Accent On Tampa Bay #174, April 2012 by Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 23, Issue 174 April, 2012 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Sales Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designer Julie Johnston Contributors Sylvie Damien Nancy Evans Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Proofreader Charlie deCatta Cover Photos: Courtesy of Lady Antebellum PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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

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LOCAL FOCUS AMERICA’S GOT TALENT AT THE MAHAFFEY - April 3 NBC’s America’s Got Talent is taping live at The Mahaffey and you can join host Nick Cannon and celebrity judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, and Sharon Osbourne in the live television audience. Watch the country’s best performers compete live in Florida for two days only, April 3rd and 4th with tapings at 12pm and 5pm. ALL TICKETS ARE FREE. The minimum age to attend is 14. For more information and to print free tickets, visit www.on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Americas_Got_Talent

INTERNATIONAL GYPSY DAY - April 8 International Gypsy Day will be celebrated at St. Petersburg Nights (Russian Restaurant & Lounge) with performance of Via Roman Gypsy Band. From words to the music, the Gypsy culture has influenced the popular music scene with a distinct rise in “Gypsy sounds” across Europe and United Sates over the last few years. Groups such as Gogol Bordello fuse traditional Romany music with punk to create their increasingly popular sound. Tunes such as “Bamboleo” by The Gypsy Kings continue to stir emotion and passion when played in numerous bars and clubs around the world. One of the facts of most Gypsy groups is that the culture is rich not only with music but also dance. Flamenco is traditionally the dance of Spanish Gypsies. It is thought that it was originally a way for various oppressed groups, such as the Spanish Moors, to express their emotions and frustration The International Day of the Roma (Gypsy) calls attention to all innocent Roma victims, as well as creates collaborative international effort to protect and promote Roma people’s rights and culture. On Sunday, April 8 at 7pm, St. Petersburg Nights, will host a concert of Via Romen - North America’s premier Nuevo Russian-Romany (Gypsy) ensemble to celebrate Roman culture. Via Romen enchants audiences with fiery music and dances, drawn from a vast repertoire originating in Russia and Eastern Europe and influenced by Jewish, Latin and Jazz music. Artistic director of the Via Romen ensemble, dancer, vocalist, and virtuoso of the Russian seven-string guitar, Vadim Kolpakov, and Arkadiy Gips, a premier violinist, were part of Madonns’s “Sticky&Sweet” 2008-09 world tour. Alexander Gorodezky, a virtuoso guitar and composer, specializes in classical, jazz and world music. Via Romen entertained the presidents of Russia, Finland and other European countries, performing throughout Europe, North and South America. Also, see dance performances by Alina Shakina-traditional Russian gypsy dances and Omaris “The Dominican Rose”-professional award winning dancer and instructor. More Information 727-363-3832. St. Petersburg Nights is located at 6800 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach, Fl 33706; www.StPetersburgNights.com 4

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20th ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT CLEARWATER - April 8 The Hunt happens at 12:30 sharp and is over in minutes. Organizers urge: “Be there on time because when thousands of kids race across the grass to gather up over 25,000 candy-filled eggs, the whole thing is over within a matter of minutes.” The event starts with the race to find the most Easter eggs, candy, and of course, 250 of those famous Golden Eggs. Each child who finds a Golden Egg will receive a stuffed bunny. In addition to the main event, there are pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, rides on the “Bunny Express”, special entertainment, a giant inflatable slide and a bouncy house. The “Tricky Dogs Show” will be performing on the Coachman Park stage at 12:45 pm. The Easter Bunny and his Mrs. will wander around for fantastic pictures with your kids! This event is free and everyone is welcome, so don’t forget to bring your Easter basket! There is a small fee for food and some attractions. The hunt is for kids 16 and under only please. 727.442.2099. www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org/

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET & FREE CLOTHING SWAP - April 9th

The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is a year-round open-air market held in Gulfport’s Waterfront District on Beach Blvd. Market hours are 9am to 3pm every Tuesday. Vendors offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, local honey, teas, herbs, seafood, Florida grass-fed beef, cheese, fresh breads, pastries, nuts and granola, gourmet, vegetarian/vegan and ethnic foods, candy, garden plants, fresh flowers, bath and body products and much more. A variety of local artists and crafters offer their wares. Many other unique items are available from over 50 vendors with new vendors appearing each week. Live music is featured in two locations. On April 9th from 9am to 1pm, The Tuesday Market Free Clothing Swap continues to grow in popularity. Participants are invited to bring up to five gently used garments to exchange for vouchers that may be used to select clothing brought in by other participants. Clothing may be for women, men or children. All cash proceeds, donated clothing, and non-selected garments at the end of the swap will be donated to Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA). 2937 Beach Boulevard South Gulfport, FL 33707; 727-366-4086; www.gulfportma.com/gma-events/tuesday-fresh-market www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

TAMPA BAY PRO-AM HOSTED BY TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING - April 9-15 Homeless Emergency Project (HEP), with funds supporting The Campaign to Bring Our Veterans All the Way Home, will share in the proceeds from the premier Champions Tour event taking place April 9-15 at TPC Tampa Bay. Since 1986, Homeless Emergency Project’s mission has been to provide homeless and very low income individuals and families with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. http://www.ethep.org Celebrities scheduled to appear include Ronde’ Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, John O’Hurley, Joe Theismann, and Lightning Founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event in 2012. The 2012 Tampa Bay Pro-Am will take place in Lutz, FL. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com.

ROWDIES HOME OPENER RALLY AT MACDINTON’S - April 12

The Tampa Bay Rowdies, along with MacDinton’s at Jannus Live in Downtown St. Petersburg, will host the Rowdies Rally on Thursday, April 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The event, which will serve as the official season launch party, will feature live music, Rowdies player appearances and autographs, and chances to win free tickets and prizes from the Rowdies, MacDinton’s, Jannus Live, and Tampa Bay Club Sport. Fans will also get a chance to check out and purchase the new official 2012 Rowdies merchandise. Admission is free and Open Bar from 6:00-8:00 p.m. is $10 at MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Restaurant. The 2012 home opener for the Rowdies takes place on Saturday April 14, when they take on FC Edmonton at Al Lang Stadium at 7:30 p.m. For more information on MacDinton’s at Jannus Live, visit www.jannuslive.com or www. macdintons.com. For ticket information for the 2012 Rowdies season, visit www.RowdiesSoccer.com or call 813287-1539. 6

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GULF COAST RHYTHM & RIBFEST - April 13-15 Make plans to join us for the 6th Annual Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest. Rhythm & Ribfest features a mix of great music, fantastic food from across the U.S., and lots of fun for the entire family. Smoke will fill the air as the top Rib Teams from across the Nation return to serve up their award winning recipes and to compete for this year’s top honors. In addition to the food, music lovers will be entertained by a variety of local, regional and National Recording Artist offering the best mix of Country, Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B and Rock music. “Greatest Ribs in America”, “Golden Ribs Award”, “Best Sauce in the Nation” and numerous “People’s Choice Awards” are just a few of the Titles and Awards, the attending Rib Masters share amongst them. Last year’s winners of the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” Awards will attend again and are ready to defend their titles. Visit the “Cruise to the Gulf Coast” Car & Bike Show featuring something for everyone including classic, muscle and high performance categories. Families will find plenty to do and will enjoy Games, Rides, Prizes, Thrill Shows, and Live Entertainment in our Interactive Kid’s Fun Zone. Dozens of Arts & Craft and Specialty Item Vendors will showcase their merchandise and round out the activities offered at the Rhythm & Rib Fest. Entertainment lineup includes: Friday April 13: 6:00 PM - MITCH CLARK BAND; 8:30 PM ERIC DARIUS Saturday April 14: NOON - DR. DAVE BAND; 1:30 PM - KETTLE OF FISH; 3:30 PM WAR; 6:00 PM - THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND; 8:30 PM - MOLLY HATCHET Sunday April 15: 1:00 PM - TBA; 4:00 PM - ACE FACTOR; 6:30 PM - TYRESE For more information, www.gulfcoastribfest.com/

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL 2012 - April 13-23

This is the biggest line-up of movies they’ve ever had with 235 films from over 30 countries and an eclectic array of guests, such as Frank Langella for the Opening Night film Robot and Frank (along with the film’s director Jake Schreier) and Todd Solondz, director of Dark Horse, the Centerpiece film. (Frank Langella has been cast with Christopher Plummer to appear in Stephen Frears’ HBO film Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight. Plummer will play Supreme Court Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan II with Langella in the role of Chief Justice Warren Berger. Joining in this year will be Dominic Monaghan and Ashley Bell from the apocalyptic thriller The Day. Dominic is best known for two iconic roles: first as the Hobbit “Merry” in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and second as the doomed rocker Charlie Pace on the acclaimed series Lost. Ashley Bell made a breakout showing as Nell in The Last Exorcism. The Day, a nail-biting thriller and character-study sure to appeal to fans of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Also on hand will be Rory Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. Rory directed the documentary feature Ethel about the life of her mother, Robert F. Kennedy’s widow. Fourteen of the festival’s films are either World or US Premieres, including new work from Paula M. Froehle, Dan Sallitt, Olivia Silver, Kris Swanberg, Onur Tukel, Femke and Ilsa van Velzen, Randall Wood and more. Closing Night film has been moved to Saturday evening at the Sarasota Opera House. This year they will present AcademyAward nominated director Joe Berlinger’s documentary Under African Skies chronicling the making of Paul Simon’s classic Graceland in South Africa. www.sarasotafilmfestival. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

BELLE OF THE BALL - April 14, 21, May 5, 12 Prom and Homecoming dances are a highlight for many high school girls, one that calls for a pretty dress. But as formal season approaches, there are countless girls who are unable to afford a dress. “Belle of the Ball” is a project that gives those girls a beautiful dress for their special evening. The whys and hows of their situation are not important, just that someone is there to help them out with their homecoming or prom needs. Some of the dresses are new with tags still attached and many have been worn only once. All of the dresses are free of charge and we hope they will be returned to Belle of the Ball when they are through being worn. The idea is to not have a single dress hanging in the back of a closet not being loved. Seminole Mall, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole, FL ; www.belleoftheballproject.com

“SPLASH OF JAZZ” TO BENEFIT RCS GRACE HOUSE - April 14 Times columnist Ernest Hooper will emcee an hors d’oeuvres and wine party with a silent auction benefit from 7:00-10:00PM on Saturday April 14, 2012 at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium featuring the sounds of Alan Darcy on saxophone, and a private dolphin show with Clearwater’s own film star, Winter. Hors d’oeuvres provided by the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy. Tickets are $25 per person. RCS Grace House is a Religious Community Services, Inc. program for families with children that are homeless in Pinellas County. Providing emergency shelter and case-management to over 600 people annually, mostly children, RCS Grace House keeps families together while they overcome their crisis of homelessness. www.SplashofJazz.com

4TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK - April 14

Free admission, live music, fine arts exhibits and sales, kids activities and family fun. Visit local artisans, artists, and organizations in an open air market. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The location is R.E. Olds Park at 107 Shore Drive W. Participants wanting to compete in Sunburst International Pageant & Model Search (held the same day at 11:00 am) may call 352-429-4924, or go to www.sunburstbeauty.com for more info.

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APRIL HAPPY DAYS PERFORM APRIL FOOL’S DAY NO JOKE! You LOVE “Happy Days”, a funny and entertaining duo from “The Big Apple”. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance and sing along, as they do impersonations and songs from those you remember Englebert, Elvis, the Blues Brothers and more. Sunday, April 1, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m. BOOK NOOK BY THE BAY SATURDAY, April 7 Book Nook, from 10:30-noon, the first Saturday of each month, is a family program of The Pier Aquarium, and features three scheduled activities. 10:30am Fresh Fish Theater: family library time, craft activity with this month’s Featured Creatures, Anthias. Featured Creature facts, suggested reading by Youth Services Coordinator Beth Lindsay from the St. Petersburg Public Library System, the aquarium’s marine science library and the reading of books. It is free with a paid aquarium admission. JOSE VALENTINO ON EASTER SUNDAY - April 8 Before reaching the age required to obtain a Florida driver’s permit, José Valentino Ruiz, aka-Joe Ruiz, was playing flute with passion and dexterity. José was born in Maryland, and lived there during the first eight years of his life prior to moving to Tampa. Frequent trips with his family to Puerto Rico infused fervor in his soul for his Hispanic heritage and excitement for Latin rhythms. Diligently practicing for hours a day, José honed his skills. He performs as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist in his concerts bringing art music from around the world to his audiences. José’s primary instrument is the flute. In his performances, he captures the audience’s attention because he brings music from all parts of the world and fuses it all together. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m. WD-HAN DEBUTS AT THE PIER - April 15 WD-HAN debuts at The Pier on Sunday, April 15th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. as part of the Music Fest by the Bay. WD-HAN stands for “We Don’t Have a Name”, but I think this band is already making a name for themselves in the Tampa Bay area. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m. “BUMP IN THE ROAD” - April 22 “Bump in the Road” band performs in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties and are available for parties and events. This is a return performance at The Pier for them and they perform country, folk and southern rock. Courtyard by the Bay LEE & NEVAEH PEEK - April 29 A New Kind of Country. Jennifer Lee and Nevaeh Peek is comprised of six professional musicians, each with a broad and deep musical history. Jennifer Lee (Vocals) and Brent Johns (Harmonica) are Nashville Recording Artists, each with their own originals. Our other four members are professional studio musicians as well. All members have performed with many widely recognized musicians throughout the United States. Don’t let the cowboy hats fool you. Nevaeh Peek can “Rock the House” playing anything from soul filled blues to classic rock. They will inspire the audience to tap toes. They perform everything from favorite line dance tunes to classy originals, continually adding popular hits to their ever-growing list of songs. Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m.

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2012 TEEN IDOL HOLDING OPEN AUDITIONS - April 17 Are you Tampa Bay’s next rising teen idol? Do you have what it takes to make the crowd go wild? If so, producers with Dunedin’s “Teen Idol 2012” want you. Open auditions for Teen Idol 2012 will take place on Tuesday, April 17 from 6-9pm at the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road. Auditions are available for teen singers age 13-18. Audition slots are first-come, first-served. Performing for a panel of judges, the top ten acts from Tuesday night will head on to the finals show – Friday, May 11th at 7PM, to be in front of a sold-out audience and three local “celebrity judges.” Catch the excitement as several former contestants in “Teen Idol” have gone on to make it big. Jeremy Rosado, a finalist on American Idol Season 11, took first place in last year’s show. Alex Amor of St. Petersburg and Aubrey Wollet of Dunedin are also two names that one might recognize, as both have landed successful recording contracts and have appeared in Teen Idol. The finals show in May will be hosted by Ann Kelly from Magic 94.9FM. For more information, please contact the City of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department at 727-812-4530 or email meberius@dunedinfl.net.

Tampa Bay Dining in the Dark - April 17 The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit focused on sight-saving research, will open guests’ eyes to the challenges of the visually impaired community at its 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Dining in the Dark on Tuesday, April 17, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg. To recognize their philanthropic and business accomplishments in the Tampa Bay community, the Foundation will present Susan and John Sykes with its Visionary Award at the unique event. Legendary sports personality and Tampa Bay Rays Senior Advisor Dick Crippen will serve as master of ceremonies and musician Danny Rodriguez will entertain the crowd. Dining in the Dark is a distinctive sensory awareness experience in which guests participate in an unforgettable dining adventure, in complete darkness. To get a glimpse into the lives of the blind, diners will wear special light-blocking blindfolds and enjoy their entrée using only their heightened senses of smell, sound, taste and touch. The one-of-a-kind event will benefit the Foundation’s cutting-edge research into preventions, treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases like macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and related conditions. “Reactions to Dining in the Dark are truly powerful because people often don’t realize the daily challenges of living with low vision,” says Dinner Co-Chair and Foundation Fighting Blindness National Trustee Dr. Kamal Majeed, of St. Petersburg. President and CEO of Tampa-based NexTech Systems, Dr. Majeed is motivated in the fight against blindness because his late mother experienced vision loss later in life, and his mother-in-law is now losing her sight to age-related macular degeneHi ration. “We’re thrilled to honor Susan and John Sykes’ standout contributions to the Tampa Bay community, as we come together to support promising research toward brighter futures for people living in darkness.” Visionary Award Honorees Susan and John Sykes are longtime Tampa Bay philanthropists, and made a significant mark on the city with significant contributions to The University of Tampa. Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Lesley Ireland at (919) 781-8014 or LIreland@FightBlindness.org. Website: www.fightblindness.org 10

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GRATEFUL DEAD RETURNS TO CINEMAS WITH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN 1989 CONCERT - April 19 See this One-Night Grateful Dead Cinema Event. Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012 will take audiences on a flashback trip to the summer of ‘89 for a one-night in-theater concert event on Thursday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. Recorded July 18, 1989, at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre, this never-before-seen concert is directly from the Grateful Dead vault. This iconic concert, featuring Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Brent Mydland, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, was recorded the night after the Dead’s legendary Downhill from Here performance in East Troy, Wis. Dead Heads in attendance will experience the two-anda-half hour concert in its entirety, including fan favorites, as well as a rare split of “Sugar Magnolia,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” and “Hey Jude Medley.” Before the start of the concert, movie theater audiences will also be treated to a slideshow of rare photos of the band by Jim Anderson and John Cantamessa, along with a previously unreleased live track recorded in Hartford, Conn. in July of 1974. Additionally, before the show time, Fathom will feature a handful of the top submissions from the recent Dead Covers Project, which encouraged fans to upload videos of their covers of Dead tracks to Dead.net. This is the second annual Grateful Dead fan meet-up following last year’s successful event, which sold out in several locations across the U.S. www.FathomEvents.com.

THE 7TH ANNUAL SUNSCREEN FILM FESTIVAL ATTRACTS HIGH PROFILE ACTORS - April 19-22 Downtown St. Petersburg is the location for the 7th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival, to be held April 19-22, and will boast high-profile names from the industry. The festival has paved the way for successful directors as well, and continues to bring in talent from all over the country. The 7th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival gives movie-buffs the chance to watch their favorite actors in a different kind of setting, in a special viewing outside the theater. This year, the opening film (to be held on Thursday night), titled “Searching for Sonny” , will star the following people: Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “The Roommate”), Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Masi Oka (“Heroes,” “Get Smart”) Jason Dohring (“Veronica Mars”), Michael Hogan (“Battlestar Galactica”), and Clarke Peters (“The Wire”, “Treme”). The festival has hosted some of the greatest names in the biz; actors and director who have used the festival as a stepping stone for their career. Those people include, but are not limited to: Melissa McCarthy (“Pretty Ugly People,” 2009) stars in “Mike & Molly”; Olivia Wilde (star of “Fix,” the film that won Best Director in 2009) gained attention for her role on Fox’s “House, MD” and has since starred in “Tron: Legacy,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and “The Change-Up”); Neil Mandt - director and star of “Last Stop For Paul” (Best Director, 2007); and John Putch - director of “BachelorMan” (Best Feature, 2006), “Mojave Phone Booth” (2007) and “Route 30” (2009). Putch has numerous TV directing credits, including “Body Of Proof,” “Scrubs,” “Cougar Town,” “My Name Is Earl,” and “Ugly Betty.” Putch directed the film “American Pie Presents: The Book Of Love” in 2009. For Festival VIP passes, workshop schedules and other information, visit www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com. 12

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Flicks and Food Trucks - April 19 Tampa Bay Markets are hosting a night time Food Truck event featuring Local, Independent Short Films, Local Brew and Live Music. The event is located on the 1200 Block of Madison Street and at Grand Central on Kennedy. Ten to fifteen Food Trucks serving everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites will park on Madison Street. Short films and live music will rotate every 1/2 hr and local beer will be provided by the Pour House in the courtyard at Grand Central from 6pm - 10pm. Live Music will be provided by Rob Irie. Flicks and Food Trucks is held every third Thursday of each month and is a community event for all local residents, families and business people from the Channel District and Downtown Tampa. www.tampabaymarkets.com/

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S CATTLE BARONS’ BALL - April 20 Lightning Chairman and Governor, Jeff Vinik and his wife Penny, will serve as the honorary chairmen of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball for 2012. As honorary chairs, the Viniks will host one of Tampa’s premier charity events on Friday, April 20 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, home of the Lightning. The 2012 Cattle Barons’ Ball will also feature one of the hottest country performers around, Jo Dee Messina. With over five million albums sold, nine #1 singles, two Grammy nominations in addition to awards by the CMA and ACM, Jo Dee will bring her star power to the stage and help make this a night to remember. This year’s Cattle Barons’ Ball, themed Marshals and Mavericks, features gourmet western chow, live and silent auctions, dancing and the famous Bull Races. All proceeds from the Cattle Barons’ Ball benefit the programs and services of the American Cancer Society and more than .80 cents on every dollar donated goes towards funding the American Cancer Society Mission. For more information, call the American Cancer Society Cattle Barons’ Ball office at 813-319-5904. www.cattlebaronsballtampa.org/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

FIRST ANNUAL ERASE HATE TAMPA BAY FESTIVAL - April 21 Erase Hate Tampa, a non-profit dedicated to making our community embrace a higher level of acceptance, are hosting their first ever event at Curtis Hixon Park, located along the downtown Tampa Riverwalk. The day’s events kick-off with an all-age carnival atmosphere setting complete with food vendors and drinks. The evening portion of the event includes live musical performances by Brandi Carlile and other great artists. Folk rock singersongwriter Brandi Carlile who recently played an intimate sold out show to a Capitol Theatre audience. Whether she is rocking out or singing a capella, Carlile brings a riveting intensity to her shows. Executive Director, Barbie Winterbottom shares, “Erase Hate Tampa Bay is creating a legacy of inclusion and acceptance in Tampa Bay and beyond by focusing on educating our youth and young adults to become leaders and champions for social change and awareness.” General admission to the event is free, but for those looking to reserve space or receive preferential treatment there are a limited number of VIP tickets and packages available. WWW.erasehatetampabay.org/events/

DUNEDIN TOUCH A TRUCK - April 28 Grab the kids, the camera, even the grandparents – the City of Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its eleventh annual “Touch-a-Truck” in Highlander Park. The festivities begin at 10am on Saturday, April 28 and go on until 3pm. Now in its eleventh year, “Touch a Truck” in Dunedin has become the largest event of its kind in the Southeastern United States with over 150 vehicles on display. Vehicles range from police, fire and military to construction trucks, semi-trucks and boats. “Touch a Truck” will feature some exciting new additions, among them a 20-ton tank used in the Korean War. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team will be demonstrating search techniques, an extrication demonstration from the Dunedin Fire Rescue crews will show children how trapped accident victims are removed from wreckage, and Ronald McDonald will also be on-hand to sign autographs and stop for those “picture-perfect moments.” Parking is available for $2 with free admission to the event. Additional parking is located at Dunedin High School (1651 Pinehurst Road) with a free ride on the Jolley Trolley, which will be providing shuttle services. Highlander Park is located at 1920 Pinehurst Road in Dunedin, just north of SR580/Main Street. 727.812.4530; www.DunedinGov.com. 14

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TAKE FLIGHT AT THE TRADEWINDS ONBOARD THE NEW JETLEV Beginning in April, area visitors can fulfill their dream of flying with a ride on the new JetLev a water propelled jetpack that soars up to heights of 30 feet at 30 miles per hour. TradeWinds is the first on Floridas west coast to offer flights aboard these custom-designed packs. The exhilarating experience takes riders into the Gulf of Mexico and allows them to fly over or even walk on the water. Each JetLev session is 45 minutes, with a ride time of 30 minutes. The cost is $250 for hotel guests and $285 for nonguests. Fliers must be at least 18 years of age. To see a video of the JetLev in action, go to www.JustLetGo.com/JetLev. The TradeWinds is also adding electric surfboards known as WaveJets to its list of watersport options. These can be rented by the hour and include a lesson. There are various board sizes available, including standup paddleboards, longboard, shortboard and bodyboards. Riders can travel over 8 miles per hour on these hands-free, eco-friendly boards that utilize rechargeable batteries. Riders can document these once-in-a-lifetime experiences by renting a Go-Pro, a small waterproof HD video camera. The cameras are strapped to the riders head allowing them to capture first-person HD video of their experience themselves. Both the JetLev and the WaveJet surf board rides are open to the public. The thrills continue with the addition of the Gyrosphere, where guests can flip and spin the day away. The bungee trampoline is now running at night under the glow of neon lights. Other new offerings include stand-up paddleboards, supersize Kinect video games, 100-foot slack line, tetherball and BiminiRing. These are the perfect complement to last years new addition Splash Island Water Park, a playground floating in the Gulf of Mexico just 60 feet off the resorts sandy shoreline. For more information, visit www.JustLetGo.com.

6TH ANNUAL WINE AND TAPAS EXTRAVANGZA April 26 Enjoy fine Wines sponsored by Lukens Liquors and Hors D’oeuvres and Desserts provided by many fine restuarants, including bonefish Grill, O’Keefes, E7E Stakeout Grill, Tapas Garden and Wine Bar, rusty’s, Watercolour Steakhouse, Belleair CC, Thai Coconut Restaurant, Marlin Darlin Grill, The Pie Factory, Cold Stone Creamery, Forlini’s and En Garde Gourmet Catering, at the Largo Cultural Center, 6-9pm. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo; WWW.rotary6950.org/

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Celebrate EarthFest 2012 - April 21 First Florida Frontiers, Inc. is committed to sharing sustainable practices in accordance with the Earth Charter US and are partnering with Earth Scouts St. Petersburg and the City of Gulfport, to bring this project to life. Earthfest 2012 is open to families, individuals, artists, musicians, storytellers, poets, dancers, performers, nonprofit organizations and businesses committed preparing for a sustainable future in the spirit of community. EarthFest 2012, Saturday, April 21, 10 am-4 pm, at Clymer Park, Gulfport, FL (Corners of Gulfport Blvd. and Beach Blvd. N & S). 727.744.7051. www.meetup.com/Gulfport-FL-EarthFest-2012MeetupGroup/files/

Eight to the Bar LIVE at the Gulfport Casino - April 25 On Wednesday, April 25, New England Swing Legends, Eight to the Bar, appear LIVE at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night. The event starts with a Shim Sham Lesson 6-7pm, followed by Swing Dance Lesson 7-8pm, then Live Music & Dancing 8-11pm. All ages are welcome and no partner is needed. Eight to the Bar is a pioneer of the modern swing resurgence, together for 35 years and recording 12 albums. The band swings with a jump jive, jump blues, and boogie woogie sound that inspires dancers wherever they go. The band is known for the vocal harmonies created by their two female singers and backed by boogie-woogie piano, sax, and an all-star rhythm section. Eight to the Bar plays about 200 events each year, including prestigious shows, venues, festivals, and dances across the globe. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve appeared in concert with Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Manhattan Transfer, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Robert Cray, and Neil Young, to name a few. The band visits Florida about once every 10 years, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this rare opportunity to dance to Eight to the Bar live.

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ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is located in Al Lang Stadium parking lot (Progress energy Park), hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The parking lot is at the SE corner of First Avenue South and First Street. The Market is located on the western portion of the parking lot. For a GPS location, use 101 1st St SE. (zip - 33701). The market features a wide variety fresh food, plants and crafts including: Farmers providing locally grown fresh produce and herbs. Meet who grows your food; Fresh Produce with a wide selection of regular & organic fruits and vegetables; Prepared Foods such as BBQ Turkey, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, fruit smoothies and much more; Gourmet Baked Goods including crusty bread, muffins, pies, and delectable desserts; Greenery - Plants, Flowers, Orchids, and Fresh Herbs; and Hand-crafted House wares & Gifts. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

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

LIVE ARTS ON THE 600 BLOCK! - Every Third Saturday Of The Month Hosted by the diverse and creative venues on the Block, LIVE Arts on the 600 Block! is a multi-arts sidewalk fest featuring artists and artisans in downtown St. Petersburg. Stop by the block every third Saturday of the month, to listen to live music, enjoy the shops, and watch artists of all kinds at work. In addition, many of the shops and galleries will be showcasing their offerings with enticing specials throughout the day. 10am-6pm. For more information visit www.sixhundredblock.com

COREY SUNSET CELEBRATION - Second And Fourth Friday Of Every Month, Year Round The Corey Avenue Sunset Celebration takes place from 6-10 pm. Each bimonthly event feature a variety of unique live entertainment, as well as local artists and crafters and a variety of snack food vendors. Buskers and street performers are always welcome at Corey Sunset Celebration, and may work for hat, at no charge to set up. Corey Avenue is the Heart of Downtown St. Pete Beach, the Sunset Capital of Florida. Discover the unique stores, specialty shops, the theater, restaurants, art galleries, clothing stores, imaginative gift shops, craft and hobby shopping, beachwear shops, and more. Visit by car or trolley. Free Parking and admission. www.CoreyAve.com. 18

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l a u n n A h t The 11

JOHN LEV

he 11th Annual John Levique Pirate Days will celebrate more than a decade of decadence while preparing its residents for hurricane season on May11-13, 2012. The event celebrates Leveque’s discovery of the John’s Pass waterway following the Great Gale of 1848. The John’s Pass Village Association will host a variety of events throughout the weekend including a Pirate’s Ball, pirate sea battle and boat parade, a walking parade, a family treasure hunt, adults and children’s costume contests, a pub crawl and more. The event will also include various pirate themed plunder …err ...merchandise, food and beverage vendors, along with an abundance of authentic performers. Free parking is available at Madeira Beach Fundamental School, with a free shuttle to John’s Pass Village sponsored by FreeBeachRide.com. Although admission to the event is free, there will be a suggested donation of a buck-an-ear to help defray the cost of the event. The 11th Annual Pirates Ball will take place in the Main Parking lot at John’s Pass, on Friday May 11th, from 7 pm to 11pm. This bawdy, adults only adventure & fundraiser, will feature Piratical entertainment with Sea Shanties and nautical songs. The adults costume contest will be judged at 10 pm, with the victors receiving prizes valued at thousands of dollars donated by area merchants.Tickets for the Pirates Ball is a $20 donation and includes hors d’oeuvres and entry into the costume contest. The Family Treasure Hunt begins on Saturday, May 12th, 10am to 6pm and continues 10am to 4pm on Sunday, May 13th. Families are given a map and a list of clues and are encouraged to dress in pirate garb. The goal is to find all of the spots on the treasure hunt in order to qualify for the grand prize drawing, valued at hundreds of dollars. All families who complete the hunt will be entered into the grand prize drawing, which will be held at 4:15 pm on Sunday, May 13th. FREE Additional Children’s Activities include face painting and family friendly pirate entertainers. (some fees may apply) The Children’s Costume Contest will take place at 4:15 pm on May 12th. Every child will receive a prize, with several larger prizes being awarded to the best dressed. There is no entry fee for the costume contest. The Merbellas “Live Mermaid Exhibit” can be seen at the Bell tower several times throughout the weekend. Get up close as you step up to see the Beautiful Merbellas Mermaids inside a custom 1000 Gallon Mermaid exhibit.’ The Boat Parade Committee has shanghaied ships from all ports to participate in the Boat Parade

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VIQUE PIRATE DAYS and Sea Battle. The Flotilla will set sail Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 am from just north of the Treasure Island Bridge and will continue past Eleanor Island before entering the battle zone in front of the Johns Pass Boardwalk at High Noon. Following the invasion, the sea Loyalists will parade through the Village handing out beads and other trinkets to the children. The parade which starts at 1:30, will wind through the Village and end at the center square tent where prizes will be given to the winners of each boating category. This event is environmentally friendly. No beads or balloons shall be thrown during the Sea Battle. This is a free fun-filled family adventure. The 11th Annual John’s Pass Pirates Pub Crawl is an adult’s only adventure. Tickets include one complimentary adult beverage at each of the participating Pubs as well as a special edition Pub Crawl pass. Each of the participating pubs will feature one free adult beverage, scheduled entertainment, givea-ways, and specials throughout the weekend. Pub Crawl tickets may be purchased online at www.JohnLeviquePirateDays.com, at the Pirates Ball on Friday night or at the Event Information booth on Saturday until sold out. The West Coast Mutineers are the featured performance group. They are a crew of specialized actors, actresses and re-enactors who design and rehearse their stunts for months before the show. Two entertainment stages this year will be at the Bamboo cul-de-sac and in the main parking lot & Food Court. The show ends at dusk on Saturday with a spectacular Fire Show performed by Bohemian Fire. Bohemian Fire is a unique group of Poi Fire Performers who provide a high quality routine, specializing in Fire with all measures of fiery tools including fans, Hula Hoops, swords, ropes, and whips, as well as Fire eating and Fire Breathing. On Sunday, the show will close with a traditional Pub Sing at 5 pm on the Main Stage near the Shuttle stop. The last shuttle sets sail at 6:30 pm, so don’t miss the boat! The 11th Annual John Levique Pirate Days is located in the surrounding area of 150 John’s Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach. 727-322-5217. Hours for the event are; Friday, 3-11 pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. Free Parking is available at Madeira Beach Fundamental school at 591 Tom Stuart Causeway, Madeira Beach, 33708, with a Free Shuttle to John’s Pass sponsored by FreeBeachRide.com. Additional pay parking is available within John’s Pass Village, and along Gulf Blvd. www.JohnLeviquePirateDays.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

STRAZ PERFORMANCES BURN THE FLOOR - April 24 - 29. The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble - audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing. THE NEW STRAZ SEASON offers the singing and dancing nuns of Sister Act, Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes, feel-good romps with ’80s hits like Priscilla Queen of the Desert’s “I Will Survive” and Flashdance’s “Flashdance – What A Feeling,” the chilling return of Jekyll & Hyde, the poignant and spectacular drama War Horse, the exhilarating and evocative Traces and the all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the Gershwins in ’S Wonderful. In addition to the eight-show series, the Straz Center will also present Green Day’s American Idiot and, based on the hugely popular movie, Elf The Musical, the “endearingly goofy” (USA Today) story of a man raised as an elf at the North Pole who goes in search

of his human family. Plus, The Straz presents the triumphant return of Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, Wicked, the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped in on Oz. Season ticket holders will be able to add any or all of these three shows to their package. “Our Broadway season will offer theater audiences in the Tampa Bay area the opportunity to experience a vast array of top-notch theatrical productions. This entertaining and rewarding series has something for everyone and showcases the best that theater has to offer.” – Judith Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center. With the exception of ’S Wonderful, which will play in the intimate Jaeb Theater, the series is presented in the Straz Center’s acoustically perfect Carol Morsani Hall, the largest on the west coast of Florida, with more than 2,600 seats. For more information, visit Straz Center, 813229-7827, www.strazcenter.org.

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2.5 MINUTE RIDE - thru crevices of human behavior. 2.5 Minute Ride has been described as “intravenous” – a work which goes directly May 6 By Lisa Kron, Directed by Todd Olson. Winner of the 1999 Obie Award, 2.5 Minute Ride is a funny and deeply disquieting story about a daughter who strives to understand the joys and sorrows of her father’s heart. It’s a startling and searingly funny meditation on how human beings make sense of tragedy, grief, and everyday life. Told with wit and compassion, 2.5 Minute Ride tells the story of a father who, in spite of nearblindness, diabetes, and a heart condition, insists on family trips to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, the roller coaster capital of the world. But this isn’t the only journey this daughter would take with her father … a German-born Jew who escaped Nazi Germany as a teenager only to return as an American soldier. Part testimonial, part performance art, Kron seeks to find the humanity in the

into the mind and heart of the audience via the serum of a beguiling theatrical entertainment.

A STEADY RAIN - thru May 6 By Keith Huff, directed by T. Scott Wooten. One night on a routine call, two Chicago cops begin a journey over three harrowing days that will change their lives forever. Joey and Denny are longtime partners and best friends. They are also men with flaws. Joey is single, a recovering alcoholic and lonely. Denny is married with children, but there are clearly secrets. What begins as a domestic disturbance call snowballs into an avalanche and the friends are eventually forced to offer their differing accounts of what happened. A Steady Rain is the investigation where the audience becomes the jury and Joey and Denny’s lives become changed forever. Mature subject matter and language. www.americanstage.org

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

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

UpComing

Thru April 22

Apr 27 - June 3

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

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27th Annual American Stage in the Park presents THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW April 11 - May 13 By Richard O’Brien. It’s the biggest and baddest rock ‘n’ roll musical ever. On the way to visit an old college professor, two clean cut kids, Brad and his fiancée Janet, run into car trouble and see a light down the road. It’s coming from the Frankenstein place, where Dr. Frank’n’Furter is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments. Follow the squeaky-clean sweethearts on an adventure they’ll never forget, with the scandalous Frank’n’Furter, rippling Rocky, and vivacious Magenta. Get ready for a night of fun, frolics, and frivolity in this thrilling production of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic. www.americanstage.org/

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JACKPOT Now thru Apr 22 From the team who brought you Boogie Wonderland and Viva Vegascomes Jackpot, a fantastic celebration of the Las Vegas of today and yesterday. It’s an affectionate look at all the great performers and personalities that make Vegas sizzle! Filled with classic standards, handsome crooners, beautiful showgirls and exciting dancing, this toe-tapping, finger snapping, high-rolling musical revue is one that you don’t want to miss. Place your bets on an exciting evening of entertainment Las Vegas style!

SWING! - Apr 27 - June 3 “Two thirds rhythm and one third soul.” That’s how Fats Waller defined the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as “swing.” Requiring only joyful enthusiasm and a ready partner, swing exploded out of pre-war Harlem’s hotbed of youth culture and swept the world. It shattered ethnic and cultural barriers, generating specialty styles such as Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hip-Hop Swing. Swing! celebrates this remarkable diversity to the beat of the most exhilarating songs of the period.

NEW YORK NIGHTS - June 8 - July 15 It’s New York City! The “City Rhythm” is taking the streets by storm as The Show Palace presents an all-new musical revue which features high-energy singing and dancing to the sounds of Motown, Rock & Roll, Disco and Broadway. NEW YORK NIGHTS follows a struggling pop singer as he makes his way through the city that never sleeps. Filled with classic pop hits, high-energy singing and dancing and the sights and sounds of New York City this show is a must-see! Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson. 1-888-655-7469, www.showpalace.net

BECKY’S NEW CAR April 27 - May 13 A comedy by Steven Deitz. Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage—with no prospects for change on the horizon. Then one night a socially inept and griefstruck millionaire stumbles into the car dealership where Becky works. Becky is offered nothing short of a new life… and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn’t dare. BECKY’S NEW CAR is a thoroughly original comedy with serious overtones, a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken. West Coast Players is located at 21905 US 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33765; 727 437-2363; www.wcplayers.org/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

UPCOMING SHOWS IN THE CHANNEL DISTRICT BILOXI BLUES - May 4-20 By Neil Simon. Biloxi is the second play in the “Eugene” Trilogy. Social, racial and ethnic issues are tackled with Simon’s superb comic timing. Rich in both humor and ethical confrontation. A young Jewish man, Eugene Morris Jerome, addresses the issues of anti-Semitism and moral responsibility while trying to survive the rigors of army training. The play details his experiences while he served in the United States Army during World War II. Unlike most war productions, Biloxi Blues focuses not on issues of combat, but rather on the training that young soldiers receive. Throughout the course of the work, Eugene learns both how to be a better soldier and how to be a better man. Faced with such sociological issues as anti-Semitism and racism, he acquires his own sense of moral responsibility for the times in which he lives. Tony AWARD for best play: 1985.

SYLVIA - June 28 - July 15

Sylvia is a play about a dog, the couple who adopts her, and the drama that results. It was written by A. R. Gurney www.stageworkstheatre.org; or call 813-251-8984.

DELICIOUS NUT April 12-15 “Delicious Nut” is a painfully funny, compassionate, sometimes explosive look at a diverse group of characters at an in-patient psych ward. Their very humanity is tested during a single group therapy session. Joseph Landsman (played by David Warner) is a psychiatric counselor at the ward, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy, which says mind can control mood. However, Joe may be in more need of counseling than his own patients who represent a wide variety of conditions. Roxanne Fay plays Irene who, though she suffers from Alzheimer’s, still maintains her humor about her life. Leon (played by Robert Heitman) suffers from severe clinical depression; underneath his pain is a man of great dignity and warmth. Karleigh Chase plays Angela who is beautiful, schizophrenic, and desperately in need of love. Chip (played by Drew Smith) lives in a set of circumstances which have made his life unbearable; he is disappearing before his own eyes. This group finds themselves thrown together in need of help emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. In the end, the human spirit triumphs as patients and therapist touch and are touched by each other. Directed by Bob Devin Jones The Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701; 727-895-6620; www.studio620.org

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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN – April 20-May 6 Comedy whodunit by Weinstock & Gilbert. Daniel Corban is distraught at the disappearance of his wife Elizabeth from the remote cabin in the Catskill Mountains, where the Corbans were spending their honeymoon. The cabin belongs to Corban’s boss, who will appear later in the play. Elizabeth just up and disappeared, leaving Daniel in the lurch. While Inspector Levine is out looking for Elizabeth, a priest, Father Kelleher shows up at the cabin with Elizabeth. Corban claims this woman is not his wife. The unexpected turns are maneuvered at high speed, with an ending twist certain to bring you up short.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE - June 1 - 17 Drama by Tennessee Williams. Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her. For more information, visit www.splt.org. 4025 31st Street South, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973.

Amy Schumer April 19 - April 21 Amy Schumer is one of the fastest rising comics on the scene. The former Last Comic Standing finalist has just released Cutting, on Comedy Central Records. It follows her spring 2010 Comedy Central Presents stand up special. She also just filmed a movie with Steve Carell called Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. On the small screen, she has nabbed a recurring role in the upcoming season of Adult Swim’s mocumentary series “Delocated” as well as a spot on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She is also playing opposite Parker Posey in indie flick Price Check. Amy has also performed on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show.” She has also appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres show,” where Ellen was quoted as saying “Amy is one of my favorites, I expect to see big things from this girl.” Amy was selected for the 2007 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival in the “New Faces” category. She has also appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live At Gotham” and co-starred in the series, “Reality Bites Back.” SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com

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RUTH ECKERD HALL

Dancer’s Open Broadway Audition

CALLING ALL DANCERS! A “real life” audition followed by a Dancers Master class with Broadway Choreographer Debra McWaters, co-founder, President and Artistic Director of the Broadway Theatre Project. The Broadway Dance audition and master class will take place on the Ruth Eckerd Hall Main Stage on Sunday, May 6 from 3 to 6:30 pm. “The Audition Workshop” is based on the actual auditions Debra conducted for years while she was actively working on the Broadway show, Chicago the Musical. Students chosen will have the opportunity to participate at the 2012 summer session held at BTP in Tampa from July 8 to July 29. Tuition fee is a separate cost. Reports recommending the top 20 dancers in this competition, will be sent by Veteran Broadway Producer and President & CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., Zev Buffman to his friends and colleagues Fran & Barry Weissler – the Producers Debra McWaters of CHICAGO on Broadway, London and the U.S. National Tour. The names will be added to active casting files for the various CHICAGO productions. Despite an enviable career directing and choreographing on stages around the world – and, most significantly, on Broadway, McWaters who will personally conduct the master class, has always been about helping young people. Her passion is the artistic development of aspiring actors, singers, dancers and performers of all types, but with a particular fondness for teaching dance. McWaters has drawn inspiration from Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and more. In particular Mr. Fosse’s work has been so inspiring to her that she not only has become one of the foremost teachers of his unique choreography, but wrote one of the definitive books on the subject: The Fosse Style. For more than 17 years, Debra has worked as both Assistant and Associate Choreographer for legendary director and choreographer Ann Reinking, participating on the Tony® Award-winning, smash hit Chicago the Musical, Fosse, Applause, Strings!, The Look of Love and more. Auditions are open to dancers, singers and actors age 16 years or older and applicants are asked to submit a $35 fee along with the application. Applicants may download the application from www.broadwaytheatreproject.com/. The fee is waived for students currently enrolled at The Hoffman Institute. Registration must be made in advance. Students will need to bring their sheet music. A pianist will be provided. In addtion, parents, family members and the general public are encouraged to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity to see a Broadway audition in person. Admission is free and open seating will be available inside the main theatre. For more information, applicants can also visit The Hoffman Institute at www.rutheckerdhall.com/education/ or call (727) 712 - 2706.

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In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play - May 4-20 This charming and irreverent comedy of manners by Sarah Ruhl, set against the backdrop of the Victorian medical practice of using vibrators to cure women of hysteria, explores the nature of intimacy in married life. Catherine Givings is frustrated with her husband Dr. Givings. The good doctor is unable to express his love in any way that is meaningful to his wife. When Catherine learns that husbands are capable of creating the same “paroxysms” achieved by the doctor’s equipment, she sets out on a mission to revitalize her marriage. This charming, hilarious, and moving play will be one of the most talked about. freeFall Theatre; 6099 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33710; 727.498.5205. www.freefalltheatre.com or call

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YESTERDAY ONCE MORE: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS - April 20 With breathtaking songs that began their life with Karen and Richard Carpenter, Yesterday Once More takes audiences back in time; recapturing

Lorna Luft

400 First Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727.892.5798; www. themahaffey.com

the music an entire generation fell in love with, and fell in love to. Yesterday Once More is enhanced with behind the scenes stories and anecdotes of the pop culture of the 70’s, along with the lush arrangements by Jim Brickman of songs like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and ”Close To You!” Bringing the show to life is the talented cast featuring accomplished vocalists Joanna Jahn, John Trones, Jen Burleigh Bentz, from Broadway’s Mamma Mia, and Musical Director David Lohman.

LORNA LUFT - April 24 “A rousing, dramatically riveting musical event. The use of Garland video has enormous impact. Luft belts the songs with fully committed vitality, delivering with passion and honesty. Luft infuses it with uplifting joy. The singer’s time has come.” - Daily Variety. See her up close and personal as part of the Mahaffey Theater’s MidDay Live series. The Mahaffey Theater is located at www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

S T R E C N H OT C O TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM Van Halen - April 14 With Special Guests Kool and the Gang After performing at the world famous Cafe Wha? in New York City to announce their upcoming world tour. The Big Apple Press applauded as fans and followers posted videos and photos of the band’s unique show opening. The band continues its campaign with the release of its brand new studio album “A Different Kind Of Truth”. Van Halen’s new single, “Tattoo” has been played on more than 160 stations since its release on January 10th. The album is Van Halen’s first original studio album with singer David Lee Roth since the band’s diamond certified album 1984. R&B Superstars Kool and the Gang will open.

Rammstein - April 21 Rammstein, the Berlin-based band known for their incendiary live performances, will bring their brand new live production to the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Saturday, April 21. The Los Angeles Times described the live experience as “...epic stagecraft on a Wagnerian scale, several notches up from most arena rock.”

98ROCKFEST 2012 - April 28 98ROCK presents a line-up for 98ROCKFEST that will rock Tampa Bay on Saturday, April 28 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. This year’s impressive all-star lineup includes: Shinedown, Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Trivium, P.O.D. and more. 98ROCKFEST will be preceded by a free show on the West Plaza of the Tampa Bay Times Forum headed up by national recording artists P.O.D. www.98Rockfest.com.

New Edition - May 4 New Edition, the highly influential R&B crooners are back with their timeless smooth moves, suave disposition, and heart melting voices. Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ricky Bel, Mike Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant will be capturing hearts once again with all of their most famous songs such as “Candy Girl”, “Can You Stand the Rain” and the chart topping jams that launched their solo careers including “My Prerogative” (Bobby Brown), “My My My” (Johnny Gill), “Sensitivity” (Ralph Tresvant), and “Poison” (Bell, Bivins, DeVoe). www.tampabaytimesforum.com 32

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the Club at Treasure Island

David Cassidy -

April 13

avid Cassidy has managed to stay at the top of his game for over four decades, with a unique ability to re-invent himself and adapt to numerous genres from concerts to theater, television to Las Vegas, and even actor/ singer to producer/writer/ director with a demographic that crosses three generations. David rose to stardom in “The Partridge Family” and became the biggest TV and performing phenomenon in history by the time he was 20. From television to recording and record-breaking concert tours, from Broadway and London’s West End to Las Vegas production shows, David Cassidy has made his mark and been lauded with nominations and awards in each arena. David became the first personality to be merchandised globally. His likeness appeared on everything from posters to lunch boxes, comic books, toys, cereal boxes and almost anything else imaginable. His concerts sold out in the largest arenas and stadiums in the world which led him to be the world’s highest paid performer by the age of 21. To date, his records have sold well over 30 million copies worldwide and have been recognized with over 24 gold and platinum recordings including four consecutive multi-platinum LP’s. David was responsible for seven chart-topping Partridge Family singles including “Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted,” ”I Woke Up In Love This Morning,” ”Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” and of course, “I Think I Love You”, the best selling record of 1971. As a solo artist, David has had hit singles including “Cherish,” ”Could It Be Forever,” ”How Can I Be Sure,” ”Rock Me Baby” and “Lyin’ to Myself.” His 2004 CD, “Then and Now,” was in the Top Five and reached platinum status. Because of the untimely death of his dear friend Davy Jones, Cassidy will be performing select well-known Monkeys songs in addition to his hits. the Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island, FL 33706. 727-367-4511; www.theclubti.com/

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MAHAFFEY THEATER Bill Edwards Presents

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS - April 22 Gary Mullen & The Works bring the spirit and passion of rock icon Freddie Mercury to life on with the spectacular rock tribute, One Night of Queen. Fans of Queen will delight in this note-for-note experience of their mega-hits.

Vince Gill - May 13 One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill has a love for country music, top-notch songwriting, and world-class guitar playing, all wrapped in a warm tenor and a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough with “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year award. Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has walked away with 20 Grammy Awards and has racked up sales in excess of 26 million. Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. After a long and musically productive spell of writing, touring and recording with other artists, he roars back on his own with his MCA Records album, Guitar Slinger. Gill just received his 41st Grammy nomination for the song “Threaten Me With Heaven” which he co-wrote with his wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and the late Will Owsley.

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The Florida Orchestra April Brings Brahms, Broadway and More By Henry Adams

ailed by England’s Manchester Evening News as “one of the greats,” internationally renowned conductor Günther Herbig returns to conduct The Florida Orchestra on the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series in a program featuring Principal Trumpet Robert Smith in Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto. The program opens with Schubert’s Symphony No. 6 and finishes with Brahms’ mighty Symphony No. 4. These concerts are April 13, 14 and 15 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater raespectively. Enjoy complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the next Coffee Concert with Stuart Malina conducting a Broadwaythemed program of selections from The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma and more. Taking place in a relaxed setting with the conductor talking to the audience about the music, these concerts are Wednesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall

in Clearwater and Thursday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. At the next Raymond James Pops concert, it’s a hit parade of best-loved songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter, including such favorites as “I’ve Got Rhythm”, “Our Love Is Here to Stay”, “Fascinatin’ Rhythm”, “The Man I Love”, “I’ve Got the World on a String”, “Old Black Magic”, “Too Darn Hot”, “It’s Delovely”, “Night and Day”, “I Get a Kick Out of You” and many more. Featuring vocalists Hilary Kole and Joel Malina, Stuart Malina conducts these concerts on April 21 and 22 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. At the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concert, pianist James Tocco performs the U.S. premiere of Eduard Franck’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with The Florida Orchestra. This premiere is made possible with the generosity of the heirs of the 19th century German composer, who are providing manuscripts of the work to produce the orchestral parts for these performances. Stefan Sanderling conducts this program, which also includes the prelude to Wagner’s Die Meistersinger and overtures from Weber’s Oberon, Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Lortzing’s Der Waffenschmied. These concerts are April 27, 28 and 29 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. To subscribe to the upcoming 2012/2013 season or for tickets to the current season, go online to www.floridaorchestra.org or call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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THE TAMPA PITCHER SHOW THE DEVIL’S CARNIVAL - April 20 Director Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III, IV and REPO! The Genetic Opera) along with, writer/ actor/comic book author Terrance Zdunich are coming to a theatre near you with THE DEVIL’S CARNIVAL. This Brand New Horror/Rock Musical hybrid cinema short features twelve original songs, written by Zdunich and Saar Hendelman, directed by Bousman, produced by Sean E Demott and Joseph Bishara (Insidious), and stars Victoriandustrial rocker Emilie Autumn, Dayton Callie (Sons Of Anarchy, Deadwood), M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan (of the Grammy award winning, cult metal giants Slipknot), Briana Evigan (Step Up 2), Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints), Maggie “Captain Maggot” Lally and The Blessed Contessa (of The Bloody Crumpets), J. LaRose (Insidious), Jessica Lowndes (90210), Mighty Mike (of Mini Kiss), internet star Hannah Minx, Ivan Moody (of the chart-topping heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch), Bill Moseley (The

Devil’s Rejects), Ogre (of the legendary industrial band Skinny Puppy), Marc Senter (The Lost), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), and Terrance Zdunich. After the collaboration on Cult Cinema Phenomenon REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA, (2008) a film that not only was hailed by The Hollywood Reporter as “the next Rocky Horror Picture Show” but proved to be a Cult sensation as it spawned a new generation of shadow casts, midnight shows and incited cos play around the world. Director Darren Lynn Bousman and writer/actor Terrance Zdunich are at it again with this new horror/camp/rock musical endeavor THE DEVIL’S CARNIVAL. The Devils’ Carnival late night event includes unique happenings such as: a burlesque show, cast meet & greets, a Q&A forum, a whole lot of bad behavior, sing-a-longs, costume contests and more. On screen crowds will get to enjoy never-before-seen REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA behind the scenes footage and bonus features, and an exclusive viewing of THE DEVIL’S CARNIVAL. 2 SHOWS: 9:30, and 11:59. www.thedevilscarnivaltour.eventbrite.com/

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1-800-ASK-GARY AMPITHEATRE LADY ANTEBELLUM with DARIUS RUCKER and THOMPSON SQUARE May 11 Lady Antebellum’s truth is in the music. But the alchemy which forged this seven-time Grammy award winning trio extends beyond its signature vocal blend and heartfelt songwriting gifts. With a self-titled double platinum debut album and triple platinum second effort—Need You Now—it’s easy to applaud their amazing achievements, but equally significant is the underlying importance of the group’s shared heartbeat. Lady Antebellum formed in 2006. Hillary and Charles decided to try writing together after a chance meeting at a Nashville music spot. Charles and his friend and co-writer Dave Haywood joined the late night songwriting sessions and the new trio soon discovered the emotional effect that was created when Charles and Hillary’s vocals blended. With Dave’s harmony sounds and instrumental prowess added to that mix the three young musicians realized they might not just be writing songs for other people, but perhaps would get to perform them, too. A Music Row “buzz” began to spread as the newly-formed trio started making appearances on local stages. By April 2007, Capitol Nashville had signed Lady Antebellum to a record deal and the trio began to ascend toward the constellation of country music stars with powerful hits such as “Love Don’t Live Here,” and “I Run To You.” The group’s second album, Need You Now took the band to an even larger audience. To date the album has sold over five million copies worldwide, spawning three multi-week No. 1 hits and scored five Grammy Awards. The pairing with Paul Worley has proved a good fit in the studio. His warm temperament, creative sensibility and platinum experience with acts such as the Dixie Chicks and Martina McBride helped guide Lady Antebellum’s development. Lady Antebellum is touring to promote their third album, Own The Night, and arrive in Tampa at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Ampitheatre on May 11. Darius Rucker and Thompson Square open the show.

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MUSIC TRAX: NEW RELEASES JAZZ

Jessy J Hot sauce Nothing wakes up food like hot sauce – and nothing will wake up your ears like Jessy J’s new album. A special blend of ten fiery tunes, this Hot Sauce is seasoned with authentic Latin zing and packed with real jazz flavor. The accomplished saxophonist/singer/ composer’s third album spotlights her collaborations with some of today’s most prominent contemporary jazz musicians. Hot Sauce showcases eight originals, from mild to wild, along with adventurous new arrangements of Francis Anthony `Eg’ White’s pop hit “Leave Right Now” and Duke Ellington’s jazz classic “In a Sentimental Mood.” www.concordmusicgroup.com

JAZZ

Peter WHite Here We Go After nearly four decades of writing, recording and touring, Peter White still seeks out the road not yet traveled. This virtuoso of contemporary jazz, classical, pop and Spanish guitar is at his best when standing on the edge of creative territory waiting to be explored. This sense of adventure is at the heart of Here We Go. The 11-song set, includes a range of original material written in the recent and distant past and features guest spots from saxophonists David Sanborn and Kirk Whalum. www.concordmusicgroup.com Jeff Oster surrender Is it Jazz or New Age, or perhaps exotic electronica? Truth is you have to listen to it yourself. It is an exotic mix of Jazz flugelhorn and trumpet bedded into a series of electronica and ambient soundscapes, with added vocals. There is an innate coolness running throughout the album, the music is just begging to be used in some art house movie soundtrack. Eleven track titles include: All That Matters, Você Quer Dançar, Nikki’s Dream, The Voice, Essence of Herb, Surrender, Beautiful Silence, and more. www.jeffoster.com

eddie GiP NOble in the lite of things Pianist and keyboard player Eddie Gip Noble has recorded with everyone from Randy Crawford to Womack & Womack. As a performer he has shared the stage with Pattie Austin, Gladys Knight and Etta James yet perhaps his biggest claim to fame is as the creator of the tune Love TKO which he co-wrote with Cecil Womack, and which served to define the career of Teddy Pendergrass. Noble’s second solo offering includes Linus and Lucy, Springsteen’s Streets of Philadelphia and the Beatles’ Blackbird, Noble re-imagines them in a style that is melodic, buoyant and easy on the ear. www.eddiegipnoble.com 40 www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NeW yOrk staNdards Quartet unstandard It’s a pleasure when a group of great jazz players take American standards and reshape them with their own unique stamp. This happens on New York Standard’s Unstandard, where the musical gambit is often surprising. Pianist David Berkman leads the way, handling arrangements and contributing originals, all the while taking impeccable solos. This is a joint effort, and veteran drummer Gene Jackson is invaluable, aided by bassist Yosuke Inoue. The spotlight shines brightest, though, on Tim Armacost, whose forceful soprano and tenor saxophones anchor most pieces. www.challengerecords.com sHirley Crabbe Home Home seems to be a celebration on many levels. This classically-trained singer, who has also paid her jazz dues, obviously loves to sing jazz. After nearly losing her singing voice completely, she continued to study music before undergoing surgery to restore her gift. Home is a so f t e r refl ec ti on o n t h e meaning of home tinged with melancholy that never slides into simple sadness. The superb band sounds great with some subtle brass colors and a fine trombone solo.

The album includes Leonard Bernstein’s classic Lucky To Be Me, You Taught My Heart To Sing, Detour Ahead, Strong Man, Not While I’m Around, Carole King’s So Far Away, and Summertime. Few artists manage to put across a song with the confidence, enthusiasm, and sheer verve of Shirley Crabbe. She is an artist who is well worth getting to know. www.shirleycrabbe.com NiCk MOraN triO No time like Now With every well-placed note and every incisive solo on Nick Moran’s new album No Time Like Now, the guitarist brings an urgent creative agenda to the table. Featuring organist Brad Whiteley and drummer Chris Benham, the CD is a potent trio session that focuses on Moran’s stirring compositions and arrangements, venturesome material that consistently moves beyond organ combo conventions. Many of Moran’s tunes were inspired by musicians, friends and even strangers who are no longer with us. This is a trio that can lock into a ferocious groove, but it’s equally capable of ravishing, aching poignancy. This rocker loves the jazz organ trio sound. Nick Moran is a guitarist with an extraordinary touch and composition sensibility. He demonstrates a terrific understanding of melody and harmony, and more so how to explore all of the colors of sound in the organ, guitar, drums setting. Nick has come up with some very original themes and motifs. It’s well worth a listen. www.nickmoranmusic.com

Ken Thompson and Slow/Fast

keN tHOMsON aNd slOW/fast it Would be easier if Saxophonist and composer Ken Thomson describes his music as “21st Century Third Stream.” Perhaps in can be more accurately described as composed free-form modern eclectic jazz fusion. It is hard to pigeonholeSlow/Fast. Thomson’s compositions are detailed yet manifest as improvisational. It is part jazz, part rock but mostly imaginative compositional style and unequivocal performance. The style varies from atmospheric (No, No, No) to rocking (Goddamn You Ice Cream Truck). It’s a very interesting listen. www.slowfast.net

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POP/ROCK Nils lOfGreN Old school Nils Lofgren’s new solo album release is a classic Nils rock album featuring a collection of 12 songs. Eleven are new originals by Nils, and Irish Angel, written by Bruce McCabe, is a beautiful ballad which Nils has been performing in his shows recently. Let Her Get Away is a haunting acoustic gem co-written with Root Boy Slim. Features rough, raw blues, dobros and searing electric guitars. Old School is classic Nils at his diverse best. Featuring the legendary Paul Rodgers, Lou Gramm and Sam Moore as guest vocalists, this album has it all and promises to rank among his best. www.nilslofgren.com daPHNe Willis because i Can Everything Daphne Willis has done up to now in both her music and her life has

led to this moment: her new album. Because I Can marks the 23-year-old writer/singer/guitarist’s artistic coming of age in thrilling – and at times heart-wrenching – fashion. This captivating album represents an exponential leap, as she grows into her enormous talent and puts it to powerful and relatable use via her singular sensibility. Because I Can sounds very much like the defining work of a young artist who matters. www.vanguardrecords.com

URBAN/HIP HOP GauGe Hustler on the Move [parental advisory] Here’s an all-around complete album you can play from beginning to end. A perfect party CD for the true hip hop enthusiast. Recommended if you like Emeiniem, Lil Wayne, Tupac. Songs include Wish for this; Hot Love; Shake It; Beat It Up; Dat Weight; Push It; Get It Girl; Chunk A Stack; Lights, Camera, Action; Lone Star Dime; Test of Tyme; I Got You; Can You Feel It; Touch the Sky; Rain; and The Message. www.gaugehustleronthemove.com

ACCENT SPOTLIGHTS Maurette Brown Clark GOSPEL Maurette brOWN Clark the sound of Victory Multiple Stellar Awar winner Maurette Brown Clark is one of gospel music’s sweethearts. Originally from Long Island, New York, she began her singing with her family group. Throughout her formative years, she continued singing with choirs and groups, as well as studying classical piano. Maurette’s fourth solo project, The Sound of Victory, brings beautiful offerings such as I Hear the Sound of Victory. www.maurettebrownclark.com

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HARD ROCK/METAL laMb Of GOd resolution Resolution is the follow up to Lamb of God’s Grammynominated album Wrath. The album features 14 songs and comes in a deluxe softpak with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams. Resolution is a 100% trend-free and intelligently-constructed album that could power a small country with its unstoppable energy and potent riffery. It Resolution boasts some of the most punk rock moments and some of the bluesiest moments of the band’s recorded career, perhaps fostered along by the liveliness of the writing-on-the-road process. www.lambofgod.com tHe dead lay WaitiNG almost Heaven Almost Heaven features 14 tracks and 60 minutes of pulsating music. The album also marks the return of Barry Clayton, the voice behind the now well-known intro to Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast.

With a progressive-edged twin guitar metal sound creating complex and fresh riffs combined with aggressive approaches and catchy vocal lines, the band quickly earned themselves a reputation for pushing their way through the dredged beds of the UK’s underground rock scene in order to become its new great shining hope. www.risingrecords.org VariOus artists the rock Garage: texas live Concert series This powerful collection features the formidable trash rockers Nashville Pussy, two side projects from Jeff Pinkus of Butthole Surfer fame, and the band for which the term Cowpunk was created, Austin’s own Hickoids among other legendary Texas favorites and a few up-and-comers soon to be classics in their own right. The album also contains a fantastic cover of X’s classic hit New World by The Texas Sapphires. The Rock Garage was created to showcase some of the best Austin music. Austin has let it’s secret out of the bag with this record. Songs include Honky’s Just a Man, Nashville Pussy’s Good Night for a Heart Attack, Pure Luck’s Your Face or Mine, Hickoids’ Stop It You’re Killing Me, Texas Sapphires’ The New World and more by PONG, Ugly Beats, Brutal Juice, Dash Rip Rock, Churchwood, High Watt Crucifixers, LIONS, The Dirty Charley Band, and Pocket FishRmen. www.therockgarage.com

tHe Great kat beethoven shreds The Great Kat guitar goddess is the renowned Juilliard grad violin virtuoso/ Carnegie Recital Hall violin soloist turned guitar-shred virtuoso, famous for shredding exciting classical music at astounding speeds on the guitar. She brilliantly tackles Beethoven, Bach, Paganini, Rimsky-Korsakov and more, revolutionizing classical and metal at the same time. Beethoven Shreds features The Flight of The BumbleBee (mind-blowing guitar/violin shredding at 300bpm!), Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Paganini’s Caprice #24 (featuring her technical mastery), Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3 (six guitars and 3 violins!) and much more shred-guitar virtuosity! “Classical music performed in a metal style at blinding speeds.” - About.com Guitar “This is definitely my favorite classical speed metal record of the year.” - IGN “She does not just play Beethoven. If you believe her, she is Beethoven reincarnate. Loud, blistering-fast guitar riffs accompanied by screams, and an aggressive hyperdominatrix persona. She is direct and flamboyant about her intentions. Her virtuosity is for real.” - “Beethoven in America” book (Indiana University Press)

www.greatkat.com

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WORLD MUSIC daVe HOllaNd & PePe HabiCHuela Hands Masterful jazz bassist Dave Holland and Spanish guitar legend Pepe Habichuela have come together to unfold the beauty of flamenco on Hands, with collaborative takes on traditional and original compositions that let Holland’s bass to sing with a new kind of soul. www.daveholland.com faNfare CiOCarlia & bObaN MarkOViC OrCHestra balkan brass battle Finally, the two titans of East European Gypsy music go head to head in a Balkan brass encounter of epic proportions. Following the tradition of brass battles from Serbia’s legendary Guca Brass Festival to New Orleans’ mean streets, the Balkan Brass Battle showcases the wit, passion and musical genius of Europe’s Romany Gypsy people. In the left corner: Fanfare Ciocarlia, the Romanian rockers who rose from rural obscurity to international fame as one of the world’s most explosive live bands. In the right corner: Serbian trumpet legend Boban Markovic & Orchestra, now featuring young gun Marko Markovic, the fastest trumpet in town! www.asphalt-tango.de

luke JOyCe i build Collapsible Mountains Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, IBCM is the solo project of Luke G. Joyce. As former frontman for post-rock band The Gothenburg Address (ex-Arab Strap), Luke carries a strong history of performing to live crowds all around the UK and Europe. As opposed to his former band, however, IBCM is much more subdued and sees Luke returning to his roots as a singer-songwriter. The Guardian described Luke’s music as radiating an “assuring warmth” while the Glasgow PodcArt admitted that IBCM “isn’t just another acoustic artist. [IBCM] is like fire on a landscape.” From the more upbeat opening track “Rails” to the subdued last track “Switch”, the EP never fails to capture the listener’s attention and as one reviewer exclaimed “you almost fall in love through listening.” www.bbrecordings.com

ACCENT SPOTLIGHTS Henry Cole & the Afrobeat Collective

ave might h an r e te r iV o t lleC aribbe yne Sh ow Wa gone Afro-C , plena, eat CO h b s O w r o f ’d kn he mba ea ry Cole done if only sounds of bo e & tH hes n l e O H C r e HeNry efore branc ican drumm s would have ab the rootsy . annels R e b il s to that ch New t ergy M r an gr o n e n t c e u a io z h P ro k is z c w r v o ja e r of ky w O ilv dr Quicks h Fela Kuti. He hears ho tro sheen an yet firmly fun sophistication nesses har ical elec rids. d wit ight jamme rock-jazz hyb sparkle with autobiograph o and the br asters, Cole te a deep, m ic d y a z n is tl R e z a r to c or ja a gen e in Puerto with h an rumba, elodies b n ches is op crew and Cu Before Bran ’s home sce with a hip h y, evocative m creativity. Roots vivre of Cole y able to jam ve of catch -Caribbean is lo -deAfro quall the joie zz heights. E power and h balance, and iz ic , ja York’s honed rhythm vision of unity erscissors.b p ll a g in ockp his we widwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com e-rang www.r

NEW AGE MiCHael stribliNG safely in the arms of love (soundtrack) Safely in the Arms of Love tells the story of a young highlander’s adventures. Fifteen original compositions describe his leaving home for the big city, falling in love, getting in trouble with the authorities, and escaping to freedom. Songs include Spirit of the Highlands, Stormy Seas, Far Away from Home, The Royal City, Alchemist’s Workshop, Byzantine Carnival Parade, Veiled Dancers, Asian Flower, Alone in the Night, Kyrie, Desolation and Absolution. www.leela-music.com lia sCallON Crystal keys In a time when many are ready to awaken to a New Earth Consciousness, Lia Scallon provides us with an exceptional new tool: Crystal Keys, Songs to Awaken and Heal. This is the ninth album by this internationally renowned vocalist and sound healer. Lia’s voice and music carry coded Messages of Light – Crystal Keys – to unlock the doorways to your heart and soul, helping you to awaken and heal at the deepest levels. For over a decade, Lia Scallon has channelled the unique, celestial melodies of the Sounds of Sirius. Accompanied by a beautiful Language of Light, this angelic music has proven to have a profoundly healing effect upon body, mind and spirit. www.soundsofsirius.com uWe GrONau time rider When you enter the world of music created by Uwe Gronau, a top German musician, singer and composer, be prepared for exploration, existentialism, imagination and dreamtime. His latest recording, Time Rider, invites the listener to explore their past and future life by surfing the waves of time with his music providing both the impetus and the soundtrack for the adventure. The music, which ranges from mellow-beats to meditative, has been embraced by new age music lovers, but his blend of acoustic and electronic sounds also contains elements of jazz, pop, prog-rock, avant-garde, techno, trance, chill, ambient and space music. On Time Rider Gronau, a pianist, synthesist and organist, includes a dozen instrumental tracks as well as eight vocal tunes. www.uwe-gronau.de

Passion, drama, intrigue, love, longing, guidance, gentleness, heartland and hope darleNe kOldeNHOVeN solitary treasures Solitary Treasures reveals the remarkable depth of musicianship and talent of this music-industry pro who not only delivers her Grammy-winning vocals for this album, but arranged, orchestrated, played piano and keyboards, sang harmonies, even engineered and programmed eight out of twelve tracks and composed three of them on this her seventh album on her indie label, TimeArt Recordings. Vocally, lyrically, musically, Solitary Treasures opens a trove of passion, drama, intrigue, love, longing, guidance, gentleness, heartland and hope, set with elements of classical, classical crossover, romantic ballad, adult contemporary pop, world music and Darlene’s compelling originals. As the title suggests, each piece truly is a gem unto its own spectacular qualities, unique yet complimenting each other as a whole – like a playlist for seekers of a beautiful, deep listening and extraordinarily moving experience. www.darlene koldenhoven.com

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NEW AGE katHryN kaye Heavy as a feather Kathryn’s second album, Heavy as a Feather, was chosen by Jelke Bethlehem, of Radio Rijnwoude in The Netherlands, as Featured Album for the week of January 22, 2012. Kathryn Kaye, who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky, began playing piano at the age of four, and music immediately became an essential part of her life. She has been influenced by the simple harmonies of the folksongs and hymns that she heard, sang, and played as a child, by her years of experience with classical music, and by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains where she now lives. Her music ranges from compositions with strong, emotional melodies through more contemporary, meditative, instrumental pieces. www.kathrynkaye-music.com

EDEN’S EDGE COUNTRY

edeN’s edGe eden’s edge A few notable things about these Arkansas natives: Eden’s Edge composes a unique musical blend deeply rooted in Country and Bluegrass. They are Cherrill Green (harmony vocals, mandolin, banjo and guitar), Hannah Blaylock (lead vocalist) and Dean Berner. Edens Edge has shared their music with over a million fans as an opening act on Brad Paisley, Reba and Lady Antebellum’s recent tours. The trio was selected as CMT’s LISTEN UP! Artist for December, and rang in 2012 as part of the third annual Music City New Year’s Eve “Bash on Broadway” concert in downtown Nashville. In 2011, they were profiled as one of Billboard’s “Artists to Watch” and participated in Opry Goes Pink!, celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a host of Country Superstars, including Martina McBride. The band was discovered by iconic songwriter Kye Fleming after entering the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT in 2006. Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta was introduced to Edens Edge when the performed a tribute at Fleming’s induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. www.edensedge.com 46

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com eden’s edge at Nashville songwriters association international with kye fleming and barbara Mandrell

n celebration of their 20th year as recording artists, Wilson Phillips releases Dedicated, the album that the groundbreaking female vocal trio was always destined to make. The 11-song set, is a long-anticipated tribute to the legendary groups - The Beach Boys and Mamas & The Papas. The collection is made up entirely of classic songs by Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys, father of Wendy and Carnie Wilson; and of John and Michelle Phillips’ Mamas & The Papas, parents of Chynna Phillips. As the title indicates, it includes the iconic track “Dedicated To The One I Love”, the latter group’s 1967 hit, along with other Mamas & The Papas landmark singles like “California Dreamin’,” “Monday Monday”, “Twelve-Thirty” and “Got a Feeling.” From The Beach Boys catalog are equally artful Wilson Phillips interpretations of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”,” God Only Knows”, “Don’t Worry Baby”, “In My Room” and “Good Vibrations.” “It really is the perfect time to do this album,” says Carnie Wilson. “These songs are beloved classics for all time and they make so many people happy. It’s an homage to the music, and we dedicated it to the groups that created it.” The group is now back in the spotlight following its memorable performance of Hold On in the blockbuster film Bridesmaids. Chynna has since shown herself as a skilled dancer and endearing competitor on ABC’s hit show, Dancing with the Stars. Carnie, meanwhile, has hosted Karaoke USA and appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap. Wilson Phillips has previously recorded songs by their

parents. The Beach Boys’ “Dance, Dance, Dance” and “In My Room”, and Mamas & The Papas’ “Monday, Monday,” all appeared on their third album California (2004). The Beach Boys’ “Our Prayer” was the closing track on Wilson Phillips’ most recent album, Christmas In Harmony (2010). Dedicated was produced by Carnie’s husband Rob Bonfiglio, with reverence for the original recordings, but from a contemporary standpoint. “The basic arrangements and rhythms are really true,” says Carnie, “but vocally we’ve added some new twists and tag endings. Specifically on The Beach Boys’ songs, which were all male voices, it’s really cool that they’re coming from women: Chynna’s vocal on “Don’t Worry Baby,” and Wendy’s on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, are really sweet and endearing, and work beautifully. On “Good Vibrations”, we did all this stuff a cappella! Even the instrumental parts, like emulating the theremin, which I did.” As for the Mamas & The Papas’ tunes, Carnie notes that “the haunting “Got A Feeling” came out particularly great;” another standout, Twelve-thirty, was “made for Wilson Phillips! It’s always been a bit under the radar, and I think we’ll bring new attention to it.” While Carnie has worked with her father on various projects, she and her bandmates decided, after great debate, to make Dedicated without his input. But they did enlist Owen Elliot, daughter of Mamas & The Papas’ late vocalist Cass Elliot, to sing on “Dedicated To The One I Love.” “She’s been my best friend for 25 years,” Carnie explains. “I know this is a Wilson Phillips album, but in honor of Cass, we wanted her to be a part of it. We were literally all bawling hysterically every time we did a take, because she sounds so much like her mother that it came out beyond the beyond! We knew that if we did it, it would have to be really special.” “Choosing the material was torture because there was so much to pick from,” says Carnie. “But we all have a very strong feeling about the album and the songs. We’ve been doing “In My Room,” “God Only Knows” and “California Dreamin’” on stage for a long time now, and the response is always phenomenal.” Wilson Phillip fans have been dreaming for an album like Dedicated since the group topped the charts in 1990 with their debut hit “Hold On.” Two more chart-toppers, “Release Me” and “You’re In Love” followed, further establishing the threesome as a harmony vocal group worthy of its parentage. In addition to the forthcoming release of Dedicated, the lifelong friends will star in wwww, a reality show documenting the group’s adventures in and out of the recording studio. The show debuts on Sunday, April 8th, 2012 on the TV Guide Network.

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Tasty Food and Drinks! Bahama Breeze Island Grille Caribbean Cuisine on the Suncoast

lorida’s Suncoast is already pretty darn tropical, but to really feel like you’ve gone to the islands, indulge in lunch or dinner at the Bahama Breeze Island Grill right on the bay in Tampa. Any stress or tension you may feel will start to dissolve as you approach the restaurant and hear the soothing steel drum island sounds. From the decor to the cuisine to the tropical drinks, you feel transported to the Caribbean. Start your dining experience off with a refreshing island inspired cocktail. They have a variety of delicious drinks to choose from. How about a Skinny Five Citrus Margarita with Premium Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila, freshly squeezed five citrus mix, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. Or, a Pineapple-Coconut Martini, hand-crafted and shaken with Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine garnished with rum-infused fresh golden pineapple. Hmmm? The food is wonderful at Bahama Breeze, with seafood, chicken, steak and more imbibed with island flavors that are subtle and tasty. We enjoyed a sampling of different dishes, and every one was something to be

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott-Martino and Al Martino

ordered again and again with each visit. One of our favorites was the Mojo-Marinated Pulled Pork, slow-roasted, and served over sweet plantains, with a sweet and smokey barbeque sauce drizzled over the top. Another was the Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini, which was stuffed with sauteed vegetables and topped with goat cheese and parmesan crumbs. The Coconut Shrimp was crispy and succulent and brought a new palate treat when dipped in a citrus-mustard sauce. Of course, island tastings would not be complete without some Jamaican Chicken Wings, which are marinated in jerk seasoning and baked. Inside dining at Bahama Breeze is cozy with warm wood tones and tropical plants, and outside the deck overlooks the bay, with lighted torches supplying island ambiance in the evening. Both options are delightful. The Bahama Breeze Tampa location is the newest, having first been established 13 years ago in Orlando. They are now spread across the country with 28 locations nationally. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. The Tampa location is at 3045 N Rocky Point Dr. East, Tampa, FL 33607. For more information, call 813-289-7922 or visit www.bahamabreeze.com/

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NEURO

A Nutritious Drink For Every Mood

euro has come up with an answer to all of our moods with beverages that are healthy, beneficial and delicious. Each Neuro drink was formulated by experts in the areas of nutrition, science and beverage, to include a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and dietary ingredients to enhance specific aspects of our lives. All flavors are low in calories. Neuro is also totally environmentally friendly as it is made with natural ingredients, and uses 100% recyclable packaging. No waste produced goes to landfills as everything associated with the product is either recycled or reused. Check out Neoros different products: NeuroSonic is a delicious drink designed to increase high level mental functioning: better memory, alertness and concentration. NeuroSun is designed to provide all the benefits of Vitamin D without the harmful UV rays of the sun. It provides 1000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in every 35 calorie

Tony Bennett enjoying NeuroSonic.

iLLfortune

ECOzip ECOzip

Fortune Cookies for The Brave

he messages inside fortune cookies are usually vague, silly and overly optimistic. What if those sweet treasures contained something irreverent, absurd or hilariously inappropriate? What if your cookie contained the following iLLfortunes?:

“Your likeness to a hobbit will not serve you in the dating world.” “Prozac is planning a long term relationship with you.” “Counting sheep is not meant for the purpose of arousal. Get help.” “The voices in your head think you’re an idiot.”

Fortune cookies were not actually born in China, but in San Francisco around the year 1900. They were introduced by the Japanese, popularized by Chinese restaurants, but ultimately consumed by Americans. Approximately 3 billion fortune cookies are produced each year around the world. iLLfortune cookies come in traditional Chinese takeout containers, in orders from 20 cookies up to 700. The cookies contain no saturated fat and no cholesterol, and one cookie contains fewer than 30 calories. Just open one iLLfortune, and prepare to cringe. “Courtney Love will be calling. She wants her personality back.” For more information, visit www.illfortune.net

Multi-Compartment Multi-Compartment Storage Storage Bag Bag

hether it’s packing your kids lunch in the morning, snacks to munch on after an intense workout, preprepping dinners, storing leftovers or packing toiletries and make-up for travel, ECOzip is versatile and convenient while still being kind to the earth. ECOzip is a revolutionary multi-compartment storage bag that allows you to separate and organize multiple items all in 1 bag. It’s 2 in 1 technology allows you to use the bag as a split bag where you get to separate and compartmentalize or by opening its middle zip use the entire bag. www.ecozipbags.com

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serving per bottle. NeuroSleep promotes restful sleep with Melatonin. Magnesium is also included (75% of the daily value), and serves as a key electrolyte that may help prevent cramping during rest. NeuroBliss is designed to promote happiness and eliminate stress without affecting your energy levels. L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea which has been clinically proven to help reduce stress, works by altering brain waves, where a person is focused and alert, but calm. NeuroBliss can be consumed multiple times per day and works immediately. NeuroTrim is a refreshing, non-carbonated drink formulated to help promote healthy weight loss with a unique fiber ingredient that makes you feel full. It should be consumed 30 minutes prior to each major meal. NeuroAqua is refreshing spring water sourced from the Californian Adobe Springs thought by many to be the worlds purest source of water, with

naturally high levels of magnesium and calcium. The natural minerals give NeuroAqua a high alkaline level and a higher pH level, which counters the acidity that food leaves in our bodies, and balances it out. NeuroSport is designed to replenish the body during and after exercise with the unparalleled combination of 12 minerals and 5 electrolytes. The five key electrolytes of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride are in each

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bottle. NeuroPassion is a lightly carbonated drink formulated with ingredients to promote â&#x20AC;&#x153;playfulâ&#x20AC;? energy. Included in it is the synergistic combination of caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine and L-theanine are ingredients found in green tea; in conjunction they provide energy without the edginess commonly associated with caffeine alone. For more information, visit www.drinkneuro.com/

eppa

SUPERFRUIT RED SANGRIA Great Taste, Antioxidants and Organic Certification

ppa SupraFruta Red Sangria, the first certified organic superfruit sangria, is made in northern California blending select varietals, including organically grown Mendocino Cabernet and Syrah. The grapes are then blended with a unique combination of organic juices including pomegranates, blueberries as well as Mediterranean blood oranges, acai berries and natural citrus essences. According to John Gomez, Co- Founder, Eppa Wine Company this is the first time a sangria is on the market that is actually full of luscious ripe fruit, resulting in almost twice the antioxidants of red wine. The Sangria was developed to appeal to wine drinkers on a variety of levels. Eppa SuperFruit Sangria is made from organic and natural ingredients for consumers looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and drink something that is truly unique. Crafted in their winery in Mendocino County, they went to great lengths to develop a proprietary blending technique that allowed for the creation of a superior quality sangria made with real fruit juices and not just added flavors. “Eppa Sangria speaks to the way consumers live today,” says Gomez. “They are looking deeper into the organic category – both at home and when dining out. What’s more, eating to maintain a healthy lifestyle is important to our audience as well as choosing foods that provide functional benefits,” he continued. Eppa Sangria is great to have on hand – especially when the ingredients to make a delicious sangria are not always within reach. And while most sangria recipes call for a variety of fruit, the fruits used to make Eppa SuperFruit Sangria are actually higher in functional benefits.” From bars to gatherings of families and friends, sangria is on trend. Widely found on drink menus in the most popular bars and restaurants, sangria is viewed as a drink enjoyed by many who ‘enjoy life.’ For an impromptu gathering, a girls night in or night of small dishes at home, Eppa Sangria makes serving a great tasting, well balanced and antioxidant rich sangria, easy every time,” Gomez continued. For more information on Eppa Sangria, please visit www.eppasangria.com

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he The largest-ever Disney front-entrance topiary, an illuminated Haiti produce garden with marketplace and a stellar cast of HGTV design celebrities boost the flower power at the 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV continues through May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s gardening magic goes a long way when an eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds court in front of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff, Sorcerer Mickey directs a riot of color in the manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Disney film, “Fantasia.” The scene pops with pink geraniums, white poppies, violet petunias, blue delphiniums and pansies. In the World Showcase, the new Haiti: Garden of Many Colors next to the Germany showcase is the first illuminated garden in the festival’s history. Guests can explore the rich heritage of Haitian art, culture and refreshments in this produce garden and marketplace presented by Haiti Originale, LLC, an organization formed to support sustainable Haitian economic and social development. Twice daily each Friday through Sunday of the festival, HGTV designers and hosts share their insights on landscapes and design with Festival Center audiences. Music fills each festival weekend when pop music hitmakers of the 1960s and ’70s rule the America Gardens Theatre stage with performances of their greatest songs. Three new festival acts are in store: Chuck

Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (April 27-29) and The Orchestra featuring former members of ELO and ELO Part II (May 4-6); and “The Monkees’” Micky Dolenz (May 18-20). Thirty million blooms, 240 floating mini-gardens on two ponds, 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables, dozens of Disney character topiaries, 30 “flower towers” of impatiens and sweeping beds of original floral designs create a new tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre Epcot landscape. It takes more than one year and 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists to plan and prepare for the 75-day festival. Halfway through the festival, Disney gardeners remove the cold-hardy blossoms that thrive in March and early April to plant a new crop of flowers that flourish in spring’s warmer temperatures. And throughout the

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event, dozens of gardening experts meet guests daily with fresh landscape ideas for 2012. Daily workshops at the Festival Center let guests dig into projects they can take home at the end of the day. The Festival Center - Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners. In Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission:SPACE. Disney Gardening at Home presentations - Disney horticulturists and local experts like Robert Bowden of Harry P. Leu Gardens will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity at the Festival Center. Special Festival Weekend Celebrations - An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 23-25; a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Specialists weekend presents indigenous insects that are part of our world; a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be April 27-29; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute is slated for May 4-6. Bambi’s Butterfly House, three times the size of the festival’s original, is a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies. At Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.

change. More information call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit www.disneyworld.com/flower. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the opposite page for useful and fun Epcot Flower & Garden Festival event details on your mobile device.

Sorcerers invade the Magic Kingdom (early 2012) – In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake

missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure is included with park admission. Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden - Fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5. At the Test Track Walkway. The HGTV Designers’ Stage presents HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday. At the Festival Center. Flower Power concert series welcomes back 20th century pop favorites this year when Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and nine other bands rock the America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers and appearance dates subject to

New Fantasyland (2012) – The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases beginning in 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and “be our guest” at the Beast’s Castle. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most new experiences open by 2013. For more information on Walt Disney World, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS able to play the role of crime scene investigators and solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crimescene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs. www.csiexhibit.com; 407-226-7220 48th Annual Ron Jon Surf Shop Easter Surfing Festival - April 6–8 Enjoy the sun, surf and sand along Cocoa Beach, one hour east of Orlando, as you watch championship surfers from ages 12-80 from around the world compete in this annual surfing competition. An Easter egg hunt and food court, as well as surf clinics and demonstrations, are part of the fun. Admission: Free. www. eastersurffest.com; 321-799-8888.

ARTFUL STRINGS: FOUR CENTURIES OF HARP MAKING at Albin Polasek Museum - thru April 15 In a collaborative exhibition with The International Harp Museum, the Polasek Museum will present 50 harps from the IHM’s collection dating from the 18th century to 21st century. Along with American and European instruments, there will also be examples of ancient African, Asian and Egyptian harps, vintage photos, artwork, costumes and jewelry. A deconstructed harp display will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience first-hand all the components necessary to construct a harp. This will be an interactive, hands-on installation allowing each person to try playing the harp themselves. Educational programming will include a live concert series featuring performances on historical instruments, classical and jazz music concerts, the IHM’s annual “Spotlight on Youth” scholarship audition, lectures, beginner harp classes and other educational opportunities. In order to enhance the experience, professional local harpists will be periodically providing live music throughout the museum and gardens. Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, www.polasek. org/ CSI: The Experience - thru the end of 2012 CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests will be 58

25th Annual Fiesta Medina - April 8 As part of Orlando’s longest running Latin community festival, national and international performers take the stage to celebrate Latin culture and music at Festival Park in Orlando. The festival also features streets

lined with displays and food along with a children’s carnival area. Admission: TBD. www.renesproductions. com; 407-381-5310. Easter Sunrise Service - April 8 Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales offers Easter morning worshippers free admission from 6 – 8 a.m. to greet the dawn of this special day while listening to a 60-bell carillon Lake Wales Chorale. An Easter buffet will be served in the Blue Palmetto Café for an additional fee. Admission: Free. www.boktowergardens.org; 863-676-1408. Orlando Happenings con’t on next page

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS

Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival April 13-14 The festival will include two days of activities surrounding the dragon boat race. Enjoy the opening ceremonies the evening before the boat race, including live performances, demonstrations and team introductions. The race will take place April 9 at 9:15 a.m., followed by performances and ongoing events throughout the day. www.cfdragonboat.org; 352-343-2531. 21st Annual Florida Film Festival - April 13 - 22 The Florida Film Festival showcases the best in cutting-edge current cinema; indulgent experiences in food and wine; a mix of industry parties and special

events; and a star-packed attendee list. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the festival welcomes more than 25,000 guests each year, playing host to more than 100 visiting directors, producers and award-winning talent. Rock idol Rick Springfield will attend the World Premiere of AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART. Emmy award-winning filmmaker Sylvia Caminer and mega-fan turned executive producer Melanie Lentz-Janney bring us face-to-face with this Grammy award-winning musician, songwriter, actor, and New York Times best-selling author. The music doc spotlights Springfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fervent fans. World Premiere screenings are Saturday, April 14 and Thursday, April 19. The live Q&A with Rick Springfield is Thursday, April 19. Admission: Varies. www.floridafilmfestival.com; 407-629-1088. 60

Spring Jazz Stroll at Harry P. Leu Gardens - April 14 Guests can enjoy an evening of live jazz music and candlelit walkways in a beautiful garden setting. Dinner picnic basket and blanket or chairs are recommended. Lawn seating only. www.leugardens.org; 407246-2620. Spring Fiesta in the Park - April 14 - 15 Enjoy a myriad of booths offering tasteful regional arts and crafts along the banks of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The annual festival provides entertainment, goodies and homemade items for sale. Admission: Free. www.cityoforlando.net; 407-246-2121. Mid Florida Bike MS: The Citrus Tour 2012 - April 22 Join the National MS Society, Mid Florida Chapter for their annual two-day 150 mile Bike MS Citrus Tour. The ride begins April 21 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and travels through Central Florida to the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. On April 22, the route reverses. Course options include 50, 75 and 100 mile routes. The tour is open to both individual and team partipants. Registration is 6 a.m. Ride kicks off at 7 a.m. The Citrus Tour is recognized as one of the best two-day fully supported cycling events in Florida, annually attracting more than 1,500 cyclists of all skill levels from across the country. Now in its 25th year at the Mid Florida Chapter, Bike MS takes place in more than 100 cities nationwide and is one of the largest fundraising bike events in the United States. Location: Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853; www. bikeflc.nationalmssociety.org

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Central Florida Earth Day - April 22 Find out how to help the planet while having fun at this Lake Eola Park event featuring music, guest speakers and activities for the entire family. Admission: Free. www.cfearthday.org 321-331-1859

The Festival of Chocolate - April 27–29 The Festival of Chocolate returns to the University of Central Florida Arena April 27 – 29. The festival showcase is featuring the area’s best chocolate and confection companies selling everything chocolate from truffles and cakes to crepes and cupcakes. Trendy chocoholics can marvel at the launch of The Cocoa Couture Fashion Show featuring hand designed garments made almost entirely out of chocolate wrappers. Friday, April 27, 4 – 10 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets and more info, www.festivalofchocolate.com; 407-823-6006. 11th Annual Orlando Cabaret Festival April 27 - May 13 Life is indeed a cabaret, at least for a few weeks during Mad Cow Theatre’s celebration of musical the-

atre. Cabaret artists and acts are featured in more than 40 evening and lunchtime performances. Admission: TBD. www.orlandocabaret.com; 407-297-8788. The Great American Pie Festival - April 28 29 Enjoy endless samples of pies with close family and friends. Held in Celebration, the Pie Festival includes demonstrations, bake-offs, pie tastings and pie-eating contests. Admission: Free. Buffet tickets: TBD. www.piecouncil.org; 407-566-1200.

Florida Music Festival - April 19-21 Florida Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of up-and-coming musicians held in downtown Orlando. The festival lets fans experience live music, film, visual arts and the cultural community. The event welcomes performers from alternative, pop, country, urban, hip hop and acoustic formats, along with hundreds of filmmakers and dozens of visual artists. The Florida Music Festival has announce an eclectic line up of headliners in over a decade with more than 150 bands on 10 stages over 3 nights, featuring THE DIRTY HEADS (Thur, April 19th), FILTER (Fri, April 20th) and CANDLEBOX (Sat, April 21st) along with SEVEN NATIONS, TYRONE WELLS, CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY and more. Admission: Varies. www.floridamusicfestival.com Dinosaur World opens 12 new acres and brand new attractions The highlight of the expansion is a 22,000-squarefoot addition housing the Prehistoric Museum with the

new animatronics display, along with other improvements to the park. The new additions include the remodeled entrance to the new dinosaurs along the onemile walk through the lush Florida landscape. www.dinosaurworld.com; 813-717-9865. ARABIAN NIGHTS SHOW The current featured production at Arabian Nights is a lighthearted tale of adventure and romance. On her 21st birthday, all-American girl and champion rider Sherry Smith discovers that she is actually the Princess Scheherazade. Along with her genie Abracadabra, Princess Scheherazade takes the audience on a magical journey around the world to find her prince – who must love horses as much as she does. You’ll join the princess as Abracadabra takes her to Europe to see the famous military-style quadrilles; to Latin America to see the romance of the garrocha; to a Gypsy camp to see unbelievable acrobatics on horseback; to the world of Imagination to see that beauty of the magical, mystical unicorn; and back to the U.S.A. where four fabulous acts honor America. Along the way, Abracadabra must protect Princess Scheherazade from the evil Prince Vaneer, and help her find her true love, Prince Khalid. The show includes a 3-course dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223; www.Arabiannights.com

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atch all the excitement of Universal Studios Mardi Gras. It’s a party the whole family can enjoy as the sights and sounds of the Big Easy come to Universal Orlando Resort. Enjoy LIVE CONCERTS by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza stage. Gather the family for beads by the handful as the spectacular parade winds its way through the park with dazzling floats and colorful street performers in glitter-

ing costumes. Take a stroll through the French Quarter Courtyard and enjoy authentic Cajun food and live music from bands direct from New Orleans. Mardi Gras festivities—including the live concerts— are included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or your Annual Pass. Mardi Gras continues through April 14 for more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/

Seaworld’s Viva La Musica takes place on Saturdays at SeaWorld April 14 - May 5. Enjoy all the fun beginning at noon. Concerts are located at Bayside Stadium and begin at 3:00 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will move to Nautilus Theater. Celebrate the food, fun, sights and sounds of Latin culture at this annual festival, featuring live concerts by internationally renowned Latin musical artists. All concerts are free with admission. April 14: Elvis Crespo; April 21: Grupo Niche; April 28: RKM & Ken-Y; May 5: Gilberto Santa Rosa Enjoy savory Latin cuisine prepared by SeaWorld Orlando’s Executive Chef, Héctor Colón. Lechón, a r roz con gandules y pasteles, arroz con pollo, habichuelas rojas y maduros, mofongo con carne frita, alcapurrias and bacalaítos are just some of the items available during Viva la Música. www.seaworldorlando. com

Gilberto Santa Rosa

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

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

with boardwalk or concrete. Every Saturday guided Hikes of Weedon Island are conducted by volunteers. (Pre-registration is required at (727) 453-6506.) Guided canoe trips are also offered

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through the Cultural Center. The Weedon Island Preserve Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information on Weedon Island, visit www.weedonislandcenter.org For more Weedon Island photos, visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Event Photo Gallery, click on Tampa Bay Attractions.

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TRAVELOGUE

THE INN ON FIFTH Inviting Elegance by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

ntering the lobby of the elegant Inn On Fifth in Naples, FL, one would never guess the building housing the hotel was once a 1951-era bank. The hotel is a mere 15 years old, but has the look and feel of seasoned grand dame â&#x20AC;&#x201D; perhaps because of all the marble, warm lighting, and lovely antique furnishings adorning the lobby and common areas.

Photos by Melissa unless otherwise indicated. 68

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e were warmly greeted by staff when checking in to the Inn On Fifth, and they could not have been more accommodating, trying to anticipate our every need. An unexpected surprise at a hotel as lovely as this one, is discovering that parking is free â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including valet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and there are no separate resort fees for the use of the pool and exercise equipment, etc. that most hotels tack on to your bill. ddd

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photo supplied by the Inn On Fifth

odern British Colonial comes to mind in describing the hotel’s guest rooms decor. Inviting and comfortable, yet sophisticated with predominate shades of buttercup yellow and pale green. The Inn’s pillow-top bedding is divine, and slumber came easily to us after busy days exploring Naples. All the rooms have sliding French doors leading to balconies or terraces with rattan or wrought iron furniture. We made full use of our balcony in the mornings with coffee and conversation in our snuggly hotel-supplied robes while watching Fifth Avenue come alive. To get ourselves going, we enjoyed a dip in the Inn’s rooftop pool before heading out for the day. A must during a stay at the Inn is a visit (or two!) to the Inn’s luxurious Spa On Fifth. Utilizing Feng Shui and all natural products, skilled staff will relax or rejuvinate you with a variety of treatments. How does a Chocolate Raspberry Brown Sugar Body Scrub, or a romantic couples massage sound‑? Athough the hotel is not old, it recently underwent complete refurbishing of all the guest bathrooms in Italiante marble. And the Inn is actually expanding, having purchased buildings directly across the street and renovating them to become new suites (some at 1,000 sq feet) with exclusive club level check-in, and with retail shops on the ground floor. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2012. ddd 70

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Judy Nelson, Spa Manager, will see to your every need.

Couples massage.

photo supplied by the Inn On Fifth

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McCabes Irish Pub ining can be found right at the hotel’s location, with McCabe’s Irish Pub and Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House.

McCabe’s is a truly authentic Irish Pub, as a lot of the interior findings, paneling and decor were shipped over from Ireland. The menu consists of traditional Irish fare, with hearty Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, angus beef and grilled seafood, and, of course, Irish beer. The pub’s site includes the old bank vault (complete with the thick steel tumbler door) which they utilize as a private dining room. With live entertainment and a fun crowd, McCabe’s is the place to be.

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House is next door to McCabes, and is the most popular fine dining spot in Naples. The restaurant is elegant, and service is impeccable. The food, however, is what keeps folks returning, and reservations are a must (months in advance for Saturday night!) The Naples Truluck’s is one of eleven owned by the company (others located in Texas, California and more in Florida.) To supply all the restaurants, Truluck’s founded their own sustainable fisheries. Their menu changes seasonally, as their seafood is only the freshest possible. The most popular dishes are their Dungeness and King Crab when in season. All their vegetables and meats are organic, and the absolutely delicious, tender steak comes from Niman Ranch grass fed, free-range cows. Truluck’s has over 100 wines by the glass, and their wine program is always changing.

Rick Rinella, Manager of Truluck’s.

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House

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hey say real estate is most valued by location, so the Inn On Fifth is prime. It is located right in the heart of Naples, on it’s most prized shopping street, and short ride to most area attractions. Unfortunately, we did not have a lot of time to stay in Naples, but did manage to visit two of the area’s popular attractions, the Naples Zoo, and the Naples Princess luxury yacht, and both experiences were memorable.

Naples Zoo handler shows us how a sloth likes to just hang around.

The Naples Zoo is non-profit, with conservation being key. Begun in 1919 as a botanical garden, animals were introduced in 1969. The animal enclosures are all natural habitats, so they are able to roam around comfortably. A guided boat takes visitors around islands inhabited by different primates, where the aniZoo mals swing freely in trees and “jungle gyms”. Among other events are a giraffe feeding (where guests can feed the giraffes themselves) and an alligator feeding (no, no guests - just handlers for this one!) The shows are fun and fascinating.

The Naples Princess is a beautiful three-year-old, 105 ft. long, $4M custom built yacht, which sails several times a day out of the Port O Call Marina. There are different sailing options available, from afternoon sightseeing to a sunset dinner cruise. You glide past waterfront mansions, and most likely will see some interesting wildlife, like dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, or some slow-moving manatees. We heartily recommend the sunset cruise, for the beauty of the area and catching one of Florida’s spectacular sunsets.

The Inn On Fifth offers some very attractive vacation packages year round, and with an average 75° temperature in Naples, it is well worth a visit at any time of year.

Naples Princess

A gorgeous sunset seen from the Naples Princess cruise.

If you Go

Upsacle shopping is right outside your door at the Inn On Fifth.

Inn On Fifth - 239-403-8777; www.innonfifth.com McCabes Irish Pub - 239-403-7170; www.mccabesirishpub.com/ Naples Visitor Bureau - 239-225-1013; www.paradisecoast.com/ Naples Princess Cruises - 239-649-2275; www.naplesprincesscruises.com Naples Zoo - 239-262-5409; www.napleszoo.org Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House 239-530-3131; www.trulucks.com/

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‘Art and the Animal,’ Music, Children’s Programs and More April highlights at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, include the “Art and the Animal” exhibition, After Hours starring Southern Express, First Saturday children’s art program, and a “Fashion In History” docentled tour. “Art and the Animal” opens Saturday, April 14, with artwork in various media from The Society of Animal Artists. The exhibition runs through Sunday, June 17, and showcases a collection of 45 two- and threedimensional works of art depicting wild and domestic animals in motion and at rest as created by some of today’s best classically trained international artists. In addition, Sunday, April 1, is the final day to view the temporary exhibition “Three from Cuba: The Art of Vicente, Sandro and Florido - The Fantastic to the Sublime.”

On Thursday, April 5, big band music from the ‘30s and ‘40s will be performed by the Southern Express Band during After Hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Horse and Hounds Restaurant and watch art demonstrations by members of the Ocala Art Group. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for members, $8 for nonmembers. Seating is limited. The First Saturday children’s art program on April 7 focuses on animal art. From 1 to 3 p.m., youths ages 4-12 receive instruction on how to draw masterpieces of their favorite animals. Family members and guardians are invited to join in the program. Admission is free for members and included in admission for nonmembers. “Fashion in History” is the do-

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cent tour presented at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. This one-hour program explores the wide variety of period fashions depicted in the Appleton’s European and American collections. The tour is free for members and included in admission for nonmembers. No RSVP is required. In addition, educational films on the visual arts are presented each Sunday in the Auditorium at 2 p.m.

Scheduled in April are “The National Gallery of Art” on April 1, “Masterpieces of the Met” on April 8, “A Tour of the Louvre’s Art Collection” on April 15 and “The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art” on April 22. The Martha O’Driscoll-Appleton Film Series presents the 1943 movie “Fallen Sparrow” on April 29. The Appleton Museum of Art presents a permanent collection of European, American and contemporary art, plus Asian, African, Islamic and pre-Columbian artifacts and antiquities. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Daily admission to the Appleton Museum is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors 55 or better and students 19 and over; $3 for youths ages 10-18; and free for

members, CF students, children age 9 and under, and active military personnel and their immediate families. A 12-month membership is available for $25 for seniors 55 and over, $30 for adults 18 and over, $40 for two seniors over age 55, $50 for a family of two adults and any children under age 18, and $15 for all other college students and current or retired educators. Owned and operated by College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). For more information call the Appleton Museum of Art at 352-291-4455 or visit www.AppletonMuseum.org. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Art Lines Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art through April 29

his landmark exhibition brings to life one of the greatest civilizations in the history of the world. Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art, currently on view through April 29, spotlights astonishing objects of every kind. Mummy cases and sacred works in diverse media, tomb and temple reliefs, papyrus fragments, alabaster vessels, and rare objects comprised of precious stones make this one of the most dramatic shows ever presented at the MFA. The 100 works demonstrate the genius of ancient craftsmen, and the magical or spiritual qualities of the objects are revealed at every turn. The internationally respected Egyptologist Dr. Robert Steven Bianchi is the guest curator. A magnificent red granite torso of Rameses the Great honors one of the most celebrated pharaohs in history. A large stele, or funerary marker, commemorates his son Rameses III. Other key works include a tomb relief of the nobleman Nefer-Hotep, a relief from the Amarna Period from a temple erected during the reign of the Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, and a fragment from a temple relief paying tribute to Alexander the Great. A limestone sphinx is similarly impressive. The sphinx, with the head of a pharaoh and the body of a lion, points to the profound interrelationship of humans and nature in ancient Egypt. The natural world was not something apart for the Egyptians, and neither were the deities, 76

who could take the form of animals and natural forces such as the sun. Ancient Egyptian art centers on transformation, renewal, and eternal life. These objects were invested with visual and symbolic power. Hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian written language, were, by themselves, a high form of artistic expression. The mummy cases or sarcophagi are the largest works in the exhibition. One is covered in colorful images—like a brilliant painting—and was designed to honor the status of an unidentified court official and to assure his eternal life. Another, more than six-and-a-halffeet tall, includes inlays of alabaster or limestone, as well as hieroglyphics, and has a monumental presence asserting the authority of a certain Hor-Em-Akhet. THE MAGIC OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART Magic and spirituality infused every aspect of Egyptian art. Instead of providing a chronological survey, Dr. Bianchi has emphasized the objects’ sacred qualities. Priests accompanied the workers to gather natural materials and conducted specific rituals upon entering and leaving the quarries. According to Dr. Bianchi, “for the ancient Egyptians, all stones were considered to be a privileging material, because they symbolized eternity, permanence, immutability, and incorruptibility… Any object created in stone or any text inscribed into stone remained intact and immune to the agents of time. Stone, possessed of a vital energy, was alive.” SPECIAL EVENT: The Museum is featuring Evenings in Egypt every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Admission from 5- 8 is only $10. Visitors can see Ancient Egypt—Art and Magic, shop in the store, participate in special activities, and have dinner in the café, which is spotlighting www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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

ROMARE BEARDEN: SOUTHERN RECOLLECTIONS - thru May 6 Romare Bearden: Southern Recollections is an exhibition of approximately 70 works of art that span the career of this internationally renowned artist. Bearden (1911-1988) is widely regarded as one of the most important African-American artists who worked in the United States during the 20th century. The exhibition examines how the South served as a source of inspiration throughout his career. Through visual recollections of his experiences in the South, Bearden meticulously recorded the ritual forms, or the “collective beliefs,” that imbue his works with archetypal significance. The works in his Southern Series, painted in tempera on brown paper, are characterized by strong colors, flattened perspective and stylized, highly formal compositions. In the mid-1960s, his use of collage, which emphasizes distortions, reversals, telescoping of time, and Surrealistic blending of styles enabled Bearden to convey the dream-like quality of memory and active imagination and was therefore a perfect vehicle for images of his memories of the South. Don ZanFagna: Cyborgs - thru May 6 Don ZanFagna (born 1929) has been active since the 1950s and is known for his stunning works that fuse creativity with futuristic warnings. Between 1968 and 1974, Don ZanFagna created Cyborg Notes, a series of “cybernetic metaphors” that focus on the future problems that DNA mixing might cause. These metaphors take the form of collages of signals or warning of things going wrong. According to the artist, “these works incorporate humans and machines, cloning, eco-architecture and landscape, biology and technology and make use of dark humor, skepticism, irony, and futuristic symbolism.” The resulting Cyborg environment that ZanFagna constructs shows entities that have lost their humanity and sexuality, but mechanically still reproduce new “humans” replete with nuts, bolts, and robotic controls.

This will be the only second exhibition of ZanFagna’s work in the last 30 years. JOHN CAGE 33 1/3 - PERFORMED BY AUDIENCE: A Celebration of the Centenary of the Composer’s Birth - thru May 6 One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, John Cage (1912- 1992) created sound and performance works that broke through boundary after boundary. In celebration of his enduring legacy and the 2012 centenary of his birth, the Museum presents John Cage’s 33-1/3 - Performed by Audience – an interactive installation guest curated by Jade Dellinger. Conceived in 1969 as an “audience participation” work, John Cage’s original “score” simply stipulated that the gallery be filled with about a dozen record players and two- to three-hundred vinyl records. Museum visitors were encouraged to act as DJs and create a musical mix by playing records freely and thus performing the work. As “a tribute and in celebration of Cage’s centennial, the exhibition’s goal is both to honor and reinterpret Cage’s score with the assistance of a few rather special friends. The show aimed to create a broad spectrum of vinyl recordings as source material for visitor-participants to access at the Museum, and a prominent group of visual artists and performers (even a few Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers) have been invited to submit Top 10 picks or album playlists to fill record bins. For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org

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Peter Paul Rubens: Impressions of a Master - thru June 3 This exhibition showcases the work of one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time:

the Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). The exhibition features more than 75 magnificent engravings of the highest artistic standards after compositions by Rubens; these are drawn from the extraordinary collection of the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone

Kunsten Antwerpen (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp), the repository of the largest group of prints after the artist in the world, and from the holdings of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The prints will be displayed alongside several important paintings by Rubens from the Ringling collection, perhaps the premier collection of works by the artist in America. This exhibition is

organized by the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp) and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota. For more information, 941.358.3180, or visit www.ringling.org

GULFPORT ART WALKS 1st Friday Art Walk - April 6 3rd Saturday Art Walk - April 21 Observe and purchase from talented independent artists and crafters at work all along Beach & Shore Boulevards, as well as the works of local authors and entertainers stretched over a half-mile up and down scenic Beach Boulevard on April 6, from 6 pm-10 pm. Live musicians appear at venues throughout the Village. View the stars through St. Pete Astronomy Clubs state of the art telescopes, weather permitting, every first Friday. While browsing the art and craft booths, dont miss Gulfports unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District. 3129 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707; 866-ART-WALK; Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Trolley Rides. ___________________________

Oldsmar 4th Annual Art in the Park Sat - April 14 The City of Oldsmars Art in the Park Sat takes place April 14th from 10 am - 4 pm. Special guests include Staff of Lowe’s coordinating Build & Grow Kids Clinics, DJ & Emcee Christian Simpson, The Treasure Island Kite Klub (free kite giveaways), “The Airplane Guy” Author Dean Mackey offering free paper airplanes for kids, the Learning Experience (Gift Basket Drawings, kids activities and giveaways), Comic Book Artist Mark Pennington, Upper Tampa Bay Garden Club kids art activities, the Oldsmar Venture Club offering free face painting, Sunburst Pageant & Model Search (participants and judges), Oldsmar Photography Club, Theatre Director Richard Rosen, Volunteers of Sir Snuffy’s Hedgehog Sanctuary, members of the Suncoast Wings Chapter FL1M and many, many more. The location is R.E. Olds Park at 107 Shore Drive W.; www.MyOldsmar.com

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One 2 One Thru May 26

ne 2 One is a ceramic exhibition that highlights the history of the student/teacher relationship and the strong academic ceramic traditions that we have in the state of Florida. Professors from various institutions have been selected to invite current or former students to exhibit along side them in this exhibition that celebrates the mentoring relationship that teachers share with their students. Linda Arbuckle: Linda’s work in majolica-glazed earthenware has been recognized through an Artists’ Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a Florida Individual Artists’ Fellowship. Alyssa Welch: Alyssa’s work focuses on special service tableware that can help define the occasion, create ritual, evoke memories, refine the human spirit, and enhance the importance of what is being served. Stephen Heywood: Stephen’s work is influenced by architectural structures including factories, silos and water towers. These vessels are often composed of many wheel-thrown and hand-built parts and take their shape as small “functional sculpture”. Carleton Haack: A major variable in his work is scale relation as well as evoking a certain emotion to the viewer. Bonnie Seeman: is very interested in the utilitarian object and how it can be used as a means of narration. Her work blends the macabre with the beautiful, which acts as a metaphor of the fragility and resiliency of life. Helen Otterson: Helen’s work is a hybrid of human cells and plant forms that share the pursuit of survival and beauty of natural form. Florida Craftsmen Inc, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727 821-7391; www.floridacraftsmen.net/

FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS Andy Warhol & Friends - thru May 27

or the inaugural exhibition in its grand new home in the Cube at Rivergate Plaza, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts welcomes Andy Warhol & Friends to Tampa Bay. This landmark exhibition comes from the Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and runs through May 27. Included in Andy Warhol & Friends are vividly hued screen prints as well as photographs and photo booth strips from 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. They feature portraits of such celebrities as John Wayne, Liza Minnelli, Sting, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, Grace Jones and Dennis Hopper. Also included are Warhol’s famous self-portraits. Warhol (American, 1928-1987) came to fame with the rise of the Pop Art movement in the 1960s and the explosion of print media and popular culture. An acute social observer, Warhol saw that the image of a famous person was more important than the actual person. As Marshall McLuhan observed, “The medium is the message.” Warhol realized that the ubiquitous image was the defining quality of a celebrity, that he or she was famous for being famous. Beginning with a photographic image, Warhol often manipulated it in ways that mimicked the production qualities of mass market magazines and newspapers. A puppet master of publicity, he knew the value of fame. “Don’t pay any attention to what they write about you,” he said, “ Just measure it in inches.” The FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602; 813.221.2222; www.fmopa.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

APRIL 21 & 22

The 37th Annual Mainsail Arts Festival The St. Petersburg downtown waterfront provides a picturesque setting for the annual Mainsail Arts Festival. As a premier cultural event on St. Petersburg’s outdoor calendar, over 100,000 visitors from near and far come to enjoy and purchase quality art and enjoy top name entertainment. Named among the “100 Best Fine Art and Design Shows” in the nation, Mainsail attracts 250 professional artists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. This year, artists from 31 states as well as Ontario will be exhibiting their original art work for sale (or commission) in Ceramics, Digital, Fibers, Glass, Graphics, Jewelry, Metals, Mixed Media, Oil/Acrylic, Photography, Sculpture, Watercolor and Wood. Exhibiting artists are competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Admission to the show is free. The two-day show also features entertainment both days beginning at Noon, a Young at ARt student show, the Junior League Kids Create crafts tent and a Culinary Arts food court. Mainsail is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times, Cadillac, city of St. Petersburg, Junior League of St. Petersburg and Clear Channel Outdoor. Saturday, April 21 - 9am to 6pm; Sunday, April 22 - 10am to 5pm. Vinoy Park, Bayshore Drive & 7th Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL. This year’s 2012 Mainsail Arts Festival poster was created by Jon Smith, who specializes in oil and acrylic depicting people viewing classic art. www.mainsailartsfestival.org/

Platform Art, Inc. Hosts Agriculture Themed Art Party #19 Platform Art, Inc. presents Platform Art Party #19- Art in AgriCulture, on April 28 in downtown Lakeland, from 7-11 p.m. A public art piece funded by Platform Art will be unveiled during the event, which is a celebration of Earth Month and Polk County’s rich agricultural heritage. Popular belief is agriculture cannot exist in hot concrete jungles, but Art in AgriCulture will, in conjunction with the City of Lakeland, highlight “urban agriculture” by making improvements to the city’s environmental landscape. Charlie Parker Students from the Harrison School for the Arts, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and various other partners will present visual art, short films, sound, and performance pieces that focus on 80

Polk County’s agricultural heritage. An agriculturethemed fashion show will also take place, ensuring that all forms of art can represent agricultural heritage. St. Petersburg artist Charlie Parker has been commissioned to design and produce a large ceramic tile mural to be installed by Lakeland’s Public Works Department on the Orange Street Bridge to create a gateway from The Lakeland Center into the downtown area. Location begins in downtown Lakeland, from the Orange Street Bridge, primary Location being St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Pavilion, 118 West Lemon St., Lakeland, Fl 33815. Time: 7:00 p.m. For tickets to Art In Agriculture, visit www.platformart.org.

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Smart Springtime Clean Up

am a firm believer in the ritual of spring cleaning. When it comes to the seasonal clean up, many people believe that the easiest thing to do is to just throw everything away. However, that’s not always smart. On a regular basis, I visit homes of people who are downsizing or people who are cleaning out the home of a deceased loved one. I help evaluate what objects are worth keeping, what objects are worth selling, and I show people the smartest way to get the most money for unwanted objects-both new and old. I remind folks that trashing that unwanted item may cost you. Today, those objects represent the much needed money for rising healthcare costs and other vital needs. Far too many families make uniformed and costly decisions about valuable objects without unbiased professional help. I visit thousands of homes every year nationwide and share my sound advice and expertise about the value of unwanted objects. I show folks how to identify the valuables and glean much needed cash for them.

Get the 411 Consider this: Grandma passes away. In order to put the house up for sale, grandma’s family members meet at her vacant house to empty it. The family works to throw away most of grandma’s stuff --beaded purses, ceramic canister sets, silverware. Her belongings-the same items that were perfectly fine a few weeks ago before her death--make their way from the house’s vacant rooms to the dumpster in the driveway. Just because grandma’s family doesn’t want her belongings, that doesn’t magically make these items worthless. Grandma had been insuring her personal property including art, antiques, and collectibles for

at least $100,000 under a typical homeowners’ insurance policy for years, yet suddenly her items have no value! This is ridiculous. You wouldn’t set fire to grandma’s house because she’s not using it anymore, would you? G r a n d m a ’ s 20-year-old grandson probably won’t realize that grandma’s set of 1940s Blue Ridge dishes are valued at $30 per plate as he Frisbee tosses them into the dumpster. Grandma’s daughter doesn’t know that her mother’s late 1880s Victorian side chair is worth $500. Grandma’s nephew, an accountant, doesn’t recognize an old family portrait painting as a work by an esteemed Colonial artist with a $75,000 retail value. Grandma’s family unknowingly throws away a significant amount of money, just as if they opened their wallets and threw the cash into the street. Some families host yard sales or house sales to generate some funds, however, be sure you know what you are putting up for sale and be certain that your prices are correct. I have seen many items priced ridiculously too low when family members are organizing a yard sale of grandma’s unwanted items. For instance, I saw a $20,000 American Impressionist landscape painting offered for $10 with a bright green yard sale sticker affixed to its frame! Don’t let it go until you know what it’s worth. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on the hit TV show, Auction Kings on Discovery channel airing Tuesdays at 9 PM. For information about your antiques, call (888) 431-1010 or visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori/

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travelogue

WYNDHAM GRAND ORLANDO RESORT Bonnett Creek’s Newest and Brightest Gem

Story and Photos by Barbara McGovern and Tim McGovern

When was the last time that you had a perfect stay at a hotel? Usually something is off, the location, the rooms, the food or the service. Nothing major, just something. I know the feeling. Well, let me tell you that I have discovered THE perfect hotel with The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnett Creek. This brand new hotel, which just opened this past October, is set in the beautiful Bonnett Creek section of the Disney World complex. From your first view of it, it is special. You pull up to an entrance surrounded by beautiful landscaping, and are greeted by friendly and helpful staff. When you go through the doors you sense that something is different here. It just has a friendly feeling. A genial host welcomes you with a cold glass of citrus scented water and asks about your trip and what can he do to help you. You look around at the soaring windows onto the pool and lake and you realize that you are beginning to relax. Your vacation has begun. Across the lake you can make out the fabled buildings of the Magic Kingdom. Comfortable chairs adorn the lobby if you wish to sit for a spell. As soon as you check in, you are whisked up to you room, and what a beautiful room it is. We were impressed by how much thought went into everything. The Wyndham wants to welcome all their guests, from the biggest to the smallest, and they want to make sure everyone is comfortable. For instance, in the bar and lounge areas, all the chairs are low enough so even the kids that are with mom and dad have a comfortable spot to sit and don’t have to worry about taking a tumble. All the chairs an elegant white leather. Can you imagine white leather? Not to worry, the people at Wyndham have thought about everything, and all the chairs can be wiped off. No sticky fingers to worry about here. One of the most creative things the Wyndham has is “the bunk room.” Among the 400 elegantly appointed rooms are special King and Double Bunk suites, which are separate rooms within rooms, so the family can share but still have privacy. There are bunk beds for the kids with their own flat screen TV and their own sink. I wish I had that when we were traveling with all our kids. In addition to the bunk room there are 98 King Bed Suites, 206 Double Bed suites, 10 Suite Parlors and 2 Presidential Suites. The two top floors feature 26 select guest rooms with private keyed access use of the concierge lounge.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WYNDHAM GRAND

The Wyndham has several restaurants and lounges. Tesoro Cove is a casual dining room overlooking the pool with an eat in or take out option. The food and service were both excellent. Also by the pool is the Back Bay bar an grill, serving day and night. It’s beautiful to sit around the fire pit with your libations and watch the Disney fireworks from across the lake. You can meet and mingle with friends, have a drink and get a snack at Bar 1521, located in the lobby, across from the Barista. My favorite restaurant, by far, is Deep Blu Seafood Grill. The decor is beautiful, with a view of the lake. You can sit and watch the chief prepare dinner in the open kitchen while you enjoy some Sushi. The service was outstanding, but the food was the star of the show. Everything we had was great, and the crème de la crème was the Macaroni and Cheese with Lump Crab Meat. It was to die for. I love food and may talk about it a lot, but there is much more to love at the Wyndham. The resort has several rooms for business meetings and conferences, even small conventions. The property is also perfect for a wedding. With its location, it would be convenient for guests and the hotel can provide all the services that you would need. I have to mention the Blue Harmony Spa, which is tranquility defined. I was not much of a spa girl before, but I am now. There are several treatment rooms with individual and couple suites. The spa offers soaking tubs, a nail salon, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, showers, steam rooms and two outdoor treatment rooms with hot tubs. There are a wide variety of services, and everyone on staff is talented and gracious. An excellent fitness room has all state of the art machines and it is open 24/7. There is a game room for kids and it’s even soundproof so you don’t need to hear all the bells and whistles. Yea! Adjacent to the resort is the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones. They have PGA certified instructors, a pro shop and reserved tee times for Wyndham guests. The Grand Kids Club offers daily resort activities, educational programs and children’s activities. The club keeps the kids occupied and safe, so mom and dad can have a little bit of adult time. The Wyndham’s concierge team is available to book any surrounding area activities that you are interested in, and transportation to the Magic Kingdom is included in the resort fee. The resort is conveniently located to all the attractions in the area. The Orlando International Airport is 20 minutes; the Kissimmee Gateway Airport is 5 minutes and Tampa International is 70 minutes away. Our stay at the Wyndham Grand Orland Bonnett Creek was a memorable experience. The resort is perfect in every way. I never met a staff that was so concerned about the guests. They went out of their way to be gracious, friendly and accommodating. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and we will be definitely be back. Please contact www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com for more information. 83

Dry Case

Waterproof Vacuum Seal for Cell Phones and Cameras

ryCASE is a vacuum-sealed, flexible, crystal clear waterproof case that provides complete use of your phone, tablet, MP3 player or camera while keeping it dry and clean. DryCASE allows for full touch screen functionality, including underwater pictures and video. It also features a 3-way headphone jack, which allows you to use both Dry Corp’s waterproof EarBUDS headphones and a mi-

Therapik

DIDIT! Easy Pill Reminder

For Bug Bite & Sting Relief

s we welcome our warmer weather, we also will unfortunately be welcoming mosquitos and other pesky insects. But fortunately, there’s Therapik to give us some relief from their inevitable bites and stings. But Therapik isn’t just for use in warm weather months. The small, portable hand-held device is proving to be a welcome weapon against pain and itching from insect bites and stings year round. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for stings and bites from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, black flies, ants, fleas, ticks, chiggers and even jellyfish and stinging nettle. This unique treatment device soothes pain and itching and is safe for both adults and children. Most insect venom is thermolabile, or sensitive to heat. Therapik’s technology delivers heat in the precise temperature range necessary to deactivate the venom from over 20,000 different species of insects and sea creatures. Therapik can be reapplied as often as necessary until sufficient bug bite relief is obtained. It is not for use on spider or snake bites For more information on Therapik, visit www.therapik.com/ 84

crophone. This allows you to listen to music or even take calls. With DryCASE you can stay active, jam out, and keep in touch all the time. The headphone sets with microphones are 100 percent waterproof, and when used with the DryCASE’s stereo/microphone jack, your phone can be completely waterproof. DryCASE features a buoyant neoprene armband that can be used to attach the product to your arm, boat console, etc. It will fit almost any phone, camera or MP3 player. A larger iPad, Kindle and PC tablet version is also available. For more information, visit www.drycase.com/

id I take my pill today or not? We’ve all thought that, and in some cases it could be quite detrimental if you either forgot to take a dose or took too many. Problem solved. Didit! makes it easy to track if you ‘did’ take your medication. Simply attach it to the bottle, and click the day, and over and under dosing is easily avoided. This simple device is re-attachable and comes in bright colors for easy color coding of either, time of day, type of med or who it belongs to. Available with Days of the Week or Numbers. Take the worry out of taking medications. For more information, visit www.thedidit.com/

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Audiofly Headphones

My Stubs

Clear, Natural Sound

Personalized Ticket Album

f you love music concerts, the theater or sporting events and like to keep your ticket stubs as momentos, what do you do with them? Perso n a liza tio n Mall.com has just the answer. Rather than shoving them in an old shoe box, get an attractive keepsake scrapbook for them. You can cherish your memories and share your stories with our My Stubs Personalized Ticket Album - the perfect personalized gift for music lovers, theater enthusiasts and sports fans alike. PersonalizationMall.com will custom personalize any 1-line at the bottom of their exclusive design, for a personal touch to call your own. The scrapbook holds up to 96 tickets in 32 archival quality pages. Custom designed ticket pockets measure 6 1/4” x 2 3/4”, and tickets slide in from the center of album so they won’t fall out. Check this and more gift ideas out at www.PersonalizatonMall.com/

ho better to design headphones than musicians? They know all about how sound should, well, sound. The fellows at Audiofly are just that. Musicians. They have created a product with an exceptionally clear, natural sound. Actually, there are four different models to choose from. The AF78 Series is Audiofly’s premium hybrid in-ear headphone featuring a balanced armature driver and a 9mm custom dynamic driver. The combination produces amazing separation across the dynamic range. The AF56 Series offers a large 13mm dynamic driver voiced for a punchy bass response that doesn’t overpower the subtle detail of the midtones or the smooth chimey highs. The AF45 features a powerful custom-voiced 10.7mm dynamic driver for inspired detail across the dynamic range. Delivering superb sound, the AF 33 offers an expertly tuned 9mm dynamic driver and many other features. Audiofly headphones are available with or without a microphone and feature a gold plated connection. For more information on AudioFly, visit www.audiofly.com/

Samsung Nexus S 4G Extended Battery Give Your Smartphone a Boost

he latest Samsung Nexus S-compatible extended battery lasts up to three times longer than traditional mobile phone batteries. It was even used by the Atlantis astronauts to access a broad range of capabilities and achieve better communication between land and sky. If a phone and battery can handle distances exceeding 200,000 miles, then earthbound Samsung Nexus S 4G users can certainly expect even greater airtime and output from an OnTrion extended battery. The battery is made from high quality Lithium Ion cells with PCM Technology, and comes with a replacement door. The batteries are designed to support Data Transfer, SMS, MMS Messaging, Social Network, Media, tethering, gps, apps and other applications. In order to obtain the full capacity of the OnTrion battery, it is recommend that you charge the battery for 3-4 hours. For more information on how to give a Samsung Nexus S smartphone a NASA-worthy boost, visit www.ontrion.com/

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Haitian Folklife in Florida - thru May 20. The City of Tarpon Springs’ Center for Gulf Coast Folklife presents its inaugural exhibit: Haitian Folklife in Florida. The exhibit runs through May 20 in the Folklife Gallery.

There has long been a Haitian presence in the U.S. During the colonial era and the Haitian Revolution, many fled to New Orleans and Charleston to escape violence. After independence, Haiti suffered a succession of oppressive

dictatorships that impelled many of its people to seek better conditions elsewhere. From the 1950s to 1980s, hundreds of thousands Haitians fled to Florida—especially Miami—and other parts of the U.S. In Florida, Haitians have reconstructed parts of their social structure in order to negotiate the difficult transition between their past and their present. Haitian Americans express and reinforce their identity through a wide array of everyday activities and special events. Haitian Folklife in Florida explores aspects of Haitian history and traditional culture that are reflected through domestic and decorative arts, music, dance, Carnival, and religion. Center for Gulf Coast Folklife Gallery, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. NIGHT IN THE ISLANDS - Apr 7, May 5 The City of Tarpon Springs presents Night in the Islands, a free event on the Sponge Docks. Enjoy

Greek music, dancing, and dining. The event features live music by Ellada, an exciting Greek band composed of three of the most accomplished Greek musicians in the state. Ellada will perform nisiotika, the lively traditional music of the Greek islands, as well as old and new Greek favorites. Ellada includes George Soffos, bouzouki; Dino Theofilos, keyboard; and Elias Poulos, vocals. Prior to the event there will be live Greek music on Dodocanese Blvd. at Riverwalk, west of Hope Street. Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz - April 14 The acclaimed traditional dance and music group, direct from Veracruz, Mexico, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli is a visual fiesta of culture and folklore featuring regional dances of old Mexico, in particular, their home state of Veracruz (birth-

place of the world famous “La Bamba”). The music, performed live on authentic stringed instruments, punctuates the meticulous move86

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Tarpon Springs Events con’t ment, colorful clothing, and pulse established by the dancers. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 South Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs FL 34689; 727-942-5605, www.tarponarts.org 5th ANNUAL TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE DOCKS ART

& CRAFT FESTIVAL - April 14-15 Free Admission, Fine Art, Fine Craft, food, music, Sat 10:00am6:00pm, and Sun 10:00am-5:00pm. This event is held in the streets of the Sponge Docks (Dodecanse Blvd) and their quaint shopping district, with many excellent Restaurants. The event draws many tourist and has the support of locals, tourists and the Merchant Associa-

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tion. www.tnteventsinc.com Importance of Being Earnest - April 27- 29, May 4-6 Directed by Abbott Morgan. Oscar Wilde created one of the most delightful and memorable social comedies with The Importance of Being Earnest. This comedy of manners satirizes Victorian manners and customs, with Wilde’s light, witty style that is absolutely unforgettable. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689; 727-942-5605 or www.tarponarts. org/ LA MANCHA GLASS GARDENS ART SHOW - April 28-29 Julian and Karin Mesa have designed custom carved, stainge and etched glass for 20 years. They present new carved glass pieces and handmade embossed paper. Karin will be reading her children’s book “Oliver The Overachiever” both mornings at 10 am. www.lamanchaopenstudio.com Trio Da Camera - April 29 Theresa Villani, violoncello, Laurel Barrett, clarinet, and Carol Alexander, piano, perform a chamber concert at the Heritage Museum on beautiful Spring Bayou. Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs FL 34689 The Greek Communities of the Bahamas and Tarpon Springs Exhibition: An Intertwined History - thru May 20 Florida’s ties to the Caribbean include the long relationship between Tarpon Springs and the Bahamas. Greek sponge fisherman and merchants began arriving in both Nassau and Tarpon Springs by the mid-1880s, and both locations developed important sponge industries. Today strong family and business ties are still maintained. The exhibit is being shown in conjunction with the exhibit, Haitian Folklife in Florida. Center for Gulf Coast Folklife, 101 S. Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs.

Full Service Agency Specializing In Auto, Home Owner And Business Insurance Our mission is to give our clients the best possible combination of service and price. We try to make insurance shopping as simple as possible. We have 22 years of insurance experience. Please visit us at our web site: petergillisinsurance.com 536 E. Tarpon Ave. Ste 1B Tarpon Springs Fl. 34689 727-942-7530 Fax: 727-942-6099 www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Looking Good... Unique Parasols Necklace

from Gaiam

By Melissa Wolcott Martino

he coolest piece I have in my jewelry box has to be my new Parasols Necklace, which was hand made by female Peruvian artisans. Whenever I wear it, it never fails to get multiple compliments and queries as to where I got it. Is it jewelry or is it art? I think both. Since they are hand made, the parasol necklaces are all original pieces. Made from reclaimed materials including fabric scraps and multicolored yarn, they are also eco-friendly. This piece is available thorugh Gaiam, a company that presents fair trade products from around the world. Please visit their website to see all the different interesting products they have to offer. You will find home decor, spa items, clothing, bags & totes, accessories and more. www.gaiam.com/ I would like to say that is me wearing the necklace in this photo, but alas, it is a beautiful Gaiam model.

Tocca Bianca

Rich Body Cream and Solid Perfume

amed for the Italian word for “touch” after its intricate embroideries and luxurious fabrics, Tocca combines the best of the romantic and exotic. Feminine with an edge, Tocca Beauty brings a worldly playfulness to its family of products. Tocca has become renowned worldwide as a fragrance house of distinctive and exquisite scents. Their perfumers develop scents that are reminiscent of bygone times and familiar places yet infused with the unexpected, creating something altogether fresh and new. Their fragrances can be found in a luxury candle collection, fine fragrances and bath and body products. One of Tocca Crema da Sogno collection of rich body creams includes the outstanding Bianca, with notes of green tea, lemon and a dash of sugar. This sumptuously rich body cream combines the benefits of natural ingredients such as cocoa and shea butter with Tocca’s signature fragrance. Crema da Sogno is quickly absorbed, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple and delicately scented. Perfect for dry winter months to add extra hydration and also for warm summer months to add a hydrated glow. 90

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Tocca continues to inspire everyday escapes with its Bianca solid perfume scent. Notes of Lavender, Rose Petals and a hint of sugar linger on the skin for a light intoxicating scent. And Tocca’s solid perfume collection is TSAfriendly — ideal for on-the-go in your handbag or carry on. For more information on Tocca Beauty products, visit www.tocca.com/

Napoleon Perdis

Makeup From the Runway to You

akeup artist Napoleon Perdis and his creative team have become backstage regulars at both New York and Australian Fashion Weeks where they work with the industry’s top designers to create and communicate the trends of the season. The Napoleon Perdis philosophy is about celebrating and elevating your natural beauty with confidence-building products. Napoleon’s product packaging includes built-in educators and protips. Napoleon has received many accolades for his contribution to the beauty business. He received a Genius Award from US ELLE magazine and the International Achievement Award from the prestigious Fashion Group International for being a leader in his field. His products are often awarded industry acclamation, including a Life & Style award, and Judge’s Choice wins at the Australian Beauty Awards. Gemma Ward, Lindsay Lohan, Melissa George, Leighton Meester, Sophie Monk, Debra Messing, Nicolette Sheridan and Amanda Bynes are just some of the celebrities who are devoted fans of the brand or artistry of Napoleon. Napoleon channels the celebrity in every woman. His key influences include fashion, Hollywood, music, art and interior design. For more information on Napoleon Perdis’ products and great tips and tricks on applying makeup, visit w w w. n a p o l e o n p e r d i s .

Be Curly and Care Free With

Ouidad

or curly girlies, running out the door feeling finished and fabulous can take a lot of time and effort. Up the anti on your free time and create charismatic curls with Ouidad’s Classic Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Gel. Curl confidence can be created with this trio, designed specially to embrace natural curls. Ouidad Clear and Gentle Shampoo is an extremely gentle shampoo for normal or chemically treated hair. An original, all purpose, low foaming, low pH cleanser offers your hair the essential nourishment it needs, and hair is left looking clean, fresh, and healthy with a light baby powder scent using a formula that is safe for even color treated hair. Ouidad’s Balancing Rinse Conditioner detangles, fights frizz, and provides the proper protein balance to revive dull or damaged hair without build up or weighing hair down Special detanglers help prevent the hair shaft from overstretching, while a blend of wheat protein and vitamins smooth and soften strands for optimal manageability and silkiness. The Tress Effects Styling Gel is a versatile styling aid to define curls and fight frizz, and works with your hair’s own inner memory to provide a superior, all day, natural looking hold A blend of special proteins and vitamin B5 create “memory lock” for manageability, while botanicals and collagen help smooth uplifted cuticles to help prevent frizz and tame fly aways. For more information on Ouidad products, visit www.ouidad.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Padina

Botanical Formulation For Eyelashes

adina is a natural (non chemical) advancement in the conditioning and beautification of your natural eyelashes – dramatically enhancing the appearance of their length, thickness, and fullness. The botanical formula nourishes your eyelashes with all natural ingredients -herbal and mineral specifically targeted for maximum lash development. It has no harmful side effects and naturally enhances lash strength, length, luster and develops more numerous lashes. Padina eyelash conditioner helps to protect lashes from constant chemical attacks from mascaras and other harmful artificial eyelash conditioners and is thus used by many celebrities and models under constant make-up changes. Padina is applied to the area above the eyelashes, like an eyeliner application. The process is repeated every day for about 4 to 6 weeks until the desired length and looks are achieved. After that it requires only one application every 2 to 3 days. Eyelashes last normally for 4 to 6 weeks, and average about 10 days more with Padina eyelash conditioner. For additional information visit www.padinacosmetics.com/

Dr. Hess

Udder Ointment

ne might hesitate to use a product named “Udder Ointment” without a cow involved, but farmers long ago discovered the healing power that Udder Ointment had on their own hands when they were tending their cows. First developed by Dr. Hess in 1893 for treating the chapped udders of cows, word of it’s healing power got out, and the product became widespread and has been in demand for over 100 years. Dr. Hess products also include “Baby Butts” to relieve diaper rash, and an SPF 15 lip balm. www.udderointment.com

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas TWO KINGS - KING OF ROCK AND KING OF POP at RIO Rio’s Crown Theater and Nightclub is presenting the rebirth of musics` most influential `Kings` Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. The show, which pays tribute to the `King of Rock` and the `King of Pop` runs Tues-Sun every week. Ice impersonates Michael Jackson, and will be performing favorites including “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal” and many other chart toppers. He has mastered the smooth voice and gravity defying dance moves that solidified Jackson`s four decade career. Ice truly does justice to the most successful entertainer of all time. Next to take the stage is Charles Franks, who portrays the `King of Rock `n` Roll` Elvis Presley. With his deep soulful voice the King may not be dead after all. Join Ice and Franks as they reinvent two of the most influential musicians in pop culture. www.riolasvegas.com/

ELTON JOHN: THE MILLION DOLLAR PIANO at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas - April 13 - May 27 Elton John brings his Million Dollar Piano Show to Caesars Palace on select dates from April 13 through May 27. One of the most successful live acts on the road today, Elton and his band put on an unforgettable show: the entire audience standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs. The monumental career of international singer, songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than five decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, 29 consecutive Top 40 hits and has sold more than 250-million records worldwide. Elton holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time, “Candle in the Wind,” which sold 37-million copies. Since his career began in 1969, he has played almost 3,000 concerts worldwide.

www.caesarspalace.com/

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O’Shea’s Closing - April 30 As part of the Project Linq massive makeover of the Imperial Palace and the alley way between O’Shea’s and Harrah’s, the little casino O’Sheas will shut the doors for the last time on April 30. The place has an energy not matched at surrounding casinos.

CARLOS SANTANA at the House of Blues, Mandalay Bay On select dates starting in May, the House of Blues Las Vegas will feature a two-year Engagement with Carlos Santana of unique performances - “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” — in the specially re-configured House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. www.mandalaybay.com/

Dream Racing in Las Vegas Dream Racing is now open at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dream Racing offers thrill seekers the opportunity to become a race-car driver for the day, taking a track-ready Ferrari F430 GT for fast laps just like a professional. This is the only place in Las Vegas where participants can take to the track at the wheel of a machine specifically tuned for professional Gran Turismo Racing. www.dreamracing.com/

What’s happening at the Beau Rivage

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

Fallen Oak

course) and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. GOLF Magazine rated it one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to Diana Ross 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. Beau Rivage Headliners: Gladys Knight brings her R&B repertoire to the Beau on April 13. The one — the only — Miss Diana Ross entertains on April 21. Get your country on with Randy Travis on May 4. You’ll be dancing in the aisles with The O’Jays on May 11. Reservations for the air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. Visit www.beaurivage.com for more information.

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April Is National Greyhound Adoption Month Author Speaks for Those Who Cannot Tens of thousands of greyhounds are bred every year for the 27 racetracks in the United States, according to the U.S. Humane Society. They’re intentionally over-bred so there will be ample to replace old and underperforming greyhounds at the tracks. Each year, thousands of these retired dogs do not find a home; they are killed. April is National Greyhound Adoption Month, a reminder for animal lovers that there is an industry that “throws away dogs like they are defective products,” says retired police officer Irvin Cannon, a dog lover whose new book, For the Love of Dog Tales, gives voice to man’s best friend. “These dogs have feelings and intelligence, but they are treated like racing slaves so people can gamble,” Cannon says. “Who is the winner in this scenario?” The Humane Society estimates thousands of retired racing dogs are put to death every year. Rabbits are another industry victim; thousands are maimed or killed in the race-training process. Cannon says there are some things to remember for those considering adopting a greyhound: • They typically don’t have issues associated with abuse: Greyhounds may not get a lot of love in the kennels, but are not often abused by track personnel. They tend to respond to fear and violence by either freezing in place or 96

nine, you won’t find a better companion,” Cannon says, “whether you bring home a greyhound, a mystery mixed-breed or a purebred Labrador.” www.FortheLoveofDogTales. com ___________________________

BARK AT THE BALLPARK

running. Since they are trained to chase rabbits, they may be inclined to pursue small running animals. • Greyhounds tend to be intelligent, timid: These dogs are considered gentle and reserved, but stubborn. If they sense they can take control, they will, so owners should quickly establish authority. • Not used to other breeds: Greyhounds are born and raised around people and other greyhounds only. They may become confused or frightened by other dogs, and may need to get accustomed to cats. • No fat, little hair: No dog should be left outside in the cold or heat. Greyhounds are especially sensitive to extreme temperatures and rain. • Sweet affection: They do not bite; they show affection by licking, leaning and rubbing, much like cats. “When you adopt a needy cawww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

BRING YOUR DOG TO THE BALL GAME - April 22 The Humane Society Of Pinellas, Inc. is holding the 2012 Bark at The Ball Park, April 22nd, at Bright House Field, 601 Old Coachman Road in Clearwater. Bring out your dogs to watch Clearwater Threshers vs. Dunedin Blue Jays; gates open at noon with the game at 1pm. Go early to visit with vendors, socialize with other animal lovers and

get your pet signed up for the Pet & Owner Look-A-Like contest. Raffle Baskets offer great gift bundles, and vendors and adorable adoptable pets will also be there. Bright House Field will have their usual amenities available: Frenchy’s Tiki Bar and Home Run Concessions. At the end of the game you are invited to Run the Bases with your dog. www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/

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THE MOREAN ARTS CENTER Programs Geared Towards Youth, Teens And Families PRESCHOOL ART WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - April 20 - Ages 4-6. Children will explore drawing, painting, clay and fiber art under the guidance of the instructor based on the Reggio Emilia method of

collaborative learning. The teacher will guide them in collaborative and individual projects based on the children’s interests. Children will learn about the artistic mediums and their own creativity by experiencing the material world around them. KID CRAFTERNOONS WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - April 20 - Ages 6-12. Embracing the spirit of DIY “design it” yourself, children will learn basic design priciples, and hands on art methods while receiving some teacher direction for crafty creativity. FAMILY ART NIGHT WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - April 20 - Parents and kids welcome. Family art get together for dinner, art and a movie about the “Artist of the Night”. The “Artist of the Night” will be based on a contemporary artist chosen by the instructor. Hands on fun together so each artist in the family may take home a creation basedon the methods of that artist. Price includes

WEE-TIME at Weedon This program is designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Every second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5. April 12 - “Tiny Workers: Ants in your Backyard “ by Nancy Lowen. April 26 - “Diary of a Spider” by Doreen Cronin. 1800 Weedon Dr NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33702 (Weedon Island Preserve). 727-4636500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org

“JUNGLE BOOGIE” TODDLER PROGRAM at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

The nature preserve presents a special program for children ages 3 and 4. (Children must be potty trained.) 9 a.m. to noon. Each session begins with a story and continues with discovery walks, dramatic play, crafts, or animal encounters. The goal is to nurture children’s curiosity, help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills, and instill appreciation and respect for our natural world. 1101 Country Club Way S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705 (Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.) 727-893-7326, www.stpete.org/boyd/

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

pizza and a drink. Families may bring their own drinks or other snacks. This is an opportunity for families to create together. GRAFF-STREET ART WITH CATHERINE CROSS TSINTZOS - April 21 Ages 10-16. Explore the elements of Graffiti style, sketching walls, bricks to pixels, tape art, history and use of tools. Students will finish an individual piece and have an opportunity to work on a group installation. 727.822.7872; www.moreanartscenter.org/ 98

The 53,000-square foot museum provides a safe and playful environment, where children and adults can learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them through exploration, role-playing and direct experience. The highly-interactive museum includes 12 themed galleries and 170 ‘interactivities’ - hands-on, minds-on exhibits - for children aged birth to ten. A combination of permanent and traveling exhibits, comprehensive yearround programs and special events will provide children, parents, caregivers and teachers a rich and ever-changing environment for playful learning. To learn more about the museum, visit www.GlazerMuseum.org or call 813.443.FUN1(3861).

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QuickSmart Strollers Easily Go From Narrow Store Aisles To Overhead Airline Bins

hopping with kids in tow is never easy. But add a baby in a stroller and you can’t fit through the aisles, pile on the purchases or get the stroller open or closed fast enough, even with two hands. Now imagine a family flight with a toddler through a major airport. Do you know the current rules for the diaper bag, sippy cup and bulky stroller? If you use an umbrella stroller to push Junior through the long airport corridors, can you even check it at the gate or is that one of those $25 extra fees (each way)? Isn’t there a better way to get going for parents on the go? Yes, try QuickSmart strollers. Two styles, the Easy Fold Stroller and the Backpack Stroller, are both lightweight yet durable with no assembly required right out of the box. Parents marvel at the cool design, and appreciate how traveling with these wheeled wonders takes the stress out of traveling on planes, trains and automobiles. Both styles open up or fold closed in just seconds. Best of all, these strollers tuck into their own travel bags that can be carried over the shoulder. They are both recommended for children from ages 6 months +. The lightweight Backpack Stroller is less than 11 pounds and folds in four quick steps. It’s compact enough to fit neatly into its included backpack, allowing parents to wear it hands-free when it’s not in use. Best of all, most airlines accept the compact bundle as carry-on. QuickSmart designers created a handle for extra tall parents and an extra tall comfortable backrest for baby. The Backpack Stroller can carry up to 45 pounds and sports a retractable hood for shade. The Backpack Stroller has a retail price of $169.99. Easy Fold Stroller won the National Parenting Center 2011 Holiday Seal of Approval, with its revolutionary and effortless folding system that gets you up and out in seconds. Its compact size fits in the smallest car trunks, and it comes with its own carry bag. Youngsters up to 45 pounds sit in comfy style with a 5-point harness. The bonus rain cover gives instant protection from bad weather. This everyday rugged stroller weighs in at a mere 15.4 light pounds, and has a retail price of $219.99. See for yourself how easy the products are to use, open/close and put away by clicking the YouTube channel or watching the videos at www.QuickSmartGo.com. Both strollers are available at Amazon.com, Diapers.com, Wayfair.com, Babyage.com and RightStart.com. In addition to the two strollers, QuickSmart has created welldesigned family solutions with a Play Yard, a Diaper Bag that converts to a bassinet, a High Chair, and two educational RideOns. For more information, visit www.QuickSmartGo.com

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Marshmallow Fun With A Rapid Fire Launcher he Marshmallow Fun Company is proving T that you can have fun with your food, especially when you can shoot marshmallows up

to 30 feet at unsuspecting targets. Scope out your target, and squeeze the trigger for a spread of mini marshmallow furry. The new futuristic Marshmallow Rapid Fire blasts multiple mini marshmallows up to 30 feet in one shot. Regulate the use of your marshmallow ammo by varying the amount of pumps that create air pressure. The more pumps to the rear handle, the more marshmallows will exit the barrel. When pumped to full capacity, The Marshmallow Rapid Fire sprays out the entire magazine of 25 mini marshmallows with one squeeze of the trigger. Ages 6 and up. $49.95

www.marshmallowville.com

Protect Your Baby with Guavamitts

uavakids, the company that provides parents with functional, beautiful, and eco-conscious products has launched into the baby market with guavamitts. These innovative baby mittens are designed to actually stay on hands, engage babies’ senses, and be gentle on the environment. Most gloves or mittens on the market meet one or two of these criteria, but guavamitts are the first to combine all three of these necessities into one adorable package. guavamitts boast the industry’s first two-part closure on an infant mitten, with elastic on the back and an adjustable velcro tab on the front. Thanks to this new closure system, they stay snug on hands and can be adjusted to the right size as they grow. By wearing mittens babies no long run the risk of scratching their faces, and can avoid ingesting germs from others who touch their hands. Their contrast pattern designs are the first mitt to help engage babies senses. For more information, visit www.guavakids.com

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Organic Rainbow Rattles Organic Baby Rattles dd some sunshine and rainbows to your baby’s world A with organic rattles by Yellow Label Kids from Wild Dill.

The set of three rattles includes one rainbow, one sun and one butterfly. Each rattle is about 4.5 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall. They are a perfect size for little hands, and the yarn is 100% organic bamboo fiber filled with polyfill. These sweet rattles are safe for baby and made by artisans spanning the globe from Chile to Nepal. They are paid a living wage and provided a variety of programs to help better the lives of low-income producers. Yellow Label Kids is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. For more information and more products from Wild Dill, visit www.wilddill.com/

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ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats who have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. The sanctuary houses tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others — a total of 16 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild. At this home for rare and exotic cats, The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home they can for these cats. The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. People are urged to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity. This is accomplished through guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that is a great resource for information about exotic cats. Big Cat Rescue has built enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on a 45 acre site, and provides the best nutritional and medical care possible. They have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation. Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. Call 813-920-4130 for more information, or visit BigCatRescue.org.

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unken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals. If you enjoy Yoga, Pilates, or want to try Hoop Dancing, why not go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise. Mon - Thurs; 10:00am - 11:30am; $45/month or $12/class / Weekend classes $10 Sunken Gardens Members / $15 non-members Sat: 10am 11:15am / Sun: Noon - 1:15pm / Wed 6pm - 7:15pm $15 or $10 for Sunken Gardens Members / $59 for unlimited Daily, Weekend and Evening classes. HOOP DANCING - Tuesday 10am 11am, Wednesday 9am - 10am, $80/8 sessions or $15/class CHUTE CHI GONG Friday, 10am - Noon, $10/class. 825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You... • Discover the beauty of a 100 year old botanical paradise. • Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers and the walk through butterfly encounter. • Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; adults; $6 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 3 to 11 $8 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100

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www.stpete.org

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Birdies for the Brave

Tampa Bay Kicks Off The Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay With Annual Fundraiser And Golf Tournament

he Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, a PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour event, announces that Birdies for the Brave-Tampa Bay will join the 2012 Schedule of Events by kicking off tournament week with their annual fundraiser and golf tournament. This marks the fifth year anniversary of the Birdies for the Bay-Tampa Bay event, but the first year that the tournament will join the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am taking place April 9-15, 2012 at TPC Tampa Bay. “We cannot express how excited we are to have such a great organization included in our tournament,” said Amy Hawk, tournament director of the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay hosted by Tampa Bay Lightning. “We have always been great supporters of Birdies for the Brave-Tampa Bay and the charitable causes they support. Moving their event to Monday of tournament week seemed like a perfect fit and adds to our overall military initiative.” concluded Hawk. “The Birdies for the Brave-Tampa Bay Foundation is honored to become part of the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am,” said Foundation Chairman Tom Gates. “Being a partner with the Tampa Bay Pro-Am event will increase the visibility of the PGA Tour Charities Group Birdies for the Brave program whose mission is to support the members of our armed forces who have been wounded or given their all to protect our freedoms.” The fifth annual Birdies for the Brave-Tampa Bay golf tournament tees off at 12:30 p.m. The one-day shamble competition will have one Champions Tour professional

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for each foursome. For more information on the Birdies for the BraveTampa Bay event go to www.b4btampabay.com. The 2012 Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning will take place on April 9-15 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, FL. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the tournament office at 813-265-4653 or visiting www.tampabayproam.com. Notable Champions Tour professional commitments include – defending Champion John Cook, Nick Price,

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Mark Calcavecchia, Mark O’Meara, Bernhard Langer, Jeff Sluman, Brad Faxon, Jay Don Blake, Russ Cochran, Peter Senior, Olin Browne, Jay Haas, and tournament rookie John Huston. Celebrities scheduled to appear include Ronde’ Barber, Derrick Brooks, Craig T. Nelson, John O’Hurley, Stone Phillips, Joe Theismann, and Lightning Founder Phil Esposito, who will also serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event in 2012. The Birdies for the Brave charitable program is the PGA TOUR Charity Group’s primary vehicle for supporting the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in combat or one that has been seriously injured in performance of their duty. Since 2005, the PGA TOUR has joined with PGA TOUR players and corporate partners to raise millions of dollars for military home front groups through fundraising events at Tournament Players Clubs (TPC) and Heritage Golf Clubs. Giving back is at the heart of the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Charities and the TPC Tampa Bay Birdies for the Brave Foundation. PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. and Birdies for the Brave Tampa Bay, Inc. are non-profit charitable organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. The 2012 primary charities supported by the PGA Charities Group are: United Through Reading; Homes for our Troops; Special Operations Warrior Foundation; Wounded Warrior Project; Operation Home Front; The Navy SEAL Foundation; Special Forces Foundation; and Military Warriors Support Foundation . In addition to the national effort, your Tampa Bay Birdies for the Brave Foundation will

be providing a percentage of its proceeds to local area veterans foundations. The Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay golf tournament, which is going into its 21st consecutive year at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Florida, has contributed over $9 million to Tampa Bay area charities since its inception 24 years ago. One of the 2012 recipients is Homeless Emergency Project-HEP (with funds supporting The Campaign to Bring Our Veterans All the Way Home). Collectively, the Champions Tour has the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game with many of its 30 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame competing regularly in its events and numerous other major championship winners among its members. The Champions Tour is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older. Points earned in 23 official Charles Schwab Cup events in 2012 will determine the Charles Schwab Cup champion, the seasonlong competition designed to recognize the Champions Tour’s leading player. The Champions Tour’s primary purpose is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, protect the integrity of the game and generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays. In 2011, tournaments on all three Tours (PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour) generated more than $118 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to more than $1.7 billion. The PGA TOUR’s website is www.pgatour.com.

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KINGFISH RULE FLORIDA’S GULF COAST Aggressive Predators Accessible by Multiple Methods

By Capt Bill Miller

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, one of the most popular sportfish species is the mighty king mackerel. Known simply as “kingfish” or just “king,” these aggressive feeders make big runs at blazing speed, they’re often found in large numbers and they’ll eat a wide variety of natural and artificial baits. The big fish, known as “smokers,” typically travel alone or in small packs, while the younger “schoolie” kings roam in large schools. When kings are feeding near the surface, you’ll see schools of baitfish flipping and splashing, while birds dive from above. Also be on the lookout for skyrocketing or freejumping kings. These signs point you to the hot action.

You’ll also catch plenty of kings on big diving plugs like those made by MirrOlure, Yo-Zuri, Rapala, Rebel, Bomber, and Mann. You’ll do best with baitfish colors, although red and white has been the go-to plug color for years. The bigger 6to 10-inch plugs are my favorites, but be careful of the treble hooks when handling a hooked fish. When I fish spoons, I troll them behind a No. 2 or 3 planer with 25 feet of 80- to 100-pound monofilament leader. (Tip: Put a black ball bearing swivel in the middle of your leader to help reduce line twist.) You’ll need a mediumheavy to heavy action rod with 50-pound monofilament or braid to handle the pull and resistance of a planer when trolling at 4-5 mph.

Charter captains eager to show their clients a lot of action generally choose the latter because artificials typically appeal mostly to the smaller schoolies. The good thing here is that you’ll catch a bunch of them and these fish are the perfect eating size.

You won’t need the planer or a trolling lead for big-lipped plugs – just use the braided line, which offers less water resistance. This, plus the plug’s lip creates the diving effect. The more line you let out, the deeper the plug dives.

Spoons are one of my favorite artificial baits for kingfish because they look a lot like a fleeing baitfish, while the single hook design makes it easier to dehook a fish. I go with a 6- to 8-inch spoon and I prefer silver spoons, although some anglers like chartreuse, red, purple, blue or cream colored reflective tape on theirs. Popular brands include Drone, Capt. Action, Spoon Squid, Gator and King spoons. 106

When I’m targeting smoker kings, I’ll go with live bait and my favorites include big whitebait, big threadfin herring, cigar minnows, Spanish sardines, blue runners, ladyfish and mullet. Bigger baits usually mean bigger fish, but the saying “Elephants eat peanuts” is also true. I once caught a tournament-winning 38-pound kingfish on a 3inch whitebait.

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A light to medium-light rod with 20-pound mono is about right. Braid can work, but the stretch of mono will help keep the fish on the hook at the strike. I use a 12-inch leader made of 38-pound coffee colored stainless steel wire with a small black swivel on one end and a stinger rig on the other. The front hook of the stinger is a 2/0 short shank live bait with a No. 4 treble dangling on a 3- to 5inche piece of the same 38-pound wire. The length of the treble stinger is determined by the length of the bait, but I like my stinger to lay 2/3 of the way back on the baitfish. For small baits, a single hook on the wire leader works fine, but with larger baits like the ladyfish, mullet and large blue runners, you’ll need to cover the bait’s length by attaching additional stinger segments. I hook the baits crossways through the nose most of the time; although hooking them just behind the head will help the baits get a little deeper. With mullet, I pin the lips shut by hooking from bottom to top.

Troll live baits as slow as your boat will go to create the most realistic presentation. You don’t need planners or trolling leads with live baits, as they’re all on top. However, if you need to get your bait deeper, use a downrigger. Drifting and anchor fishing also works, as long as you target productive bottom structure. Artificial reefs are good places because they hold baitfish. Look for bait schools on top and if you see kingfish jump or crashing bait, present your baits in that area. The Egmont Ship Channel markers 7-8 and out to the Whistler Buoy is historically a productive area, and the 90-foot hole on the northeast tip of Egmont Key has produced many tournament winners. Do some networking to find out where the action is. Check the local Internet and TV shows. Check the fishing reports in local papers and read the internet forums. There’s plenty of information and plenty of kingfish to catch. For weekly fishing reports, hot tips, catch photos and lots of angling resources, visit www.billmiller.com. For fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area, call (813) 363-9927.

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