Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine #157

ccent A On Tampa Bay

Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Sales Sonny Lawton Barbara McGovern Vicki Kolb Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Contributors Sylvie Damien Nancy Evans Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Proofreader Charlie deCatta Cover Photo Credit: Disney On Ice Feld Entertainment PUBLISHED BY

P.O. Box 20044 St. Petersburg, FL 33742 (727) 577-5500 e-mail - AccentMagazine@aol.com Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine™ is published bimonthly by AM Publications, Inc. Material submitted becomes the property of AM Publications, Inc. All material herein, including ads and artwork is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. © Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine.™

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

LOCAL FOCUS - There are several pet events happening in April and May in the Tampa Bay area: – Spa Beach Park (by The Pier), 2nd Ave. NE and Tampa Bay, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the nation’s best canine athletes strut their stuff. Each event includes five core events: Dog Diving, Freestyle Flying Disc, Agility Competition (small & large dog), Jack Russell Hurdle Racing and Weave Poles. Free. www.purina.com/incredible-dog-challenge/ index.aspx.

6pm-11pm at the Tampa Convention Center. Celebrity models team with their pets or with a Humane Society of Tampa Bay adorable adoptable to strut their stuff on the catwalk. In addition to the fashion show, attendees will be treated to an evening of live entertainment, a high end silent and live auction and a sumptuous dinner. www.humanesocietytampa.org has become a tra-

ditional event held at Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachman Road in Clearwater, Florida.

Thanks to the Clearwater Threshers, they have four games this year. Mark your calendar for for dates for you to bring your dog to the game with you.

The gates open at Noon for 1 o’clock game times. Be sure to come early enough to visit with vendors and socialize with other animal lovers. Call 727-467-4457 for more information. at the Dolphin Beach Resort, 4900 Gulf Boulevard St. Pete Beach.

Enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres, Silent and live auctions, Full cash bar, and live music by Aaron Wilkinson. All proceeds benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s Emergency Medical Fund. www.petpalanimalshelter.com or call 727-3287-PET (7738) Saddle up for a good cause. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse (PCSMP) is holding its second annual Ride for Hospice to benefit Gulfside Regional Hospice. This fun day will take place at Diamond B Ranch, located at 21309 Kettering Road in Dade City and includes a two-hour trail ride through the ranch, pony rides, kids’ games, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and lunch. Prizes will be given to the rider who raises the most money for Gulfside Regional Hospice. Non-horse riders will be able to go

out on the trail in the limited number of wagon seats available. Call 813-220-8459 or go to www.pascoposse.com. . Get into the swim of things at the SeaGrapes Fine Wine and Food Festival from 8 to 11 p.m. Enjoy a special evening to benefit the Aquarium’s youth education and conservation programs, while sampling fine wine, savoring food from premier restaurants and becoming immersed in a uniquely aquatic environment. Take a moment to bid on items like amazing travel destinations, original artwork, handmade jewelry and excellent wine during the silent auction and enjoy live jazz and more for a night of delightful fun. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. www.flaquarium.org or call 813-273-4030.

“LET’S CELEBRATE!” A Magical Medley of Holidays and Celebrations With More Than 50 Disney Characters

4

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

starting at 10:30 AM at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort. The event features fabulous food, gorgeous gowns, world class entertainment, the chance to bid on some of the best auction items you will find anywhere in town, and of course the stars. Celebrity models include Dick Crippen, Jack Harris, Jen Holloway, Wayne Shattuck and Chris Markowski. This event raises much needed funds that help The Children’s Home provide life changing services to over 8,000 children and adults in the Tampa bay area every year. For reservations call Debbie Hedges (727) 515-1212 or fordebra@aol.com.

MASH Bash is a favorite happy hour event. Tickets include complimentary food from Hooters, Splitsville, Tinatapa’s, and Stumps Supper Club. Guests can visit the silent auction area where a wide array of items will be up for bid. A costume contest will be held for those wishing to dress in MASH military attire and everyone will receive commemorative dog tags. Call 813.228.8766 or visit americanvictory.org.

10am-5pm.

Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin. Two days of nature-based entertainment for all ages in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Nature village, arts and crafts, eco-friendly vendors, guided nature walks, great food and live music.

Plus children’s games, a climbing wall and bungee jumping.

Hawaiian Outriggers on Saturday; Kayak Races on Sunday. Visit the white sandy beach and Nature Center.

FREE with paid park admission. www.celebratewithfriends.com The walk begins at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave, Tampa, with registration at 8:00 am, and the walk begins at 9:00 am. A minimum $25 donation is required to participate in the Walk for individuals and teams.

Walkers are encouraged to raise as much money as possible to support the HFGF. A bleeding disorder is a flaw in the body’s blood clotting system. The blood clotting factors are missing or do not work as they should in people with bleeding disorders. This causes them to bleed for longer periods of time. Call 800-293-6527 or www.hemophiliaflorida.org.

St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. 10 a.m. Sailboats from around the world launch from The Pier in St. Petersburg in the kickoff to this historic annual race to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. www.regatadelsolalsol.org

7pm to midnight. Square One presents an art, music, dance & fashion extravaganza that will feature 80 local artists along with over 40 musicians, dancers, models and performers. Artists and performers are asked to present their work based on the chosen theme which involves specific concepts, colors and subject matter. Audiences are allowed to participate in the event by incorporating the event theme elements into their wardrobe and attire. The theme of CAMILLE LEONE revolves around individual artistic expression of an imaginary multi-faceted woman. Showtimes will be 8pm and 10pm in the Theatre Ballroom of The RITZ Ybor and will feature performances by Bella Danza, V.Y.B. Dance Company, Anye Cole, J-Pop and Ashley Wilson with fashion shows by Disco Dolls and Lauren Kroeger. 10th Concession will be performing in the Royal Room of The RITZ Ybor all evening. www.theritzybor.com .

Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N. The city pays tribute to Arbor Day, Earth Day and its designation as a Florida’s Green City and a Tree City USA with the annual Green Thumb Festival. This gigantic festival of Florida flora features environmental and horticultural exhibits and vendors, the Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show, a recycling rally, free mulch, more than 2,000 trees for $3 each, free butterfly plants, entertainment, and environmental children’s programs. www.stpete.org Straub Park. Ranked among the world’s best Olympic-distance triathlons, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon draws nearly 3,000 of the sport’s finest for this swim-bike-run event and weekend-long health and fitness festival. A Meek and Mighty Triathlon is offered for kids and those just entering the competitive sport. Free product samples and the latest in apparel, fitness equipment and nutrition. www.satriathlon.com

F

ans of the now cult-classic movie “Twilight,” are blogging about the International Center for Autism Research and Education (Icare4autism) and their special upcoming fundraising gala, to be held in Tampa. Why do the ‘Twilight’ fans care? Because at the event, there will be unique memorabilia, including items from their favorite vampire-flick, auctioned off to raise money for autism research and education worldwide.

Autism is a mysterious developmental disorder, affecting 1 in 91 children, 1 in 58 boys. It sneaks into a child’s life and is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities.

The Icare4autism 2010: Cocktail Gala will be held from 6-10 pm, on April 15 at the Florida Aquarium. Monies raised at the fundraiser will benefit the International Center for Autism Research and Education. The event is expected to draw more than 3,000 guests.

The majestic evening will feature celebrity appearances, hundreds of door prizes, live music, a complementary wine tasting, and more.

For tickets and more information please visit www.icare4autism.org.

6pm-10pm in Downtown Dunedin’s Pioneer Park. The Tampa Bay Blues Brothers is holding a charity concert to raise money for children to attend summer camp programs in Dunedin. The event will feature several local blues bands, all donating their time to raise money for the “Dunedin for Youth Scholarship Fund,” a source of assistance for parents who have difficulty in sending their child to Dunedin recreational programming, including summer camps and before & after school programs at the three elementary schools in the community. www.TampaBayBluesBrothers.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

FOOTLIGHTS Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era. With a groundbreaking rock score featuring such classics as Aquarius, Let the Sunshine In, Good Morning Starshine, Hair and Where Do I Go?, Hair depicts the birth of a cultural movement that changed America forever. Contains some mature language and themes.

American Stage 727-823-PLAY. www.americanstage.org ______________________________________

T B PA C SHOWS

In this rare staging of one of Puccini’s elegant and emotional operas, Magda is the kept woman of a wealthy Paris banker in the 1850s. When Ruggero, an earnest young man from a respectable family falls for Magda, she must consider the price she has paid for her glittering existence. Blending soaring music with tender comedic flourish, La Rondine (The Swallow) showcases an international cast, as well as the Opera Tampa Orchestra and Chorus. . Ward Stare, conductor. With a towering movie screen and multiple projectors, the extraordinary power and mystery of the sea almost spill into the audience. Experience the magical world of some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures accompanied by George Fenton’s glorious multi-award winning score performed live by The Florida Orchestra. . The Tony Award-winning show is everything you’d hope for in a Broadway musical. Produced by

2010 Season Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the show includes such wonderful songs as “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and, “Supercalifra-gilisticexpialidcious.”

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813229-7827, www.tbpac.org. ______________________________________

American Stage Theatre Company will produce the Broadway smash hit musical that changed a generation, Hair, during the theatre's 25th anniversary production of American Stage in the Park, April 21 thru May 16. "Pay What You Can" nights are April 21 and 22. April 21 will also be a dog friendly night (patrons can bring their pet dogs on a leash). Gala Under the Stars will be April 23 (fundraiser event). Overflowing with the timeless spirit of progress and hope for a better world, Hair is a story of a group of young

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

Up Coming

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm Now thru Apr 18

Apr 23-June 2 0

Dinner & Show-$48.00 + Tax • Show Only-$36.95+Tax

6 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

A musical revue celebrating the glory of American music in the fifties and the two men behind it all, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

This classic comedy hit is a frenzied,

hilarious, madcap black comedy featuring two murderous aunts serving up deadly wine to lonely, elderly gentlemen.

The St. Pete Little Theater 727-866-1973, www.splt.org _____________________________________

SHOW PALACE DINNER THEATRE . Centers on two con men living on the French Riviera – the suave and

sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money; and a small-time crook named Freddy Benson, who, more humbly, swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories. After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn’t big enough for the two of them. What follows are a series of schemes and double-crosses in which nothing may ever be exactly what it seems.

Sweet Charity tells the story of an optimistic young woman, Charity Hope Valentine.

Charity finds herself dumped by the married man on whom she had pinned all her hopes and dreams, and she vows never again to be taken advantage of. She finds herself trapped in an elevator with a tax accountant who soon sweeps Charity off her feet. But will he feel the same way when he finds out that she works as a dance hall hostess? Popular musical numbers include “Big Spender”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, and “Too Many Tomorrows”, “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This”, “I’m a Brass Band” and “Baby, Dream Your Dream”.

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

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

This tribute band recreates the music of Swedish pop sensation ABBA, like no other.

Hits include: “SOS”, “Fernando”, “Dancing Queen” and “The Name of Game”. Formed in 1997, this six piece fully costumed and choreographed show was the first Canadian tribute to

ABBA. Since then, members of the group have toured internationally throughout eleven countries, in casinos, stadiums, resorts, clubs and on cruise ships.

Four sisters from Muncie make their national television singing debut on a 1950’s television show. The Taffetas, with their 3 piece band, pay tribute to the sounds of The McGuire Sisters, The Fontane Sisters and The Chordettes, featuring favorites such as: “You Belong to Me”, “Mr. Sandman”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Where the Boys Are”, “Dedicated www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

to the One I Love”, and “Old Cape Cod”.

This hilarious comedy centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of repertory theatre in 1950’s

Buffalo. The couple has just lost their last chance at stardom leads in a Frank Capra movie. To make matters worse, their agent is smitten with Charlotte, and the company ingenue is pregnant by George. The plot is full of misunderstandings, misplaced affections, and missing persons. Moon Over Buffalo premiered on Broadway with Carol Burnett.

The Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo, 727-587-6793 www.largoarts.com/

VENUE THEATRE Five Nickels Venue Ensemble Theatre presents Five Nickels, an evening of heartfelt comedy, by Jack Neary, April 9-25. The play explores sen-

ior romances, disastrous first dates, and wedding plans gone awry.

Neighborly Care Network (Meals on Wheels) is the designated benefit organization for this production.

Venue Theatre, 727-822-6194, www.venueactorstudio.org ______________________________________

Upcoming Shows “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” is an explosive, deeply affecting study of alienation and the redemptive power of love. Danny, an emotionally unstable, street brawling trucker, and Roberta, a self-loathing, troubled young woman, collide in a Bronx bar, and despite desperate conditions, begin a powerful, frightening and fascinating relationship. . Ron BobbSemple reinacts the man that was Marcus Garvey during an evening of culture and edutainment. Born in 1887, Garvey was a man who was far ahead of his time. This is proven by the fact that his ideologies have resurfaced today and could be considered a major factor in the liberation of African peoples the world over.

Kyle Abraham is one of New York City’s most innovative young choreographers. His dances have been hailed by the New York press as kinetic things of beauty and his evening at the Studio will be an event not to be missed. Kyle’s silky dancing is punctuated by moments of stylized brilliance that are sure to captivate, provoke and astound.

Studio@620, 727-895-6620; www.studio620.org 8

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ART LINES T

One of Britain’s most significant artists, William Blake (1757–1827) is celebrated for his remarkable ability to combine text and images to express his vision. God and Christianity comprised the intellectual focus of his writings, which served as his inspiration for his art. The images are multifaceted, and a visual transformation occurs as the series progresses.

This comprehensive exhibition on the career of the great French artist Henri Matisse (1869– 1954) showcases over 170 works of art spanning 50 years of Matisse’s career, with particular emphasis placed on the role that printmaking played in the development of the artist’s career.

. Winslow Homer (1836–1910) is one of America’s most beloved artists, and his art captures the heart of the American spirit. The Art of American Life celebrates Homer’s creative output in the medium of reportage and illustration with over 40 prints installed in the Museum’s gallery devoted to works on paper.

The exhibition is drawn from an extensive group collection of over 125 wood engravings in the Museum’s collection that has not been on view in nearly ten years.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg. Call 727-8962667, www.fine-arts.org

. The rise to prominence at the beginning of the century of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, and Henri Matisse, who questioned conventional notions of what constituted art and what was appropriate for a painted canvas, allowed artists by the middle of the 20th century to challenge the conventional notions of what shape a canvas could take. Five artists provide a 30-year view into one of the most persistent questions: how to reconcile the two-dimensional painted surface with reality of a three-dimensional space.

For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org.

“ADVENTURE IN THE ABSTRACT” Exhibit by

them to express their subject solely through the elements of composition.

Bitner is a founding member and President of the North Tampa Arts League and Art Curator of the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

She has been a professional artist for 20 years.

For more information, visit www.marycurranbitnerart.com.

Mary Curran Bitner

T

he abstract art of Mary Curran Bitner is on display through April 20 at the Great Frame Up Art Gallery in Wesley Chapel, in a show entitled “Adventure in the Abstract”.

Bitner brings her intense sense of color and form to her paintings, which are inspired by dreams, spiritual visions and memories of special moments in her life. The abstractions represent pure feeling, evoked by the movement and balance of color and line.

Bitner works in both expressionist and abstract modes. She notes that since the invention of the camera in 1837 by Daguerre, visual artists have had the challenge of portraying reality better than a photograph, and as a result many 19th and 20th Century artists turned to abstract. She includes herself with contemporary artists who continue this exploration. She says abstraction frees artists from the need to be representational, and allows

he waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg provides a picturesque setting for the 35th Annual Mainsail Arts festival, April 17-18. Mainsail is ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine among the “100 Best” fine art shows in the nation. The Festival features 250 artists from all over the US exhibiting their finest original art work, top name entertainment both days, the Young at Art student show, Kids Create art tent, and a “culinary arts” food court, attracting more than 90,000 visitors. The art is in the following categories: Ceramics, Fibers, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oil/Acrylic, Photography, Sculpture, Watercolor and Wood.

This two-day event combines visual and performing arts along with opportunities for children to actively engage in art activities.

There are culinary arts and as well as Mainsail souvenirs. The show is free to the public.

The fesival runs Sat, April 17, from 9am to 6pm & Sun, April 18, 10am to 5pm, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.mainsailartsfestival.org

21st Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair

T

he Hyde Park Village Art Fair returns to Tampa for its 21st anniversary on April 10 -11, with an eclectic mix of the country’s top established artists as well as new and emerging talent. Hyde Park Village will once again be transformed into a top notch outdoor art gallery with $15 million in art on display. The artists

will line Swann and Dakota Avenues with their gallery style display booths and will be present for the duration of the show.

The art festival affords the public a wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with the artists about their creations and inspiration. Admission is free and open to the public.

Sat, April 10, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sun, April 11, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Hyde Park Village, along Swann and Dakota Avenues in downtown Tampa. www.artfestival.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 8

AyurvedA Pegasus Lounge Copeland The State Theatre Copeland, Person L, Deas Vail, Ace Enders, The State Theatre Of Montreal The Ritz Peking Acrobats Largo Cultural Center Steve Byrne thru 4/11 Improv Comedy Club Bettye LaVette Vinoy Waterfront Park Buggirl Emerald Bar Cope, Soulgrass Rebellion Skipper’s Smokehouse Jimmie Vaughan, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials Vinoy Waterfront Park Pat Metheny Ruth Eckerd Hall Sonny Landreth Vinoy Waterfront Park Story Of The Year, Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster, After Midnight Project, Monty Are I The State Theatre Tampa Bay Blues Festival Vinoy Waterfront Park

9

10

Bill Engvall, Lisa Lampanelli Ruth Eckerd Hall FL Orchestra A Century Of Broadway Mahaffey Theater Halcyon, Diane Ward, Jack Shawde Skipper’s Smokehouse

10

11

Joanne Shaw Taylor Vinoy Waterfront Park Magic Slim & The Teardrops Vinoy Waterfront Park Peppino D’ Agostino Largo Cultural Center Ryan Shaw Vinoy Waterfront Park Tampa Bay Blues Festival Vinoy Waterfront Park Cedric Burnside Vinoy Waterfront Park Charlotte’s Ferguson Hall Fl Orchestra A Century Of Broadway Ruth Eckerd Hall J.J. Grey & Mofro Vinoy Waterfront Park Joe Louis Walker Vinoy Waterfront Park John Nemeth Vinoy Waterfront Park Josh Fulero Vinoy Waterfront Park Lightnin’ Malcolm Vinoy Waterfront Park Rise Of Saturn, Katherine Kelly, Shunda K Skipper’s Smokehouse

Sister Hazel

11

Shemekia Copeland Vinoy Waterfront Park Shunda K Skipper’s Smokehouse Tampa Bay Blues Festival Vinoy Waterfront Park

13

David Gray, Phosphorescent Ruth Eckerd Hall Local H, Kinch Orpheum Shaun Hopper, Mike Tozier Blues Band Skipper’s Smokehouse

14

Impulse (FL) Skipper’s Smokehouse

15

The Man Who Planted Trees TECO Theater Tierra Negra, Muriel Anderson Springs Theatre Uncle John’s Band Skipper’s Smokehouse

16

Enter the Haggis w/Caravan of Thieves Skipper’s Smokehouse Johnny Mathis Ruth Eckerd Hall Sonia Leigh Orpheum The Taffetas Thru 4/18 Largo Cultural Center

17

Bon Jovi St. Pete Times Forum Colbie Caillat Ruth Eckerd Hall Dashboard Confessional St. Pete Times Forum FL Orchestra Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 Mahaffey Theater Sammy Figurora Cuban Club

18

FL Orchestra Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 Ruth Eckerd Hall Neil Sedaka Thru 4/19 Ruth Eckerd Hall

eee

20

Spiritual Rez Skipper’s Smokehouse

22

Such Gold Transitions Art Gallery We Are The Union Transitions Art Gallery

23

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” Thru 5/2 St. Petersburg Little Theatre Giacomo Puccini’s La Rondine thru 5/25 Carol Morsani Hall Ha Ha Tonka, Linfinity Orpheum Murder By Death Orpheum Sean Chambers Ringside Cafe Tampa Bay Close-up Magic Largo Cultural Center The Blind Boys Of Alabama w/ Bird Street Players Skipper’s Smokehouse Vieux Farka Toure The State Theatre

Jason Castro 24

98 Rockfest w/Alice In Chains, Limp Bizkit, Puddle Of Mudd, Janus, Soulidium, Paper Tongues, Hellyeah, Sevendust, St. Pete Times Forum Guitar Shorty Dave’s Aqua Lounge Igor & Red Elvises wJim Morey Band Skipper’s Smokehouse John Fogerty Tropicana Field John Taglieri Jannus Landing Motion City Soundtrack, Fun, A Rocket To The Moon, Sing It Loud The State Theatre Igor & Red Elvises, Sarge And The Aeromen Skipper’s Smokehouse

Send Your Event Listings To: ACCENT Magazine, P.O. Box 20044, St. Petersburg, FL 33742 10

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

eeeeeeeeeeee 15

Pepe Alva Skipper’s Smokehouse Rachel Goodrich Cuban Club Skeletonwitch The State Theatre

16

Andy Irvine & Beanstalk Skipper’s Smokehouse FL Orchestra Ginastera’s Harp Concerto Ruth Eckerd Hall

20

FL Orchestra Wonderful Waltzes Mahaffey Theater

ZZ Top

24

Porcupine Tree, Bigelf Tampa Theatre

26

Blues Traveler The State Theatre

27

Freight Train Annie’s Girlie Show w/ Ashley Jones, Chief N’Indian Skipper’s Smokehouse Riverdance Ruth Eckerd Hall Cowboy Mouth, Impulse Skipper’s Smokehouse Rehab The State Theatre Riverdance Ruth Eckerd Hall Uncle Kracker, Rehab The State Theatre

29

30

Alexisonfire, La Dispute, Trash Talk, Therefore I Am The State Theatre Mario DiGiorgio Side Splitters Comedy Club Riverdance Ruth Eckerd Hall FL Orchestra The New Work Symphony Ferguson Hall John Hiatt, Matthew Ryan Jannus Landing Mario DiGiorgio Side Splitters Comedy Club Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Amandla Tunesmith Skipper’s Smokehouse Sister Hazel The Ritz

1

Mario DiGiorgio 21 Side Splitters Comedy Club The Connells w/w/Tucci Group Skipper’s Smokehouse ZZ Top Tropicana Field

2

As Tall As Lions, Bear Hands The State Theatre FL Orchestra The New Work Symphony Ruth Eckerd Hall Jerry Outlaw & Friends Skipper’s Smokehouse Mario DiGiorgio Side Splitters Comedy Club

FL Orchestra The New Work Symphony Mahaffey Theater

22

FL Orchestra Classic James Bond Mahaffey Theater

23

Chris Duarte Skipper’s Smokehouse Cute Is What We Aim For, Down With Webster, The Bigger Lights, The Friday Night Boys The State Theatre FL Orchestra Classic James Bond Ruth Eckerd Hall

4

Sons Of Bill w/American Aquarium Skipper’s Smokehouse

9

Take Back The Night w/ Women’s Blues Revue Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Joe Cocker St. Pete Times Forum

25

The Spill Canvas, New Politics, AM Taxi, Tyler Hilton The State Theatre

The Marys, Hecate’s Wheel, Treblehawk Skipper’s Smokehouse

28

Eve 6 The State Theatre FL Orchestra Gunther Herbig Conducts Ferguson Hall The Chris McCarty Band Skipper’s Smokehouse

29

Daryl Hall & John Oates Tropicana Field FL Orchestra Gunther Herbig Conducts Mahaffey Theater

10 11

Richie Kotzen, Hat Trick Heroes Skipper’s Smokehouse

12

All Leather, Yip-Yip Orpheum

13

APRIL 1

FL Orchestra Classic James Bond Ferguson Hall Jonny Lang Ruth Eckerd Hall Miggs, Mogul Street Reserve, Plain Jane Automobile Skipper’s Smokehouse

15

Damon Fowler Group Skipper’s Smokehouse Earl Greyhound The Crowbar FL Orchestra Ginastera’s Harp30 Crusaders Of Love Concerto Emerald Bar Ferguson Hall Quivering Rhythm Hounds, The Third Band, Coo Coo Ca Nelly Choo Tropicana Field Skipper’s Smokehouse

email: AccentMagazine@aol.com • Visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com for “Year At A Glace” Event Listings www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay 11

HOT CONCERTS

H

aving sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans, is at their best when they’re on the move, and that’s truer now than ever before. The recent release of their new album, The Circle, and the band’s subsequent world tour, provides a powerful reassertion of Bon Jovi’s commitment to the hard-hitting rock & roll that has been the band’s indelible signature since it began more than 26 years ago. Catch them at the St. Pete Times Forum on Sat., April 17.

8ROCK will be hosting at the St. Pete Times Forum on Sat., April 24. A dozen of today’s best bands in rock music are set to take the stage, including co-headliners and and . ’ upcoming release of Mojo, their first studio album in eight years, is set for release on Reprise Records this spring. The North American tour will include a stop at the St. Pete Times Forum on May 9. Mojo is a fiery statement from a band that is making some of

Tom Petty &

12

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

their most exciting music over three decades into their career.

Grammy Award winner, will also appear on the bill. Joe is a survivor, a star and a rock legend. He has had hit records in the 1960’s, 70s, 80, and 90s. Success has brought with it a grueling schedule of recording and touring but, after more than twenty-five years on the road he has no plans to take it easy.

The idea for the “Troubadour Reunion” tour came together in 2007 after Bon Jovi and performed at the famed Los Angeles venue for the first time since 1969 to celebrate the Troubadour’s 50th Anniversary. Now, nearly four decades later, King and Taylor will tour together with their original bandmates. The show moves into the St. Pete Times Forum on Sun., June 6.

For more information, visit www.sptimesforum.com.

Hailed as one of the best-selling and longest-running American bands, multi-generational rockers head to the Mahaffey Theater stage on Thurs., April 15. Their catalog of hits includes “If You Leave Me Now,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “Hard Habit To Break” to name a few. Their incredible sense of pop and innovative use of horns in a rock context leaves a legion of fans coming back for more.

For more information, visit www.mahaffeytheater.com.

The historic Capitol Theatre will present a solo acoustic evening with Grammy Award winner from Men at Work on Fri., April 16. The concert will feature songs from his recent record release, “American The Heartbreakers Sunshine.” Founded by lead singer and guitarist Colin Hay, Men At Work had their first #1 hit single in the U.S. in 1982 with “Who Can It Be Now?” Then, later followed “Business As Usual”, “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under”. Following the breakup of the band in 1985, Hay released several major label solo albums. is www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

having his first-ever headlining tour, heralding the release of his debut CD, Jason Castro, and bringing him to the Capitol Theatre on May 8.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” one of the songs that helped earn Castro a third runner-up finish on the 2008 season of Fox’s American Idol is on the album which brims with toe-tapping pop, strummy folk, and electrifying rock.

For more information on the Capitol Theatre, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.

“Chances Are”… baby boomers aren’t the only fans who have shared a romantic moment to the music of balladeer .

Johnny is known for his outstanding renditions of classic standards and the best of Broadway’s songs as well. “It’s Not For Me To Say,” “The Twelfth of Never” and “Misty” are just a few

Johnny Mathis of his enduring hits. Comedian/musician Gary Mule Deer will open the show on Fri., April 16 at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Having sold more than 60 million records including “Calendar Girl,” “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and “Laughter in the Rain”, continues to influence American pop music. He will bring his show to Ruth Eckerd Hall on Sun., April 18.

For more information, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com For , its always been about the music, but over the course of their decade-plus music making career, it has expanded beyond that to incorporate so much more. Theyve maintained their unerring focus and desire to help, to share, to include, and to grow, all the while stretching their musical umbrella to cover what has become a true community. ne way Sister Hazel has continued going strong over the years is their unique relationship with their fans, the most ardent of whom are called Hazelnuts. Catch them at The Ritz Ybor on Fri., April 30.

For more information, visit www.ritzybor.com.

The ’s April roster welcomes spring with a delightful variety of musical programs.

Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 - Eri Klas conducts and Elena Urioste performs Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, Turkish, in a night that includes Arvo Part’s Fratres and Prokofiev’s musical telling of Cinderella, Apr. 17-18.

Free Pops in the Park Concerts under the stars with The Florida Orchestra, offering a fun mix of familiar symphonic and pop favorites, Fri., Apr. 23-24.

Enjoy the celebratory themes and delightfully uplifting fanfares of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World, Apr. 30-May 2.

The Blue Planet Live! Experience the magical world of some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures accompanied by George Fenton’s score performed by The Florida Orchestra, on May 14, 16.

Wonderful Waltzes featuring Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Rodger’s Carousel, and Strauss’ Blue Danube, Alastair Willis conducts, May 20.

On a night of “symphonic espionage” relive the thrills of 007, with hits from Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, Thunderball, Casino Royale, and other films, May 21-23.

Visit www.floridaorchestra.org for venues.

and “LaGrange,” these rock ‘n’ roll icons have paved the way for future generations.

- May 15. Actor, fashion designer, amateur baseball player and Grammy Awardwinning hip-hop megastar, Nelly became famous for his schoolyard lyrics heard in singles such as “Midwest Swing.”

- May 29.

Seven-time platinum recording artists Hall and Oates are credited for being the inventors of the music genre rock ‘n’ soul. The duo is best known for their hits such as “I Can’t Go for That,” “Private Eyes,” “Maneater,” “Sara Smile,” “You Make My Dreams” and “Rich Girl.”

For more information, visit

tampabay.rays.mlb.com/ Experience the soul-stirring music of on Mon., April 19 at the Palladium. Songs of the Soul has enchanted capacity audiences around the world. Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007), an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, artist, author and athlete, captivated audiences worldwide with inspired performances of his own haunting melodies. For four decades, Sri Chinmoy lovingly served humanity’s loftiest aspirations for peace and oneness through his creativity.

For more information, visit www.spcollege.edu/palladium/EVENTS

Post-game concerts for the Tampa Bay Rays include: - April 24. Grammy-winning, John Fogerty is recognized for his ability to capture the sounds of music styles from blues to country to Southern rock ‘n’ roll. As lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), Fogerty was famous for such hits as “Susie Q,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Down on the Corner” and “Proud Mary.”

- May 1. These Rock and Roll Hall of Famers began recording in 1969 in Houston.

ZZ Top embodies the spirit of blues rock in America. With Billboard hits such as “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man”

Hall & Oates

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay 13

MUSIC TRAX

Accent Spotlights . . .

Off The Beaten Path

Introduces Vintage Jazz, R&B And Soul To The 21st Century With HI-FI STEREO

’s recording THREE FOR THE AGES showcases this excellent mainstream jazz pianist at his best.

With cool reserve, he and his trio play with an elegance and agility that recalls past masters like Hank Jones, and Duke Ellington. www.michaelpaganmusic.com Saxophonist and composer selected talented players — trumpeter , pianist bassist and drummer — to help him bring his music to life on COMING

TOGETHER. He died tragically and suddenly, but the project continued as a tribute to him. and play the saxophone parts, and the resulting music is full of originality, promise and strength. www.inarhymerecords.com Multi-instrumentalist is quickly becoming known as one of the hot new voices on baritone saxophone and bass clarinet. On FORWARD, he plays bass clarinet and alto flute along with baritone sax, in the company of an all-star group. The CD includes a take of the Monk classic “Ask Me Now,” and the other nine tunes are Landrus originals. www.brianlandrus.com

KISSES YOU AWAKE, the new CD by celebrates the rich and velvet lyrics and music of the songs of 14

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

the 20th century. She creates nuances that are fresh and spirited along with her creative jazz ensemble. www.jeaniebrandes.com On UNIVERSITY OF CALYPSO, joins forces

with calypso legend to explore the role of jazz in vintage calypso.

Together, they perform 15 classic compositions, supported by a group of world-class Latin-jazz artists. Narell and Relator share a deep affection for classic calypso that infuses this session with a unique energy that hasn’t been heard in a while. www.Headsup.com Acoustic jazz guitarist is joined by Frank Wess on tenor saxophone and flute, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tony Jefferson on this creative CD, PAUL MEYERS QUARTET FEATURING FRANK WESS AND ANDY BEY, produced with plenty of heart. Joining the quartet on vocals on the song Lazy Afternoon is Andy Bey. www.mileshighrecords.com On guitarist ’s compelling new CD, AMERICAN

ROCK BEAUTY, his quintet leads the listener through a sophisticated blend of styles and beats with a

range of musical atmospheres at play. There is a theme of beauty, sorrow and happiness all running through the recording. www.waldorff.com and the Fabian Zone Trio present some of the best modern mainstream jazz, rooted in be-bop traditions, with elements of progressive soloing and rhythms on his new CD, KEYS IN ASCENCION. All the musicians on the recording are top players and seasoned professionals. www.jazzbeat.com

DOWN HOME by features a stellar lineup of musicians including Tony Rice, Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, Aaron McDaris,

Kenny Ingram, Randy Kohrs, Stuart Duncan, and Greg Cahill among others. The CD is a blend of bluegrass and classic country sound. www.pinecastle.com On his new album, AS LONG AS THIS THING’S FLYIN’, mandolin player captures the rebellious independent — an American in the unspoiled west who wrestles with nature, with God, and with his own unfortunate plight. He sings with such vulnerability that no one could mistake his cowboy attitude as an act. www.andrewandersonmusic.com

’s FEEL GOOD MUSIC is a collection of fun, funky R&B grooves, with soulful melodies, wellcrafted lyrics, dominant horn work, and contagious choruses.

This 7-piece band from Indianapolis has a shining star

with vocalist Jessica Patterson. www.livingproof.com

Slovenia’s masters dimensions in sound and technology rarely heard on a dancefloor. His original productions are never short of devastating when unleashed on a packed dance floor. His full-length CD, RESPONDING TO DYNAMIC proves that techno in the hands of a pro can move masses as effectively as any rock, or pop performance. www.umek.si

’s RADIANT SKY creates a relaxing and meditative world of sound and space. August’s unique blend of shimmering pianos, haunting ancient flutes, delicate guitars, exotic world instruments, and ambient dreamscapes continue to delve deeper into intimate, sonic journeys. www.cedarmesa.com Contemporary electronic composer takes us on a journey through the highs, lows and in-betweens of his life experiences with his rich melodies and intricate orchestrations. David’s album title — A STAR DANCED — and many of the tracks are quotes from Shakespeare’s plays. www.davidwahler.com is re-defining the genre in A DELICATE BALANCE, a technically impressive and

is an award winning composer who uses a combination of styles, rock, jazz, and orchestra music creating moody and mellow instrumentals. Check it out on his new CD, ONE DAY IN A LIFE. www.billwrenmusic.com Classically trained pianist, , pulls from her deepest emotions on JUST THIS SIDE OF SPRING, which is a tribute to her dearly departed Siberian Husky, Nikki.

A breast cancer survivor, the ups and downs of her life are played out in her beautiful and powerful album. www.annsweeten.com

uses a trio of the guitarra, acoustic guitar and bass to back her velvet contralto.

Portugal’s bittersweet musical tradition is transformed by her spontane-

ous soul on her CD, LEVEME AOS FADOS. She puts new lyrics to ancient melodies and old tunes. www.worldvillagemusic.com Transworld Indian composers have made the film MY NAME IS KHAN as much a musical as a cinematic statement. Loy Mendonsa, a jazz pianist working with Ehsaan Noorani, a rock and blues buff, and singer Shankar Mahadevan have proved they are masters of blending unexpected genres and ancient traditions. www.amazon.com

soul-touching piece. There are moments of intricate beauty, as well as intensity and frustration in her collection of original solo piano pieces. Her reflections on life are tenderly contained within the album’s tracks. www.lisadowning.com

Gaelic singer music captures the daily life and melodies shaped by the trials of living Gaelic tradition. On her new CD, UAM, she takes old songs in new instrumental directions, and writes original takes on old

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ways, connecting forgotten traditions of Gaelic and Celtic communities. www.juliefowlis.com carries the musical torch of five generations of

ancestors, and developed their traditions, pursuing her passionate love for Colombia’s long neglected and disdained Afro-indigenous music with determination, as evidenced on her latest album, LA BODEGA. www.totolamomposina.com

’s CD, STANDING ON THE WORD praises the Lord, while featuring the driving rhythms of South Louisiana, in conjunction with percussive Telecaster chops, epitomizing the tradition of Gulf Coast blues. He mines a wealth of Southern musical influences, all recast through the prism of his soulful songwriting, singing, and blazing guitar work. www.walterjr.com Nothing short of a living legend, has been entertaining, preaching, uplifting, mentoring,

writing and producing for more than fifty years, starting at the age of eight in church, and years later becoming the opening act for the Rolling Stones’ American tour in the 70s. Her latest CD is FIFTY YEARS: IT’S BEEN WORTH IT ALL. www.malaco.com on Tampa Bay

Antiques

by Dr. Lori ents, and even that family friend who wants to trash everything you own after you have passed. I often advise the Dumpster Dan in the family to think twice before unknowingly trashing a valuable!

D

uring the first few months of a new year, people think about getting things in order. One important undertaking is starting the process of preparing a will or similar document. No matter your age, it is a good idea to organize your thoughts and give some consideration to what you want to happen to your heirlooms.

Many of you have started this process by reading my columns, cutting them out, and placing them near a specific object in your home that I might have discussed. Often, I will be conducting an in-home appraisal appointment with someone’s son or daughter after their parent has passed away. Getting an unbiased appraisal first is wise. They will show me a stack of my columns relating to their parents’ heirlooms. Some of you might be surprised to find my newspaper columns tucked beneath an old family painting or mother’s oyster plate highlighting its history. I am glad that the information from my columns proved helpful.

This particular column is intended to offer some basic instructions and expert assistance regarding your beloved objects. I urge you to share this column with your children, par-

Exercise common sense when you are dealing with an estate. First of all, watch out for a change of heart in those people around you. For instance, everybody has a nosy neighbor. They weren’t close friends of your family.

They never gave you the misdirected mail or picked up the newspapers when you were away on vacation. Now, they are right there offering to help as you sort through the items left in your parents’ house. Often, when I am helping a family during an in-home appraisal appointment these nosy neighbors are right there, too.

Appraisal information is highly personal and financial in nature. It is not for public consumption. From my experience, that neighbor with the sudden change of attitude may be the person responsible for all of the mysteriously missing items from your parents’ vacant home or garage. Nosy neighbors don’t need to be involved, however, a good neighbor can be a life saver if you are trying to settle an estate from afar.

If you see a dumpster in front of someone’s house, particularly an elderly person’s house, you immediately think that someone has passed away and that the house is probably unoccupied. So for those of you working toward cleaning out a house, don’t rent a dumpster until you are really ready to use it.

Try to get the clean out job done quickly, so the dumpster isn’t out in the driveway for weeks on end. In short, trash dumpsters are welcome mats for burglars.

In addition to valuable objects, documents with vital information are valuable to identify thieves. Activate home security alarms and don’t distribute extra copies of house keys for convenience.

Remember, new technology allows you to install a special lock which can be unlocked from anywhere using your cell phone.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide and hosts vacation cruises focusing on antiques. As seen on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, watch Dr. Lori on the Fine Living Network and on the nationally syndicated morning show Daytime weekdays on NBC WFLA TV 8 at 10 am.

Visit or call (888) 431-1010.

16

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Gulfport Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Celebrate National Library Week. Pick up a reading log and record the minutes you spend reading at the Library. Read when you choose for as long as you like. In-library reading minutes will be tallied and published. FREE. Serving: Gulfport Senior Center; Gulfport Casino; , Gulfport Gulfport Waterfront District; Stetson Univ. College of Law; Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., 1:30PM. Award-winning Scandinavian (subtitled) film Pasadena Shopping Center depiction of a “starving artist.” FREE. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 Palms of Pasadena Hospital; St. Pete Beach 27th Ave. S., 7PM. Back by popular demand, singing favorites from the 1940s to 1960s. Benefits Gulfport Senior Center. Tickets $8 advance, $10 at door. Contact 727-893-1231.

There will be games, auctions, prizes, free food, music and lots of excitement for the whole family. The event is designed to raise funds used to create care packages to send to members of the Armed Forces. On the day of the event, please feel free to bring donations, which in turn will be sent to our troops.

Large pavilion on the beach (Shore Blvd. S.) This is a great opportunity to bring neighbors who haven’t been involved in their local crime watch group to get their feet wet. Bring your favorite dish to share and drinks and plates/utensils for yourself. , Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District), 6-10PM. Enjoy a spring time stroll on Beach Blvd. Bring family and friends.

Thu. Apr. 22 - Sun., May 2: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENT “COOKIN’ with Gus,” Catherine Hickman Theater. , meet at Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., 9AM-NOON. Walk about town to benefit Senior Center fitness center and programs.

For information on many other Gulfport events, go to www.gulfportma.com.

Stillwagon Studios

The Apothecary Homeopathic Products & Remedies Traditional Pharmacy Compounding Specialists www.SeaBreezeManor.com

2832 Beach Blvd. So. Gulfport, FL 33707

727-327-4200 www.lafogataonline.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

FOOD & BEVERAGE

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Donates $1M To “Operation Homefront”

O

utback Steakhouse, a longtime supporter of U.S. military troops, committed to donate $1 million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides emergency and morale support for active troops, veterans and their families.

“The sacrifices that our troops and their families make so we can enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States is something Outback employees have recognized and appreciated since we opened our doors 22 years ago,” said Liz Smith, CEO of OSI Restaurant Partners, parent company of Outback Steakhouse. “Our commitment to donate $1 million to Operation Homefront reflects our appreciation to those who give so much.”

Outback held a month-long “Thanks for Giving” effort in participating restaurant locations in the U.S. and Hawaii in March.

Restaurant-goers were invited to express their appreciation to our country’s dedicated servicemen and women by visiting Outback restaurants and ordering from the “Red, McGraw on his Southern Voice concert tour, scheduled to visit more than 60 U.S. cities this spring and summer. Proceeds from a Southern Voice commemorative t-shirt will also be donated to Operation Homefront.

“When I learned about Outback’s commitment to the troops and history of helping our local communities, it really felt like the perfect fit to partner with them in their efforts,” said McGraw.

“Together with Outback, our shared goal is to help raise awareness and funds to help our selfless servicemen and women.”

For more information, visit www.Outback.com and www.HomefrontOnline.com

White and Bloomin’” menu. Proceeds from menu sales during the month helped to meet the $1 million commitment to Operation Homefront.

“As a retired member of the U.S. military and on behalf of our troops serving in locations far and wide, I’d like to thank Outback Steakhouse for its support over the years,” said General Tommy Franks (Ret.). “This support, coupled with the current effort to help our active and retired servicemen, women and their families, is greatly appreciated.”

To further raise awareness about this important cause, Outback has partnered with country music superstar Tim 18

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Garnish: Clove/Mint leaf

C

hambord Black Raspberry Liqueur is inspired by a unique raspberry liqueur produced in the Loire Valley of France during the late 17th Century. The liqueur was said to have been introduced to King Louis XIV during one of his visits to the Chateau de Chambord during his reign. It was common during that time for liqueurs and cognacs to be consumed with elegant meals.

Today, Chambord is enjoyed throughout the world. Embraced for its velvety rich taste and versatility, it is delicious neat, on the rocks, as a flavorful ingredient in cocktails or with champagne.

Here are a few delicous springtime cocktail suggestions: CHAMBEER 8 oz. wheat or stout beer 1 oz Chambord Pour beer into tall glass. Add Chambord

BELLINI-TINI 2 shots Finlandia Vodka 1⁄4 shot Peach Schnapps 1⁄4 shot Chambord Liqueur 1⁄2 shot fresh white peach puree Top with Chambord Shake ingredients with ice and strain into glass.

Garnish: Peach wedge.

Chambord, the all-natural liqueur, is made from fine raspberries and blackberries, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and cognac on the premises of a traditional Loire Valley Chateau south of Paris.

Using only the finest all-natural ingredients Chambord is crafted in a three-step process. The final step of which is performed by the Maitre Liquoriste, a role similar to that of a Master Blender. The result is a one-of-a-kind liqueur possessing an unprecedented level of allnatural complexities, flavor and aromas Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur.

For more cocktail recipes visit www.chambordonline.com.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

MenuVue and

VideoVue! AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

62 Area Restaurants To Participate In Dining Out For Life On Thursday, April 29th, Tampa Bay area residents will have a unique opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause by simply enjoying a meal out on the town. Just dine at any of the participating restaurants during their hours of participation and 25% of your bill will be donated to AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) to benefit families, children and adults infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. Restaurants participating this year range from cafes and diners to pizzerias and white-tablecloth establishments, including some of the finest and most popular restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. Choose from breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine or cocktails, coffee and dessert, or dine out and support the cause all day long. To get a full list of participating restaurants and events visit www.diningoutforlife.com/tampabay.

Tampa Bay joined the Dining Out For Life family of cities in 2007 with 23 restaurants. ASAP is proud to have 62 restaurants on board in only their fourth year. Dining Out For Life represents the largest international fundraising event for HIV/AIDS, involving the participation of over 3,500 restaurants in over 50 cities

20

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

across the U.S. and Canada. Over $3.5 million was raised last year to support local agencies in participating cities.

The event was originally created in 1991 by ActionAIDS of Philadelphia, and has expanded its reach in each successive year.

Dining Out for Life benefits the clients of AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), the largest HIV/AIDS Service Organization in Pinellas County. ASAP is a division of Suncoast Hospice. The mission of ASAP is to provide high quality, culturally competent, compassionate services to persons infected or affected with HIV/AIDS by offering a comprehensive continuum of care. Medical financial assistance, a food and personal needs pantry, monthly dinners for clients and families, and an HIV information center with internet access are among the programs and services provided

by ASAP. Additionally, case management and HIV prevention and testing are all important components of ASAP’s services.

To promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, ASAP works closely with diverse aspects of the Tampa Bay Community. 100% of all contributions go to support the work of ASAP.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Don’t be scared, Be prepared!

Piratical Merriment for all ages!

Visit John’s Pass Historic Fishing Village and Boardwalk. A newly revitalized, legendary, Florida tourism icon. One hundred plus unigue shops and eateries.

Picturesque 1100 foot boardwalk, a multitude of Gulf shore activities’ offered and fun for the whole family.

Florida’s most famous “FREE” destination! Parking is now plentiful in the new Johns Pass Parking Garage. Open daily.

Catch the Experience!!

June 11-13 Friday, June 12 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 13 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 14 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

JOHN LEVIQUE DAYS is a three-day pirate themed event celebrating the discovery of John’s Pass by John Levique after the hurricane of September 1848. The event will host a variety of events such as a Pirate’s Ball, Pirate Sea Battle, street parade, treasure hunt, adults and children’s costume contests, and more. The event will also include various pirate themed merchandise, food and beverage vendors, along with an abundance of performers.

Although admission to the event is free, other proceeds will be donated to the Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial Fund.

For more information, please visit http://www.JohnsPassFestivals.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

BEAUTY & FASHION

I

David Stanko decides what to do with my overprocessed “yellow” hair.

Michael Angelo prepares the ingredients for treatment and color.

’m not a regular hair salon visitor. OK, I haven’t been to a hair salon in five years.

“Who cuts and colors your hair,” you ask? Me. I’ve never had good hair (thin, baby fine, naturally mousy brown), and was never happy with what any salon did for/to me. I would end up like looking like Mamie Eisenhower by one, or Rod Stewart by another, so I’ve been going it alone - just kind of winging it.

When I received an invite for a hair “MakeOver” by New York master colorist, David Stanko who would be in town for one day at Michael Angelo’s Hair Studio in Tampa, I decided it was time to let someone give my hair another go.

David greeted me at the door and we sat down for coffee and delicious homemade chocolate cheesecake (a regular feature at the salon) and a chat about what I was looking for.

I met the rest of the team at Michael Angelo’s: Michael Angelo Rizzi, master stylist and partner in the salon; Danielle Lloyd, hair designer, and Anthony Bellapigna, business partner— who were all very friendly, personable and open to their client’s desires. I was impressed with their attention to customer’s comfort and providing whatever they needed to feel welcome (Mimosa, anyone?) They only do hair at the salon, so they are highly qualified to tackle any hair problems. Although Michael Angelo’s is a Redken salon, Michael has come up with some hair products of his own that he felt filled a few voids, such as his “Inner Fuel”, which fortifies hair with strength and heat protection.

David Stanko is a well known colorist to stars and models, and a Redken Expert Consultant and spokesperson. He is tightlipped about his clients, which is good for them, but any of my hopes of gossip were

dashed. He is currently the lead colorist at Manhattan’s Angelo David Salon, and has released a DVD called “Lifestyle Coloring.”

Michael Angelo Rizzi is also a Redken master colorist and stylist, and has earned a fine reputation in the Tampa Bay area, with a lot of positive press both locally and nationally.

Once David and Michael examined my hair and determined what would be a good color and cut for me, they set to work. I was surprised at what goes into restoring damaged hair, and protecting it from any future abuse, as well as the science of mixing the right ingredients for healthy hair color.

My process began with a clarifying shampoo by Danielle, followed by a chemistry treatment to balance the integrity of my hair and prepare it for coloring. She then dried my hair and sent me on to David, who used color gels to the hair root to create the right color and blend any gray. He then used foil to isolate certain colors in my hair and shine them. No bleach or color had been used at this point. A second coat was applied of a demi-permanent color, and I sat for a few minutes while it took hold. I then went to Michael for cut and style. Voila!

Since I am a woman of “a certain age”, I didn’t want anything edgy, but wanted to at least feel somewhat current. I am pleased that I now have a hair color that could actually grow naturally on someone’s head, and my hair feels fuller because of the new cut. Kudos to David and the Michael Angelo team!

For more information on David and Michael, visit their websites: www.davidstanko.com; www.michaelangelohairstudio.com For more photos on my “Day with David Stanko” visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Travel & Event photos.

David and his assistant , Mariano, foil my hair for coloring process.

Michael styles my hair.

AVON Add

DAWN TERMANI To Your AVON.COM order with

813-210-3524 photo by tanyasharkey.com

22

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

Lto R: Anthony Bellapigna, Danielle Lloyd, Michael Angelo, David Stanko and Mariano Cuevas.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

New color, new style!

Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals.

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

Mondays only, 10am -11am, $12/class or $40/ month. Learn core strength, flexibility and body awareness through this very popular exercise in the serenity of Sunken Gardens’ tropical paradise.

Monday and Wednesday, 11am 12:30pm, $12/class or $45/month (the monthly fee also allows access to the Tuesday/Thursday Yoga class) Spend your lunch hour working out the kinks and learning how to relax.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am - 11am, $80/8 sessions or $15/class. Hoop dancing is the latest fitness sensation sweeping the nation. Sunken Gardens now offers a dance class for those who want a great workout while moving freely with a professional hoola hoop.

Behind the Scenes Tours is a new 30-minute Behind the Scenes experience where guests get the opportunity to interact with penguins in an up-close and personal setting. Led by an experienced penguin biologist, a typical visit may include a chance to touch the penguins, see them waddle, swim, shake their tails and jump in and out of their interaction pool. While there, a biologist will describe these remarkable birds and their specialized care.

Be one of the privileged few to go deeper and take a peek “behind the scenes” to learn some of the secrets of The Florida Aquarium. In this 1hour tour you will discover what they feed the animals and how they make things work while seeing places most guests never get to see.

- Experience the life of a shark biologist. Help prepare the shark’s favorite food and try to feed 3 fish to a shark while learning about these amazing animals, how they are cared for and what threatens wild populations. This 1-2 hour program includes admission, a special “I Fed the Sharks!” apron, and the special feeding opportunity.

The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. For more information, visit www.flaquarium.org

: Tuesday and Thursday, 10am - 11am, $8/class or $28/month. Breathe in and relax.

Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

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

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

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

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay 2

T

k bbott Tan British A

Docent Dave Hanson describes uniforms

. ntrance useum e ilitary M M s e rc o ed F The Arm

24 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

he Armed Forces Military Museum is dedicated to preserving our military history and educating our current and future generations as to the sacrifices made by so many to preserve our freedom. A former marine and history buff, John J. Piazza, Sr, is the founder and president. He began collecting military memorabilia years ago, and between 1996 and 2006, he operated a large mobile unit housing 16 displays. When the collection grew to include large vehicles and other military related items, he decided to build a museum to house it all in Largo, FL. Our museum docent, David Hanson — a former Technical Sergeant in the Airforce — began our tour out in front of the building, where several military vehicles and a helicopter are on display. There is also a Memorial Walk and garden where folks can memorialize special loved ones. who served in the military, in the form of an engraved brick.

Inside, this 35,000 sq. ft. and still-growing museum takes you from WWI to Desert Storm, and is very well designed with intimate lighting, excellent exhibits and an informed flow. The museum also has an extensive display of Japanese memorabilia associated with the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor, displays of the USMC in the South Pacific, D-Day landings, German Third Reich, Korean War and 8063rd M.A.S.H memorabilia.

Exhibits are enhanced with simulations of smoke, sounds of airplanes and tanks, and other audio/visual effects. Most of the items in the museum are real, with very few replicas. Dave pointed out that in the Pearl Harbor display are the actual miniatures used in the movie “Tora, Tora, Tora.”

The Officer’s Club is a replica of a Quonset Hut, and can be used for meetings, parties and special events. The room is decorated with iconic photos of WWII. Soon to come on exhibit in the OC will be a display of Miss Armed Forces Pinup 1971, Sandy O’Hara. Betty Grable represented WWII, Marilyn Monroe was pinup for the Korean War, and Las Vegas Minsky headliner, Sandy O’Hara — although not as famous as the movie stars — was chosen to represent the Viet Nam War through a grassroots campaign after her photo appeared in the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. She received an overwhelming number of letters from all branches of the service, and although it took

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

WWI Marine Co rps

months, she answered every one of them personally, and made appearances at many military hospitals and events. Sandy is the last living pinup, as the practice was disbanded after the Viet Nam War. A St. Petersburg resident, she still makes appearances at military functions in support of the troops.

Future displays will represent the Cold War, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Among the numerous vehicles, equipment and memorabilia – three of the many outstanding artifacts are a wooden cross-bow used in Vietnam, a Ford M151 experimental utility truck, and the only known full service uniform of Saddam Hussein in the United States.

For more information, visit www.armedforcesmuseum.com

Helicopter used in Korea.

Private John Steele, America n paratrooper who landed on the church stee ple in Sainte-MereEglise, the first village in Norm andy liberated by the Americans on D-Day (as depicted in the film “The Longest Day”).

Memorial Walk and Garden

Viet Nam Hi Chi Minn Trail display.

Pearl Harbor exhibit. Armed Forces Military Museum, Largo, FL. Miniature ships are the actual ones used in the movie “Tora Tora Tora”.

ient of the Docent Dave Hanson, a recip t of an exhibit of purple heart, stands in fron uniform he the same type of paratrooper wore in the service.

Miss Armed Forces Pinup Viet Nam, Sandy O’Hara

WWII DUKW 6X6 1/2 Ton Amphibian Ve hicle.

Inchon Operation Chromite display.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

MUSIC TRAX

Accent Spotlights . . .

Off The Beaten Path

Introduces Vintage Jazz, R&B And Soul To The 21st Century With HI-FI STEREO

’s recording THREE FOR THE AGES showcases this excellent mainstream jazz pianist at his best.

With cool reserve, he and his trio play with an elegance and agility that recalls past masters like Hank Jones, and Duke Ellington. www.michaelpaganmusic.com Saxophonist and composer selected talented players — trumpeter , pianist bassist and drummer — to help him bring his music to life on COMING

TOGETHER. He died tragically and suddenly, but the project continued as a tribute to him. and play the saxophone parts, and the resulting music is full of originality, promise and strength. www.inarhymerecords.com Multi-instrumentalist is quickly becoming known as one of the hot new voices on baritone saxophone and bass clarinet. On FORWARD, he plays bass clarinet and alto flute along with baritone sax, in the company of an all-star group. The CD includes a take of the Monk classic “Ask Me Now,” and the other nine tunes are Landrus originals. www.brianlandrus.com

KISSES YOU AWAKE, the new CD by celebrates the rich and velvet lyrics and music of the songs of 26

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

the 20th century. She creates nuances that are fresh and spirited along with her creative jazz ensemble. www.jeaniebrandes.com On UNIVERSITY OF CALYPSO, joins forces

with calypso legend to explore the role of jazz in vintage calypso.

Together, they perform 15 classic compositions, supported by a group of world-class Latin-jazz artists. Narell and Relator share a deep affection for classic calypso that infuses this session with a unique energy that hasn’t been heard in a while. www.Headsup.com Acoustic jazz guitarist is joined by Frank Wess on tenor saxophone and flute, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tony Jefferson on this creative CD, PAUL MEYERS QUARTET FEATURING FRANK WESS AND ANDY BEY, produced with plenty of heart. Joining the quartet on vocals on the song Lazy Afternoon is Andy Bey. www.mileshighrecords.com On guitarist ’s compelling new CD, AMERICAN

ROCK BEAUTY, his quintet leads the listener through a sophisticated blend of styles and beats with a

range of musical atmospheres at play. There is a theme of beauty, sorrow and happiness all running through the recording. www.waldorff.com and the Fabian Zone Trio present some of the best modern mainstream jazz, rooted in be-bop traditions, with elements of progressive soloing and rhythms on his new CD, KEYS IN ASCENCION. All the musicians on the recording are top players and seasoned professionals. www.jazzbeat.com

DOWN HOME by features a stellar lineup of musicians including Tony Rice, Rhonda Vincent, Dailey & Vincent, Aaron McDaris,

Kenny Ingram, Randy Kohrs, Stuart Duncan, and Greg Cahill among others. The CD is a blend of bluegrass and classic country sound. www.pinecastle.com On his new album, AS LONG AS THIS THING’S FLYIN’, mandolin player captures the rebellious independent — an American in the unspoiled west who wrestles with nature, with God, and with his own unfortunate plight. He sings with such vulnerability that no one could mistake his cowboy attitude as an act. www.andrewandersonmusic.com

’s FEEL GOOD MUSIC is a collection of fun, funky R&B grooves, with soulful melodies, wellcrafted lyrics, dominant horn work, and contagious choruses.

This 7-piece band from Indianapolis has a shining star

with vocalist Jessica Patterson. www.livingproof.com

Slovenia’s masters dimensions in sound and technology rarely heard on a dancefloor. His original productions are never short of devastating when unleashed on a packed dance floor. His full-length CD, RESPONDING TO DYNAMIC proves that techno in the hands of a pro can move masses as effectively as any rock, or pop performance. www.umek.si

’s RADIANT SKY creates a relaxing and meditative world of sound and space. August’s unique blend of shimmering pianos, haunting ancient flutes, delicate guitars, exotic world instruments, and ambient dreamscapes continue to delve deeper into intimate, sonic journeys. www.cedarmesa.com Contemporary electronic composer takes us on a journey through the highs, lows and in-betweens of his life experiences with his rich melodies and intricate orchestrations. David’s album title — A STAR DANCED — and many of the tracks are quotes from Shakespeare’s plays. www.davidwahler.com is re-defining the genre in A DELICATE BALANCE, a technically impressive and

is an award winning composer who uses a combination of styles, rock, jazz, and orchestra music creating moody and mellow instrumentals. Check it out on his new CD, ONE DAY IN A LIFE. www.billwrenmusic.com Classically trained pianist, , pulls from her deepest emotions on JUST THIS SIDE OF SPRING, which is a tribute to her dearly departed Siberian Husky, Nikki.

A breast cancer survivor, the ups and downs of her life are played out in her beautiful and powerful album. www.annsweeten.com

Transworld Indian composers have made the film MY NAME IS KHAN as much a musical as a cinematic statement. Loy

Mendonsa, a jazz pianist working with Ehsaan Noorani, a rock and blues buff, and singer Shankar Mahadevan have proved they are masters of blending unexpected genres and ancient traditions. www.amazon.com uses a trio of the guitarra, acoustic guitar and bass to back her velvet contralto.

Portugal’s bittersweet musical tradition is transformed by her spontaneous soul on her CD, LEVE-ME AOS FADOS. She puts new lyrics to ancient melodies and old tunes. www.worldvillagemusic.com

soul-touching piece. There are moments of intricate beauty, as well as intensity and frustration in her collection of original solo piano pieces. Her reflections on life are tenderly contained within the album’s tracks. www.lisadowning.com

Gaelic singer music captures the daily life and melodies shaped by the trials of living Gaelic tradition. On her new CD, UAM, she takes old songs in new instrumental directions, and writes original takes on old

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ways, connecting forgotten traditions of Gaelic and Celtic communities. www.juliefowlis.com carries the musical torch of five generations of

ancestors, and developed their traditions, pursuing her passionate love for Colombia’s long neglected and disdained Afro-indigenous music with determination, as evidenced on her latest album, LA BODEGA. www.totolamomposina.com

’s CD, STANDING ON THE WORD praises the Lord, while featuring the driving rhythms of South Louisiana, in conjunction with percussive Telecaster chops, epitomizing the tradition of Gulf Coast blues. He mines a wealth of Southern musical influences, all recast through the prism of his soulful songwriting, singing, and blazing guitar work. www.walterjr.com Nothing short of a living legend, has been entertaining, preaching, uplifting, mentoring,

writing and producing for more than fifty years, starting at the age of eight in church, and years later becoming the opening act for the Rolling Stones’ American tour in the 70s. Her latest CD is FIFTY YEARS: IT’S BEEN WORTH IT ALL. www.malaco.com ACCENT on Tampa Bay 27

ORLANDO HAPPENINGS at The Enzian Theater. This year, the Florida Film Festival explores Film Sweet Film, movies that evoke a sense of home; an awakening of the senses, a quickening of the soul, a state of mind and a sense of place that you can touch, smell and forever feel. www.floridafilmfestival.com

, actual clothes, props, and models from the most popular shows of all time. The 3,500square-foot exhibition highlights our nation’s rich entertainment history through more than 40 costumes, props, and models from some of the most popular films and television shows spanning 60 years. Giant eight-foot LEGO figures of Darth Vader, Batman, and Indiana Jones begin the journey into Out of this World

as it examines how costume design incorporates color, style, scale, materials, historical traditions, and cultural cues to help performers and audiences engage, in new or accepted ways, with the characters being portrayed. A complementary exhibit from the History Center, Lights! Camera! Action! Filming in Paradise showcases Florida’s surprising history in film and television. www.thehistorycenter.org . Outdoor concert features the Orlando Philharmonic performing Beach Boys songs including “California Girls,” “Good

- The Orange County Regional History Center presents

Vibrations” and “I Get Around,” on a stage built on the Sanlando Springs. www.orlandophil.org.

.

An exhibition featuring paintings that demonstrate how American artists transformed French Impressionism into their own artistic style. The works in the exhibition represent more than 75 artists that redefined Impressionism as a means of depicting the

American landscape and expressing ideas about how the rapidly changing country saw itself. . Featuring 40 large-format black and white displays and a video documentary of the Western Everglades. Butcher, whose style marks him as the foremost landscape photographer of Florida, composes his works across the Big Cypress Swamp. www.omart.org Experience a storybook tale of excitement and intrigue. More than 60 horses are used to create a unique show. The show includes a 3-course dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223; www.Arabiannights.com 28

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Coming Soon To

Universal Orlando

T

he widely anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort – is set for grand opening on June 18.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.

As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. You travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter

with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

This is a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and combination of liveaction, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.

The attraction’s ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series.

Visit: www.UniversalOrlando.com

on the Great Lawn.

Bok Tower Gardens offers visitors Florida’s most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment. The lush landscapes of the gardens, the majesty and music of the Singing Tower with its 60-bell carillon and the splendor of create an experience that inspires all who visit.

. Get “Back to Nature” as you celebrate Earth Day at Bok Tower Gardens. .

Mental focus, concentration and optimum energy through holistic medicineKeynote presentation by Mojka Renaud followed by a day of workshops.

View Saturn and other deep sky celestial wonders in celebration of 400th anniversary of the telescope.

A unique opportunity to visit the Gardens after normal operating hours for half-price admission.

Imperial Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Tower Carillon concert performance

. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a tour of the living bouquet of landscape gardens created by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Bok Tower Gardens is partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyMid Florida Chapter to host Bike MS: The Citrus Tour 2010.

Special carillon concerts to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom.

Artist Gary Gessford teaches a threeday workshop for intermediate & advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils.

A Gary Gessford watercolor.

A musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s veterans and current members of America’s armed forces.

Visit www.boktowergardens.org

Jack Hanna Weekend SeaWorld and Busch Gardens welcomes celebrity animal expert Jack Hanna for an Earth Day celebration on April 16. “Jungle Jack” — recognized world over for his deep knowledge of and boundless enthusiasm for wild animals and wildlife conservation — introduces guests to exotic and endangered animals during special shows and exclusive upclose encounters.

Breakfast with Jack Hanna - Start your day with a fun-filled breakfast buffet with “Jungle

Jack”. It’s an experience not to be missed and sure to delight kids and parents alike.

For more information, call 888-800-5447 or visit SeaWorld.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

home activity.

T

he 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues through May 16. Walt Disney World guests explore exhibits

– Gardening celebrities and authors from across the country will reveal their gardening secrets. Opening weekend, Robert Bowden, author and director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, kicks off the series.

– Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend speaker presentations and demonstrations and ask gardening questions of the experts.

–A Florida Farmer’s Market celebration is April 23-25, and the popular I Dig Bugs event is set for April 30-May 2.

- The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in Star Wars Weekends. Walt Disney World guests of all ages are attracted to the annual sci-fi fan-fest – to be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 21-June 13, 2010. Meet-and-greets,

and activities geared toward discovery and outdoor fun.

Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate the Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. The elaborate topiary with a North American theme, live waterfall and pond features Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto in his “pup tent.” It’s a must-stop photo op for guests as soon as they pass through the park turnstiles. Packing more floral punch this year, the festival showcases nearly 100 expertly crafted topiaries – including a new American Gothic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

In the courtyard of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Rock N’ Glow Dance Party” will have guests wanting to “trip the light fantastic” to sizzling summer sounds being spun by DJs. And at Epcot, the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series returns (June 12-July 31) with bands playing musical tributes to artists who filled summers gone by with musical magic.

(former singer of Boston),

30

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

the parade returns with its joyous sights and sounds. Marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the parade will be led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White join the parade this summer aboard bright new floats premiere June 6 at Magic Kingdom.

- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomes “drop-ins” this summer with even more pulse-racing surprises.

New lighting effects will bring unexpected frights to guests who step into that infamous service elevator … if they dare.

– Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. The lineup features pop favorites: with Peter Noone, with The Nelsons,

– Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-

- Showcasing floats and characters appearing at Walt Disney World Resort for the first time,

Star Wars parades, autograph sessions, Jedi Training Academy and more are included as part of regular Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

- Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort will offer several new additions over the coming months. Auditorium #1 at the Pleasure Island 24 AMC Theater has been upgraded into the first Enhanced Theater Experience (ETX) in the United States. ETX theaters offer a 20 percent larger screen that goes from floor to ceiling, 3D technology, digital projection and 12-channel audio. New stores coming to Downtown Disney are D Street, an apparel store featuring urban inspired apparel and Ridemakerz, which sells customized radiocontrolled vehicles. Ridemakerz opened in March for a limited engagement, while D Street is set to open in April. This fall at Downtown Disney Marketplace Poll Campero will open a Latin chicken quick-service restaurant.

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

Visit Historic Tarpon Springs

12 W Orange St., Tarpon Springs FL 34689

the original Creations™ The *COTTON* Lady D.I.Y Products

Rita Stetson • Creator/Designer

U. U. Church of Tarpon Springs “The Uncommon Denomination”

Services Sundays 10:30 AM

Home of the Geo. Inness Jr. Paintings 230 Grand Blvd., Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689 727-937-4682 www.uutarpon.org

Auto. Home.

Business amd Life 24 Hour Service

Peter G. Gillis Agency, Inc Owner Allstate Insurance Company 536 Tarpon Ave. Ste. 1B Tarpon Springs. FL 34689 Phone 727-942-7400 Toll Free 888-942-7400 Email petergillis@allstate.com

Licensed & Board Certified Orthotist (inside Faklis’ Dept. Store)

“Solutions for Sports, Preventive & Rehab Challenges”

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

Tarpon Springs Events This monthly event every first Saturday will re-create the atmosphere of the Greek islands with outdoor dining on the sponge docks, performances by outstanding Greek musical groups, Greek dance lessons, and a changing roster of traditional Greek arts such as tavli (Greek backgammon), Karagiozis shadow puppetry, and more. Free - Two Locations: Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs; Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs. A series of free workshops in Greek bouzouki for beginning and advanced students. Georgos Soffos is widely considered the best bouzouki player born outside of Greece. His repertoire includes folk genres such as rembetika, nisiotika and other regional styles, as well as popular and classical Greek works. Since he

ANTIQUES GALLERY Specializing in 19th Century Decorative Arts

32

Dodecanese Blvd. Free Admission, Fine Art, Fine Craft, food, music. For more information contact 352-344-0657 or www.tnteventsinc.com. , accompanied by Constantine Grame - 7:30 pm. Soprano Maria Zouves is joined by accompanist Constantine Grame performing Maurice Ravel’s Greek songs, Theodorakis and Hadjidakis. Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane in Craig Park, Tarpon Springs.

-8 pm. With George Soffos, bouzouki, and Nick Matsis, klarino or Greek clarinet, and friends. Kalymnian House, 26 W. Morgan St., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-937-1130 for more information.

For more event information visit www.tarponarts.org

Tarpon Discount Drugs

RAMONA L. SKINNER

TIMOTHY J. MURPHY

212 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 mcantiques@aol.com

was 17, Soffos has entertained audiences in Greek night clubs and large venues throughout the world. When top vocalists from Greece tour North America, Soffos often accompanies them.

Great Food

Family Fun

Open every day 10am - 6pm phone: 727-939-9399 cell: 886-864-2906

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

f

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

DVD & VIDEO GAME VIEWS

W

alt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents classic short films on DVD for the first time. A lot of these films were created between the 1920-1940’s. Disney still produces shorts today. There are seven volumes that have been released from the “Walt Disney Animation Collection” so far. Keep an eye out for new additions for your collection as time goes by.

- Based on the adventures of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Mickey, Donald and Goofy climb a fantastic beanstalk up into the sky to adventure and misadventure. Also in this volume is The Brave Little Tailor, Thru the Mirror, Gulliver Mickey, and Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip.

- Experience a unique telling of one of your favorite storybook tales.

Also included in this volume is The Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Wolves, Lambert the Sheepish Lion, Chicken Little, Three Blind Mouseketeers, and Elmer Elephant.

- The leg-

NEW DVD RELEASES CHILDREN - Discover the world’s most fascinating animals when you journey with the Little Einsteins from the Great Lakes to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Travel to India for the spectacular Elephant Festival.

Meet Joey the Kangaroo in Australia, and dive into an ocean of wonders with Rocket as he transforms into a submarine and swims with a humpback whale. www.littleeinsteins.com - Imagination Movers is a hip, high energy TV series for preschoolers that uses music and fun to demonstrate how teamwork and creativity can help solve problems and tackle challenges. Join the fun as the four blue suited Movers, Smitty, Dave, Scott, and Rich, along with their friendly neighbor Nina and sidekick Warehouse

34

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

endary tale of “The Prince And The Pauper” gets a magical Disney makeover. Also included in this volume is The Pied Piper, Old King Cole, Ye Olden Days, and A Knight for the Day. - Join the excitement as unlikely competitors Max Hare and Toby Tortoise challenge each other to a foot race. Also included in this volume is Babes in the Woods, The Goddess of Spring, Toby Tortoise Returns, Paul Bunyan, and The Saga of Windwagon Smith.

- One of the most enchanting storybooks of all time comes to life with classic Disney animation. Also included in this volume is The Ugly Duckling, The Grasshopper and the Ants, The Golden Touch, The Robber Kitten, and The Wise Little Hen. - The adventures of a young boy who decides to pursue the horrible dragon that is terrifying villagers.

But what he discovers is a friendly dragon. Also included in this volume is Ferdinand the Bull, Goliath II, and Johnny Appleseed.

- Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many more characters join the cast in this delightfully charming adaptation of a classic holiday tale. Also included in this volume is The Small One, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, and Santa’s Workshop.

For more information on these classics, visit disneydvd.disney.go.com

Mouse are presented with a new problem to conquer in each episode or an Idea Emergency. www.disneydvd.com - Learn how Bob got into construction and how the crew help each other deal with day-to-day issues such as facing fears and knowing when too much teasing is just too much. “The Best of Bob the Builder” inspires children to find reasonable, positive solutions to problems and encourages self-esteem. www.bobthebuilder.com

www.hitshopusa.com - Aloha, Everybody. Put on your floaties, grab your boogie boards and jump in. Help the gang pick the right mousketools to get the Hawaiian party started. Filled with music, excitement and magical surprises. www.disneydvd.com

Watch powerful John Deere machines excavators, loaders, graders, scrapers, backhoes, and dozers dig dirt, plow snow, load rocks, and climb hills. Plus sing and dance to singer/songwriter James Coffey’s original funny songs. www.tmbv.com

- Follow Thomas as he discovers Hiro, an abandoned engine from a faraway land. Fearing that Hiro will be scrapped, Thomas enlists the help of many friends, but mishaps, mistakes and one boastful engine could foil their rescue plans. www.hitshopusa.com

- Each story concentrates on what it takes to be a friend, and what it takes to be helpful and caring. Using great characters like Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Barny allows the child to interact and understand the story line.

(includes a Sport Whistle Necklace Starring: Tim Conway, Dick Martin. Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles football.

When his teenage owner becomes the school’s new quarterback, Buddy catches the spirit and

XBOX 360

PC DVD-ROM

is the sequel to the multiplatinum co-op shooter. Players must work as a team to survive relentless enemy assaults and escape the city as it collapses around them. The game delivers an organic and immersive cooperative adventure with one of the most robust weapon customization systems ever found in a videogame. www.ea.com/games

- It’s 2062 and humanity is at the brink of extinction. With 6 years left until the crystalline structure Tiberium renders the earth uninhabitable, the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod find themselves in desperation to stop Tiberium from extinguishing mankind. The game introduces a multitude of innovations, and features a new 5v5 objective-based multiplayer mode. www.ea.com/ games

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

joins the team. But two sinister Russian circus owners dognap Buddy for their star attraction. www.disneydvd.com - Starring: Jim Backus, Mickey Rooney. An orphan named Pete and his best friend, Elliott, an invisible dragon, wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy. Although Pete befriends the lighthouse keeper, Nora and her salty old father, the townspeople think he is behind the hilarous accidents that keep happening.

But after a daring rescue, everyone believes in Pete’s fire breathing buddy. www.disneydvd.com - Starring: Angela Lansbury, Roddy McDowall. When young Charlie, Carrie and Paul move to a small village during World War II, they discover their host is an apprentice witch. Although her early attempts at magic create hilarious results, she successfully casts a traveling spell on an ordinary bedknob, and they fly to the fantastic, animated Isle of Naboombu to find a powerful spell that will save England! www.disneydvd.com - Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard buddies Bitzer, Shirley, and Timmy get into wacky shenanigans along with those fun-loving Naughty Pigs next door. www.hitshopusa.com

unexpectedly cross paths with an evil martial arts master and foil his kidnapping plan. Now, they must put their combat skills to the test in order to defeat this enemy and save their brotherhood. www.lionsgateshop.com

captured in this engaging film that pays respect to the King. As an artist and entertainer, he still looms larger than life. The King will live forever through his music. Appearances at the Memorial Service include:Usher, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, The Jacksons, Berry Gordy, Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie. www.amazon.com

- Starring: Jay Mohr, Ryan Malgarini. Newly single dad Gary Brooks is an uncomplicated guy trying to find his way in an increasingly complicated world. Gary’s doing the best he can to raise his two kids with ex-wife Allison, while just beginning to stick his toe back into the dating pool after fifteen years of marriage. www.amazon.com

- Starring: Joe A. Giamalva, Ron Jeremy. In 1965, Ruth Anson, a teenage-reporter interviews the Beatles, where she asks a young Paul McCartney if he has any plans for marriage.

His response, “Only if you’ll marry me.” Forty years later, Ruth, in search of “closure,” obsessively attempts to reconnect with McCartney. An opportunist film director assigns a camera-crew to follow Ruth, but he manipulates his production to become more entertaining ... and far more embarrassing for the unsuspecting Ruth. www.amazon.com

- Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Sam Jaeger.

Embrace the unexpected with ELI STONE the series that celebrates life’s odd and interesting adventures. When this successful lawyer starts having strange visions, his job, his relationships and his sanity are in serious jeopardy.

Things get even more bizarre when his brother Nathan confides that he has visions, too. Is this a blessing or some kind of family curse? www.amazon.com - Starring: Brian McNamara, Catherine Bell, Kim Delaney. It’s a new year of challenges for the Army Wives. Follow the dreams and friendships of four very different women, and one man, as they tackle the real-life challenges of families on the home front with humor, grace and unending loyalty to one another. www.amazon.com

- Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye. In this charming critically-acclaimed tale of first love, an eternal optimist seeks to capture the heart of Diane, an unattainable high school beauty and straight-A student. He surprises everyone when she returns the sentiment. But her over-possessive Dad doesn’t approve. www.foxconnect.com

- Starring: Demi Lovato, Tiffany Thornton. Sonny is a Midwestern girl who gets her big break when she is invited to join the cast of the hit teen sketch comedy show “So Random”. Not everyone is thrilled to share the spotlight, so Sonny must rely on her wit, talent and good humor to get her through any challenge. www.amazon.com

Starring: Fengchao Liu, Wenjie Wang. Upon arrival at an elite martial arts conservatory, a group of young boys swear allegiance to each other and form a gang. A decade later at graduation, they

- Guyana is home to one of the world’s most legendary snakes. It rarely encounters man, yet it has gained the reputation of being a merciless killer. But how much of it is fact, and how much fiction? Join a crew of photographers and biologists as they set out to find the truth behind the myth of the biggest snake in the world - the Anaconda. www.smithsonianchannel.com

BUY IT NOW!

Minnie’s Bow-Tique Stocked Up With Fun!

- Michael Jackson’s last days and the Memorial Service, are

TOP RENTALS CRASH THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON THE DEPARTED THE BUCKET LIST THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN CASINO ROYALE IRON MAN BLOOD DIAMOND LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE THE NOTEBOOK GRAN TORINO BABEL

3:10 TO YUMA INSIDE MAN THE DARK KNIGHT THE PROPOSAL THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA THE HOLIDAY SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE HOTEL RWANDA WALK THE LINE MR. & MRS. SMITH CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR MICHAEL CLAYTON

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

35

TRAVELOGUE

36 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

ighway 30A stretches along 26 miles through 15 beach communities, each with their own distinctive flavor. That stretch of real estate is also home to 15 coastal dune lakes — the most concentration of which in the world. The 1,600 acre Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has 5 of them alone, and a 25’ dune is the tallest along the beach. A full 40% of the area is preserved state forests which makes it even that much more appealing.

“The Truman House” located in Seaside and used in the movie “The Truman Show” as Jim Carrey’s character’s home.

with passersby. Most folks eschew the use of a car in favor of a bike. As a visitor, bikes are easily rented within walking distance to the small town square which has a few shops and restaurants. The architecture ranges from Cracker to Victorian, but all works well together. Also, all fences must be white, and no fence style can be like any other on the same block, which is utterly charming. (Our large story photo is of a typical alley walkway in Seaside highlighting the different fences.)

Vera Bradley may be famous for her totes and handbags, but in Seaside, her Inn By The Sea is what draws visitors in. This warm and cozy B&B was decorated by the Vera Bradley design team, and a stay includes a wonderful full breakfast. he town of WaterColor is of a similar design as Seaside, but has its own look and feel. It actually surrounds Seaside on 3 sides with homes and condos. The WaterColor

The most well-known community of the South Walton Beaches is probably Seaside, having been made famous as the town used as a backdrop for the movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey. It was perfect in the movie, and is pretty darned perfect in real life.

If you’ve been to the town of Celebration in Kissimmee, it was built along the same model as Seaside.

We stayed in one of the lovely Seaside cottages during our visit to the area. Although “cottage” is misleading, as it was quite a spacious home with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a screened porch at every turn.

Built as a vacation destination, the town fosters a sense of community with most of it’s cottages butting right up to the narrow streets, and front porches encouraging communication All the cottages in Seaside have names — ours was called “Wash Ashore”.

Rosemary Beach has cottages, carriage houses, lofts and charming shops.

uneven streets. The luxurious homes are all built to withstand any kind of storm. In fact, they have earned the designation of “Fortified For Safer Living, and qualify for a special insurance program. The community has a large salt water pool, and a planned village will have shops and little restaurants. he only traditional luxury resort on the beach is the 25 year old Hilton Sandestin Beach, in Destin, which is just completing a $3.4 M renovation, and is a certified green hotel. We attended their first Starry Night event by the pool and enjoyed the sunset while dining on a tasty buffet. The hotel’s Serenity

By The Sea Spa is well known to guests and locals alike. he Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is an amazing 2,400-acre resort in Destin. It is a world of it’s own, with 30 village neighborhoods with rental condos, villas, town homes

All rooms in the Water Color Inn have a fabulous view of the gulf.

Inn is right on the Gulf, and all guest rooms face the beach and have the same layout — king beds and an open-up queen sofa.

Included with your room is a continental breakfast, turn-down service with warm cookies in your room every night, and use of a bicycle! osemary Beach was also founded on the “New Urbanism” style in 1995. It consists of 107 acres, with 98 being gulf front.

Dwellings are cottages, carriage houses and lofts. You won’t find any grass here except in the little parks. Any vegetation is indigenous to the area. The architecture here is different from the other communities with a mix of West Indies, St. Augustine, New Orleans, Charleston and probably a few other styles.

Rosemary Beach has more of a small town feel, with shops and lofts over them. It is also a popular vacation rental destination. he community of Alys Beach is the newest development along 30A, with only about 70 homes out of a total of 900 planned, and one of the most unique. One hundred Sixty acres are planned for developing, and 25,000 are set aside as a preserve. They are 5 years into a 30 year commitment. The architecture is hard to pin down, but reminded us of the Greek island of Skopelos with the allwhite buildings and (intentionally) slightly www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Alys Beach Home owners are asked to give something esthetic to the pedestrian walk way in front of their homes (such as a bench or fountain).

and hotel accommodations. It has four golf courses, 19 swimming pools, 15 tennis courts, a marina, a pedestrian village with shopping, restaurants and night life. Bikes, water sports, canoes, kayaks, tennis, yolo boarding, resort transportation are all included in a guest’s The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort village in Destin.

on Tampa Bay

TRAVELOGUE cont...

YaYa”, which is Smoked Guda Cheese Grits smothered with a saute of ApplewoodSmoked Bacon, Spinach, Shallots, Garlic, Portabello Mushrooms and Cream, topped with Spiced Shrimp and Crispy Sweet Potato Straws.

The Caliza Restaurant in Alys Beach is very appealing with it’s modernized, simplified and comfortable Moroccan decor and

Sunset view from the Hilton Sandestin.

stay. All units are fully equipped, from studios to houses. Whew! About that Yolo Boarding...in case you are not familiar with it (we weren’t), it’s paddling while standing up on a long board — and a whole lot of fun.

The eclectic Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery.

his career Mike designed a lot of album covers for famous rock groups, including the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Little Richard, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. He then moved on to painting fine arts.

ou would be hard-pressed to find a commercial restaurant along this stretch of 30A, as most of the restaurants, from simple to elegant, are family-owned, and, for the most part, provide fabulous dining. Located in Walton County’s “2009 Artist Of The Year” Michael McCarty with one of his paintings.

The amazing “Grits a YaYa” at the Great Southern Restaurant in Seaside.

the WaterColor Inn is Fish Out Of Water, a casually chic restaurant with a large array of fine wines and a delectable menu. Chef Philip Krajeck was a semi-finalist in the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards in 2009.

For breakfast, folks in Seaside head over to the Great Southern Restaurant for a unique taste treat. Their most popular dish is “Grits a

delicious American cuisine. It is also becoming very popular in the area for events with it’s gorgeous view overlooking the pool.

At Sandestin, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant will take your taste buds to the islands with tropical drinks and an eclectic cuisine.

30A may be a highway, but it is also a terrific restaurant in Seagrove Beach, and one of the most popular spots in the whole area.

Cafe Thirty-A’s Executive Chef Ken Duenas creates fusion cuisine and the menu changes daily since he will only use the freshest ingredients. The restaurant has an ambiance of sophisticated fun, and the Chef’s delicious dishes are artfully presented.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to dine there with Walton County’s “2009 Artist Of The Year” Michael McCarty, who had an exhibit at the restaurant. Early in

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has 5 coastal dunes, one of which is 25’ tall.

The park is set up with bungalows, and campsites for tents and RVs.

here are a lot of artsy pockets along 30A, from funky to high brow. For funky, no visit to the area is complete without stopping in at Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery. Twenty local artists display their work here. This place is a hoot, and you WILL find something to take home with you!

Yolo boarding

easide is about an 8 hour drive from Tampa, FL, and well worth the trip.

Experience a different coast of Florida — you’ll come home with a smile.

www.beachesofsouthwalton.com www.bigmamashulagirlgallery.com www.cafethirtya.com www.calizarestaurant.com www.watercolorresort.com www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com www.TommyBahama.com www.yoloboard.com

38 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ooking to buy the car of your dreams? Well, look no further, it’s official. Premier automobile manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini, headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, has made their triumphant return back to the West Coast of Florida with their newest franchised dealership in North America: Lamborghini Sarasota, parking their most spectacular collection of Lamborghini’s yet.

The exclusive grand opening celebration took place at Lamborghini’s new 5,000 square foot facility and brought out the “Sarasota, Naples and Tampa are one of the strongest markets out West Coast of Florida’s wealthy and elite who didn’t waste a there and #5 in the nation for exotic car sales. We minute of time checking out the are very happy to have been chosen franchise newest line of Lamborghini super owners and be able to represent Lamborghini sports cars including the Gallardo here in America,” he continued.

LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, Introducing Lamborghini’s second featured named after Lambo’s long-term vehicle of the evening was Pietro Frigerio, COO test driver who’s honed every of Lamborghini America. “We are here tonight model to roll off the line since with a great partnership to introduce one of the 1973. “A Lamborghini must most extraordinary super sports cars of all time, always combine the precision of a the Murcielago LP 670-4 Super Veloce. More race car with the reliability of a powerful, lighter and faster than the Murcielago good friend,” said Balboni LP 640, it catapults from 0 to 62 mph in a standing in front of an excited Left to right: Larry Morgan - Co-owner of Lamborghini crowd of spectators at the event.

Sarasota, Pietro Frigerio - COO of Lamborghini America, breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers to a top speed of around 212 mph. Distinctive design The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni Victor Young - Co-owner & President of Lamborghini Sarasota refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit was conceived in line with his limited edition series conveys own thinking, meeting many its full potential from the customers’ requests for a model with a unique character, very first glance. With its which also offers a very special kind of active driving fun. outstanding performance, The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that razor-sharp precision and delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone. exceptional high-speed Victor Young, Co-owner and President of Lamborghini stability, the Super Veloce is Sarasota couldn’t be happier with the fantastic turnout for the ultimate performance car the opening which featured an intimate cocktail party, live for advanced sports car music and an exquisite fashion show revealing Collezione drivers. It has been Lamborghini, Lamborghini’s fine line of men’s and extensively redesigned with a women’s clothing and accessories. “There couldn’t be a new front and rear, an better time on the planet to put a Lamborghini Dealership innovative engine bonnet and on the West Coast of Florida,” exclaimed Young to the roar Lamborghini fashion show. a choice of two aerodynamic of applause from a delighted group of VIP guests. set-ups featuring either a Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni small or large rear spoiler.”

All-in-all, a magnificent and enjoyable evening was had by all those in attendance. Larry Morgan, Co-owner of Lamborghini Sarasota, offered the final words of the night, “Let me tell you the real rough part of being an owner of a Lamborghini store, absolutely, was required to drive one.”

How rough can that really be, Larry?

For more information, visit www.lamborghini.com For more photos on this story, please visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, go to Travel & Event photos. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

ON THE BOOKSHELF Café Firenze: Food And Drink Recipes From The Tuscan Sons Popular Chef Fabio Viviani Brings The Best of Tuscan Cuisine to America’s Bookshelves

F

abio Viviani, widely known as the “fan favorite” on Season 5 of the popular TV show, “Top Chef”, is now the owner and Executive Chef of his own restaurant, Firenze Osteria, in Toluca Lake, CA (near Universal Studios). Cooking since the age of 12 in his native Florence, Italy, Fabio has honed his craft through studying at Italy’s Instituto Professionale per Servizi Alberghieri in Florence, and co-owning and managing some Florentine restaurants, focusing on Northern Italian cooking. He was also William Shatner’s private chef, who Fabio Viviani, Bella Brava’s Chef Domenica Macchia, and Jacopo Falleni. wrote the forward for his new cookbook, Café Firenze.

I met up with Fabio when he came to the Tampa Bay area recently in support of his book, co-written with his long-time friend and partner, Jacopo Falleni, who also joined us for a terrific lunch at Bella Brava in downtown St. Petersburg. Jacopo is a co-owner in Firenze Osteria, as well as the restaurant’s Mixologist. He also hails from Florence, and studied at the same institution as Fabio. Jacopo won several Italian national bartending contests, and created award-winning garnishes. He is a spokesperson for Santa Margherita wines, which he brought along to lunch to pair with our courses.

Bella Brava’s chef Domenica Macchia pulled out all the stops for our luncheon group and brought delicious and creative tastings to the table, family style. Jacopo likes to start a meal with

NEW RELEASES

Kathy Spence awakens in the middle of the night and finds her husband has been run down and she is the primary suspect. With an eyewitness to the crime, it appears to be an open and shut case. Sluth Anne uncovers proof of a conspiracy. Anne must count on her close friends and even the ghost of her father to help her bring a killer to justice. www.amazon.com

Prosecco wine, similar to — but less dry and bubbly — than champagne.

The Santa Margherita wines proved to be very versatile and pleasurable as we also sampled the Pinot Grigio and Chianti Classico with our courses. Fabio enjoyed Domenica’s culinary creations and even exchanged some recipe how-tos with her.

Along with being one of the most beautifully photographed (by Antonio Busiello) cookbooks you will see, Café Firenze has a most interesting twist, as it pairs the talents of Fabio with the talents of Jacopo, presenting each food recipe with a martini recipe that would most complement the meal. The traditional Northern Italian Chef Domenica’s Scallops with recipes were created to be easy to Bacon Brittle. prepare, healthy and, of course, very tasty. All courses from appetizers to desserts are covered in the book, along with a little history and humor. Both Fabio and Jacopo are handsome young men with charming broken English (intentionally left in the writing of the cookbook) and an obvious zest for life which is evident in person, as well as in their cookbook. Buon appetito!

Café Firenze: Food And Drink Recipes From The Tuscan Sons is available at major bookstores and online. For more information, visit www.firenzeosteria.com.

nary high school student. He woke up a hunted man. He doesn’t know whose side he’s one or who he can trust. Charlie makes his way back to his hometown to find some answers. There he’s joined by his friends in a desperate attempt to discover the truth about a murder he can’t remember-and the love he can never forget. www.thomasnelson.com World leaders meet for the G8 Summit, but a terrorist group plans to wreak havoc on the Summit. Only one man can disrupt this plot. Derek Stillwater will wage war on the terrorist organization, picking them off one by one-until he comes face-to-face with an evil force from his past. www.oceanviewpub.com

Charlie West went to bed one night an ordi40

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

They say that nothing could be worse than being abandoned by your husband for another woman. They’re wrong. All Lauren wants is to protect her children from the pain of her messy divorce. But when their father goes missing, a case of mistaken identity puts all their lives in danger, and a stealthy predator lurks in the shadows, watching . . . waiting. www.harpercollins.com

Nick Schuyler, a twenty-four-year-old personal trainer, left for a deep-sea fishing trip with three friends: NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith, and Will Bleakley, his best friend, who once played football for

the University of South Florida. It was supposed to be a day of fun and relaxation, but the seas began to swell and the winds picked up, and they decideded to head to shore. The anchor was stuck, and the boat capsized.

As the hours passed, the four friends battled hypothermia, hallucinations, hunger, dehydration, and huge waves. A witness to incredible heroism and unspeakable tragedy, Nick remained at sea for more than forty hours until he was finally rescued. www.harpercollins.com

Internationally publicized as the happiest place on earth decades before Disney arrived, the Sunshine State experienced a brief economic boom in the mid-1920s. Entrepreneurs and real estate developers became overnight millionaires as they created luxury seaside resorts, golfing communities and country clubs. But in 1926, small bank failures led to panic, the new federal income tax law led to bankruptcy and a series of hurricanes decimated the tourist trade.

However, Floridians remained optimistic that the sun of prosperity would always rise again. www.historypress.net

By the summer of 1944 the tide had turned in the Pacific War against the Japanese. The war was not nearly over, however, and the U.S. Marines had their heaviest combat in front of them. Here is a detailed photographic history for the Fighting Leathernecks’ fierce combat for the Marianas, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, illustrated with hundreds of never-before-published photographs and supplemented with full-color maps. www.Zenithpress.com

Harry S. Truman was Commander-in-Chief at one of the most critical moments in American--and global--military history: when the decision had to be made to drop the Bomb.

Revealing the little-known facts of Truman’s remarkable military performance—as a soldier and as a politician—this book adds a whole new dimension to the character of the thirtythird president of the United States. www.Zenithpress.com

On Sunday, September 17, 1944, the 82nd Airborne Division jumped with the First Allied Airborne Army to capture key bridges at the start of Operation Market Garden.

Following weeks of heavy combat in Holland, the All Americans (the name of the division in WW I) were withdrawn from the frontlines for a rest, which was interrupted by the Battle of the Bulge, where they once again found themselves in the thick of the action. Following VE Day, the 82nd became part of the Allied forces occupying Berlin. www.Zenithpress.com Delta Force is a handpicked group of the U.S. Army’s finest soldiers. The group specializes in hostage rescues and other difficult procedures to protect the lives of Americans throughout the world. Delta uses some of the most sophisticated weapons in the field today, and all are detailed in this book. www.Zenithpress.com

A fantasy novel about the journey through loss and the choices we make. It targets ages 8-12 with an appeal for adults. Still struggling with anger and grief two years after her mother’s death, thirteenyear-old Kaela wishes for some magic in her life. The answer arrives in the form of a tiny being who whisks Kaela and her cousin Shawn through the hole in the sky to Muratenland. On her journey Kaela finds beauty and adventure, a bevy of strange and magical friends ... and deadly enemies. www.seaturtlepublishing

Drive I-95 combines colorful easy-to-follow pictorial maps and stories, and travelers can look ahead exit-by-exit to see which motels and gas stations are coming up, where the radars trap are or where to stop for a good homemade meal. The drive from Boston to Miami or any section in-between will become more pleasant and less stressful. The husband and wife team share stories of the road: history that happened on it, quirky museums, Americana trivia, and more. www.amazon.com Native Floridian and travel writer Jason www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Ferguson covers the best of the Sunshine State, from perusing Pensacola and the Panhandle to mingling with Mickey in Walt Disney World and going the distance in Daytona Beach.

Ferguson includes unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers.

With advice on exploring the tropical climate of Miami, the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and the Tampa Bay area, Moon Florida gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. www.travelmatters.com

In its forty-year existence, the 5th Street Gym housed the training grounds for three of the greatest fighters the sport has ever known — Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard — and became the locus for a total of fourteen world champions. This book includes a wealth of never-beforeseen photographs and chronicles the fascinating history of the 5th Street Gym. Pacheco recalls the rise, heyday, and fall of the ‘sweet science’ at Miami Beach. www.upf.com Sheridan offers an peak into the mind’s of the world’s best fighters and trainers. He interviewed dozens of the world’s most fascinating and dangerous men including celebrated trainers Freddie Roach and Greg Jackson; champion fighters Randy Couture and Frank Shamrock; ultra runner David Horton; chess prodigy turned tai chi expert Josh Waitzkin; and wrestler Dan Gable, among many others. He also explores how techniques for mental toughness translate in the real world outside of the ring. www.groveatlantic.com

This comprehensive book was nearly finished when Stanley Meltzoff passed away in 2006 and the project was put aside.

Angler and IGFA historian Mike Rivkin completed the job in a lush oversized format. Stanley realistically portrayed all the major game species in their natural habitats, and his body of work is recognized as the best of its kind. The book includes nearly 190 color plates of the artist’s work throughout his career, plus lively narratives from both Meltzoff and co-author Mike Rivkin. www.silverfishpress.com on Tampa Bay

GAMING SCENE LAS VEGAS Five countries and the United States will converge at Thomas & Mack Center to find out which country will take home bragging rights as the best bullriding nation in the world and a $200,000 grand prize. www.pbrnow.com.

Manilow will perform 78 shows each year for two years at Paris Las Vegas. Directed by

. The four-day fête features more than 30 events headlined by 50 celebrated chefs including Paul Bartolotta, Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon. This year’s partner resorts include Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Wynn/Encore, and The Venetian/ Palazzo. www.vegasuncorked.com.

. Beginning and ending at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino, participants drive five exotic sports cars on a three-hour tour, “Euro-caravan”-style on open roads through the Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountain Peak. The tour host will lead the way in a pace car for with pit stops to change vehicles and drivers. www.daydreaminexotics.com

. In addition to being an awardwinning comedian, Rivers is a best-selling author, Tony-nominated actress, Emmy-winning talk-show host, jewelry designer, syndicated radio host and more. www.venetian.com. choreographer and director Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical), this new show will cast Manilow’s hits in a new light. Including all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years, the show will bring the energy, sincerity and melody of Manilow at his best to a spectacular yet personal crescendo. www.parislasvegas.com

BILOXI

L

- starring veteran tribute artists Jeffrey Allen and Michael John are at the Las Vegas Rocks Café’s Embassy Theatre. Each artist performs a solo set with a killer five-to-six piece rock ‘n’ roll band, and then culminate the show with a face-toface set featuring both of them playing together on two pianos and trading off lyrics on each song they perform. The show provides a night of hit songs, energetic performances and outrageous costumes as well as

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

Bellagio presents the palate-pleasing Epicurean Epicenter series. This collection of unique, interactive culinary experiences, set against the backdrop of Bellagio’s restaurants and the one-of-a-kind Tuscany Kitchen, is designed to give guests a firsthand look at how Bellagio’s award-winning chefs and sommeliers create culinary magic.

Guests will marvel as they watch talented chefs prepare their meal and minutes later are able to savor the cuisine paired with some of the world’s finest vintages. Event dates are: – Vegas Uncork’d events at Bellagio’s Tuscany Kitchen; – Father’s Day BBQ at Tuscany Kitchen; – BOND Estate Winery at Tuscany Kitchen; – Dom Perignon Celebration at Tuscany Kitchen. www.bellagio.com/restaurants/epicureanepicenter.aspx.

-A “controlled freefall” in which the rider plummets 855 feet at a speed of up to 40 miles per hour. The ride offers a way to experience thrills similar to skydiving and base jumping with the added benefit of doing it over the Las Vegas Strip - day or night. www.stratospherehotel.com

Can Play.”

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

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

For entertainment, guests can Earth Wind & Fire look forward to seeing the likes of

ocated on the Mississippi Gulf Fallen Oak Coast, the is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both the Beau has it all. With a new partnership with Allegiant Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $199 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport. Right now the flights are once a day, and leave (and return) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevation changes (unique for a Gulf Coast course) and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands.

David Copperfield GOLF Magazine rated it one of the “Top 100 Courses You 42

funny performance bits, sing-along parts, and spontaneous humor. www.lasvegasrockscafe.com

and in the next few months. Call 888-566-7469, or visit www.beaurivage.com for act dates and times Reservations for the air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. Visit www.beaurivage.com for more information on the resort.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

will return April 23 to 25 to Straub Park in St. Petersburg.

Ranked among the world’s best Olympic-distance triathlons, it

St. Anthony’s Triathlon

draws nearly 3,000 of the sport’s finest for this swim-bike-run event and weekend-long health and fitness festival. A Meek and Mighty Triathlon is offered for kids and those just entering the competitive sport. Free product samples and the latest in apparel, fitness equipment and nutrition will be available. For more info visit www.satriathlon.com On May 1st Downtown Tampa will be hosting the 7th annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races to raise money for FACTors Breast Cancer Patient Support Program at Moffitt Cancer Center and The Florida Aquarium.

The Races are at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, directly behind the Marriott Waterside and the waters of Garrison Dragon Boat Races

over 70 communities hosting Dragon Boat Festivals in the U.S. alone, and over 60 million participants worldwide.

Entering your own dragon boat team in the races is easy; paddles, life vests, boats, and steerspersons will be provided as well as a team tent in the Athletes Village and a post race Paddler’s Party with food, beer and rockin’ entertainment. Each team just has to provide 20 paddlers, a minimum of 8 females, and a drummer. Each team is also provided the opportunity to have 3 practices and to attend 2 mini regattas on February 20th and March 20th to prepare for the races. On race day each team will race in three heats on a 450m course.

If you’re interested in entering your own Dragon Boat team or if you would like more information visit www.tampabaydragonboats.com is once again hosting the Mike Alstott Celebrity Outdoor Weekend benefiting the Children’s Cancer Center April 18-19 in Clearwater. The parties will be at the Clearwater Beach Hilton April 18 and Golf will be at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club April 19. The Mike Alstott Celebrity Outdoor Weekend will be held April 18-19. As we went to press, there were still some spots available if you

Mike Alstott Foundation

would like to sponsor the Golf Tournament. A 5-some is $3,000 and when you attend the dinner Sunday night at the Clearwater Beach Hilton, you will get to pick who you would like to golf with when you enter the draft! It’s a lot of fun for a great cause the Children’s Cancer Center.

Some of the confirmed celebrities are Mike, Shelton Quarles, Josh Johnson, David Wells, Derrick Brooks, Sabby Piscitelli, Martin Gramatica, Chris Hovan, ,Jenn Holloway, Brooke Bennett, Earnest Graham, Skip Holtz, Monte Colburn and many more! Golf Day is Monday, April 19, 12:30 pm at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club. For more information visit mikealstottfamilyfoundation.org

Channel. It’s anticipated that over 60 teams from local, corporate and community groups as well as paddlers from across the U.S. and Canada will vie to be Tampa’s #1 Dragon Boat Team!

This year’s event will see the addition of an International Beer and Food Festival.

Dragon Boat Racing is great fun for anyone, young or old.

Although most international crews are either all male or female, national and regional events attract primarily mixed teams from corporations, public service groups, clubs sponsored by small businesses, high schools, colleges and universities. There are now www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Bunker hospitality tent is This year’s 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-AmTournament as exclusively reserved for the always features the usual mix of a talent-stacked field of troops and their families, offering great Champions Tour golf Champions Tour golf professionals and celebrities. viewing, complimentary Aussie-Tizers by Outback Steakhouse, Pro golfer commitments include Outback Steakhouse ProAnheuser-Busch drafts, and Coca-Cocal products.

Am Champion Tom Watson, Senior British Open Defender On Champions Sunday, the tournament will conclude the Loren Roberts, and Two-Time Major Champion Mark week-long “Military Salute” with three final tributes. For the O’Meara, Paul Azinge. Other commitments are fan favorite first tribute, spectators will be handing yellow ribbons as they Fuzzy Zoeller, Phil Blackmar, Tom Pernice, Jr. and Curtis enter through admission to wear. The second is a day long Strange. commemoration to our Wounded Heroes. James A. Haley VA “These professionals are the best names in golf,” said Amy Hawk, tournament director for the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. Hospital’s wounded soldiers will sit in an exclusive patriotically marked section on the 18th green. Each Champions Tour “We were thrilled to have Langer, Cook, Haas, and Funk in our professional will honor field so early, but now the these courageous additional A-List individuals with a salute commitments are a true and hand shake as they testament to our premier leave the green. Once the tournament.” final putt is made, the 2010 Committed celebrities Outback Steakhouse Proinclude George Lopez, Vince Am will conclude the Gill, Stone Phillips, Vinny “Military Salute” with Testaverde, Joe Theismann, special presentation by the Derrick Brooks, and Rondé U.S. Military.

Barber.

The Outback Steakhouse And just announced was Pro-Am was the first-ever the addition of actor, winner of the inaugural advocate and author Michael Champions Tour J. Fox who will make his President’s Award (2006) second appearance at the that is given to the event event which will take place that best exemplifies the on April 12-18 at TPC Champions Tour Tampa Bay in Lutz, FL. commitment to presenting Outback Steakhouse Proits product, charity and Am will also pay tribute to Paul Azinger involvement in the community.

America’s military for their service, sacrifice, and courage In its first six years, the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am through a week-long “Military Salute.” The “2010 Outback Foundation, Inc. has raised over $3.4 million through corporate Steakhouse Pro-Am Military Salute” will honor troops in sponsorships and other charitable donations. Since its inception numerous and various ways including, but not limited to, 23 years ago, this tournament has contributed over $8.4 million complimentary, multi-day admission into the tournament. F to Tampa Bay area charities. The 2010 recipients are Active and Retired Troops Receive Free Admission and Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and Operation Outback Steakhouse Hospitality Homefront-Florida.

Free Admission is granted to active, guard, reserves, and The Champions Tour’s primary purpose as an entity of the retirees with proper military Identification. Children under 18 PGA TOUR is to provide significant competitive and earnings are always admitted free with a ticket-holding adult. opportunities for players age 50 and older; to protect the “The daily sacrifice of our troops so that we can enjoy integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in freedom in our country is not overlooked by the Outback the U.S. and around the world. In addition to providing Steakhouse Pro-Am,” said Tournament Director Amy Hawk. competitive opportunities for its membership, Champions Tour “This week-long salute is the least we can do to thank them for their service. This year, we hope to have many military and their events also generate significant sums of money for charity.

The commissioner of the PGA TOUR is Tim Finchem. Mike families come and watch the world’s best golfers,” concluded Stevens is president of the Champions Tour. TOUR headquarters Hawk. is in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

In addition to free general admission, the 2010 tournament Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament invites the United States Armed Forces to enjoy this premier office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.outbackproam.com.

Champions Tour event in style. The Outback Steakhouse ProGrounds Admission tickets can be purchases for $10 off the gate Am is expanding its hospitality to our military with the price at Gulf to Bay or North Dale Marbry locations of unveiling of the inaugural Military Bunker presented by JCI Golfsmith.

Jones Chemicals, Inc. located on the 18th fairway. The Military 44

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Just read a pre-season report on the Rays as they go into the 2010 season as a potential World Series favorite. Also have been watching my 7-year old Max’s first little league season. The parallels are, well, eerie.

Start with the names. People still confuse the Rays with the old name of the Devil Rays. Max came home after the first practice and said his team’s name was the Oreos. I thought maybe Nabisco had sponsored the team, or maybe he was just hungry. Turns out the team is actually called the Orioles.

Makes a little more sense. Although we could have had more fun with the uniforms…black top, white belt, black bottom. Big glass of milk as the mascot.

Move to the base paths. Carl Crawford goes into the season as one of the most explosive base runners in baseball, easily the favorite to lead the league in steals and triples. Sebastian was also running the bases, but being his first year, he was just learning to pay attention to the coach.

Coach told him what the stop sign means. First time Sebastian got on base, he made it to second, and then was running to third. Just when he was about to get to third, the coach put up the stop sign, and Sebastian stopped. Dead in his tracks. Four feet short of the base. That is one literal ballplayer.

Rays are known for their passionate fans. Cowbells are everywhere. The little league noisemaker du jour is the beanfilled baseball maracas. Doesn’t quite help the boys bat when it sounds like they should be doing a salsa. And some boys actually are dancing, especially in the outfield when there hasn’t been a hit in about 3 hours. Or broadjumping over bare patches. Or flower picking. It’s hard being an outfielder.

It’s probably even harder for the Rays, given the lack of bare patches and flowers. They actually have to pay attention.

Dioner Navarro is the starting catcher, known for handling the pitching staff quite well. Little Alex is pretty much outweighed by the catcher’s gear, and looks more ready for lancing than catching. My boy also catches, with the term “catching” used loosely. He uses the Bob Uecker method of catching…he patiently waits until the ball stops rolling, and then he picks it up.

The Rays have well skilled fielders that always know what the proper defensive play is. The little league team also spends a lot of time fielding, only because of the many overthrows. You can always tell which parent goes with which kid, because whichever kid is closest to the ball at any given time, the parent pops up in the stands to yell at his/her kid. It looks like a human version of Whack-a-Mole.

The Rays are equipped with the finest equipment. Max

got to wear an athletic supporter for the first time. He enjoys doing a cup check, which is basically putting the equipment on, and then banging his privates with his fist. His teammates also enjoy it, and sometimes try to do cup checks on each other. With bats. Not the brightest crew around.

The pitching staff for the Rays are the finest, having a variety of pitches at their disposal like the fastball, the curve, and slider. The little league has a different sort of variety, mainly the slow ball, the slower ball, the bean ball upside the helmet, the bean ball in the back, the four hopper, the overthrow into the backstop, the overthrow into the umpire, the overthrow combined with the overthrow back to the pitcher, the triple combo overthrow pitcher/catcher/ random infielder/back to pitcher (and occasionally coach).

The Rays are a close knit team. The little league team is a little too close.

Like three runners on one base.

The Rays are well coached. The little league coaches are possibly the most patient on earth. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are shaping the next generation of Rays. Or dancers. Or broadjumpers. Hard to tell.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Recently the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football team and Head Coach Tim Marcum introduced the team’s new ownership during half-time of a free-tofans, pre-season game against their long time rival, the Orlando Predators. The new ownership group will be led by AFL veteran owner, managing partner and team President Todd Boren, and his partners Michael O’Quinn, Steven Jones and Robert Dison.

In its most recent season, the Storm led the AFL in attendance, averaging 16,793 fans per game. The unwavering support

46

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

of Storm fans has been the key to the team’s past success and Coach Marcum believes it will be instrumental in reaching the playoffs again this year.

“Strong leadership, top recruitment, experienced coaching and fan support is all key to a winning team. I’m convinced that fans are the reason that players win a game, and I hope we can again count on the extraordinary support of our community to fill our stands and cheer us forward to victory,” said Marcum.

The Storm return to their home field, the St. Pete Times Forum, which is

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

uniquely situated in the heart of downtown Tampa. The new owners stressed their commitment to being a strong, interactive community partner in Tampa Bay. The return of the Storm for the 2010 season will bring increased job opportunities, drive economic activity and provide a financial boost for businesses surrounding the Times Forum.

“Having served alongside the Tampa Bay Storm’s new owner for many years, I have seen first-hand the level of expertise, commitment and tireless dedication that he brings to his teams. I am proud that the Storm is returning to the field with a leadership team that will not only make great strides for the game, but also for the entire community. Tampa Bay is already known for being one of the top sports communities in the nation, and the return of the Storm, under strong new ownership like this, is certain to add to that distinction,” said AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz, who was not able to attend the announcement .

The Storm currently hold five world championship titles and the quest for its sixth trophy begins on the road April 3rd against the Tulsa Talons. Marcum, a Hall of Fame coach with seven world championships and 198 wins, the most of any coach in AFL history will be leading the Storm for the 15th season. The team will host its first regular home game of the season on April 16th against the Dallas Vigilantes.

“The Tampa Bay Storm is a five time World Championship team, led by a Hall of Fame coach and living legend Tim Marcum.

We are stacked with the some of the best players in the AFL, and the greatest fans in arena football… bar none. It is my dream come true to have the opportunity to be a leader of this storied franchise. As managing partner and team President, I am dedicated to being a solid and visible leader, who is out of the owner’s box and in the stands to constantly challenge our players and fans to make us a stronger league and winning team. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Storm plays its first game against our bitter rivals, the Orlando Predators. With these two teams on the field, anything goes,” said owner Todd Boren.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tampabaystorm.com or call 813-301-6600.