Accent On Tampa Bay #196, February 2014

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 26, Issue 196 February, 2014 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Vicki Kolb Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designers Papande Newman Missy Lynn Contributors Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Demi Lovato Mgmt Little Mix Mgmt PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

AM PUBLICATIONS St. Petersburg, FL (727) 577-5500

e-mail - AccentMagazine@aol.com Accent On Tampa Bay™ Digital Magazine is produced monthly by AM Media Group.

Material submitted becomes the property of AM Media Group. All material herein, including ads and artwork is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent from AM Medfia Group. © Accent On Tampa Bay™

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LOCAL FOCUS Comedy Magic & Hypnosis Show by Cesar Domico – Feb 7-9 Cesar Domico’s amazing Comedy Magic & Hypnosis Show offers a spellbinding mix of magic and laughter for the whole family at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater in Gulfport, February 7 - 9. You will “be hypnotized by his magic” as the whole family is entertained by his tricks, humor and a touch of hypnosis. People of all ages – both kids and adults – will enjoy laughs full of illusion. A magician and hypnotist with more than 20 years of experience performing magic shows throughout North and South America, Cesar is a professional international entertainer from Colombia and a champion of card magic tricks on two continents. In Cesar’s family friendly Comedy Magic & Hypnosis Show, adults who volunteer will be hypnotized, while everyone in the audience will have a great time watching the show. The humor and demonstrations are clean family fun. www.magicdomico.com

So 49 CLassic Car Show – Feb 8 At the So 49 Classic Car Show, in addition to the great classic cars, will be food, games, moon walks, bungee jump, kiddy rides, costume characters, and live entertainment. Over 60 Awards will be handed out.

1st, 2nd, 3rd, Places awards to be given out: Mayor’s Choice, Grand Champion of show. Food galore with a taste for everyone. The kiddy area is large, so bring the kids for a fun family day. Tangerine Greenway, 49th Street & 18th Avenue South, Gulfport, Fl, 11 AM to 6 PM. www.so49.org/

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Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Show – Sat, Feb 8 Stampers, scrapbookers and paper crafters will have the opportunity to see popular rubber stamp/scrapbook manufacturers, view their entire lines & buy direct from them.

They will have all the newest & coolest supplies. Free demos of products will provide lots of inspiration for creating your own paper crafted artwork. Some vendors will offer make it take it projects in their booths for you to participate in. The Matheos Hall, 409 Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765. 727-376-6289. www.stampfest.com/

Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Latin Culture “Flavors of Ybor” Celebration – February Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for more than a century, Ybor City is always alive with an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds, but never more so than during the month-long celebration known as “Flavors of Ybor.” Throughout the month of February, visitors can explore and experience Tampa’s historic Ybor City through a line-up of events and happenings.

On Feb. 8, spectators of all ages go to 7th Avenue for the Krew of Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade.

The largest parade of its kind in the Southeast, the procession includes illuminated floats, costumed participants, marching bands, dancers, beads and more.

Fiesta Day is celebrated Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ethnic food, exhibits, entertainment and traditional arts and crafts. A free, family-oriented event, Fiesta Day takes place along 7th Avenue.

Also on Feb. 22, Flan Fest features more than 40 contestants competing for the title of Top Flan in Tampa Bay. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Park.

At Gaspar’s Grotto, the annual Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil begins at 4 p.m. Serving an abundance of spicy crawfish, potatoes, corn and more, this annual tradition marks the last night to eat richer, fatty foods before the ritual of fasting for the start of the Lenten season.

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Cruisin’ At The Capitol Street Party – Sun, Feb 9 Celebrating the grand re-opening of the Capitol Theatre, the public is invited to the Cruisin’ At The Capitol Street Party on Sunday, February 9 from 4 to 7:30 pm. The free event will take place on the 300 block of Cleveland Street in the downtown district of Clearwater. All ages are welcome. Vintage cars and motorcycles will be on display, blues band The Nighthawks will perform a free concert, and specialty food vendors will have food and beverages available for sale. There will also be prizes and a raffle drawing. Honoring Jay Leno’s passion for vintage vehicles a wide-array of antique cars and motorcycles will be on display on Cleveland Street prior to Leno’s sold-out show at the Capitol Theatre that evening. Jay Leno will not make an appearance at the street party.

For more than three decades, The Nighthawks have earned a reputation as one of the best and hardest-working bands around. Hailing from Washington, D.C., they’ve opened for B.B. King, Muddy Watters and James Cotton to name a few. They’ve released more than 20 recordings including 2009s award-winning American Landscape. Their acoustic blues album Last Train to Bluesville was nominated in 2011 for a Blues Music Award. This event is free. For more information, 727-712-2760. www.clevelandstreetdistrict.com/events/cruisin-capitol

Thru February 14

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asparilla is America’s and the World’s Oldest Pirate Festival and the 3rd Largest Parade in the USA. Every year, pirates and land lubbers alike come to the Bay they call Tampa and sack the city for loot and booty of all kinds. There be culture, pageants, balls, socials, Tampa’s finest citizenry dressed as pirates and over 60 Krewes in the Bay Area and beyond. The Gasparilla Children’s Parade is the largest parade of its kind in the United States and the main Gasparilla Pirate Fest Parade draws close to 500,000 people per year. Staged on beautiful Bayshore Blvd, winding into downtown along Tampa’s most prestigious waterfront homes, Gasparilla is an event not to be missed.

The Chil-dren’s Gasparilla Parade has been a part of Tampa’s Gasparilla celebration since 1947. It will begin at Bay to Bay Blvd. & Bayshore Blvd., proceed north along Bayshore, and end at Watrous/Orleans Avenues & Bayshore (approx. 1.4 miles). The Children’s Gasparilla Parade will be broadcast live on FOX 13, and will be streamed live on www.MyFoxTampaBay.com 12:00 PM Vendors and Activities for the children 2:00 – 3:30 PM Preschool Stroll 4:00 – 6:00 PM Children’s Parade 7:00 – 7:30 PM Piratechnic Extravaganza For more information, please visit www.gasparilla.com/

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Victorian Valentine Workshop at the Henry B. Plant Museum – Sat, Feb 8 Create your own Victorian-era love tokens for those sweet some ones. You don’t have to be an artist to have fun making Valentines.

However, you may bring items to personalize your Valentines… perhaps a treasured photograph, a scrape of old lace, a remnant of your favorite wallpaper, the list is endless.

Refreshments and all supplies are provided for this hands-on workshop for adults and children accompanied by an adult. Also included that morning is a brief history of Valentines. Each participant is asked to make one valentine for a resident of The Home Association, a home for the elderly located in Ybor City. The Museum will bring these unique valentines to The Home Association for special delivery on Valentine’s Day.Heather Trubee, Curator of Education, conducts the workshop on Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 10 am to noon in the Music Room, Plant Hall, The University of Tampa.

Price includes admission to the Museum that day. Space is limited. For reservations, email htrubee@ut.edu or call Heather at 813-258-7304.

Valentine Pup Crawl – Sat, Feb 15 Celebrate puppy love with a tall, cold one and your best fourlegged friend by your side at some of Tampa’s finest establishments for a Pub Crawl with a canine twist.

Registration is $15 online or $20 at the door.

Registration/1st Stop: MacDinton’s, 4:30pm–6:00pm 2nd Stop: Yard of Ale, 6:00pm–7:00pm 3rd Stop: World of Beer, 7:00pm–8:00pm 4th Stop: Dubliner, 8:00pm– 9:00pm Chance drawings, drink specials and give aways.

Proceeds benefit Humane Society of Tampa Bay. For more information, call 813-876-4150. www.humanesocietytampa.org

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3rd annual Roosevelt Rowing Regatta and outdoor festival – Feb 14 - 15 Thousands will gather on the shores of Tampa’s downtown waterfront - and in their boats - to cheer on their favorite teams that will be rowing, dragon-boating, kayaking or paddle-boarding for honors in the third annual Roosevelt Rowing Regatta and outdoor festival the weekend of Feb. 14-16. Highlighting the festivities will be the U.S. Women’s Olympic Rowing Team, along with teams of rowers/scullers from other organizations and schools.

The weekend line up: Fri, Feb 14, GLO: Kick-off to benefit Children’s Dream Fund.

Sat, Feb 15: Elite teams competing, open to the general public, demonstrations, meet the athletes, live entertainment, games, food.

Sat, Feb 15, Stewards’ Club VIP section: Get into full character and enjoy the golden era of rowing and waterside festivities with this reservations-only event.

Sun, Feb 16: The fun and fund raising continues with paddle board, kayak and dragon boat races.

Line along Seddon Channel along Davis Islands’ Marjorie Park to watch the water races and rowing sprints. Admission is free along the Seddon Channel race course, where spectators can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, cash bars and games. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Stewards Foundation, Children’s Dream Fund and Beat Cancer with a Paddle. www.RooseveltRowingRegatta.com

Bands, Brew & BBQ Sat & Sun, thru March 9

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ands, Brew & BBQ is back for its seventh straight year, and it’s bigger than ever. Busch Gardens Tampa’s festival is filling every Sunday, Feb 8 – March 9, with an unlimited sampling of more than 100 specialty and craft beers, saucy barbeque from the bay area’s most popular restaurants and live concerts from some of the biggest names in rock music.

With more options than ever before, the expanded Beer Festival will feature more than 100 imported, domestic and craft beers. Select brews are available at each of the tents along the Bands, Brew and BBQ pathway, as well as in JUSTIN MOOR E Gwazi Park. The festival also serves up a savory series of food tents, with Outback Steakhouse, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Penguin Pretzel Factory and local favorite Kojak’s House of Ribs, as well as a selection of Busch Gardens’ own barbeque favorites.

Justin Moore, this year’s nominee for The Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year, takes the stage on Saturday, Feb. 22. Moore is best known for hits, including “Small Town USA” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.”

Celebrity Apprentice winner and “Rock of Love” superstar Bret Michaels will take the stage on Sunday, Feb. 23 performing some of his biggest hits.

Rounding out this year’s lineup: Sat, 3/1 - Lifehouse; Sun, 3/2 - ZZ Top; Sat, 3/8 - Daddy Yankee; Sun, 3/9 - Steve Miller Band HAELS

BRET MIC

www.BuschGardens.com

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Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta Kicks Off 27th Season in St. Petersburg – Feb 14 - 16 The largest sailboat racing circuit in the United States, the Sperry Top-Sider National Offshore One Design (NOOD) Regatta series, will launch its 27th season in St. Petersburg, on February 14-16.

The event will be the first stop on the six-city tour, with roughly 1,000 sailors competing on three Tampa Bay race courses. During the three-day event hosted at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, sailors within various boat classes will compete in a series of races, accumulating points based on placement in each individual race. The boat finishing with the fewest total points will be declared the winner of its respective class. At the close of the event an Overall Winner will be selected, based on the strongest finish in the most competitive class. “St. Pete has been a staple on the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta series for 17 years and is a great venue to open the season with,” said George Brengle, Sailing World’s Director of Marketing. “The St. Pete NOOD is truly a national event as each year we see a great turnout from both local sailors as well as a large contingent of sailors from the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Mid-West.

This year the one to beat is local sailor Robby Brown, who was the St Pete Overall Winner in 2013, and also managed to claim the title as 2013 NOOD Overall Champion. Sailing his J/24 USA 799, Robby will have his hands full trying to retain his title in February.

The St. Pete Sperry Top-Sider NOOD regatta is a spectator-friendly event and there is no charge to view the races from land or water aboard private boats. Race start times are dependent on wind and weather, but are scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. each day. For more information visit www.sailingworld.com/nood-regattas

EMMITT SMITH GOLF CHALLENGE – Wed, March 12 Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities will host the third in a series of Emmitt Smith Golf Challenge tournaments on March 12 at The Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. The series of tournaments will lead into the fifth annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational, scheduled for May 9-10 in North Texas.

“Our annual golf weekend is a primary fundraiser for Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities,” said Smith. “Pat and I have greatly enjoyed hosting the tournament and have been blessed to be a part of all the good that comes from it. Extending the run up to that weekend through smaller tournaments around the country allows us to raise more money that will create even more opportunities for underserved children. We are delighted to work with ClubCorp and that the golf community is turning out and supporting these events.”

The Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club tournament beneficiary is The First Tee of Tampa Bay, which has provided educational programs for young people in the Greater Tampa area for over 15 years. Participants are also challenged to raise money from friends and family that will be donated to the cause. The highest fundraisers and top golfers from each tournament will win, among other things, an invitation to join Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities at the Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational in Dallas May 9-10.

To register or for more details, visit: www.emmittsmithgolfchallenge.com

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CHARTING THE LAND OF FLOWERS At The Tampa Bay History Center - thru Feb 16 A decade after Columbus sailed across the Atlantic, explorers were still speculating about the contours of the New World. Although today’s experts remain uncertain about when, exactly, Europeans first set foot in La Florida, cartographers began to sketch the outlines of the peninsula by the early 1500s. By 1511, a historian named Peter Martyr labeled the unknown land north of Cuba “Isla de Beimeni,” the native Indian name for what is now Florida.

Martyr’s map is just one of more than 150 maps featured in Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps at the Tampa Bay History Center. The most comprehensive exhibition of Florida cartography ever presented, Charting the Land of Flowers traces six centuries of Florida history, bringing together maps from museum and library collections around the world, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time.

Marking the quincentenary of Ponce de León’s 1513 landing on Florida’s shores, the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see the world as the early European explorers saw it, and to watch the peninsula that would become one of our county’s most populous and diverse states evolve before their eyes. They’ll also see that much of the earliest European exploration of North America occurred not in New England, but in Florida, while early railroad maps and travelogues show how the state became an agricultural powerhouse and America’s No. 1 tourist destination.

Intricate and often vibrant pink, red, and purple hues abound the early maps presented in Charting the Land of Flowers are as much works of art as they are historical documents. Together with atlases, military maps, and satellite images, they chart 500 years of exploration, settlement, and growth in The Land of Flowers. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/

Historic Schooner to visit Tampa and St. Petersburg – thru March 13 Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner, the historic Clipper Schooner, Lynx, a War of 1812 Privateer Square-Topsail Schooner, will visit the Tampa Convention Center from Jan 15-22. 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa.

The schooner sails over to St. Petersburg on Jan 23, for a visit until March 13 at the Harborage Marina at 1110 Third St. S. Visitors are able to tour the ship and even embark on a sailing adventure. The crew of the Lynx wears authentic maritime clothing from the early 1800s. The ship was built to near-exact specifications of the original Lynx. Climb aboard and step back in time as you relive history and feel the adventure.

For reservations call (866) 446-5969 or visit privateerlynx.org

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56th Anniversary of the Queen of Hearts Ball – Sat, Feb 22 The Abilities Guild is promoting the Queen of Hearts Ball in lieu of its annual Holiday Gala in the hopes of raising substantial awareness and revenue in South Pinellas County. You can support the Guild and Foundation by attending St. Petersburg’s Royal Family of 55 Queens and 389 Princesses, which honors Women Who Exemplify Service, Leadership, and Heart.

In 1995, the Queen’s Court began selecting two charities per year as its beneficiaries. Past recipients of these funds have included organizations such as the American Heart Association, All Childrens Hospital, Brookwood Florida, CASA, The Science Center of Pinellas, The St. Petersburg Museum of History, Boley Centers for Behavioral Health Care, St. Anthonys Hospital, Hospice, American Lung Association of Gulfcoast Florida - Asthma Programs for Children, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc., Help A Child, Inc., ASAP Homeless Services, Inc., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., Family Resources, Inc., Bayfront Medical Center, Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Florida Chapter, The Breast Center at St. Anthonys Hospital, the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center, Suncoast Voices for Children Foundation, Boley Centers,Inc. and the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg. Recipients for the 2013 Ball were the Lupus Foundation of Florida, Inc. and Vincent House.

For information about The Queen’s Court, which presents the Queen of Hearts Ball, call 727-422-3301. www.queenofheartsball.org/

Blast Friday CLEARWATER Blast Friday was established in 2009 as downtown Clearwater’s free, family-friendly street festival. Supported by the City of Clearwater, the Cleveland Street District GREGG ROLIE and the Downtown Development Board and produced by Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road, Blast Friday hosts 10 events per year bringing more than 40,000 people to downtown Clearwater. VIP tickets (when available) include seating in front of the stage with one serving of beer and pizza. Featured Artists: February 28 - GREGG ROLIE, formerly of Santana and Journey, March 28 - FIREFALL , April 25 - MARK FARNER with STORMBRINGER, May 30 - EDGAR WINTER BAND. www.rutheckerdhall.com/

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2014 Cattle Barons’ Ball of Tampa Bay – Fri, Feb 28 Grab your hat and dust off your boots, climb into your best western gear for the most enjoyable event this side of the Rio Grande. The American Cancer Society is gearing up for the 2014 Cattle Barons’ Ball of Tampa Bay, scheduled at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on February 28, 2014. A Tampa Tradition for 17 years, this year’s Cattle Barons’ Ball, themed Bronco Bustin’ Bash, features gourmet western chow, live and silent auctions, dancing and much more. This year’s event will also feature upand-coming artist, Josh Turner.

The Cattle Barons’ Ball is an event celebrating 17 years in Tampa where cowboys and cowgirls come together for an evening of good old western fun. The donations received through the Cattle Barons’ Ball make a significant impact in the war to fight cancer today and to one day develop a cure. And all of this is accomplished through donations from the community.

All proceeds from the ball will 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. In 2013, the Cattle Barons’ Ball netted over $1,000,000 from members of the Tampa Bay community. www.cattlebaronsballtampa.org/

Nuclear Cowboyz at the TB Times Forum – Feb 21 - 23 The 2014 Nuclear Cowboyz FMX tour is the most explosive choreographed arena-based production in the world. The show features a story line conveyed through more than 1,000 gravity-defying freestyle tricks performed by the globe’s most dominant freestyle athletes. The action-packed show is complete with stunning laser effects, the largest indoor pyrotechnics show and an infectious soundtrack comprised of heavy metal, electronic dubstep and alternative hip hop.

Adding to the action, the show features the critically-acclaimed Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors defying their limits of courage through heartwrenching martial arts performances with swift movements, extreme force and fierce concentration that test the sheer strength and agility of their bodies. These warriors will use their own bodies to bend metal rods, break objects in precise strikes and be lifted in the air on the points of handheld spears. www.tampabaytimesforum.com/

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Gulfport’s Get Rescued – Sat Feb 22 Animal rescue organizations, many appearing with adoptable pets, take over Beach Blvd. to raise money and awareness for their causes. Additionally, animal-related vendors, artists and crafters offer their wares to festivalgoers. Pet Related activities will include a pet parade with domestic and adoptable pets, pet care education, pet services, a pet food and supplies drive, animal rescue groups, free samples, training demos, Canine Massage, food, music & Games. Each year, thousands of attendees, many accompanied by their own canine companions, make their way to Gulfport to participate in what has become a beloved tradition. Well behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome. wwwgulfportma.com

BECOME A PET FOSTER PARENT – Mon, Feb 24 Interested in getting a pet but not ready for a lifelong commitment? Short on time but not on love?

Consider becoming a pet foster parent with the Humane Society of Pinellas. They match shelter pets that aren’t quite ready for adoption with caring foster volunteers who open their homes. Pets needing foster care include unweaned “bottle baby” kittens, weaned kittens waiting for surgery, dogs receiving treatment for medical conditions, and more. No experience required - they will train you. To get involved, attend a Foster Parent Orientation Monday, February 24th at 6 pm at the Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Road 590 in Clearwater. RSVP toFoster@HumanePinellas.org.

RUN

OR DYE 5k at Raymond James Stadium – Sat, March 1

The Run or Dye ‘Your City. Your Color. Your Vote.’ Give Love World Tour is bringing the colors of the rainbow to Tampa on Sat, March 1st.

The color-blasted 5k will kick off at 9 a.m. and feature custom-colored showers of safe, eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch dye at least five Dye Stations for a day of full color fun. Tampa will be able to use the Run or Dye color voting widget to choose what colors they get blasted with throughout the 5k route. As more people register for the race, Run or Dye will add additional Dye Stations to the stationary five stations for an extra blast of fun.

Afterwards participants will have the option to take part in the Run or Dye Festival where they’ll “Tie-Dye the Sky” with an explosion of colors. Run or Dye will be partnering with the local Make A Wish Central and Northern Florida and Frederic’s Alaxia Research Alliance and will donate a portion of the race proceeds to them. For more information, to register, to vote for Tampa ‘s colors or to volunteer participants can visit: www.runordye.com/locations/Tampa

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2nd ANNUAL A MAGIC CURE BENEFIT Sat, Mar 1 The 2nd Annual A Magic Cure Benefit will feature a performance by internationally acclaimed illusionist Reynold Alexander on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at The RITZ Ybor.

The event will benefit local charity the Children’s Cancer Research Group through 1Voice Foundation.

Reynold Alexander returns to Tampa for his second A Magic Cure Benefit performance after last year’s successful event raised over $20,000 for the Children’s Cancer

Research Group. He has performed across the globe in over 20 countries to worldwide praise. Magia Extrema, his critically lauded television special recently aired in both Puerto Rico and the US. A Magic Cure Benefit is open to the general public ages 6 & up. Doors to the event will open at 5 pm with the show scheduled to start at 6 pm. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available online. VIP Doors will open at 4:30 pm, where VIP Holders will be treated to complimentary beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, pictures, access to the silent auction before the general public, and reserved seating during the show. www.theritzybor.com

67th Annual Fiesta Day – Sat, Feb 22 Fiesta Day is a free, family-oriented “street festival.”

Celebrated for 67 years, it features ethnic food and entertainment along famed Seventh Avenue. Fiesta Day started out as a “verbena” or day of rest for the immigrant, cigar workers who settled Ybor City from Spain, Cuba and Italy. La Setima (or 7th Avenue) is closed to traffic for the day, and exhibits, café areas and entertainment is set-up from 15th to 20th Street. Sample “gourmet street food” from Ybor restaurants along with exhibits by cultural destinations, quality arts & crafts vendors and ethnic music on our 7th Avenue Stage. Free. 11 am - 6 pm . Ybor City, Tampa. www.ybor.org/node/1514 16

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FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Feb 22 - March 9 The Florida Strawberry Festival takes place in Plant City, FL. It was started in 1930 by the Lions Club to promote the local strawberry crop. The festival lasts 11 days, and generates an attendance of about half a million patrons from all over Central Florida and beyond. Festival goers will find craft sales, free entertainment acts/events, a very large midway, plus twice-daily “big name” musical concert performances. The festival is also known for its famous Strawberry Shortcake. Every year a parade is held in the festival’s honor and features Plant City’s Person Of the Year RASCAL FLATTS perform at the Strawberry Festival award. There are livestock activities in conjunction with the local 4-H club, and a beauty pageant, with the coronation of a Strawberry Queen. www.flstrawberryfestival.com/

Teddy Bear Show and Sale – Sun, Feb 23 Out of hibernation for Florida’s largest All Teddy Bear Show and Sale, and returning to the Crowne

Plaza Westshore Hotel, the showroom will be packed with 45 creative, award-winning teddy bear artists, thousands of teddy bears, critters and accessories. Show times are 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Westshore Hotel, 5303 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609.

Visit www.bright-star-promotions.com then click on the Tampa Show Banner for a preview of exhibitors and bear photos.

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Huzzah and Cheers for 36 Years!

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ourney back in time as more than 100 merchants contribute to the atmosphere of this charming 16th century village. Experience live armored jousting, 12 stages of entertainment, 7 theme weekends, and fun and food for the whole family. The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 36th season begins on February 22 and ends on April 6. The Festival is open weekends, with a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, April, 4. The Festival is open from 10 am – 6 pm rain or shine. Admission at the gate: Adults $19.95; Children 5-12 $11.95; four and under are free! Parking at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival is always free Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K and Walgreens stores, at MOSI, or online at www.BayAreaRenFest.com

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TradeWinds Island Resorts Hosts Away Lightning Game Watch Parties on the Beach - thru April 13 TradeWinds Island Resorts is inviting hockey fans to head out to St. Pete Beach for fun-filled, familyfriendly Tampa Bay Lightning game watching parties all season long. This year, the action takes place at Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort. The games will be broadcast on a huge screen directly on the beach and ThunderBug and the Lightning girls will be on-hand with fun giveaways.

Food and beverages including cookout items and drink specials will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed, but fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Open to the public. Guy Harvey Outpost, Beach front 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. Admission is complimentary. Parking will be available at the Guy Harvey Outpost and at the neighboring Island Grand (while available - discounted from normal). For additional information, call (727) 367-6461 or visit www.JustLetGo.com/Lightning

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TAMPA THEATRE TO HOST TAMPA’S LONGEST-RUNNING ACADEMY AWARDS VIEWING PARTY - Sun, March 2 Now in its 16th year at Tampa Theatre, Hollywood Awards Night (previously known as Oscar Night America) has become a tradition that Tampa’s film fans look forward to. It’s an evening where guests get the star treatment with a red-carpet arrival and elegant VIP reception. And celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night of the year has never been more exciting than watching the awards live on the Theatre’s big screen on Sunday, March 2.

Not only are attendees guests of the beautiful, historic Tampa Theatre for the evening, but they will also enjoy an authentic red carpet experience: the event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Red Carpet Reception. After a limo ride around the block and walking the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, patrons can sample scrumptious appetizers and peruse silent auction items representing local businesses.

The OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show telecast will begin at 8 p.m., followed by ABC’s live telecast of the 86th Annual Academy Awards on the big screen. There will be a cash bar all night long, and those guests who stay until the Best Picture is announced at the end of the telecast will enjoy doughnuts and coffee in the lobby. Guests are encouraged to show off their star status with a movie-themed costume, or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for Tampa Theatre Members at the box office or online at TampaTheatre.org (service fees apply.) Student tickets are available for $20 at the box office only with valid student ID. All proceeds benefit Tampa Theatre’s artistic and educational programs and ongoing restoration. www.tampatheatre.org/

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DUNEDIN MARDI GRAS - Tues, March 4 Join the fun in Dunedin and celebrate the 23rd Dunedin Mardi Gras with the annual huge parade down Douglas and a free concert headlined by Professor Pennygoode’s Mighty Flea Circus immediately after the parade and Come Back Alice opening the event at 5:30pm. This year’s Grand Marshall is Reginald Roundtree, news anchor for 10 News WTSP, Tampa. King of Mardi Gras is Phil Henderson, operator of the Caladesi Island Ferry and local businessman. The concert starts on Main Street on the Pioneer Park stage at 5:30 pm and ends at 11:00 pm. The parade starts at 7:30 pm at the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium and heads north to Skinner Blvd. There will be food and wine offered by local merchants, craft vendors, special beer and wine promotions and much, much, more. www.dunedinmardigras.com

FREE PANCAKES AT IHOP RESTAURANTS ON NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY wTues, March 4 Get ready. Get set. And…go to IHOP Restaurants on March 4 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. when more than 1500 participating IHOP restaurants nationwide will again be serving up millions of free short stacks of their famous buttermilk pancakes to pancake lovers in celebration of National Pancake Day. In exchange for the free pancakes, customers are encouraged to leave a voluntary donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local causes. Since its introduction in 2006, National Pancake Day has raised nearly $13 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. This year, IHOP hopes to raise an additional $3 million.

Many IHOP locations will also sell “Miracle Balloons” beginning in February, for $1 or $5 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. $5 balloons include a $5 off coupon for the guest’s next visit. For more information visit www.ihoppancakeday.com

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he T n O Seen ne

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Hard rock 2014 calendar girls

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eminole Hard Rock revealed its 2014 Calendar Girls at a party in the Hard Rock Cafe atelissa M y b tended by celebris photo d n a ties and invited guests. The Story beautiful calendar girls are all employed in various jobs at the Tampa casino. On stage performing to an enthusiastic crowd were Extra co-host and singer Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray, and Steve Harwell from Smash Mouth. Two of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Miami were also on hand (Joanna Krupa and Karent Sierra) enjoying the show. At the event, Hard Rock presented a check for $10,000 to the 13 Ugly Men Foundation in support of their philanthropic work in the community. www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/

S P A SN

Mark McGrath and Steve Harwell.

Hard Rock presents a check to the 13 Ugly Men Foundation.

Joanna Krupa and Karent Sierra.

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Derek Jeter’s 11th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic LAUNCH PARTY AT HARD ROCK CAFE

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erek Jeter’s annual golf tournament to benefit his Turn 2 Foundation was held on Jan 17, and the launch party in support of the event was held at the Hard Rock Cafe. None other than Grammy Award winning R&B artist Neyo entertained the crowd. Some sports icons showed up on the red carpet for photo ops before the party, such as Harold Reynolds, Andrés Galarraga, Goose Gossage, Andruw Jones, and Jorge Posada to name a few. Turn 2 creates programs and activities that motivate young people to “turn 2” a healthy lifestyle. The Hard Rock donated $150,000 to the foundation. www.turn2foundation.org

Derek Jeter

Hard Rock Calendar Girls

Andruw Jones and Andrés Galarraga

Jeter interviewed by media.

Ne-Yo www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Jorge Posada and Harold Reynolds 25

EXHIBITS Windows to Our Wildest Place: These permanent, hands-on educational exhibits help visitors understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center.

Connecting People and Place: This is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.

For God and Gold: Thru May, in recognition of Viva Florida 500, highlighting the 500 years of historic people, places and events in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. Heritage Village features reproduction weapons, nautical items, clothing, camp gear, religious items and other items to tell the story of everyday life during the ocean crossing and the subsequent exploration and colonization of Florida.

Take advantage of Sweetheart adoption prices at Pinellas County Animal Services through the end of February. The adoption fee for cats and large dogs will be $25. The adoption fee is $75 for puppies and small breeds. The fee includes medical checkup, spaying/ neutering, vaccinations, internal and external parasite control and microchipping. The required Pinellas County license is also provided. Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2600; www. pinellascounty.org/animalservices

FEBRUARY EVENTS Feb. 1 Brooker Book Club: Hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, the Brooker Book Club meets the first Saturday of each month. Geared toward adults, the book list includes works by Florida authors, past and present. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration is required as seating is limited, Brooker Creek Preserve.

Explore the Ecosystems: Brooker Creek Preserve certified guides will lead the hike along the 0.75-mile walk along the Education Center Trail. Observe through the forested wetland, oak hammock and pine flatwood ecosystems. Closed-toe shoes, water and 26

hat recommended. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 6 may find the hike challenging. 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Free; advance registration required.

Brooker Creek Preserve.

Birds in Classical Music: Join Lynn Sumerson as he demonstrates how, why and by whom birds were used as themes in classical music using very brief examples with musical accompaniments. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free.

Feb 6, 20 Vegetable, Herb and Tropical Fruit Garden Tour: Explore the vegetable garden and compost demonstration areas and learn how to grow food in home gardens. Marvel at the eyecatching array of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs, trees and flowers in the enclosed herb garden. Recommended for adults; Pinellas County Extension.

Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Feb. 8 Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this beginning bird hike and learn how to identify the county’s common birds while meandering along a one-mile trail. Bring water and binoculars. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Feb. 4 Landscape for Life – Harness Nature’s Power to Create a Healthy, Beautiful Home Landscape: Learn how to work with nature in landscapes, city or suburban lot, a 20-acre farm or the common area of a condominium in this first class of 6 in the series. Pinellas County Extension.

Feb. 6 Salty Topics - Sandy Beaches/Human Impacts on Ecology of a Coastal Habitat: Sandy beaches are sites of much human recreation and development but the ecology of this coastal ecosystem is relatively unknown.

These beaches contain a unique assemblage of fauna, especially within the sandy sediments, that is highly utilized as food by water birds, fish and ghost crabs. 7 to 8 p.m. Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Feb. 8, 15, 22 Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

Gophers: Join an environmental scientist and learn about Gopher tortoises. Brooker Creek Preserve is home to many of these incredible creatures.

Find out facts about their diversity, ecology and conservation. This presentation is recommended for all ages.

10:30 a.m. to noon. Free.Brooker Creek Preserve.

A Land Remembered: This program incorporates video clips, photos, paintings, music, sound effects and humorous insights that will transport the group back to a place in Florida history.

Rick Smith narrates live throughout the show. 1:30 p.m. Free, advance registration required. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center,

Feb 12 Egret or a Heron? Florida is to many beautiful wading birds. how to tell them apart with only tips.Clearwater Public Library Branch.

home Learn a few East

Feb 13 Going Coastal - Florida’s Sea Turtles: This presentation explores the life histories of some of Florida’s most beloved marine creatures and what can be done to keep them safe during the nesting season. Recommended for all ages. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

Feb. 13, 27 Wee-Time at Weedon: This program is designed to introduce preschool children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Every 2nd and 4th 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. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration requested.

Feb. 14 Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while assisting in compiling an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

Botany Hike: Join a Brooker Creek naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the preserve while identifying wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. Best suited for adults. Bring a camera and questions.

9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Feb 15 Weedon Photography Hike: Hike the preserve in search of that perfect photo. This program provides great opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session, preserve volunteers highlight seasonal features of the preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty the Preserve.

Footprints on the Land Hike: Certified hike guides will lead a hike along the Education Center Trail. Learn of the many “footprints” that be found during this 0.75-mile walk. Sturdy closed-toe shoes; water and hat recommended.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 6 may find the hike challenging.

9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Archaeology Works – Dating: Archaeologists find lots of clues to the past, but how do they figure out how old all those artifacts are? From looking at how artifact styles change through time to running high tech tests on them to get a better date, archaeologists have many different dating techniques at their disposal. Recommended for all ages. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Weedon Island Preserve.

Family Wildlife Series Part 1 Snakes: Join an expert herpetologist and learn about these ecologically important, but often misunderstood vertebrates. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Feb 16 Speaking of History Lecture - Finding More of Florida: Cathy Salustri’s program traces her journey of nearly 5,000 miles within Florida in a camper van to witness how the landscape had changed since the publication of Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State in 1939. 2 p.m. Free. Heritage Village.

Feb 20 Archaeology Lecture Series - The Ebb and Flow of Life at Late Archaic Shell Rings along the Georgia Coast: Explore the nature of shell rings, sites that are large arcuate or circular piles of shell arranged around a central plaza area. 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, Feb 21 Wildlife Hike Join an experienced naturalist and hike along boardwalks and natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve. This is a learning experience for everyone so come prepared with binoculars, cameras, and questions. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Feb 22 Extended Brooker Creek Hike: See how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes on this 2.8 to 4-mile walk. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Chickens 101: The group will explore the fundamentals of raising chickens such as: local laws, resources, the benefits of raising chickens, the basics www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

regarding breeds, housing, feeding, health and chicken development. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Weedon Island Preserve.

Wildflower Garden Club: Get gardening hands dirty in the preserve’s wildflower garden. Bring garden gloves and hat. Morning snacks are usually provided. Free; advance registration required. 9 to 11 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve.

Feb. 26 Birds of Prey: Dr. Gabe Vargo from Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will be speaking at the St. Petersburg garden Club about Birds of Prey and their needs and impact on the environment.

2 to 3 p.m. Free; Garden Club of St. Petersburg.

Feb. 28 Woods Walk: Hike along two miles of boardwalks and natural trails, bring binoculars, cameras and questions. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

LOCATION INFO...

Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org Clearwater Public Library Main Branch, 100 N. Osceola Ave. Clearwater. (727) 4536800; www.pinellascountyextension.org The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. (727) 582-2100; www.flbg.org Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. (727) 552-1862; www.pinellascounty.org/park Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Dr., S., St. Petersburg.

(727) 582-2630; www.eventbrite.com/ event/5260325776/eorg Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 582-2108;http://gardenclass-eorg.eventbrite.com Heritage Village, 11909 125 St. N., Largo. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. (727) 582-2603 Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 5822600; www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.

Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2109 Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org 27

OUTDOOR MARKETS & EVENTS

ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET - Oct - May Located in Al Lang Stadium parking lot, Hours: 9 am - 2 pm. A wide variety fresh food, plants and crafts including: locally grown fresh produce and herbs. Wide selection of regular & organic fruits and vegetables; Prepared Foods such as BBQ Turkey, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, fruit smoothies; Plants, Flowers, Fresh Herbs; 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

FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS Downtown Channel District Every 3rd Thursday of the month is Gourmet Food Truck fun, independent short flicks (10-15 minutes each) and some micro-brews and live music too.

Expect to find 10-15 gourmet food trucks offering everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites, there is something for everyone. Join in for some all out outside food fun. the Grand Central at Kennedy, 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., 33602. 6 - 10 pm. www.tampabaymarkets.com/flicks-and-food-trucks

Corey Fresh Market - Oct - May The Corey Fresh Market is located on Corey Avenue, the 300 block between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in St. Pete Beach, FL the season operates each Sunday from October thru May. Hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A new FRESH feel on Corey Avenue. Local vendors, fresh produce, plants/ flowers, arts/crafts, food, music & fun! Free parking. www.CoreyAve.com

HYDE PARK VILLAGE - LOCAL FOOD, HAND CRAFTS & LIVE MUSIC - 1st Sunday Of The Month Hours: 10am - 3pm. 100+ vendors selling fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. Conventional and hydroponic produce, homemade take home foods such as breads, pastries, gluten free items, pies, prepared entrees, sandwiches, ethnic specialties; handcrafts, eco friendly products & fair trade items. 1621 West Snow Circle, Tampa, FL 33606; www.hydeparkvillage.net/

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET - Oct - May 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Tuesday. Over 50 vendors are present offering a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, seafood, Florida beef, and desserts.

Also hand-made items, jewelry, art work and more. Live music. www.gulfportma.com

NORTH TAMPA MARKET 2nd Saturday, Oct thru May Hours: 10am - 2pm. 60+ vendors located at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Local, organic, hydroponic and conventional produce, florida plants, herbs, flowers, organic food/supplies, locally made jams, jellies, salsa, dips, seasonings, sauces and oils, hand crafts, live Music, bungee jumping bounce pad. www.tampabaymarkets.com

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Dunedin Downtown Market - Nov - May Fri and Sat of each week during the months of Nov thru May, rain or shine, 9 AM to 2 PM. The market features vendors with an emphasis on local goods. Gourmet takehome foods, ready to eat lunch bites, produce - local and organic, plants, cheese, hand crafts, jewelry, artwork and live music. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park in downtown Dunedin. www.TampaBayMarkets.com

GANDY’S SATURDAY MORNING Market - Nov - May A Mixed Farmers Market with handcrafters, local farm produce, baked artisan breads, plants, live music and more. Hey Mon Caribbean Cooking Magic, Cassie’s Cookies, Joy of Garlic, Maui Wowi of Tampa, String Along Beadz, Whatever Pops, Origami Owl, Butterflies, and more.

4411 West Gandy Blvd., Tampa (between Westshore and Manhattan).

10am - 3pm.

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS SUNDAY MORNING MARKET - 2nd Sunday of the month - Oct - May 100-130 vendors cater to the greater Seminole Heights neighborhood.

Time: 9am-2pm. The front lawn of Hillsborough High School, 5000 N. Central Ave. Tampa, FL 33603 www.tampabaymarkets.com/

HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE & BOARDWALK

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ocated on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps and Hubbards Marina. The beach is a short stroll away. Conveniently located near St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa, and just a short drive to the Orlando area. Open daily!

12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, Florida Located on the Gulf-to-Intercoastal pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island

(727) 394-0756 • johnspassvillage.net

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COOLSTUFF!

Naztech N3050 Universal Audio Transmitter and Car Mount www.hypercel.com/ Naztech’s N3050 Audio Transmitter with Lightning 8-Pin OEM cable is a great universal car mount, that holds your mobile phone, smartphone, music player, or GPS device, while enabling you to charge your device and listen to music or make calls via your car stereo system.

The featured Apple OEM Lightning 8-Pin cable will keep your latest Apple devices charged and always ready. This original Lightning Cable effectively connects your iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, iPad 4, iPad mini, Touch 5 or iPod Nano 7 to your computer or USB charging unit allowing you easy syncing and charging capabilities. From Hypercel.

SwingTIP Bluetooth-enabled Golf Swing Analyzer www.swingtip.com Within seconds after you swing and hit your golf ball, SwingTIP uses Bluetooth to transmit your golf swing analysis to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch 4th Generation or Android smartphone/tablet. Just clip on on the holster, and slide on the motion sensor, which weighs less than one ounce. It stays in place securely swing-afterswing, and auto-calibrates for club-type (driver, wood, iron.)

It analyzes and reproduces your swing in three dimensions, and activates the mobile device’s video camera and audio recorder to capture a swing from address to follow-through.

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TAROT World’s Thinnest Power Bank From Powerocks www.powerocks.com/ Ultrathin, Tarot is designed to fit in a wallet, pocket, or small purse to provide an emergency charge for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices quickly and safely when away from a power source or outlet. Tarot is about the same size as a credit card (but thicker), weighing just 1.79 oz. Tarot’s 1500mAh capacity gives you power to recharge smartphones and tablets with one emergency charge. Tarot also charges other digital devices, such as Bluetooth headsets, cameras, GPS devices, and more.

Keystone ECO MarineCase II - 20ft Waterproof Case for Large Screen Smart Phones www.concordkeystone.com/ Keystone ECO MarineCase II is a waterproof case specially designed to fit most large screen smart phones, like Galaxy S II & S III, HTC Evo, to name a few. MarineCase II is IP58 certified against sand/dust intrusion and waterproof up to 20ft. Its high impact polycarbonate hard shell is integrated with silicone surface for added protection against bump & drop.

Enclosing the phone in the MarineCase II allows you to capture underwater video up to 20 feet. Just start the video recording before diving in the water.

Its user-friendly twist lock design makes it easy to put in and take out the phone. The clear protective silicon cover of the MarineCase II supports full Phone screen and call functionality.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

February Events

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he The Carrollwood Cultural Center, located at 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa, will host a Valentine’s Day Sock Hop with Tampa Bay’s original Impacs, and more in February.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org/ call 813-2691310, or visit the Center’s Box Office. The Carrollwood Cultural Center is a partnership between Hillsborough County and the Friends of Carrollwood Cultural Center.

RICK GEE’S JAZZ JAMM - Feb 1 at 7:30pm • $13-$20 Rick Gee’s first Jazz Jamm of the year will feature the Real Jazz Quartet. The Quartet includes Judi Glover on piano, John Lamb on bass, Stephen Bucholtz on drums and John DePaola on the trumpet.

ART OPENING & RECEPTION: The TEST Feb 7 at 5-7pm • Free In 1943, after months of training and preparation, the 99th Fighter Squadron, an aviation unit that consisted entirely of African-American personnel, landed in North Africa. This was the beginning of the test phase of an experiment that began at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to determine if black men were capable of being effective combat aviators.The TEST tells this story.

SOUNDS OF SWING: A Tribute to the ‘40s Feb 8 at 8pm • $12-$18 Get into the Swing! Dance shoes aren’t required to attend this concert…but we guarantee your toes will be tappin’!

Swingtime will teach two big band dances from the 1940s: Balboa at 6:30pm and the Big Apple at 7:15pm.

53rd anniversary, the group, which began right here in 1960, still belts out the old time favorites like only someone who actually lived and performed thru that era can. Like the Impacs say, “You’re Never Too Old to Rock & Roll!”

Come out and attend one of the Rock, Roll & Remember shows, and you’ll agree. The Impacs can still rock your socks off!

ALL ABOUT CATS - Feb 15 at 2pm • $6-$7 All About Cats is a musical and informative tribute to cats throughout history with your host Denny Mitchell. A free “feline festival” will be held at the Center from 10am to 4pm.

A WORLD FULL OF ANIMALS - Feb 16 at 2pm $6 members / $7 non-members / $24 Family 4-Pack From kangaroos to octopuses and horses to goats, the Earthlings Electric Washboard Band’s presentation of A World Full of Animals will take kids ages 4 to 12 on an interactive journey with fun, upbeat songs including the Bigfoot Boogie. Award winning songwriters, singers, and musicians, The Earthlings have performed more than 6,000 shows.

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD - Feb 9 at 2pm

No tickets sold. Audience members are asked to bring nonperishable food items or cash donations for Tampa Bay Harvest.

If Music Be the Food…” is a collaboration between the University of South Florida School of Music, Carrollwood Cultural Center and Tampa Bay Harvest, in response to reports in the news of increased need for food aid the Tampa Bay community.

A VALENTINE’S DAY SOCK HOP featuring the Impacs - Feb 14 at 8pm • $13-$20 After 53 years in the music business, Tampa Bay’s original Impacs are still rockin’ and rollin‘. Now celebrating their

JAZZ WITH JIM - Feb 21 at 7:30pm • $12-$18 Jazz with Jim is a monthly concert hosted by Jim Burge and The Jazz Directions. The concert is best known for fusing personal stories by the musicians with popular jazz tunes suited for the month’s theme.

JONATHAN EDWARDS - Feb 28 at 7:30pm • $25-$31 Since 1971, Jonathan Edwards has released 15 albums, including Blue Ridge, his standard-setting collaboration with bluegrass favorites the Seldom Scene, and Little Hands, his collection of children’s songs, which was honored with a National Library Association award.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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STRAZ PERFORMANCES DISENCHANTED! - thru April 13. The new musical comedy satire that proves happily ever after can be a royal pain. The original fairytale princesses are none too happy with the exploitation they’ve suffered through today’s films, books and dolls. Snow White and her angry band of storybook friends are storming the castle in order to take their lives back. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, the Little Mermaid, Pocahontas and more unite. Intended for mature audiences.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown - Feb 6-23. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a day in the life of Charlie Brown, featuring other lovable characters like Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Sally and, of course, Snoopy. None of the cast is actually six years old, but this doesn’t seem to make that much difference, because what they are saying to each other is with the openness of that early childhood time.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute - Feb 7-9. The genius of Mozart shines with beautiful melodies, a show-stopping vocal display by the Queen of the Night and charming characters in a land of enchantment.

Mozart’s delightful blend of light-hearted comedy and solemn drama will captivate young and old alike.

ONCE - Feb 11 - 16. ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights ... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

Inside Amy Schumer’s Back Door Tour - Feb 19. Amy Schumer is quickly becoming the hottest star in the world of comedy, with her blend of wholesome, girl-next-door looks and edgy comedy.

EVITA - March 18 - 23. Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Evita features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying, Adored.”

Jersey Boys - April 8 - 13. Jersey Boys, the musical about The Four Seasons, is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. The JERSEY BOYS Tampa engagement features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh, What a Night,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Ghost The Musical - April 22 - 27. Ghost The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

We Will Rock You - May 13 - 18. We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. This hilarious phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You. Disenchanted!

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For more information, visit Straz Center, 813-229-7827, www.strazcenter. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

2 TRAINS RUNNING

thru - Feb 23

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t is 1969, and in the aftermath of the riots, Dr. King’s assassination, and the rise of the black power movement, a young man named Stirling comes to Memphis Lee’s diner where customers have gathered for decades to share their struggles, faith, and hopes. But this diner has been slated for demolition in the city’s new redevelopment plan, and what unfolds is Wilson’s most compassionate and humorous work about lives in transition, evolving social awareness, and spirits rising.

Cast: Kim Sullivan - Memphis ; Alan Bomar Jones - Holloway; Bryant Bentley - Sterling; Renata Eastlick - Risa Ranney - Hambone; Cranstan Cumberbatch - Wolf; Wilbert L. Williams, Jr. - West.

Finalist 1992 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. NY Drama Critics Circle Award for “Best American Play”. “Its stunning monologues are gorgeous, funny and savage.” -LA Times. “The most comic of the Wilson cycle so far.” -The Christian Science Monitor.

CABARET MUSIC SERIES: The Scott & Patti Show: Love Will Keep Us Together! Feb 28 Mother/Son lounge act Scott & Patti (Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee) bring an all-new show to American Stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. This show salutes love songs, featuring Top 40 hits of today and favorite standards and show tunes of yesterday. Scott and Patti will bring their mix of camp, improvisation, showmanship and glittering costumes to the Raymond James Theatre. The Scott & Patti Show has played to sold out crowds in other venues in Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area.

Audiences leave with their sides aching from laughter and a classic pop song stuck in their heads. Be a part of the Scott & Patti experience on February 28 as they sing and dance the night away in Love will Keep Us Together.

I Won’t Dance: The Music of Fred Astaire - March 7 - 9 Although best known as a dancer, Fred Astaire was the singer of choice for composers like Porter, the Gershwins, Berlin, and Kern. You’ll enjoy American Songbook classics like “Night and Day”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, “Puttin’ On The Ritz”, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, and lots more. Plus, you’ll hear backstage stories from Astaire’s long career in stage and film. The show features Paul Wilborn on vocals and piano, Ms. Eugenie Bondurant, vocals, and Frank Bowman on multiple horns.

American Stage - 163 3rd Street North , St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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2014 SEASON

sippi sisters as each strives to escape the past in order to seize the future.

REGRETS ONLY - May 2-18 CRIMES OF THE HEART - March 7-23 Comedy/Drama by Beth Henley. Warm-hearted, irreverent humor highlights the plight of three Missis-

Comedy by Paul Rudnick.

The jokes fly fast and furious as a noted fashion designer and his socialite friends try to define friendships, modern marriage and high society manners.

SP City Theatre, 4025 31st St So, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973. www.splt.org/

americanstage.org

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THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Feb 28 - March 16 Hold your breath because here comes Thoroughly Modern Millie in a fast-paced, energetic musical comedy set in the roaring twenties when bobbing your hair and rolling your stockings was considered daring. Millie even colors her lips!

Taking place in New York City in 1922, Millie Dillmount has just moved to the city in search of

a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever.

Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment.

The show won the 2002 Tony and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical.

Thurs-Sat 8:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo FL. www.eightoclocktheatre. com

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journey through mis-guided information plunges her to the depths of despair and the heights of joy as she tries to hold on to who she is. Clever, hysterical and exasperating.

A FEW GOOD MEN - May 1-18

2014 SEASON THE DIVINE SISTER Feb 6-23 The Divine Sister is an outrageous comic homage to nearly every Hollywood film involving nuns.. (The Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Flying Nun…) This madcap trip through Hollywood religiosity is written by the outrageous author of Die Mommie Die and Psycho Beach Party!

The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. “This gleefully twisted tale of the secret lives of nuns — in which the playwright doubles as leading lady — is Mr. Busch’s freshest, funniest work in years, perhaps decades.” The New York Times

TEN PERCENT OF MARTA SOLANO - March 27 - April 13 Ten Percent Of Marta Solano is by Richard Strand. A trip to the DMV to get an address on a drivers license changed turns into a mind-numbing but hilarious journey through red tape. Full of wit and pathos, Marta’s

Aaron Sorkin (Moneyball, The Social Network, The West Wing) wrote this captivating courtroom drama which ran for 500 performances on Broadway in 1989 and became an Oscar nominated film in 1992. Originally inspired by true events, this taut, tense thriller erupts when two Marines are accused of the hazing death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay.The Navy lawyer, a callow young man more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover up of what really happened. Prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial. “Enormously entertaining.” - N.Y. Daily News “Plenty of wise cracking humor and suspense.“ - Time Magazine

THE SUGARBEAN SISTERS - June 12-29 Stuck in a Florida swamp near Disney World, the Nettles sisters are determined to escape spinsterhood by hopping the next spaceship out of town, and they’re not going to let the arrival of a snake charmer, a handsome Mormon Bishop and a mysterious bird woman stand in their way. See the show “New York Newsday” called the “most impressive debut of a new American playwright“.

Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa FL 33602; 813-251-8984. www.stageworkstheatre.org

Ain’t Food Wonderful - Feb 7-23

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rom the author of “Ain’t Retirement Grand!” a new musical spoof about everything having to do with food. If you love to eat, this is the show for you. by Gil Perlroth, Daniel Harris, Dir. Ain’t Food Wonderful! includes everything related to our food experiences: restaurant dining, holiday feasts, dieting, the organic food rage, pregnancy cravings, and fast food emporiums. It features all new songs about everyone’s daily encounters like “Who Doesn’t Like Chinese?,” “A Bag Boy at Publix,” “Nothing like a

Jewish Deli,” “Cellulite Blues,” and “Hooter Guys.”

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Meals on Wheels is the designated benefit organization for this production.

I Ought to Be in Pictures - March 7-23.

This three-character comedy-drama involves a struggling writer’s-blocked screenwriter who abandoned his New York family 16 years earlier.

His daughter Libby arrives at the West Hollywood home of her father, whom she barely remembers.

Libby not only forces Herb to deal with the responsibilities of parenthood, but to come to terms with his on-again/off-again relationship with girlfriend Steffi.

by Neil Simon, Nick Rinaldi, Dir. Venue Theatre, 9125 U.S. 19 North, Pinellas Park, FL. 727-822-6194 www.venuewebsite.wix.com/venuetheatre

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Misconception Feb 3-5 The Studio@620 is presenting Misconception, a crowd-pleasing play by Joseph Alan Johnson, February 3 to

5 at 8:00 p.m.

Misconception is a sexy supernatural comedy about a young Hollywood couple who get more than they bargained for when they discover that the apartment of their dreams is haunted. The cast features: Brick, Karleigh Chase, Elaine Cloud Goller, Daniel J. Harris and Darrin Ortiz.

Joseph Alan Johnson is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYC, and is an award winning actor. Misconception is the seventh play he has written to be performed in Tampa Bay over the last several years.

The evening will feature eight local comics, each will perform a brief stand-up segment which will be followed by a short film spotlighting them. The master of ceremonies for the night will be John Whitmer.

Scheduled performers include: Sharon Nolan, Jonas Presendieu, Kojo Prince, Shawn Purvis, Rafiq Shaheen, Mary Tischbein & Robin Savage, John Whitmer, Aniria Wilson The Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701, 727-895-6620. www.studio620.org

St. Pete Comedy Film Festival Feb 8

The Studio@620 presents the first St. Pete Comedy Film Festival on Saturday February 8 at 7:00 PM.

MISCONCEPTION

RICH VOS - Feb 27 - March 2 Best known from NBC’s hit reality show “Last Comic Standing,” Rich Vos is an exciting and broad headlining comedian. Back Stage Magazine says of Vos, “He has an uncanny ‘Everyman’ ability to likeably bond with anyone in the audience…” The excitement of a Rich Vos show stems from his unique, no-holds-barred perspective on relationships, divorce and parenthood. Vos pulls no punches when it comes to comedy. On many occasions, he will deliver some of the quickest crowd banter, leaving audiences not knowing what to expect next. Vos is a “comic’s comic” who is quick, off-the-cuff and appeals to all types of audiences, best represented by his extensive resume of television and radio appearances. He has two Comedy Central Half-Hour Specials and appeared in two other Comedy Central specials.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 38

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THE NORMAL HEART thru Feb 16 Larry Kramer’s unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later.

In this largely autobiographical play, Ned Weeks is a lone voice shouting into the darkness about what he sees happening to his friends and community. His warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders to healthcare providers ignore the mounting crisis. freeFall’s cast includes Artistic Director, Eric Davis as Ned Weeks. “No one who cares about the future of the human race can afford to miss The Normal Heart.” – Rex Reed freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, 727-498-5205. www.freefalltheatre.com/

www.spcitytheatre. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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NEW STAGE THEATRE AND CONSERVATORY

Shipwrecked! - Feb 6 - 23 An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) The adventurous Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his story of bravery, survival and celebrity that left nineteenth-century England spellbound. Dare to be whisked away in a story of the high seas, populated by exotic islanders, flying wombats, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus.

Shipwrecked examines how far we’re willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world.

New Stage Theatre and conservatory. 11650 131st Street N Largo, FL 33774. 813-817-2585. http://newstagelargo.org/

GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS Visiting Mr. Green - Feb 20 - March 9

The Gulfport Community Players will be opening up a two-act drama by Jeff Baron entitled, Visiting Mr. Green, at the HIckman Theater. The cast includes David Harris as Mr. Green and Rudy Gonzalez as Ross.

The story line involves the elderly Mr. Green wandering into New York traffic and almost getting hit by a car driven by Ross, a young corporate.

For this crime, Ross is given a 6- month sentence that involves community service of helping this recent widower once a week for 6 months. At first, these two men don’t even want to be in the same room with each other, but, after a bit of time passes and they get to know one another, those attitudes change completely and they really start caring about each other. Soon old wounds that they’ve both been hiding for many years are opened and the real drama starts.

The play is at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. 727-322-0316. www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org

Early Bird Dinner Theatre

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ake one womanizing opera singer, knock him out in a hotel room, add a jealous wife, a scheming impersonator, a hilariously ambitious bellhop, and toss in some people running around in their underwear, getting tipsy and slamming doors, and you have the recipe for a rollicking good evening of theater.

“Lend Me a Tenor,” a comedy written by Ken Ludwig, opens at the Early Bird Dinner Theatre on January 11th and runs through March 9th. It tells the story of a renowned tenor, Tito Merelli, who is scheduled to star in “Otello,” but things unravel – and fast – before he even has the chance to leave his hotel room.

LEND ME A TENOR thru Mar 9

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MAME - Feb 27 - March 16

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ame is by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman. Winner of 3 Tony Awards for Actress, Featured Actress and Featured Actor and 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards for Performances. Mame is a happy happening. She is well-to-do, lives in New York at the peak of the Twenties, and is surprised by a ”wonderful present”: an orphan nephew named Patrick. Together they cope with the Depression in a series of adventures.

Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, FL 33755; (727) 446-1360. www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/

Best Laid Plans thru March 31 The Murder Mystery Company presents it’s new show, “Best Laid Plans.” Set in the decadent 1930’s, this classic murder mystery is full of laughter and intrigue. You’ll play detective in this fun interactive mystery. Will you be able to spot the true killer amidst a sea of suspicious characters? Your enemy Sir Peace has invited you to his estate with promise of riches. You’re told the night will host a deadly game! Peace will die, and his killer will be a guest. He’s arranged his wealth will go to whoever solves the case. But, If he lives OR the killer escapes…all leave penniless! The Scene Of The Crime takes place at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 1911 N 13th St, Tampa, FL 33605. All 3 courses are included with the price of admission. www.grimprov.com/Dinner-Theater-Tampa-Bay

The Whipping Man March 15-April 1 The Gorilla Theatre will present the regional premiere of the gripping off-Broadway hit The Whipping Man March 15-April 1. Directed by James Rayfield, The Whipping Man stars the accomplished actors Kim Sullivan, Andrew Valins and Zo Vallejo-Bryant. In The Whipping Man, playwright Matthew Lopez reveals a little-known part of African-American and Jewish history, as well as the history of the American South. Its themes of redemption, forgiveness, the lasting scars of slavery and the responsibility that comes with freedom resonate even today.

It is Passover, 1865. Confederate officer Caleb DeLeon returns to Richmond from the war to find his family home in ruins, his family gone and two freed former slaves who have stayed. Simon and John care for Caleb, who is badly wounded. As the three men wait for the family’s return, they wrestle with the bonds of their faith and their shared past as master and slave. Long-buried family secrets are dug up along the way and new secrets are exposed. Slavery and war, they discover, warp even good men’s souls.

Performances at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. 813-879-2914. www.gorillatheatre.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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S T R E C N O HOT C

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM

Sat, Jan 11

NEON LIGHTS TOUR DEMI LOVATO

with LITTLE MIX & FIFTH HARMONY

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ulti-Platinum-selling music artist and The X Factor judge Demi Lovato will be playing at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:30 PM. THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR will also feature Little Mix, and Fifth Harmony.

DEMI, the 4th album from Demi Lovato features “Heart Attack,” and “Neon Lights.” Demi also appeared on GLEE for a guest starring role and returned for her second season as a judge and mentor on The X Factor.

Little Mix soared into the top 5 of the Billboard 200 album chart with their debut album DNA, entering the chart at No. 4 and making history as the first ever British girl group to debut in the top 5 with their debut album release. Little Mix have become global superstars selling over 3 million records worldwide.

Fifth Harmony has quickly become one of the most-talked about acts in pop music. After debuting “Miss Movin’ On” live on The Today Show, the program received more tweets about this concert than any other performance all summer. Cumulatively, they have 70 million total YouTube views, nearly half a million Facebook “likes”, and over 750,000 Twitter followers.

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The Florida Orchestra: A Valentine’s Day Pops, Rachmaninoff, Charlie Chaplin and More

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oncertgoers can enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts at The Florida Orchestra’s next morning Coffee Concerts with James Feddeck conducting a program titled “Something Old, Something New.” This program showcases how composers have revisited earlier musical themes, “updating” them to their times. Guest soloists are Associate Concertmaster Nancy Chang in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Principal Second Violinist Sarah Shellman in Piazzola’s Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas. The program also includes highlights of works by Bach, Grieg, Haydn, Brahms and others on Wednesday, February 12, at 10 a.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall and Thursday, February 13, at 11 a.m. at the Mahaffey Theater.

Daniel Hege

At the next Raymond James Pops concerts, “An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein,” it’s a Valentine’s Day weekend of best-loved songs from Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music and State Fair…Hello Young Lovers, Some Enchanted Evening, It’s a Grand Night for Singing, Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, People Will Say We Are in Love, My Favorite Things…and many more. Featuring Broadway vocalists Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer with the 150 voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, Stuart Malina conducts these concerts on February 14, 15 and 16 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Singled out for his “disarming elegance and charisma” by Le Monde de la Musique, American pianist Andrew von Oeyen performs Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic showpiece Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini at the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts. The program also includes Michael Daugherty’s salute to Superman with his Red Cape Tango and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2. Daniel Hege conducts these concerts at the Mahaffey Theater in a morning performance on Friday, February 21, at 11 a.m. and an evening performance on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. The program repeats on Sunday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Silent film fans can enjoy the comic antics of Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp as he sets off in search of gold in the Alaskan Andrew Von Oeyen wilderness and hoped-for romance in his humble life in The Gold Rush. The Florida Orchestra performs the “live soundtrack” to accompany the film, which will be shown on Friday, February 28 at the Tampa Theatre in Tampa and on Saturday, March 1 at The Palladium in St. Petersburg. Both concerts start at 8 p.m.

The orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Tickets are on sale at 800-662-7286 and online at www.floridaorchestra.org

USA ENTERTAINMENT.COM www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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RUTH ECKERD HALL Johnny Mathis - Thursday 02/06

Johnny Mathis, whose rich, warm, velvet voice has brought us melodies so important to American pop music (Chances Are, Misty, It’s Not For Me To Say, Wonderful! Wonderful!, The Twelfth of Never, A Certain Smile and many more), has had two songs inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

Kenny Loggins - Saturday 02/08

Loggins has been a guitar slinger with a psychedelic rock band, a hot young songwriter with a publishing deal, half of a legendary country-rock duo, a massively successful and accomplished solo artist, a sonic pioneer in the smooth jazz genre, a reigning soundtrack superstar, a rocker, a seeker, as well as an enduring recording artist and live performer.

Bobby Vinton - Sunday 02/16

Bobby Vinton has sold more than 75 million albums during his career. His first single, Roses Are Red, began his extraordinary career as a vocalist. The record climbed to #1 on the music charts and eventually sold more than four million copies. Blue Velvet and Mr. Lonely are just two of the songs that have Billboard magazine calling Bobby, the all-time most successful love singer of the “rock era.”

Temptations & Four Tops - Friday 02/21

For more than fifty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. During the group’s five-decade career, they’ve charted numerous #1 hits including My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Get Ready, Just My Imagination and Papa Was A Rolling Stone, among many others. The Four Tops have been thrilling audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954. They became one of Motown’s most consistent hit makers with songs like Baby, I Need Your Loving, I Can’t Help Myself, Reach Out, Ain’t No Woman, and many more well-known hits.

Julio Iglesias - Tuesday 02/25

Julio Iglesias has sold more than 300 million copies of his 80 albums released worldwide, including original versions in various languages, compilations and live albums, which make him the Latin artist who has sold the most albums in history.

Whoopi Goldberg - Friday 02/28

In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have won a GRAMMY (Whoopi Goldberg, 1985), an Academy Award (Ghost, 1991), a Golden Globe (The Color Purple, 1985 and Ghost, 1991), an Emmy (as host of AMC’s Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002 and a Daytime Emmy for The View in 2009) and a Tony (Producer of Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002).

Mitzi Gaynor - Sunday 03/02

Mitzi Gaynor lights up the stage in an intimate and glittering celebration of laughs, love and music spanning her career. The star of blockbuster musicals including South Pacific and There’s No Business Like Show Business presents a one-woman tour-de-force of stories, reminiscences, video footage and a cavalcade of songs from her film, television and nightclub work.

Frankie Valli & Four Seasons - Tuesday 03/04

Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever now. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his group, such classic songs as Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You are all the rage all over again.

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CAPITOL THEATRE Gary Puckett & The Union Gap - Saturday 02/08

Tampa Bay area resident Gary Puckett & The Union Gap was one of the most successful musical groups of the sixties. Gary’s unmistakable signature voice garnered six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits such as Young Girl and Woman Woman. In 1968, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap sold more records than any other artist, including The Beatles.

Jay Leno - Sunday 02/09

One of the country’s premier comedians, Jay has performed hundreds of comedy shows around the United States for the past 20-plus years. Named America’s Favorite TV Personality in the 2009 Harris Poll, Leno is best known as America’s late night leader for almost two decades.

Melissa Manchester - Saturday 02/15

In 1980, Melissa became the first recording artist in the history of the Academy Awards to have two nominated movie themes in a given year: Through The Eyes Of Love and The Promise. She won the GRAMMY Award for Best Female Vocalist in 1982, and also co-wrote the radio mainstays Midnight Blue, Come In From The Rain and Whenever I Call You Friend.

Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam - Friday 02/21

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, songwriter and legendary guitarist Dave Mason has been making music since the age of 18 when he teamed up with fellow England native Steve Winwood to form the band Traffic. Since then he has penned dozens of hits, and has been linked with numerous other members of rock and roll elite, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, to name a few.

Women of Ireland - Sunday 02/23

The next generation of Ireland’s world champion dancers and some of Ireland’s finest female performers bring Irish and Celtic music when they return to the Capitol Theatre. This energetic, compelling and innovative concert production shares Irish music, song and dance, and a wealth of Irish talent.

Art Garfunkel - Thursday 02/27

The GRAMMY-winner will present an acoustic performance with songs, anecdotes, prose and a unique audience Q&A session. Blessed with what the New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” Art Garfunkel has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel.

Bob Newhart - Saturday 03/01

Bob Newhart’s career has spanned two successful television shows and fourteen feature films. Newhart has sold millions of albums worldwide and still performs to sell-out crowds all over the country. Fans love to to hear such Newhart standards as The Driving Instructor, Sir Walter Raleigh, and The Submarine Commander.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33759, (727) 791-7400 Capitol theatre, 405 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755 • (727) 791-7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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JANNUS LIVE

Young The Giant - Tues, Feb 8

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ith the breakout success of their self-titled 2010 debut album and acclaim for their live shows, Young The Giant has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting new bands to come out of So Cal in recent memory. For their new album, Mind Over Matter, they enlisted producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen – known for his work with such diverse artists as Beck, and Nine Inch Nails. The collection of songs finds the young band challenging themselves both lyrically and musically.

The Expendables - Thurs, Feb 20

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or 15 years, The Expendables have been tearing down venues with their infectious blend of reggae and punk, littered with just a hint of 80’s guitar. With praise pouring in from concert goers who reminiscence from everything to “massive circle pits to slow-dance grooves,” a show by The Expendables is set to be a raging night not to be missed.

Jannus, 1st Ave. N and 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.jannuslive.com/

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Gasparilla Music Festival March 8 - 9 he Gasparilla Music Festival is a Florida non-profit corporation that organizes an annual music festival in downtown Tampa the second weekend of March. The 2014 festival will take place in Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park on March 8 - 9 and will feature musical acts from a wide variety of genres on several stages and cuisine from the region’s top restaurants.

As part of its mission to support and promote music and education, the organization is involved throughout the year in several initiatives including providing scholarships to music students. 50 Bands, 4 Stages, 2 Days, Local Brew, Local FLAMING LIPS Food, Yoga, Children’s Programming and much more will be presented. Doors open at 11AM, Kids under 12 are free.

Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne and crew will join Latin Grammy-winning Venezuelan collective Los Amigos Invisibles, Brooklyn-based indie rockers Delta Spirit, Americana singer-songwriter and former member of the Southern rock band Drive by Truckers, Jason Isbell, and acclaimed New Orleans roots rocker Anders Osborne for the 3rd-annual GMF. The Flaming Lips career has spanned 30 years and 16 albums. GMF 2014 will feature 40 bands on four stages over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Last year’s GMF drew nearly 10,000 attendees. www.gasparillamusicfestival.com/

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CROWBAR

Red Wanting Blue - Thurs, Feb 20

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ith positive word of mouth following the band from town to town and an unwavering ambition to keep on traveling, Red Wanting Blue (from Columbus, Ohio) has developed a devoted following in and around the Midwest, where they began selling out clubs typically reserved for national names.

Touring in support of their current album, From The Vanishing Point, has taken Red Wanting Blue all over the US and Canada. Terry’s passionate and poetic songs, anchored by his powerful baritone, let the band’s newest fans in on tunes that could only have been written by a man who has lived life on the road. Traveling with Terry are band mates Mark McCullough (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Greg Rahm (Keys, Guitars, Organ, Vocals), Eric Hall, Jr. (Guitars, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Banjo, Vocals) and Dean Anshutz (Drums, Percussion, Glockenspiel), who together build this band’s unshakable sound.

Red Wanting Blue will appear at the Crowbar on Feb 20. The Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St, Ybor City, FL 33605, (813) 241-8600. www.crowbarlive.com/

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Compiled by Papande Newman

MUSIC TRAX

YORON ISRAEL Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder www.yoronisrael.com Not only have the easy-to-love melodies of Stevland Hardaway Morris (b. May 13, 1950) become staples of the modern American soundtrack, they naturally trigger our most fundamentally human physical response: the graceful, unified movement of body and soul.

JASON ANICK Tipping Point www.jasonanick.com An inviting demonstration of the maxim in action can be found on Anick’s second album as a leader, Tipping Point. Utilizing both acoustic and electric mandolins in addition to his customary violin, Anick expands his musical horizons; those who associate his name with acoustic Gypsy jazz.

URI SHARLIN AND THE DOGCAT ENSEMBLE Back To The Woods www.urisharlin.com Tel Aviv-born Uri Sharlin moved to New York City to study jazz piano and found himself playing in a cumbia band. On his next trip to Tel Aviv he ran into his old accordion teacher, who sold him his instrument. He found that the accordion was the key to putting his many musical influences all together. He says Israeli musicians are forced to be more flexible in their listening, growing up on Russian songs translated into Hebrew, then Arabic music that was translated, “and other things, all mashed up.” He brings this openness to his band Uri Sharlin and the DogCat Ensemble.

Michael Feinstein

Change of Heart: The Songs of André Previn.

www.telarc.com André Previn has conquered the worlds of classical, jazz, opera, film scoring and musical theater as accomplished a pianist and conductor and composer and orchestrator. His catalog of pop songs, many written for films, has never been given the same serious consideration as his other work. Until now. And who better than pianist and vocalist Michael Feinstein, who's own catalog of recordings features several albums on which he is accompanied by legendary songwriters, performing their own tunes, including Jule Styne, Burton Lane, Hugh Martin and Jay Livingston. Now Previn joins that list, accompanying Feinstein, with Finck on bass, on Change of Heart: The Songs of André Previn, on Telarc.

Michael Feinstein will be performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on February 6.

GEORGE DUKE Dream Weaver www.georgeduke.com George Duke describes this as his “strongest album in years.” The brilliant keyboardist-composer-producer has gathered a myriad of voices and crystallizes them into a multi-faceted whole that far outweighs the sum of its parts. From bassist Christian McBride’s work on the funky jam tune “Burnt Sausage” to Rachelle Ferrell s contemporary jazz singing on “Missing You,” every song offers something special.

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ANTONIO POMPA-BALDI The Rascal and the Sparrow (Populenc Meets Piaf) www.pompa-baldi.com The Rascal and the Sparrow contains twenty-seven short selections, seventeen written by Poulenc and ten taken from Piaf standards. Things start out with Poulenc’s “Les chemins de l’amour” (“Paths of My Love”), a delightful waltz tune you can hear in part below. It’s an attractive way to begin the program because the song is so delightful with its slightly melancholic tone and always lilting rhythms, done to perfection by Pompa-Baldi, who caresses every note. All of the tunes follow suit.

THE KING’S SISTERS Great American Songbook! www.kingssingers.com Around the time The King’s Singers was starting up, one of the most productive periods of song-writing in history was coming to a close in America, starting with composers such as GershKern, Berlin and Porter in the early continuing through to the early 1960s.

win, 1920s, and

STEPHANIE BLYTHE As Long As There Are Songs www.meyersound.com Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe presents her first album of pop songs, featuring classics

by Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin and Ira Gershwin, including “Always,” The White Cliffs of Dover,” “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “The Man Who Got Away” and “Look For The Silver Lining.”

THE 5 BROWNS The Rite of Spring www.the5browns.com The 5 Browns are a revolutionary force in classical music and an ongoing global phenomenon since the release of their first album. The centerpiece of the album is a performance of The Rite of Spring, recorded live on May 29, 2013 - 100 years to the day from its original premiere in Paris. The Rite of Spring was recorded live by Grammy-Award winning producer Adam Abeshouse at the new Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College.

American Harp www.yolandaharp.com

Yolanda Kondonassis is celebrated as one of the world’s premier solo harpists and is widely regarded as today’s most recorded classical harpist. Hailed as “an extraordinary virtuosa” and “sheer luminescence at the harp,” she has performed around the globe as a concerto soloist and in recital, appearing with numerous major orchestras. For her 17th CD release, the intrepid harpist explores the less-traveled depths of American harp repertoire to uncover gems by Elliott Carter, John Cage, Lowell Lieberman, John Williams and more. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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WILL KIMBROUGH Sideshow Love www.willkimbrough.com Guitarist Will Kimbrough is a sharp-eyed observer of humanity who notes every detail and spares nothing in his analysis. His new album is a collection of smartly crafted short stories, laden with generous melodies and arrangements. The theme is love, shifting from sharp and misty-eyed to laughter and tears.

Kimbrough accumulated the songs working as a sideman with Emmylou Harris.

TENNESSEE MAFIA JUG BAND Tales From Short Mountain www.tennesseemafiajugband.com This 10-track CD is a joint effort from the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and the Short Mountain Distillery—a purveyor of “Tennessee Moonshine”. The songs will pretty much tell you what to expect here: Mountain Dew, Chug A Lug, What A Waste Of Good Corn Liquor, King Of The Cannon County Hills And Open Up Your Mouth And Let The Moonshine In. For this CD the band is made up of Leroy Troy (vocals and mostly banjo), Mike and Lester Armistead (guitar vocals, jug), rnie Sykes (bass), Mike Webb (dobro) and Dan Kelly on fiddle.

HOME FREE Crazy Life www.homefreevocalband.com Home Free, the all-male country group whose performances on The Sing-Off captivated millions and launched the group into the national spotlight, has signed with Columbia Records. Their major label debut album Crazy Life will be available on February 18 2014. Crazy Life features a collection of original music as well as a selection of songs the group performed on the show including, “Ring Of Fire” (Johnny Cash) and a Hunter Hayes medley featuring “I Want Crazy” from The Sing-Off finale.

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artina McBride had a specific vision for ‘Everlasting’ a collection of iconic soul and R&B songs, and knew Grammywinning producer Don Was had just the experience and insight to lead her on this journey. The legendary producer guided McBride through songs as diverse as Aretha Franklin’s “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and Van Morrison’s “Wild Night,” and yielded a new sound and a departure for the country icon and four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. “I love soulful music and it just made sense to me to stretch a bit at this time and do something that fills my heart and allows me to explore a little bit,” said Martina on her upcoming album. “I have worked hard to choose some of the best and most loved classics, much like I did with ‘Timeless,’ and interpret them in a way that is faithful to the original, but still has my own artistic spin to make it mine.”

Everlasting www.martinamcbride.

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HUDSON HANK Daybreak www.hudsonhank.com The debut LP from Hudson Hank, Daybreak, is out Now! Hudson Hank is the solo project of acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Sam Oatts. On Daybreak Sam team up with producer and Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman to create a record of big scope and even bigger melodies.

JAMES LABRIE Impermanent Resonance www.jameslabrie.com Impermanent Resonance is best described as a simple metal album. The album is an outing for his musical style and taste which are a lot more simple than people would expect. In addition he doesn’t provide the entirety of the vocals, as he is also joined by Peter Wildoer, who in addition to beating the drum kit around with exceptional force, provides harsh, death metal style vocals.

CARLSSON Waiting (EP) www.carlssonmusic.com This is the first single from the upcoming album “About Time”. Written and produced by Carlsson, the song is brilliantly simple and perfectly crafted Synthpop - from the infectious hook all the way to an outstanding vocal performance. You had to be “Waiting” for music like this for a long time.

PACHA’S PAJAMAS: A Story Written By Nature Vol 1 & 2

www.pachaspajamas.com In this award-winning Children’s Pop Musical, magical pajamas whisk Pacha off to an epic music festival in the jungle organized for (and by) plants and animals; Fox News is reporting but its real foxes!

www.maggiemcclure.com

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ime Moves On is ethereal and expansive, with achingly gorgeous vocals, moody guitars, and playfully quirky keyboard touches. The album chronicles Maggie’s move from Oklahoma to Los Angeles to further pursue her music career, and a new and empowered outlook on life based on being brave enough to seek out and embrace a centered existence.

Time Moves On follows a self-titled album, two EPs, a handful of singles, an impressive synch licensing resume, and nearly a thousand shows.

McClure’s gift for confessional songwriting that’s broad appealing has enabled her music to garner plum synch placements. Her songs have appeared in the film Cowgirls N' Angels, and in such television shows as Dr. Phil, The Real World, Worst Prom Ever, The Hills, The City, The Vineyard, and The Young And The Restless.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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New Age FORREST SMITHSON Dreaming Time www.forrestsmithson. com A gracefully unfolding sonic narrative, woven within soundscapes of contemplative lyricism, bringing forth a sustained connection to open receptivity. The creation of vibratory environments for activation, remembrance, integration and expansion.

YANG YING Elixir: Music For Moving & Still Meditation www.yangying-music.com

Initially created for use in a Taiji intervention study at the University of Illinois, Elixir is a music CD for moving and still meditation practices. This CD is unique in that it was composed and performed in entirety by both a master traditional Chinese musician and longtime practitioner of qigong meditation.

Larkenlyre (Matthew Labarge)

DAN CHADBURN Nocturnes www.danchadburn.com

Extraordinary Voyages www.matthewlabarge.com

Dan’s most recent recording, Nocturnes, was released in August, 2012. A group of Dan’s close friends had asked him to create an album of music to “inspire, soothe, and heal.”

Having recorded several new solo piano improvisations in January, 2012, Dan composed and recorded melodic themes to these improvs (featuring Carole Libelo on english horn, Marty Hackleman on french horn, and Helen Hausmann on violin and viola) to create the twelve pieces that appear on the album.

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STEVEN C Past To Presence www.stevencmusic.com Past to Presence represents the musical journey of Steven C’s life, covering every mood from intimate reflective solo piano to joy filled up beat songs.

Featured is Steven C’s 9 foot Bosendorfer piano, and many guest musicians. Spiritual and heartfelt.

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inematic multi-layered sonic sketches inspired by the stories and novels of Jules Verne, Rudyard Kipling, Jack London, and Edgar Rice Burroughs. Larkenlyre is composer Matthew Labarge, guest appearances by Chris Bocast, Eden Macadam-Somer, and Jimi Taft.

Each of the fourteen tracks is very different.

Hundreds of instruments, real and electronic, were used, as well as dozens of objects, instruments, and environments were recorded and sampled. Each track is a unique sonic landscape unto itself, much like a great story.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

GET TRIBAL (Kari Hohne) God Of Drum www.get-tribal.com

God of Drum is a collection of percussion based world fusion music inspired by the thunder deities of virtually every culture. Ancient tribes revered thunder as the divine element that activated spring’s rebirth. Using drums, they synchronized the heart, mind and soul with the same vital life force. Its circular shape offers a mandala connecting the world of spirit to the vibration of intention.

ANDRE FERIANTE Novella www.andreferiante.com

Andre Feriante, world class Spanish/Classical/Flamenco guitarist applies the right hand technique taught to him by Andre Segovia and his unique and passionate compositional style to the 3, 4, 5, and 6 string ukuleles.

WOUTER KELLERMAN Mzansi www.wouterkellerman.net

VARIOUS ARTISTS Salsa de la Bahia: A Collection of SF Bay Area Salsa and Latin Jazz www.patoisrecords.com

Flutist Wouter Kellerman, who hails from South Africa, truly creates world-fusion music that is multi-cultural and genre-crossing because he brings together global musical elements to form a powerful, jubilant and universal sound.

ALEJANDRO ALMENARES Casa De Trova www.tumimusic.com/Alejandro-Almenares

Alejandro Enis Almenares Born in Santiago de Cuba 24th May 1937 is perhaps the last of the Troubadours of the golden age of Trova in Cuba. Casa the Trova is some of the songs written by his father and himself during some 150 years of joint life and for the first time his music has been recorded in the form of a full CD.

A Groundbreaking Anthology of Afro-Cuban Music, Salsa De La Bahía, Reveals the Hidden History of Tropical Heat From the San Francisco Bay Area. This 2-CD companion piece to the documentary film The Last Mambo, featuring Latin music giants Orestes Vilató, John Santos, Jesus Diaz, John Calloway, and Benny Velarde. The Last Mambo traces the evolution of the Bay Area’s Latin music scene from Cal Tjader, Benny Velarde, and the Escovedo Brothers to present day masters such as John Santos, Jesus Diaz, and Anthony Blea.

The album opens and closes with three thrilling pieces recorded especially for the project

by Estrellas De La Bahia, an all-star orchestra encompassing many of the scene’s key players.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

Sail Pavilion Friday Night “BREWS & BITES” Sail Pavilion hosts a monthly Brews & Bites Food Truck Rally on the second Friday of each month. A rolling celebration of food and fun, Brews & Bites features a

fleet of area food trucks, and live entertainment from local musicians at the venue’s 360-degree waterfront bar. The February 14th event will offer a variety of food trucks, fresh squeezed juice cocktails, and live entertainment. Guests can also enter to win a pair of Tampa Bay Lightning Tickets to a March Game by hashtagging #BREWSandBITES on Twitter or Instagram. 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, Fla. (813) 3731193. www.tampaconventioncenter.com

Oldsmar Cares - Thurs, Feb 13 Oldsmar Cares’s Wine & Food Gala raises more than $55,000 a year and is attended by over 400 caring

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community members.

Food and wine tastings, silent and live auction and raffle drawings.

Auction items include dining packages, vacation destinations, cars, personalized airplane tour of Tampa Bay area, autographed Tampa Bay sports memorabilia and much more.

Oldsmar Cares has widespread community support and is a 100% volunteer organization. Countless volunteers assist in the food pantry, clothes closet, and at many events throughout the year.

The many volunteers in the community make it possible for Oldsmar Cares to give 100% of every donation to families in need in our community. They have been serving the greater-Oldsmar area through the food pantry, clothes closet and rent/utilities assistance since 1997. www.oldsmarcares.org/gala.html

Evening with Celebrity Chef Scott Conant at The Hard Rock - Thurs, Feb 20 Enjoy an evening with Celebrity Chef Scott Conant on February 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Oak Steaks & Seafood Restaurant in the Seminole Hard Rock. Limited seats are available to experience an evening curated by the chef, restaurateur and television personality. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ye Mystic Krewe ofGasparilla’s Community Fund. 813-251-4330.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

www.clearwaterbeachuncorked.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks! case Bubbles on the Beach featuring bubbles, sweets, pastries and all things rich and gooey just in time for Valentine’s Day. Clearwater Beach Uncorked will be a weekend-long epicurean experience allowing guests to explore the relaxed and delicious facets of Clearwater Beach.

Guests will have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $85 or opt for a premium VIP experience, available on Saturday, for $125. VIP access will grant epicureans and influencers an exceptional VIP area with exclusive restaurants and reserve wines, single malt whiskeys and rare scotches. They will also receive an extravagant Clearwater Beach Uncorked swag bag with the latest in food, fashion and beauty.

Clearwater Beach Uncorked will donate a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to the University of South Florida SarasotaManatee College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership. Funds will be used to develop academic programs, scholarships, research

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learwater Beach Uncorked’s third annual food and wine beachside extravaganza will be held on February 8th and 9th, from 1p.m. to 5p.m., beachside in front of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. Clearwater Beach Uncorked will offer the perfect pre-Valentine’s Day beach weekend filled with an extensive array of sweet and savory samplings complemented by an impressive selection of wines, spirits and craft beers from around the globe. South Gulfview Boulevard’s transformation will encourage guests to venture between the oneof-a-kind Uncorked Spirits Beach Bar and the Grand Tasting Village to meet and mingle with wine specialists, vintners & brew masters, and the areas best and brightest chefs. The Grand Tasting Village will include delicious samplings from the area’s top restaurants, wine from over 100 wineries and an exciting array of micro-brews and craft beers. Guests can also slip away to the Uncorked Spirits Beach Club to capture a breath taking view and sample spirits that will satisfy any tastemaker’s palate.

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grants and campus infrastructure. Clearwater Beach Uncorked has also partnered with USFSM’s College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership to implement an educational component incorporating Clearwater Beach Uncorked into the student’s Fall curriculum.

For more information, visit www.clearwaterbeachuncorked.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

February “Flavors of Ybor” Celebration Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for more than a century, Ybor City is always alive with an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds, but never more so than during the month-long celebration known as “Flavors of Ybor.” Throughout the month of February, visitors can explore and experience Tampa’s historic Ybor City through a dazzling line-up of events and happenings. To follow is a sampling of some of the major events and activities.

On Feb. 8, spectators of all ages take to the streets – 7th Avenue, to be exact – for the Krew of Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade. The largest parade of its kind in the Southeast, the procession includes illuminated floats, costumed participants, marching bands, dancers, beads and more. The approximately two-hour long parade winds its way from Nuccio Parkway to 22nd Avenue.

Started as a day of rest for immigrant cigar workers, Fiesta Day is celebrated Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ethnic food, exhibits, entertainment and traditional arts and crafts. A free, familyoriented event, Fiesta Day takes place along 7th Avenue, which is open to pedestrian-traffic only during the event.

Also on Feb. 22, Flan Fest features more than 40 contestants competing for the title of Top Flan in Tampa Bay. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Park in the outdoor Ybor City Saturday Market.

At Gaspar’s Grotto, the annual Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil begins at 4 p.m.

Serving an abundance of spicy crawfish, potatoes, corn and more, this annual tradition marks the last night to eat richer, fatty foods before the ritual of fasting for the start of the Lenten season.

www.accentontampabay.com

www.skipperssmokehouse.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

THE STUART SOCIETY ‘s WORLDCLASS WINE WEEKEND - February 7 - 9 www.wineweekendstpete.org

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ome of the world’s top wines will flow and will be auctioned during Wine Weekend St. Pete 2014, benefiting The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Four events will highlight the weekend of February 7-9. A special evening, “The Grape Escape,” on Saturday, February 1, will set the tone for the following weekend.

“The Grape Escape”: Partygoers will gather for drinks and hors d’oeuvres on Feb 1 at a stunning Snell Isle home. Guests will then be escorted to waiting limousines, which will whisk them away to incredible wine and culinary adventures. Each limousine will go to a different location.

“Let the Party Begin,” an elegant sponsor and VIP black-tie dinner at the MFA, launches Wine Weekend St. Pete on Feb 7. The evening will begin with champagne, followed by an exquisite dinner and select wines in the Marly Room. Featured vintners that night will be

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Squire Fridell of GlenLyon Vineyard and Winery and Ron Lachini of Lachini Vineyards. Tyson Grant, Executive Chef at Parkshore Grill, will prepare the dinner.

The Gala Dinner and Wine Auction is on Feb 8, in the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club. The finest wines will be served with a gourmet dinner, prepared by Executive Chef Mark Heimann. There will Nick Allen be both a silent and live auction. Nick Allen of Carte Blanche Wine, Helen Keplinger and DJ Warner of Keplinger Wines, and Mike Hirby of Relic Wine Cellars will be the featured vintners. Rare vintages from around the globe will be available for bidding.

The duPont Registry Concours d’Elegance premieres this year, also on Sunday, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on the Museum grounds. The duPont Registry specializes in luxury, and these classic cars, which are works of art in their own right, will not disappoint.

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THE FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE

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hocoholics descended upon MOSI recently for the annual chocolate Festival. One can never have too much chocolate as evidenced by the crowds. Tastings and seminars made this 3-day affair a big success. I caught a cake decorating session with Michelle DeMicco from Mikey’s Bakery and a learned how to make a pro looking cake. You can have a your favorite wine s s i l

by Me s o t wrapped in chocolate and sent to your sweetie, or order some delicious o h and p y r o t popcorn drizzled with — what else?— chocolate. www.festivalofchocolate.com/ S

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Michelle DeMicco shows how to decorate the perfect cake.

Custom chocolate covered wine bottles from Leena’s Chocolates.

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

Beer Bourbon BBQ Festival - Sat, Feb 22 www.beerandbourbon.com/

sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine. We’ll keep the portions heavy and the prices low.

Enjoy Seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters From the Deep South.

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o to the Beer, Bourbon BBQ Festival for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an All-You-Care –To-Taste sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and live music all day.

What You Can Expect: Souvenir Glass For Tastings.

Unlimited Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table and tent to tent. There are 40 Bourbons and 60 Beers on Tap. Enjoy, but please drink responsibly.

BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens,

Ricky P’s Mardi Gras Celebration - Fri, Feb 28 - Tues, March 4 www.rickyps.com

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he Mardi Gras weekend starts Friday with The Brian L. Band.

They’ll be playing some great funky blues, soul and a little rock and roll. Owner Ricky P will be boiling 300 lbs of live crawfish brought in from Louisiana just for the occasion, with potatoes, corn and Cajun sausage along with the perfect blend of cajun seasonings.

Crawfish will be sold by the pound starting at 5pm and available until they’re gone!

Saturday, guests are invited to “Mask” which means come in costume and join in a Second Line Parade along Central Ave, lining up along the sidewalk and strolling down the Avenue behind a brass band, throwing beads to neighbors and friends who come out to join in the festivities. The theme this year is come dressed as your favorite character that begins with the letter ‘P”! Come as a Pirate, Princess, a Prom Queen, a Packer Fan, Police Officer, The Pope, etc.

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Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage.

Enjoy the Great Contests on the Main Stage: Tampa’s Best Beer Belly Competition and the $500 Daisy Dukes & Boots Contest.

Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, bbq accessories, and even a cigar tent for all guests.

Meet The Daisy Dukes & Boots Models and More.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, Florida. www.beerandbourbon.com/florida/show-info-0 The parade is scheduled to start at the Ricky P’s parking lot under the big tent at 5pm then begin a fun filled stroll along Central Avenue and Baum Avenue stopping at neighboring favorites like Ferg’s Sports Bar, The Flying Pig Tap Room , Green Bench Brewery and the Amsterdam and then back to Ricky P’s where the Best Costume and Most Creative costumes winners will be awarded. Following the parade, the music starts under the tent where local favorite Gumbo Boogie Band will perform. They will be rockin’ their unique stew of rock, blues, country, and soul flavored with a pinch of New Orleans flair.

Sunday Jazz Brunch (11am-3pm), in addition to serving up Crab Cake Benedict and Rockefeller Omelets, Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro will be offering free beignets. This weekend will also be the debut of the first Gospel Brunch featuring The Gospel Troupes, a local four piece a capella all male group.

Reservations are recommended.

Fat Tuesday will bring free kingcake. The Jordan Quartet will be performing, and there will be Free Beads for all as well.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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diner

Gar f Brett Austin Executive Che garden. at his rooftop

Pelagia’s stylish restaurant also has outdoor seating.

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Housemade gnocchi with spinach

Pelagia’s rooftop garden

Seasonal Delights Story and photos by Melissa and Al Martino

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hen a restaurant touts “fresh” produce, exactly how fresh do they mean? At the trendy Pelagia Trattoria (located in the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel) it means they walked upstairs to their garden on the hotel’s roof and plucked some herbs and veggies to use in their seasonal menu. What they don’t grow themselves, they procure from Florida sources.

Pelagia serves modern Italian cuisine in a colorful and tasteful setting. The menu is always intriguing and cleverly concocted by Executive Chef Brett Austin Gardiner who earned his chops at several very prestigious restaurants, such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Kobe Japanese Steak House in Maui, the GrandHyatt’s Oystercatchers, and Hapa in Oldsmar, before securing his spot at Pelagia.

All menu items are prepared from scratch daily, including their housemade pastas. At a recent tasting, we sampled such intriguing and delicious fare as Grilled Mediterranean Rack of Lamb, Spinach Gnocchi with shaved ricotta solatta and brown butter, and Grilled Swordfish with shaved fennel and tomato consommé.

Sometimes local folks tend to overlook restaurants located in hotels, thinking they are there just for the convenience of hotel guests. Do not make that mistake with Pelagia, as it is a fine destination for locals as well as visitors.

Pelagia Trattoria is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel is located at 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL. 813-313-3235. www.pelagiatrattoria.com

Grilled Mediterranean Rack of Lamb

Grilled Sword fish with shaved fennel arugula and tomato consume. (The clear color of the tomato consume is achieved by straining the tomatoes overnight to get the pulp and red color out.) www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

Grand Marnier Lapostolle

Raspberry Peach

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rand Marnier new Signature Collection N° 2 Raspberry Peach is rich, complex, fruity, and delivers a perfect marriage of Grand Mariner’s signature cognacs laced with orange essence and the natural raspberry and peach flavors. The Raspberry Peach combines European raspberries and rare red peaches from the South of France.

The versatility of this sophisticated product makes it perfect for any special occasion, such as this delicious Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Cosmo: 2 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach; 1 oz cranberry juice; 1/2 oz fresh lime juice.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake.

Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist.

Enjoy!

For more information about Grand Marnier fine products and recipes, please visit www.grand-marnier.com/

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www.vettures.com

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EINSTEIN ON FOOD & WINE

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cience mixed with food and wine when Einstein On Food & Wine was held recently at MOSI. The very successful annual event raises money for the museum, a and supporting restaurants and vintners eliss s by M o t provide guests with some tasty fare and o h and p fruit of the vine. Meandering through MOSI’s exhibits, Story guests stopped to play some of the interactive games while they sampled the varied restaurant offerings. www.mosi.org

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CALIFORNIA GRILL

Re-Imagined

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I am from the school of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” When I heard they were noodling around (no pun intended) with one of the best restaurants in the country, I’ll admit I had misgivings. The California Grill (atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World) had consistently garnered rave reviews from diners and food critics alike. But I do understand the need for change in the highly competitive restaurant business, and, since this particular restaurant is associated with the Disney organization – whose standards are very high — I figured they probably knew what they were doing.

The restaurant was closed for months of remodeling and menu tweaking. It re-opened recently, and I was so very pleased to find at a tasting that the new restaurant layout is attractive and makes good use of space. It is still reminiscent of sunny California with subdued shades of yellow and orange predominating.

Everything is fresh and seasonal

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Photos and story by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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The most breathtaking floor-toceiling panoramic window views of all the Walt Disney World parks and beyond remains intact, and is a must to experience at sunset and later on for the fireworks displays. As you step off the elevator to enter the restaurant, you are faced with an impressive display of wine bottles. Indeed, the restaurant has a large wine list of about 250 selections, along with craft beers and refreshing signature cocktails, thanks to sommelier Michael Scheifler.

Most important, however, is that the California Grill menu is still excellent, and Executive Chef Brian Piasecki is still at the helm.

Chefs prepare sushi in the open kitchen

Executive Chef Brian Piasecki

Chef Brian has been with various Disney resort restaurants since 1991, and the California Grill since 2009. He has given it his creative vision of seasonal foodstuffs, with a heavy emphasis on “fresh.” His dishes are elegant without being pretentious.

Each dish presentation may be beautiful to look at, but it is also well thought out for complimentary tastes. He likes to create some unexpected dishes for a more interesting dining experience, such as his tasty “Duck in all its Glory” appetizer with house-made sausage, rillettes, prosciutto, duck liver pate, and cranberry compote.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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CALIFORNIA GRILL A full rainbow greeted us as we entered Disney’s Contemporary Resort, home to the California Grill. (This one was courtesy of Mother Nature, not the Disney Imagineers.)

Always a spectacular view from the California Grill’s floorto-ceiling windows.

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Putting the finishing touches on an appetizer.

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A colorful sushi platter.

Although there are new items on the menu, some old favorites have remained with slight updates. One of my favorite entrees has to be the Pork Two Ways, with grilled tenderloin, goat cheese polenta, mushrooms, and applesauce. Some other popular entrees are the Oak-fired Filet of Beef with heirloom tomato risotto, marinated baby vine tomatoes, petite basil and tomato butter, and the Florida Red Snapper with warm crimson lentil salad, buttered vegetables, lemon foam, and almond pistou.

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An inviting duck meats display.

Beautiful sushi platters www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Pork Belly Nigiri sushi

Yuzu-Marinated Sashimi

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CALIFORNIA GRILL

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The restaurant’s new look has an open kitchen and attractive display cases for sushi, which also has an expanded menu. The sushi concoctions are almost too pretty to eat. For my taste, I particularly enjoyed the California Combination Roll with jumbo lump crab with avocado and cucumber and shrimp tempura, and the Pork Belly Nigri with house-cured pork, bacon, yuzu rice and spicy teriyaki.

Chocolate lovers will love the California Grill’s luscious Chocolate Pudding Cake with nutella filling, meringue kisses, and mint chantilly, and cheesecake lovers will love the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake with lemon-mascarpone, citrus cookie, and charred meringue clouds.

It turns out that the California Grill’s “newness” is to be embraced, and should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

For more information, please visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/

Seasonal Sundae cleverly served in a mason jar

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Pastry chef Jeff Barnes with one of his amazing edible sugar art concoctions.

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2014 The new year spells new excitement as 2014 heralds magical events, special openings and much more at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. Here’s a look at what’s in store through May.

Play Ball! Atlanta Braves Spring Training Welcomes Top Teams to Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Atlanta Braves Spring Training returns to Walt Disney World in February and March with a slate of games featuring Major League Baseball’s top teams at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The 2014 schedule has yet to be released, but the list of Grapefruit League clubs that commonly visit Champion Stadium include the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.

Guests also will be treated to game day entertainment and additional fan experiences in a way only Disney can do, from character appearances, to an exclusive On-Field Spectator Experience and kids running the bases after the game.

Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiaries Debut at 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 5 to May 18

Disney gardeners will paint the landscape with rainbows

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of blooms while Epcot chefs tempt guests with marketplace tastes during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

New in 2014, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display.

The garden party continues for 75 days. The foodand-beverage marketplaces will return with new menu items for Disney guests to enjoy, such as Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and a Barbecued Chicken Leg at the Smokehouse Barbecue Marketplace. As they sample from marketplace menus of gustatory delights, guests can wander among themed gardens and children’s play areas. Most gardens will be illuminated when the sun sets to extend the festival fun.

At the Festival Center, daily interactive gardening seminars will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and popular HGTV celebrities will headline weekend seminars filled with home, garden and design ideas.

Two new acts will hit the stage at America Gardens Theatre during the 2014 Flower Power Concert Series: Gary Lewis and the Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) and The Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”). Other pop acts set to perform include The Guess Who (“America Woman”), Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. (Entertainment is subject to change.)

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

For more information about the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

landscapes, the 1,000acre island offers one-ofa-kind areas and activities for every member of the family.

Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine - March 6 - 9

Out-of-thisWorld Fun! Star Wars Weekends set for May and June 2014 May & June

U.S. high school students ages 13-19 participate in this innovative outside-the-classroom educational and mentoring program. The 2014 Disney Dreamers Academy, now in its seventh year, will take place March 6 – 9.

Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Annually, 100 U.S. high school students, selected from thousands of applications, embark on an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for an immersive four-day program that inspires and fuels their dreams.

Disney Cruise Line at Castaway Cay

The Disney Fantasy docks at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. In a setting of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches and lush

Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort in May and June 2014, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes Star Wars central for guests of all ages. Specific dates for the annual sci-fi fan-fest will be announced at a later date.

Each year, the power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as plenty of out-of-this-world characters – including Wookiees, droids, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of the theme park and pose in themed meet-and-greet areas. Guests can experience one of the largest Star Wars parades in the world during the day and then dance the night away at the surprise-filled “Hyperspace Hoopla.”

Jedi Training Academy, one of the interactive entertainment experiences at the theme park, is expanded during the event and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing their newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader or Darth Maul.

Also featured: the chance for fans to purchase oneof-a-kind and limited edition Star Wars memoribilia, Star Wars trivia and star conversations with Star Wars celebrities.

Event activities are included in regular theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For more information and future updates, guests may check online at www.DisneyWorld.com

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS Comng up in Orlando Harbor Nights Romantico at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel - a Wine, Food and Music Event – Fri, Feb 7. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando will host Harbor Nights Romantico, a food and wine event, just in time for a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration.

Guests can enjoy more than a dozen wines and sparkling wines, gourmet food and desserts from the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, plus live music from The Buzzcatz. Harbor Nights takes place under the twinkling lights of the hotel’s Harbor Piazza. 6:30 - 9:00 pm. www.loewshotels.tix.com/

Teams can win trophies and prizes for the best chili or the best open chili categories. Guests can sample dozens of chili dishes, enjoy live bands, and enjoy other activities such as a Kids Zone.

2911 E. Robinson St., Orlando. www.orlandochilicookoff.com/ Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival - Sun, Feb 9. The festival starts at 11am with a community parade followed by a 4-hour fair which takes place at 634 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803. Admission is free.

The fair contains cultural performances, Asian food, Arts and Crafts and exhibitions. www.centralfloridadragonparade.org/ Orlando Wetlands Festival - Sat, Feb 15. Celebrate Orlando Wetlands Park, a 1,650 acre wetland oasis, at the Orlando Wetlands Festival. There will be guided tours, bird-banding and mist-netting demonstrations, live music, door prizes and lots of activities for kids. 1300 N. Fort Christmas Road, Orlando, FL 32709.

9am-3pm. Free event. www.cityoforlando.net/public_works/wetlands/festival/

Emotions Dance Company Untold Stories – Feb 7-8. This contemporary dance performance tells emotional stories about addiction, loss, and disease. This installment of the performance will showcase new stories and choreography, but with the same message of courage, connection, and hope. Untold Stories hopes to bring attention to the emotional complexities that lie beneath difficult and touching issues, while also encouraging dialogue, understanding, and healing. www.emotionsdance.org.

12th Annual Orlando Folk Festival Feb 8 - 9. The 12th Annual Orlando Folk Festival features folk and Americana music all day on the main stage, dance, storytelling, traditional craft demonstrations and plenty of food and art vendors. 10am-5pm. 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando. www.mennellomuseum.com/ 2014 Orlando Chili Cook-Off - Sat, Feb 8. The Orlando Chili Cook-off attracts cooks and attendees throughout Central Florida and the southeastern states.

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Building on the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films. Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within Universal Studios Florida, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

When complete, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank. Guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

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Walt Disney World Resort will complete the final phase of New Fantasyland – the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history – with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster. This family coaster will transport guests on a musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Also coming to Magic Kingdom this year is Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, an all-new daytime parade featuring characters and music from memorable Disney films.

Orange County Regional History Center: The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons from an exhibition created by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, N.Y. through March 23. Discover the secrets of how America’s favorite cartoons pioneered a new kind of animated humor in The Art of Warner Bros.

Cartoons exhibition at the Orange County Regional History Center. Learn about the creative process that gave birth to Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote,

Orlando’s tallest and steepest free-fall waterslide is coming to Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark. Ihu’s Breakway Falls will be the only multi-slide of its kind in Orlando.

Visitors with a need for speed will love the new IDrive Indoor Kart Racing. This multi-level entertainment center includes a half-mile (805-meter) track for the electric-powered go-karts, bowling lanes and an arcade. www.idriveracing.com/ Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, the $429 million Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will be the new home for Broadway productions and Orlando Ballet among other performances.

The arts center will include two performance theaters, a 300-seat community theater, outdoor plaza and banquet room. www.drphillipscenter.org/

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is soon to be the fourth and largest on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. Inspired by retro resorts of the 1950s and 60s, the 1800-room hotel will feature moderately priced family suites and value-priced guest rooms. When complete, guests can experience a 10lane bowling alley and enjoy two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more.

DUPLO Valley at LEGOLAND Florida will bring the LEGO DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life for Orlando’s youngest visitors. The new farm-themed attractions, including a train, mini tractor ride and water play area, are geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5.

and their comrades, and turned these entertaining animated short films into a cultural phenomenon.

The exhibition focuses on each step of the animation process and how it contributed to the overall success of the cartoon. From camera movements and musical cues, to witty dialogue and expressive drawings, each step of the process was perfected to convey the attitudes and charm of the characters. For the first time in animated history, this beloved gang of misfits brought irreverent, street-smart humor to the screen.

Visit thehistorycenter.org for more information.

Water Ski Show on Lake Silver in Winter Haven - thru Dec 31, 2014 The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team (reestablished in 2012 by former theme park employees) is back and has a new home on Lake Silver in Winter Haven, FL. Shows take place the 3rd Saturday of every month and begin at 6:00pm (March – October) and 4:30pm (November – February). Admission is free.

Interesting tidbit – the age range for the majority of the team? mid-40s to a few in their 60s! Bring lawn chairs for seating.

Lake Silver, 100 S. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL 33883. Free admission. 863-521-2808. www.cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com/ VisitOrlando.com for more information on Orlando events.

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THE AMAZING SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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rom the moment you step into the newest attraction at the Kennedy Space Center, you are swept up in the excitement and drama that surrounds the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The crown jewel shuttle is in a $100-million, 90,000-square-foot home. Guests have a 360° view of the orbiter, which maintains it’s natural worn look attained from it’s 33 missions. Its payload bay doors are open and its robotic arm extended. The presentation is thoroughly engaging, literally and figuratively. NASA’s 30year Space Shuttle Program is told through exhibits and many hands-on displays that will enthrall children and adults alike.

For more information on Kennedy Space Center Complex, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com For more photos, please visit

http://ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/ORLANDO-AREA/Atlantis-SpaceShuttle-Kennedy/31050470_222Jgc#!i=2685872090&k=XGKJRq9

Quite a few youth groups were aboard to experience the history cruise.

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The spirit of Mardi Gras isn’t bound to the Big Easy; the connection sparks as the parade rolls by, as the beads fill the air, when the music swells as the stage lights rise. And now you can be a part of it all at Universal Studios Mardi Gras Grand Celebration. Join the party with a dazzling parade, beads by the handful, and an amazing concert line-up. The French Quarter Courtyard sizzles with live music direct from New Orleans and authentic Cajun food like Spicy Jambalaya, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Shrimp Gumbo and more. Upcoming concerts for February: Feb 8 - DAUGHTRY, Feb 15 - BARENAKED LADIES, Feb 16 - THOMAS RHETT, Feb 22 - ROBIN THICKE, Mar 1 - COLLECTIVE SOUL. www.universalorlando.com

Weekends thru March 9

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ands, Brew & BBQ festival features rocking concerts, BBQ, beer and toe-tapping fun. Bands, Brew & BBQ takes place weekends in February through the first two weekends in March. Bands, Brew & BBQ also celebrates the food. Serious barbecue connoisseurs can taste it all and pick their favorites. Sample Orlando’s best barbecue from local smokehouses -- Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Cecil’s Texas Style BAR-B-Q and Sonny’s BBQ – plus SeaWorld’s own Sweet & Smokin’ Barbecue. Sip on ice-cold craft beer selection while enjoying live concerts and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Even the little ones have their own area to get up close to animals, work on masterpieces at coloring stations, take photos with SeaWorld costume characters, learn from educators and play interactive games.Coming up: Feb 8 - Cheap Trick; Feb 15 - Sister Hazel; Feb 16 - Larry The Cable Guy; Feb 22 - Commodores; Feb 23 - Justin Moore; March 1 - Scotty McCreery; March 8 - Martina McBride; March 9 - 38 Special.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission.

www.seaworldparks.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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TRAVELOGUE

MSC Cruises The Divine Divina

By Barbara McGovern

Photos courtesy of MSC Cruises and Tim McGovern

MSC

Cruise Ships is a family company headquartered in Italy which has concentrated on the European market in the past. Although they have sailed to the U.S. and some other countries, this is the first time one of their ships will be based in the U.S. The MSC Divina arrived in Miami in November, 2013 to serve the American market.

What a magnificent ship! She left on her maiden American voyage to a grand send off, complete with fireworks and a fun deck party.

The Divina epitomizes everything that makes MSC the line that it is. Attention to details makes the Divina special. MSC’s hallmark is promoting the Mediterranean lifestyle that the region is famous for. La Dolce Vita — The Divina has that in spades, from her Godmother, the

fabulous Sophia Loren, to the incredible Svorski crystal staircases and the outstanding “ship with a ship” — the Yacht Club. We were wowed by the Divina. All the eye candy is wonderful but there is much more to impress the guests. Consider the intangibles, the things that really make the ship so special: the outstanding staff that make your trip the event that you expect; the army of specialists that ensures your comfort and peace of mind; The maintenances crew - 110 plumbers, 80 electricians, 54 carpenters, the 100 people on the fire brigade and the 50 people on the medical staff. These are the people we seldom see but are key to the smooth operation of the vessel. We get to know our waiters, cabin stewards, the bar men and the guest relations people but do we realize how important they are to our enjoyment of the cruise? Do we appreciate them or do we only acknowledge them when we have a complaint?

Think about it.

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The Divina is a floating city, at 1,094 feet in length and weighing almost 140,000 tons. It serves almost 4,500

guests on 18 decks, and is equipped with the best of everything in order to ensure that every one of those guests have a memorable vacation. There is outstanding dining in seven restaurants to accommodate every taste, 13 indoor and 5 outdoor bars and lounges, 5 pools, a theatre that has some of the best shows you will every see, a casino, plus amazing shopping (husbands, beware!) There is even an outdoor movie on the pool deck. (It sure beats the old drive in movies.) There hot tubs, a spa and a well-equipped gym and a solarium. Life is good on the Divina.

The ship has wonderful program for their youngest cruisers. There’s a Mini Club for the tiny guests that affords the moms and dads some free time to re-charge knowing that their children are safe and having supervised fun.

There’s a special club for the pre-teens and older teens where they have their own area away from mom and dad — a win-win situation. MSC also has a program where children travel free. It is a great way to create a real multigenerational vacation. Entire families, moms, dads, cousins and grandparents can join in the fun.

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MSC offers several theme cruises.

The cruise we were on was a “Baseball Greats.” You can check their website to see what other theme cruises are being offered.

The Mediterranean spirit is alive and well on all of MSC ships. You can party day and night or you can relax and do nothing. It’s up to you. The Divina lets you do your own thing. We took the Winemakers Experience to learn how to taste, blend and make your own special bottle of wine with your own label. It was fun and informative. Or you can just sit in one of the beautiful lounges and listen to the music; watch a football game or have a beer. What ever you want to do, it’s all there for you on the beautiful Divina.

We have been on many MSC cruises and can honesty say that we have never had a bad cruise. We’ve had some bad weather and a few so-so ports, but never a bad cruise.

If you haven’t cruised with MSC, please check them out.

I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as we do. Just an aside, I would bring a bar of soap and shampoo if you have a favorite. I have noticed that most ships and hotels, in the interest of the environment and the bottom line, are only offering those items as attached to the shower.

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One thing I want to mention is something very

special that MSC is doing. It is dedicated to helping children though UNICEF. Brazil is the biggest and most populous country in Latin America and it is also one of the 11th most unequal countries in the world.

Education is the key to change this. Over the past two years MCS has been the principal supporter of an innovative UNICEF project to combat poverty and inequality by helping children in the vulnerable communities of Rio de Janeiro and San Paolo to have access to a quality education. Thanks to the generosity of their cruise guests they have been able to donate over 1 million Euros to start to make a difference. MCS has underwritten the program and you can help donate.

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That’s why children can travel free on MCS and that’s why we can all help. Check www.msc-unicef.org to get more information.

Remember, as with most ships, the crews are from many different countries. Most crew members do speak English, but it’s not their native language. Bear with them, you’re there to relax and have a good time.

It may take a bit longer to get what you need but you will be well taken care of.

Choose the MSC family for your family’s vacation.

You will be glad you did. For more information, please visit MSCcruisesusa.com

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WarmZe Baby Bottle Warmer www.warmze.com/

ALTERNAVITES For Kids www.alternavites.com

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he WarmZe is the first truly portable bottle warmer that frees parents from being tethered to a car outlet or trapped in a kitchen when heating milk.

Easy to use and store in your diaper bag or next to your bed for late night feedings, the WarmZe system consists of air-activated warmers and a fabric BottleSoc. To warm a bottle, you simply slide the BottleSoc onto your breast milk or formula bottle, pull up the outer layer of the BottleSoc and attach a warmer, then pull the outer lay of the BottleSoc back down into place.

In just 30 minutes, the bottle will be warmed to the ideal temperature (90104 degrees), and you never have to worry about the milk overheating.

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ids vitamins don’t need to be chalky chewables or sugary gummies that are misisng nutrients and stick to your teeth. alternaVites Kids is a multivitamin and mineral specially designed for children 4 and up.

Simply sprinkle alternaVites on the tongue where it melts quickly, or sprinkle on top of fruit, or mix into yogurts, puddings or smoothies. Kids will love the taste, and it has 0 grams of sugar.

BABEE COVEE

www.babeecovee.com/ ping cart cover; Nursing cover; Stroller blanket/cover; High chair cover; Playtime blanket.

It stays put with no-slip ties despite kicks and wignvented by accident by a mom during a playdate, the gles, and is reversible and machine washable.

Babee Covee is a versatile baby blanket and cover that has six uses in one. This awardwinning must-have baby gear eliminates the need to buy, pack and carry bulky single purpose items while protecting baby from germs where ever you go; no more overflowing diaper bag’ no more blanket falling off the car seat and no more germs on publicly shared items.

Babee Covee can be used as a: Car seat cover (“tent” style); Shop-

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DVD VIEWS

Compiled by Papande Newman

HAUNTED HISTORY www.history.com

America is often haunted by its past, which explains why ghost stories have always been an integral part of this nation’s oral history. Viewers will visit some of the darkest, scariest corners of the country—from the battlefields of Gettysburg to the exact spot of the Salem Witch Trials. Each episode will flash back to horrific events that transpired at these locations, while speaking with local historians and authorities on present day paranormal activity.

Find out for sure if these tales are truly fact, fiction or something else entirely.

DIAGNOSIS MURDER The Complete Series

www.diagnosismurder.com Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke Legendary, five-time Emmy Award-winner Dick Van Dyke recognized for his iconic TV roles in 2013 with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild enjoyed yet another hit series for eight seasons (1993-2001) as Dr. Mark Sloan on CBS hour-long murder mystery, Diagnosis Murder. As chief of internal medicine at Community General Hospital in Los Angeles and a L.A.P.D. consultant, Sloan has a knack for getting into trouble, negotiating the twists and turns of mysteries and solving crimes with the help of his son, Steve, a homicide detective played by real-life son Barry Van Dyke.

THOMAS & FRIENDS: King of the Railway - The Movie wwwthomasandfriends.com

Join Thomas & Friends as they embark on a legendary movie adventure. The steam team’s quest begins when a special guest arrives on Sodor with a big surprise and important jobs for Thomas, Percy and James. The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armor; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing. Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor’s biggest mystery? It’s a crusade of knightly proportions for Thomas & Friends in this epic movie.

Laverne & Shirley The Seventh Season www.paramount.com Starring: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Michael McKean, David L. Lander The half-hour situation comedy revolved around the friendship between bright-eyed, naive and demure Shirley Feeney and brassy, tough-talking, street smart Laverne De Fazio. The duo dated an array of questionable men, tolerated their dippy, loony neighbors Lenny and Squiggy, and forever tried to “make all their dreams come true.”

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www.disney.com/theloneranger

Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star in THE LONE RANGER, from Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Director Gore Verbinski. It's a wild ride of high-velocity action, explosions and gunfights that brings the famed masked legend to life through brand-new eyes. The Lone Ranger (Hammer), the last of his kind, teams with Tonto (Depp), a dark and mysterious vigilante, to seek vengeance after justice has failed them. It's a runaway train of epic surprises, as these two unlikely heroes must learn to work together before the ultimate showdown between good and evil explodes.

CONCUSSION

UNFINISHED SONG

Starring: Robin Weigert, Julie Fain Lawrence, Janel Moloney, Ben Shenkman,

Starring: Terence Stamp, Gemma Arterton, Christopher Eccleston, Vanessa Redgrave

www.anchorbayent.com

Abby is a suburban wife and mother married to her overachieving partner Kate. But soon after Abby is hit in the head in a playground accident, she will shed her boring soccer-mom life to become a high-priced call girl for women. And when her worlds collide, the lines between love and desire may experience the most unexpected traumas of all. This is a provocative and acclaimed debut feature from writer/director Stacie Passon.

Arthur (Terence Stamp), a curmudgeonly old soul, is perfectly content with his reliable daily routine until his beloved wife (Vanessa Redgrave) introduces him to a spirited local singing group led by the youthful and charming Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton). Despite his initial resistance, this unexpected friendship leads to Arthur’s discovery of music that revitalizes his passion for new adventures and reconnects him with the people who matter most.

12 DISASTERS

LION OF THE DESERT

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Starring: Rod Steiger, Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, Irene Papas, Raf Vallone, John Gielgud

www.anchorbayent.com

Starring: Magda Apanowicz, Ed Quinn, Roark Critchlow, Ryan Grantham

The year is 1929 and dictator Benito Mussolini is still faced with the 20-year long war waged by Bedouin patriots to combat Italian colonization and the establishment of the “Fourth Shore.” Mussolini appoints General Rodolfo Graziani as his sixth Governor to Libya, confident that the eminently accredited soldier can crush the rebellion and restore the dissipated glories of Imperial Rome.

It’s Christmas season in the mountain village of Calvary, but merry and bright have suddenly fled town: There are mass bird deaths. Blood red water running from faucets. Grandmas impaled by humongous flying icicles. And for 18-year-old Jacey (Magda Apanowicz of Continuum), a newly discovered gift has led her and her dad (Ed Quinn of Eureka) to the revelation that a beloved holiday carol may hold the key to a yuletide Mayan apocalypse. Can their desperate search for five golden rings now stop a global cataclysm of tornados, volcanoes and killer twinkle lights?

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WHITE HOUSE REVEALED

SPACE VOYAGES

wwwsmithsonianchannel.com This four part series explores the challenges and opportunities of modern space exploration.

NASA is sizing up a new but familiar challenge: how to transport humans into deep space.

After 30 years spent circling the Earth, NASA is building spacecraft to take astronauts beyond the Moon to an asteroid and eventually Mars. From rocket testers in Mississippi, to capsule builders in Florida, this is the story of the spacecraft and the technicians aiming to follow in the footsteps of their Apollo ancestors.

ERIC CLAPTON: the 1970s Review www.chromedreams.co.uk

This film, from the makers of Eric Clapton - The 1960s Review, follows Clapton’s journey through the seventies, from his immersion in musical collectives such as Delaney & Bonnie & Friends and Derek and the Dominos, through his re-emergence in 1974 as a phenomenally successful solo artist and onwards across a series of critically acclaimed albums and tours in the latter half of the decade which cemented EC’s reputation as not just an extraordinary musician but as a composer of majestic material and a performer of quite startling intensity.

wwwsmithsonianchannel.com It’s the world’s most powerful residence, where decisions affecting millions of Americans are made. But the White House is also home a warm and welcoming refuge for the presidential family. Join us on an insider s tour to meet the people who make the world s most famous house a home. Loyal staff maids, assistants, ushers, valets, butlers, chefs, plumbers, engineers, florists and others who have worked under multiple presidents share unique and personal views on everything from first pets to first family birthday parties, preparations for inauguration, behind-the-scenes views of world-altering events ... even presidential scandals.

ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE www.anchorbayent.com

Starring: Whitney Able, Amber Heard, Aaron Himelstein.

Sixteen-year-old Mandy Lane (Amber Heard) has been courted by every available man in her small Texas town to no avail. When the normally reclusive enchantress reluctantly agrees to accompany her new friends on a weekend getaway, the initially irritating adolescent advances made toward her rapidly turn menacing.

As the sun falls behind the hills a volatile mix of drugs, alcohol, and hormones turns explosive. While the festivities rage on, the number of party-goers begins to mysteriously drop one at a time.

www.Netflix.com

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by Lori Verderame

Collecting Glass Canning Jars because they did not present as many contamination The method for preserving food using glass jars was problems as the common zinc lids. sparked by a contest sponsored by the French military Many companies produced glass canning jars: Lusled by Napoleon Bonaparte. The French military oftre, Climax, Atlas, Swayzee, Samco, etc. fered a cash prize of 12,000 francs to the person who The Buffalo, New York family named Ball (the Ball devised a method to preserve food for long periods of jar) headed by William Charles Ball and his five brothtime. French inventor Nicolas Appert was responsible ers produced paint and oil for introducing the heat seal storage cans. From a new process of canning in the early factory in Muncie, Indiana fol1800s. He won the prize! lowing a fire at their Buffalo Later, glass jars came of facility, the Ball Company beage. In the late 1850s—1858 gan producing glass storage to be exact—when the Majars. Like Mason jars, soon son fruit jar was patented by Ball jars became a housetin smith, John Mason, everyhold name. While the majorthing changed in the world of ity of glass canning jars sell in canning. The Mason jar solved the $10 to $75 range, a Ball the food preservation problem Perfection half pint glass fruit with the use of a lid and rubcanning jar sold recently for ber seal. Mason’s patent was $600 at auction. for the machine that cut tin into While both Mason and Ball threads making it easy to mantook great strides in the areufacture a jar with a reusable na of glass canning jars, Alscrew top lid. Mason’s sealing exander Kerr made canning mechanism comprised of a easier for those working in glass container with a thread the kitchen with his introducmolded top and a zinc lid with tion of wide mouth/easy to fill a rubber seal ring was patentself-sealing canning jars. His ed on November 30, 1858.

A 19th Century half pint glass fruit canning jar jars allowed a threaded metal Bacteria was killed by heatworth $60. ring to stay in place during the ing the jars in hot water and heating process. These jars sealing the jar while still hot. could be quickly filled and re-used, too.

The heat seal process gave glass jars an important When it comes to valuable glass canning jars, look place in the collectibles realm. Today, collectors look for embossed pattern decoration and lettering adverfor glass canning jars, also called fruit jars for canning tising the origin and maker of the jar, clear condition, and for kitchen decoration in the antiques market. no cracks or chips, and the original accessory lid, seal If you think one canning jar is no different from anring, or clamp. Happy canning and collecting! other canning jar, then, think again …

Clamped Glass Jars

In 1882, Henry Putnam of Bennington, Vermont, invented a glass canning jar that used a glass lid and a metal clamp closure. Called lightning jars because they could be opened in a flash, the glass lids were popular

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and awardwinning TV personality, Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s hit TV show, Auction Kings. Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010.

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ArtLines Recent Acquisitions: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs thru March 2 The collection has grown by more than 1,100 works since the Hazel Hough Wing opened in 2008. This is in addition to a gift of approximately 15,000 photographs from The Ludmila Dandrew and Chitranee Drapkin Collection. Recent Acquisitions is strong in nineteenth- and twentiethcentury art, like the collection as a whole.

More than 40 exceptional works on paper and photographs, all added in the last five years, will be displayed.

The drawings and prints are by such significant artists as Jennifer Bartlett, Leonard Baskin, Carol Dameron, Elaine de Kooning, Wenceslaus Hollar, Rebecca SexJennifer Bartlett - “Earth” ton Larson, Richard Basil Mock, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Milton Resnick, Georges Rouault, Jovi Schnell, Charles White, and Ossip Zadkine.

The photography collection is one of the largest and most important in the Southeast and will be admirably represented in this exhibition. Included are choice images by George Booth, George Dureau, Sylvie Eyberg, Ernst Haas, Jason Hailey, Thomas J. Kramer, Amanda Means, Arno Minkkinen, Edward Steichen, and Shen Wei.

New Mexico and the Arts of Enchantment - thru May 11 New Mexico has inspired some of the most inventive, diverse, and striking American art ever created.

New Mexico and the Arts of Enchantment featuring The Raymond James Financial Collection ranges from pre-Hispanic pottery to twenty-first-century paintings and sculpture. At the center is the MFA’s impressive Georgia O’Keeffe landscape, Grey Hills Painted Red, New Mexico (1930), a gift in 2010 which received international attention. Escaping the intensity of New York City, O’Keeffe found her spiritual and artistic home in the New Mexico desert landscape, hills, and mountains.

Her painting will be joined by another premier Ameri94

can painting in the Museum’s collection, John Sloan’s humorous Cliff Dwellers’ Country (1925). Sloan purchased a home in Santa Fe in 1920 and returned annually for 29 years.

The exhibition also features three of the Museum’s photographs of O’Keeffe’s famous home and the land-

scape around Abiquiu by Todd Webb, one of the last protégés of her husband Alfred Stieglitz. O’Keeffe and Webb were longtime friends, and the reclusive artist gave him unusual access to her home and studio.

Erotica: An Evening with Venus - Thurs, Feb 13 An Evening with Venus explores erotic imagery in ancient Roman art.

Dr. Robert Steven Bianchi, Chief Curator of the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art/Genève, will whet your appetite for romance in a fully-illustrated lecture. He will introduce selections of sensually themed graffiti from Pompeii to binding spells used by an ardent lover. The evening features an artisans’ market with fashion, jewelry, chocolate, and more. Special performance by Matthew McGee of FreeFall Theatre.

MFA, 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-8962667; www.fine-arts.org

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Poseidon and the Sea: Myth, Cult, and Daily Life - Feb 8 – May 11 The realm of Poseidon encompassed virtually every aspect of the ancient Mediterranean world, from mythology and cult to daily activities. Each of these domains will be explored in the first major display of classical antiquities to be held in the Tampa Museum of Art’s new building. With significant pieces from the museum’s own collection and museums across the world, including the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the National Archaeological Museum of Florence, among many others, this offers a glimpse into the power and timeless beauty of marine life and the ancient art it inspired.

Feb 8 - 9 This juried fine art and fine craft show takes place from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Thirty-eight juried artists will show and sell their work at the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. on the waterfront in Gulfport. Parking and admission is free for this weekend event. 2Cool Art Show’s proximity to Valentine’s Day provides an excellent opportunity to find that special fine art gift for your special person. Make a day of it and visit the show along with the charming waterfront town of Gulfport FL. www.pava-artists.org/

TMA - 120 Gasparilla Plaza (Polk Street) Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampamuseum.org

22nd Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival - Feb 15-16 Craft enthusiasts will have the opportunity to stroll through isles of unique, handmade art representing a broad range of artistic media including folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, handbags & accessories, handmade cards, leather, stained glass and much more. A Green Market will offer a wide variety of quality plants including exotics, as well as dips and other gourmet items. The prices have been set to suit all budgets and range from $3 to $3,000.

Admission is free and open to the public.

271 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698. 561746-6615. www.artfestival.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ArtLines Miniature Art Exhibit thru Feb 9

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t always seems like an invasion… albeit a small one… when the Miniature Art Society of Florida’s Annual Competition opens for exhibit at the Dunedin Fine Art Center as it does Sunday, January 19th – February 9th. Though the works are tiny, the crowds are huge noted George Ann Bissett, Executive Director of DFAC. “There’s obviously something magical about these small works” she added.

Approximately 800 works of art will be shown, in addition to the society’s permanent collection of more than 100 miniatures. Entries from around the world and across the country provide a wonderful diversity of subject matter and framing techniques.

In addition to the nearly 1000 works on display, starting Monday January 20 through the end of the show, artists from England, Canada and many US states including Florida will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss their techniques. Be amazed by the detail of work

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Painting by Akiko Watanabe Tatiana shown at actual size of 3 1/2 X 2 1/2 inches. Voted “Best Cat” in the domestic or wild category.

measuring only inches in size.

Hours are Monday-Saturday: 10am – 5pm, Sunday: 12 noon – 4pm. DFAC and MASF members and students under 18 are free. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698. For more information call 727-298-DFAC, or visit www.dfac.org/

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Earthworks - thru

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he new y e a r begins at Florida Craftsmen with an exhibition featuring seven artists who are masters of their craft. Each artist in the “Earthworks” exhibit has made a personal commitment to their medium and pursues a high standard of excellence, originality and ethics in their work. Susan Livingston, the curator of “Earthworks”, has chosen seven artists who bring very different interpretations of nature which, when combined, create a visually moving experience. Contributing asrtists: Susan Livingston - Susan’s most recent work combines clay with fossils which feels like a natural pairing of organic materials.

March 2

Robert Farrell - Robert’s barns and silos are constructed from sterling silver, copper, nickel, and glass enamels.

Terri Kern - Terri’s ceramic work is reflective of her struggle to maintain balance in her creative, personal and community lives and are filled with imagery and hidden meanings.

Henry Gernhardt - Henry is a dedicated artist/potter whose work takes a strong sculptural direction. Working in massive scale, he delights the viewers with his use of subtle color.

Marilyn Endres - The intricate patterns in Marilyn’s wooden vessels are created by gluing thousands of separate segments accurately into position, a layer at a time, then refining the shape on the lathe.

Mitch Lyons - Since 1968 Mitch has been pioneering his image making on clay.

Brenda Tarbel - Brenda looks at the wonders of nature at the microscopic level, creating forms inspired by microphotographs of pollen, butterfly eggs, and seeds.

Florida Craftsmen Inc, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727 821-7391. www.floridacraftsmen.net/

FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS Gangsters, Pirates, and Cigars: A Photographic History Of Tampa 1879-1955 - thru Feb 23 “Gangsters, Pirates, and Cigars will present a dynamic and detailed history of Tampa from the formation of the city to its growth in the post–war era. First developed as a military outpost, Tampa transformed into a mecca for cigar production and cattle sales to Cuba. With this industrial growth came the formation of Ybor City and decades of labor unrest; ethnic communities formed giving Tampa its Latin and European flair. Tampa was also known for its active and, even, glamorous organized crime unit, led by the infamous Trafficante family. Important institutions, such as the Columbia Restaurant, will also figure prominently in formal

photographs and candid snapshots. Tampa’s fragile ecosystem will be represented through aerial photographs taken in the 1940s by military pilots. This exhibition will retell these stories through images culled nationally and locally, including images from the Associated Press, the Tampa History Center, the public libraries, and the Tampa Tribune. Numerous educational events will be planned with local historians. This exhibition will be followed up with another, focusing on Tampa’s suburbanization and tremendous development with the advent of air conditioning in the mid-1950s.” The FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602; 813.221.2222; www.fmopa.org

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ArtLines JANE SEYMOUR To Exhibit At SYD ENTEL GALLERIES Feb 22 - 23

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n impressive new collection of original artwork by Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress, Jane Seymour, will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at Syd Entel Galleries in Safety Harbor. Meet Ms. Seymour in person during two artist appearances; Sat, Feb 22nd, from 6-8 pm and Sun, Feb 23rd, from 2 pm-4 pm.

A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2000, which was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television.

Her love of art and color has led to her great success as a painter in watercolors and oils and as a designer.

Artwork is available for acquisition and both appearances are open and complimentary to the public. www.sydentelgalleries.com

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NEW MEXICO and THE ARTS OF ENCHANTMENT EXHIBIT PREVIEW at the Museum of Fine Arts

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he Museum of Fine ssa i l e Arts previewed M y otos b h p their new exhibit d an Story recently, which focuses on the art of New Mexico featuring The Raymond James Financial Collection. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres with the taste of the southwest, and entertainment by Mark McGourley. Museum Director Kent Lydecker introduced Tom and Mary James to the attendees.

Dressed in his best southwest attire, Mr. James proceeded to explain the history of the different elements of his amazing collection. The exhibit continues through May 11. www.fine-arts.org/

L to R: Mary James, Kent Lydecker, and Tom James.

Flautist Mark McGourley

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Looking Good...

Primavera Calming Cream

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he Primavera Calming Face Care line is designed to naturally soothe and strengthen sensitive skin. Extra-comforting plant ingredients, are hand-selected from Primavera’s community of farm partners to ensure quality, gently calm inflammation and redness, protect skin from external irritants, and rebuild the skin’s natural moisture barrier. They include Chamomile Essential Oil, to relieve skin irritation while quieting the senses, and Borage Seed Oil, rich in Omega-6 essential fatty acids to help regulate hydration and restore elasticity to the skin.

Together with organic extracts and oils from Japanese Honeysuckle, Ginger Root, Oat, Licorice, Helichrysum and Centella, these mild but effective ingredients help deliver complete skin serenity to dry, tight, flaky or reactive complexions without chemical fragrances, dyes, preservatives or other ingredients that can cause further irritation.

Products include Calming Cream Cleanser, Calming Moisture Cream and Calming Eye Contour Cream. A Calming Face Care Starter Kit includes travel sizes of the cleanser, toning lotion, moisture cream and eye contour cream. www.primaveralife.com/

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Get a Fresh Start with LUSH Radiant Orchid is the Color of the Year!!

Royal purple and gold-dusted, with a cinnamon stick in the center, LUSH’s gorgeous Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb sinks to the bottom of the tub when you toss it in, and slowly rises up, fizzing out a spicy apple and cinnamon scent.

Apply Drive, a pinkpurple liquid lipstick to get things moving.

With its hydrating base of jojoba oil and rose wax, Drive applies beautifully and ensures lips stay soft and smooth. Apply a little for a subtle pinkpurple look, or build intensity when you apply more generously.

LUSH’s Fresh Cleansers Wintertime may mean that skin is more covered up than usual (depending on where you call home!) but that doesn’t mean you should pay less attention to your body care than in the warmer months. In fact, skin in the winter may not be showing but it is exposed to a variety of issues like dryness, irritation and sensitivity. If you have dry, itchy skin, you’re actually in good company: roughly seven in 10 American women say they have sensitive skin, according to Good House-

keeping Magazine, a rate that seems to be on the rise thanks to increased use of potent, sometimes irritating skincare products. Turning to products that are preservative-free and use natural ingredients is the way to go to help break the cycle of uncomfortable skin.

Several of Lush’s fresh cleansers contain clays and muds, which have been used for centuries as natural cleansers.

Kaolin clay, rhassoul mud and calamine powder are used to absorb excess oil and help cleanse the skin when mixed with water. They gently lift away dirt leaving skin clean and fresh.

February, LUSH’s fresh cleansers will be available in larger sizes so you can use them on the face AND body.

Cleanser Options: Angels on Bare Skin: For heavenly soft and balanced skin.

Aqua Marina: Those who have a tendency to react to citrus or strong herbal oils will find salvation in Aqua Marina’s gentle aloe vera and moisturizing nori seaweed.

Dark Angels: Black sugar and charcoal gently exfoliate and absorb excess oils to leave acne-prone skin with a clean, matte finish.

Herbalism: Best suited for those who have tried everything to clear up their oily and blemish prone skin with an antibacterial blend of rosemary, nettle and chamomile.

Let The Good Times Roll: A luxuriously soft and sweetly-scented cleanser.

For more information, please visit www.LUSHusa.com

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Gaiam’s Natural Weave Scarf

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aiam’s natural weave scarf has been woven by fair trade artisans.The ultrasoft gauzy scarf will add a touch of edgy texture and romance to any outfit. It is detailed with frayed edges and braided fringe.

Lightweight and alluring, this eco-friendly loosely woven scarf is made from 100% natural cotton by a certified fair trade mill in India. The lightweight and airy scarf measures 74”L x 20”W, and can be worn multiple ways. www.gaiam.com/

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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: BIGGER THAN LEGEND - Mon, Feb 5 At 6:00 PM Meet Benjamin Franklin in a live performance

by Rich Davis at the Tarpon Springs Public Library, on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00 pm. Learn about American history as he knew it, from 1706-1790. Ben Franklin will also discuss his life, loves and accomplishments. All ages are welcome. Admission is free.

For more information, please call (727) 943-4922, 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

100 Beekman Lane, 7pm. 727 942-5605, tarponarts. org Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 7pm.

Lunch & Learn Driving Miss Daisy Mon, Feb 17 A Lunch & Learn Event is scheduled for Monday, February 17 at 11:30 am to 1 pm. Meet Hoke (Johnnie Hobbes, Jr.) and Miss Daisy (Wendy Scharfman), the Continued next page

Old Fashioned Hootenanny Sing Along Sat, Feb 8 On Saturday, February 8, enjoy an Old Fashioned Hootenanny with Dave Wladaver and Pat King, who lead the audience in an old-fashioned sing-along with the best oldies-but-goodies and folk tunes from 60s and 70s. Song sheets provided. Heritage Museum, 104

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Susan’s Flags & More American Made USA Flags Country Flags • Decorative Banners & Garden Flags All State Flags • Military, State & Country Pins Military Flags • American, Country & State Patches Sport & College Banners • Flags of Heroes & Honor Old Flag Drop-Off

www.susansflags.com www.susansflags.com

petergillisinsurance.com

826 Dodecanese Blvd • Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

727-942-7800

www.thespongeexchange.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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TARPON SPRINGS

con’t

actors who bring the Driving Miss Daisy characters to life, as they discuss the evening performance and story behind the story. Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 11:30 am to 1 pm (Talk begins at 12 noon) Limited Seating. Ticket includes talk, catered box lunch and soft drink. Please call the Box Office in advance if you have special dietary needs.

You can also sign up for a free acting techniques masterclass for community theater participants with Walnut Street Theater. Heri-

Rita’s Creations

“The Cotton Lady” Located at the

World Famous Sponge Docks 813 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 934-9500 www.ritascreations.com email: ritascreations2@verizon.net

tage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 3:30 pm. Free. Advance registration required, seating is limited.

The Rhythm Kings Dance Orchestra Sweetheart Dance - Fri, Feb 21 & March 28 The fabulous Rhythm Kings play jazz, swing, and big band hits of the 1920s to the 1940s. Enjoy great music by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Noel Coward, Irving Berlin, and other greats. Dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Vintage dress encouraged. Best Dressed Contest. Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 7 to 10 pm. Free dance lesson 6pm New Century Opera’s 10th

www.timsperformanceauto.com

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Photo of Craig Pittman

by Bill Dudley

Anniversary Benefit Concert - Sat, Feb 22 Join Artistic and Executive Director Constantine Grame and the casts of New Century Opera’s most memorable productions to celebrate 10 years of bringing opera to audiences. Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 7:30. Complimentary refreshments.

Lunch & Learn: Scent of Scandal with author and journalist Craig Pittman Tues, Feb 25 Learn the story of Craig Pittman’s true tell-all thriller Scent of Scandal: Greed, Betrayal and the World’s Most Beautiful Orchid. After its Peruvian discovery in 2002, Phragmipedium kovachii became the rarest and most sought-after orchid in the world. Prices soared to $10,000 on the black market. When one showed up at the Selby Botanical Gardens, this rare ladyslipper orchid led to search warrants, a grand jury investigation, and criminal charges and headlines around the country.

Investigative journalist Craig Pittman unraveled this tangled web and exposed an obsession with beauty, profit and fame that led some people to ignore everything -- even the law.

Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, 11:30 am, talk starts at 12 noon. Ticket includes talk, gourmet boxed lunch and soft drink.

Welcoming Glass of House Wine, Draft Beer or Dessert* HOME OF THE GREEK CHOW MEIN

Enjoy Authentic Greek Cuisine with Generous Portions

802 N. Pinellas Ave. (Alt. 19, 1/2 mile N. of Tarpon Ave.)

Tarpon Springs

(727) 937-2795 *With purchase of an entree. Must present to server when ordering.

Not valid with any other offer.

www.MrSouvlaki.net www.mrsouvlaki.net www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas BRITNEY SPEARS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD www.caesars.com “Britney: Piece of Me” is not only for die-hard fans, but for anyone who enjoys pop theater at its finest.

Presented in a fully-reconstructed theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the show features one of the largest indoor immersive stage productions in the world, creating a cutting-edge pop concert experience.

While the stage production is dazzling, the intimatelysized theater will allow audiences to see Britney as they’ve never seen her before. “Britney: Piece of Me” is a marriage of high-end fashion and state-of-the-art technology.

‘RON WHITE’S COMEDY SALUTE TO THE TROOPS’ at THE MIRAGE - Feb 19 www.mirage.com/entertainment/ron-white.aspx The Mirage Hotel & Casino will host the sixth annual “Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops” Wednesday, Feb. 19. The one-night show will benef the Armed Forces Foundation. White’s always-hilarious friends, including Gabriel Iglesias, Kathleen Madigan, Josh Blue and Roy Wood Jr., will join him on stage for an evening

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of laughter, good times and giving back. The show will be recorded in front of a live audience and will air on Country Music Television (CMT) at a later date.

702-791-7111.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Host the Master Chefs of France - March 5 - 9 www.venetian.com/ The 59th General Assembly of French Master Chefs will bring their worldwide meetings to the United States, March 5-9. The event will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the American and Canadian delegations and the U.S. Chapter of “l’Academie Culinaire De France”.

The five-day event will be held at The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas. The Venetian and The Palazzo Executive Chef Olivier Dubreuil is also a Master Chef of France.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

PANDA! AT THE PALAZZO www.venetian.com PANDA!, an unprecedented theatrical spectacular, is at The Palazzo. The first ever Chinese-produced show to take up a Las Vegas residency, PANDA! dazzles the senses by combining high-flying acrobatics, kung fu mastery, music, and dance, transporting audiences to a realm of Far Eastern folklore.

O’Shea’s Casino Returns to the Las Vegas Strip www.thequadlv.com/ O’Sheas Casino reopened its doors recently at the new location inside The Quad Resort & Casino. After a 23-year reign on the Las Vegas Strip, the original O’Sheas closed to make room for The LINQ, Caesars Entertainment’s outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district. The reimagined space features elements of the original Strip-side casino where guests will once again be able to enjoy blackjack, beer pong and live entertainment.

CRISS ANGEL MAGICjam – World’s Greatest Magic!ans at Luxor - Feb & March www.luxor.com/ Criss Angel, headliner of CRISS ANGEL BeLIEve,

at Luxor will debut a new, limited-engagement show, CRISS ANGEL MAGICjam, to occupy the CRISS ANGEL BeLIEve theater for the months of Feb. and March.

MAGICjam, will present an anthology of the greatest acts and will spotlight select cast members from Angel’s TV show, also titled “Criss Angel BeLIEve,” including top female magician Krystyn Lambert, comedianillusionist Nathan Burton and Banachek, the mentalist.

The lineup will also include grand master manipulators Jason Byrne and Tony Clarke, the hilarious Russ Merlin, and close-up artist Armando Vera.

Taylor Hicks at Paris Las Vegas thru Feb 28 www.parislasvegas.com “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks is kicking off the New Year with additional dates of his show at Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas.

Taylor Hicks is the first “American Idol” winner to secure a longterm residency in Las Vegas and is quickly becoming one of the most popular acts in the city.

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Gaming Scene con't Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage 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.

Win a New Mercedes-Benz E350, a Luxury Vacation and Thousands in FREEPLAY with the License to Thrill Giveaway - thru Feb 22 Win the keys to a brand new Mercedes-Benz E350 or a luxury vacation to London, England and thousands in FREEPLAY during License to Thrill at Beau Rivage.

Earn entries and be one of up to 800 total winners.

CROOKED LETTER BREWING COMPANY BEER LAUNCH PARTY AT COAST – Wed, Feb 12 Beau Rivage invites beer lovers to gather for the launch of Crooked Letter Brewing Company brewed exclusively for Beau Rivage for a launch party to introduce a new line of craft beers brewed exclusively for Beau Rivage by local Ocean Springs, Mississippibased Crooked Letter Brewing Company. Wed, Feb 12, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Free Tastings. Open to the public.

VALENTINE’S DAY – Fri, Feb 14 Beau Rivage is the perfect Valentine’s getaway, offering an array of romantic opportunities from intimate dinners to spa treatments to his and her relaxation itineraries. Spend Valentine’s Day at Beau Rivage with the following: Couples Retreat and All About You Spa packages; 4 course dinner at BR Prime; Couples packages at EIGHT75 (champagne, strawberries and flowers); Top off the evening with a Beau Rivage gift card for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT Feb 8 - MERLE HAGGARD • Feb 22 - TONY BENNETT • Feb 28 & March 1 - RODNEY CARRINGTON • March 7-9 - CHICAGO The Broadway Musical • March 14 & 15 - JACK HANNA’S INTO THE WILD • March 21 - MICHAEL BOLTON • April 11 - ALAN JACKSON • May 30 - CHICAGO.

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevation changes 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 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.

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. www.beaurivage.com 110

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Discover the Beauty

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ig Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. It is home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts.

The sanctuary began rescuing exotic cats in 1992.

BCR has 14 species of cats, many of whom are threatened, endangered or extinct now in the wild. Their dual mission is to provide the best home they can for the cats in their care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction.

BCR has built enclosures in a natural habitat with foliage and shelter on 55 acres in the Citrus Park area of north Tampa. They provide the best nutritional and medical care possible, and have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation.

BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. 813-920-4130; www.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.

If you enjoy Yoga, or want to try Hoop Dancing, go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise.

Yoga Village at Sunken Gardens: Mon - 10:30am Gentle Beginner Yoga with Vandana; Wed - 10:30am Kundalini Yoga with Ram Gian; Thurs - 10:30am Open Level Vinyasa Flow with Vandana; Sun - 12:30pm Kundalini Yoga with Updesh.

Hoop Dancing: Tues 10am - 11am and Wed 9am - 10am; Kids Hoop Dancing: Tues 4pm - 4:45pm; Hot Hula: Thurs 10am - 11am.

Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals. Call 727-551-3102. Gardens may be closed due to inclement weather.

1825 4th Street N, St. Petersburg, 727-551-3102; 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 walk through a butterfly encounter.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; $5 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 112

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Compiled by Papande Newman

FLORIDA AUTHORS WRITE….

RING GO ROUND

SKYWAY: The True Story

By Patda Jim

www.ringgoround.com Set in Europe, mainly Amsterdam, Italy and Switzerland, RingGoRound tells a double tale. Two compassionate women, living a hundred years apart, are connected by an antique ring Their lives reverberate and echo each other. The fascinating men attracted to them weave intrigue, glamour, mystery, cruelty and love into the suspenseful web. Marlene of long ago tells her secrets through the mystical voice of the ring to relay her story to modern-day Marieke. The book’s theme is ruled by true affection and the necessity to give as well as receive undying love.

Patda Jim has spent her life traveling and living abroad, and now makes her home in Sarasota, FL.

THE MAKING OF ST. PETERSBURG

By Will Michaels

By Bill DeYoung

www.upf.com Skyway tells the entire story of this horrific event, from the circumstances that led up to it through the years-long legal proceedings that followed. Through personal interviews and extensive research, Bill DeYoung pieces together the harrowing moments of the collision, including the firstperson accounts of witnesses and survivors.

Among those whose lives were changed forever was Wesley MacIntire, the motorist whose truck ricocheted off the hull of the Summit Venture and sank. Although he was the lone survivor, MacIntire was emotionally scarred and remained haunted by the tragedy for the rest of his life.

Bill DeYoung is a native of St. Petersburg, FL. Nationally recognized for his music journalism, he was a writer and editor at Florida newspapers for three decades.

THE JEWS OF TAMPA

www.historypress.net The Making of St. Petersburg captures the character of this bay city through the telling of significant events, from the Spanish clash with indigenous peoples to the creation of the downtown waterfront parks and grand hotels.

Take a journey with local historian Will Michaels as he chronicles St. Petersburg’s storied history, including the world’s first airline, the birth of Pinellas County and the good old American pastime, Major League Baseball. The people and events in this work paint a beautiful portrait of a coastal Florida city and reveal St. Petersburg’s sense of place.

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of Tampa Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down

By Dr. Rob Norman and Marcia Jo Zerivitz

www.arcadiapublishing.com Spanish explorers arrived in Tampa Bay in the 16th century.

Jews were first allowed to live in Florida in 1763 and less than 100 years later, Tampa became a city. The arrival of the railroad and the cigar industry in the 1890s attracted immigrants. Many were Jews, who helped propel growth, especially in Ybor City, where they owned more than 80 businesses. Over the decades, Jews participated in civic and Jewish organizations, the military, politics, and in developing Tampa as a sports center. Today, with about 23,000 Jews in Tampa, there are fifth-generation residents who represent the continuity of a people who contribute vibrancy to every area of the community.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

THE DEATH RELIC

By Chris Kuzneski www.chriskuzneski.com

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he New World, 1545: Vanquished by the Spanish Empire, little remained of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. From the ashes of their cities, a unified legend emerged: their conquerors possessed a mysterious object, an artifact so powerful— so deadly—that it came to be known as “the Death Relic.”

Yucatan Peninsula, present day: When Maria Pelati’s research team disappears in Mexico, she calls Jonathon Payne and David Jones, who embark on a perilous mission to find the missing archaeologists. They soon realize that Maria’s research may hold the key to solving one of the darkest mysteries of the New World. But their quest to learn the truth about the Death Relic may end up costing them their lives.

Chris Kuzneski’s thrillers have been published in more than twenty languages and are sold in more than forty countries. Kuzneski now lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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BRUISED

By Sarah Skilton www.sarahskilton.com Imogen has always believed that her black belt in Tae Kwon Do made her stronger than everyone else-more responsible, more capable.

But when she witnesses a holdup in a diner, she freezes. The gunman is shot and killed by the police. And it’s all her fault.

A GIRL LIKE YOU

By Maria Geraci

FADE TO BLACK

www.mariageraci.com

By Jeffrey Wilson

www.jeffreywilsonfiction.com

What if you found out you were the ugly friend?

Emma Frazier is smart, hardworking, and loves her job as a journalist for a Florida lifestyle magazine. Emma knows she’s no great beauty, but she’s pretty certain she has a shot with her handsome new boss, Ben Gallagher—until Emma overhears a mutual acquaintance refer to her as the “ugly friend.”

In an effort to reclaim her battered self-esteem, Emma decides to impress Ben at work by promising an exclusive interview with NASCAR legend, Trip Monroe.

Jack is a young man caught between two terrifying worlds. In one, he is Marine Sergeant Casey Stillmam, locked in combat in the streets of Fallujah, Iraq. He is lying next to his dead and dying friends, bleeding in the street – until he wakes up at home, in bed with his wife.

PLUNDER: A Faye Longchamp Mystery

By Mary Anna Evans

www.maryannaevans.com Time is not on Faye Longchamp’s side. She and her husband Joe are working near the mouth of the Mississippi, researching archaeological sites soon to be swamped by oil. The Deepwater Horizon disaster has morphed her run-of-the-mill contract job into a task that might swamp her fledgling company. It isn’t helping that an injured babysitter has left Faye to work with a toddler underfoot.

THE CONDOR SONG

By Darryl Nyznyk

www.crossdovepublishing.com Described as “The Verdict”, starring Paul Newman, meets John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, the book follows Sean Donovan, a new partner in a major law firm who lost everything when he took a costly ethical stand. Wifeless, jobless, and betrayed by his closest friend, Sean spends 13 years trying to find his way back.

Barely eking out a living on small cases, Sean’s redemption comes with the death of renowned environmentalist, Buck Anderson. When the dead man’s niece requests Sean’s help in resolving Buck’s last case with the Sierra Club, Sean happily accepts, but learns too late the opposition is his former law firm and the partner who betrayed him. He may have just signed his own death warrant.

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MUSIC, ART & FILM WATERMILL REVISITED

By Christina Conrad; e-book;

www.amazon.com The never before revealed story behind Jerome Robbins controversial ballet, “Watermill.” The price Jerome Robbins paid in his personal life for his art was extremely high. Weaving in the story of her long relationship with Robbins, Conrad connects “Watermill” with the underlying stresses of his romantic relationships.

The ballet followed an extremely shattering personal time. As he said in his work notebooks, it was autobiographical and he was “healing.”

IF YOU LIKE THE SOPRANOS: Here Are Over 150 Movies, TV Shows, and Other Oddities That You Will Love

By Leonard Pierce; www.limelighteditions.com The best-loved crime family in America is just part of a grand tradition of mob movies, gangster flicks, great television dramas, and a sensibility that is part Sicily and part New Jersey. If You Love the Sopranos... is the first book that starts with Tony and the gang in their humble homes in the Garden State and explores the astonishing amount of great films, TV shows, and other pop-culture wonders that any fan of the Sopranos will love.

AN ASKEW VIEW 2: The Films of Kevin Smith

By John Kenneth Muir; www.applausebooks.com In the year 2002, An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith was the first book to gaze at the cinema of one of New Jersey’s favorite sons, the independent and controversial auteur of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Now, author John Kenneth Muir returns to the View Askew universe to consider Kevin Smith’s second decade as a film director, social gadfly, and beloved media “talker.”

THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS

By Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins; www.abramsbooks.com The Merciless Book of Metal Lists is an irreverent and illustrated compendium of the most random, funny, and challenging information about Heavy Metal from the last 40 years. You want to know which Metal albums “jumped the shark”? Curious to know what non-Metal bands Metalheads love, which album covers feature goats, embarrassing Metal fashion faux pas, and the unfortunate original names Metal bands started with? This is the book.

TATTOO A BANANA: and Other Ways to Turn Anything and Everything into Art

By Phil Hansen; www.philinthecircle.com Commercial artist and YouTube sensation Hansen creates art out of everyday objects. With illustrations and instructions, this engaging, inspiring, and entertaining handbook/manifesto takes readers inside the mind of a groundbreaking artistNand encourages all to create.

WEDDINGS: From Snapshots to Great Shots

By Suzy Clement; www.peachpit.com Take control of your digital photography and learn the skills and techniques required to record once-in-a-lifetime events–weddings. This beautifully illustrated guide by pro photographer Suzy Clement will help you conquer the fundamentals and take authentic and memorable shots that capture the essence of the day. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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a b c de f g NON-FICTION FOUR STARS OF VALOR

By Phil Nordyke; www.zenithpress.com Hailing from the big cities and small towns of America, young men came together after the attack on Pearl Harbor to serve their country and the greater good. Those assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) arguably became the best PIR to descend upon Europe in World War II, making a record four combat jumps (Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, and Holland). Drawing on interviews with surviving veterans and oral history recordings as well as official archives and unpublished written accounts from the 505th and their supporting units, author Phil Nordyke brings the history of the regiment to life.

hi j k lm n THE BITE FIGHT:

PHYSICAL CHESS: My Life in Catch-As-CatchCan Wrestling

Tyson, Holyfield, and the Night That Changed Boxing Forever

o pq r s tu Behind the scenes with a pro wrestling and MMA legend

By George Willis

www.triumphbooks.com

The infamous boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, was like none other in the sport’s history, and this insightful account of the anticipation, the gruesome fight itself, and the ongoing aftermath of that one night reveals just how much of an impact it really made. The rivals met for a rematch that would never be finished, as Tyson earned a disqualification and infamy that followed in the third round by biting off a portion of Holyfield’s ear.

By Billy Robinson

www.ecwpress.com/fightingwords In this fascinating autobiography, Billy Robinson recounts his upbringing in post - WWII England amid a family of champion fighters, his worldwide travels as a wrestler, his time as a pro wrestling TV star, and his career as a coach to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. For the first time, Billy Robinson sets the record straight on: who won the infamous street fight between him and the grandfather of superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

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ONE TANK TRIPS

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52 Trips in Each Book • Total Trips = 156 Get ALL THREE for ONLY $25.90 (including tax and shipping!)

Order online at www.foxonetanktrips.com www.foxonetanktrips.com or call 1-888-One-Tank

(888-663-8265)

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CUISINE

500 BEST QUINOA RECIPES: 100% Gluten-Free

150 BEST DONUT RECIPES: Fried or Baked

www.robertrose.ca

DINING OUT: A No-Nonsense Guide to America’s Favorite Chain Restaurants

by George Geary www.robertrose.ca

By Josh Dinar

Topped with a chocolate glaze or simply rolled in cinnamon, fresh homemade donuts are impossible to resist. Whatever your preference -- the fluffy yeast style or the denser cake variety -delicious, donut-shop confections are fun and surprisingly easy to make at home. The freshness and quality of ingredients that comes from scratch donut making simply can’t be beat!

A guide to the menu items at over 35 popular American chain restaurants, organizing food by type, ethnic origin, health options and including reviews, tips and interesting facts

www.diningout.com

MASTER YOUR SLEEP: Proven Methods Simplified

By Tracey I. Marks, MD

www.bascomhillbooks.com

by Camilla V. Saulsbury By now you’ve probably heard and seen all the positive press about quinoa -- it’s now firmly established in the superfoods hall of fame. It’s also an excellent source of magnesium, folate, phosphorus, iron and fiber so it’s an ideal ingredient for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians. And because it’s also gluten-free, it’s a valuable ingredient for anyone affected by gluten intolerance.

SELF HELP 50 RULES FOR SONS

Sleep disorders plague a frightening percentage of the population, and many people who have problems sleeping simply learn to live with their affliction. But at what cost? Sleep disorders can affect all aspects of life, from school and work to personal relationships to mental health. Because of the myriad types of sleep disorders and the equally numerous treatment methods, there is no quick fix for all sufferers.

by Tim Hoch

www.50rulesforsons.com Written for his son upon graduation from high school, Tim Hoch’s 50 Rules for Sons is an inspiring gift book that shares a father’s wisdom with sons who are leaving the nest. Lessons like: Be open to and unashamed of the possibility that you might be wrong. Take stock of where you’ve been, but don’t dwell on it. If you show up to class on time and sit in one of the first three rows, you will succeed.

THE UNFETTERED MIND: Writings From a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

By Takuan Soho

www.shambhala.com So succinct are the author’s insights that these writings have outlasted the dissolution of the samurai class to come down to the present and be read for guidance and inspiration by the captains of business and industry, as well as those devoted to the practice of the martial arts in their modern form.

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www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Bucs Bits

by Barbara McGovern

Tampa Bay Is In Love....

With Lovie Smith!

W

elcome back Lovie. We are so glad to have you home where you belong. What a way to start a new year. Your return happened on Little Christmas (Jan.6) so that has to mean that the good times are going to start rolling again in Tampa Bay. I’m not sure why Chicago let you get away, but their loss is our gain.

Greg Schiano and Mark Dominik were nice people and we want to wish them well.

Years ago, when Lovie and Tony Dungy left Tampa Bay that was their time to move on. Now Lovie is back where he belongs and who knows?

Maybe Tony will be back sometime in the near future. They were the ones who put things in place for the Bucs to win the Super Bowl the following year. Is it time to do that again?

The Bucs have a group of players with skill and talent, now they have a coach that can put all the pieces together.

With the right motivation from the right people, the Bucs will rise again. It is great that so many of the ex-players from the glory years are here in the area, and it was good to see several of them at the news conference for Lovie. Mike Alstott and Shelton Quarles were there to offer good wishes, among others. The ex-players are so loyal to the team, I’m sure they will be around to encourage the team when they need it.

Today’s players will benefit from seeing the history that went before them and learn from it.

Thanks to the Glazers for making a quick but well researched decision on the way to move on. It will be fun

to see the changes that will happen. It’s been awhile since games were fun around here and fans filled the stadium. Let’s hope happy days are here again.

Congrats to Vincent Jackson who was named 2013 Buccaneers Man of the Year. As the Bucs nominee for this years NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, a $1,000 donation was made to the Jackson in Action 83 foundation. Vincent started the foundation to show his commitment to military families. As an Army Brat, he knows the hardships that our military families face.

So, good luck Lovie. It time for the Bucs to be respected, relevant, and winners. The past years haven’t been good; in fact they were downright awful. Some things were preventable, some thing weren’t. Let’s not dwell in the bad, let’s look to the future. We have good players and a new outlook. We have new coaches who will motivate the players and fans alike. Let’s support the team and GO BUCS.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Accent’s “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page Crater of Diamonds State Park Murfreesboro, Arkansas

Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamondproducing site in the world open to the public.

Search over a 37 1/2-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that 100 million years ago brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find there today.

Hunt for real diamonds and keep what you find! www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com

Photo 122 Credit: AR Dept Parks & Tourism/Chuck Haralson www.AccentOnTampaBay.com