Today & Tonight Magazine June 2023

Tell Us What You Think

EDITOR’S NOTE

6 9 Hunted Tavern Cocktail Experience

As we continue move forward and learn our new way of life, we will keep doing our best to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in our county in regards to dining, events and entertainment. Please see our Facebook page and website for updates and information.

Polk County is back and is strong as ever.

Events and functions are continuing to be scheduled for us to enjoy. Please contact the venues to confirm dates and times.

Expect More, Get More, We Deliver. Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

STAFF

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: CHRIS DOUGLAS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS

TRACEY GREENE ERICA SMITH JAMES COULTER

EDITORIAL

ERICA SMITH AMY SUMERLIN ELIZABETH MORRISEY JAMES COULTER

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Classically

Symphony Story Time

Peter Rabbit: June 10

Join us for Classically Summer, an all-new series of classical music performances by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

In addition to daily Singing Tower carillon concerts, enjoy three family-friendly Symphony Story Time performances and three intimate Summer Serenade performances in the air-conditioned comfort of the Visitor Center Theater.

Tickets on sale now at boktowergardens.org

The Emperor and the Nightingale: August 5

Summer Serenade Series

Brass Ensemble: July 8

Woodwinds Ensemble: July 22

Strings Ensemble: August 19

A Dark Chilling Cocktail Experience

by James Coulter

You find yourself on a dark night. Storm clouds swirl in the sky above. Before it can rain, you find an old tavern and slip inside. You pull up to the bar. The barkeep greets you and slips you a cocktail. He looks rather creepy, but the drink looks otherwise unassuming, so you down it.

The barkeep stirs up a conversation with you. He tells you he’s the descendant of Ichabod Crane. (Yes, the same one from the Headless Horseman story!) He then starts to spin a story that is equal parts chilling and mesmerizing. You become so enamored in his tall tale that you forget what is reality and what is fiction.

A sudden loud noise erupts from the rafters. Was it just thunder? A loose board? Or perhaps it might be the creeping of the serial killer the bartender has been telling you about. What is real? What is imagination? You ponder these questions as you silently sip your cocktail.

The Haunted Tavern, true to its name, is quite a unique, thrilling experience. You and your fellow guests are invited to

partake in cocktails in the most haunted place in town and sit back, relax, and listen as storytellers share with you a story that will send chills as cold as the drink you’re sipping.

“The tavern keeper will guide guests through a 4-part interactive cocktail journey while sharing chilling and dark tales of his ancestor’s past and the ghost of the city,” its website states. “Hear the chilling and dark tales that haunt the venue and beware the ghost that never left…Your night will be filled with surprises—the ghost tends to sit in on the experience and scare those brave enough (or filled with enough liquid courage) to enter!”

If you’re expecting the run-of-the-mill haunted house or ghost story experience, expect to have your expectations of the unexpected unexpectedly subverted. The Haunted Tavern is quite a unique experience that blends storytelling, socializing, and horror into something both unordinary and extraordinary.

“We wanted to take what a true ghost story was and elevate it,” said Ryan Wieczorek, Director of Marketing. “We find local folklore, usually about the venue we pick or about the city, we tie it into a seated experience, and then at the same time, we are telling stories with sur-

prises and effects.”

Of course, what’s a good story without a good drink? Throughout the evening, you and your fellow guests will be served four cocktails, each of which ties into the story. Perhaps it will be a cocktail that the main character drank. Or it will be a drink tied to a fruit grown locally in the community. Or maybe, it will be prepared with something quite “intoxicating”—and we don’t mean the alcohol.

“There may be a few frightening effects, but outside of that, we are just there to tell you stories and give you cocktails. We are not there to do a haunted house. We are a bit scary, but we are not putting on masks and makeup and jumping out at people. It is not about that. It is more about the entertainment factor,” Ryan said. “They will be surprised all night, so they will come in a little scared, and they will leave hopefully super entertained, super enthused, and a little buzzed. They will be surprised all night.”

The Haunted Tavern is a more casual experience compared to haunted houses

and Halloween parties. Guests are invited to come for the drinks, stay for the company, and remain for the end of the story. If you’re expecting to get scared, you very well might. Overall, expect to have a good time with good people and better drinks.

“It is made for a broader audience,” Ryan said. “It is made for people who are not so much into getting scared. You also have time to converse with the people you are with. If you go solo, you can converse with the people around you. There is no other experience like this.”

The Haunted Tavern has been touring the country for nearly a decade. Each event is hosted in the spookiest venue. Tour bookers scout each city in search of the most haunted location, or at least a venue with a rich history—the spookier, the better! After the venue is selected, research is conducted into the history of the town and its folklore, especially its legends and ghost stories.

The current cast has been touring for two years. Rarely, do they perform at the same venue. However, this will be their second time performing in Lakeland, where they last performed seven years ago. This event promises to be bigger and better, being hosted at the much larger venue of Historic Polk Theatre in Downtown Lakeland.

“Florida has been our home since we started in Tampa,” Ryan said. “We love being in Florida because it is our hometown for most of us. I live in Orlando. Another person lives in Jacksonville. And another in Lakeland and Tampa and Clearwater. So, this is good to know to keep coming back to the same city a second time.”

Rarely does the Haunted Tavern host the same event at the same venue twice. If you’re morbidly curious about such a morbid experience, you’ll want to summon all your courage and attend while you can, or else miss out and remain haunted over what could have been.

“100 percent we do not host it at the same venue twice,” Ryan explained. “So, if you don’t come and experience it the weekend of June 23rd and 24th, you’re missing out. And you’ll never get to experience it again. You can listen to a ghost story, you can watch a horror movie, you can visit a haunted house, but this is something completely different.” A oneof-a kind experience.

The Haunted Tavern will be hosted on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 at 7 pm at the Historic Polk Theatre, located at 121 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 338801. Tickets start at $45. For tickets and more information, visit their website: www.hauntedtavern.com

EVENTS AND FIREWORKS

RED, WHITE & KABOOM

T. Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom Independence Day Celebration will take place at Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade on Monday, July 3rd from 6:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. with Andrew Luv & the Franchise Players entertaining the crowd before a dazzling firework display at 9:00 p.m.

We are asking that everyone who is attending to please bring at least one non-perishable food item. There will be volunteers collecting canned food items that will be donated to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). VISTE is a community based non-profit organization serving Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, and Ft. Meade. Established in 1983, the primary goal is to enable elderly persons to continue living independently and safely in their own homes.

The festivities will start with a live concert featuring Andrew Luv & the Franchise Players. Andrew Luv & the Franchise Players will bring their unique blend of Soul, Pop, Smooth Jazz, and Hip Hop to the Red, White & Kaboom center stage. The group promises a refreshing musical experience, playing an eclectic list of popular hits lead by an energetic front man with a velvet voice who knows how to command a crowd. We are sure you will agree this dynamic entertainment package is one of the most exciting show groups in Central Florida!

Tom Mims, President of T. Mims Corporation

said, “We are always excited to sponsor Red, White & Kaboom. Our family has been the title sponsor of Red, White & Kaboom since 2009 and we look forward to the event every year. It is an excellent opportunity for our community to come together in celebration of our great country.” He added, “We ask all those attending to bring a canned food item that will help those in need. All non-perishable items benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). We want everyone to have fun be we also want to help raise awareness for VISTE and use this opportunity to have the community’s largest canned food drive.”

During Red, White & Kaboom there will be a variety of food trucks around Lake Mirror so bring a blanket, bring your appetite, and enjoy the festivities in celebrating our great nation. The event will conclude with a dramatic display of fireworks over the lake. The evening is free to the public and everyone attending is encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit VISTE. Those attending can bring their own cooler but no glass bottles please. Also, no pop-up tents or large beach umbrellas are allowed.

Red, White & Kaboom props will be available for those taking selfies and we ask that visitors share their experiences through social media using #redwhiteandkaboom2023 and #RWK2023. City staff will also be looking for those dressed in their patriotic best for share your flair. There will be prizes for the family, adult and child that celebrates the event in their most patriotic attire. All City parking garages will be open for T. Mims Corp. Red, White & Kaboom. For more information go to www.lakelandgov.net.

Other Independence Day Celebrations to Enjoy:

JULY 2 - 4

• Red, White and BOOM - LEGOLAND, Florida (Winter Haven)

JULY 3

• Red, White & Kaboom - City of Lakeland's celebration at Lake Mirror from 6-9:30 pm

• Rockin' Freedom Fest - City of Winter Haven's celebration at Lake Silver, MLK Jr. Park from 5-9 pm

•Lights on the Lake - City of Frostproof's celebration at Lake Clinch Park from 6-10 pm

JULY 4

• Thunder on the Ridge - City of Haines City's celebration at Lake Eva Park from 3-10 pm

• Lakeland Flying Tigers 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular - Publix Field Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland from 5-9 pm

• City of Auburndale's celebration at Ariana Park from 9-10 pm

• City of Bartow's celebration at Mosaic Park from 6-9:30 pm

• City of Davenport's celebration at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex from 3-9:45 pm

• Rockin' the Ridge - City of Lake Wales' celebration at Lake Wailes Park from 3-9:30 pm

Wawa Summer Fun Days Return with 8 Days of Complimentary Admission

Wawa and Bok Tower Gardens are teaming up again to offer Wawa Summer Fun Days featuring complimentary admission on the last Thursday and Friday of May through September.

The 2023 Wawa Summer fun days will be June 29-30, July 27-28, August 24-25, and September 28-29.

Pre-registration is requested for this complimentary offer. Visitors can register at www.boktowergardens.org.

The partnership began in 2021 with the

launch of Wawa Summer Fun Days, and the offer was expanded in 2022, and over 12,000 participants received complimentary admission.

Committed to the communities they serve, Wawa is keeping Bok Tower Gardens growing with their generous support.

ABOUT BOK TOWER GARDENS:

Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark

located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.

Bowen Yard

It’s 5 pm on a weeknight. You and your spouse came home from work. Your kids came home from school. None of you want to cook dinner. So, you take a short stroll from your apartment building to the new food hall across the street.

There, you see families playing yard games on the main lawn, couples hanging out at the food tables, and several enticing options for dinner. You nearly can’t decide what you want. Oven-baked pizza? Sushi? Ramen? Taco bowls? It all looks so appetizing.

Eventually, you and the family decide to each get your own meal. You all eat together outside at one of the picnic tables. Afterward, your children run off to play on the main lawn while you and your significant other mosey on over to the brewery for a taste of craft beer.

This scenario isn’t just a dream. Soon, it will become a reality with Downtown Winter Haven’s newest food and beverage concept, Bowen Yard.

Soon to be located at the corner of Avenue C and 4th Street, this innovative 12,000-square-foot concept will include a main dining hall and full-service restaurant, four individual food vendors, and a bodega-style market--all with indoor and outdoor seating and a sprawling courtyard for fun and activities.

The new food hall will be located one block from Grove Roots Brewing Company and within walking distance from the Rain Dance apartment complex, along with Rain Gardens and 20 on Second apartments. With such close proximity to lodging and other popular eateries, Bowen Yard will serve as the new hub for Downtown Winter Haven.

The concept has been compared to The Joinery

However, like The Joinery, Bowen Yard expects to include several dining experiences unique to Winter Haven. As such, visitors won’t expect the usual fast-food fare. They can expect food and drinks they cannot find anywhere else in town, explained Joe Bogdahn, Director of Six/Ten.

“On Bowen Yard, we are excited to be bringing six new food concepts downtown,” he said. “We are not taking folks from one part of town to the other, these are all new to Winter Haven, and we are excited about that.”

Moreover, Bowen Yard will have a special permit that will allow guests to carry their drinks to

some could have something maybe pizza or tacos or other street food types, or they can get a sandwich at the market, or they can all join together at a common table to eat and drink...So [with] that variety of options, we want it to have high energy so folks can walk around in the yard with their pets and kids and feel safe.”

Six/Ten LLC is heading the Bowen Yard project. Their organization’s mission is to turn Winter Haven into the coolest small town. They have remained successful in that endeavor with various developments and projects over the past decade, including the renovation of 50 to 60 buildings downtown and the construction of several apart Joe Bogdahn and his team have been working on

Bowen Yard rendering

Bowen Yard for more than a decade. Discussions about such a food hall concept have been taking place since 2012. The goal is to create a space where residents can come together to pursue the mission statement of “eat, play, and chill.”

“Our plan is that downtown is all of Winter Haven’s backyard,” Bogdahn said. “So, whether you live in Florence Villa or Howard Heights, downtown can be the fun place to come, and we are working hard to make this happen...I would say that in 2015, when we were working on the Grove Roots project, no one would have thought that it would be downtown back then. Now it is an integral part of downtown.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will be hosted on June 23 at 4 pm. Afterward, construction will begin, with expectations to be completed by this fall. The main dining hall and four smaller eateries are expected to be open and operating this October.

For more information about Bowen Yard, visit the official SixTen LLC website at: https://www. sixtenllc.com

The Feedery

Have you ever been to The Joinery in Lakeland? Did you enjoy the diverse selection of food options? The savory ramen. The delectable sushi. The scrumptious oven-baked pizza. And let’s not forget the thirst-quenching craft beer fresh from the tap of the on-site brewery and distillery.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a similar food hall in Downtown Winter Haven? A laid-back environment where you and your family and friends can

gather for a good meal and even better drinks? A place where no one bickers over what to have for supper because everyone can have whatever they want and eat at the same table? A place where they relax at the end of the day, sit back with a cold one, and play some cornhole or any other yard game?

Well, dream no more! Such an experience is coming soon to Downtown Winter Haven with The Feedery.

Like The Joinery in Lakeland, The Feedery is a unique outdoor and indoor food hall space that will serve as a venue for food, drinks, and live entertainment. Soon to be located at 299 6th St SW, it will be, as its website describes, “an exciting mixed use space combining artisan food hall offerings with retail and a craft distillery in the heart of Winter Haven.”

The main on-property eatery will be Flippers Pizzeria, an Orlando-based casual artisan pizza chain serving brick-oven pizza and other Italian dishes. It will also feature three food trucks parked outside on a permanent basis. So, whether you want pizza or you’re craving something else, you and your guests will have plenty of options to choose from.

Of course, what goes better with food than great drinks? The Feedery will also feature an on-site brewery and distillery that will serve various cocktails and craft beer. Many of these drinks will be made from oranges and grapefruit, keeping true to Winter Haven’s blooming citrus industry.

“We are trying to give back to the community and put a cool spot there where people can go and congregate and have a couple choices,” said John Saterbo, Co-Chairman of the Colorado Boxed Beef Company, who is heading this project. “We are trying to feed the masses and give options. If you

want a hamburger or pasta, we want to provide needs for the consumer in a food hall with different picks and a really cool spot to go.”

A Winter Haven native, John Saterbo graduated from Winter Haven High School. After graduating from the University of Florida, he and his brothers went on to lead the family business, Colorado Boxed Beef Co. He would continue his career in food distribution opening 15 pizza places through the Flippers Pizzeria chain.

John was inspired to open his own food hall through similar concepts including The Joinery in Lakeland, the East End Market in Winter Park, and the Crooked Can in Winter Garden. Born and raised in Winter Haven, he felt that such a food hall concept would be a great addition to the area.

Both he and his brother Bryan had purchased the old building of the former Doty’s Feed Store. He regularly visited there as a child and wanted to preserve its memory and legacy. Admittedly, he claimed he “had no idea what we were going to do with it” but “we [my brother and I] thought it was a decent investment.”

With a massive space on hand, and with an idea in his head for a food hall, after many conversations with builder friend, Ron Scarpa, also a Winter Haven native, John decided to combine the two and open a food hall in the space along 299 6th St SW in Winter Haven.

Currently, their project is called “The Feedery”; however, the name may be changed soon along the lines of “The Feed’ry” or “Haven Feedery.” Whatever it will be called, the name will signify a good place to eat, drink, and gather.

“That is the feel we are trying to find with the vibe,” John said. “[A place] ...where the customers can come in... [and] if your wife wants the sushi and your kids want pizza, it gives you the option of having various items to eat and we will have inside and outside seating and a really cool feel and aura.”

Currently, the project is moving forward. John and his brother are working with an architect from Orlando, and they are already in the 11th hour of finalizing the design. They hope to start construction later this year by the middle part of Summer or the start of September.

“We are really excited to get it going and knock it out really quick,” John said. “The building has a lot of work. It will be a big investment. We are trying to do it where the idea is cool, where you drive by, it catches your eye, and [overall] making it a good spot for vendors.”

The Feedery, as it is tentatively named, will be located 299 6th St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Leasing opportunities for potential vendors are currently open. For more information, contact them at: info@thefeedery.com, call them at 863-271-7860, or visit their website at: https://www.thefeedery.com/ The Feedery rendering

• At just 15 years old, actor Sylvester Stallone’s classmates voted him “most likely to end up in the electric chair.”

• One day in 1930, the BBC announced on air that “there is no news,” and played piano music.

• Fulmars, a type of seabird, vomit putrid fishy oil on predatory birds in self-defense, which not only smells awful but is lethal to the attackers, as it permanently glues their feathers together.

• If viewed from space or a high altitude, the sun appears to be white.

• Larry Lemieux, a Canadian sailor at the 1988 Olympics, was about to win a silver medal when he abandoned the race to save two other competitors whose boat had capsized. While he lost the silver medal, he was given the Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship.

• A hydrangea flower’s color is determined by the relative acidity of the soil in which it’s grown: Acidic soil will produce a blue flower, while alkaline soil will yield a pink blossom.

• The Sami people of Northern Finland have a unit of measurement called the “poronkusema”-- the distance a reindeer can walk before it needs to urinate.

• Had a solar eruption happened nine days earlier than it did in 2012, the Earth would have been hit by a massive solar storm that would likely have caused major X-ray and UV radiation and power failure over the planet. It also would likely have cost trillions of dollars and taken four to10 years to recover from. Timing really is everything!

• The hotel that inspired Stephen King to write “The Shining” plays the Stanley Kubrick film of the same name on a continuous loop on channel 42 for guests.

What I Stand For

I’ve been writing this column for nearly four years. Funny thing is, despite mostly discussing politics, I’ve never outright stated my political affiliation. So, what am I? Democrat or Republican? Liberal or conservative? Left-wing, or right?

Truth is, I’m none of those things. I consider myself an independent. That’s not to say I’m a “centrist fence-sitter” or an “undecided voter.” (I know who I’m voting for in the next election!) It simply means I prefer not to box my political views into a single category.

The reason is that my political views have shifted drastically since I started this column. I’m not the same person I was ten or even five years ago. My thoughts and opinions have changed over time, and I expect them to continue to change until the day I die.

them to pursue an education so they can better themselves and achieve their dreams.

Most of all, I want them to afford all of that. No one should have to worry about being forced to be homeless. No one should have to pay an arm and a leg to avoid dying from a preventable disease. No one should have to go into lifelong debt to attend college. And no one should have to worry about when their next meal will be.

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the high school in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”?

2. MOVIES: Who voiced the character Woody in “Toy Story”?

3. LITERATURE: Who are the tragic lovers in the novel “Wuthering Heights”?

4. AD SLOGANS: Which product invites consumers to “taste the rainbow”?

5. FOOD & DRINK: Which root vegetable is known as Japanese horseradish?

6. ANATOMY: What substance gives skin its color?

7. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Great Pyramids of Giza located?

8. HISTORY: Who was the first

female prime minister of Great Britain?

9. SCIENCE: What is the hollow, woody tissue that carries water and nutrients from a plant’s roots to the entire plant?

10. U.S. STATES: Which is the only state that doesn’t have a mandatory seat belt law for adults?

However, while my positions and identity have changed, I’m still driven by the same basic needs as everyone else. Ultimately, I want the same things everyone else wants.

I want to go to bed at night with the assurance that, when I wake up in the morning, everything remains relatively the same as when I went to sleep. I want to wake in my bed with a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and a community of people who love and care for each other.

I want people to be financially secure. I want everyone to have a job where they are paid fairly for the hard work they do. I want them to make enough money to pay for their basic needs, with enough money left over to save for a rainy day.

I want people to live in a nice home, be it a small apartment or a big house. I want them to have access to healthcare whenever they get sick or injured. And I want

In the end, I want to live in a society where everyone can have their basic needs met. I want people to make enough money at their jobs to afford those basic needs—and if they can’t, I want there to be services in place where they can be provided those things. And I want those services not to be obstructed by handwringing about potentially raising the taxes of millionaires or billionaires. After all, they could all lose a million or billion dollars and still be obscenely rich.

No, I don’t hate the rich. I don’t envy their wealth. I know they worked hard for it. I couldn’t care less if they make a million, a billion, or even a trillion dollars. I don’t care whether someone is a CEO or a janitor. I just want both people to go home after work at the end of the day with a roof over their heads, food on their plates, and clothes on their backs. Problem is, in our current society, all CEOs can do that while far too many janitors and other low-wage workers cannot.

Ultimately, all I want is for everyone to have their needs met. Why should any of that be considered “radical”?

The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.

1. Sunnydale High.

2. Tom Hanks.

3. Heathcliff and Catherine.

4. Skittles.

5. Wasabi. 6. Melanin. 7. Egypt. 8. Margaret Thatcher.

9. Xylem.

10. New Hampshire.

C A L E N D A R

es. Located Balmoral Bar & Grill, Balmoral Resort, Haines City. Sun, 12-4 pm. Cost - $30 Youth Ticket (10 & under), $35 Adult Ticket. www.BalmoralBarAndGrill.com and https://centralfloridatix.com/events/ fathers-day-foam-party-6-18-2023

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 & Expos

JUN

20–

Tasty Tuesday +

June 24th for our Fire on The Lake, Chili Cook-Off and Jeep Rally. Bring your Jeep for the day (prizes for clean/dirty/most patriotic/best dressed Jeep dog and more)! Get a team together and enter our Chili Cook-Off (3 categories) or enter your homemade salsa. Located at Camp Mack, Lake Wales. Sat, 9 am-10 pm. For more info, www. campmack.com for complete rules/ regulations, about the event and to submit your entry form.

JUN 23–

JUN 25- Lakeland

JUN 8–

Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9 pm. (next events: Jul 13, Aug 10)

JUN 10– The Father of all Axe Tournaments. The 1st Father of All Axes Tournament is the first World Axe Throwing League tournament held at Ax-Caliber in Lakeland, FL. A World Axe Throwing League (WATL) sanctioned tier-3 with a grand prize going to the Champion. We have 40 contestants competing to be the tournament’s first Champion. Located Ax-Caliber Axe Venue, 204 E Orange St, Lakeland. Sat, 10-4 pm. https://bookeo. com/axcaliber?type=41556URKF4U187E9C0F7F7

JUN 18– Father’s Day Foam Party. Balmoral Summer Series. Come celebrate Dad at our Father’s Day Foam Party. Enjoy a day filled with foam and fun for the whole family. Live DJ. Play in the foam and swim all day! Prices include Family Funday Foam Party/ Pool pass-

Tunes. Third Tuesday of every month in Munn Park. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants, and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase your ticket package from LDDA. Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. (next events: Jul 18, Aug 15) https://ldda.square.site/product/ tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom

JUN 21to 24 – 87th Annual Miss Florida Pageant. The Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant is a preliminary competition to the Miss America Pageant, the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s most significant achievement programs. The reigning Miss Florida Lindsay Bettis and Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen Aashna Shah won their titles in June, 2022 while competing against other young women from around the state for the opportunity to represent the Sunshine State at Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Competitions. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Wed to Sat. Tickets - $64 to $127. www.RPFundingCenter. com and www.MissFlorida.org

JUN

22to

Noche de San Juan Pool Party. Balmoral Summer Series. Come join us on Latin Night for our Noche de San Juan celebration at Balmoral Bar & Grill! We will provide music & entertainment with DJ Miguel, and a special Hispanic food menu. This event is free to enter, and we are offering a special of a $15 Water Park Pass after 7pm and during the event! Located Balmoral Bar & Grill, Balmoral Resort, Haines City. Fri, 7 pm to 12 am. Free Entry! www.BalmoralBarAndGrill.com and https://centralfloridatix.com/ events/noche-de-san-juan-pool-party-6-23-2023

JUN 23& 24 – The Haunted Tavern. An immersive cocktail experience run by the descendants of Ichabod Crane. You will visit one of the most haunted locations in Lakeland as the tavern keeper guides you through a 4-part interactive cocktail journey. Hear the chilling and dark tales that haunt the venue, and beware the ghost that never left... Your night will be filled with surprises—the ghost tends to sit in on the experience and scare those brave enough (or filled with enough liquid courage) to enter! Located Historic Polk Theatre, S FL Ave, Lakeland. Fri & Sat, 7-8:30 pm. Cost - $45. www. HauntedTavern.com

JUN 23to 25 –Stampfest. Rubber stamp and scrapbook show. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 9 am-11 pm. Sat, 9-5 pm. Sun, 10-3 pm. Cost – $15. Free parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com and www. Stampfest.com

Women’s Day. Get pampered, shop, and learn about local businesses & resources focused on educating and empowering women! Enjoy free pampering including chair massages, brow waxing and makeovers plus free henna tattoos, photo booth, self-defense class and more. Shop with dozens of vendors! Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 11-4 pm. Free entry. RSVP to: http://lakelandwomensday. eventbrite.com/

JUL 1– Elvis by the Pool. Balmoral Summer Series. Attention, water enthusiasts and music lovers! Get ready for the ultimate poolside extravaganza at Balmoral Water Park. We’re thrilled to present an unforgettable event that will transport you back in time to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. Join us as we pay homage to the legendary King himself with “Elvis by the Pool”! Located Balmoral Bar & Grill, Balmoral Resort, Haines City. Sat, 6-8 pm. Tickets - $20. www.BalmoralBarAndGrill.com and https://centralfloridatix.com/events/ elvis-by-the-pool-7-1-2023

JUL 3– Red, White & Kaboom. City of Lakeland’s annual Independence Celebration. Located at Lk Mirror Promenade. Mon, 6-9:30 pm with fireworks at 9 pm. www. LakelandGov.net

24 –

Collectorama. Coin, Paper Money, Gold, Silver, Jewelry and collectables of all kinds. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs-Sat, 10-6 pm. Free parking. www.RPFundingCenter.com and https://thecollectoramashow.com

JUN 23to 25 – Hot Tub & Swim Spa Expo. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri-Sun. www.RPFundingCenter.com

JUN 24– Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off and Jeep Rally. Join us at Camp Mack inLake Wales on

Jul 7– July First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Bike Night sponsored by Harley Davidson Downtown in Munn Park. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Enjoy goodies, giveaways, and discounts from local business exhibitors. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street

along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next event: Aug 4, Sept 1)

Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows

Lakeland Downtown Farmers

Curb Market – Saturdays. We have an exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. We are part of the FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) program that assists those in the SNAP/ EBT program by encouraging healthy behaviors by making fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to SNAP customers. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-1 pm.

Winter Haven Farmers Market

– Saturdays. Shop locally grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9 am-1 pm.

JUN 11- Second Sunday Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5 pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net

JUN 15- Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, crafts and a food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Located Stuart Ave in the parking lot near the new Gillian Fazio mural in downtown Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.

JUN 16– Bartow Friday Fest.

The Bartow Friday Fest is a fun open-air event in Downtown Bartow featuring live music, classic cars and plenty of family fun. The event is held the third Friday of every month (except December). Fri, 6-9 pm. For more info, visit www.mainstreetbartowfl.com

Concerts & Theatre

JUN 10& Aug 5 –Classically Summer at Bok Tower Gardens. An all-new series of classical music performance by the Orlando

Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy three family-friendly Symphony Story Time performances and three intimate Summer Serenade chamber performances in the air-conditioned comfort of the Visitor Center Theater. (Summer Serenade Schedule: Jul 8, 22 & Aug 19) Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Admission required. 9:30 am & 11 am. www. BokTowerGardens.org

JUN 15– Blues Brothers

Tribute & Dinner Show. You’ve seen these guys on TV, seen them on stage in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and on cruise ships around the world. The best Blues Brothers tribute in the country will be at Balmoral Event Center. This is an action-pack show from start to finish. They will have the crowd on their feet singing, dancing, clapping, and laughing, with dinner included! Located Balmoral Event Center, 116 Kenny Blvd, Haines City. Thurs, 6-9 pm. Tickets - $45. www. BalmoralEventCenter.com and https://centralfloridatix.com/events/ blues-brothers-6-15-2023

JUN 16to

18 –

Mughal-EAzam. Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. After more than 200 spellbinding performances across six Asian countries, India’s most spectacular musical play now premieres in North America. Mughal-e-Azam, produced by Shapoorji Pallonji Group and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, is based on K Asif’s 1960 classic film of the same name –showcasing India’s rich culture of Kathak dances and classical music intertwined in a legendary love story. For more than 60 years, the story of Mughal-e-Azam continues to enchant legions of fans across the globe. India’s most expensive theatre production comprises mesmerizing dance sequences, spectacular lighting, extravagant costumes, and live signing. The play is in Hindi/Urdu or Hindustani, with LED screens displaying English subtitles. Located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. FriSun, 7 pm. Cost – Tickets range from $121.89 to $454.89. www. RPFundingCenter.com

JUN 24– Summer Concert

Series at the Ritz: Fil Lorenz Orchestra. Enjoy a big band jazz and swing show featuring vocalist, Walt Andrus. Join us for this high-voltage, crowd-pleasing big band born of the blues, with a sound defined by a searing, relentless horn section and an exhil-

arating, sometimes challenging repertoire of well-known burners and fascinating originals alike. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. Located Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 7 pm; Doors at 6 pm. Tickets - $25 GA, $35 Reserved. www. RitzWinterHaven.com

JUL 1– Summer Concert Series at the Ritz: Sandy Back Porch. One of the best bluegrass bands out of Central Florida who showcases traditional music with lightning lead guitar licks, harmony and lead vocals, hotter than fire banjo licks, and flying fiddle tunes. You’ll be sure to be foot-stomping and clapping along to this downhome band. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. Located Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 7 pm; Doors at 6 pm. Tickets - $25 GA, $35 Reserved. www. RitzWinterHaven.com

JUL 7– Tribute Concert at the Ritz: Creedence Clearwater Revival by Bad Moon Rising. Bad Moon Rising, a Classic Tributes Live band, invites you to take a trip down the Mississippi delta as they pay tribute to arguably the greatest rock band North America ever produced. Creedence Clearwater Revival. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. Located Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Fri, 7 pm; Doors at 6 pm. Tickets - $25 GA, $35 Reserved. www.RitzWinterHaven.com

JUL 16– CAL’s Supertramp

“Breakfast in America”. Performed “Note for note... cut for cut,” the Classic Albums Live Concert Series features an album which has sold over 18 million copies worldwide Supertramp’s, “Breakfast in America” on July 16, 2023. Located at the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs, 7:30 pm. Tickets - $52, $41 plus parking. www. RPFundingCenter.com

JUL 22– Summer Concert Series

at the Ritz: Eugene Snowden & Band. Slide into a night of soul music with music by the blues master, Eugene Snowden and his band. Don’t miss this world class musician who has shared the stage with the likes of James Brown, BB

King, Al Green, and Sharon Jones. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. Located Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 7 pm; Doors at 6 pm. Tickets - $25 GA, $35 Reserved. www. RitzWinterHaven.com

JUL 29– Summer Concert

Series at the Ritz: Ivan Garcia & Friends. Experience a trip through the Latin countryside with Ivan Garcia’s selections of Spanish Flamenco and Latin jazz for this performance from one of Puerto Rico’s most awarded musicians and guitarists, who will be joined by musician accompaniments with violin and congas. Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks for sale at The Ritz Lounge before and during the concert. Located Historic Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 7 pm; Doors at 6 pm. Tickets - $25 GA, $35 Reserved. www.RitzWinterHaven. com

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

JUN 24– Rock for Paws 2023. Benefiting the SPCA homeless dogs and cats. Return to the 1980s for an evening, and enjoy great music, good food, and an amazing raffle! Live music by Smokepoint. Cash bar. Raffles. 80s Night Theme. Located Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland. Sat, 7-10 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets - $20. www.SPCAFlorida.org/RockFor-Paws

AUG 6– Bowl A Rama 2023. Annual event benefiting the Humane Society of Polk County. 4-person team includes: 2 bowling games, shoe rental, food buffet and raffles. NEW this year! Cash prizes for top teams. Space is limited! Book your team or sponsorship today!! Located at Cypress Lanes Family Fun Center, Dundee Rd, Winter Haven. Sun, 12:30-3:30 pm; Registration starts at 12 pm. www. PolkNoKill.org/events

Sports

JUN to SEPT – Lakeland Flying Tigers Baseball. For promotions and dates/times. Located Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. www. LakelandFlyingTigers.com

BARS&PUBS

*Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events and promos.

Call your favorite bar

For more information!

AUBURNDALE

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

102 W Polk Street

(863) 968-0010

Full Liquor Sports Bar

TVs for the Games

Brew Hounds Sports Lounge

318 Havendale Blvd

(863) 967-2739

Wed, Trivia 6p

Daily/Weekly Specials

Pool, Darts, Full Liquor

Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC

Smoke-Free/Outside Patio

Crave & Copper

117 East Lake Ave

(863) 968-2971

Local Microbrewery

Patio Bar/Restaurant

Wed-Sun, Open at 11a

Fri-Sun, Live Music

BABSON PARK

Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern

1010 N Scenic Hwy (863) 589-5887

Full Liquor

Seafood, Steaks & Burgers

Live Music Fri & Sat

Pool Table & Darts

BARTOW

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

120 E Van Fleet Dr (863) 534-3111

Full Liquor Sports Bar

Fun Bar

3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400

Karaoke

Pool Table & Darts

Mulligan’s Sports Bar

Bartow Golf Club

150 N Idlewood (863) 533-1668

Fri, Karaoke 7-10p

Stanford Wines

165 S Central Ave

(863) 800-3395

Open Daily 4-10 pm

Fine Wine & Charcuterie

StanfordWines.com

FB@stanfordwines

The Wine Stable

150 S Broadway (863) 533-9463

Full Bar

Live Music

Food Avail.

DAVENPORT

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

45653 US Hwy 27

(863) 420-3350

Full Liquor

Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps

Fireside Lounge & Billiards

43356 US Hwy 27

(863) 420-0100

Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables

Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p

Live Music

The Wheelhouse Bar

42637 US Hwy 27

(863) 353-6880

TVs, Pool Table

Darts, Jukebox

Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p

The Wheelhouse/19th Hole

102 Polo Park East

(863) 424-4560

Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p

Thu, Trivia 8-10p

DUNDEE

Out-n-About Bar

(1/4 m north of Dundee Rd)

28390 US Hwy 27

(863) 439-1537

Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun, Live Music

Wed & Sun, Karaoke

Thu, Ladies Night

FROSTPROOF

P & J Recreation

33 S Scenic Hwy

(863) 635-9825

Home of Famous Slaw Burger!

Full Liquor

FT. MEADE

Pit Stop Package & Lounge

800 N Charleston Ave

(863) 285-8732

Food Avail.

HAINES CITY

Amos Tavern

200 US Hwy 17 92 N

(863) 422-1459

Balmoral Bar & Grill

124 Kenny Blvd

(863) 588-3097

Patio Dining & Full Bar

Mon, Jukebox Bingo 6-8p

Tue, Trivia 6-8p

Wed, Karaoke 6-9p

Thu & Sat, Live Music 6-9p

Fri, DJ/Latin Nights 7-10p

Jun 18, Father’s Day Party

Jun 23, Noche de San Juan Prty

Jul 1, Elvis By The Pool

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

902 Polk City Rd

(863) 419-4848

Full Liquor Sports Bar

Big Screen TVs

Ducky’s Dockside Bar & Grill

1090 Shady Cove Rd E

(863) 353-5295

Thu, Acoustic Jam 6p

Fri, Karaoke 6p

Sat & Sun, Live Music

Rudy’s Liquorup Lounge

600 Ingraham Ave

(863) 422-8585

Karaoke, Darts, Billiards

Live Bands

Happy Hour 12-7p

Shady Cove Bar & Grill

7140 State Road 544 E

(863) 421-6800

Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p

Open Daily 12p

Daily Food/Drink Specials

LAKE ALFRED

LA’s Midway Saloon

(Across from WH Airport)

3900 Lynchburg Rd

(863) 875-7966

Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F

LAKELAND

1916 Irish Pub Cleveland Heights Golf Course 2900 Buckingham Ave (863) 834-2384

Daily, 11a-10p

Thu, Ladies Night 5-9p

Sat/Sun, Brunch 10-3p

Food, Full Bar

Ax-Caliber

204 E Orange St, Ste 102 (863) 592-3500

Tue-Wed 11a-10p/Thu-Fri 11a-

11p

Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-7p

Axe Throwing, Virtual Gun Range

Coffee House, Restaurant

Beer & Wine

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

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S Florida Ave

(863) 646-7757

Full Liquor Sports Bar

2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs

The Brass Tap 1515 Town Center Dr Lakeside Village

(863) 680-9994

Daily, Open at 12p

Martini Wed, $5

Craft Beers, Full Bar Food, Live Music

Brewlands Bar & Billiards N. 5161 US Hwy 98 N (863) 940-2038

Smoke-Free Billiards/Sports Bar

20 Pool Tables, Dart Boards

Game Room, Full Kitchen

Open Daily, Full Liquor

Brewlands Bar & Billiards S. 5733 S Florida Ave (863) 646-2600

Pool & Billiard Sports Hall

Full Liquor Bar

Open Daily

Sun & Wed, S.I.N. Night

Thu, Ladies Night

Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900

Open Daily, 11a-10p

Daily Specials 2-10p

Tue, Ladies Night 4p-cl

Tue/Thu, BOGO Beer

Thu, Free Trivia 8p

Cob & Pen 1221 S Florida Ave (863) 937-8126

Craft Beer & Wine Full Liquor Bar Food/Light Food

Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E Edgewood Dr Suite G (863) 686-6441

Duke’s Brewhouse 4960 S Florida Ave (863) 647-9464

Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music

Frescos Bistro 132 S Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267

Happy Hr 5-7

Monthly Pairings

Great Bistro Fare Full Bar/Crafted Cocktails

JUNE/JULY CONCERT CALENDAR

THURSDAY, JUN 1

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

BILLY DICKERSON (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

FRIDAY, JUN 2

SOUTH OF THE BLUES (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ACOUSTIC DOSE

(Crave & Copper, ADL)

JADE & DUKE (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

SATURDAY, JUN 3

JOSH BLEVINS (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/

ALMOST THERE 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ORLANDO PHIL ORCH; CARNIVAL OF ANIMALS (Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

OAKLEE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

(Ritz Theatre, WH)

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

DAN PEPIN 2p/

BRETT FOSTER BAND 7p

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

JOEY FOLEY (Apple Lounge, WH)

DANIEL PRATT (Front Page Brewing, BTW)

THE RECLINERS (The Social Lounge, WH)

SUNDAY, JUN 4

RAYNE MARIE DUO 2p/ SOUTHERN BLEND 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

LUBECK (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

B. HAVEN BAND

(Twisted Prop, WH)

MATT & RICK

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, JUN 6

ADRIENNE RICHARDS

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 7

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, JUN 8

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

DAMON FOWLER

(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

TOURIST BOB

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND

(Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

FRIDAY, JUN 9

SPANKIN’ SADIE

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

B. HAVEN BAND

(Twisted Prop, WH)

HUNTER MCNEER

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

MUNNVILLE

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

THE HEADBANG

(Apple Lounge, WH)

LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)

SATURDAY, JUN 10

MICHAEL LUBECKE

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

JOSH BLEVINS BAND

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SPANKIN’ SADIE

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

ORLANDO PHIL ORCH; PETER RABBIT

(Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

SG WOOD 2p/

BULLY FOR YOU 7p

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR

(Apple Lounge, WH)

BROOKS & DUNN

wsgs MEGAN MARONEY, SCOTTY MCCREERY

(Amway Center, ORL)

SUNDAY, JUN 11

CURT BEASLEY 2p/

THE WANTED 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TMIKE & DUKE

(Grove Roots, WH)

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

TUESDAY, JUN 13

MICKENZIE PEISHER

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

PARAMORE wsg

BLOC PARTY

(Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 14

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

JADE & DUKE

(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

ACOUSTIC STAGE

(Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

THURSDAY, JUN 15

RED HOT ROOSTER

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

ANDY SHREEVE

(Cherry Pocket, LW)

TMIKE & DUKE

(The Social Lounge, WH)

MICKENZIE PEISHER

(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND

(Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

FRIDAY, JUN 16

CONSPIRACY THEORY

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS

(The Wheelhouse Bar, DVPT)

FEVER BAND

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

POWERHOUSE 2.0

(Apple Lounge, WH)

LAURA THE SINGER

(The Social Lounge, WH)

TYRESE, XSCAPE, GINUWINE, EL DEBARGE, 112, SILK AND NEXT (Amway Center, ORL)

SATURDAY, JUN 17

BITTERSWEET BAND

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

RAYNE MARIE 2p/

SOUTHERN BLEND 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

RED HOT ROOSTER

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

RE-BIRTH wsg CYPHER

MACHINE, HALO SCARS

(Leo’s Live/Ybor Cigars, LKD)

THE BLOODY JUG BAND

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

RUSTY WRIGHT BAND

(Music Ranch, LKD)

MANFREDI ROCKS

(The Port Steak & Seafood, HC)

THE GRATEFUL ALIVE (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

ACOUSTIC DOSE

(Apple Lounge, WH)

TRAVIS WILLIAMS

(Council Oak Lounge, TMP)

HOMEGROWN: ZAC BROWN

BAND TRIBUTE

(Hard Rock Cafe, TMP)

DURAN DURAN wsgs

BASTILLE AND NILE RODGERS & CHIC (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUN 18

BLACK SATIN 2p/ ALMOST THERE 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS (The Port Steak & Seafood, HC)

TYRESE, MONICA, GINUWINE, EL DEBARGE, 112, SILK AND TWEET (Amalie Arena, TMP)

TUESDAY, JUN 20

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

LES CLAYPOOL’S

FEARLESS FLYING

FROG BRIGADE wsgs

JERRY HARRISON & ADRIAN BELEW (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 21

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

RICARDO ARJONA (Amway Center, ORL)

BRYAN ADAMS w/ JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS (Amalie Arena, TMP)

THURSDAY, JUN 22

CURT BEASLEY (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

ANDY SHREEVE (Swan Brewing, LKD)

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND

(Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

SOUL 2 EARTH

(Hard Rock Cafe, TMP)

GARBAGE & NOEL

GALLAGHER’S HIGH

FLYING BIRDS w/METRIC

(MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

FRIDAY, JUN 23

CONSPIRACY THEORY

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

RED HOT ROOSTER

(Tanners Lakeside, WH)

BLIND AMBITION DUO

(Cypresswood Pub, WH)

RED HEADED STEPCHILD (Apple Lounge, WH)

LAURA THE SINGER

(The Social Lounge, WH)

SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS (Hard Rock Cafe, TMP)

PESO PLUMA wsg

ALEMÁN (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUN 24

JOEY FOLEY

(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)

CHASE DIXON DUO 2p/

JOSH BLEVINS BAND 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

KEYSOUNDSOUL

(Yard on Mass, WH)

FIL LORENZ ORCHESTRA (Ritz Theatre, WH)

OAK HILLDRIFTERS (Swan Brewing, LKD)

TIM & BEN HAGGARD (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

DARRA

(Apple Lounge, WH)

THE ORIGINAL MISFITS

wsgs MEGADETH & FEAR (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUN 25

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR 2p/ AGGIE ROAD 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

JOEY FOLEY (Tanners Lakeside, WH)

MONDAY, JUN 26

MICAH MADORE DUO (Council Oak Lounge, TMP)

TUESDAY, JUN 27

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 28

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

THURSDAY, JUN 29

JADE & DUKE

(The Social Lounge, WH)

SCOTT SULDO

(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

THE CURE wsg

THE TWILIGHT SAD (Amalie Arena, TMP)

FRIDAY, JUN 30

SNAKE FARM (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

CRUEL CURSES (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

ALMOST THERE DUO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

THE WANTED (Apple Lounge, WH)

LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)

SANTA FE KLAN wsgs

SNOW THA PRODUCT AND TORNILLO (Amway Center, ORL)

ALICIA KEYS wsg LIBIANCA (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUL 1

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/ ALMOST THERE 7p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

SANDY BACK PORCH (Ritz Theatre, WH)

BILLY DICKERSON

(Swan Brewing, LKD)

TMIKE & DUKE (Crave & Copper, ADL)

SUNDAY, JUL 2

CURT BEASLEY 2p/

SOUTH OF THE BLUES 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS (The Port Steak & Seafood, HC)

ANDY SHREEVE (Ducky’s Dockside Bar, HC)

MONDAY, JUL 3

ANDY SHREEVE (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)

ANDREW LUV & THE FRANCHISE PLAYERS (Red, White & Kaboom, LKD)

TUESDAY, JUL 4

ACE JACKSON & THE JUMP KINGS (Bartow’s July 4th, BTW)

SOFA KINGS

(Flying Tigers July 4th, LKD)

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 5

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 7

BAD MOON RISING; CCR TRIB. (Ritz Theatre, WH)

TMIKE & DUKE (Cypresswood Pub, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS

(Wheelhouse Bar 19th Hole, DVPT)

LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)

SATURDAY, JUL 8

FREE WHISKEY 2p/ SPANKIN’ SADIE 7p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ORLANDO PHIL ORCH; BRASS

(Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

B. HAVEN BAND

(Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

MATCHBOX TWENTY

wsg BEN RECTOR (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUL 9

SOUTHERN BLEND (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ANDY SHREEVE (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FOREIGNER wsg

LOVERBOY (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

MONDAY, JUL 10 BLINK-182 wsg TURNSTILE (Amalie Arena, TMP)

TUESDAY, JUL 11

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 12

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

THURSDAY, JUL 13

DAMON FOWLER (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 14

MANFREDI ROCKS

(Wheelhouse Bar, DVPT)

DIERKS BENTLEY wsgs JORDAN DAVIS AND CAYLEE HAMMACK (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUL 15

BILLY DICKERSON (Camp Margaritaville, ADL) STRIZZO wsgs SAVANNAH DEXTER & BRABO GATOR (Wild Greg’s Saloon, LKD)

STEVIE B., LISA LISA, TKA K7, DEBBIE DEB, TRINERE, THE JETS, JOHNNY O, CYNTHIA, COLOR ME BADD, FREESTYLE, ROB BASE (Amway Center, ORL) BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB wsgs HOWARD JONES AND BERLIN (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUL 16

THE WANTED (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: SUPERTRAMP (RP Funding Center, LKD)

TED NUGENT (Hard Rock Event Center, TMP)

TUESDAY, JUL 18

ADRIENNE RICHARDS (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 19

JIM & JUDY’S

BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 21

SOUTH OF THE BLUES (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

BILLY DICKERSON

(Crave & Copper, ADL)

TWINKLE AND ROCKSOUNDRADIO

(Leo’s Live/Ybor Cigars, LKD)

MUDVAYNE wsgs COAL CHAMBER, GWAR, NONPOINT, BUTCHER BABIES (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUL 22

SOUTHERN BLEND

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

ORLANDO PHIL ORCH; WOODWINDS (Bok Tower Gardens, LW)

EUGENE SNOWDEN (Ritz Theatre, WH)

MANFREDI ROCKS

(The Port Steak & Seafood, HC)

BILLY DICKERSON (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)

LYNYRD SKYNYRD AND ZZ TOP w/UNCLE KRACKER

(MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUL 23

JIM & JUDY TAYLOR 2p/ CONSPIRACY THEORY 6p

(Old Man Frank’s, WH)

TUESDAY, JUL 25

MICKENZIE PEISHER

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

FALL OUT BOY wsgs

BRING ME THE HORIZON, ROYAL & THE SERPENT, AND CARR

(MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

WEDNESDAY, JUL 26

JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM

(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

KeySoundSoul

SAM SMITH wsg

JESSIE REYEZ (Amway Center, ORL)

THURSDAY, JUL 27

MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)

FRIDAY, JUL 28

CONSPIRACY THEORY (Old Man Frank’s, WH) FREE WHISKEY BAND (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

LIL DURK wsgs

KODACK BLACK, NLE CHOPPA, DD OSAMA (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SATURDAY, JUL 29

JOSH BLEVINS BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

IVAN GARCIA (Ritz Theatre, WH)

BILLY DICKERSON (Yard on Mass, LKD)

LOVE PIT wsgs ALMONDY BROWN, FILTHY ROYALTY, 48 STATES AWAY (Leo’s Live/Ybor Cigars, LKD)

NICKELBACK wsgs

BRANTLEY GILBERT AND JOSH ROSS (MidFlorida CU Amphi, TMP)

SUNDAY, JUL 30

BLACK SATIN DUO 2p/ ALMOST THERE 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BIG TIME RUSH wsgs MAX & JAX (Amway Center, ORL)

POLK COUNTY’S RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

AUBURNDALE

TANTRUMS LAKESIDE GRILL

This is a one of a kind, waterfront, casual dining experience where you can enjoy well-prepared food, water sports in action and a beautiful sunset on our multi-level covered deck overlooking Lake Myrtle in Auburndale. Delicious Seafood and more . . . featuring Oyster and Shrimp Po'Boys. We also have a large selection of Handdipped Ice cream, beer, wine and specialty beverages. Hours - Open Everyday at 11:00 am

Must try: Gator Bites, Oyster Nachos, and Shrimp & Grit Cakes 330 Denton Avenue, Auburndale 863-8753974

HAINES CITY

BALMORAL BAR & GRILL AT BALMORAL RESORT

Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.

Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich. 124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097 • BalmoralBarandGrill. com

LAKELAND

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH 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 on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.

Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings!

1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464

www.beefobradys.com

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. Coldest Beer In Town. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Must Try: Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com

CHAMPS SPORTS BAR

Serving Polk County for over 20 years!

Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun

• Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo

Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook. FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com

MISTER FISH

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.

Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich

715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280

LAKE WALES

CRAZY FISH

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

sphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues.Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun.

Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper 802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 6766361

JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service and famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials. Weekend specials. Prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp and catfish.

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

WINTER HAVEN

326 BISTRO PIZZERIA

Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order specialty pizzas. Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.

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

APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL

#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.

Must Try: Famous Wings

2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 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 ambiance

makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.

Must Try: Bananas Foster prepared table side 346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S

Locally owned sports pub with 30 TVs and full bar. Lunch value combos MondaysFridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available.

Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs. Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!

Must Try: Award Winning Wings and Burgers 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 293-9464 • www.beefobradys.com

HARRY’S OLD PLACE

Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.

Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie! 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com

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

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

1. Name the artist who wrote and released “Buffalo Stance.”

2. What was the first chart-topper released by The Tokens?

3. Name the Motown group that released “Heat Wave.”

4. Where did UB40 get its name?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “Do my dreaming and my scheming, Lie awake and pray.”

ANSWERS

1. Neneh Cherry, in 1988. A “buffalo stance” is an attitude about survival in inner cities, specifically written about the models, musicians and photographers in the Buffalo fashion house in London.

2. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” in

1961. The song was first written in Zulu in 1939 and is alternately called “Wimoweh” and “Mbube.”

3. Martha and the Vandellas, in 1963. The song has been widely used in films, including “Carrie,” “Sister Act” and the sequel “More American Graffiti.”

4. The UB40 is a welfare form in the U.K. for claiming benefits. All the band members were unemployed when they formed the group.

5. “In My Room,” by the Beach Boys, in 1963. The song made it to Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest songs, and it’s been covered by numerous artists. The 30-year box set contains a slightly earlier version than the one that was officially released.

mattress and cover with a beach towel. Then put the sheet over that. The garbage bag protects the mattress; the towel makes it comfortable. “ -- U.D. in Tennessee

SWEET PEA

Sweet Pea is an 11 month old domestic shorthair mix. She is as her name implies sweet. This little one also responds with a meow when you call out "Hey Girl" She does good around everyone she has met but we aren't sure how she would be with kids since she has never been around them. Sweet Pea has been around other cats but is selective with the ones she chooses to befriend.

MAX

Meet Max! This marvelous boy is a 10 month old black and white, domestic shorthair mix. He is up to date on his shots and neutered. Max is a ball of love who enjoys being near you. He loves to make new friends no matter if its people, cats, or even dogs. This boy will give you the best of both worlds because he will play with you then curl up in your lap for a nap.

TORAH

Meet, Torah! A 1 year old, female, Bully mix. Torah loves to play! Her favorite toys have squeakers in them but, if you give her a stuffed to she will shred it in record time! LOL She enjoys being brushed and petted, she will even lay like a frog so you can do a good job brushing her. Torah loves to play in water so baby pools are a must.

ROCKY

• Use a mesh bag to hold flowers in place in a vase. Just roll or wad it up and put it down in the bottom of the vase. When you are done with the flowers, you can use a stick to swish the bag around and loosen any gunk inside the vase when cleaning. Launder the mesh or just toss.

• When freezing leftovers, especially soup or stew, consider using zipper-closing bags. They can be filled and frozen flat, then stacked nicely. They take up much less room than standard containers.

• “To make a waterproof mattress protector in a pinch, slit a large garbage bag down the side and bottom, lay it flat over the

• “Keep extra liner bags in the bottom of the garbage can. They are handy, so you will be more likely to reline the can as soon as you take the garbage out.” -- K.P. in Massachusetts

• Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge. When it’s time to replace it, dump it down the drain and follow with a small bottle of vinegar and a hot water flush. Keep your kitchen smelling nice and use less chemicals to do it.

• “Here’s a fun invitation to make and receive: Blow up a balloon and pinch (don’t tie). Write the details of the party on the balloon in permanent marker. Let it dry fully before you deflate it. Then send it!” -- R.A. in Washington

Meet Rocky! This sweet boy is a 6 month old hound mix. He is gonna be a big dog when he gets older and will require a lot of space to run and expend his energy. He is a very outgoing baby who loves to meet knew friends whether is a person, cat, or dog. He loves to go on morning runs and play with his toys. Once he is all tuckered out he will sprawl out on the floor for a nice long nap.

The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884

www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227

Tues-Sat 10:30-6pm. Closed 1-2 pm for lunch.

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.

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.”

Dr. Nations