South Shore Sports & Entertainment April 2024

About

Joanne Durann has written for The Examiner, Yahoo.com, Axs, Out On The Town Magazine, as well as a writing instructor. She has authored multiple books, new articles, and entertainment pieces. She has interviewed the likes of Geoff Tate, Mark Daly, and Rudy Sarzo, among others. After a successful career in education, Joanne’s passion for the Florida lifestyle and the Tampa Bay area landed her in Apollo Beach. Joanne has worked in the Real Estate industry at Keller Williams with the Lovitch Group since her move to Florida from Pennsylvania and loved what she did. Joanne has a certification from the University of Michigan in Negotiations, has studied remotely with Harvard University, and is a member of The Working Women of Tampa Bay, WISE Tampa Bay, and the National Association of Professional Women. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her husband and going to concerts and Bucs and Lighting Games. She works with multiple charities and on community events.

Contact us: 267-980-6427

apollobeachpublishing@gmail.com

Managing Editor: Trish Stoecker

Trish is a 32-year combat Army Veteran, who spent the better part of her last twelve years in uniform stationed at The Pentagon in Washington, DC. While there, her assignments included organizing major Army infrastructure and entertainment programs, including The Army Birthday Ball, Total Army Analysis, and Organization Days for the Senior Army Leadership and Army Staff Sections. Trish is also a published author with numerous credits including The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Florida Women Magazine, and Lakeside Life.

Phil Stoecker grew up the youngest son of eight children in a journalistic family in a small town outside of New York City. His father was an award-winning photojournalist at United Press International (UPI), his mother was a reporter for the La Crosse (WI) Tribune until she married, and his stepmother was the daughter of a prominent New York sportswriter, who herself was the editor of one of the small town’s newspapers. Phil is not sure whether any of these legacies rubbed off on him, but he did endure an English lesson at every family dinner, where he learned to express himself – or else.

The skills he learned at the dining room table served him well when he joined the U.S. Navy as a cryptologist aboard submarines and at overseas duty stations. After his 10-year stint in the Navy, he was hired by the Department of the Navy, where he served as a civilian analyst until he retired 27 years later and moved from the Washington D.C. area to the Tampa Bay area with his wife, the Managing Editor. Phil indulges his hobbies as an amateur photographer and writer and hopes to make entertaining contributions to this publication.

APRIL HOLIDAYS

NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

April 1 April Fools Day

April 4 National Burrito Day

April 8 Total Solar Eclipse

April 9 Ramadan Ends (March 10th start)

April 11 National Pet Day

April 13 Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

April 15 Patriot’s Day / Tax Day

April 18 World Amateur Radio Day

April 22 Passover

April 25 Take our Children to Work Day

April 29 International Dance Day

April 30 International Jazz Day

Exploring Knoxville, Tennessee: A Blend of History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Trish Stoecker

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history, culture, and gastronomy that defines the southern United States. Founded in 1791, Knoxville boasts a vibrant past intertwined with pivotal moments in American history. Today, it beckons visitors with its charming blend of historic landmarks, diverse attractions, and mouthwatering culinary offerings.

A Glimpse into Knoxville's History:

Knoxville's journey began as a strategic frontier outpost in the late 18th century, serving as the capital of the Southwest Territory and later as a pivotal hub during the Civil War. The city's historic significance is palpable as visitors stroll through Market Square, the heart of downtown Knoxville. Here, beautifully preserved buildings stand as a testament to the city's storied past, offering a glimpse into its early days as a bustling commercial center.

Must-Visit Attractions:

Knoxville is home to an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests. For history enthusiasts, landmarks such as the James White Fort and Blount Mansion offer immersive experiences, transporting visitors back to the city's formative years. Meanwhile, the East Tennessee History Center provides a comprehensive overview of the region's rich heritage through interactive exhibits and engaging displays.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Knoxville Museum of Art highlights a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from contemporary pieces to traditional Southern masterpieces. Additionally, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture offers fascinating insights into the natural and cultural history of Tennessee and beyond.

Culinary Delights:

No visit to Knoxville is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The city's dining scene reflects its eclectic spirit, offering everything from traditional Southern fare to innovative global cuisine. Market Square and the surrounding area are culinary hotspots, boasting an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit every palate.

For a taste of classic Southern comfort food, establishments like Tupelo Honey and Calhoun's on the River deliver mouthwatering dishes infused with local flavors. Meanwhile, Knox Mason celebrates the region's culinary heritage with its modern twist on Southern cuisine, featuring farm-to-table ingredients and innovative dishes.

The Bijou Theater:

One of Knoxville's most iconic landmarks, the Bijou Theater stands as a testament to the city's vibrant arts scene. Originally opened in 1909 as a vaudeville theater, the Bijou has undergone several transformations over the years, evolving into a premier venue for live performances, concerts, and cultural events.

Today, the Bijou Theater continues to captivate audiences with its intimate atmosphere and eclectic programming. From live music performances spanning genres like rock, jazz, and blues to stand-up comedy shows and theatrical productions, the Bijou offers something for everyone. Its historic charm combined with state-of-the-art facilities makes it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The University of Tennessee: A Legacy of History and Sports:

Situated in the heart of Knoxville, the University of Tennessee stands as a pillar of academic excellence and athletic prowess. Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville boasts a rich history intertwined with the fabric of the city itself. The university's iconic landmarks, such as Ayres Hall and Neyland Stadium, serve as testaments to its enduring legacy and commitment to higher education.

In addition to its academic achievements, the University of Tennessee is renowned for its storied athletics program. The Volunteers, as the university's sports teams are known, have a long-standing tradition of success across various disciplines, most notably football and basketball. Neyland Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the country, roars to life on game days as fans gather to cheer on the Volunteers football team, steeped in a tradition that spans generations.

Beyond football, UT Knoxville boasts a formidable lineup of men’s and women’s athletic programs, including basketball, baseball, and softball, among others. The Lady Volunteers basketball team has achieved legendary status, capturing numerous national championships under Coach Pat Summitt, and producing some of the game's most iconic players.

The University of Tennessee's dedication to both academic excellence and athletic achievement underscores its role as a cornerstone of the Knoxville community. Whether students are pursuing scholarly endeavors in the classroom or athletes are competing on the field of play, UT Knoxville continues to embody the spirit of excellence and camaraderie that defines the Volunteer State.

From its rich history and diverse attractions to its thriving culinary scene, vibrant arts community, and college sports, Knoxville offers a captivating blend of experiences for visitors to explore. Whether you are strolling through its historic streets, savoring delicious Southern cuisine, or enjoying a live performance at the Bijou Theater, Knoxville invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with culture, history, and hospitality.

APRIL 2024

Amalie Arena

April 3 Royal Blue Block Party

April 5 Toasted Monkey

April 9 Get Hooked Birthday Party

April 11 OCC Roadhouse and Museum

April 12 Motorworks Bradenton

April 13 O'Brien's Brandon

See stormbringerband.com for details

Kenny Chesney

April 20th

The Sun Goes Down Tour

Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival Sun

April 21st

April 25th

2024 Buccaneers Draft Party

April 26th & 27th

Breakaway Music Festival

Raymond James Stadium

ROUND 1

Round 2

ROUNDS 6 AND 7

177) Minnesota Vikings (from Carolina through Jacksonville)

178) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Arizona through Carolina)*

179) Washington Commanders

180) New England Patriots

181) Los Angeles Chargers

182) Tennessee Titans (reacquired through Philadelphia)

183) New York Giants

184) Miami Dolphins (from Chicago)

185) New York Jets

186) Arizona Cardinals (from Minnesota)

187) Atlanta Falcons

188) Minnesota Vikings (from Las Vegas through New England)

189) Buffalo Bills (from Denver through L.A. Rams)

190) New Orleans Saints

221) Tennessee Titans (from Carolina)

222) Washington Commanders

223) Las Vegas Raiders (from New England)

224) Houston Texans (from Arizona)

225) Los Angeles Chargers

226) Arizona Cardinals (from N.Y. Giants)

227) Tennessee Titans

228) Baltimore Ravens (from N.Y. Jets)

229) Las Vegas Raiders (from Minnesota)

230) Minnesota Vikings (from Atlanta through Cleveland and Arizona)

231) New England Patriots

191) Indianapolis Colts

192) Seattle Seahawks

193) New England Patriots (from Jacksonville)*

194) Cincinnati Bengals

195) Pittsburgh Steelers

196) Los Angeles Rams

197) Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland)

198) Miami Dolphins

199) New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia)

200) Buffalo Bills (from Dallas through Houston)

201) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

202) Green Bay Packers

203) Denver Broncos (from Houston through Cleveland)*

204) Buffalo Bills

205) Detroit Lions

206) Cleveland Browns (from Baltimore)

207) Denver Broncos (from San Francisco)

208) Las Vegas Raiders (from Kansas City)

(from Chicago)

232) San Francisco 49ers (from Denver)

233) Dallas Cowboys (from Las Vegas)

234) Indianapolis Colts

235) Seattle Seahawks

236) Jacksonville Jaguars

237) Cincinnati Bengals

238) Houston Texans (from New Orleans)

239) New Orleans Saints (from L.A. Rams through Denver)

240) Carolina Panthers (from Pittsburgh)*

241) Miami Dolphins

242) Tennessee Titans (from Philadelphia)

243) Cleveland Browns

209) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection)

210) Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection)

211) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection)

212) Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory Selection)

213) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection)

214) Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory Selection)

215) San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection)

216) Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Selection)

217) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection)

218) New York Jets (Compensatory Selection)

219) Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)

220) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection)

244) Dallas Cowboys

245) Green Bay Packers

246) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

247) Houston Texans

248) Buffalo Bills

249) Detroit Lions

250) Baltimore Ravens

251) San Francisco 49ers

252) Kansas City Chiefs

253) Los Angeles Chargers (Compensatory Selection)

254) Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection)

255) Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection)

256) New York Jets (Compensatory Selection)

257) New York Jets (Compensatory Selection)

Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony

Featuring Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2

Fri, Apr 5, 8 pm, Straz Center, Ferguson

Sat, Apr 6, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sun, Apr 7, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Dvorak’s New World SymphonyFeaturing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante

Fri, Apr 12, 8 pm, Straz Center, Morsani

Sat, Apr 13, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sun, Apr 14, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee

La Traviata

Fri, Apr 19, 8 pm, Straz Center

Sun, Apr 21, 2 pm, Straz Center

Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings & More

Fri, Apr 19, 7:30 pm, Church of the Ascension, Clearwater Sat, Apr 20, 8 pm, Tampa Theatre

Sun, Apr 21, 2 pm, Palladium Theater

Saint-Saens’ Organ SymphonyFeaturing Faure’s Requiem

Fri, Apr 26, 8 pm, Straz Center, Ferguson

Sat, Apr 27, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sun, Apr 28, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee

Henry B. Plant Museum

Article and Photos by Phil Stoecker

Legacy: The Tampa Bay Hotel

A transportation mogul of the 19th century, Henry B. Plant, conceived of the Tampa Bay Hotel - now the Henry B. Plant Museum and University of Tampa campus - as the ultimate expression of luxury and leisure. Opened in 1891, this stunning 511-room railroad resort on Tampa’s Hillsborough River featured all the modern amenities and comforts a Victorian lady or gentleman would want. All rooms featured the then rare electric lighting and telephones – and most rooms had private baths. Plant spent $2.5 million building the hotel and grounds, and he and his wife traveled the world and personally selected its fine furnishings and artwork at an additional cost of $500,000. The grounds featured beautiful gardens, walking and bicycling paths, a golf course, tennis and shuffleboard courts, billiards, croquet, and even a racetrack.

During its heyday, the hotel hosted wealthy industrialists, politicians, and celebrities who traveled via Plants’ railroads and steamships from cities and ports all over the country. They came to relax in the Florida sun or to engage in sporting activities such as hunting and fishing in the Tampa Bay area. The hotel and the port of Tampa also served as departure points for the U.S. military forces, who would engage in the Cuban Campaign of the Spanish-American War in 1898. Senior officers who planned and executed that campaign relaxed in the splendor of the resort, while their troops assembled and trained on fields in the Tampa Bay area. Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, who commanded the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry “Rough Riders,” would train with his troops during the day, then join his wife at the hotel in the evenings. The historic significance of the Tampa Bay Hotel in the Spanish-American War earned the property a listing on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

From Hotel to Museum

After Henry Plant passed away from a heart attack in 1899, his successors had little interest in the expense of owning and maintaining the property, selling the resort to the City of Tampa in 1905 for a price of $125,000. For years after, the Tampa Bay Hotel and grounds were a hub for the city’s social life until the hotel ceased operations, partially due to the economic downturn of the Great Depression in 1932. The following year, the hotel and grounds were leased to the University of Tampa by the city at the rate of one dollar per year, which continues to this day. The hotel building was renamed Plant Hall, and a wing was converted to the Tampa Municipal Museum, later renamed the Henry B. Plant Museum in 1974.

Gilded Age Accommodations

The staff of the Henry B. Plant Museum have created an environment that takes the visitor back to the Gilded Age when the hotel was built. The museum is illuminated as it was in 1891, so it appears dim to modern eyes, but hotel guests of the day would think the electric lights bright compared to the common oil and gas lamps of the day. Rooms off the main hallway – and the hallway itself – are decorated with original fine furniture and artwork. A source of pride to the museum staff is the originality of those furnishings, unlike many other restored historical properties that rely on non-original items or reproductions.

Throughout the museum, placards describe permanent exhibits individually dedicated to: Women and Their Pastimes, Tampa’s role in the Spanish-American War, Plant’s transportation and hospitality empire, a large and airy Writing and Reading Room, fine pottery once displayed in the garden, Sports and Amusements of the day, and an ornately decorated three-room Parlor Suite. The Parlor Suite, reserved for the wealthier discerning guests, features: a small office/library; a bedroom where the bed is placed in a corner under one of the hotel’s minarets; and an adjacent sitting/music room furnished with a beautiful stand-up piano. Guests occupying this suite had their own hallway accessing the front porch and gardens.

Victorian Age Etiquette

To further immerse the visitor in the period, the staff have placed placards on furniture in the main hallway with whimsical sayings of Victorian Era etiquette. Some examples:

 When another is telling a story, it is impertinent to correct him in detail or to interrupt in any way. Let him tell it in his own way, even if that way is an extremely poor one in comparison with yours –Circa 1890 rule of etiquette.

 “The manager is the only officer in the hotel in authority over the housekeeper.” – Mary Bresnan, The Practical Hotel Housekeeper (1900), page 74.

 Remember that all slang is vulgar and detestable – Circa 1890 rule of etiquette.

 It is a mark of low breeding to fidget either with the hands of feet or to fuss with a collar. – Circa 1890 rule of etiquette.

 It is considered extremely ill-bred when two people whisper in society. – Circa 1890 rule of etiquette.

Imperfect Harmony

A temporary exhibit named “Imperfect Harmony,” on display March 24 – December 23, 2024, illustrates how the hotel reflected the technological and social changes to music reproduction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since its inception, Henry Plant wanted the Tampa Bay Hotel to have the finest entertainment for his guests, sparing no expense to create venues such as the Music Room and separate Casino, capable of accommodating audiences of up to two thousand guests. The hotel had its own orchestra, led by Giovanni Tallarico, who was the grandfather of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and Plant invited the most famous musicians of the day to perform. Plant, himself, brought an Orchestrion music player from Germany to play in the hotel’s lobby to entertain his guests. This instrument was so expensive only European nobles could afford it. In addition to the Orchestrion, the exhibit displays beautiful examples of large music boxes the size of pianos, all illustrating ways of reproducing music before the popularity of the phonograph brought the capability to the masses.

The “Imperfect Harmony” of the exhibit questions how the technological advances of music reproduction affected the requirement for live musicians and how those advances popularized alternate styles of music. Ultimately, the phonograph also exposed the public to new music genres, such as the blues and jazz, making previously marginalized Black performers popular.

A Snapshot of the Gilded Age

A visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum treats the visitor to an almost immersive experience of the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century when the Tampa Bay Hotel was built. The museum staff has done an exceptional job maintaining and preserving the history of the hotel for current and future generations. The guest can scan a QR Code in their mobile devices to follow a numbered audio tour. Other QR Codes allow the guests to hear personal narratives from hotel personnel and guests. In addition to these modern ways to engage the visitor, the museum has an outstanding interactive websitehttps://www.plantmuseum.com/.

The museum is located at: 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33606, and is open Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday: Noon - 5 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. Entry tickets start at $12, kids under four visits for free.

It’s that time of year! Busch Gardens is running its annual Food and Wine Festival! With all the tastes of different foods, wine, alcohol, and beer, along with the sounds of great entertainment! See the next page for who will be there!

This festival held every year brings together amazing food from around the world while enjoying park attractions and the beauty of the animals within a short drive of most of the Tampa Bay area.

You can enjoy the festival spot by spot or buy a 10 or 15 item lanyard at a discounted rate!

$

774,500

Nestled in the heart of Apollo Beach, this formal model property embodies the epitome of contemporary coastal, smart and eco-friendly living. Located in Waterset, this meticulously maintained residence offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience with many upgrades you must see to believe.