February 2016

We Stand for Women

A Renovated Stand-Alone Hospital Just for You: Why Stand for Anything Less?

Our freshly renovated freestanding women’s hospital offers a Level II NICU, state-of-the-

Maternity

Neonatal Intensive Care

art imaging, minimally invasive surgical options and much more. All of this in relaxing spa-like surroundings, so you can feel pampered while we care for you. And our team of board-certified doctors and specially trained nursing staff is committed to providing

3-D Mammography

comprehensive, compassionate care. Learn more: WinterHavenWomensHospital.org Gynecology

Minimally Invasive Surgery BC1600285-0116

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FEBRUARY 2016

3

Bring On The Blooms!

Find Your

Place

Nature Peaceful Inspiring Healthy Forever Growing Secret

www.boktowergardens.org/bloom 863.676.1408 Lake Wales, FL 4 FEBRUARY 2016

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FEBRUARY 2016

5

S T N E T N O C F O E L B A T

8

­­­­­TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 12 Issue 8 FEBRUARY 2016 8

10 Rockin On The River 12 Upcoming Festivals 20 Nini’s Lake Alfred Cafe 30 Carlton Music Center 34 Band: Glass House Point

COLUMNS: 7

Ribs On The Ridge

Ribs On The Ridge

On-o-mato-poe-ia­­

20 Nini’s Lake Alfred Cafe

13 Sara Michaels Porch Picks 17 Brian’s Brain 18 Tracey’s Tid-Bits

Carlton Music Center

THE FUN & AMUSING: 34 Brain Exercise 34 Crossword

LISTINGS: 14 Snap Shotz 24 Restaurant Guide 26 Calendar of Events 33 Local Live Music

30

34

Band: Glass House Point

Tell Us What You Think

SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO: Today & Tonight Magazine, 39 3rd St SW Suite 201, Winter Haven, FL 33880 Email: chris@todayandtonight.com. Fax: 863-401-8003. Letters must be signed, please include your town and phone number.

HAPPY Valentine’s!

6 FEBRUARY 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

We are officially smooth sailing through the new year, can you believe it? Already February! Sad to say our weather is already warming up, but that means spring is right around the corner and lots of local festivals are underway. February has always been a favorite month of mine, with so many upcoming things to do, it definitely keeps us all busy here at T&T Mag. BBQ festivals, Lake Wales Mardi Gras and so much more.

Make sure to check out our monthly calendar and listings on our website www.todayandtonight.com where local readers and businesses have been listing events since we launched it! It’s a great tool to figure out what’s going on each month. Also, we can’t forget about Valentine’s Day on February 14th. There will be plenty of festive Valentine’s Day dinners, activities and specials. So remember to shop, eat and play local here in Polk County!

Browse through our February issue and check out what your best option might be. Maybe a romantic dinner for two or an evening theater show or maybe you just want to surprise that special someone with jewelry or a tasty treat. Just remember our local businesses and show them some Valentine’s LOVE too!

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver.

Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

STAFF PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:

CHRIS DOUGLAS TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS TRACEY GREENE MARY JOYE SARA MICHAELS

ERICA SMITH BRIAN BRUCHEY

EDITORIAL ERICA SMITH AMY SUMERLIN

MARY JOYE LOREN SPANGLER

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DOUGLAS

MIKE POTTHAST

SALES TRACEY GREENE - Advertising Director SHERRY REECE - Advertising Representative WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW SALES REPS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE SEND INFO TO TRACEY@TODAYANDONIGHT.COM

PUBLISHED BY: Today & Tonight, Inc. 39 3rd. Street S.W. Suite 201 Winter Haven, FL 33880 Phone: 863.401.8001 Fax: 863.401.8003 email:chris@todayandtonight.com Reproduction in whole or in part of this magazine is prohibited without written ­­permission from Today & Tonight, Inc. Copyright, 2016 by Today & Tonight, Inc. Submissions: Today & Tonight Magazine welcomes unsolicited manuscripts.

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ONOMATOPOEIA on·o·mato·poe·ia: The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss).

By Erica Smith

IY Valentine’s Day “On Valentine’s Day, the Spirit Club plastered the school with red streamers and pink balloons and red and pink hearts. It looked like Clifford the Big Red Dog ate a flock of flamingoes and then barfed his guts up.”

— Caroline Mackler, from the book Vegan, Virgin, Valentine “Right,’ he said, sitting on Harry’s ankles, ‘here is your singing Valentine: His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad, His hair is as dark as a blackboard. I wish he was mine, he’s really divine, the hero who conquered the Dark Lord.”

— J.K. Rowling, from the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Mention the words “Happy Valentine’s Day” in mixed company and be prepared for plenty of groans, however I am a hopeless romantic. Give me pink, give me red, completely cover it in glitter and you have me at hello. I am obsessed with love poems, have endless lists of love songs and even collect the occasional haiku.

Example: Dawn gifts a soft touch An invitation to love Sweetest surrender ~ Love Haiku by Mia Rose ~ Enclose those few lines of sentiment in your card this year and get ready for some Valentine’s fireworks! One of the most interesting aspects of the holiday is that historians are still on the fence regarding the true historical origin. My favorite theory comes from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia during the ides of February. It was a fertility celebration dedicated to Faunus, the

Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus the founders of Rome.

During Lupercalia, Roman priests would gather in a secret cave where the infants Romulus and Remus were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf. The priests would perform animal sacrifices as a gift to the gods in order to secure the promise of fertility. Later in the day, Roman maidens would place their names in a big urn and the city’s eligible bachelors would each choose a name and the celebration really kicked into high gear. Most of the pairings would then result in marriage after the fertility festivities. Who knew the ancients had their own version of The Bachelor and Match.com? The more I think about it…this is TINDER but with togas.

My favorite part of the holiday is the gift tradition my husband started seventeen years ago…a Whitman’s Old Fashioned Sampler. That yellow box of candy is the perfect representation of Keith…modest, timeless and simply adorable. Little did he know, he was dating a girl who takes a bite and then returns the half eaten candy to the box for later. Ladies, you know you have a keeper when you find a man willing to overlook a character defect of this magnitude and better yet, let’s you have the entire box of chocolate! In life and love, it always the small things that makes us the happiest.

Wishing you the Happiest of Valentine’s Days and Fantastic February!

Polk County’s #1 Source of Dining & Entertainment has a position available on our advertising sales team.

Join the sales team of Polk County’s largest and most popular magazine. Today & Tonight Magazine has sales positions for self motivated professionals with advertising agency or advertising sales experience.

We offer excellent compensation, access to outstanding Today & Tonight Magazine promotions and client events. A fun work environment is also a mandatory part of the T&T Magazine career.

Requirements are selling print advertising, as well as website and digital advertising to a variety of Polk County area businesses. This outside sales position requires you be out and about in Polk County.

If this is you, send your resume to todayandtonight2@tampabay.rr.com

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FEBRUARY 2016

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It’s that time of year again

for purchase. Admission is free.

Attendees with a competitive itch can also

sign up for a chance to win $200 in the 1st

annual Cornhole tournament. Entertainment

will compete for $11,000 in cash prizes, tro-

during the event includes country music

in town.

The Josh Blevins Band Saturday afternoon.

chicken, pork, ribs, brisket and an overall

Orange Blossom Half Marathon & 5K on

sauce and dessert competition. Meanwhile,

need to burn off a few extra calories after

“Kids Q” burger competition.

feast again on Saturday.

a World Foods Championships Qualifier.

to over-indulge in tasting endless varieties of

fessional or would just like to enjoy good

teams from across Florida and other states

dollar. Beer and wine will also be available

where the sweet smells of barbeque smok-

ers fill the air and pitmasters fire up platters

of goodness during Haines City’s 8th annual “Ribs on the Ridge” BBQ Competition.

The event starts Friday, February 26 from

5 p.m. to 9.pm. and fires back up again

Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This Florida BBQ Association sanctioned

event will serve as a Jack Daniels Qualifier,

Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational and More than 100 professional and “Backyard”

8 FEBRUARY 2016

phies and bragging rights to the best BBQ in

artists John Rhey on Friday evening and

Prizes will be awarded in categories for

In addition, Sommer Sports will host the

Grand Champion! The event will also host a

Saturday morning, just in case attendees

young pit bosses will battle it out during the

Friday night’s indulgence in preparation to

Attendees of Ribs on the Ridge can expect

Whether you are a backyard cook, a pro-

BBQ after purchasing “Rib Bucks,” dollar for

barbecue, Ribs on the Ridge, is a can’t-miss event!

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FEBRUARY 2016

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ROCKIN’ ON AUTISM AWARENESS

THE RIVER 2016 Rockin’ On the River Supports Autism Awareness and Special Needs Children

By Erica Smith Three days of amazing concerts, nine local bands, great food vendors, a picturesque location along the river at Camp Mack River Resort and the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for autism… count us in! Rockin’ On The River is back for 2016 bigger and better than ever to 10 FEBRUARY 2016

benefit Our Children’s Academy of Lake Wales and SideStreet Art Beat, Inc. One of Polk County’s most important musical festivals, the event has grown to include live music on two stages and will raise thousands of dollars in support of the Polk’s special needs children.

Created two years ago by John Straughn and a dedicated committee of event organizers whose motto is “it’s about making a difference for the right reasons,” Rockin’ On The River has become one of the county’s premier fund raising events for autistic and special needs children.

“There are a lot of local BBQ events and we wanted to make a weekend that was unique and different. One thing led to another…and we had an event. Autism is very near and dear to my heart and most of the committee members are touched by special needs children” said Straughn when asked about the driving force behind this year’s event. The 2015 event, which was hosted and organized by a volunteer board and staff, raised more than $40,000.

Continuing this great tradition for 2016, the complete volunteer commitment from the organizers allows the event to return

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100% of the net proceeds to the children of Polk County. “We are so excited to be supporting Our Children’s Academy, Polk County’s only charter school dedicated to special needs children and SideStreet Art Beat whose mission is to provide awareness for the healing power of the arts through engagement” Straughn continued.

A revered learning environment for autistic and special needs children, Our Children’s Academy offers a unique program where educators, behavior specialists, and therapists work together to achieve individualized learning goals. Core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies are taught in a hands-on creative learning environment and most students also receive life skills to prepare them for employment and independence.

Funds raised during the event will support the academy in many ways according to Executive Director Steve Whitaker “the equipment needed to provide our kids with therapy is vital and costly. We want to provide parents with as many resources as possible.” One of the more unique learning experiences at Our Children’s Academy is the Farm to Table program which allows students to participate in every aspect of gardening including preparation of the soil, planting, care taking and

harvesting the fruits and vegetables. After the harvest, students package the fruits and vegetables to be sold at the school’s farmers market. This program has been hugely successful in providing employability skills such as customer service, communication, packaging, finance and operations. “Funds raised during Rockin’ On the River will be used to transform one of our buses into a new mobile culinary classroom providing students with ongoing employment opportunities and increased interaction. It is very exciting!” said Whitaker when asked about the academy’s future.

Event organizers are focused on the goal of raising more than $100,000 at Camp Mack River Resort which is located along the shores of beautiful Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales. Camp Mack River Resort provides the signature backdrop for the concerts with an authentic natural Florida experience. Concerts will be played on the outdoor river stage and new for 2016, an intimate concert experience inside Camp Mack River Resort’s Liar’s Lair saloon.

Refreshments and delicious festival fare will be provided by Rick’s Bar-B-Q, Havana’s Cuban Sandwich Shop, Kick Yo’ Butt Competition BBQ, Tanners Lakeside and Tallulah’s Table By the Sea. Soft drinks,

water and adult beverages will also be available for purchase.

In addition to the amazing band lineup, the Rockin’ On The River will feature several great raffle items including the very popular Chest of Cheer. Attendees can try their luck on a variety of drawings including a chance to win two special edition guitars. Event t-shirts and hats will also be available for purchase. “I wanted to do something from A-Z to help children with autism in Polk County and this is your chance to attend an event that matters greatly” said Straughn. Fellow committee member Lora Donley echoed his sentiments “this event is solely focused on autism outreach and awareness and that is a rarity. There are not many festivals dedicated to helping these children with autism. Last year, was a really, great time and we invite you to come out rain or shine for an event that makes a difference in the community” Donley continued.

Rockin’ On The River is made possible by the support of many corporate sponsors including founding title sponsor Everett Whitehead & Son, Inc. General Contractors and is presented by Bright House Networks. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For a complete list of participating sponsors, event information and directions, visit www.autismrockinontheriver.com

THE BAND LINE UP

Rockin’ on the River will rock… half-way…around the clock with this awesome band round up: FRIDAY, 2/26 6:00pm- 8:00pm Coastal Acoustics Barefoot, T Mike & Duke (at the fire pit) 8:00pm- 12:00am Red Hot Roosters (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

SATURDAY, 2/27

1:00pm- 3:00pm Red Hot Roosters (River Stage) 4:00pm- 6:00pm Hunter Smith & Friends (River Stage) 7:00pm- 9:00pm Next Level Band (River Stage) 9:30pm-12:00am B. Haven (River Stage) 10pm- 1:30am Raisin’ Cain (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

SUNDAY, 2/28

1:00pm- 4:00pm Nathan Baldwin (Liar’s Lair Saloon) 5:00pm- 8:00pm Blackwater (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

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FEBRUARY 2016

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Enjoy these great events which also host a line up of wonderful entertainment: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 — Mardi Gras 5K & Street Party in Lake Wales from 6 pm to Midnight — Smoke on the Water Beach Party at the Boys & Girls Club in Winter Haven from 5:30 pm to 11 pm SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 — Lake Wales Mardi Gras in Downtown Lake Wales from 10 am to 11 pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 — Ribs on the Ridge BBQ Fest & Competition at Lake Eva Park in Downtown Haines City from 10 am to 5 pm — Lake Wales Arts Festival on the shores of Lake Wailes in Lake Wales from 10 am to 4 pm — Rockin’ on the River at Camp Mack in Lake Wales from 1 pm to 1 am

— Smoke on the Water BBQ Fest & Competition at the Boys & Girls Club in Winter Haven from 10 am to 5 pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 — Lake Wales Arts Festival on the shores of Lake Wailes in Lake Wales from 10 am to 4 pm

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 — Ribs on the Ridge BBQ Fest & Competition at Lake Eva Park in Downtown Haines City from 5 pm to 9 pm

—Rockin’ on the River at Camp Mack in Lake Wales from 1 pm to 8 pm

— Lk Wales Art-B-Que located on the shores of Lake Wailes in Lake Wales from 6-9 pm.

— Rockin’ on the River at Camp Mack in Lake Wales from 6 pm to Midnight

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 — Eagle Lake BBQ Fest in Eagle Lake from 5 pm to 9 pm SATURDAY, MARCH 5 — Eagle Lake BBQ Fest in Eagle Lake from 10 am to 5 pm

MUSEUM OPERATING HOURS Now thru April 10, 2016 June 17,2016 – July 31, 2016 November 11, 2016 – April 2017 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Subject to closure for private events

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SARA MICHAELS’

Today & Tonight Weekly is your weekly source for dining,

deals and events. Check your email inbox each week for great

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BY SARA MICHAELS Host of “On The Porch” Monday - Friday, 3pm - 7pm 97 Country WPCV, 97.5 FM FEBRUARY 2016

13

SNAPSHOTZ Call your favorite bar For more information!

AUBURNDALE Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 102 W. Polk Street (863) 968-0010 Full Liquor! Hpy Hr Beer All Day Mon, Margarita’s 2-4-1, 5p-cl Thu, 2-4-1 Wells & Drafts 9p-cl Bottoms Up Sports Bar 419 E. Bridgers Ave (863) 845-2913 Karaoke, Pool Tables Silver Strike Bowling Beer & Wine Find Us On Facebook Brew Hounds Sports Lounge 318 Havendale Blvd.

(863) 967-2739 Mon, $3 Wells/$10 Malibu Bckts Wed, Ladies Night/$3 wells 8p Thu, Hospitality Night/$3 wells Sat & Sun, $12 Beer Bckts Feb 7 Football Party The Crew’s Corner 733 W. Bridgers Ave (863) 965-7700 Happy Hr Daily 4-7p, 75¢ draft/ Sun $2.25 Dom Mon,Thu-Sun, Pool Leag Sat, Karaoke 9p

BABSON PARK Boondocks 1475 N Scenic Hwy (863) 638-2890 Dart Leagues, Corn Hole Volleyball, Pool Tables

BARTOW Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 120 East Van Fleet Drive (863) 534-3111 Full Liquor Sports Bar! Mulligan’s Bartow Golf Club 150 N. Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Karaoke, Thu 7-10p The Wine Stable 150 S. Broadway (863) 533-9463 50+ Beer Selections 40+ Wine Selections

DAVENPORT Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350 Beer and Wine Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps

14 FEBRUARY 2016

Presented By Brew Hounds Sports Lounge The Lucky Leprechaun Irish Saloon 43356 Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100

The British Stage Door 9150 Us Highway 192 (863) 424-8056 Wed-Sun, Karaoke

The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880

Jackie’s Art Cafe’ 621 Ingraham Ave. (863) 421-0777 Weekly Music

The Wheelhouse @19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560 $1 Shock Top Drafts $2 Bud Select/Spring Fling Drafts $2 Camarena Tequila Tue, 2-4-1 Titos Vodka 4-9p

DUNDEE The New Grove Lounge (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 Hwy 27 (863) 326-5530 Happy Hour Daily til 7p Wed, Karaoke 8p Thu, Open Mic w/LuBeck Fri, Sat & Sun Live Music Sun, Fun Day w/$1 Tacos Feb 7, Football Party Wild Fire BBQ Grill & Bar (inside the Red Roof Inn Dundee) 28610 Hwy 27 (863) 588-2114 Fri, Live Music 7-10p Happy Hour Everyday 4-7p w/ $1.49 Drafts & 2-4-1 Wells Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Bar Open Late

FROSTPROOF P & J Recreation 33 South Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825 Home of Famous Slaw Burger!

Tue, Music w/Cory 2-3p/$1 drafts Wed, Dart Tourn 8:30p Thu, Music w/Cory & Curt 8p Fri, Corn Hole Tourn 8pm/DJ

FT. MEADE Pit Stop Package & Lounge 800 Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Live Music

HAINES CITY All Star Grill 94 Maxcy Plaza Circle (863) 422-3455 Amos Tavern 200 US Highway 17 92 N (863) 422-1459 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848 Full Liquor Sports Bar! Big Screen TVs

Liquor Up 600 Ingraham Ave (863) 422-8585 Wed-Sat, Karaoke Shady Cove Bar & Grill 7140 State Road 544 E. (863) 421-6800 Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p Open Daily 12 p Daily AUCE Food Specials Daily Drink Specials Live Music Train Bistro 1 Pak Place (863) 514-4865 Lunch/Dinner/Tea Menu Beer & Wine Fri/Sat, Live Music: Toni Brown Band

LAKE ALFRED LA’s Midway Saloon (Across from WH Airport) 3900 Lynchburg Rd (863) 875-7966 Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F Sat, Live Music

LAKELAND Barry’s One 740 N. Wabash Ave (863) 683-5283 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s North 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 Full Liquor Sports Bar! 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday!

40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Wed, Kids Eat Free 4-8p Thu, Trivia Night 8p Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S FL Ave (863) 646-7757 Full Liquor Sports Bar! 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday!

40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Sun & Tue, Kids Eat Free 4-8p The Boondocks 8518 Hwy 98 North (863) 858-3355 Tue & Thu, Ladies Night Wed, 5¢ Beer Fri & Sat, Live DJ PBR specials everyday!

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MORE PHOTOS at www.todayandtonight.com Boots n Buckles Saloon 4951 Hwy 98 North (863) 815-BOOT Tue, Pool Hall 2-4-1 Games 6p Wed, 5¢ Beer 9p-12a, 21+ no cover Thu, Ladies 21+ Drink Free 9p-12a Champino’s Rest & Pizzeria, Sandpiper Plaza 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd (863) 937-8866 Happy Hr 3-7p Full Liquor Bar Game Day Specials/Direct TV Sat, Live Music/ Sun, Brunch Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900 Happy Hr 3-7p Daily Specials Fri & Sat, 2-4-1after 7p Sun, $2 16oz Drafts Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E. Edgewood Dr Ste G (863) 686-6441 The End Zone 6206 Hwy 98 N (863) 858-7226 2-4-1 Draft Beer/Hs Wines Sun, Bike Nite w/DJ Even Par Sports Bar Oak Plaza North 5100 US Hwy 98 N, Ste 13 (863) 816-7995 Happy Hr 4-6p Fresco’s Bistro & Wine Bar 132 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267 Happy Hr 5-7 Monthly Beer/Wine Pairings Great Bistro Fare/Late Nite Menu Live Music Gator’s Dockside/Highland City 5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627 Food, Full Bar Open late night Hookah Palace 122 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818 Mon, 2-4-1(no Martini’s/Btl Beer) Tue, $2 Draft Beer, $3 Wells Wed, $4 Martini Madness Thu, Ladies Drink Free 9p-12a Fri/Sat, Belly Dancers 9:30p/10:30p

SNAPSHOTZ

Isle of Capri Bar 541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246 Open Mon-Sat 8a & Sun 12p Beer & Wine; Food Available Karaoke Weekly

EMAIL US YOUR

SNAPSHOTZ TO: SNAPSHOTZ@ TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR PHOTO IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Johnny G’s 5153 US Hwy 98N (863) 858-3366 Open Daily Tue & Fri, Ladies Night Thu, Bike Night Just Larry’s 3415 E County Rd 542 (863) 666-6898 Food/Beer Lucky’s Sports, Oyster & Tiki Bar (Orange Bowl Lanes) 4318 US Hwy 98 N (863) 858-3878 Mon, Poker 7p Wed, Poker 11a 1st Thu, Karaoke Contest 1st/3rd Sat, Live Bands Martini’s Lounge 3239 S. Florida Ave (863) 644-8993 Thu, Karaoke Fri & Sat, DJ Pool Tables, Darts, Big Screens Mojo’s Wings, Burgers & Beer 1853 E. Memorial Blvd (863) 583-9119 Hpy Hr 2-7p/$1.75 Wells/Drfts/Wine Tue, Karaoke Wed, Biker’s Night Fri, Ladies/Latin Night Sun, 50 cent Wings Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231 Darts, Pool Tables Live Music, Fri Southside Package & Lounge 1122 S. Florida Ave (863) 683-4703 Happy Hr 10-7p & 12-2a; $1.75 Drafts & $2.75 Wells Large Craft Beer Selection Full Liquor T A Slammers 1011 S. Florida Ave (863) 682-4178 Live Music Tue, Pool Tourn 7p T-Bows 33 Lounge & Package 4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd (863) 683-1201 Happy Hr Daily 4-6p; $2.75 Wells & $2.25 20oz Drafts Wed-Sat, Karaoke @ 9p

Wally’s Pool Hall 1136 E. Main St (863) 688-4460 Hpy Hr, Mon-Sat 11-7p Mon, 9-ball Tourn Tue & Thur, APA 8 & 9-Ball Leag.

Thu, Ladies Nite w/free pool Winner’s Circle 4215 South Florida Ave. (863) 644-9464 Sun, Cornhole Tues, Poker Wed, Ladies Night 1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p XYZ Lounge East Gate 2190 US 92 E (863) 666-3859 XYZ Lounge 3050 Hwy 98 S./Bartow Hwy (863) 665-2310 Ybor Cigars & Spirits 5263 S. Florida Ave (863) 619-6799 Happy Hr 4-7p Darts/Pool Table/Flat Screen TVs Tue-Sat, Live Music Wed, Ladies Nite, Free Drinks 9-11p

LAKE WALES All Star Grill 2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689 Al’s Place 1530 N. Scenic Hwy/Route 17 N. (863) 679-3325 Food/Beer Specials Home of the16oz $1.50 Draft!

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Full Liquor Sports Bar! Big Screen TVs Brock’s Smokehouse & Acropoli Italian (at the Eagle Ridge Mall) 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Tue-Sat, Live Music 6p Lunch & Dinner Full Bar w/Specials Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Rd (863) 439-2031 Seafood, Full Liquor Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 11-4p Thu, Fri & Sat, Live Music 6-10p The Good Spot 3825 N. Scenic Hwy (863) 949-4243 Mon-Fri, $1 drafts 3-7p Tue, $2 Dom Bottles Thu, Ladies Night ½ price 7-11p Lunch Specials Darts, Pool Table

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FEBRUARY 2016

15

SNAPSHOTZ JayBees Restaurant & Lounge 8625 Hwy 60 E (863) 696-1901 Full Liquor Lunch & Dinner Open Mon-Sat Just One More Bar 112 E. Crystal Ave. (863) 223-8803 Tue, Free Pool 5p/Poker Night 7p Thu, Ladies Night .75 Nat Light Fri & Sat, Karaoke w/Paula 9p-1a Sat, Food Specials 5-8p Sun, Pool Tourn & Karaoke @ 4p Liar’s Lair Saloon Camp Mack River Resort 14143 Camp Mack Rd (863) 696-3863 Fri, Karaoke 8p Live Music R & L Pub 126 N 1st St (863) 676-7797 Y’all Come Back Saloon 3230 State Rd 60 E (863) 676-5759 RIVER RANCH Westgate River Ranch Saloon 3200 River Ranch Blvd.

Restaurant/Saloon General/Western Store (863) 692-1321 ext 40013 Fri, DJ 6p-12a Sat, Live Band 6p-1a

WINTER HAVEN A.J. Slammers 508 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 875 5623 Hpy Hr Everyday $6 pitchers/$2 PBR Tall Boyz Apple Lounge 2803 Recker Hwy (863) 291-0340 Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p Food Available; Daily Specials Mon, Pool Tourn Wed & Sun, Poker/Thu, Karaoke Ave. Bar by Arabellas 328 West Central Ave (863) 229-8142 Open Tue-Sat, 4p Smoke-Free Full Menu/Full Bar Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 293-9464

16 FEBRUARY 2016

Full Liquor Sports Bar! 30 Big HD TVs Mon Burger Special

Wed, Ping Pong Tourn Thu, Ladies Night 1/2 off select Live Music Weekly

Caribbean Bay 1004 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-6778 Fri-Sun, Karaoke 9p

Lake Shipp Inn 701 Ave Z (863) 294-1018

El Norteno 54 4th St, NW (863) 298-0993 Hpy Hr 4-7p Daily, w/$1 Tacos & 2-4-1Drinks Now Serving Breakfast 8-11a Daily Lunch Specials Fire 325 W. Central Ave (863) 875-5544 Sat Night, Live Music Outdoor Seating Available

Office Pub & Lounge 1243 1st Street S (863) 293-4767 Happy Hr 12-7 p Mon, Karaoke w/Ching Ching Tue, Pool Tourn/Poker Sat & Sun, Poker Darts, Golden Tee Old Man Frank’s 1005 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-9179

Grape Expectations , (863) 318-8800 Wine Bar Smoke-Free

Sun, Live Music/$12 Bckts

Harborside Restaurant 2435 7th St SW (863) 293-7070 Daily, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sunday, Early Bird 3-5p Mon-Thu, Early Bird 4-6p Waterfront Dining in Lk Shipp Sun, Live Music

Past Time Lounge

High Seas Lounge 7000 State Rd 544 (863) 299-2233 Great Food/Drink Specials Live Music

Wed, $1 Tacos/Karaoke Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p Feb 7, Football Party

1605 1st St S (863) 293-0027 Tue, Ladies Night Darts/Pool Table Wed, Poker 7p The Pour House Lounge 1560 Havendale Blvd NW (863) 299-5515 Sat, Live Bands

Idle Zone (At Lake May) 615 7th Street SW (863) 875-7949 NFL & NASCAR Specials Great Food; Lunch & Dinner Fri & Sat, Karaoke 8p

Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill

Island Grill & Bar 5654 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 324-7076 Daily Lunch Specials $6.99 Happy Hour Beer Buckets $11.99, $3 Wells/Hs Wine, $2 Pints Wed, Jumbo Wings .50 Sun, “Yappy Hr” 12-6p on Deck

Feb 7, Football Party

Jensen’s Corner Bar 100 3rd Street SW Smoke-free Atmosphere Outdoor Patio Live Music Jessie’s Lounge 118 3rd Street SW (863) 298-9815 Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p Mon, Free Pool

5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 324-7524 Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p w/Daily Beer Specials/NFL & College Pkgs Lunch Specials Mon-Fri

Tanners Lakeside Restaur & Bar 1006 South Lake Howard Drive (863) 662-5948 Wed-Fri, Bar Open @ 4p, Kitchen @ 5p Sat & Sun open @ 11:30a Happy Hr Wed-Fri 4-6p Wed, 1/2 drink specials 4-6p Feb 7, Football Pary T L’s Old Place 2390 Ave G NW (863) 299-7924 XYZ Lounge 2793 Recker Hwy (863) 292-0401

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BRIAN’S BRAIN

By Brian Bruchey SNOWFLAKE

EDUMACATED I don’t hide the fact that I am no fan of higher education. If you are a professor, a student, or some other collegian, please, take no offense to me not particularly liking your career path. Actually, if you’re a professor, I can’t figure out why you’re even reading this article.

My disdain for higher education is sourced from several experiences, and observations through my life.

In my younger days, when I was a wee lad in elementary school, I figured out that if I did really well on tests, I could forego doing any homework, and yet still pass onto the next grade. I could do this, even though I did much less work than the “smart kids” who did all of their homework, but still had to study hard to get the same grades on their tests that I got. It’s the old, “Work smarter, not harder” mantra.

I didn’t really care much for school. It had nothing to do with the teachers, they were great (although, I never had any teachers like Debra LeFave, and I’m a little bitter about that).

Before I graduated from high school, I toured a few universities. I was unimpressed. Not by the campuses themselves, but the university structure, and the students. There were the parties, the booze, and the half nude women running around.

I’ve never been much of a partier, and I never cared for alcohol. I am however, a huge fan of half-naked women running around. I’m a bigger fan of fully nude women standing in one place.

I don’t like the whole idea of professors getting tenure. It’s one of the stupidest things at a university. If you don’t know, once a professor has been around for a while, that professor could achieve tenure. And once they get that, they could pretty much kidnap the Pope, and not worry about getting fired (except maybe, at Notre Dame). Imagine what kind of service you’d get from a worker at McDonald’s if they got tenure. “Oh, you want fries with that? Then come back here and get them yourself!”

Snowflake has had a run of bad luck. She just hasn’t found the right home. She is a loving girl who would be a great running partner and will get attached to her new family quickly. Best with children 13 and older please.

SAMANTHA Samatha is a down to earth loving Lab Mix. She is 11/2 years old. She is housebroken and playful. She is extr emely well behaved.

Or maybe a tenured cop. “You say someone just broke into your home?

Okay…I’ll look into it after I finish my cruller.”

Or even a stripper. “Thanks for the ten dollar bill, sweetie…but I’m just not feeling the whole, taking my top off thing right at the moment”.

I have had some extra schooling since my high school days, but for the most part, I’ve avoided college (minus watching The Ohio State University Buckeyes playing on tv).

My wife went to college three times. She has an Associate Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s Degree, and I have student loan bills.

When she was in college, she HAD to take classes, er…courses, that had nothing to do with her major.

They should have called them “Inter Courses”, because she was getting screwed big-time with that scam.

And speaking of scams… one of her professors REQUIRED all of his students to purchase a particular book for his course. And guess who wrote the book? The professor!

Certainly, I don’t think all colleges are scams… just most of them.

They’re a big joke. A very expensive joke. Magna cum laude? Magna cum debt is more like it. If you don’t know what that means, don’t go to college to learn it. Just Google it. That’s how I educate myself.

Brian “Graduate of Screw U” Bruchey bruchey@gmail.com ­QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS bruchey@gmail.com

ASHES

Ashes is a happy go lucky little girl. She is super sweet and loving and will follow you all around. She will make you pet her too! She loves to play with her toys and will make a great family member.

RUPERT Rupert is a beautiful boy. He enjoys being in the spotlight and is so pretty he rightfully should be. Rupert likes to play with the other cats in his room. He gets along well with everyone he meets.

The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tuesday-Friday 11:30-6pm and Sat 10-4 pm.

Veterinarian of the Month When Loren Nations graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1981 his dreams of becoming an influential veterinarian in a big city would follow many paths.

After graduating from UF with his veterinary degree in 1991 he completed a medical and surgical internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, NY considered the Johns Hopkins of veterinary medicine. Instead of remaining in New York City he returned home to practice “big city” medicine with his mentor Dr. John Maxwell.

Dr. Nations’ desire to help animals and commitment to practice at the highest level led to specialty board certification in canine and feline practice, one of only 425 ABVP diplomats in the country and 27 in the state. With this expertise, the practice has flourished into a seven doctor 24 hour emergency and critical care hospital, specialty referral center, and general practice. Dr. Nations has devoted his life to creating a center that will improve our pet’s lives for years to come.

Dr. Nations The completion of a state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot veterinary center is only the beginning of the medical advancements Dr. Nations hopes to bring to Central Florida. “My life revolves around my family and animals. They are one and the same, that is who I am and why I am so passionate about being a veterinarian.”

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TID BITS TRACEY’S

By Tracey Greene

Mystery of The Orange Red Bull

www.FurBallPolk.com April 21, 2016

18 FEBRUARY 2016

Companies periodically launch new product lines for a brand resurgent and they want the trust of their loyal fan base to test it out, (hopefully) enjoy the said new product and bring it into their daily routines thus bringing millions more profits to the company.

The Red Bull energy drink company has enjoyed much success with its original caffeinated product, which gives you “wings” along with a lot of extra calories.

This was especially noted when their original can size double and triple its usual size. To help the sugar-conscience consumer they came out with the sugar free version, which solved this problem.

To me, it tastes like a (bad) sweet tart. I’ve honestly never been a big fan of their product. But I’m also not their core demographic so I’m sure they could care less. However, in a pinch, I would drink down the small can on the way to the gym IF I ran out of my energy drink powder. The powders are a lot more cost effective and great because they have more “kick” with less bad fillers. I also like that fact that I can control the amount of “kick” by mixing the amount powder desired into my water.

As an energy drink product consumer, I noticed that Red Bull produced a Red, White and Blue series of new flavors; to attract new customers or to save their existing customers from going taste bud “dead” with its original flavor. This new flavor line has now expanded into multiple NEW editions: Red Edition (cranberry flavor), Blue Edition (blueberry flavor), Yellow Edition (tropical fruits flavor), Cherry Edition – zero sugar (wild cherry flavor) and Orange Edition – zero sugar (orange flavor).

So, I broke down and tried some of these new flavors, again, after running out of my pre-work out energy drink.

First I tried The Cherry Edition, not bad!

I liked it enough to fall into the trap of drinking it for a couple of weeks but then the stores I frequented on my way to the gym or office started to run low on their stock. Shrugged my shoulders and decided to try another in the new line, next up let’s try The Red Edition with its bright bold can – blah! “Cranberry” flavor. Who are they kidding, plus it was packed with a lot of calories. Next on the list to try was the pretty can called The Blue Edition. Blueberry flavor, I like blueberries…crap! This tastes like crap! And, also a lot of calories. Well The Cherry Edition was restocked so I switched back to this comforting flavor, but something odd happened, I quickly grew tired of

this flavor and I didn’t love it as much as the first go around. Hmmm, in the restocking process, did Red Bull pull a switcheroo? Did they already change the chemical recipe of the original refreshing “wild cherry” flavor?

Now, I’m down to two choices: try the Orange Flavor in the orange-labeled can OR try the Tropical Flavor in the weirdly bright yellow can. I went with The Orange Edition, and much to my surprise I liked it…A Lot. Why did I wait so long to try this lovely (sugar free) flavor? I prefer mine poured over ice, and it’s awesome. I fell once again into the “Orange” Red Bull trap. Everyday I bought my Orange Red Bull, poured it over ice and enjoyed as I ventured off to the gym. And then it started to happen again. The Orange Red Bulls started vanishing off the shelves at a much faster rate than all other flavors and not being restocked as quick. It got to the point that in one day my friend and I drove around separately in our area seeking Orange Red Bulls; 10 stops made between us before finding success. Must have this orange elixir. But sometimes it’s just a big tease…love a new product and then they take it away. NO-O-O-O! Just like that, the Orange Red Bulls are gone. Did we, Polk Countians, over drink our share of the Orange Red Bull? It’s still on their website as a new product. The mystery has begun…where oh where have all of the Orange Red Bulls gone! Here’s to needin’ my Orange Red Bull fix…damn you Red Bull company for making me fall in love with one of your products.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS tracey@todayandtonight.com

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Need no context.

VALENTINES DAY FEBRUARY 14TH

- Love is -

One Great Adventure A336NDY THORNAL COMPANY Magnolia Ave. SW • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 863-299-9999 • AndyThornal.com • Mon-Sat • 10am-6pm

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ON THE MENU

NINI’S LAKE ALFRED CAFE

Fresh Homemade Food & Great Service

By Loren Spangler Photos By Chris Douglas In 1839, Lake Alfred was a remote military

outpost called Fort Cummings. As governed by the United States Territory of Florida, it was the

site where the Seminole Indian Chief “Wild Cat,” agreed to surrender during the Second Seminole

War. In 1887, the Lake Alfred Lumber Company

set up logging operations in the area, and in 1910, Frank Gardner of North Dakota, and his Florida

Fruitlands Company purchased the pine-stumped

acreage for citrus; built a church and school and the beginnings of a city appeared.

Nini’s Lake Alfred Café, located seven miles

from I-4, is a family owned and operated business in downtown Lake Alfred. The inside décor has a nostalgia theme with antiques and furnishings

from decades past. Customers frequently mention that the café is a unique dining experience with a classic 1950s and 1960s ambiance. While dining 20 FEBRUARY 2016

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on a delicious meal and an attentive, friendly staff,

guests also enjoy the shadow box table tops loaded with memorabilia covered with glass.

“I knew the space was here and wanted it, but

it was always occupied,” says Sandy Joyner, co-

owner of Nini’s Lake Alfred Café. Then, one day I

drove by and there was no activity.” To her delight, realizing the previous restaurant had closed, she went to landlord Betty Biggar of the adjoining Biggar’s Antiques, to make a deal.

“Betty told me she wanted someone who knew

what they were doing in running a restaurant or café. I assured her that Herb and I had a great

deal of experience and mentioned our restaurant Herbie J’s in Mount Vernon, Ohio. She said she

knew exactly where it was and had gone there with a friend for lunch. Small world indeed. After that, she was happy (I think) to let us rent the café and that was five years ago.”

customers allowing them to request their favorite dishes, for instance: Spaghetti, Pot Roast or

Sheppard’s Pie or Blue Cheese Burgers…even

Banana Pudding.” The soups are all homemade and the hamburgers and hotdogs are cooked outside on the grill.” They keep the menu simple and believe that too many choices risks overdoing it. Nini’s

Daily Specials ($7.00-$8.00): Sunday, Chef’s choice. Monday, closed. Tuesday, Burgers on the Grill with choice of a side. Wednesday, Chef’s choice. Thursday, Philly Cheese Steak Sub with choice of a side. Friday, Reuben Sandwich with choice of a side. Saturday, Burgers or Hot Dogs on

Lake Alfred Café is doing business “as-is” and they

the Grill with choice of a side.

what we have been doing…and so far, it works.”

the service and the food. Loved the décor. The

are still playing it by ear. “We plan to keep doing The menu features full breakfast and lunch

items, made to order using fresh ingredients.

Check the daily specials on the blackboard, or go

to the website and click your pointer on the “Daily Specials” calendar. The menu features delicious

Facebook: First time there we were pleased with prices were reasonable too. We will be back soon.

Nini’s Lake Alfred Café location: 148 W. Haines City Boulevard Lake Alfred, FL. Phone: 863-875-5789. Café hours: Breakfast: Tuesday to

Breakfast Plates, Omelets, Sandwiches, Fresh Salads,

Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m.

Homemade Chili and Sides. .

lakealfreddowntown.com and Facebok.com.

Homemade Soups, or Soup and Half-Sandwich,

to 2:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Internet site:

“People ask what Nini’s means. It’s a name

given to me by my daughter, Jacqueline. She lives

in Ohio,” Sandy says. Her husband Herb and sons Ryan and David work at the restaurant. Herb and

Ryan are the cooks. Herb was trained by one of the

best executive chefs in Chicago and is training Ryan in the art of culinary.

“It’s a no stress, friendly, easy to run operation.

As a group, we all get along fabulously. With a

pleasant home-style atmosphere, our guests are

treated like family and not just a number at a table.”

Nini’s Lake Alfred Café is considered to be a best-

kept secret by its customers. “But we don’t want to be a secret. But we want people to know about us and what we have here.” In addition to the great

food and ambiance, there is also a private outside

deck with exquisite plants and flowers by Sigman’s Earthscape.

“Everything we do is to order. We cater to

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22 FEBRUARY 2016

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POLK COUNTY’S

RESTAURANT GUIDE To Have Your Restaurant Listed Please Call 863-401-8001 • Visit www.OnTheMenuMagazine.com for more!

AUBURNDALE SWEET MAGNOLIAS TEA & BISTRO Relax, Sip, Enjoy! It’s our house special TEA! Gourmet teas & coffees. Fine meals & excellent desserts including our delicious, hearty lunches prepared fresh everyday!

Private parties welcome!

Monday-Saturday 11am-3pm. Gift certificates available.

Try one of our tasty sandwiches or wraps.

212 Howard St., Auburndale 863-965-1684 www.mysweetmagnolias.com

DUNDEE

THE NEW GROVE LOUNGE Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, BLT’s, Jalapeno Poppers, Mozzarella Stix, Wings, Boiled Peanuts, Fries, Handmade 12” or 16” Pizza.

Carry out available. Smoking establishment.

Check us out on Facebook.

Must Try Our Handmade Pizza 28390 Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537

WILDFIRE BBQ GRILL & BAR

THE PORT STEAK & SEAFOOD

on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.

Our passion for BBQ run’s deep!! All starts with personally picking the right meat, hand rubbing it with our own secret blend of spices, letting it rest for at least twenty four hours. We at wildfire do not rush our cooking, our fires run wild but our patience runs deep. We take our sweet time to slow smoke each and every meat, as they all require their own attention and gentle love and care. It is this love and care that goes in every meal we prepare for you, just like we would for our friends and family, slow and with lots of love.

Ribs & Special Burgers 28610 Hwy 27,Dundee 33838 • (863)588-2114 www.wildfiregrills.com

Lakefront casual fine dining. Generous por-

Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken

tions, family freindly with open flame grill and

wings!

award winning menu items.

1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464

Award Wining Conch Fritters

www.beefobradys.com

16000 Lake Hatchineha Rd. 863-949-4835

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday.

THE BBQ SHACK

Coldest Beer In Town. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays

Established 2010 family owned and operated

HAINES CITY

RIBS

& Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Try Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers!

4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757

1428 N Combee Rd. 863-934-3824

www.beefobradys.com

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’SxPolk County’s largest

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND

CHAMPINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Award Winning BBQ. Everyday. Special catering Big and Small Parties. Try our Loaded Pork Nachos. Hours Tueday through Saturday 11 to 8

family sports pub. Happy Hour M- Sat. 4pm to 7pm. 2-4-1 cocktails all day everyday. See Website for full menu. Kids eat free Tuesdays.

Blackened Dry Rub Wings 902 Old Polk City Rd. 863-419-4848 www.beefobradys.com

24 FEBRUARY 2016

LAKELAND

Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night

Authentic homemade Italian cooking. Fresh, made to order meals for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour is 7 days per week from 3pm-7pm. Live music every Friday and Saturday from 8pm-11pm. Catering and big parties available and welcomed. New York style

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pizza, calzones, desserts!

Try our Eggplant Parm 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863-937-8866 www.champinos.com

Over 20 Flavors of Wings 19598 US Hwy 27, 863-679-1975 www.beefobradys.com

CRAZY FISH

Serving Polk County for over 15 years! Live Blues Guitarist Eddy Riddle 7-10, 2 for 1 house wine, Cajun food specials. Facebook specials.

6645 S. Florida Ave. #14

Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere.

Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials.

Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues. - Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun. Shrimp or Fresh Grouper

863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com

802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 676-6361

CHEF T’S GARDEN GRILL

JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

CHAMPS SPORTS BAR

es you to Central Florida’s most beautiful dining experience. Enjoy exquisite continental and American cuisine in a historic turn-of-the-century atmosphere in the historic Chiles house.

Or linger over wine and appetizers on our intimate garden patio. “I Love Food And The Art Of Dining”- Chef T Veal lovers are in for a treat!

1525 E Gary Rd., Lakeland 863-687-4386

MISTER FISH

We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service amd famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials.

Weekend specials. prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp anc catfish.

Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook

WINTER HAVEN

Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays.

Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland 863-688-4280 www.misterfish.org

326 BISTRO PIZZERIA

LAKE WALES

#1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm. $1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more! Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself.

Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S Polk County’s largest family sports pub. Happy Hour M- Sat. 4pm to 7pm. 2-4-1 cocktails all day everyday. See Website for full menu. Kids eat free Tuesdays.

Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order speciality pizzas.

Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.

Classic Pizza Napoli 326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro

APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL

863-291-0340

ARABELLA’S We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients.

Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambience makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.

Bananas Foster prepared table side.

346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 www.arabellas.us

HARBORSIDE Seafood, Steak, Oyster Bar. Lake front dining on Lake Shipp. Early Bird: Sunday 3-5 pm and Monday-Thursday 4-6 pm. Enjoy happy hour 4-7 pm everyday. Private dining room available.

Enjoy the outdoor patio. Live music Sundays 4 pm. Open 11:30 am daily.

Fried Lobster & Oysters 2435 7th Street SW, Winter Haven - (863) 2937070 www.harborsidefl.com

HARRY’S OLD PLACE Get your Fresh Fix at Harry’s Old Place. Huge selection of fresh fish including shrimp, scallops and mussels in addition to char-grilled steaks, chicken and pasta entrees. Craft beers, eclectic wines and tempting appetizers along with a great children’s menu. Less than a mile from Legoland. Like Facebook for weekly specials. We have mobile catering, Tallulah’s Table by the Sea for private parties and events.

Fish in a Bag 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com

Outside patio seating.

Hot and Fresh Wings 615 7th St., Winter Haven 863-875-7949

LA FLOR DE ESPANA BAKERY & RESTAURANT Authentic Cuban, Puerto Rican and Spanish cuisine. Fresh baked breads, pastries and desserts. $3.99 breakfast specials. Cold beer and wine. Warm, friendly atmosphere. Free WiFi. Large groups welcomed. Catering available.

Open from Monday-Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm. Friday & Saturday 7 am to 9pm.

Cuban Sandwich, Pastries, Breakfast.

200 Post Ave SW, Winter Haven 863-299-1122 or 863-299-2626

PAPPY’S GRILL Located inside of the WH airport, Pappy’s prides themselves on fresh, fabulous food prepared to perfection! Southern favorites, breakfast & lunch, open daily 7am-2pm. Comfortable atmosphere with great service. Enjoy your meal overlooking the beautiful air strip. Need catering? Florida BBQ & Catering Co. is at your service.

Elvis Pancakes 2073 Highway 92 W. (863) 268-8240

SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps,

IDLE ZONE BAR & GRILL Located on Lake May (chain of lakes) with a brand new dock. Serving fresh, homemade lunch and dinner. AMAZING WINGS! Live music, karaoke and games. Totally remodeled atmosphere, clean and non-smoking inside.

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Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm.

Jumbo Wings & Pizza 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524

FEBRUARY 2016

25

FEBRUARY 2016

Ribs on the Ridge – Feb 26 & 27. BBQ Competition: Pro and Backyard. Sauce, Dessert and Kids-Q Burger Competition. Live Entertainment, Cornhole Tournament and Orange Blossom Half-Marathon & 5K. Free Admission. Fri, 5-9 pm and Sat, 10-5 pm. Located Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. www.hainescity. com/ribsontheridge

C A L E N D A R Get Your Listing in the Calendar

Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication.

Events will be included as space allows.

Arts, Crafts & Festivals Dixie Twilight Farmer’s Market – Wednesdays.

Vendors include: organic produce, eggs, soaps, jewelry and more. Located under the breezeway of the Dixieland Village, 1035 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. Every Wed night from 5-8 pm.

First Friday “Downtown/College Town” – Feb 5. An evening of free family friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and, of course, the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment.

Monthly themed event. February features the five major colleges and universities. Located Downtown Munn Park/Kentucky Ave, Lakeland.

Fri, 6-9 pm.

Mardi Gras – Feb 5 & 6. Friday: Lake Wales Mardi Gras 5K and Street Party with live music, food, beer from 6 pm to midnight. Mardi Gras 5K run at 6 pm, register at www.lwmardigras.com.

Saturday: Street Party all day with live music, food, vendors, beer garden and kids activities from 10 am to 11 pm. Mardi Gras Parade at 3 pm. All in downtown Lake Wales. www.lwmardigras.com Under the Sea Daddy-Daughter Dance – Feb 5 & 6. Presented by the City of Auburndale. Located at the Auburndale Civic Center. Fri & Sat, 6-8 pm.

Tickets available at the Adale Parks & Rec Dept. www.auburndalefl.com for more info.

Jeepin’ With Judd – Feb 5 to 7. Jeepin’ With Judd is a family Jeep festival that offers obstacle and trail rides. It is also a fundraiser for Polk Sheriff’s Charities. Spectators may attend free.

NEW Friday night special event in Downtown Bartow to kick off the weekend with a street party celebration, live music and more from 6-9 pm. Fri-Sun, Clear Springs Ranch, Cox Road & Ledley Ware Rd, Bartow. Cost - $60 per Jeep for the weekend. All details and schedule www. jeepinwithjudd.com Smoke on the Water – Feb 6. BBQ competition and festival. Live entertainment and music all day.

Benefit for the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs of East Polk. Located at the Boys & Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven. Sat, 10-5:30 pm. $5 Premier Parking, $1 Admission. Contact Kevin Ward (863) 604-7817 for more info.

Garden Bros. Circus – Feb 6. A family tradition for over 100 years! Exploding with highflying

26 FEBRUARY 2016

daredevils, Motorcycle Extreme Stunt Team, The Wheel of Death, Cowboy Poodle, Clowns, Camels, Zebras, Jugglers, Contortionists and the largest & smallest horse! A Real Family Adventure! Enjoy our Fun Zone with rides and activities. Meet and greet all the characters. Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Funnel Cakes, Sno Cones and More. One and a half hours of surprises with sound, lights, music & special effects that’ll blow you away! Sat, 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm. Tickets at www.thelakelandcenter.com Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally – Feb 11.

Presented by Downtown Lakeland Partnership.

20+ food trucks line up around Munn Park to sell their unique cuisine every second Thursday, 6-9 pm. Located downtown Lakeland, 201 E. Main Street. Call for more info.

Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic – Feb 12 & 13. A sanctioned PRCA event and features top cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation competing for points needed to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Back by popular demand, 3-time International Finals Rodeo “Comedy Act of the Year,” Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard and his Team Ghost Riders Cowboy Monkeys will provide hilarious entertainment throughout the event.

The rodeo will also feature an exclusive meet and greet and performance from Animal Planet’s Jimmy Riffle star of the hit television series Gator Boys. Jimmy will be joined by his Scales, Tails and Teeth Road Show Crew providing a deathdefying alligator wrestling demonstration as one of the rodeo’s main events. Located at the Lakeland Center. Fri, 7:30 pm and Sat, 2:30 pm. Cost – Gold Buckle $45, Silver Horseshoe $25 (2 free kids w/each paid adult tickets, not vaild on Gold Buckle Seats). www.thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Downtown Bartow Antique Fair – Feb 13. Held the 2nd Saturday of each month, antique vendors set up along the sidewalks in downtown Bartow.

No charge for public; $20 for vendors. Located E Main Street, Bartow. Sat, 8-2 pm.

Lake Wales Farmers Market – Feb 13 & 27.

The Lake Wales Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce and more on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Located Park Ave & Stuart Ave, Lk Wales. Sat, 9-12 pm.

2nd & 4th Saturday Market Downtown Winter Haven – Feb 13 & 27. A free community event, family and pet friendly. Market may offer food trucks, antiques, paint artists, jewelry artists, hand made soaps hand-made local furniture, balloon artists, facial paintings, local crafts, local raw honey, local fresh goods, non-profit organizations with great needs, kettle corn, all natural and fresh ingredients Popsicles, fresh produce and veggies, lots of home-made products from cottage industry, seasonal local grown fruits and vegetables, live music top 40s and Jazz by Nick Herbert, book signing by local authors, and very especially provide to the city residents with a great quality life experience. Bring your chair and enjoy the beautiful live music played by Nick Herbert. Free event. Everyone welcome. Located Central Park Downtown, Virginia Miller Park, Winter Haven.

Sat, 9-2 pm.

Main Street Bartow Friday Fest & Gumbo Cook Off – Feb 19. Mardi Gras will come to Bartow during the Friday Fest featuring a gumbo cook off, beignets and music by the Sauce Boss. Register with Main Street Bartow to be a part of the Gumbo

Cook off. The Friday Fest is a downtown street party featuring a live band, food & beverages, open car cruise-in, and activities for children.

Different theme each month. Located E. Main Street, Bartow. Fri, 6-9 pm.

3rd Annual SyFy Bartow – Feb 20. A family street festival featuring science fiction make-up artists, music and entertainment and special exhibits. This year’s event will be a celebration of vintage and classic science fiction television series and movies - everything from classic black and white movies and TV to Twilight Zone. Located W. Main Street, Bartow. Sat, 11-9 pm.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team – Feb 20.

Free Water Ski Show. Concessions with snacks, drinks and t-shirts/hats are available. Bring your blanket or lawn chair for seating. Third Saturday on beautiful Lk Silver. Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 100 Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 3:455:30 pm. www.cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com 2nd Annual CommunityFest 2016 – Feb 20.

Join the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and Citizens Bank & Trust to celebrate the authenticity, creativity, diversity and flavor of our community. Enjoy great food, drinks and live music while browsing through the many craft and local business vendors. Located Virginia Miller and Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 11-5pm. Call (863) 293-2138 or communityfestwh. com for more info.

Taste of Winter Haven – Feb 20. Enjoy live music, multiple craft beers, wines and tasty bites from area restaurants. Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust! Located at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. Sat, 6-9 pm. Cost - $35, 21 and over event. Call (863) 293-2138 or communityfestwh.com for more info.

70th Annual Tiger BBQ – Feb 25. Join us in welcoming back our Detroit Tigers for a record 70th year of Spring Training in Lakeland! For 70 years the Chamber has organized this BBQ to show Lakeland’s appreciation for the Tigers and all they do for our community. Be a part of the tradition. Located Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. Thurs, 6-8 pm. Cost - $50 (Chamber), $60 (Non-Chamber), $25 Children (12 and under). Call the Lakeland Chamber for more info.

11th Annual Barkley, Bean, Bryant and Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament – Feb 26. A Celebrity Event to Benefit The First Tee of Lakeland in Honor and Memory of George W. Jenkins.

Celebrity guests include: NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, 18-time Major Golf Champion Jack Nicklaus, and PGA Tour Champions Andy Bean and Brad Bryant. Located YMCA Par 3, 1740 George Jenkins Blvd, Lakeland. Feb 26. Fri, 12-4 pm. Cost - $20; Children under 15 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Lake Wales Car Show – Feb 27. Display of custom, classic, street rods, & antique cars and trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales on the 4th Saturday every month. Stroll and admire the cool antique, custom and classic cars of yesteryear while enjoying music, enchanting shops, and the unique restaurants of charming downtown Lake Wales. Located East Stuart Ave, Lk Wales. Sat, 4-8 pm.

45th Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival – Feb 27 & 28. Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust.

Live Music, Food Trucks, Children’s Tent. Free admission & parking. Sat & Sun, 10-5 pm. (Friday, Feb 26th is the Art-B-Que kick off party with a band, BBQ and Cash Bar. Fri, 6-9. Cost - $10.) www.lakewalesartscouncil.org 2016 Polk Senior Games – Feb 27 to Mar 14. Two weeks of Olympic-style athletic and recreational events for men and women 50 and years and over. Individual, partner and team events. Registrations begin in January until February 10th. Closing ceremony held at the Lakeland Center. Cost - $10 entry (for first event), $3 each for additional events up to $28 max. (some events have additional fees). Visit www. polkseniorgames.org for more info.

Eagle Lake BBQ Fest –Mar 4 & 5. Presented by Budweiser. Food, Beer, Music, BBQ Competition.

Located in Eagle Lake. Fri, 5-9 pm. Sat, 10-5 pm.

Concerts & Theatre Lundyville Music Hall – Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays. Wed, 7:30-10 pm; Acoustic Stage Open Mic. Performers and audience free.

Thurs, 6-10 pm; Country Nights with Simple Country Band. $5 admission. Sat, 6-10 pm; Karaoke Night. Located Lake Juliana Boating & Lodging, 600 Lundy Road, Auburndale. (863) 9841144 or www.lundyville.com for more info.

Rumors – Feb 6-21. When the Deputy Mayor of New York receives a flesh wound shortly before his tenth wedding anniversary celebration, it’s up to his lawyer and wife to get “the story” straight before the guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Located Haines City Community Theatre, 303 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. Sat, 7:30 pm and Sun, 2:30 pm. Cost - $15. www.hainescitytheatre.com Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – Feb 9. We Live for Love Tour. A bona fide rock legend. Located at the Historic Polk Theatre, Lakeland. Tues, 8 pm.

Cost - $65, $50, $35, $20. www.polktheatre.com Wild Kratts Live! – Feb 18. From the wildly popular PBS KIDS television show, WILD

Movies on the Lawn – Feb 26. Main Street Bartow presents Movies on the Lawn the 4th Friday of the month on the northwest corner of Wilson Avenue and Main Street. The movie starts at dark. Feb movie: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” There are concessions available for purchase, and several of the downtown restaurants are open for takeout. Those attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and insect repellent. Located Downtown, E. Main Street, Bartow. Fri, Dusk.

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KRATTS LIVE! is coming to Lakeland! The Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classic Wild Kratts story that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Off “To the Creature Rescue,” the Emmy nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts’ the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from archenemy Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again. Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center.

Thurs, 6 pm. Cost - $99 Pits, $39, $29. www. thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Singin’ in the Rain – Feb 18-20, 25-28 & Mar 3-5. The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their original award-winning screenplay.

Each unforgettable scene, song, and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm!

Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hitparade score of Hollywood standards makes this show the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. Located at Theatre Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Thurs-Sun, 2:30 & 7:30 pm (dates/times vary). Cost - $24 Adults & $19 Students. www. theatrewinterhaven.com for details.

Sandy Hacketts Rat Pack – Feb 23. A mustsee for anyone that wants to recapture those magical days of yesteryear! Featuring a stellar cast, the show has been hailed as the next best thing to seeing the Rat Pack themselves! Enjoy a truly authentic, entertaining theatrical production that captures the relationship, respect, love and timeless laughter shared among funny man Joey Bishop, the “King of Cool” Dean Martin, the “Candy Man” Sammy Davis, Jr. and of course, the “Chairman of the Board” Frank Sinatra. Having toured throughout the United States to critical acclaim, the show will make you laugh, make you cry and leave you wanting more! Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center.

Tues, 7:30 pm. Cost - $65 Pits, $44, $36. www. thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

A Neil Diamond Tribute – Feb 23. This powerful production has swept numerous awards including Tribute Artist of the Year and Tribute Show of the Year in Branson, Mo. From “Cracklin Rosie” and “Sweet Caroline” to “Solitary Man” and “Coming to America” get ready to be entertained! You will take a journey that will leave you amazed at the talent and showmanship of Keith Allynn in this giant tribute to one of the country’s greatest singer-songwriters, Neil Diamond. Located at Theatre Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Tues, 2:30 & 7:30 pm. Cost - $27 Advance ($30 Day of), $24 Subscribers ($27 Day of). www.theatrewinterhaven.com for details.

$45. www.thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Hotel California; A Salute to the Eagles – Feb 25. Founded with the intent of filling the void left by the demise of The Eagles in 1982. By blending their extraordinary vocal and musical talents, HOTEL CALIFORNIA faithfully and accurately reproduces the sound of the Eagles studio recordings while recreating a classic sound which undeniably transcends the boundaries of Rock, R&B, and Country while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium. Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center. Thurs, 7:30 pm. Cost - $39 Pit/Orchestra, $29. www. thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Peter Pan – Feb 26 to 28, Mar 4 to 6 & 11 to 13.

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and with a sprinkle of pixie dust begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates, and of course the villainous Captain Hook.

Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh Music by Morris “Moose” Charlap Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green Additional Music by Jule Styne Based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie Rated: G Located Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 South Lake Ave, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 7:30 pm.

Sun, 2 pm. Cost - $22 Adults, $20 Seniors (55 & up), $15 Student w/ID, $10 Children (12 & under).

Lakelandcommunitytheatre.com Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Mar 1. The irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, the new production is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and coat of many colors. The magical musical is full of unforgettable songs, inlcuding “Go Go Go Joseph,” “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center.

Tues, 7:30 pm. Cost - $60, $50, $45. www. thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Johnny Dee & The Starlights Legends In Concert – Mar 1 & 2. This concert will reinvent the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, high energy concert featuring Andy Matchett one of America’s premiere interpreters in the roles of Buddy Holly, Hank Williams and Roy Orbison.

Backed by the incredible Starlight band this show is sure to have you dancing in the aisles! Located at Theatre Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. Tues & Wed, 7:30 pm. Cost - $27 Advance ($30 Day of), $24 Subscribers ($27 Day of). www.theatrewinterhaven.com for details.

Sleeping Beauty – Feb 23. The Moscow Festival Ballet returns to the stage in its acclaimed production of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, the magical tale of a beautiful princess who waits in slumber to be awakened by the kiss of her true love, the prince. Danced to Petipa’s masterful choreography, this production will transport you to a world of fairy tale princesses, malevolent witches, and storybook kingdoms.

From the opulent costumes and sets to the elegant movements of the extraordinary dancers and lush music of Tchaikovsky, this classical ballet promises an evening of breathtaking beauty and artistry. Located Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. Tues, 7:30 pm. $18 Adults, $9 Students.

Call (863) 680-4296 for more info.

Women of Ireland – Mar 2. For the first time, a stage show brings together all the most adorned elements associated with Irish & Celtic music, song and dance in one brand new super stage spectacle. Featuring an all-female lineup of Irish step dancers who join 4-time world champion and former lead dancer with Riverdance - Anthony Fallon for an amazing night of traditional Celtic dance. Adding to the excitement is a trio of talented sisters who provide an enchanting celestial harmony. The outstanding dance and vocal content of the show is augmented by the vast talent of the amazing Irish musicians. Led by a fervent fiddler from Northern Ireland, the music will bring the audience to their feet for a night of pure Celtic magic! Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center. Wed, 7:30 pm. Cost - $50, $40. www.thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

Driving Miss Daisy – Feb 24. The story of the unlikely relationship between an aging, crotchety white Southern lady and a proud, soft-spoken black man. Don’t miss this long-running OffBroadway success that transform the Academy Award-winning film to a live stage experience!

Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center. Wed, 7:30 pm. Cost - $65 Pits, $60, $50,

The Rock & The Rabbi – Mar 2 & 3. The rousing off-Broadway musical “The Rock & The Rabbi” tells the story of the friendship between the Apostle Peter and Jesus with an acoustic rock soundtrack. Located Historic Polk Theatre, 121 South Florida Ave, Lakeland. Wed & Thurs, 7:30 pm. Cost - $25 Premium Seats, $18 General, $12 Groups. Polktheatre.org for more info.

Charity Events & Golf Tournament 11th Annual VISTEBall 2016 – Feb 6. Signature fundraiser for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) and all proceeds will help their nearly 4,000 clients remain safely and independently in their own homes. VISTEBall is an indoor golf event where guests can chip, putt, and play their way to awesome prizes. Silent and live auctions also take place during the evening. A buffet dinner is served, along with beer and wine. Come support VISTE’s mission while enjoying the most unique fundraiser in town! Located Hangar #2, Tiger Town 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. Sat, 6-10 pm. Cost - $60. Viste.org for more info.

13th Annual Twilight 5k Run – Feb 12.

Benefit for the maintenance of Common Ground Playground; an all-inclusive children’s park and playground specifically designed to include handicapped children. Located Edgewood Park for registration and race begins at Lake Hollingsworth & Buckingham. Fri, 7 pm. rotary5k.net for more info.

58th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival – Feb 13. Flipping for Charities. Serving the children of Lakeland through the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club.

Located Hangar #2 Tiger Town, Lakeland. Sat, 7 am-3 pm. Cost – Family Pack (2A/2C) $20, Adults $8, Children $4 (2-12). Citruscenterkiwanis.org for more info.

Peace River’s Full Moon Howl - Feb 13. There is a Clay Pigeon Invitational in the afternoon. The evening event is a party held in a huge tent. There is a blazing fire outside the tent, and dancing inside. Organized by The Full Moon Howl Steering committee, the event includes a delicious dinner, a fantastic band, and a live and silent auction.

All proceeds from the event benefit Peace River Center’s mission. Sat, 7-11 pm. peacerivercenter. org for more info.

2nd Annual Rockin’ On The River for Autism – Feb 26 to 28. Music fest to raise money for autism; money raised stays in our county to help our children and families. Friday music 6pm-12am.

Saturday music from 1pm- 1am. Sunday music from 1pm-8pm. Food vendors, raffles, chest of cheer, 50/50 drawings. Located at Camp Mack, Lake Wales. www.autismrockinontheriver.com for more info.

Brewz Crewz 2016 – Feb 27. A craft beer festival with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the SPCA Florida. Located Citizens Bank & Trust, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 2-6 pm. Call Hope (863) 577-4608 for more info.

Women’s Resource Center Fashion Show – Mar 5. This outdoor fashion show, benefiting the Women’s Resource Center, will feature local stores & boutiques. Enjoy appetizers & champagne, a silent auction and celebrate the gift of friendship all while caring for the women & families in our community. Located Outback Oasis, 4000 Country Club Road, Winter Haven. Sat, 3-6 pm. Call (863) 294-5318 for more info.

2016 Fur Ball – Apr 21. Black Tie (optional) benefit for the Humane Society of Polk County – Polk’s NO KILL Shelter. Enjoy cocktail hour from 5:30-7 pm w/appetizers and specialty drinks. The evening continues from 7-11 pm with gourmet food stations, open bar, live music w/dancing, raffles, silent & live auctions. Located at Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Ave, Haines City 33844.

Sponsorships, Donations, Tickets available. For more info contact Tracey Greene, Co-Chair, (863) 221-8505 or FurBallPolk@gmail.com. For more information on the Humane Society of Polk County: www.PolkNoKill.org.

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BRAINEXCERCISE Sudoku Puzzle STRANGE BUT TRUE

BY SAMANTHA WEAVER • It was Polish-born American rabbi and philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel who made the following sage observation: “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.”

• In medieval France, if a married woman kissed or allowed herself to be kissed by a man other than her husband, she could be found guilty of adultery.

• In the summer of 1100, King William II of England went for a hunt in the New Forest, bringing along, of course, an entourage of nobles. One of his attendants, Walter Tirel, had a good opportunity to target their quarry, and the king urged, “Shoot! Walter, in heaven’s name!” Tirel did, indeed, shoot, but the arrow evidently ricocheted off a tree and hit the king, killing him.

• Early cars in the United States didn’t have steering wheels; they were maneuvered by using a control similar to a joystick. * Those who study such things say the sport of boxing originated with the ancient Greeks and dates back to at least 688 B.C. It looked somewhat different then, though; at that time there were no gloves and no boxing ring. In fact, the fighters weren’t even standing; they battled it out while sitting down facing each other. The fight continued until one participant was battered into unconsciousness.

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the children’s book “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing”?

2. MOVIES: Who played the lead female role in “The Silence of the Lambs”?

3. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What kind of bird is the fast-moving roadrunner?

4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What occupation is traditionally associated with leprechauns?

5. LANGUAGE: What is another name for comestibles?

6. MEDICAL: What is the modern-day equivalent of the ailment once known as “grippe”?

7. GEOGRAPHY: The country of Wales was known in Roman times by what name?

8. MEASUREMENTS: What is the unit of measurement for stacked firewood?

9. MUSIC: Which pop star’s real name is Reg Dwight?

10. GAMES: Which two letters of the alphabet have the highest values in the game of Scrabble?

ANSWERS 1. Judy Blume 2. Jodie Foster 3. Cuckoo 4. Shoe-making or mending 5. Food items 6. Influenza 7. Cambria 8. A cord 9. Elton John 10. Q and Z, 10 points apiece

• All of today’s house cats are descended from one particular kind of Middle Eastern wildcat.

ANSWERS

• In what is now Minnesota, early European settlers came across a lake Native Americans had named hargoggogomanchaugagochaubunagungamaug.”

This daunting appellation is said to translate roughly as “You fish on that side, we’ll fish on this side, and nobody will fish in the middle.”

28 FEBRUARY 2016

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CARLTON

By Loren Spangler Carlton Music Center was started in 1967 by John and Sally Carlton and was originally located in a small shop on Fourth Street. They later moved a few doors down to their current Winter Haven location on the corner of 4th Street and Avenue D NW. That

MUSIC

CENTER

Hometown & Family Owned; Serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, & Sebring

Carlton, moved to Winter Haven from the Chicago, Illinois region during the mid-1960s. During his life as a musician, John Carlton enjoyed playing Jazz and Big Band.

Glen is an active musician and plays bass guitar with “B.Haven,” a local cover band that plays music from classics to current hits. Along with Duke Burr, Tavi Fontana, Jeff Toney, and Winter Haven store

manager Josh McNair; they play many popular local venues as well as private

was in 1976 and the Carlton name

parties and events. Glen also plays

has proudly been there ever since.

jazz trombone with the “New Orleans

As their business grew and became

Nighthawks” of Lake Wales, and the

more successful over the years,

“Over-55 Show Band at Polk State

two additional locations have been

College, an ensemble started almost

added…one in Lakeland (1980), and

thirty-years ago by Roger Hewitt and

the other in Sebring, Florida (2007).

currently directed by Mike Mulvaney.

All locations are family owned and

The group raises money for music

operated by Glen and Regina Carlton.

scholarships at Polk State College.

After graduating from Florida State

Carlton Music Center sells a full

University in 1982, Glen took over the

line of musical equipment with a

business after his dad retired in 1986.

strong emphases on customer service,

As a longstanding music retailer the

repairs, and music lessons. Their

Carltons take great pride in offering

inventory includes band and orchestra

the highest selection of top quality

instruments, guitars and amps, pro

music merchandise and supplies, and a

Left to Right: Regina Carlton, Glen Carlton and Julie Carlton.

welcoming feel of personal service.

audio gear, lighting, keyboards, drums, percussion, music books, and more.

products that suit them. Carlton Music

musician in the area and played music

Some of their most popular brands

Music has strived to offer quality

is a pleasant place to work. Over half

throughout his life. Music is what

include: Taylor, Martin, Fender,

music needs, and to give their

of their employees have been with

clientele a positive experience when

them for ten-years plus, with some

shopping at any of the three locations.

approaching forty years and more

Customers who visit the stores enjoy

with the business. Most of them are

the ambiance of musical instruments

professional musicians.

For nearly fifty years, Carlton

being played and tested as they choose 30 FEBRUARY 2016

“My dad was a long time

inspired him to get into the business, and customers today still remember John Carlton as the person who sold

Yamaha, Bach, Selmer, Peavey, Roland and Korg.

As an important business focus, Carlton remains very much involved

them their first instrument,” says

in school music. For over forty-

Glen. His parents, John and Sally

years, Carlton has been providing

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schools with top quality name brand

to deliver supplies, music books,

quite a bit of online sales,” Glen

can relate to each individual and take

instruments with an affordable “Rent

repairs, and any other musical support

says and adds that is becoming more

care of customers’ needs. “That’s the

To Own” program. Their unique

they can offer.” Helping schools

popular. But at the same time, Carlton

secret to success.”

rent rollover plan comfortably

continue and grow with their music

Music Center makes an effort to keep

offers exchanges towards step-up

programs is an ongoing priority with

instruments too. While renting,

Carlton Music Center.

Carlton Center covers all repairs, including parts and labor, performed by their in-house repair shops, with fast turnaround times.

“We have two school road

The beginning of the school year

Carlton Music Center locations:

customers returning to the store for

Winter Haven, Florida: 308 Avenue

the experience of being up close and

D NW. Phone: 863-294-4216,

personal with the instruments, service,

Lakeland, Florida: 1902 Harden

and staff.

Blvd. Phone: 863-686-3179. Sebring, Florida: 760 Sebring Square. Phone:

is excitingly busy bringing with it a

“What sets a business apart from

flood of student shoppers in August

online is the personal touch without

863-385-7529. Hours of Operation:

pressure, and the convenience of

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru

instrument repair and music lessons

Friday. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00

in all three locations.” Glen mentions

p.m. Closed Sundays. Website:

business is about having qualified

carltonmusic.com. Email: sales@

people who know their products and

carltonmusic.com

and September. As with other music

representatives that call on our local

shops in Polk County, the toughest

area schools,” says Glen. “They

competition Carlton Music Center

maintain contact with music teachers

faces is from the Internet. “We do

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FEBRUARY 2016

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FEBRUARY CONCERT CALENDAR PRESENTED BY JESSIE’S LOUNGE MONDAY, FEB 1

THE TENORS (The Lakeland Center, LKD) Tuesday, Feb 2 BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) BARRY MANILOW wsg DAVE KOZ (Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 3

JOE B. (Fresco’s, LKD) PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JANE ROS ENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) GLEN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

THURSDAY, FEB 4

THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE BAND (The Lakeland Center, LKD) SHAWN RAHN (Fresco’s, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ LARRY DANLEY (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) YOU & I (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

FRIDAY, FEB 5

APPLE LOUNGE (Apple Lounge, WH) JANICE RODENBAUGH11am/ JOHN CORTESE & CO 5pm (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) JADED (Shady Cove Bar & Grill, HC) RED HOT ROOSTER (New Grove Lounge, DUN) GARY LOVE BAND (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) RICH MISTRETTA (Fresco’s, LKD) BEEBS AND HER MONEY MAKERS/OAK HILL DRIFTERS/ JOSH CURCHY/ BRANDON NEWELL (Mardi Gras 5K Street Party, LW) HUNTER SMITH/STATION 6/ BEN MEYER(Smoke on the Water Beach Party, WH) SHOOTER JENNINGS (Boots n Buckles Saloon, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 6

CHAS KINCAID/JOE WILLY AND THE NECKBONES/ SARAH & THE SWINGING RICHARDS/JUG BROTHERS BAND/STICKY STEVE & THE POLLINATORS/MUSTANG SALLY AND THE HAMJO’S/ BESSIE/SMALL TOWN GIRLS (Mardi Gras, LW) HIGH OCTANE (Pour House Lounge, WH) PHILIP BOOTH (Fresco’s, LKD) SOUL TO EARTH/BLOODY JUG BAND/LANEY JONES/ THE GROOVE ORIENT/ BEEBS & HER MONEY MAKERS/BEN MEYER/ JESSIE’S BIG JAM (Smoke on the Water, WH) SOUTHERN LEGACY BAND (Fire Restaurant, WH) MICHAEL ALLMAN BAND (Music Ranch, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 7

RED HOT ROOSTER 1:30p/ WONDERLAND 6:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) LUBECK (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

HUNTER SMITH MONDAY, FEB 8

BOB & ELLIE SHALLOP (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

TUESDAY, FEB 9

PRINCE, PATRICK & MCDONALD TRIO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO (Historic Polk Theatre, LKD) SIERRA HULL (Lk Wales Arts Center, LW) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 10 PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) WILEY & PJ (Fresco’s, LKD) GLEN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

THURSDAY, FEB 11

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ CAROL MCNAUGHTON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) EDDIE WRIGHT (Fresco’s, LKD) RICK KRASOWSKI/THE SOUTHERN BELLES OF RICHMOND/POST PLUTO (Little Econ Love Fest, LKD) ROW JOMAH (Maddox Ranch LKD) ANDREA BOCELLI (Amalie Arena, TMP)

FRIDAY, FEB 12

ALMOST THERE (Pour House Lounge, WH) NATHAN BALDWIN BAND/ JOEY FOLEY (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JANICE RODENBAUGH11am/ MARCUS BRIXA 5pm (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) ACOUSTIC DOSE (Shady Cove Bar & Grill, HC) MUNN PARK SAINTS (Fresco’s, LKD) ANCIENT SUN/LEISURE CHIEF/CHRISTIAN RYAN MUSIC/HOLEY MISS MOLEY (Maddox Ranch, LKD) SLEEPING WITH SUNSHINE (Little Econ Love Fest, LKD) YOU & I

(Brocks Smokehouse, LW) 99 IN THE SHADE (Island Grill and Bar, WH) LUUBECK (Molly McHugh’s, LKD)

SATURDAY, FEB 13

JOSH BLEVINS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) BOBBY JAMES/ MOXIE LE FEMME (Fresco’s, LKD) CHRISTIAN RYAN MUSIC/ THE GROOVE ORIENT/ HOLEY MISS MOLEY (Maddox Ranch, LKD) ISM (Little Econ Love Fest, LKD) CRUSH TONE (Johnny G’s, LKD) B. HAVEN (Fire Restaurant, WH) DAN SIGNOR PROJECT (Tanners Lakeside, WH) LUBECK (Keel & Curley Winery, PC)

SUNDAY, FEB 14

STRINGFELLOW (Little Econ Love Fest, LKD) DANNY SCHMIDT (Among Friends, LKD) RAY ENRIGHT (Harborside, WH) BARTOW ADULT CONCERT BAND (Bartow Civic Center, BTW)

TUESDAY, FEB 16

CAL LANE & GLEN JOHNSON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) DALLAS BRASS (Polk State College, WH) BLACKBIRD ANTHEM (Liar’s Lair/Camp Mack, LW) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 17 PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) SG WOOD (Fresco’s, LKD) GLEN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

THURSDAY, FEB 18

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ GLEN JOHNSON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) PAUL MAZZARELLA (Fresco’s, LKD) YOU & I (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) ACOUSTIC DOSE (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

FRIDAY, FEB 19

SPLIT SECOND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) BRIAN SUTHERLAND BAND (Fresco’s, LKD) MOONLIGHT CARILLON CONCERT; ROMANTIC EVERGREENS (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) DUOS/DAMON FOWLER (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

SATURDAY, FEB 20

WONDERLAND (Pour House Lounge, WH) BIG DEAL BAND (Shady Cove Bar & Grill, HC) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) KAT AND THE ROAD DOGS (Fresco’s, LKD) CHRIS BAWIEC (SYFY/Downtown, BTW) B. HAVEN (Taste of WH/WH Chamber, WH) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Johnny G’s Bar, LKD) LUBECK (Keel & Curley Winery, PC)

SUNDAY, FEB 21

TJ RENO AND THE SECOND CHANCE BAND (Harborside, WH)

TUESDAY, FEB 23

SANDY HACKETTS RAT PACK (The Lakeland Center, LKD) NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE (Theatre Winter Haven, WH) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, FEB 24 PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JOHN CAMPBELL (Fresco’s, LKD)

THURSDAY, FEB 25

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES TRIBUTE SHOW (The Lakeland Center, LKD) DAVE SMITH (Fresco’s, LKD) THOMAS WYNN TRIO (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

FRIDAY, FEB 26

T MIKE & DUKE @ Fire Pit (Rockin on River/Camp Mack, LW) RED HOT ROOSTERS (Liar’s Lair/Camp Mack, LW) WONDERLAND (Frank E’s Lakeside, HC) NORTHBOUND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) DEAN JOHANESEN (Fresco’s, LKD) SOUTHERN LEGACY BAND (Island Bar & Grill, WH) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Lucky Leprechaun, DVPT)

SATURDAY, FEB 27

WONDERLAND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) RED HOT ROOSTERS/ HUNTER SMITH & CO/ NEXT LEVEL BAND/ B. HAVEN (Rockin on River/Camp Mack, LW) RAISIN’ CAIN (Liar’s Lair/Camp Mack, LW) SENTIMENTAL JOURNEYMEN wsg HUMDINGERS SHOW QUARTET (Polk State College Theater, WH) BURNIN BROTHERS (Pour House Lounge, WH) 22N (Shady Cove Bar & Grill, HC) EVAN TAYLOR JONES (Fresco’s, LKD) LUBECK (Molly McHugh’s, LKD)

SUNDAY, FEB 28

NATHAN BALDWIN BAND/ BLACKWATER (Liar’s Lair/Camp Mack, LW) MIKE MONTS (Harborside, WH)

TUESDAY, MAR 1

JOHNNY DEE & THE STARLIGHTS LEGENDS (Theatre Winter Haven, WH)

WEDNESDAY, MAR 2 WOMEN OF IRELAND (The Lakeland Center, LKD) JOE B. (Fresco’s, LKD)

ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES Keep us up to date.

Send live music info to tracey@todayandtonight.com Deadline is the 23rd of each month prior to publication.

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FEBRUARY 2016

33

POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Anastasia Zivic I recently met up with Dylan Graham and Noah Feldman of Glass House Point, a 5-piece Alternative/Indie-Rock band from Polk County, FL, to learn about the band, their future, and their recently released 6-song EP, Love Lives in Dark Places. Before we had a chance to start talking shop, I watched the 18 year-old musicians smile and hold the door for an elderly patron of Richard’s Fine Coffee in downtown Winter Haven, where we met on an abnormally chilly day. As they sat down their notoriety became immediately apparent as a fan came up to greet them and share how much he loves their music.

As I was privy to these interactions, it was as easy to see how likable these

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young men are as it is was to note the talent they posses when listening to their songs, like the title track of their new EP. Featuring violin, electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass, and drums, Glass House Point, or GHP, was officially formed in September 2013 by Dylan Graham (vocalist/guitarist), Ian Campbell (bassist), EJ Miner (percussionist), Dylan Methot (guitarist), and has since added to the line up in the form of classically trained Noah Feldman on violin. Four of the five members are still in high school, with Graham, Campbell and Methot attending All Saints Academy in Winter Haven, Feldman at Harrison School of the Arts in Lakeland, and Miner enrolled at Polk State College.

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T&T MAG Can you share a brief history of the formation of Glass House Point?

DYLAN GRAHAM We started out a long time ago as a folk based band, playing strictly folk music with a lot of influence from Mumford & Sons and a lot of European artists. We just started messing around at school when I was a freshman and then it grew into a 5-piece band. We used to have a banjo but we switched that out when Noah came in and it has completely changed our sound, in about February or March last year.

We’ve been gigging regularly and have had a lot of work, I’d say, in the past 8-months, that’s really when we became a “real band”.

NOAH FELDMAN Been consistent DYLAN Yeah T&T MAG You mentioned Mumford & Sons. Besides them, what or who would you say your influences are?

How did yosu start to play music?

DYLAN Personally, for me, I started to play music from listening to Mumford & Sons. I thought, “wow, people are doing this?” and grabbed an acoustic guitar - I learned how to sing off of that. That’s really where it started for me. There’s a lot of other artists like Ben Howard and Daughter who influenced the way I sing.

NOAH For me, I feel like Local Natives, they’re kind of like a rock band, alternative, independent band who uses orchestral instruments, and my dad put a violin in my hand and told me to roll with it!

T&T MAG Do you have a family history of people who play?

NOAH In my family there has been a little bit in the wind and brass section and my dad was a saxophone player.

T&T MAG So you guys are like, starting that up, starting that tradition in a way? You’ve all picked up instruments because you were inspired and are self-taught?

DYLAN It was kind of like a journey we took together for the most part, besides Noah who was classically trained and has the background that none of us had.

But from the start of the band, it was literally like picking up an instrument and not knowing what chords to play. We took a leap of faith together!

T&T MAG That’s amazing! It’s really nice to hear that you all did that together. So, you started out doing your thing, learned to play. It was a couple of years until you named yourselves, then you had a school function and needed a name and decided to go with GHP. Since that time, since the naming, what are the things you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?

NOAH I feel like us playing, like, all on the same page, as in rhythm, tone - what that all actually means, and the balance between us, once that came together...that’s been really good.

DYLAN And from that the stuff that we’ve done that’s been cool. All of the sudden we were able to monetize the band, and we watched as hundreds of dollars turned into thousands of dollars, and we were like, okay, we are doing something right! We got to play the Polk Theater which was amazing for us - such an eye-opening experience. We’ve played some big stages - we played a huge stage at ZombieFest in Lakeland, which we were able to get that festival-like feel. We were able to play with a signed band, The Karma Killers, signed to Island Records, and recorded in a professional studio, Soundhouse Studios in Lakeland, so we were able to release our first professional work

(Love Lives in Dark Places).

T&T MAG You just had an EP release party?

DYLAN Yes, that was a big thing for us too. We had the EP release at Jessie’s Lounge in Winter Haven.

We were pretty excited it was during the Downtown Throwdown event, and for the first time we had really brought a crowd out.

NOAH Yes, and it was a charity event and we really like doing shows like that, they’re the most fun!

T&T MAG Jessie’s is great, a fantastic supporter of local, original music and that was a great event! Now that you’ve released Love Lives in Dark Places what are your plans?

DYLAN Our plans right now are just to really get on the map. We have something that attests that we have accomplished as artists and musicians, and we’re looking to get to other stages and grow our fan base. As artists, we try to use music as a vehicle to express something, and that’s the vision we took from this EP. If we wrote good music that means something to us, hopefully it means something to other people.

NOAH And it’s spreading, we see other people appreciate what we do by what they give back to us.

T&T MAG What do you think of the local scene of music?

DYLAN I think it’s awesome!

NOAH There is a big scene with a lot of people who are out playing and so many going out to listen, it’s great.

T&T MAG What bands do you like locally?

NOAH Toni Brown!

DYLAN Yes, Toni Brown, there’s something special about her as a person - she helped get us on the map, helped us get in the local music community. She’s

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definitely a favorite of ours. And The Shades. They’re awesome, I love them! My favorite. Chase Dixon, he’s awesome.

NOAH Yes, The Shades!

T&T MAG Well, you guys are great, and it’s obvious that we’re going to keep seeing your name around, so how to we touch base with you to check on scheduled shows and find you on social media?

DYLAN You can find us at www.ghpmusic.com and we’re also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SoundCloud.

T&T MAG Thank you very much for your time, guys, we wish you continued success!

Glass House Point have qualified for the final round of “Destination Okeechobee”, a battle of the bandstype contest put on by the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival - three full days and nights of music and arts in the Heart of Florida, running from March 4-6 in Sunshine Grove, Okeechobee, FL. The event features 80+ Bands & DJs on 5 stages, including Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Skrillex, Future, Grace Potter, Portugal. The Man and more! GHP will be playing at State Theatre in St. Pete, FL on Feburary 17th to compete for a spot at the festival. Further info can be found on the band’s website and social media pages, and they cordially invite you to come out and show your support!

Love Lives in Dark Places can be purchased and downloaded here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ love-lives-in-dark-places-ep/id1065161523

FEBRUARY 2016

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