival will be held in downtown St. Petersburg and will host an array of events from film screenings to workshops. Sunscreen is proud to announce the new sponsorship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Sunscreen will showcase a number of small, independent films for guests to enjoy as part of the primary attraction. 2013 featured films include: Hecho en Mexico - From Diego Luna and Alejandro Fernandez, to Carla Morrison and Chavela Vargas, Duncan Bridgeman weaves a cinematic tapestry composed of original songs and insights from the most iconic artists and performers of contemporary Mexico.

Girl in Progress - Eva Mendes plays Grace, a single mom. She is too busy juggling work, bills, and the very married Dr. Hartford to give her daughter, Ansiedad, the attention she desperately needs. When Ansiedad’s English teacher, Ms. Armstrong introduces her students to classic coming-of-age stories, Ansiedad is inspired to skip adolescence and jump-start her life without mom.

The Victim - Directed / Staring Michael Biehn (Terminator / Aliens /Tombstone) Annie’s (Jennifer Blanc Biehn) life is in jeopardy after she’s witnessed the horrific rape and murder of her closest friend. Fleeing from two attackers (Ryan Honey, Denny Kirkwood) she stumbles across Kyle (Michael Biehn), a recluse living in the middle of the woods.

Treachery - Exclusive Test Screening thanks to Lionsgate Directed by Travis Romero (CO-Creator / Writer White Collar USA Network) and starring Michael Biehn & Jennifer Blanc.

Moderated Discussion with Director & Cast following screening.

Confine - from Director Tobias Tobbell and co-staring Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy from HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones) Having been facially disfigured, Pippa lives a sheltered life alone in her home which, though attractive, is unmistakably representative of her isolation and solitude. Routine however, soon gives way to uncertain chaos with the arrival of confident crook Kayleigh. (Eliza Bennett).

Silent But Deadly - Directed by Jason Lockhart. Senior citizens are being offed by a masked killer who stalks the halls of the small retirement community in which they live. Staring Dawn Wells, Lee Meriwether, David Proval, Martin Kove, Rip Taylor, Bruce Vilanch, Jerry Douglas and more in this all-star cast comedy bursting at the seems with cameos and quirky throwbacks.

Cordoba Nights - Directed by Andrew & Lucas Campbell. Finn, a pizza delivery boy, picks up a girl with dangerous friends that leads them on a night of trouble. Shot on 16mm, Cordoba Nights is a throw-back to Stranger Than Paradise and other classic early 80’s independent films. For those that appreciate truly independent film, this one is not to be missed. Staring Raymond Turturro, Duan Whitaker, and Joe Estevez.

The Story of Luke - Directed by Alonso Mayo. Sheltered by his grandparents, Luke, a young man with autism, is thrust into a world that doesn’t expect anything from him. But Luke is on a quest for a job and true love. And he isn’t taking no for an answer. Staring Cary Elwes (Princess Bride, Saw, Liar Liar), Seth Green (Family Guy, Robot Chicken, Austin Powers), and HBO’s TrueBlood’s Kristen Bauer van Straten.

Good Men - Directed by Brian Connors (short). A drama about two elderly Jewish friends who argue over the controversial circumstances surrounding 9/11. Staring film legends Ed Asner (UP/ Mary Tyler Moore Show) and Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond / The Cowboys) Surviving Mommie Dearest - Directed by Christina Crawford. A documentary based on the best-selling book of the same name. The documentary features long forgotten home movies and historical photos of both Joan and Christina Crawford. Throughout her long career, Ms. Crawford has turned the issue of family violence into public awareness.

All theater locations will be located in Muvico Baywalk 20 in Downtown St. Petersburg. For Festival VIP passes, workshop schedules and other information, visit www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Artists & Artisans Series To Benefit Abilities Foundation - Sat, April 20 The Abilities Foundation is presenting “Painter of Dreams – Milton Rochman” – a reception for the Artists and Artisans series benefiting job placement services for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan on Saturday, April 20, at Image Creations of Florida. “Painter of Dreams is a celebration of artists who refuse to let physical limitations stand in the way of productive and prolific careers,” said Frank De Lucia, president and CEO of the Abilities Foundation.

Milton Rochman is a disabled veteran with multiple handicaps. His paintings radiate color, with bright energy that lifts the spirit and fills the atmosphere with joy. His large canvases have the power of emotional resonance; they are strong in composition and remarkable in their lively color palette. His paintings are symbolic but also deeply personal, in a style that is distinctly his own.

Outside under the stars there will be live music, a performance by disabled musician Toney Hall. Artists will be painting live, including Lauren Smith (L. Smith) who created the Bluesfest artwork in 2012 and again will do it in 2013. The evening includes food, drinks, live music, live painting, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation and its support of injured returning military veterans. RSVP to Lisa Johnson at 727-600-8911 or ejohnson@abilities.org. The reception is from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Image Creations of Florida, 3025 44th Avenue, N, St. Petersburg.

PAINTING IN THE PARK - Sun, April 28 Unleash your inner Monet. Outside. Inspiration abounds at this free annual art “happening.” Explore unique methods of painting with hands-on activities for everyone, including GiantBox Painting, Kite-Flying, Tricycle Mural, and more. 1-4 p.m., North Lawn, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667 www.fine-arts.org

HISTORIC TAMPA THEATRE CELEBRATES NEW CHAPTER WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY - Tues, April 30 Tampa Theatre’s long-awaited digital cinema upgrades will be in place and fully operational soon, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the 86-year-old movie palace’s story. The Theatre will celebrate the public debut of the new equipment at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 with a screening of the visually stunning film SAMSARA, which will be free and open to the public. Immediately before the film, Tampa Theatre President and CEO John Bell will share the details of the new digital cinema upgrades, which include: Major renovations to the projection booth, including the installation of new temperature and humidity control systems; A new Christie CP-2220 Digital Cinema projector, along with servers, processors and other components designed to provide the best possible viewing experience; A full speaker array behind the screen, installed using lasers to precisely direct clean, crisp and full sound to every seat in the house; A custom-designed input panel to make using Tampa Theatre’s new technology easy for film festivals, corporate meetings and community groups.

About SAMSARA: Filmed over five years in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA is a new, non-verbal documentary from filmmakers Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, the creators of BARAKA. SAMSARA was shot on 70mm film and scanned to digital, making its high-definition imagery perfect for showcasing the improvements that Digital Cinema brings to Tampa Theatre.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. www.TampaTheatre.org 18

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Dunedin Life & Light Lantern Festival - Sun, April 28 The Dunedin Harvest Food & Garden Co-op in partnership with downtown Dunedin restaurants; Casa Tina’s Mexican Restaurant and Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza will be holding the Dunedin Life & Light Lantern Festival the weekend of Sunday, April 28, 2013. This community art event is a fundraiser for the Planting SeedsWorkshop Series and the 1% Food Project.

The Life & Light Lantern Festival is a community celebration of all life. The festival will include free Lantern Making Workshops held all day Sunday in downtown Dunedin’s Pioneer Park. The workshops will be surrounded by Live Music and Entertainment along with free Gardening and Sustainability information. Workshop participants get to keep and take their lanterns home. This is a family friendly event, geared towards kids.

Profits from ALL Meals, Drinks and Merchandise sales at Casa Tina’s Mexican Restaurant, Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza, Sweet Pea’s Café and food in the park (provided by Serendipity Café) will be donated to fund the Planting Seeds Workshop Series and the 1% Food Project.

On Sunday at 8:00 PM Join the LIFE & LIGHT LANTERN LIGHTING CEREMONY. Event attendees & organizers will light up the downtown park with a drumming for life and lighting of the lanterns ceremony. Everyone will light up their newly made, glowing lanterns.

Planting Seeds is a free Organic Gardening Workshop series offered to the general public. The workshops provide free ongoing education to local residents with topics including Florida Vegetable Gardening and other Sustainable Living practices.

The Dunedin 1% Food Project is a community organized sustainable living initiative. The goal of the project is to encourage 1% of all households in Dunedin to pledge a small part of their land and their time to grow food. Growing food brings health, vitality and food security to individuals and our community.

More event details will be posted at www.dunedinharvest.com

Rays game watching parties on the beach at the TradeWinds - April 28 thru Sept 27 TradeWinds Island Resorts are inviting baseball fans to head out to St. Pete Beach for fun-filled, family-friendly game watching parties all season long. This year, the action takes place at Guy Harvey Outpost. The games will be broadcast on a huge screen directly on the beach and Rays Radio will broadcast live. Rays announcer Rusty Kath and the Rays Street Team will also be on-hand with fun giveaways. Food and beverages including cookout items and buckets of beer will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed, but fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Slide passes will also be available for $15 (normally $37).

These events are free and open to the public.

Guy Harvey Outpost is located at 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach.

Beginning at noon, $10 parking will be available at the Guy Harvey Outpost and at the neighboring Island Grand (while available - discounted from normal $20). For additional information, call (727) 367-6461, or visit www.JustLetGo.com/Rays 20

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For size comparison, Melissa stands next to megalodon jaws. The jaws are reproductions, but the teeth are real.

SEA MONSTERS REVEALED at MOSI thru Sept 2

Do sea monsters exist? Find out at MOSI’s new exhibit of plastinated sea creatures. These fascinating animals are all authentic, created with a polymer preservation technique, enabling us to see them outside and in. Eighteen full body creatures are on display, along with more than 150 organs and smaller specimens. You can see a 6’ wide manta ray, a 15’ mako shark, giant squid, and 18’ whale shark. There are hands-on displays for children and adults alike. For more information, visit www.MOSI.org

SHARK!!

Ocean Sunfish. Heaviest bony fish in the ocean. Can grow to 10’ in diameter.

Conger eel can grow to 10’ in length.

A lot of displays of smaller creatures.

Interactive displays will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Coffee lovers will love Wawa’s coffee selections, and their hot and cold coffee concoctions.

Giant squid incased in polymer. Eyes of this creature are the largest in the animal kingdom. It can snatch prey up to 33 feet away with it’s tenticles.

For more photos of this event, please visit www.ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/TAMPA-BAY-EVENTS/ 22

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UPCOMING EVENTS DAILY ACTIVITIES AT THE PIER - CHECK IT OUT Check it out! You can come to The Pier during the day to shop, dine and explore and enjoy the following events every day, depending on what YOU like to do.

Tuesday: Yappy Hour is still held from 6-9PM with water provided for your furry friends at Jonny Reno’s. Reno’s is looking for some “stupid dog tricks” to entertain the guests, as well.

Wednesday: Wednesday night is “Open Mic” at Jonny Reno’s. Hang out with your friends and bring your OWN talent!

Thursday: The Mad Dog Club joins us on Thursdays for the Renegade Run - starting at 7PM - running from Jonny Reno’s into downtown - on the sidwalks - and then back for refreshments.

There is always live music at Cha Cha Coconuts and Jonny Reno’s - Thursdays through Sundays and The Pier’s Music Fest by the Bay is held on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 p.m., feauturing a different live band every week!

BOOK NOOK - April 6 The Book Nook is free to members, children six and under and those who have purchased an aquarium admission. Book Nook Schedule: 10:30 am-noon; 10:30 am - Fresh Fish Theater Craft Activity and talk; 11:15am - Book Reading, Craft Activity and Talk.

Big Night Out - April 7 Big Night Out is a dance band from Sarasota who perform Latin, Caribbean, Funk and Motown dance

line up includes many of Sarasota and Tampa’s finest musicians.

Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team - April 13 The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team will perform at The Pier on Saturday, April 13th at noon and 2PM on the north side of The Pier. Water Ski Shows were part of the history at The Pier back in the 50’s, and we have re-created them to be a part of our list of events for the last three months of our being open.

Allon Sams - April 14 Incredible local keyboard artist in the smooth jazz gengre of music, Allon Sams has performed at The Pier many times over the years and we are pleased to have him here for our April 14th Music Fest by the Bay from 1-4PM. Double M Band - April 21 “Rich piano, keyboard synthesizer sounds, sweeping filters, bass and beat, coupled with the soul of the vocals and lyrics ... Double M Band ... performs live with high energy and favorable audience reception, time and again. Composed and arranged with live performance in mind: they are performers as well as musicians!” — Gazette Tampa Bay

music. The band performs for concerts, festivals, night clubs, weddings, private functions and all big nights out. Hear some rockin’ horns, a pulsating conga and great Bi-lingual female vocals. They have become one of southwest Florida’s most exciting new dance bands on the scene. The band’s

Robert Harris Group - April 28 A nicer bunch of guys is hard to find! The Robert Harris Group, from Orlando, is a great addition to The Pier’s line-up of musicians for the Music Fest by the Bay. Listen to their jazz and R&B sounds from 1-4 PM.

Pier - 800 2nd Avenue NE, 33701; www.stpetepier.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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nly one out of every 100,000 cars on the road is a Jaguar, and I had the pleasure of driving several of them recently when the Jaguar ALIVE Driving Experience came to St. Petersburg. I have been a Jag fan since 1961 when the XKE — the most beautful car every created — was born.

Don’t just listen to me, the XKE is in the Museum of Modern Art as such. But fast forward to 2013, and Jaguar is still creating beautiful machines.

In this driving experience, participants ride with professional racecar drivers who let them experience Jaguar’s high performance vehicles and teach them about safe performance driving, including accident avoidance, handling, braking, and acceleration, in simulated driving courses. The models we got to drive were: XJ - Supercharged, Supersport and the All-Wheel Drive model; XFR sports sedan and the all-new, All-Wheel Drive model; and the XK / XKR-S. The Jag is a tight, solid ride, yet comfortable, and handles really well under any driving condition.

To find out if/when a Jaguar ALIVE Driving Experience is coming to a town near you, visit www.jaguarusa.com/

Lorraine McKiniry, host of the TV show “What’s My Car Worth?” explains the different features of Jaguar models.

Jaguar XJ Dashboard with virtual instruments.

Stunning privately owned 1966 Gold XKE on display in the showroom. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Weedon Island Preserve Weedon Island Preserve is an ecologically important reserve with a highly informative and beautifully designed interpretive Cultural and Natural History Center. Their musuem exhibit focuses on Florida Native American history and artifacts. In the preserve visitors can enjoy 4.54 miles of hiking and nature trails that meander through mangrove forest and seagrass flats,

where one can spot wading birds, manatee and various fish species. Almost two miles of the trails are handicap accessible

through the Cultural Center.

The Weedon Island Preserve VIVA LA MUSICA April 14 - Center’s May 5hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 4:00 iva la Música features food, drink, music and fun for the entire family, bringing together liveAM salsa andPM. merenFor more information on gue performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic arts and crafts, and regional Latin cuisine.

Weedon Island, visit www.weeJoin the fiesta from April 14 through May The festival at 12 p.m. donislandcenter.org with 5.boardwalk or begins concrete.

Every Concerts include Ednita Nazario, Oscar D’Leon, Quesada and El Gran Combo. begin at 3 p.m.

For moreConcerts Weedon Island photos, visit Saturday guidedMilly Hikes of Weedon Island AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Event on Gwazi Field. are conducted by volunteers. (Pre-regPhoto Gallery, click on Tampa Bay istration is required at (727) 453-6506.) www.BuschGardens.com Attractions.

Guided canoe trips are also offered

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OUTDOOR MARKETS & EVENTS

ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET Located in Al Lang Stadium parking lot (Progress energy Park), Hours: 9 am - 2 pm. A wide variety fresh food, plants and crafts including: locally grown fresh produce and herbs.

Wide selection of regular & organic fruits and vegetables; Prepared Foods such as BBQ Turkey, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, fruit smoothies; Plants, Flowers, Fresh Herbs; Hand-crafted House wares & Gifts. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

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

FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS Downtown Channel District Every 3rd Thursday of the month is Gourmet Food Truck fun, independent short flicks (10-15 minutes each) and some micro-brews and live music too.

Expect to find 10-15 gourmet food trucks offering everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites, there is something for everyone. Join in for some all out outside food fun. the Grand Central at Kennedy, 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., 33602. 6 - 10 pm. www.tampabaymarkets.com/flicks-and-food-trucks

4th FRIDAY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Hours: 5-9 pm. Live entertainment, local artists and crafters and a variety of snack food vendors. Buskers and street performers. Corey Avenue is the Heart of Downtown St. Pete Beach. Discover the unique stores, specialty shops, the theater, restaurants, art galleries, clothing stores, imaginative gift shops, craft and hobby shopping, beachwear shops, and more. Visit by car or trolley. Free Parking and admission. www.CoreyAve.com

HYDE PARK VILLAGE - LOCAL FOOD, HAND CRAFTS & LIVE MUSIC - 1st Sunday Of The Month Hours: 10am - 3pm. 100+ vendors selling fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. Conventional and hydroponic produce, homemade take home foods such as breads, pastries, gluten free items, pies, prepared entrees, sandwiches, ethnic specialties; handcrafts, eco friendly products & fair trade items. 1621 West Snow Circle, Tampa, FL 33606; www.hydeparkvillage.net/

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Tuesday. Over 50 vendors are present offering a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, seafood, Florida beef, and desserts.

Also hand-made items, jewelry, art work and more. Live music. www.gulfportma.com

WESTCHASE TOWN CENTER FRESH MARKET - 2nd Saturday, Oct thru May Hours: 10am - 2pm. 60+ vendors located on the grassy lawn near Maloney’s Restaurant at 9622 West Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, 36626. Local, organic, hydroponic and conventional produce, florida plants, herbs, flowers, organic food/supplies, locally made jams, jellies, salsa, dips, seasonings, sauces and oils, local artists, live Music, bounce house and face painting. www.tampabaymarkets.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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EXHIBITS Windows to Our Wildest Place: These permanent, hands-on educational exhibits help visitors understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center.

Connecting People and Place: This is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.

ing a community garden. Resources will be provided. 6 to 7 p.m. Free, advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension.

April 4 Salty Topics – Citizens and Scientists Investigating Tarpon: Join Dr. Kathy Guindon, of Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, for the spring 2013 Marine Science speaker series at Weedon Island as she describes the recent findings from the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study. Free.

APRIL APRIL 2 Florida-Friendly Garden Tours: Enjoy a stroll through our garden of Florida-native and Florida-friendly plants.

Learn how to incorporate some of these plants in home landscapes and observe how the same plants can survive under different light and water conditions. Tours are limited to adult groups of four to10 people and recommended for adults. Tours are from 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension.

April 3 Botany Hike: Join a Brooker Creek Naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the preserve while identifying wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. Best suited for adult participants. Come with your camera. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Going Coastal: Coral Reef Classroom: North America’s only living coral barrier reef, lies just a five hour drive from Pinellas County in the Florida Keys. This unique national treasure houses a diversity of animal and plant life. Learn about this unique ecosystem. Free. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Weedon Island Preserve.

Community Garden Forum: Join in this workshop about the steps in start28

6:45 to 8 p.m. Weedon Island Preserve.

April 4, 11, 14, 18, 25 Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

April 6 Wildlife Safari: This fun and educational adventure is designed for www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

children 4 through 12 years old. The children begin with a blank Wildlife Passport. As youngsters walk along a one-mile loop of adventure with live owls, snakes, baby raccoons and turkey chicks, they visit wildlife stations and have their passport stamped. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost of $5 per child is due at the event. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

Garden like a Floridian: Horticultural experts will demonstrate how to design and maintain a water-thrifty, low-maintenance yard that will save time and money. Weedon Island Preserve.

Brooker Book Club: Geared toward adults, the book list includes works by Florida authors, past and present, with archeology, biography, politics and history storylines. The book selected for discussion in April is The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Advance registration is required as seating is limited.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; Brooker Creek Preserve.

Dog Training: Learn the basics of dog training in a seminar for all who have adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services or other shelters in the county. No dogs at the class please. 10 a.m. Free. Pinellas County Animal Services.

Owls, Owls, Owls: Join Barbara Walker from Clearwater Audobon as she “shows and tells” all about owls. This program will include live animals and is great for the whole family. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

April 6, 13, 20, 27 Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

April 10, 27

Guided Photography Hike: Local photographers and master naturalists Karl and Kathleen Nichter highlight the seasonal features that help participants capture the natural beauty of the preserve, then hike the boardwalk and trails looking for those shots that reflect the season. Recommended for adults and children 12 and older. 8:30 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

April 11, 25 Wee-Time at Weedon: This program is designed to introduce preschool children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration requested. Weedon Island Preserve.

Easy Yard Maintenance for the Lazy Gardener: Learn easy steps to achieve a low maintenance yard that is attractive, healthy and a money saver.

Palm Harbor Library.

April 11 Vegetable, Herb and Tropical Fruit Garden Tours at Florida Botanical Gardens: Learn about growing food and marvel at the array of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs, trees and flowers. 9 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension.

April 12 Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while assisting in compiling an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

April 13 Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this hike to identify common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve.‑ Your Green Home – It is Easier Than You Think: Learn ways to make your home more resource efficient, and cost less to operate. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

Archaeology Works: See how archaeological flotation works and how archaeologists recover tiny seeds, bits of charcoal, wee animal bone fragments and other small pieces of things people long ago left behind. Recom-

mended for all ages. 10 a.m. to noon.

Free; advance registration required.

Weedon Island Preserve.

April 16 Florida-Friendly Garden Tours : Enjoy a stroll through a garden of Florida-native and Florida-friendly plants.

Learn how to incorporate some of these plants in home landscapes. Tours are from 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension.

April 17 Flipping for Dolphins: Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff at Weedon Island Preserve to learn about their work with their four resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Recommended for all ages. 10 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

Fun-Time Forestry Hike: Join a local natural resources agent and hike along two miles of boardwalks and natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve.

Come with binoculars and cameras. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

April 18 Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping – The Basics of Landscape Design, Rainwater Harvesting and Composting. 6 to 8:15 p.m. Free, advance registration required. Hale Activity Center.

April 20 Walk for Wildlife: Enjoy the beautiful, peaceful hiking trails of Brooker Creek Preserve and help the wildlife while hiking. This fundraiser is open to everyone. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 934-2680; www. brookercreekpreserve.org.

Photography Hike: This hike is a perfect opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. 8 to 10 a.m.

Free; advance registration required.

Weedon Island Preserve.

Chickens 101: This workshop is on the fundamentals of raising chickens.

8:30 a.m. to noon. $10 per family; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

April 21 An Enlightening Account of Early Tourism: The Travels and Diary of Abbie M. Brooks, Florida’s ‘Silvia Sunshine’: Ms. Dara Vance, artist and educator, will present the first-person account of Abbie M. Brooks who witwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

nessed folkways and traditions in Florida, the least developed state of the former Confederacy. Free; 2 to 4 p.m. in the Pinellas Room at Heritage Village.

April 24 People and the Environment: Enjoy this Weedon Island Preserve hike to learn and discuss ways native people utilized nature’s raw materials from the uplands to the wetlands and coastal environment. 2 to 4 p.m. Free; advance registration requested. Weedon Island Preserve.

April 27 Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes on this 0.75-mile walk.

Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older.

9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Wildflower Garden Club: Get those gardening hands dirty in this wildflower garden. Bring your garden gloves and hat. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

LOCATION INFO...

Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. (727) 5822100; www.flbg.org Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. (727) 5521862; www.pinellascounty.org/park Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 582-2108;http:// gardenclass-eorg.eventbrite.com Heritage Village, 11909 125 St. N., Largo. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. (727) 5822603 Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2600; www.pinellascounty.org/ animalservices.

Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2109 Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

(727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org 29

STRAZ 2013 BROADWAY SEASON

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HE STRAZ SEASON with Priscilla Queen of the Desert’s “I Will Survive”, the poignant and spectacular drama War Horse, American Idiot, and the all-dancing celebration of the Gershwins in ’S Wonderful.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert - April 9-14. This spectacular show tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. An international hit with over 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony Award-winning costumes, PRISCILLA features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally” and “I Will Survive.” The Hollywood Reporter calls PRISCILLA “funny and fabulous! Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!” For mature audiences (16 years and older).

WAR HORSE - April 30 May 5. A heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, and winner of FIVE 2011 Tony Awards, WAR HORSE tells the story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey.

When Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France, he is soon caught up in enemy fire, and

fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

Coming Up: American Idiot - May 17 - 19.

AND THERE’S MORE in APRIL... ’S Wonderful - thru - April 28, is an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin. ’S Wonderful pays a nostalgic tribute to their incomparable songbook, featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Shall We Dance,” “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Much Ado About Nothing - thru April 7. One of the most popular and charming of Shakespeare’s comedies.

Lewis Black: The Rant Is Due - April 18.

Black’s insights and love/hate relationship with America are brilliantly expressed in his concerts and TV appearances worldwide.

Experience The Beatles with RAIN April 27. Experience what Beatlemania was all about. From Ed Sullivan to abbey road – RAIN looks and sounds just like The Beatles.

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

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Photo by Joan Marcus

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WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN (A CHEF’S FABLE) - March 22 - April 21 A hauntingly lyrical memory play about an old man once a superb chef - and the young reporter who comes to interview him in the prison…where he has been locked up for a mysterious act. WHEN THE WORLD WAS GREEN is steeped in the elliptical, poetic style for which Shepard is justly celebrated. Though it is sketched in a world of sensual delight, of great journeys to distant lands, and exotic food “piled as high as a mountain, glistening in the sun”, the beauty of Shepard’s landscape is only skin-deep.

Under the surface lies a family vendetta that has lasted for seven generations.

A tender story of regret and loss through which these two unique characters transcend their memories and reach mutual forgiveness and love.

THE AMISH PROJECT - April 12 - May 12

by Jessica Dickey. Starring Katherine Michelle Tanner. “Leaves you breathless. It happens very rarely. But there are times when you leave a theater fervently hoping no one will try to engage you in small talk and break the spell that has just been so magically cast. This certainly was the case as I left The Amish Project” -Chicago Sun-Times.

October 2, 2006 was a day that shocked the world when an Amish community in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania displayed unprecedented forgiveness and compassion. The sensation at the New York International Fringe Festival, The Amish Project is an unforgettable tour-de-force about the mystical world of the Amish and the ultimate limits of forgiveness.

American Stage is located at 163 Third Street North, St. Petersburg. 727-823-PLAY. www.americanstage.org/

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

m p -7 m a 9 r u h -T n o M Fri-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-3pm

UpComing

Thru Apr 21

Apr 26 - Ju ne 9

Dinner & Show $49.50 + tax • Show Only $38.45 + tax

www.showpalace.net www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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2013 SEASON THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB – April 19 - May 5. The show follows five college girlfriends over 33 years as they reconnect each summer at a beach house in North Carolina. In the hands of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten (Golden Girls) it’s a non-stop rapid fire outrageous adventure celebrating marriage, children, career, divorce and all the mayhem life can dish out in between with a little hurricane thrown in for fun.

Hope Wooten Jones writes collectively and has the reputation of being the three most popular playwrights in the country. They have dedicated themselves to writing about the Southern side of life. And The Dixie Swim Club joins Dearly Departed and The Red Velvet Cake War amongst they’re very funniest delights. It’s fast, smart and witty; a show with heart that will have you walking away with a smile and the feeling of sand between your toes.

DOUBT - May 31 – June 17. Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize story and Tony award winning play.

Suspicion is cast on a priest’s behavior in a captivatingly nuanced story that balances all sides. This passionate, evocative yet subtle show will keep you riveted to your seat.

SP City Theatre, 4025 31st St So, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973. www.splt.org/

GIs OF COMEDY April 28 The GIs of Comedy bring together some of America’s funniest standup comedians, who all share one thing in common: Their service to our country. Every comic on this tour has served or is still serving in one of the United States’ Armed Forces. Veterans of the stage and the combat zone, these comedians have turned their experiences on the battlefield and on “the road” into humor for both service members and civilians. Not only can they make the most

dangerous situations funny, they can make ANYTHING funny.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 32

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www.Sidesplitterscomedy.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT - Thru April 21 The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased

by Potiphar where thwarting advances from Potiphar’s wife lands him in jail. When news of Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (wryly and riotously depicted as Elvis), Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.

Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson.

1-888-655-7469. www.showpalace.net

The Runner Stumbles - April 19 - May 5 A young nun has died under mysterious circumstances and her superior, Father Rivard, has been charged with her murder. Action alternates between interrogations, testimony and scenes from the past which reveal that Father Rivard fell in 34

love with Sister Rita; and when circumstances forced her to move into the rectory with him, his anguish became unbearable. Their relationship spelt tragedy, but not until the explosive and surprising climax of the play is their sacrifice made clear and the identity of the murderer revealed.

The Boys in the Band, - June 7 - 23 In an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, six of Harold’s closest friends are throwing him a birthday party. One of Harold’s presents is “Cowboy”, an attractive but obviously unintelligent male prostitute, since Harold, increasingly morose about losing his youthful looks, claims he no longer can attract cute young men. The play - both comedy and tragedy - explores the issues of gay culture in America society.

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

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Forbidden Broadway - May 3 - 12 In this long-running Off-Broadway hit musical revue, Broadway’s greatest musical legends meet Broadway’s greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre’s greatest shows, stars and songwriters. It’s time to revisit, and laugh with some of your favorite shows: Annie (“I’m 30 Years Old, Tomorrow”), Hairspray (“You Can’t Stop the Camp”), West Side Story (“Chita/Rita America”), A Chorus Line (“What I Did For Laughs”), Les Misérables (“On My Phone”) and more. It’s the greatest, it’s the funniest and it’s the hottest celebration in town.

Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini. Director & Choreographer- James Grenelle. Music Director - Emi Stefanov. CAST: Sadra Bostick, Amy Dobbert, Jonathan Pouliot, and Joey Sarlo.

Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo Florida. 727-587-6793. www.eightoclocktheatre.com

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Early Bird Dinner Theatre Murder Among Friends Thru April 28

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roadway star Palmer Forrester and his wife, Angela, one of the richest young women in the country, are finding their marriage less than it might be. That’s why Angela and Palmer’s young agent, Ted, plan to murder the unsuspecting Palmer, leaving them free to marry.

Their plan is foolproof. With the aid of a hit man posing as

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a burglar, their agenda is detailed down to the second. They even have witnesses to keep suspicion from falling on them. Jack Cassidy is a matinee idol; Janet, his wife, is having an affair with his agent.

The agent is secretly Jack’s lover. The husband & wife are both plotting with the agent to murder each other.

200 South McMullen-Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL. 446-5898; www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com

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OF MICE AND MEN - May 2 - 19

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timeless American classic, this gripping John Steinbeck masterpiece is set in the desperate world of the Great Depression. It is a compelling tale of friendship and

survival. Two lonely migrant workers dream of a place of their own but the dream is shattered in one searing, tragic moment. An extraordinary tale of love, loyalty and the power of hope. May 2-19, 2013 Thursday – Saturday 8:00 PM Sunday 3:00 PM.

How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents June 20 - July 7

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aren Zacarias based on the acclaimed novel

by Julia Alvarez. Spanning more than 30 years in the lives of four sisters, the story begins with their adult lives in the U.S. and ends with their childhood in war-torn Dominican Republic. The play deals with the hardships

Bad Love - April 7-8

The Studio@620 presents “Bad Love,” a series of six quirky monologues about the one thing that never seems to go right: LOVE. Written by James Rayfield, Directed by Lisa Powers and featuring some local theatrical talent: Susan Alexander, Bonnie Agan, John Huls, Chris Jackson, David O’Hara, and Lulu Picart.

James Rayfield is the author of “Chatterbox Club” and “Eugene Oregon and the Best Sandwich” which were broadcast on the Radio Theatre Project from Studio@620. Only two performances are scheduled on Sunday and Monday April 7-8, 2013 at 7:00 PM..

The Studio@620, 620 1st Ave. So., St. Petersburg FL 33701; 727-895-6620. www.studio620.org/ 38

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of immigration, painting a vivid picture of the struggle to assimilate, the sense of displacement, and the confusion of identity. A beautiful portrait of a close-knit, hard-working family that acknowledges the importance of both laughter and loss. A book club favorite, bursting with music, compassion, and vivacity.

Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa FL 33602; 813-251-8984. www.stageworkstheatre.org

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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American Stage in the Park THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE April 26 - May 5 American Stage Theatre Company opens the 28th annual American Stage in the Park with the musical production of The 25Th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. The 25Th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show’s Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time. Plus, selected audience members will take part with the onstage fun during each performance. www.americanstage.org

JOHN & JEN - May 3 - 26 John & Jen features lyrics by Tom Greenwald, music by Andrew Lippa, book by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald.

Jen and her younger brother John are growing up in the everchanging world of mid-century

America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship. This is a funny, charming, and compassionate musical about brothers, sisters, parents, and children, and the ways in which the tides of generations effect each other in unexpected ways.

For more information (727) 4985205; www.freefalltheatre.com

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS April 26 - May 5

“Over the River and Through the Woods,” By Joe Die Pietro, will be presented April 26 May 5, 2013 at Venue Theatre in Pinelleas Park.

This hilarious family comedy, by the author of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” follows Nick who tries to tell his doting Grandparents that he is moving to pursue his life away from “home.”

A hilarious family comedy that is even funnier than his long-running musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. —BackStage.

Performances will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2:30pm. Reservations are necessary, please call the theatre at 727-822-6194 or by email at venueactorstudio@gmail.com Venue Theatre and Actors Studio is located at 9125 US Hwy 19 N, in the Hudson’s Furniture Plaza at Mainlands Blvd in Pinellas Park. Call 727-8226194 for reservations and more information. www.venueactorstudio.org/

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S T R E C N HOT CO

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM TAYLOR SWIFT The Red Tour with Special Guest Ed Sheeran - Sat, April 20

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aylor’s RED Tour is set to be one of the most-anticipated musical events of 2013, as her live shows are renowned worldwide for bringing her music to life with what Variety has dubbed “supreme spectacle” and Billboard has hailed as an “overwhelming experience…that blended the pacing, the music and the artist’s personality in a way that transfixed.” During the course of every show, Taylor plays a variety of instruments and performs her biggest hits and fan favorites from her four Big Machine Records albums.

Taylor Swift is a six-time GRAMMY winner, and is the youngest winner in history of the music industry’s highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Her fourth studio album, RED, was just released this week, and is already garnering widespread critical acclaim and setting new sales records. Her 2010 album, Speak Now, was lauded on Rolling Stone’s prestigious “The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time” (by women) list, and Time magazine has named Taylor one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Two-time BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has become one of the biggest musical success stories in the UK over the past year and is already a fast-rising star in the U.S. For additional information, visit: www.LiveNation.com

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TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM Rihanna Diamonds World Tour with Special Guest

A$AP Rocky - Fri, April 19

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s the recipient of six Grammy Awards, Rihanna has sold over 37 million albums and 146 million digital tracks worldwide. She currently holds the record for top-selling digital artist of all time. In 2012, Forbes crowned Rihanna as the #1 social networking superstar with more than 60 million fans on Facebook and 25 million followers on Twitter in addition to owning over 2.7 billion views on YouTube/VEVO – the most for any female artist.

Rihanna’s impressive catalogue of hits includes eleven #1 singles, including “We Found Love” which spent ten weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, eighteen #1 singles on the Billboard Dance Club Song Charts, and 22 top 10 singles.For additional information, visit: www.LiveNation.com

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tampa bay times forum

Fri, April 26

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8ROCK, Tampa Bay’s Rock Station, unveiled a line-up for 98ROCKFEST that will rock Tampa Bay on Friday, April 26 at 5:45 PM at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

This year’s impressive all-star line-up includes: The legendary Alice in Chains, Stone Sour, Three Days Grace, Bullet For My Valentine, Halestorm, Young Guns and Gemini Syndrome.

98ROCKFEST will be preceded by a free show beginning at 3:00 PM on Thunder Alley (West Plaza) at the Tampa Bay Times Forum that will feature: In This Moment, Otherwise, Beware of Darkness and Surrender the Fall.

For up-to-the-minute information on 98ROCKFEST visit 98ROCKFEST.com

ORPHEUM

EXODUS - April 12

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hrash metal group, Exodus, will headline Orpheum on Friday, April 12th. The band is touring in support of “Exhibit B: The Human Condition” on Nuclear Blast Records.

The band that spawned the burgeoning San Francisco Bay Area Thrash scene in the early ‘80s, Exodus’ most admirable quality is that

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the word “surrender” has never existed in lead guitarist/songwriter Gary Holt’s vocabulary. Surviving decampment (original guitarist Kirk Hammett left to join Metallica in 1983), death (original vocalist Paul Baloff died in early 2002), untimely disaster (long-time second vocalist Steve Souza abandoned the band in 2004 on the eve of a South American tour), dejection (original drummer Tom Hunting was incapacitated by panic attacks in May 2005), and drug abuse (guitar comrade-inarms Rick Hunolt’s resignation in June 2005 was due in part to addiction issues), it would have been easier for many to interpret these events as a signal to retire, but then again, not everyone is Gary Holt.

The band remains a leading force in thrash metal, with a career spanning more than three decades. Catch them at Orpheum for a crash course in metal.

The Orpheum - 1915 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, FL 33605. (813) 248-9500; www.theorpheum.com/

The Florida Orchestra

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spectively.

At the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concert, it is a night of folk dance-inspired favorites from Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, Dvorák’s Slavonic Dances, Bartok’s Dance Suite and Kodály’s Dances of Galanta, along with John Adams’ The Chairman Dances and

njoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts at the next Coffee Concert with Stuart Malina leading The Florida Orchestra in a program titled “Overtures, Intermezzi and Finales” with music from Bernstein’s Candide, Bizet’s Carmen and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, among other works.

With the conductor sharing anecdotes about the music and the composers during the performance, this concert is Wednesday, April 3, at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, and on Thursday, April 4, at 11 a.m., at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg At the next Raymond James Pops concert, treat yourself to “A Symphonic Night in Havana” with this classically-trained dynamo of Cuban musicians, Tiempo Libre, performing a dazzling array of their high-energy “timba” style music…mixing jazz, salsa, son, mambo, conga, cha-cha-chá and even Bach. FeaturMaster Chorale of Tampa ing hits from their Grammy-nominated CDs Bach in Havana, Lo Que Esperabas and Ar-

Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On The Town. Associate Conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Perry So conducts The Florida Orchestra in this program on April 12 and 13 in St. Petersburg, and April 14 in Clearwater.

At the following Tampa Bay Times Masterworks, Chinese conductor Xian Zhang leads The Florida Orchestra and the 150 voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay in Mozart’s sublime and inspiring Requiem on this all-Mozart program with the angelic-voiced Ave Verum Corpus and Symphony No. 35, Haffner.

Concerts are April 19, 20 and 21 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

The orchestra regularly performs its Masterworks and Pops concerts at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in ClearTiempo Libre water. For information and to order tickets to the current season as well as the upcoming roz Con Mango, as well as their most recent recording 2013/2014 season, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or My Secret Radio, Sara Hicks conducts these concerts call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. on April 6 and 7 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, re- to 5 p.m. or Sat & Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

USA ENTERTAINMENT.COM www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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THE STRAZ CENTER

The Tenors Lead With Your Heart Tour Sun, April 28

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he Tenors, formerly known as The Canadian Tenors, bring their acclaimed live show to the Straz Center on Sunday, April 28. Since their inception five years ago, The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful voices and memorable melodies. Their blend of classical music, contemporary pop and undeniable charm has garnered them international success with music lovers of all ages. For their live performance The Tenors will sing selections from their new album, Lead With Your Heart, as well as some of their past hits. and classical staples along with new compositions written and co-written by The Tenors. www.strazcenter.org/

Joan Jett April 13

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oan Jett has three albums that have been certified Platinum or Gold, and she has been referred to as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” many times during her career.

Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and occasional actress, best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, including their hit cover “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, which was No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100 as well as for their other popular recordings including “Crimson and Clover”, “I Hate Myself for Loving You”, “Do You Want to Touch Me”, “Light of Day”, “Love Is All Around”, “Bad Reputation”. Joan performs at 3:00 pm. www.silversprings.com/

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COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM A Quick Look At A Cultural Landmark

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he Country Music Hall of Fame is the closest thing country music has to a Smithsonian Institution or a Library of Congress. The museum has been assembling its nearly 2,000,000-item collection since 1967.

The Experience Touring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is like a journey through time. Arranged over three floors, the exhibits walk you through the entire history of country music, with stops at all the side roads. Everywhere you look, treasures abound that illustrate the story of a vibrant and vital art form. At each station on the tour, you can listen to samples of music from that particular style or era.

The Background Since it first opened in 1967 on Nashville’s storied Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has collected, preserved, contextualized and displayed the myriad elements that make up both the art and the business of country music.

In 2001, the museum relocated to its custom-designed current home at 222 Fifth Avenue South in downtown Nashville.

So You Don’t Like Country Music You’ll still be inspired and informed by all the museum has to offer. Each item is exhibited as part of a larger musical, social, political or historical pattern.

Timelines on the wall near some of the displays cite significant national and world events that occurred

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during that musical period.

Some Treasures: STAR VEHICLES: Elvis Presley’s 1960 Solid Gold Cadillac limousine, Webb Pierce’s 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible.

FANCY THAT: Stage costumes galore, Hank Snow’s Golden Rocket Nudie suit, Jim Reeves’ tuxedo jacket, Patsy Cline’s cocktail dress, Hank Williams’ Nudie suit.

BAND ROOM: Mother Maybelle Carter’s Gibson L-5, Ralph Stanley’s banjo, Elvis’ gold-leaf piano, Bob Wills’ fiddle, Bill Monroe’s mandolin, and dozens of other historic instruments.

PAPER TRAILS: Dolly Parton’s handwritten lyrics to Jolene, Merle Haggard’s pardon signed by Ronald Reagan.

They Say Country music is still devoted to the lyric and to the telling of stories, which people love and people need. Country music artists took what they heard around them, material that was in the air and that was common currency, and they made something entirely new. This is a museum that preserves their memory so that they can continue to inspire creators in the future. It’s also a museum that honors the people who their music was made for. Those people are all of us, people who’ve ever been lost or confused or sad or felt excluded.

For more information, visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org/

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CARRIE UNDERWOOD THE BLOWN AWAY TOUR EXHIBITION Opens June 5th At The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum

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he Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore superstar Carrie Underwood’s critically acclaimed world tour with the exhibition Carrie Underwood: The Blown Away Tour, which opens on June 5, 2013, and runs through November 10, 2013.

The exhibition will include costumes, instruments, microphones, set pieces and more from the six-time Grammy winner’s 2012-13 “Blown Away Tour,” which runs through May 23.

“Carrie Underwood’s dynamic ‘Blown Away Tour’—starring her powerhouse vocals and featuring amazing special effects including a tornado— has been entertaining music fans around the globe,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “It’s easy to see why she was Pollstar’s 2012 top female country touring artist.

We are delighted to be able to show our visitors key elements from Carrie’s show; whether re-living their favorite memories of the ‘Blown Away’ tour, or experiencing it for the first time via our exhibition, fans will enjoy this ‘up close and personal’ look at a world-class, superstar level music tour.”

Carrie Underwood’s current release, Blown Away, made history last year when it debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, making the Oklahoma native only the second country artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at #1. Blown Away also debuted at #1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, making her only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at #1. Blown Away became country’s best-selling digital album debut since 2010. In addition to reaching #1 on the country airplay charts, “Good Girl” and title-track, “Blown Away,” have both been certified platinum for selling more than one million digital downloads.

Since releasing her debut, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has sold more than 15 million albums with Some Hearts, 2007’s Carnival Ride, 2009’s Play On and 2012’s Blown Away, making her the best-selling American Idol in the U.S. She’s accumulated 16 #1 singles, seven of which she co-wrote, and she became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 singles from her first two albums. In addition to being a six-time Grammy Award winner, Underwood is a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.

More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.org

photo by Randee St. Nicholas www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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MUSIC TRAX

Jazz Mostly Other People Do the Killing Slippery Rock Hotcuprecords.com This new group of compositions penned by bassist/composer/ bandleader Moppa Elliott, were inspired by a lengthy immersion in the smooth jazz recordings of the late 1970s and 1980s. Elliott extracted certain idiomatic phrases, harmonies and embellishments to incorporate into his own compositions.

Lisa Hilton Getaway lisahiltonmusic.com One of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable composers and pianists in jazz today, Lisa Hilton has honed her evocative,

individualistic and impressionistic “sound paintings” for over a decade as a leader. With her power trio with Larry Grenadier and Nasheet Waits, she enthralls listeners on these thirteen refreshing and wide ranging jazz and blues tracks. A bold and exciting change of pace, Hilton bolsters her signature lush, imaginative, sound.

Samuel Blaser Quartet As The Sea www.hathut.com Innovative and unconventional Berlin based trombonist Samuel Blaser wrote challenging a rhythmically complex charts for his band mates to navigate on this stellar outing. As the Sea consists of four lengthy pieces organized into a suite, recorded at a single concert. Enjoy free jazz with a definite focus and great musical chemistry between bandmates.

Boney James The Beat

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fter four gold albums, three Grammy nominations and sales totaling more than 3 million records, chart-topping saxophonist Boney James embodies the phrase “horn of plenty.”

The Beat is a penetrating fusion of R&B, jazz and Latin rhythms given voice by James’ emotive saxophone and such guests as trumpet hitman Rick Braun, R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn and spoken word phenom The Floacist. www.concordmusicgroup.com

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Ron Oswanski December’s Moon www.ronoswanski.com A Better Fate is saxophonist Eric Erhardt’s debut CD as a leader and features eight of his original compositions. The material ranges from modern jazz to acoustic fusion.

Intricate harmonies and thoughtful melodies, infused with Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, swing, and rock rhythms.

Verneri Pohjola & Black Motor Rubidium www.tumrecords.com On Rubidium, acclaimed Finnish trumpeter Verneri Pohjola joins forces with Finland’s leading trio of improvisers, Black Motor.

On this recording, Pohjola’s strong playing combines with Black Motor’s unified trio sound to create a lyrical yet always intense collaboration. Most of the compositions are by Verneri Pohjola or Ville Rauhala but also include Song of India by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

ER G N I M E R P NOAH r Haymake

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oah Preminger’s new release features a kindred-spirit band of top-flight players – guitarist Ben Monder, double-bassist Matt Pavolka and drummer Colin Stranahan. The album showcases a brace of fresh Preminger compositions, along with a cover of jam-band rocker Dave Matthews’ “Don’t Drink the Water.” Blending atmosphere and melody, free-floating sax lines and hovering guitar, The group plays modern jazz that balances musical integrity with sensual allure.

Preminger has performed on key stages from Boston and New York to Europe and Australia, and he has played with the likes of Billy Hart, Dave Holland, Fred Hersch, Dave Douglas, Victor Lewis, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Billy Drummond, George Cables, Roscoe Mitchell, Dr. Eddie Henderson and Dave Liebman.

www.noahpreminger.com

Jussi Reijonen Un www.Jussireijonen.com Multi-instrumentalist Jussi Reijonen plays fretless/fretted guitar and oud. His new CD is a stunning crystalization of the interplay between Eastern and Western musical traditions, especially honoring American and Nordic jazz and folk traditions of the Middle East and Africa. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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NewAge

the idea of time. The album features Einaudi’s band and the string orchestra I Virtuosi Italiani.

Catherine Marie Charlton River Flow - Sanctuary catherineMarieCharlton.com A 60-minute uninterrupted tranquil and evocative solo piano performance from Charlton is the long-awaited sequel to her critically acclaimed River Dawn: Piano Meditations. For her, the art of improvising for an hour without break was a challenge in concentration and a practice in “release”- letting go of all worries and planning and dreaming- a time to just be with the music, with the piano keys.

Timothy Wenzel A Coalescence of Dreams www.lauramcmillanpiano.com/ Wenzel primarily makes his recordings with a synthesizer, and his albums feature a wide array instrumental souncs including piano, violin, cello, flute, harp, guitars, drums and percussion.

His music has subtle hints of Celtic and worldfusion with haunting melodies and dreamy arrangements.

Ludovico Einaudi In a Time Lapse inatimelapse.com/ Ludovico Einaudi’s album In A Time Lapse was recorded in a monastery near Verona. In A Time Lapse incorporates baroque and Italian folk music, late romantic strings textures, and a wide variety of colors through percussion and electronics. The theme is a deep reflection on

Paradiso & Rasamayi Attuning to Oneness www.5thelementmusic.com Attuning to Oneness is the latest album from new age artists, master didjeridoo player Paradiso and chanteuse/singing bowl master alchemist Rasamayi.

Etheric and potent in turn, Attuning to Oneness features exotic instruments in the hands of Paradiso and Rasamayi. This is ideal for meditation, relaxation, massage and all healing modalities.w

David Arkenstone Lovéren

www.davidarkenstone.com

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An epic odyssey of love, romance and passion set to exquisite orchestral compositions with lyrics sung in a new language, innovative composer, producer and musician David Arkenstone has reinvented himself on Lovéren, which explores the depths of romantic love with a mermaid. He composed the music by exploring his vast musical palette, including sprawling philharmonic pieces performed by a full string section, ethereal New Age nuances, ethnically diverse world music rhythms and instrumentation, and the mass appeal and accessibility of sophisticated pop melodies.

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Lis Addison

WORLD

Crown in the Sky

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is Addison is a composer, songwriter, vocalist who’s compositions blen electronic, contemporary and world music styles. Crown In The Sky honors the Sacred Feminine, Mother Urth and her Children, symbolized by the magnificent tree. A percentage of the CD sales goes to global tree planting projects that empower women and girls.

www.lisaddison.com

AO Music Hokulea www.arcturiangate.com AOMUSIC is cinematic and intoxicatingly rhythmic, it has been described by critics as “astonishing” and “like nothing you’ve ever heard.” Their music is influenced by the works of Peter Gabriel, Afro Celt Sound System, Deep Forest, Adiemus, Varttina, and Karunesh. AOMUSIC was invited to compose theme music for the 2008 Summer Games.

Arun Shenoy Rumbadoodle www.arunshenoy.com Recorded almost entirely live over many years across the Globe, this explosive world fusion record from Arun Shenoy explores a bold new perspective of the Gypsy Rumba Flamenco. Combining elements of the traditional art form with a myriad of popular music forms, this record is an exploratory journey, doodling across genre boundaries as we know it today, creating a unique and true masterpiece along the way.

Various Artists Lula Lounge Essential Tracks 1 dancingwithparkinsons. com From the pioneers of the Toronto Latin music revolution: Jane Bunnett, Luis Mario Ochoa and Hilario Duran, to artists such as Caché and Luisito Orbegoso, to today’s most popular musical visionaries: Telmary, Yani Borrell, Jorge Maza, Roberto Linares Brown and Latin Grammy-winner Alex Cuba, this CD brings together dancers’ favorites with rare tracks.

Jerry Leake - Cubist: Prominence rhombuspublishing.com The songs on this disc from Jerry Leake explore ubiquitous themes: the angst and power of love, protest anthems decrying war, persistent racism and gang violence, celebrations of culture and family, and a personal tribute to his hero, his dad, using African songs woven into worldrock-fusion.

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ROCK POP HIP HOP VARIOUS ARTISTS The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver atorecords.com/ 15 years after his death and 40 years after the release of his widely beloved song ‘Rocky Mountain High,’ the album features covers of Denver’s most popular songs by a diverse group of artists including Dave Matthews, My Morning Jacket, Train, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and many others.

Alfa World Go Blue alfa-music.com This melody-driven collection of autobiographical songs were inspired

by Alfa’s move to Los Angeles. With just the right amount of pop-folk vigor to get stuck in a listener’s head, each song touches on complex but universal themes, from lost innocence to the restlessness of being a 20-some-

thing, and the hope that exists despite life’s ebb and flow.

Roger Wayne Parr Hindsight rogerwayneparr.com Hindsight traces the life of a musician. In this first solo album, Roger steps out as a composer, guitarist and producer. Creating outstanding arrangements that interlink thematically, Roger’s musicianship and stunning sonic production are standouts. Each song is a blazing chapter, giving the listener an inside look at the struggles and triumphs one must encounter as an upcoming artist, as well as an ordinary man.

BENNFRANK BFK fuzionrecordsgroup. com BennFranK, a Long Island homeboy, has delivered a fine collection of hip-hop on his debut album. Nine tracks of smooth, sexy, provocative vocals, and rhythm and melody that is unique and refreshing.

Gin Wigmore Gravel & Wine www.islanddefjam.com

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his is the sophomore album from the New Zealand singer, songwriter and actress. Proving that radio is not the only outlet for an artist, Wigmore’s single “Black Sheep” appeared in Grey’s Anatomy and Teen Wolf, and she appeared singing it on Revenge. Her song “Man Like That” is the song used in the James Bond Skyfall tie-in spot from Heineken.

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COUNTRY

Kacey Musgraves

Same Trailer Different Park www.umgnashville.com/

Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell Old Yellow Moon www.nonesuch.com/ Old Yellow Moon features four songs by Crowell as well as interpretations of songs by Hank DeVito, Roger Miller, Allen Reynolds, among others. The album also features musicians including Stuart Duncan, Vince Gill, and Bill Payne, as well as members of the original Hot Band.

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acey Musgraves nimbly spins webs of words to create quirky puns, shrewd metaphors, and steely ironies. The single Merry Go Round garnered quick airplay and critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling; NPR, which named her their 2012 Best New Artist; and Slate.

The Mavericks In Time bigmachinelabelgroup.com/ For their first sessions in almost a decade, it was spontaneous combustion. ‘’It took life for us to get to this point everybody was so free. From the first notes, it sounded like an explosion of sound; we went where the songs took us with a singularity of purpose.’’ Raul Malo (lead singer) Thompson Square Just Feels Good stoneycreekrecords.com/ ‘If I Didn’t Have You,’ the album’s lead single, climbed the chart faster than any other single in the duo’s career. The husband-and-wife team of Keifer and Shawna Thompson won top vocal duo honors from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association in 2012.

Jackson Delaney Jackson Delaney www.jacksondelaney.com/ Jackson Delaney revitalizes the Outlaw Country movement in his self-titled, six-track LP. Featuring tracks written by Eddie Montgomery, Troy Gentry, Dave Gibson, and more, Jackson Delaney is complete with love stories, tongue-and-cheek tunes and deep, provoking compositions, and showcases his radio debut single entitled “Shotgun Wedding.” www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Wisconsin Getaway to

DOOR COUNTY Story and Photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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Asian Brown Rice Salad with Grilled Chicken at The Cookery.

The Beachfront Inn in Bailey’s Harbor has wonderful sunset views.

Ephraim 1934 firetruck

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Scenic stop on trolley tour www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Ephraim Moravian Church

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With a change of seasons comes thoughts of getting out and traveling. A lot of folks travel from Wisconsin to Florida in the winter, so I, as a Floridian, decided to travel to Wisconsin for a getaway last fall. Where to go? Ask a Wisconsiner where they travel to in their home state. Door County is the popular answer. It has charm, history, a beautiful coastline, and yes, cheese.

Door County is a peninsula in the northeast part of the state, named after the strait between Door Peninsula and Washington Island. Actually, the original name from both French explorers and the native Potawatomi Indians was a lot more sinister — Death’s Door. It was shortened somewhere along the line for obvious PR reasons. It was aptly named originally due to some violent history that happened in the area, with many ships foundering in the treacherous waters of the strait, and territorial Indian wars, both of which claimed many lives. But that was then. Now peace reigns over the area, although the strait can still be a tough travel at times for some boats.

Door County can be reached by flights into Green Bay or Appleton airports. I flew on Delta from Tampa to Green Bay, then it was about a one hour, twenty minute drive to my first destination, Bailey’s Harbor. I checked in to the Beachfront Inn, a cozy two story inn with a private beach and incredible sunset views. In the evening, Beachfront’s accommodating hosts set a bonfire on the beach surrounded by Adirondack chairs and offerings of s’mores.

Some of the most popular attractions in Door County are the lighthouses, and the Cana Lighthouse in Bailey’s Harbor is probably the favorite. Its French hand-crafted Fresnel lens has been in continuous use since it was first lit in 1870, making it one of the few lighthouses in the U.S. whose original lens is still functioning as an active navigational aid. The distance the light can be seen is 18 miles, limited only by the curvature of the earth.

Visitors can climb the 97 steps to the top for a fabulous view of Lake Michigan, and an appreciation of a

lighthouse keeper’s job back in the day ascending those steps every night. Now the light goes on and off automatically at dusk and dawn. The keeper’s living quarters have been turned into exhibits and memorabilia about the lighthouse.

Only 20 minutes away from Bailey’s Harbor, in the laid-back lakeside town of Fish Creek, the 77-year old Peninsula Players Theatre was presenting the comedy “God of Carnage”. This gem of a theater is the oldest professional resident summer theatre in the USA. High quality plays are presented in this wonderful state-of-the-art theater located in the woods along the lake. My traveling companions and I enjoyed the show before heading out to dinner at a Fish Creek favorite, The Cookery, a family owned restaurant serving creative American cuisine. Their produce as well as meats are locally outsourced for the freshest possible fare.

As a visitor, I always like to experience an area by doing an overview tour when available. Door County Trolley Tours have a lot to choose from. My group chose the Scenic Tour, which started at the Orchard Country Winery in Fish Creek, and took us to some breathtaking scenic overlooks, while we learned the lore of the land — some true, and maybe some legend.

The Orchard Country Winery & Market, which is where the trolley tours originate, is a wonderful destination in itself. The winery is housed in a 100-year-old dairy barn, and their award-winning wines are mostly made from fruit grown right on property. With over 100 acres of fruit bearing trees and grape vines there is a diverse selection of varietals and blends. Visitors are invited to sample six complimentary tastes before purchasing wine.

I was particularly fond of the Honey Crisp Apple, which was sweet and smooth. A 30-minute walking tour of their orchards and vineyards is available as well.

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Cherries are a big deal in Door County. Back in the 1950s the county was known as “Cherryland USA”, so you will find a lot of cherries in this area made up in ways you never thought of — and all mighty tasty. Mid-July is cherry-picking time, and people can pick their own at Orchard Country. Apple season starts up mid-September. The Orchard Country Market is full of flavorful dressings, artisan cheese and homemade jams and jellies among other treats.

Voted “the Best Small Town in Wisconsin”, Door County’s Egg Harbor has a beautiful panoramic view of the bay, and lots of interesting shops and restaurants. Located in the shopping area of Liberty Square is Galileo’s Italian Steakhouse, featuring mouth-watering steaks, seafood and pastas. I enjoyed a very flavorful grilled pork with a cherry sauce, served with fresh asparagus and bistro potatoes.

Another Door County area oozing charm, is the village of Ephraim, which is proud of it’s Scandinavian heritage, and has preserved many of it’s historical sites. All Ephraim homes are white or natural — no colors.

We took a self-guided walking tour of Ephraim, passing by some lovely historic homes, such as the 1853 Iverson House. Out first stop was the historic Anderson general store built in 1858, and operated by the Anderson family for 100 years until it was turned into a museum. Store contents are mostly dated at the turn of the century.

Next to the store, an historic warehouse sits on Anderson dock with graffiti covering it’s surface. However, this graffiti is welcome as it is made up of signatures created by the many folks that have docked in Ephraim.

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Across the street is the Fire House Museum with 1934 and 1927 firetrucks, as well as old equipment.

Enthusiastic volunteers gladly answer any questions visitors may have.

Walking up the street we found the original one-room Pioneer Schoolhouse used for K through 8th grade from the 1880 through 1948.

It is disheartening to see the same kind of school desk I used as a child in a museum.

Lunch at Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is a must. This Door County landmark has been operating since 1906, and family-owned since 1950. It has managed to maintain it’s original charm with it’s oldfashioned soda fountain, juke box and knick knacks.

The restaurant’s large portions of tasty hamburgers and sandwiches were impressive, but it was the homemade rootbeer and amazing fried cheese curds that put it over the top for me. By the way, Ephraim is the only dry municipality in Wisconsin.

We ventured via ferry across the waters of Death’s Door to Washington Island, located about 5 miles off the Northern tip of the Door County Peninsula. No boating mishaps! It is one of the earliest immigrant settlements in Wisconsin dating back to 1865, by people of mostly Scandinavian descent. Tourists go to Washington Island to “get away from it all”. With 700 year-round residents, it swells to 3,000 in the summer. The Island has unique stone beaches, parks, and soil that is particulary kind to apples, cherries and other fruits and vegetables. You will find a lot of deer, pheasant, and quail, but no poisonous animals of snakes — my kind of place! To keep the island rural, you have to own 5 acres of land before you can build a house.

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Fish Boil at Square Rigger Restaurant

Cana Lighthouse walk

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Fish Creek Shops

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Making jewelry in the Hands-On Studio

Cana Lighthouse site manager, Dwight Zeller, displays the tiny bulb that runs the lighthouse Fresnel lens today.

Maritime Museum’s John Purvis tugboat originally built in 1919, restored to 1960s look.

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Maritime Museum’s ship’s wheel display.

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Visitors can catch the Cherry Train open air tram right at the pier for a 2-hour narrated tour of Washington Island, and if you would like to stay overnight, you will not find any chain hotels or motels. All accommodation are refreshingly unique.

Exploring the island via the tram, we found some interesting places, such as The Ostrich Farm, and the Farm Museum, which exhibits farm life as it was in the 1880s, with home, barn, farm tools and animals. Did you know that an ostrich lives about 50 years, and the males sit on the eggs for 1 1/2 months?

The Schoolhouse Beach stop was intriguing, as there are only 4 such beaches in the world. Instead of sand, the beach is all limestones — looking lovely, but not great for bare feet.

Perhaps the most interesting stop for me was the architecturally striking Stavkirke Church.

Constructed in 1991 by local carpenter/ members of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, it is patterned after a medieval Norwegian style church, using Viking shipbuilding techniques — tongue and groove joinery, ship frames and shaped masts.

Set in the woods surrounded with only the sounds of nature, the church is a great place for reflection.

Keeping with the Scandanavian theme, we stopped in for lunch at The Danish Mill, which is not hard to miss, as the building looks like a windmill. Inside are Dutch knick knacks, locally made preserves, fresh sandwiches and, yes, cherry pie.

It was back to the mainland and time for a change of scenery, so I checked out of the Beachfront in Bailey’s Harbor and into the Door County Lighthouse Inn B&B in Egg Harbor. I felt at home the minute I walked in the door. Hosts Claire and Frank Murphy couldn’t be more

accommodating, and have created a most comfortable and cozy environment for their guests. Each room is named after one of Door County’s lighthouses. My room (Eagle Bluff) had a queen bed, private bathroom, fireplace, and balcony overlooking the harbor in the near distance.

The breakfasts are delicious, and are changed daily. When I returned to my room on a chilly evening, I turned on my fireplace, even though the room had it’s own thermostat. (Living in Florida, it’s something I rarely see or get to use.) A cozy room, a lovely pouffy comforter, and I was off to dreamland in no time. the Lighthouse Inn offers some enticing packages all year long during different seasonal events.

A very popular dining highlight in Door County is the Authentic Fish Boil from May through October, at the Square Rigger Galley in Jacksonport, on Lake Michigan. Going on for 30 years now, they cook locally caught whitefish in a huge pot over an open fire outside the restaurant. Back inside, they serve the fish with new potatoes, onions, coleslaw, rye bread, cherry pie ala mode, vegetables, and beverages. This is definitely a fun and tasty experience.

In Sturgeon Bay, located on the waterfront, is the Door County Martime Museum, created to celebrate and preserve the county’s maritime history. This would actually be a good place for a tourist to start, as you get a good overview of the whole peninsula. Ship building in Sturgeon Bay made it what it is today. Folks at the museum build a small wooden boat every year to keep boat building alive. Inside are maritime displays, ship models and the information and history of Door County’s lighthouses. Outside is the 1919 Tug, John Purves, in fantastic shape after years of loving restoration to the look it had in the 1960s. You can explore the boat (which was also used in WWII) along with volunteer guides.

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The utter charm of Door County seems like a natural for inviting artists to work and be inspired, and so it does.

In Fish Creek there is the Woodwalk Gallery, a wonderful contemporary art gallery housed in an 1890s barn. It features the work of 42 regional artists, as well as a venue for concerts, theater and events. The strawbale construction studio creates the perfect ambiance for viewing the art.

Some great fun was had by all at the Hands On Art Studio also in Fish Creek. This large complex (8,000 sq ft) of different art media rooms has something of interest for everyone, from children to adults. They supply the tools and help, you supply the talent.

And talent is a relative term here, since it’s all about having fun. Visitors can try their hand at fused glass, lampworking, metal, jewelry, ceramics, glassware, wood, and mosaics.

No reservations, just drop in. I tried glass fusing on a small scale — a jewelry pendant. I could get hooked. It’s pretty cool wearing something you created yourself.

With all the lighthouses and the unfortunate history of “Death’s Door,” you know there have to be ghost stories floating around. And so there are, and you can hear them all on the Trolley Of the Doomed which takes you around to different “spiritual” points of interest. We heard tales of unusual murders, haunted buildings and maritime frights. We stopped at the historic 1875 Noble House, which during the day is an interesting home furnished as it was “back in the day”, but at night with only 64

a flashlight by our goulish guide, going through it is downright creepy. A visit to an old overgrown gravesite using only a flashlight was also pretty spooky. Our driver was just the right mix of humor and fear. Everyone on board thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Some Wisconsiners enjoy getting away to Florida in the winter, and I found plenty of reasons to visit Door County in the spring, summer and fall.

If You Go...

Bailey’s Harbor: baileysharbor.com Beachfront Inn, Bailey’s Harbor: 866-2510750; beachfrontinn.net/ Cana Island Lighthouse: dcmm.org/cana-island-lighthouse/ Cherry Train Tours, Washington Island: cherrytrain.com The Cookery: cookeryfishcreek.com/ Door County Lighthouse Inn: dclighthouseinn.com/ Door County Martime Museum: dcmm.org Door County Trolley Tours: doorcountytrolley.com/ Delta Airlines: delta.com Egg Harbor: eggharbordoorcounty.org Ephraim: ephraim.org Fish Creek: visitfishcreek.com/ Galileo’s Italian Steakhouse: libertysquareshops.com Hands On Art Studio: handsonartstudio.com Noble House: historicnoblehouse.org Orchard Country Winery & Market: orchardcountry.com/ Peninsula Players Theatre: peninsulaPlayers.com Square Rigger Galley: squareriggergalley.com Stavkirke Church (Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church): washingtonisland-wi.com Trolley Of the Doomed: doorcountytrolley.com/ Washington Island: washingtonisland-wi.com/ Wilson’s Restaurant & ice Cream Parlor: wilsonsicecream.com Woodwalk Gallery: woodwalkgallery.com

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Orchard County Winery

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Delicious Cheese Curds at Wilson’s Restaurant

trolley tour view.

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

Lee Roy Selmon’s

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott-Martino

Sports Restaurant with Tasty Comfort Food

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ee Roy Selmon’s opened its eighth restaurant on Florida’s West Coast recently in Carrollwood, preceded a few months before with a new location in Brandon. Best known for its soul-satisfying comfort food served with heartwarming hospitality, the restaurant always becomes a local favorite since first opening in Tampa’s Westshore area in 2000.

The restaurant serves as a tribute to the late NFL Hall of Famer and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lee Roy Selmon - athlete, family man and community leader.

He used to say how rewarding it was to him to see customers enjoying the cooking traditions he remembered from his days spent on his family’s farm in Oklahoma where they harvested the land together.

Lee Roy Selmon’s wife Claybra with their son, Chris.

The restaurant features generous portions of mouthtination for the sports enthusiast. Its design watering food. Some allows for a free-flowing environment that menu items are Mablends the comfort of the dining room with ma’s Meatloaf, Sela lively sports bar, complemented with Lee mon’s Sweet Heat Roy Selmon’s and local sporting memoraFried Chicken, Cedar bilia. It’s a spirited atmosphere with mulPlank Salmon, Fried tiple high def televisions located throughGreen Tomatoes, out the bar and restaurant, a sharing table and Cheese and Bafor lively discussions within the bar and an con grits. House faoutdoor patio that offers an alternative for vorites include Beef those seeking relaxation while enjoying the Brisket, Short Rib outdoors.

Brisket with Cole Slaw and Smashed Potatoes Mac N Cheese, and Baby Back Ribs with a choice of signature sauces. In addition, a bountiful choice of fresh vegetables and lighter fare items include Flatbreads, Smoked Chicken Salad, and Tropical Spinach Salad with grilled Salmon. A wide selection of desserts includes fan favorites — a Georgia Peach Cobbler a la mode and Selmon’s Bread Pudding. A gluton-free menu is also available. Perhaps best news of all in today’s economic climate is that many entrees start at just $10.

Smoked Chicken Flatbread Lee Roy Selmon’s is a popular des-

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FULL COURT FANZONE Although the Sweet Sixteen Basketball games will be history by the time this is published, I’m sure that the tasty menu items Selmon’s introduced for the event will remain. Item such as the Buffalo Chicken Nachos — crispy chicken tenders tossed in a perfectly spiced buffalo sauce over nachos with cheddar, jack cheese, and salsa with a blue cheese drizzle. My favorite was the Filet Sandwich with tender filet tips and Swiss cheese served on crusty French bread with chipotle sauce and crispy fried onions. The dessert was also amazing - a new taste treat, called a Crunch Time Sundae. Vanilla ice cream rolled in Captain Crunch (yes!), topped with hard shell chocolate, whipped cream and Reese’s peanut butter chips.

Selmon’s has also concocted some delicious drinks for the event. A standout for me is the 3-Point Punch, with Finlandia vodka, house infused (for 72 hours) with fresh oranges, pineapple juice and blood orange liquor topped with Sprite.

Just in case these delectible items don’t last on the menu too long, make sure you stop in to try them out.

For more information and locations, visit www.leeroyselmons.com

Selmon’s Brandon location features local sports figures

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by Monica Caretto

Monica Caretto Develops Recipe For Florida Tomato Committee

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lorida Tomato Committee (FTC) and Monica Caretto, Tampa resident and author of Sweetbites Blog, recently partnered as part of a larger blogger outreach program to spread the word about the Florida tomato. The campaign, which was launched to celebrate

Fresh Florida Tomato Month, is part of FTC’s ongoing effort to raise awareness of the benefits of Florida tomatoes.

As part of the promotion, Monica was asked to develop an original recipe with fresh Florida tomatoes as the star ingredient. Monica’s recipe is

Tomato Rice Salad Stack Rice 1 cup of any type of rice, washed 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil ¼ cup of onion - chopped 1½ cup of chicken stock 1 teaspoon of salt

Vinaigrette 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 6-7 tablespoons of olive oil

the Tomato Rice Salad Stack.

“The bloggers we have partnered with have created a wide variety of recipes for their readers to enjoy,” said Samantha Daves, Director of Education and Promotion at Florida Tomato Committee. “With their help, we are able to show a diverse audience – including amateur cooks, young professionals and families – that fresh, sun-ripened and field-grown Florida tomatoes are versatile and delicious.”

www.sweetbitesblog.com/ w w w. F l o r i d a To m a t o e s . o r g / recipes

1 tablespoon of maple syrup Salt and ground pepper (to taste) 1 boiled egg, chopped into small pieces Rice Salad 1 cup of cooked cooled rice (recipe above) 1 can of tuna in olive oil ½ cup of chopped Florida tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup of vinaigrette (recipe above) Chopped herb of choice – oregano, basil or parsley

• In a saucepan with lid, on high heat, drizzle the oil and add the chopped onions and cook until soft. Add the rice and salt. Coat the rice and add the chicken stock. Bring to a hard boil, cover and lower the heat to simmer and cook until the rice has absorbed the stock, about 20 minutes.

• When the rice is finished, remove from saucepan and spread on a baking sheet to cool down to room temperature.

• Next start on your vinaigrette. In a deep bowl, add the vinegar and maple syrup and whisk; then slowly add the olive oil until it starts to thicken a bit. Add the boiled egg and taste. Add salt and pepper to taste.

• For your rice salad, take half of your tomatoes and cut into small pieces. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and toss.

• In a separate bowl, add the can of tuna with oil. Break up the tuna and season with a bit of salt, add the cold rice and toss. Add the chopped tomatoes and toss. Add the vinaigrette a little at a time – you want the salad to be coated in the vinaigrette but not too much.

• To create your stack, cut tomato into ½ inch rounds (one tomato yields approximately four rounds) and put on your plate, or inside a plating ring (if using) and season with salt, to taste. Pile some of the rice salad on top, pressing down gently. Top with another round tomato slice, season again with salt and top with more rice salad. You can finish with another round top of tomato, or mince some tomato and use to place on the top. If using a plating ring, remove slowly. Drizzle top of tower and plate with vinaigrette and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herb of choice.

• Serve at room temperature. Serves 4

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FLEMING’s STEAKHOUSE Seasonal Tastings

By Melissa Wolcott-Martino

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am always pleased to receive notice of something new at Fleming’s Steakhouse, and in this case it is their delightful Taste of the Season Menu of 2 courses for $40.95. The first course was a Lemon Ricotta Crostini with Fresh Pear Slices — Ricotta with lemon zest and bosc pear on thin and crispy garlic herb Crostini, drizzled with lemon honey and orange zest. The second course was an Iron Seared Delmonico Steak with Béarnaise butter and spiced blue crab glaçage, accompanied by a crisp potato cake, and fresh heirloom carrots with lemon-garlic butter. The featured cocktail suggested for this offering was a Pomegranate and Sage Margarita, and dessert was a light Almond Soufflé. w f you don’t make it in time for their Taste of the Season specials - not to worry, the restaurant offers new menu creations regularly, and have recently introduced four tasty new items.

A succulent Pan Crisped Pork Belly appetizer is served over goat cheese grits. Peak-of-the-Season Heirloom Tomatoes are served with Burrata cheese for a lovely salad. Braised Short Ribs of Beef are wonderfully flavorful and tender, and are served with arugula and spinach. A very fresh Broiled Pacific Swordfish comes with Israeli couscous and pine nuts.

Add to this Fleming’s regular menu offerings, excellent wine list, warm ambiance, and friendly wait staff, and you have a reason to return anytime for a memorable evening of dining.

Fleming’s is located at 4322 West Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607. Hours are Monday: Thursday, 5 PM - 10 PM; Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM - 11 PM; Sunday: 4:30 PM - 9 PM. For more information, please visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

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by Wa Photos

Foundation Fighting Blindness EVENT

The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit dedicated to sight-saving research, honored Hazel and Bill Hough and Patsy and Gene McNichols, with the organization’s Visionary Award at the Tampa-St. Petersburg Dining in the Dark on Wednesday, April 10. With over 200 people in attendance, the benefit at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club raised $150,000 toward research into preventions, treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome and related conditions. Serving as master of ceremonies again this year was legendary sports personality and Tampa Bay Rays Senior Advisor Dick Crippen.

Visionary Award Honorees Bill & Hazel Hough.

Guests dining in the dark.

Foundation Fighting Blindness Chief Developmenet Officer Jim Minow and Mrs. World April Lufriu.

Patsy & Gene McNichols with University of Tampa President, Dr. Ronald Vaughn.

Master of Ceremonies Dick Crippen with Foundation Fighting Blindness Event Manger Lesley Ireland.

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Gregorios Zamparas, Associate Director of Music, University of Tampa entertaining the crowd. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar Clever & Unique Spring Menu Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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armel Cafe & Wine Bar has come up with a very unique and tasty Spring menu using, as always, fresh seasonal ingredients. The new offerings include recipes you probably haven’t experienced in other area restaurants. Our recent menu sampling at the Carmel Cafe Countryside‑ location was a real taste bud treat.

Carmel Cafe has concocted their own seasonal cocktails, and one is sure to please you. We tried the Carmel Spring Tea with Silver Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and Moscato, and the Strawberry Rickey made with Hendrick’s Gin, simple syrup, lime juice, strawberries and Sprite, which was our favorite.

hit. Spinach and ricotta ravioli is topped with fresh peas, portabella mushrooms, haricot verts and pea shoots, and finished with shaved parmesan and t r u ff l e - i n f u s e d beurre blanc.

The Tunisian chicken has a unique and exotic taste. A roasted and grilled chicken breast is glazed with a special blend of 14 spices, and served with a side of fingerling potatoes and Tunisian dipping sauce.

With very little room left to squeeze any more food,

Cod Brushetta

Known for their fabulous thinnest, crispiest crusted flatbreads, Carmel did not disappoint with their spring flatbread of shrimp, red peppers, kalamata olives, tomato, English cucumber, fontina and feta cheese and fresh peas shoots.

A delightful Cod Bruschetta has Escabeche style citrus zataar marinade, capers, tomato and oilves on toasted ciabatta. But our favorite bruschetta is a standout, with garden peas layered with mint pesto and fresh mozzarella on toasted ciabatta. Can’t get enough!

Seafood lovers will want to try the Grilled Mahi Mahi. Fresh and locally sourced Mahi Mahi is topped with blood orange-infused cherries, toasted California almonds and balsamic glaze, and is served with seasoned haricot verts.

The new Spring pasta entry, Ravioli Verde, is a huge 76

Ravioli Verde

we ended our repast with a just-perfect chocolate lava cake.

The delicious items we enjoyed are just a small selection of the Cafe’s full menu, bursting with interesting, clever, and above all, delicious fare.

The restaurant is located at 2548 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater. If you can’t make it to the Clearwater

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Fingerling Potatoes with Peppers and Onions

(Countryside) restaurant, there are three other Carmel Cafe locations to choose from: South Tampa, Carrollwood, and Sarasota. Please visit the website for more

Carmel Spring Tea

information, plus you can view their full menu. www.carmelcafe.com

Spring Pea Bruschetta

Strawberry Rickey

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Tunisian Chicken

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20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - thru May 19 Whimsical Disney topiary spectacles and sweeping garden landscapes set the colorful scene this year for new festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area and nighttime illuminated gardens.

Debuting this year: Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice.

Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.

The Land of Oz Garden circus-like play area, based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful”. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles.

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Midway-style games, circus-themed game tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film.

Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary. Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color.

Illuminated Gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening. Epcot Future World and World Showcase.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and THE VILLAGE PEOPLE design tips. Weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.

The concert series contines with April 5-7: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie; April 12-14: Paul Revere & the Raiders; April 19-21: Village People; April 2628: The Orchestra, featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II; May 3-5: Tommy Roe; May 10-12: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone; May 17-19: Starship starring Mickey Thomas.

For more information call 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com.

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New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park The expansion of the New Fantasyland – nearly doubling in size — continues at Walt Disney World Resort.

Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major attraction where guests travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. Adventurers feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” find themselves immersed in the Park story of New guests Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom “The Little Mermaid.”

The expansion of the New Fantasyland – nearly The castle the Beast stands World on a Rehill doubling in size — of continues at Walt Disney across an old from Ariel’s new home. The sort. Slated tostone makebridge their debuts: Be Under Our Guest Restaurant featuresofathe lavish dining expethe Sea - Journey Little Mermaid, rience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious a major attraction where guests travel with Ariel and “West Wing” of thetheir castle.

Withadventures seating forabove 550, and this her friends through exciting magnificent facility– offers “greata food fast”backdrop service by below the waves all against musical of day andfrom full-service dining infeel theas evening. songs the film.table Adventurers if they Nearby are dein Belle’s Village, guests can surface. find Gaston’s scending below the ocean’s OnceTavern “under and the Bonjour!

Village sea,” guests findGifts. themselves immersed in the story of

Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales “The Little Mermaid.” with begins in Maurice’s castleThe ofadventure the Beast stands on a hill TheBelle. workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The captivating newRestaurant kind of storytelling guests Be Our Guest features experience: a lavish dining exare transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and perience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysteriLumiere, share in castle. a lively,With interactive re-telling of ous “Westand Wing” of the seating for 550, this the “tale as old as time.” magnificent facility offers “great food fast” service by day and full-service table dining in the evening. Nearby BOWLING RE-IMAGINED SPLITSVILLE: in Belle’s Village, guests can find Gaston’s Tavern and The age-old Bonjour!

Villageimage Gifts. of bowling has changed with the recent openingcottage of Splitsville, America’s Bowling Alley, at Belle’s and Enchanted Tales Downtown Disney West Side.

The adventure begins in Maurice’s with Belle.

Splitsville’s 50,000 squaremirror feet, two-story location workshop, where a magical is the doorway to is a unlike traditional bowling alleys — experience: with 30 lanes sepcaptivating new kind of storytelling guests arated into several clusters createto ameet one-of-a-kind are transported to the Beast’stolibrary Belle and perspective immersed hip and retro elements.

The Lumiere, and share in in a lively, interactive re-telling of Downtown Disney location also boasts billiard tables, the “tale as old as time.” live entertainment, a dramatic balcony and ample out-

SPLITSVILLE: door seating. BOWLING RE-IMAGINED The age-old image bowling has changed with the Placing a whole newofspin on the bowling experience recent opening of Splitsville, America’s Bowling Alley, with its emphasis on unique design, Splitsville greets at Downtown Disney West Side. guests with upscale sushi bars, plush booths and dySplitsville’s 50,000 square two-story is namic decor overlooking the feet, bowling lanes.location Between unlike bowling alleys withon30menu lanesitems sepstrikes traditional and spares, guests can — feast arated into several clusters to create a one-of-a-kind including hand-tossed pizza, fresh-rolled sushi, grilled perspective immersed in hip and retro elements.filets The mahi-mahi with “Voodoo” shrimp and hand-cut Downtown Disney location also boasts billiard tables, alongside alley-classics such as cheeseburgers and live entertainment, a dramatic balcony ampleinforoutcrinkle-cut fries served right at the lane. and For more door seating. mation, visit www.splitsvillelanes.com.

Placing a whole new spin on the bowling experience with its emphasis on unique Splitsville Design, then test drivedesign, The new Test greets guests upscale sushi bars, plush booths and dyTrackwith Presented

by Chevrolet namic decor overlooking the bowling lanes.Presented Between Test Track A re-imagined, design-centric strikes and spares, guests can feast on menu

by Chevrolet has debuted with a new “Chevroletitems Deincluding hand-tossed pizza, fresh-rolled sushi, grilled sign Center.” Amid upbeat music, engaging media, mahi-mahi with “Voodoo” shrimpofand hand-cut filets dramatic lighting and a collection Chevrolet concept alongside alley-classics such as cheeseburgers and cars and model vehicles, guests themselves become crinkle-cut fries served right at the lane.

For more inforautomotive designers and create their own custom mation, www.splitsvillelanes.com. concept visit vehicles.

Then guests buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through Design, drive The Test and its paces then on thetest exhilarating hills,new switchbacks Track Presented by Chevrolet straight-aways of the Test Track circuit. Their perforA re-imagined, design-centric Test Track Presented mance testing complete, guests move into a post-show by Chevrolet has debuted with aand neware “Chevrolet Design area filled with special effects scored on how Center.”

Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic well their custom concept vehicle did.

lighting and ainformation, collection of Chevrolet concept For more call 407/824-4321 or cars visit and model vehicles, guests themselves become automowww.disneyworld.com.

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS

2013 FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL CINEMA - April 5-14 The 2013 Florida Film Festival includes the harsh tale of a loan shark enforcer with mother issues, a unique coming of age tale set against a British neighborhood, a shocking portrayal of accusation and scandal, and a Capture the Flag contest like you have never seen before. With one Southeast premiere and other international titles in other programs to be announced

by March 13th, this year’s Festival, April 5-14, is offering the best in current foreign cinema to audiences in Central Florida. New to the Festival this year is the British Shorts Now! program, featuring several outstanding examples of UK short film. This program is filled with recognizable faces such as Dame Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), Michael Fassbender (Shame), Liam Cunningham (TV’s Game of Thrones), and Mackenzie Crook (TV’s The Office). www.FloridaFilmFestival.com

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Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival April 5–6 The festival will include two days of activities surrounding the dragon boat race. Enjoy the opening ceremonies the evening before the boat race, including live performances, demonstrations and team introductions.

The race will take place April 6 at 9:00 a.m., followed by performances and ongoing events throughout the day.

352-343-2531; cfdragonboat.org Festival Calle Orange - April 7 Central Florida’s largest Hispanic festival brings together people of many nationalities, religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets of downtown Orlando. 407-381-5310; renesproductions.com GAYLORD PALMS FAMILY FUN WITH SHREK & FRIENDS - April 13 and May 4 Test your mettle and see if you are made for swamp life livin’ at its finest. Get down and dirty and become honorary ogres when you celebrate Family Fun with Shrek & Friends taking place at Gaylord Palms Resort. Mix and mingle and rub elbows with Shrek. Create some ooey gooey swampy slime, and then feast on swamp sludge and eyeball cookies (green milk and M&M cookies). Head outside for a Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool

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The American Princess Arabian Nights Presented By...

6 Delicious Meals.

50 Spectacular Horses.

20 Incredible Performers.

Winner! 2011 Expedia Dinner Show of The Year!

800-553-6116 or 407-239-9223 www.arabannights.com Arabian-Nights.com

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U

niversal guests can experience all the spirit and excitement of The Big Easy at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 - a family-friendly version of the famous New Orleans street party that features an authentic celebration throughout Universal Studios Florida.

On select nights, the Mardi Gras celebration offers an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, a sea of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans muVATO

DEMI LO

sicians, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. Enjoy 14 nights of performances by such acts as DEMI LOVATO, STEVE MILLER BAND, and Matchbox Twenty.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade makes its way through Universal Studios. Guests can also enjoy the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands that travel straight from The Big Easy to Universal’s French Quarter Courtyard to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers. www.universalorlando.com

April 13 - May 4

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njoy all the fun of Viva La Musica beginning at noon on Saturdays at SeaWorld. Concerts are located at Bayside Stadium and begin at 3:00 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will move to Nautilus Theater.

Celebrate the food, fun, sights and sounds of Latin culture at this annual festival, featuring live concerts by internationally renowned Latin musical artists. All concerts are free with admission.

Enjoy savory Latin cuisine prepared by SeaWorld Orlando’s own Executive Chef, Héctor Colón. Lechón, arroz con gandules y pasteles, arroz con pollo, habichuelas rojas y maduros, mofongo con carne frita, alcapurrias and bacalaítos are just some of the items available during Viva la Música. www.seaworldparks.com/seaworld-orlando/Events/Viva-la-Musica

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS Party and Splash ‘N’ Screen viewing of “Shrek Forever After.” Package guests will also be fit for fun with your very own DreamWorks autograph book and Shrek ears amenities, along with a DreamWorks activity book, all received at check-in. Additionally, you will embark on an adventure in the Rise of the Guardians Adventure Scavenger Hunt. Join forces with Jack Frost and the legendary Guardians to solve puzzles, crack codes and find the clues needed to defeat the evil spirit, Pitch, and his devious plan to engulf the world in darkness and fear. For an additional charge, guests can start the next day with a ShrekFeast Interactive Character Breakfast.

This exclusive ogre-ific event is part of The DreamWorks Experience and takes place at Gaylord Palms on April 13 and May 4. 407-586-2000; www.gaylordpalms.com International Quidditch Association’s World Cup VI - April 13-14 The Kissimmee destination welcomes more than 2,000 quidditch athletes and 20,000 fans during Inter-

national Quidditch Association’s World Cup VI, April 13-14. Atheletes from around the country and abroad are expected to descend on the six quidditch fields that will be arranged at Kissimmee’s Austin Tindall Park. The three day event will offer teams a day of practice follwed by two days of tournament play. Quidditch games as played by Muggles was adapted by Middleburry College students in 2005. It is now played at more than 300 universities and high schools in the United States and 12 countries. Loosely, the game is a combination of rugby, basketball and dodge ball, with an element of hide-and-seek as a “seeker” chases the “snitch” throughout play. The last World Cup was held in New York City with 94 teams and d more than 1,500 players participating. More than 15,000 spectators were in attendance.

Quidditch Night at Universal Islands of Adventure get ready for an incredible party experience with the Kissimmee and International Quidditch Association, Sunday, April 14 - 7:00pm - 11:00pm.

Florida Music Festival - April 17–20 Florida Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of up-and-coming musicians held in downtown Orlando.

The festival lets fans experience live music, film, visual arts and the cultural community. The event welcomes more than 250 performers from alternative, pop, country, urban, hip hop and acoustic formats, along with hundreds of filmmakers and dozens of visual artists. floridamusicfestival.com Art Party 21 - April 20 Platform Art celebrates its 10-year anniversary with it’s signature event, Art Party 21. Held at Wall Foss Financial at 212 East Highland Drive from 7 to 11 p.m. Art Party 21 will feature visual art, film fashion, sound, and performance pieces, along with food, beer and wine.

Each year’s event is held at a unique venue bringing a different selection of local artists from Lakeland and throughout Florida. www.platformart.org The 4th Annual Shingle Creek Adventure Challenge - April 21 Bike. Paddle. Run. The 4th Annual Shingle Creek Adventure Challenge is open to two, three and fourperson teams interested in healthy, hearty competition while exploring some of Osceola County’s pristine natural areas via bike, foot and canoe or kayak. The run route will cover 5 miles in Shingle Creek Regional Park. Cyclists will cover 23 miles of the surrounding areas of Kissimmee, Florida. The canoeist or kayaker will paddle through the blue way waters of Shingle Creek.

Participants can provide their own canoes or rent a canoe for $5. If entering the kayak division, participants must provide their own single-person kayak. Cyclists must bring their own bikes. Register by April 12. www. shinglecreekadventurechallenge.com/

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS 12th Annual Orlando Cabaret Festival: April 25 – May 12 Life is indeed a cabaret, at least for a few weeks during Mad Cow Theatre’s celebration of musical theatre.

Cabaret artists and acts are featured in more than 40 evening and lunchtime performances. 407-297-8788; orlandocabaret.com Great American Pie Festival - April 27-28 The 2013 American Pie Council’s Great American Pie Festival returns to Celebration, FL Preserve America’s pie heritage by taking part in the Never Ending Pie Buffet, pie eating contests, pie baking com-

petitions, cooking demonstrations, PieCasso art, the Baker’s Square Pietopia stage with live music and entertainment, games and much more. The event is free.

Lakeside Park - 631 Sycamore Street Celebration, FL 34747. www.piecouncil.org ARABIAN NIGHTS SHOW The current featured production at Arabian Nights is a lighthearted tale of adventure and romance.

On her 21st birthday, all-American girl and champion rider Sherry Smith discovers that she is actually the Princess Scheherazade. Along with her genie Abracadabra, Princess Scheherazade takes the audience on a magical journey around the world to find her prince – who must love horses as much as she does. Along the way, Abracadabra must protect Princess Scheherazade from the evil Prince Vaneer, and help her find her true love, Prince Khalid. The show includes dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223. www.Arabiannights.com

Angry Birds Space Encounter at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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ennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has partnered with Rovio Entertainment, creator of Angry Birds franchise including Angry Birds Space, to bring the casual puzzle game to life. The new Angry Birds Space Encounter is the first comprehensive, interactive Angry Birds attraction in the United States designed for people of all ages.

The grand opening of Angry Birds Space Encounter will feature an appearance by NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, Ph.D. “This one-of-a-kind experience gives guests an up-close encounter with Angry Birds Space characters in a unique multifaceted adventure featuring Danger Zone, Eggsteroids Slingshot and Red Planet Lazer Challenge,” said Bill Moore, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Angry Birds Space Encounter, which is included in regular Visitor Complex admission, brings to life the space adventures of the Angry Birds as they follow their kidnapped eggs into an inter-galactic wormhole, come face-toface with Space Pigs and gear up with heroic superpowers. Visitors encounter six interactive stations designed to engage and immerse guests in a new dimension of Angry Birds Space. “Concepts of human space exploration are incorporated into Angry Birds Space Encounter, reflecting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s ongoing mission to encourage young people in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields of study,” said Moore. “Kids will love interacting with their favorite Angry Birds Space characters, while parents will appreciate that their children are enjoying the learning experience.”

For more information on Kennedy Space Center Complex, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com 84

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www.shrinershq.org

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Art Lines PHOTOGRAPHING THE CITY - thru May 26 This exhibition explores how nineteenth- and twentiethcentury photographers responded to cities and towns, presented and preserved their history, and influenced their perception by the public. Among the artists represented are Berenice Abbott, Walker Evans, Aaron Siskind, Weegee, and Garry Winogrand.

The major themes include transportation, commerce, disaster, and community. Both documentary and fine art photographs are on view. The earliest image is an albumen print, Panorama of Paris (1852) by Edouard Baldus, one of the great photographers of architecture and monuments. The exhibition has a number of albumen prints, one of the first photographic processes, as well as two striking cyanotypes, with their blue cast, of The Paris Exposition of 1900 by Albert Levy. The most recent image is Garry Winogrand’s famous 1970 photograph of people gathering in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, from his series Women are Beautiful.

History comes alive through images of storefronts and factories, railroads and bridges, street scenes from cities like New York and Paris, and urban disasters like the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, which resonate with our own like hurricanes Sandy and Katrina. The presence of people is felt even in the photographs of buildings and sites alone.

PHILIP PEARLSTEIN RETROSPECTIVE: Philip Pearlstein’s People, Places, Things 86

thru June 16 Philip Pearlstein’s People, Places, Things is the most comprehensive retrospective of his art to date and features 62 paintings, drawings, and prints. Many have never before been seen by the public or outside of New York City.

Born in 1924 in Pittsburgh, Mr. Pearlstein studied at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), where he formed a friendship with fellow student Andy Warhol (then Warhola).

When he was stationed in Jacksonville for training during World War II, he produced a series of watercolors focusing on army life and the tropical landscape, and later served in Italy, designing signs and diagrams and sketching symbols for maps. After graduating from college, Mr. Pearlstein set off for New York with Warhol. His powerful painting Superman (1952), from The Museum of Modern Art, made him a forerunner of Pop Art. Mr. Pearlstein completed an MA in art history at The Institute of Fine Arts at New York University and began his career as a highly respected and popular professor of art. During his time at Pratt, he produced expressionist landscapes and other works in response to Abstract Expressionism. He presents his models together and singly and in highly unusual poses.

The perspectives are compelling and parts of the body, including the head, are sometimes cut off. The models usually do not look at or particularly relate to each other, or the viewer. He has increasingly positioned his models with a wide array of objects, seemingly turning human figures into still life elements. Reflections in mirrors add another dimension to his compositions. These juxtapositions of figures and objects create tension and complexity. Mr. Pearlstein’s work is in more than 75 public collections.

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

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38th Annual Mainsail Art Festival Vinoy Park April 20-21 Over 100,000 visitors from near and far come to enjoy and purchase quality art and enjoy top name entertainment at this annual event.

The Mainsail committee of hardworking volunteers produces this fine arts festival, named by Sun-

Also enjoy top name entertainment, Young at ARt Student Show & Awards, Kids Create art activity tent, Culinary Arts food court. Free admission to the event. www.mainsailart.org/

shine Artist as one of the “100 Best� fine arts events in the nation.

Exhibiting artists are competing for $50,000 in prize money. 250 Juried Fine Art & Craft Exhibitors display Ceramics, Digital Art, Fibers, Glass, Graphics, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oil/Acrylic, Photography, Sculpture, Watercolor and Wood.

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AMERICAN ART FROM THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION: To See As Artists See - Through April 28 Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

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Edward Hopper’s 1926 “Sunday”

he Tampa Museum of Art’s exhibit, To See as Artists See: American Art from The Phillips Collection, features eventy-five American artists spanning a period from the 1850s through the 1960s with art purposefully collected by Duncan Phillips. The represented artists are some of the most recognized names in the history of modern American art, such as Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, Rockwell Kent, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Grandma Moses, Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, and Mark Rothko.

Duncan Phillips was one of the few collectors between the wars to champion America’s artistic diversity, collecting works by self-taught artists, artists of color, immigrants, and naturalized Americans. This early commitment to American artists of fresh vision propelled the Phillips (Museum located in Washington, D.C.) as a force in American art. Phillips was always “in the moment” in his appreciation and investment in the arts, and tended to look forward rather than back in collecting. He was the first to place a Grandma Moses painting in a museum.

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Phillips Collection Curator, Sue Frank, was in attendance at the opening of the exhibit, and walked media through the galleries describing the importance of the various artists to their time periods. She explained that it wasn’t until the 1940s that American artists received any real credibility in the art world.

The Tampa Museum of Art has arranged the spacious six galleries of the exhibit to provide an excellent line of sight to the timeline flow of the art, as well as hanging the paintings according to theme.

For more information on the Phillips Collection, visit www.phillipscollection.org. The Tampa Museum of Art is located at 120 Gasparilla Plaza Tampa, FL 33602. For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org/

Phillips Collection Curator, Susan Behrends Frank, PHD

A section of the Abstract Expressionism gallery

Legacy of Cubism gallery with an Alexander Calder mobile

Phillips was an early exponent of the value of self-taught artsts of color. wHorace Pippin’s 1943 “Domino

Grandma Moses’ 1944 “Hoosick Falls In Winter”

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Mythic Creatures of China - thru July 14, 2013 Chinese artists have portrayed animals in ceramics across thousands of years of the country’s continuous history. These animals cap-

tured the imaginations of Chinese potters as they sought to portray animals they had seen, and others they could only imagine. Drawn from the Ringling’s collection of Chinese ceramics, these animals will tickle your fancy with their stories, legends and vibrancy. Almost one hundred objects are presented, including dragons, butterflies, fish and phoenix.

HERB L.A. RITTS: Style - ThruMay 19 Herb Ritts (American, 1952–2002) was a Los Angeles-based photographer who established an international reputation for his distinctive photographs of fashion models, nudes, and celebrities. From the late 1970s until his untimely death from AIDS in 2002, Ritts’s ability to create photographs that successfully bridged

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the gap between art and commerce was a testament to the power of his imagination and technical skill, and marked the synergy between art,

popular culture, and business that followed in the wake of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

941-358-3180, or www.ringling.org

Dodie O’Keefe: A Colorful Life - thru April 6

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celebration of the life and work of artist Dodie O’Keefe, a painter, designer, illustrator, and stylist.

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of the late Dodie O’Keefe. Dodie wasn’t simply an artist (there was nothing simple about her), she was a walking work of art. Her sense of style, color and design were evident in everything she did (and wore!). So many of her artist friends and acquaintances benefited from her generosity of spirit and ideas. Her critical eye was sharp and insightful and she wasn’t shy about voicing her opinions. If she liked you and/or your work, she was on the lookout for you…considering other artists you would like, people you should know, opportunities you should know about.

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

FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows - April 4 - June 16 The story of Vivian Maier (1926-2009) is seemingly beyond belief.

An American of French and Austro-Hungarian extraction, Vivian bounced between Europe and the United States before coming back to New York City in 1951 and settling in Chicago where she’d spend most of the rest of her life working primarily as a nanny and later as a caregiver. During both working hours and leisure, Maier would shoot photos that she zealously hid from the eyes of others. Taking snapshots into the late 1990s, Maier would leave behind a body of work comprising over 100,000 negatives.

Maier’s massive, never before seen, and completely unknown body of work would come to light when in 2007 when the contents of her 5 storage lockers were publicly sold at an auction house on Chicago’s Northwest Side. From there, the work would go viral and would eventually impact the world over.

Also on view is the Tampa Collector’s Showcase featuring works of Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, Robert Mapplethorpe, Edward Weston, Ruth Bernhard, Herbert List, August Sander, Jerry Uelsmann and Annie Leibovitz just to name a few.

The FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602; 813.221.2222; www.fmopa.org

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lead shot inside), or primitive shooting target game animals like brightly painted figural ducks or squirrels carved of wood are still all the rage with antique collectors.

The Americana market stirred the interest for these collectibles in the 1970s and today, many new collectors recently appraised a vintage carnival game on the are returning to the collecting category. season 4 premiere of Discovery channel’s Auction Today, some of the most popular carnival games are Kings that was picked by Gallery 63’s picker and those which still stir the spirit of the amusement park. Simgeneral manager, Jon Hammond. ilar to the bean or corn kernel Today, antique and vintage carbag toss games (also known as nival games are a hit with colleccorn hole—where a kernel-filled tors, traders, and yard sale shopbag is tossed underhand into pers as shown by the sale of the a hole in a piece of wood), the clown toss carnival game during clown toss carnival games was the live auction featured at the once played by two opponents end of the show. or opposing teams positioned Designers like to add these on opposite sides of a carnival carnival items to interior design booth. Players would toss cornconcepts to introduce whimsy kernel filled bags from one side and collectors amass these oband try to get their bag into the jects to recall the good old days. clown’s opened mouth. Their opFrom the original objects used ponent did the same thing from in vintage carnival games to the the other side of the booth. The signs that advertise those popular winner got a prize. games along the midway, patrons The clown toss carnival game at America’s amusement parks that I appraised on Auction Kings and fairs remember the lazy days was made by Game Time Inc. of of playing games of chance. Yet, cast iron and brightly painted. these pieces of Americana are as Some of these games were even popular as they are pricey. re-purposed as decorative trash While most carnival games can covers at amusement parks. show heavy use and only fair The clown toss carnival game condition, the evidence of age on that I appraised on Discovery these objects adds to their desirchannel’s Auction Kings during ability. Prices are high as a black Clown toss carnival game made by Game Time. the popular Gallery 63 pick-off Americana ball toss game sign episode ranges in value from commands $500-$1000 and the accessories from a skeet $350 to $450. Watch video from the Discovery channel shooting game bring $250 to $275. Highly sought after show Auction Kings at http://ow.ly/i2CXT to see an examcarnival collectibles are those which come with complete ple of this carnival game. I also provide more information parts in working order. Oddly enough, the well-worn and in the video about its history and current value. lovingly used look of some of these hand lettered signs When collecting these old carnival games, accessory that announce the games which read “3 balls for $1” or objects, and signage, you can almost smell the cotton “Whack a mole” with a painted image of a frightened rocandy… dent make many of these carnival advertisements quite appealing, too.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV Carnival games that required rare objects such as a personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nagigantic wooden sledgehammer used to ring a bell posted tionwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the hit TV high above the carnival grounds, old milk bottles that even show, Auction Kings on Discovery channel airing Thursthe strongest baseball pitch couldn’t topple over (because days at 9 PM. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook. one bottle was hollowed out and replaced with a heavy com/DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.

Step Right Up

Collecting Carnival Antiques

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22x30 inch poster of Girl With Wine printed on matte paper with archival inks, signed and dated 1968 on front, is $75, plus $15 S&H. Or pick up at Tampa studio, o Kennedy Blvd. The poster is also available mounted at $125 and mounted/framed at $195. Contact Richard at 813-289-8149 or rstewart@galleryartphotos.com.

Richard Stewart Fine Art Photography

120 S. Lauber Way, Tampa FL 33609 www.galleryartphotos.com www.galleryartphotos.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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La Dolce Vita S

The Voyage Continues On MSC Posia everal years ago my husband and I had the good fortune to discover the MSC Cruise line. MSC was a small, family owned cruise company based in Genoa, Italy. Although it was the second largest container shipping company in Europe, it was relatively unknown in the U.S. When we took our first cruise with them, they had one ship, the MSC Melody.

It was a small ship by today’s standards, 1,000 passengers and about 35,000 tons. It was a great ship and we enjoyed several wonderful cruises on it. I found out that the MSC Melody was retired recently. She had a good run and was the start of a great family of ships for MSC.

Over the past several years we enjoyed sailing with MSC on about 8 other cruises. We have never been disappointed in any one of them. Our most recent trip was on the MSC Poesia for 10 days through the Caribbean. The Poesia joined the fleet in 2008 as part of the Musica Class of ships. At about 92,000 tons and with a guest list of about 3,000, she is just a tad bigger than the Melody. She may be larger, but some things are still the same. The company’s Italian heritage is still reflected in the way the guests are treated.

When you are aboard any MSC ship you feel that you are at a wonderful family party.

Being on one of their ships feels like a leisurely trip to Europe with out have the long plane ride. From the embarkation, which was gracious and efficient, to our disembarkation, everything was handled with finesse. I have never seen that process so efficient.

Story by Barbara McGovern photos by Tim McGovern (unless otherwise noted) Ship photo courtesy of MSC

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he Poesia itself is beautiful — very elegant but cozy. We felt we were in a lovely boutique hotel while sailing the ocean blue. The ship is like a lovely floating town with everything from gourmet restaurants, intimate wine bars, an Internet cafe, spa, full gym, library, basketball and tennis courts, several pools, an outdoor movie that sure beats those old out door drive-ins we went to in the day. There are dutyfree shops that will please the most discriminating shop-aholic (and make her husband cringe!) and a great casino (I do love those casinos.)

There are several lounges throughout the ship that offer something for every one. The Il Grappolo D’Ora has mellow piano music, which is the ideal spot for enjoying a glass of wine. Pigalle has great Latin music and at various times, Karaoke. The Hitchcock is a restful bar with a very masculine vibe. It’s billed as a cigar bar it I never noticed that cigar smell that you come to expect (thank goodness.) Younger guests will enjoy the Disco, it is the coolest place in town. Our favorite lounge was the Zebra Bar which is very international. It is very hip but comfortable, with a great singer who can do any style of music. The bar is very nicely decorated with lots of glam but not tacky, and lots of comfortable tables and chairs decorated with Zebra prints (what else!)

The entertainment on the Poesia is outstanding. I’m not a big fan of shows on ships. They seem to run to jugglers, magicians and unfunny comedians. On the Poesia was I surprised. I didn’t go the first show but when I heard all the raves about it I wanted to see of it was as good as everyone was saying. Well, they were right. The shows were as good as anything I ever saw on Broadway. The talent was wonderful, the content was great and the variety was excellent. The theatre

itself is beautiful, very large, and no seating problem.

The decor is beautiful with plush purple carpeting and seats, and the ceiling is covered with tiny light so it looks like you’re looking up a sky filled with stars.

The entire ship has the same WOW factor as the theatre. The Poesia is like a huge treasure chest filled with jewels. Every time you enter another space, you find another gem. Everything is classic and done with European good taste.

The best jewels on the ship are the staff. Everyone that we came in contact with were professional, from the cabin stewards, the waiters, and the office staff, right on up to Captain Francesco Veniero. Everyone went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. They wanted to be sure you knew that your were part of the family. It is a very nice feeling.

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bout the food. It was outstanding. I know some people came on board thinking they were going to be eating the regular American food that they may have been used to on other cruises. On the Poesia, we were served great Italian and continental food. The guests on the cruise came from almost 40 countries plus the crew.

Eating is part of the adventure that you have chosen to go on. Make the most of it, trying things you may not try at home. Have fun.

I tried some tastes I didn’t love, and some I loved. I never had Indian food before, but now I love it.

Ah, the breads. I think the bakers are really artists.

The bread makers build an entire village one day, and on another day they created a zoo. You never knew what they would dream up, but I must admit, the bread sticks were my favorite and they became everyone at the table’s favorite also. The din-

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ing rooms are lovely, although the seating is a bit tight.

The waiters do a amazing job running the gauntlet between the seats with full trays on a moving ship. I never saw one mishap. Amazing.

There are two sit-down dining rooms for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a buffet dining room, which is more casual but still has amazing food.

There are two specialty restaurants. Kaito specializes in sushi. The ambience is great and the food is excellent (love the green tea ice cream!) The food presentation was a dream photo op.

La Obelisco is the second specialty restaurant and is truly special. The setting is very romantic. This isn’t the place to bring the kids, in is not their kind of place.

The food was also excellent, with a beautiful setting and great service. If you are looking for a very special evening, this is the place to go.

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SC hasn’t forgotten their youngest guests. They are treated like the special guests that they are. The kids are split into 3 age groups: 12-17 are in the teen group, 7-12 are in the Jr. Cub, and under 6 are in the Mini Club. There are special programs for each group with every thing from treasure hunts to Italian lessons.

There are specially trained counselors for each age group. On port days guests can arrange for their kids, who want to stay aboard, to be taken care of by the kids staff. They will take them to lunch and make a special day for them. At this time, MSC does not have a baby sitting service. There are new enhancements to the youth program being placed, so please check with your travel agent.

And we liked the Poesia so much that we have booked a 16-day trip on her later this year, traveling from Florida to Germany. We did a reverse trip, from Italy to Florida on the MSC Lirica two years ago and loved it.

We are looking forward to sailing on the newest MSC, the Divina, which will be coming to the USA in Fall of 2013.

I hope this whets your appetite for adventure and you want to cruise on MSC. Check out the web site, wwwmsccruisesusa.com or check them out on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flicker or Printerest. Also check with your travel agent, as they can give you all the latest information on MSC Cruises. If you decide to sail with MSC, be sure to join their MSC Club and HAPPY SAILING!

At MSC, the guests aren’t the only thing that gets the ships attention. The environment is their highest concern. The Poesia is one of the greenest ships in their fleet. The company has received many national and international awards for the commitment to helping Mother Earth to stay well and prosper. MSC is the only company to receive the prestigious “6 Golden Pearls” from Bureau Verittas.

Depending on your needs and the time that you have to travel, the world is waiting at your feet. Go for it. MSC presents the perfect multigenerational family experience. We enjoy MSC so much we have traveled with them more than with any other cruise line. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Looking Good...

GAIAM

Pointelle Knit Sweater

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aiam’s fashion forward sweaters are made with ecofriendly fabrics. The pointelle sweater is a sophisticated and modern twist on a scarf-front cardigan. The open sweater in a pointelle pattern has a flowing shawl front and scooped back to add movement and drama. It is slightly tapered at the waist. Layer it for the perfect addition to your closet classics. It is made of 53% organic cotton, 47% rayon from sustainable bamboo. Available in purple, charcoal, teal, cypress or black.

For more information on Gaiam products, visit www.Gaiam.com

WrinkleMD

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Eye System

ooking for a safe, quick alternative to plastic surgery? Check out WrinkleMD, a device that resembles an iPod yet it actually replenishes Hyaluronic Acid in the skin, via an eye patch, leaving it hydrated, smooth, and younger looking. This hi tech gadget is convenient enough to fit into a small pocket or purse.

In just 40 minutes, WrinkleMD continuously replenishes skin with Hyaluronic Acid to help fill lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin hydrated, smooth and younger looking. It is designed especially for the wrinkle prone area around the eyes to help diminish the look of crow’s feet, fine and deep under eye lines. The specialized formula of active anti-wrinkle ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Syn-ake Super Peptide and Biodynes TRF, paired with an unprecedented enhanced delivery system, will slow the signs of aging.

For more information, visit www.universitymedical.com/

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OBAGI

ELASTILash Eyelash Solution

Get the appearace of fuller, longer lashes

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bagi eyelash conditioner helps your eyelashes appear fuller and longer in a matter of weeks — without a prescription. ELASTILash is a safe, nonprescription treatment that is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

It’s nonallergenic, and has no evidence of eyelid darkening or change in iris pigmentation.

Treat your eyelashes without harmful side effects. This eyelash conditioner is ideal for those with light eye color and a fair skin tone as it will not cause a change in skin or eye color. It’s easy to use. Apply along your upper lash line every night, and in as little as 6 weeks, you can say “adios” to your false eyelashes.

Obagi skin care is the only FDA-approved products that restore and maintain optimal cellular renewal for anti aging. www.obagi.com/

MultiSport Journeys

Custom Fleeces

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he trick to packing light and being ready for anything is layers. For travel, micro fleece offers up versatility, and MultiSport Journeys (MSJ) unique laser engraved fleece gives some added outdoor style points. These warm, comfortable and stylish fleeces allow you to customize the shirt with your favorite sport or outdoor adventure activity and add a customized slogan.

From football to hiking to camping, MSJ has almost every adventure covered. Not only can you customize the piece, but the laser etching makes it even more unique. The fuzz of the fleece is literally burned off without burning through it to reveal the cool sports art. It is a new and totally unique way to imprint images onto a fleece and it won’t wash out or fade because it is permanently burned into the fabric.

For more information, visit www.multisportjourneys.com

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JESSICA Nail Collection GELeration Colours

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ELeration unique gel in a bottle, with patent-pending technology, is applied like a polish with the durable strength of a gel. Available in 67 of Jessica’s bestselling Custom Colours, 22 GELeration Colours, and 12 Glitters. GELeration lasts for 21+ days without chipping, peeling, or fading and is easily removed in minutes. Jessica custom colours are formaldehyde, toluene and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free.

Jessica’s GELeration Essentials Kit includes the key products to perform a manicure or pedicure. Self-leveling formulas bond to the natural nail while maintaining the ultimate flexibility.

For more information, visit www.jessicacosmetics.com/

Colorful and Creative Headbands

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ondi Band hairbands are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back whether you’re riding in a convertible, rushing out the door to get your kids, or getting some exercise. They are composed of a unique blend of nylon, lycra, and spandex. The result is a stretchy yet form fitting band that holds up under the toughest hair styles and types. Bondi Bands are great for women, men, girls and boys.

Their wicking fabric bands absorb and evaporate lots of sweat. And each year Bondiband donates 10% of their pretax profits to charity. For more infomation, visit www.bondiband.com/

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Skinspirations Academy Awards Party Benefitted ‘Dress For Success’

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kinspirations transformed their cosmetic medical facility into a glamorous pre-Academy Awards party in February. Live demonstrations of different non-surgical cosmetic procedures were held for guests, along with an appearance

by Marvelous Marvin Boone of WJQB 106.3 FM and refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

Celebrities don’t take their beauty routines lightly, especially for the biggest night in Hollywood. Stars may prep for months ahead of time, including custom exercise regimens, $345 facials, $2,000 haircuts and laser facials at $600 a session.

Dr. Cynthia Elliott, board-certified owner of Skinspirations, guarantees that her patients can come in for non-surgical procedures which can be completed in less than one

Dr. Elliott (L) with Terry Thompson from Dress for Success.

hour at a fraction of the cost of Hollywood glam.

Skinspirations demonstrated:

SEVANI BOTANICA Holistic Skin Care

the HydraFacial, which merges soothing spa therapies with advanced medical technology to achieve instant, lasting results; Diva Décolletage, a Laser Micro Peel of the chest, done one month before an event; Red Carpet Makeup Tips; Clarisonic Skin Devices, home beauty tools to maintain a flawless glow; and Detoxification & Hormone Optimization, looking good from the inside out by removing toxins & restoring balance.

This event benefitted the local Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization that offers services to help women enter the workforce, stay employed, advance in their careers and improve their lives. For more information about Dress For Success, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/ Skinspirations is located in Feather Sound, Clearwater, FL 33762; 727-571-1923; www.skinspirations.

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evani Natural Beauty Products meticulously select ingredients found in nature via potent botanicals, vitamins and the latest scientific research. Products are formulated without the use of synthetic additives. Their skin care products even offer an organic preservative system. Sevani combines the latest scientific research with nature’s actives for firming, brightening, plumping, cellular renewal, antioxidant protection, exfoliation and hydration. Products are vegan, and cruelty free. Sevani pure plant ingredients are specifically selected for their powerful antioxidants, natural vitamin content, natural sun protection properties, cell regeneration & exfoliating fruit acids.

For more information, please visit www.sevanibeauty.com/

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DVD VIEW S DRAMA

school bus. This is a powerful and inspiring film that every educator, parent and teenager should see.

Officer Down [Blu-ray] Starring: Tommy Flanagan , James Woods; director: Brian A. Miller www.anchorbayent.com Dirty cop Detective Callahan was shot in a drug bust gone wrong, and saved by a stranger who gave him a second chance to clean up his life. But when the stranger comes forward, seeking revenge against the men responsible for a string of assaults on young women at a local strip club, Callahan must go rogue to find the attacker. His desperation to find the attacker, and cover his tracks, takes him down a violent road of deception, cover-ups and fraud. Can he play the ‘’good cop’’ and track down the assailant, while still keeping his reputation clean?

Bully Lee Hirsch (Director) www.anchorbayent.com Lee Hirsch’s beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary follows five kids and families over the course of a school year.

Offering insight into different facets of America’s bullying crisis, the stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter, who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her

The Master Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix; Director - Paul Thomas Anderson www.anchorbayent.com A striking portrait of drifters and seekers in post-World War II America, Paul Thomas Anderson’s THE MASTER unfolds the journey of a naval veteran (Joaquin Phoenix) who arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future–until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic intellectual leader (Philip Seymour Hoffman) known as “The Master” who creates a belief system which catches on with other lost souls. The young WW-11 veteran becomes his right hand man.

People Like Us Starring: Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks; Director: Alex Kurtzman www.ppllikeusmovie.com/ Sam (Pine) is a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman whose latest deal collapses the day he learns his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home to put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. While there, he uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down — he has a 30-yearold sister he never knew existed.

Francis Ford Coppola

5-Film Collection (Apocalypse Now / Apocalypse Now Redux / One From the Heart / Tetro / The Conversation) [Blu-ray] www.lionsgatebluray.com Francis Ford Coppola has made a name for himself in cinema history as one of the most influential filmmakers of his time. With 5 Academy Award wins and countless praises from critics his work is also loved by independent film enthusiasts and fans alike. In honor of his fearless innovative filmmaking career fans can now own a stunning collection featuring 5 films directed by Coppola available together on Blu-ray for the first time. Including Apocalypse Now, Apocalypse Now Redux, The Conversation, One From the Heart, and Tetro - this must own collection is now available.

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Music Gregg Allman: I’m No Angel - Live on Stage Gregg Allman, Cherry Red www.cherryred.co.uk I’m No Angel features a full length concert from Gregg Allman and his solo band in Nashville in 1988. Among the songs featured are “I’m No Angel” and a version of Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues.” Gregg Allman continues to record and play live, both solo and as part of The Allman Brothers Band, who were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995.

Marley

by Bob Marley, Kevin MacDonald www.bobmarleymovie.com By 1971 David Bowie was brBob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history, and role as a social and political prophet

is both unique and unparalleled. Marley is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, legend, and the man, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. The film features rare footage, never before seen performances, previously unreleased music, and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.

Turner, Ike & Tina - On The Road: 1971-72

by Nadya & Bob Gruen www.mvdb2b.com In the early 70’s, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen and his wife Nadya toured with Ike & Tina Turner and filmed them performing, on the road, and behind the scenes. Now for the first time ever this footage is unveiled. This is a look inside a hardworking band as well as an iconic couple.

In addition to renditions of Ike & Tina classics, you also get a glimpse of the group at work in the recording studio, Tina and the Ikettes practicing their dance routines, goofing off on airplanes and in airports, and even at home with the kids.

www.netflix.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Action / Thriller Cherry Tree Lane Starring: Rachel Blake, Tom Butcher. Director: Paul Andrew Williams www.watchimage.com Christine and Mike are an ordinary middle-class couple. It is an average evening as they prepare dinner, open a bottle of wine and bicker as they wait for their teenage son, Sebastian, to come home from football. A ring at the door is answered by Christine. A terrible scream and she reappears, a knife at her throat, a gang of teenagers at her back, who tie them both up. It seems Sebastian has squealed on one of them and they are here to exact the worst revenge imaginable to a parent.

All Superheroes Must Die [Blu-ray] Starring: James Remar, Lucas Till. Director: Jason Trost www.watchimage.com Four superheroes awaken in a seemingly abandoned town, stripped of their powers and at the mercy of their sinister archnemesis who forces them into a series of brutal challenges — where the stakes include the lives of the innocent, as

well as their own. Will the superheroes prevail, or will they be forced to meet their demise as mere human beings?

Fire With Fire Bruce Willis, Josh Duhamel.

Director: David Barrett www.lionsgatedvd.com After witnessing the brutal murders of a convenient store owner and his son; firefighter Jeremy Coleman nearly escapes with his life. As he is forced to testify against the crime lord Hagan he is placed in the witness protection program. As his new identity becomes compromised Jeremy is forced to take an unexpected course of action.

Rescue (IMAX)(3D) [Blu-ray] Documentary directed by Stephen Low www.watchimage.com Rescue plunges audiences into the gruelling, technical work of saving lives in the face of a natural disaster.The film follows first responders as they train at sea, in the air and on the ground preparing for the worst that can happen. When a magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes Haiti, emergency teams jump into action. Within days, a massive effort is launched that brings military and civilian responders and hardware from around the world, and then the real work begins.

Starring: Sylvester Stallone Jason Statham, Director: Simon West www.theexpendables2film.com/

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he cast of The Expendables, with newest members Billy the Kid (Hemsworth) and Maggie (Nan) aboard, are reunited when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) enlists the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job.

The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old school mercenaries. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them. Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, GODS OF WAR: Assembling Earth’s Mightiest Antiheroes, ON THE ASSAULT: The Real-Life Weaponry of THE EXPENDABLES, BIG GUNS, BIGGER HEROES: The 1980s and the Rise of the Action Film, GUNS FOR HIRE: The Real Expendables, Audio Commentary with director Simon West.

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TV Shows FLASHPOINT: The Fourth Season Starring: Mark Taylor, Hugh Dillon, Amy Jo Johnson; www.paramount.com Flashpoint is a drama which depicts the emotional journey into the tough, riskfilled lives of a group of cops in the SRU (inspired

by Toronto’s Emergency Task Force).

It’s a unique unit that rescues hostages, busts gangs, defuses bombs, climbs the sides of buildings and talks down suicidal teens. Members of a highly-skilled tactical team, they’re also trained in negotiating, profiling and getting inside the suspect’s head to diffuse the situation to try and save lives.

BODY OF PROOF: Season 2 Starring: Dana Delany, Jeri Ryan, Nic Bishop; www.bodyofproofdvd.com Dr. Megan Hunt is back with riveting new cases in ABC’s Body Of Proof Second Season. It’s a season filled with unique medical mysteries and shocking twists and turns. The team pulls together when a 6-year-old child is kidnapped, a lottery winner’s luck takes an unfortunate turn, and one of Philadelphia’s most despised citizens turns up dead, leaving an entire city of suspects. Relive every astonishing case from Season Two in this 4-disc collection, complete with exclusive bonus features.

CHILD Disney’s THE MUPPETS: (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy + Soundtrack Download Card) Starring: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper; Director: James Bobin; www.disney.com/Muppets On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary and Mary discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

Disney’s LADY AND THE TRAMP: Diamond Edition (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (1955) www.disneybluray.com Fall in love with Walt Disney’s Beloved Classic, Lady and the Tramp.

Experience the thrilling adventures of Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freewheeling mutt with a heart of gold. This heartwarming tale now charms a new generation of families and fans with its exquisite animation, unforgettable songs and one of the greatest love stories of all time. This is the night to share a special bella notte with your family and introduce to them to the film Janet Maslin of the New York Times News Service hails as “one of Disney’s most enduring classics!”

SING-A-LONG: BEATLESONGS www.mvdb2b.com/ The Beatles have written and performed many of the greatest pop songs in the history of music. These are songs that are known and loved around the world and listened to by millions daily. But what if you want to share this love of The Fab Four with your little ones while they learn to read and speak English in a fun and stimulating manner? Where do you start? Enjoy “Sing-A-Long: Beatlesongs” with your children or friends with visually compelling classic animation and music written by the Beatles that will capture the imagination and attention of every viewer. Does not include actual Beatles performances. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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39th Annual Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival - April 6 - 7 More than 200 artists and fine craftsman will be under the trees and along the bayou.The festival is held in

Craig Park on Spring Bayou at the west end of Tarpon Avenue. On Saturday, gates will stay open for a free concert by Circle Sky, playing popular variety music.

The concert will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and food and drinks will be available. Admission includes a ticket for a free drink (beer, wine, water or soft drink). There is no charge for active duty military and children under 12. The Art Festival will continue even if it rains. Please do not bring pets or coolers to either the art show or the concert. For information, www.tarponspringschamber. com or call 727-937-6109.

SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION JOURNEY STORIES APRIL 11 - July 5 The City of Tarpon Springs/Center for Gulf Coast Folklife is hostIng Journey Stories. This Museum on Main Street exhibition was created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Admission to the exhibit is free. Journey Stories explores the powerful tales of how we and our ancestors came to America and to the place we now call home—stories that we all find in their personal heritage. They may be stories of a family uprooting itself in order to stay together, sons and daughters moving to another land, distant ancestors, or trying to find a retirement paradise.

Americans have always been mobile, and travel over trails, rails, rivers, roads and in the sky has shaped our cultural landscape. Journey Stories traces many tales, from the colonial period to the present. Tarpon Springs 106

Curator Tina Bucuvalas has created a small exhibition about local journey stories, as well as a series of public programs that explore local and regional connections.

For further information, please call Helene MacNeil at 727-942-5605 or Tina Bucuvalas at 727-937-1130.

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. Night in the Islands - Sat, April 13, May 11, June 1, July 13, Aug 3, Sept 7, Oct 5, Nov 2 Dinner, Dancing and Live Entertainment at the Sponge Docks Dine under the stars and enjoy some of the finest Greek food outside of Athens.

The event features live music by Ellada, an exciting Greek musical group with three of the best Greek musicians in Florida. They will perform nisiotika, the lively traditional music of the Greek islands, as well as some old and new Greek favorites. Ellada features George Soffos on bouzouki, Elias Poulos on vocals, and Dino Theofilos on keyboard.

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Prior to the main event, there will be live Greek music by the Bouzouki Boys from 4 and 6pm on Dodecanese Blvd. at Riverwalk, west of Hope Street. Presented by the City of Tarpon Springs.

Guitarist David Latin Burgess - April 13 Praised by musicians and critics worldwide, David Burgess is recognized as one of today’s outstanding acoustic guitarists.

His international appearances as soloist and chamber musician have taken him to concert halls around the world. First-prize winner in the Andrés Segovia Fellowship (con’t)

Rita’s Creations

“The Cotton Lady” Located at the

World Famous Sponge Docks 813 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 934-9500 www.ritascreations.com email: ritascreations2@verizon.net

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TARPON SPRINGS Con’t Competition, he has also won top honors in the Ponce International Competition in Mexico City. Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. (Alt. 19) .

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 7:30 pm For more information visit www.tarponarts.org/ Tarpon Springs Wine Walk - Sat, April 27 Ticket includes a Souvenir Wine Glass, Wine Tasting from 25 Shops & Appetizers. 4pm – 8pm.

Joel & Dakota will be playing music on the The

Sponge Docks. Downtown Tarpon Springs & The Sponge Docks. www.spongedocks.net/tarpon-springs-wine-walk.html

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www.3bestchefs.com/mystic/

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SPCA TAMPA BAY

HUMANE SOCIETY PINELLAS

5th Annual Animal Affaire - April 6

3rd Annual Happy Tails - May 9

Join an elegant party to benefit the animals held at the Armed Forces History Museum. This is a VIP Party with passed hors d’oeuvres, complimentary rides on the Flight Motion Simulator Virtual Voyager, and guided tours of the Armed Forces History Museum.

The evening begins at 6:30pm - The Animal Affaire ~ Night of the Unleashed! There will be an open bar, International tapas dining. The emcee is Cynthia Smoot, journalist/FOX 13, and there will be a premier live auction and chance drawings. Lost Luggage Claim is a mystery drawing including a surprise vacation.

The 50,000 sq. ft Armed Forces History Museum features an extensive array of memorabilia from WWI to present day with animated displays and interactive dioramas .

Attire is cocktail, business, black tie optional. www.spcatampabay.org/

Enjoy outdoor seating, beautiful sunset views and an island dinner while enjoying live music, raffle and networking with friends and HSP supporters. RSVP today. Home Port Marina presents this networking event at Ozona Blue Grilling Company located at 125 Orange St N., Palm Harbor, FL 34683.

Friends of HSP: Become a Hero. Join Friends of HSP Friends of HSP donors work collectively to advocate for animal welfare and support HSP within our community. As a Friends member you will receive special invitations to exclusive events, lectures and training classes, discounts and recognition in our annual report and online. Become a Friends Supporter today for $250. www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org 110

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Secrets To Raising A Happy, Healthy Cat

W

hether you’ve just adopted a kitten or are a seasoned pet parent, there are plenty of tasks to consider when it comes to cat care. Use these tips: Satisfy the pickiest eaters - Kittens will need plenty of vitamins and minerals to support growth, while older cats need food that aids in weight control, energy and bone support.

Your veterinarian can help you choose healthy food that will satisfy even the pickiest cats.

Choose natural litters - A natural cat litter can help limit the amount of chemicals your cat is exposed to. One option is Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter, which has no perfumes, additives or harsh chemicals.

It is made from highly absorbent pine, which acts as a

natural sponge to quickly and efficiently absorb moisture and eliminate odor naturally.

Stay on schedule - To ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight, stay on schedule when it comes to feedings.

For households with several pet parents, make sure everyone is aware of when and who will feed the cat, especially during busy weeks.

Kitty-proof your home Cats love to explore and can jump to great heights so be sure to protect all nine lives by keeping harmful items – poisonous plants, medications, or toxic substances – in a closed space that can’t be accessed by your cat. Make sure to also remove any breakable items that could fall on them. www.FelinePine.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation.

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

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

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

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

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

Mon - Thurs; 10:00am - 11:30am; $45/month or $12/class / Weekend classes $10 Sunken Gardens Members / $15 non-members Sat: 10am 11:15am / Sun: Noon - 1:15pm / Wed 6pm - 7:15pm $15 or $10 for Sunken Gardens Members / $59 for unlimited Daily, Weekend and Evening classes.

HOOP DANCING - Tuesday 10am 11am, Wednesday 9am - 10am, $80/8 sessions or $15/class CHUTE CHI GONG Friday, 10am - Noon, $10/class.

825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

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

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

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

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www.stpete.org

www.bigcatrescue.org

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas Hakkasan Las Vegas to Open at MGM Grand - April 18 Hakkasan Las Vegas is a five-level culinary and nightlife mecca at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The highly anticipated venue is a bold evolution of the restaurant brand into an all-encompassing nightlife experience. It will showcase a unique convergence of dramatic design, modern Cantonese cuisine, world-class mixology and exclusive collaborations with artists across numerous genres. hakkasanlv.com/

Project Dinner Table - April 20 Project Dinner Table returns this April for its fourth season. The event is the popular local dining phenomenon that blends a philanthropic approach and appreciation for the farm to table movement, while focusing on what we love: food, community and purpose. A series of once-in-a-lifetime, dinners served around one

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long, white-linen-draped table set in unique and adventurous settings, Project Dinner Table celebrates phenomenal chefs, local growers and sustainable sources.

Furthermore, each gathering brings diverse individuals together to share a meal served family-style, all while rediscovering the lost art of conversation. Guests at every event may expect to find themselves breaking bread with local growers, food artisans, restaurateurs and other spirited community members. 2013 dates include Apr. 20, May 18, Jun. 29, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 10. projectdinnertable.com/ The Rat Pack Is Back! A Tribute To Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean at the Rio The cast includes impersonators of Frank Sinatra (Brian Duprey), Sammy Davis Jr. (Kenny Jones), Joey Bishop (Mickey Joseph) and Dean Martin (Drew Anthony). There’s even a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and

performer (Jamie Edwards). Joey Bishop opens the show with a monolog. The show re-recreates a long lost format of classic music and improv-type comedy. www.riolasvegas.com/

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Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both — the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Vision Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $199 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. PetersburgClearwater Airport.

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

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS: Chicago’s amazing horns arrive at the Beau on April 12. The still hot PAT BENATAR & NEIL GER-

PAT BENATAR and NEIL GERALDO

ALDO rock the house on April 19. Enjoy the magic of PENN & TELLER on April 26. On May 3, JOAN JETT shows how much she loves rock n’ roll with THE BLACKHEARTS. Smokin’ The Sound – April 25- 28. Smokin’ The Sound offshore powerboat racing has the fastest boats in the world in the Mississippi Sound. The colorful, exciting boats will race in 8 classes with some potentially reaching speeds nearing 200 mph over the race course.

SCRATCH IT RICH GRAND PRIZE DRAWING April 27. Millions in FREEPLAY and prizes including electronics, house wares and gift cards up are for grabs every Saturday from 5:00-11:00 p.m. All prizes double at the 11:00 p.m. drawing. The biggest prizes will be given away April 27 during the grand prize drawing. At the 11:00 p.m. grand prize drawing, eight winners are guaranteed $5,000, one winner receives $7,500 and one lucky guest receives a top prize of $10,000. $100,000 APRIL SHOWERS SLOT TOURNAMENT SERIES – Wednesdays in April at Beau Rivage. New chances to win big Wednesdays April 3, 17, 24 and May 1, 2013. Forty winners per day will win between $100 -$5,000 in FREEPLAY. Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328.

Visit www.beaurivage.com for more information.

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Florida Authors Write THE SWEETNESS OF FORGETTING

THE DARK SIDE OF SUNSHINE

by Paul Guzzo www.amazon.com

by Kristin Harmel

www.kristinharmel.com

A

t thirty-six, Hope McKennaSmith is no stranger to bad news. Her dreams of becoming a lawyer long gone, she’s running a failing family bakery on Cape Cod and raising a troubled preteen. Her French-born grandmother, Mamie, is drifting away into a haze of Alzheimer’s. But in a rare moment of clarity, she realizes that unless she tells Hope about the past, the secrets she has held on to will soon be lost forever. She reveals mysterious snippets of a tragic history in Paris. Arming Hope with a list of names, she sends her to France to uncover a seventy-year-old mystery. Hope’s emotional journey takes her through the bakeries of Paris and religious traditions, all guided by Mamie’s tales and the sweet tastes of home.

Kristin Harmel is the author of four previous women’s fiction novels, and two young adult novels. She also writes for People magazine, and her work has been featured in Glamour, Woman’s Day, and Runner’s World, among other media outlets. She also appears on the nationally televised morning show “The Daily Buzz.” Kristin lives in Orlando, Florida.

M

urder, mayhem, militias, marijuana, mafia and The Mons. A criminal history of Tampa focusing on its most infamous people and events of the past century. Yes, Tampa has a dark side. Tampa’s history can be divided into three dark eras - the early years of danger, where the greatest fear was the nightmarish individuals who were allowed to roam the nights in a city without a proper law enforcement organization in place; the mid-1900s when one of the most power criminal syndicates in the nation made its home in Tampa and when a another nation’s revolutionary war affected the city’s residents; and the late 1900s to early 2000s when Tampa became a sexual playground.

Whether known or unknown, good or bad, each of the individuals explored in this book had an impact on Tampa’s history.

Paul Guzzo writes for La Gaceta Newspaper - the nation’s only tri-linguel newspaper. Along with his brother, he has produced numerous independent films that have shown all over the world, and have won dozens of awards along the way.

F

rom the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza to the Caribbean ruins of Tulum, many lives will be lost while searching for

by Chris Kuzneski The Death Relic. www.chriskuzneski.com Little remains of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations after being vanquished by the Spanish Empire. From the ashes of their cities emerged a unified legend: their conquerors possessed a mysterious artifact so powerful—so deadly—that it was known as the Death Relic. Despite its infamy, little else is known about the object, which was lost long ago.

When archaeologist Maria Pelati’s research team disappears in the Yucatán Peninsula, she enlists Jonathon Payne and David Jones to find them. As they embark on their perilous mission, they realize that Maria’s research could be the key to solving one of the darkest mysteries of the New World and unearthing the secret of the Death Relic.

Chris Kuzneski is the internationally bestselling author of The Secret Crown, The Prophecy, The Lost Throne, Sword of God, Sign of the Cross, and The Plantation. He grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

THE DEATH RELIC

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ONE TANK TRIPS

52 Trips in Each Book • Total Trips = 156 Get ALL THREE for ONLY $25.90 (including tax and shipping!)

Order online at www.foxonetanktrips.com or call 1-888-One-Tank

(888-663-8265)

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PAJAMAS ON A SUN STAINED BEACH

A story somewhat supposedly based on a true tale...

by Stevie B www.amazon.com

P

aul Jones Palin is a deeply depressed, severely stressed, self-medicating dysphoric, agoraphobic on the verge of suicide. He’s made and lost moderate fortunes, married and divorced three times, and is terminally ill. Alone in a post 9-11 New York City, P.J. struggles through the not-so-great recession with neither health insurance nor hope just when things couldn’t get any worse...but it’s not just his disease that’s killing him, it’s the irony! Pajamas on a Sun Stained Beach is a work of fiction chronicling the dying thoughts of a drowning man. It not only explores biological death but also the death of our dreams. Pajamas on a Sun Stained Beach covers 50+ years of the character’s life (1954-2010) and uses the death of the American dream as a basic subtext. It’s intended to not only work in published form, but is also adaptable to film as well as a blueprint for various video/computer games.

This is Stevie B’s first novel. As a teenager, author Stevie B. was signed to his first record deal with Decca Records. Over the years he produced records and wrote songs for such international megastars as Madonna and many other artists. In addition, he worked on various gold and platinum awarded projects and is actively involved in the music publishing business.

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THE DONORS

V V INN SERIES

by Jeffrey Wilson www.jeffreywilsonfiction.com/

(sexually explicit)

A

n evil force is at work at the Hospital where Nathan is recovering from injuries he received at the hands of his Mom’s abusive exboyfriend. Demonic looking men with pale faces and glowing eyes lurk in the shadows. Someone is harvesting skin and organs from living donors against their will.

In his dreams, Nathan can see these demons in their true form - evil creatures who feed on the fear and hatred they create in their victims. Nathan’s only ally is the Doctor who cares for him. Bound together by their common legacy, they alone seem to share the ability to see the demons for what they truly are.

Jeffrey Wilson is a Trauma Surgeon. He also served two tours in Iraq as a combat surgeon with both the Marines and with a Joint Special Operations Task Force. He has written dozens of short stories, and won a few fiction competitions. Jeff and his wife, Wendy, call Tampa, FL home.

TANKTOWN CONFIDENTIAL A Searing Indictment Of The Florida Way Of Life.

by Mike Winters www.amazon.com/

J

essica is a successful, attractive 34-year-old woman. She’s the director of Tanktown’s favorite charity, New Heights Ministries, a home for wayward girls sponsored by the town’s richest men. Everything is going perfectly but now a mobster is threatening to take it all away from her. All he wants is a bit of respect and to be part of his new community, but Tanktown’s elite are just a bunch of snobs.

by C.J. Ellisson www.cjellisson.com

VAMPIRE VACATION (Book 1) Meet Vivian. She’s a 580-year-old vampire who exudes sex, has a talent for drama, and is passionate about two things: her human husband, Rafe, and their resort for the undead. The powerful vamp is put to the test when she discovers a corpse in a locked guestroom. Rafe hides the body, convinced he and Vivian can find the culprit without disturbing their guests. Will their prodding uncover secrets Vivian would kill to protect?

THE HUNT (Book 2) Seven vampires and seven werewolves pay to hunt a supernatural criminal across the cold, vast grounds of an Alaskan resort. The one to catch her, and live through the encounter, will increase their power by feasting on hers.

The tiny vampire they track is more than she appears, however. To escape a fate of ten years in silver chains, she’ll do anything to survive the weeklong excursion. This time, the darkness holds more than just the stinging bite of the Arctic—it holds death.

BIG GAME (Book 3) Our sexy couple journeys to Argentina to uncover who’s plotting against them and why. From an island off the southern Argentine coast, to the decadence of Buenos Aires, the group has plenty to keep their attention-seductive twins, deadly games, and a bunch of bloodsucking fiends who hate our much-loved, despotic innkeeper enough to see her dead.

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Music

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal (Rebels of Rock)

by Brian Aberback

TURN IT UP!

by Ron Eckerman

www.enslow.com

www.amazon.com

Lynyrd Skynyrd was the definition of Southern Rock.

The iconic band, the American Rolling Stones, lasted only four years under the leadership of Ronnie Van Zant. Ron Eckerman was with them the last two of those years, and had a unique view of the band’s meteoric rise from 2500 seat venues to performances in front of 500,000 fans. Meet these unlikely rock stars and experience life on the road as the group rips its way across the USA. The road life is revealed from a unique point of view, as well as the effects on personal lives and tragedy of the untimely plane crash.

SelfHelp Ambition Equals Success

by Elton Patterson www.amazon.com

This inspirational book will motivate you to succeed by going further than you ever imagined. Included are different steps to assist you on your journey to success. People often tell you what you need to do in your life to be successful, but Patterson shows you how to become successful. As you read you will find the logical thought process needed for your journey. Upon finishing this book you will understand the type of ambition it takes to PROSPER and how to enjoy your success. Overall, success is around the corner and it is waiting on you.

The Rational Psychic: A Skeptic’s Guide to Extraordinary Perception

by Jack Rourke www.amazon.com

In The Rationa Psychic, some of the subjects explored are: The biological reason all people are extrasensory; How to tell the difference between genuine psychic ability and paranormal perception; The hidden dangers of psychic development and how to avoid them; What’s really occurring when 120

Author Brian Eckerman has penned a new,educational Black Sabbath book, titled Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal. An unauthorized “rockography” that transforms the extensive knowledge about Black Sabbath that Aberback has amassed over the years to the page for future music enthusiasts and students to enjoy. This book has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It sits on the shelves of libraries in the United States, New Zealand, Singapore and the US Army Base in Heildelberg, Germany.

sensitive people discern ghosts and malicious spirits; How neuroscience and modern physics support the existence of psychic perception; How to identify, access, and strengthen your psychic abilities. This book answers the tough questions about being psychic, empowering readers with facts and first hand accounts of real-life paranormal experiences.

HAPPY THOUGHTS FOR A HAPPY LIFE

by Aaron R. Fodiman To order call 1-727-791-4800 and say “I want the book”

Publisher of a lifestyle magazine, Tampa Bay Magazine, Aaron Fodiman has been musing about life for decades in his editorials, and has collected them for this tome. It is Aaron’s belief that life is like a bank account — you only get out of it what you put into it. You will chuckle and laugh as you think about who you are, what you are and why you are that way.

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Life’s Little Necessities...

Poo-POURRI www.poopourri.com/ Some say the secret to a happy relationship is separate bathrooms. Those people have never tried Poo-Pourri, the ultra effective way to leave the bathroom smelling better than you found it. It is not a chemical cover up.

A squirt or two into the bowl forms a protective layer of essential oils that prevents nasty smells from showing up in the first place.

With Poo-Pourri, people can do their business while smelling like a rose... or lemongrass or jasmine or... well, there are over 20 products, so take your pick.

GoPilot www.thegopilot.com/ The GoPilot is a portable handheld urinal that can be used by men, women and children. It consists of a quart-sized container, accordion-style tube, and two leak-proof caps. This unique design keeps it easy to use, easy to clean and easy to store.

Perfect for truck drivers, tailgaters, boaters, long-distance travelers and children riding with parents. The GoPilot is helpful to people with overactive bladders, who are bedridden or wheelchair bound — anyone confined to a vehicle without ready access to a bathroom.

CLEAN WELL DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS www.cleanwelltoday.com Eliminate germs botanically with CleanWell products. Their botanical disinfectants kill 99.9% of germs yet contain no harsh chemicals. No rinsing or wiping are necessary, CleanWell cleans, disinfects and deodorizes using a thyme based formula. Conveniently sized in the form of a 1 oz spray and 10-count wipes, the products fit easily into any purse, pcket or bag.

If you’re at the gym, the park, a restaurant, a hotel, the airport or a diaper changing station, CleanWell will keep non-porus surfaces disinfected. CleanWell also offers a range of hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps that kill germs without using alcohol or harsh chemicals.

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ICY COLD HERBAL TOWELETTES For When You’re Hot and Tired www.thequickchill.com Cool Off is an icy cold herbal therapy therapeutic cooling towelette with 17 Natural Herbs — Botanicals — Essential Oils, infused on a luxurious towelette. It renews, refreshes, and re-energizes your skin. It will reduce skin temperature 12 degrees in minutes, and stay 13 degrees cooler for an hour or more. They come in a convenient pocket-sized packet. Press the towelette where needed and feel a WOW chill right away. You can even reactivate the cool by splashing a little water on the areas where you wiped the towelette.

FLINGS RECYCLING & TRASH BINS www.flingsbins.com A lot of material that could be recycled ends up in the landfill because folks find it inconvenient to recycle. But new Flings Pop-Up Trash & Recycle Bins have found a way to make clean-up and recycling easy and fun. No more unsightly trash bags tied to doorknobs during parties or recycling mixed in with trash. Flings Bins are decorative, portable containers that arrive flat for easy storage and pop open in an instant. All Flings Bins have a 13-gallon capacity and feature an easy-touse drawstring allowing the portable containers to go directly from the party to the curb.

Flings Pop-Up Recycle Bins feature the universal recycling logo, so they’re easy to see at a party and signal to guests where to recycle. Each recycle bin saves 60 cans or bottles from the landfill and is extra strong and leak-proof so it can be reused.

Flings Pop-Up Trash and Recycle bins are packaged flat so they will not take up additional storage space in your home.

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Live Bait The Key To Consistent Catches

By Capt Bill Miller

F

or overall consistency and productivity, you can’t beat live bait for most inshore pursuits. My live baits of choice are scaled sardines (whitebait), live shrimp and pinfish. I try to have all of them in my bait well if I can. Threadfin herring (greenbacks) will also work, but their weakness and low endurance makes them a lesser preference.

Whitebait is my No 1 choice, although at times, it can be hard to find and catch. Castnetting is the primary method, but some may lack the interest and/or ability to throw a net.

Shrimp is my second choice for live bait. They’re commonly available at most bait shops, but you do have to budget for the extra cost.

For many, that’s a fair trade-off to avoid getting wet and dirty from castnet duties. Leaving the dock with bait in your well is also a psychological benefit.

Next on my bait list are handsize pinfish – because you never know when you might run into cobia, tarpon, shark, grouper, etc.

Catch these hardy baits with a trap set near the edge of a grass flat or by anchoring along the edge of the flat and using a small piece of squid on a No. 10 hook. Smaller pinfish can also be used the same as the whitebait for trout, reds, snook, etc.

Whatever baitfish I’m catching, I like the bigger ones when I head offshore because I’m usually going for bigger fish like grouper, snap-

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per, amberjacks or bigger kings.

Larger whitebait and threadfins hang around bridges so I’ll look there first. I will also use sabikis around channel markers and bridges for bigger baits.

Whitebait Roundup The most common places to find whitebait are over grass flats and around bridges. On the flats, bait schools often dimple the surface like rain, but also watch for sea gulls and pelicans diving on this food source. Ease in slowly, quietly anchor or drop your Power Poles and coax the baitfish into net range by chumming.

Options include dry chum, available at bait shops in zippered plastic bags, or jack mackerel and wheat bread. Mixing either of these recipes with sea water forms a smelly paste that forms a scent trail when scattered across the grass flat. When the baitfish gather in the www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

chum, toss the net and load the live well.

Another way to find bait is the rodeo technique. Ride slowly over the grass and when you see bait throw your net. If no other boats are in the area this works fine. If there is other boats anchored and chumming, do not rodeo. It will scare and push the bait around and off the flats and irritate other anglers.

For catching bait on the flats, a ½-inch stretched mesh cats net with standard weight will do the job.

A 6-foot net will work but I prefer an 8- to 10-foot net for the flats.

Another good place to catch white bait is around bridges and big channel markers. The bait can be found raining on top or it can be found with your depth recorder.

Look for a cloud of bait in the water column. Anchoring and chumming will work here but water depth and tide movement make it harder.

I like to ride around the marker or the bridge pilings and when I see the bait marking on my screen, I throw the net.

For deeper water, use a 1-inch stretched. You may gill a few baits in the larger mesh, but the net will sink faster so fewer baits will escape. Bait schools are harder to hit in deeper water, so use a 10- to 12-foot net, which will catch more on each throw. In either case – flats or deeper water – handle your baits carefully so they justify all the effort by lasting for a full day of fishing.

For fishing videos, catch photos and lots of angling resources, visit www.fishingwithbillmiller.com. For fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area, call (813) 363-9927.

Who Let The Dogs Out? After taking a season off the Tampa Bay Bulls Dogs are back. The team was founded in 1997, and they play in a fourteen team league called Southeast Football League. The league home office is in Miami, where the game of football and the state of Florida received its first Pro Football Team and Pro Sports Team of any kind, the Dolphins.

The teams owner is Cherylene Levy, a small business owner in the Tampa Bay Area who loves the game of Football. ”This would be a good opportunity to provide young men a well organized program to complete at one of our nations favorite sports” added Cherylene. “The Tampa Bay Bulldogs organization offers athletes a place to play, allows players the opportunity to cultivate and improve their football skills.”

Tampa Bay will be playing their home games at Brandon Bronco Field, off Kings Way in Brandon. All home games will be played on Saturdays and the kick off will be at 4 PM. ‑‑­Cost per ticket will $5 per Adults $1 for kids.

Kids under 12 will be free.

When the Dogs are not playing Football they are out in the Central and West Florida helping people. They are there if someone is in trouble or in need. “We are establishing ourselves as pillars in the community in which we play, by donating our time to local charities” Cherylene added, “The Sunshine Kids, Feeding the homeless program, The Lakeland (Fl) Habitat, and working with local youth organizations are just a part of our community involvement.”

For more information, visit www.tampabay-bulldogs.com/

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All is peaceful in the Realm tonight 126

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