Accent On Tampa Bay #206, Jan/Feb 2015

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Accent

On Tampa Bay

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Vol. 27, Issue 206 Jan/Feb, 2015 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Michael Martino Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Scout Stewart Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photos: Maroon 5 - Publicity photo Book of Mormon - Photo by David Scheinmann PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

savethemanatee.org

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

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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LOCAL FOCUS PIANOS IN PINELLAS Encore Celebration, Piano Auction, And Competition Winners -

Wed, Jan 14 www.pianosinpinellas.org Clearwater Arts Alliance announces the Encore Party celebrating the end of the inaugural season of Pianos in Pinellas and the recognition of the piano talent competition winners on Wed, Jan 14 from 6 to 8 pm at Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, 300 Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater. The pianos which were painted by eleven selected artists, depict themes from music and the arts in Pinellas. Eleven sponsors throughout Clearwater and Dunedin, provided the public with the opportunity to play the pianos and enjoy the art. The pianos will be auctioned during the evening with minimum bids of $500.

Manatee County Fair - Jan 15 - 25

www.manateecountyfair.com The Manatee County Fair is a showcase for the best of Manatee County. This year’s fair features exhibits and vendors, livestock shows and auctions, competitions, a thrill-packed midway, a variety of

great entertainment and, of course, fair food — all packed into ten days and nights.

THE SAIL - Finally Fridays on the Water - Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 20, 27 www.tampaconventioncenter.com THE SAIL offers Finally Fridays on the Water events, allowing guests to wind down and prepare for the weekend. The events, held every Friday except the second Friday of the month from 6 - 10 pm, feature live music from new artists and THE SAIL’s new menu.

GEM, JEWELRY, AND BEAD SHOW and SALE at The Coliseum - Jan 16 - 18 www.tampaconventioncenter.com At this event there will be a variety of gems, jewelry, crystals, minerals and beads for sale. The show at the Coliseum will run from Fri, Jan 16 - Sun, Jan 18 and is open from 10 am to 5 pm each day. The Coliseum is located at 535 Fourth Avenue North, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5202.

January 15 - 25

www.tampablackheritage.org

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he Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival prepares for 15th Anniversary Celebration, “Following the Beat of the Drum,” January 15-25. The Festival will host a variety of family-friendly, arts, culture, and musical events while continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The highlight of the Festival is the 2-Day Music Fest that will take place at Curtis Hixon Park the weekend of January 17-18. The Music Fest will feature national recording artist Atlantic Starr, with hit songs “Always” and “Secret Lovers”, along with Grammy nominated R&B and Jazz recording artist, Ledisi, singing hit songs “I Blame You”, “In the Morning” and “Best Friend.”

Signature event highlights include 5K Walk for Health, Heritage Leadership Luncheon at the University Community Center with Dr. Calvin Jerome McFadden, 9th Annual Heritage Golf Classic at Rogers Park Golf Course, Heritage Youth Night at Blake High School with youth activist and hip hop educator Larry “LAK” Henderson, Heritage Living Exhibit at the HCC Dale Mabry Campus, Gallery 221, Heritage Gospel Night at HCC Ybor with Anthony Mareo and Studio 28, and the introduction of the 1st Annual Heritage Fashion Show “PreVue” at the Holiday Inn-Westshore. Additional highlights include a 2-Day small business Financial Seminar, University Lecture Series with journalist Soledad O’Brien, 35th Annual TOBA Leadership Breakfast, Genealogy Brown Bag Luncheon, and the Alonzo King LINES Ballet at the Straz Performing Arts Center.

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Cocktails X Couture 2015 at Ritz Ybor -

Sat, Jan 17 www.cocktailsxcouture.com/

River for island music, tasty treats and most notably – the manatees. One of the best parts of the event is that you can go just down the street to Three Sisters Springs, where manatees are easy to see and watch in the clear spring water, from the boardwalk above. In 2013, CNN Lonely Planet’s editors named snorkeling with the manatees of Crystal River as one of “ten ultimate adventures.”

Westchase Family Field Day - Sat, Jan 17

www.irish31.com/events The family-friendly event will include competition in eight fun-filled events such as relay races, obstacle courses, and other games. Teams will include anywhere from six to 10 members ranging in age. The event will also include a DJ, Fan Zone showing the Buccaneers game, and multiple 42” LCD screens that will track the competitions and team results. Tampa Bay Club Sport will manage the game portion of the event, and registration is now open at www.irish31.com/events.

This is the third-annual Cocktails X Couture event at the Ritz Ybor. Arrive in your evening best, then turn your gaze to the runway and enjoy a sneak peek at the designs soon to be hitting your favorite boutiques. A dazzling night awaits: Complement your outfit-ogling with a craft cocktail menu, a few trips to the bar, and live entertainment from Black & Denim Apparel Company, DOLLFACE, GoBeaRR, House of Hollywood, La France, Madel Fashion, Solimar Collection, and more.

Florida Manatee Festival - Jan 17 - 18

www.gomanateefest.com/ Visit the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees. This festival draws thousands of visitors annually to downtown Crystal

Bolts Family Carnival - Sun, Jan 18

www.lightning.nhl.com/club/ The Lightning Foundation is hosting the firstever Bolts Family Carnival, right inside the Amalie Arena Big Top on Sunday, January 18. With fun for all ages, carnival-style games on the event floor (Dunk Tank, High Striker, Darts), modern games on the Promenade level of the arena (NHL 14, Wii, Ping Pong) and unique photo opportunities (Stanley Cup, Meet a Player, Penalty Box), this is your chance to see your favorite Lightning personalities outside of ‘hockey’ and challenge players and coaches to family fun carnival games for a good cause. All proceeds will benefit the Lightning Foundation, who works with over 250 local non-profits to distribute funds and services.

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16th Annual Clearwater Distance Classic - Sun, Jan 18 www.clearwaterdistanceclassic.com The 16th Annual Clearwater Distance Classic will be held on Sun, Jan 18 in Clearwater. The event will feature a 50K ultra marathon, a marathon, a halfathon, a 5-miler and a 5K walkathon, the latter of which will benefit local nonprofits. All events start and finish at Coachman Park on Clearwater’s waterfront. The Clearwater Distance Classic is comprised of five live events and four virtual options for participants to choose from.

MLK Drum Major for Justice Parade -

Mon, Jan 19 www.mlknationalparade.org

experience that features music, artistic dance and theatrics in addition to fashion, says Angela Bailey, co-founder of Urban Reflections, a nonprofit organization that offers personal development to at-risk youth through modeling training. The show pairs professional runway models with aspiring models and participants from Urban Reflections and from throughout the Southeast. Proceeds from the fashion show benefit Urban Reflections, which teaches job preparedness and provides academic tutoring, in addition to modeling classes/training workshops.

5 - 9 pm. Lake Mirror Center, 121 S. Lake Ave, Lakeland, Fl 33801

On the Trail of Big Cats with Steve WinteR at the Straz Center - Tues, Jan 20 www.strazcenter.org

St. Petersburg will host the 30th Anniversary National Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Parade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 19. The weekend of events will begin with an Awards Banquet on Friday, Jan 17, at the Marriot Radisson in Clearwater, with performances by Wintley Phipps and Gospel singer Derek Smith and an award presentation to Freddie Crawford. A Battle of the Bands and Drum Line Extravaganza will take place on Sunday, Jan. 18, beginning at 4 p.m. at Tropicana Field, featuring the Bethune Cookman Marching Wildcats and the 14 Karat Gold Dancers.

The Ultimate Fashion Experience - Mon,

Jan 19 www.walkthiswayproductions.com/#!events This fashion show is far from what is seen on high-profile runways in New York and Paris. It is an

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Steve Winter takes you around the world in search of big cats from Asian jungles to the Himalaya, home of the rare snow leopard. Follow him into the rainforests of Latin America to view the elusive jaguar and to Hollywood in pursuit of the American cougar. He’ll share both dangerous and lighter moments: from getting stuck in quicksand to mishaps with remote-controlled cameras. At the Straz Center, Tampa.

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Tampa Bay Home Show at Tropicana Field - Jan 23 - 25 www.tampabayhomeshows.com

their families, caregiver education and training and access to trained volunteers.

International Bestselling Suspense Author Tess Gerritsen to Speak - Sun, Jan 25

www.hcplc.org Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries will host international bestselling author Tess Gerritsen on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Ruskin Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin.

Her latest book, Die Again, is part of the Rizzoli & Isles Series. Gerritsen will discuss her heart-pounding thriller. The program will include a book signing and is presented in partnership with the Firehouse Cultural Center and the Friends of the Ruskin Branch Library. (813) 273-3652.

Meet the area’s top home improvement experts January 23, 24 & 25 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. This event will feature over 500 exhibits relating to Florida homes and home improvement.

Looking for kitchen cabinets, landscaping, spas/ pools, home entertainment systems, remodeling or window experts? You can find all of that and more. Stroll through the aisles and find hundreds of project ideas and solutions. See the latest in carpet and tile, air conditioning systems, pest control, fencing or storage solutions…. From home security to storm protection to greener living… It’s all coming together under one roof at Tropicana Field. The Show will also include a seminar series, featuring a lineup of entertainment, local experts and do-ityourself ideas for your home, on both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a presentation and find the products you need for your dream project, all in one convenient location.

5th Annual Suncoast Hospice 4 Kids Classic - Sat, Jan 24 www.thehospicefoundation.org//steppingup4kids The 5th Annual Suncoast Hospice 4 Kids Classic will be held at Walsingham Park on Sat, Jan 24.

This event is a 5k and 1-mile fun run during the late afternoon. There will be music & food. The Suncoast Hospice 4 Kids Classic supports the pediatric hospice and palliative care programs and services at Suncoast Hospice for those newborn to age 21.

These services include specialized medical care and therapies, emotional support for patients and

Snowbird Extravaganza at the Lakeland Center - Tues, Jan 27

www.snowbirdextravaganza.com/florida. html

This event combines a consumer show featuring products and services of local and national organizations with three stages of free live entertainment and feature areas including a Healthy Living Centre, a Memory Centre, Internet Café, The Hockey Hall of Fame and Animals of the World show. Every year, tens of thousands of Canadian and American winter visitors migrate to the state of Florida to escape the cold winter weather of the north. Snowbird Extravaganza is a homecoming and a celebration of this unique way of life, the “Snowbird Lifestyle”.

The event also has three additional stages: the Bingo stage in Exhibit Hall, where attendees can stop for a quick Bingo break, the Medipac Stage in Sikes Hall, and the Hospitality Stage in Jenkins Arena. Admission is free on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 27 and 28, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Tampa Bay Senior Expo at the Coliseum -

Wed, Jan 28 www.tampabayseniorexpo.com The Tampa Bay Senior Expo is returning to the Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg. This is a special event designed to help seniors make the most of their golden years. For one day only meet local professionals who offer expertise in financial planning, health, fitness, home improvement, recreation and more. 10 am – 3 pm. The Tampa Bay Senior Expo is a free event. Stroll through the floor and browse exhibits from over 50 local organizations offering products, tips, advice and free giveaways. There will be health screenings and informative seminars, and plenty of opportunities for one on one interaction with local health professionals.

535 4th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Studio Movie Grill presents “8 Days” - Fri,

Jan 30 www.8daysfilm.org 8 DAYS is a full length featured film, created by After Eden Pictures, inspired by actual events that happened and are happening in the human trafficking world. Just in time for human trafficking aware-

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ness month, the film is going to play at the Studio Movie Grill in Tampa on January 30 for one week.

Proceeds from the showings will benefit Traffick911 (based in Dallas.) On the heels of a nationwide sex trafficking bust that freed 168 children and captured 281 pimps and the passing of Texas Governor Rick Perry’s anti-trafficking bill (SB92), Dallas based film company After Eden Pictures and SHARE a 501(c) 3 non-profit are challenging Americans to join the fight against sex trafficking with the launch of the film 8 DAYS. The feature film, inspired by actual events, depicts modern day slavery that happens right now in our backyards, hotels and neighborhoods across the nation.

Pinellas Folk Festival in Heritage Village -

Sat, Jan 31 www.pinellascounty.org/heritage

Tampa Bay ’s premier folk musicians will be playing traditional folk, gospel and country music on stages throughout Heritage Village in Largo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. Participants can take part in a variety of historical demonstrations and activities. Free parking and a shuttle to the event entrance will be located on 119th St. between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads. A $5 donation is requested for adults and children older than 12.10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo.

727- 582-2123.

MEET CHEF WARREN CATERSON at Tarpon Springs Public Library - Sat, Jan 31 www.tarponspringslibrary.org Join Chef Warren at the Tarpon Springs Public Library; on Sat, Jan 31 at 2:00 pm. Chef Warren will talk about his recently released book Table for Two-Back for Seconds, the perfect resources for young couples, empty nesters, and everyone in between. He will share dozens of kitchen tips, cooking hints and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of cooking for two. 727-943-4922. 138 East Lemon Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.

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Gala of the Royal Horses at Bradenton Area Convention Center - Sun, Feb 1 www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com/

Are Convention Center. The Gala of the Royal Horses is a spectacular show combining the most beautiful horses in the world with live performer creating a breathtaking event for the entire family. The Gala of the Royal Horses is a “must see” for horse lovers and this is the first time the show has performed in the United States.

Formula 2 Powerboat Regatta - Feb 6 - 7

Experience the excitement, splendor, and majesty of the Gala of the Royal Horses at the Bradenton

www.BradentonAreaRegatta.com The Bradenton Area will host the inaugural Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta, a day of Formula 2 (F-2) powerboat racing featuring top Superleague drivers who will supercharge the Manatee River on February 7. The Regatta will include a mile-long loop course with half-mile straightaways and hairpin turns. Competing tunnel boats will explode from 0-100 mph in less than four seconds and hit four-plus G’s in the course turns. Racing starts with time trials and qualifying rounds, leading up to the championship, and spectators can catch all of the full-throttle

www.gasparillapiratefest.com

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SM. James C. Faris, Command Sergeant Major of United States Special Operations Command and Mario Lopez, host of NBC’s “Extra” will be Co-Grand Marshals for the 2015 Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. The 2015 Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for Fri - Sat, Jan 30-31 in Tampa and will feature the 100th Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates.

The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla, and dock tableside at 1 p.m. The Brunch includes live entertainment, a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating. www.

GasparillaTreasures.com or 813-251-8844.

A victory parade begins at 2 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, featuring one-hundred three floats, three marching bands and over fifty participating social organizations.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest begins on Fri, Jan 30 with a Gasparilla Charity Concert to benefit Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Gasparilla Community Fund. This celebration will have a variety of live entertainment in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Entertainment will continue at Gasparilla Party Headquarters from Bay to Bay to Ybor City and at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tampa.

SOL CARIBE will provide hot salsa sounds both pre and post parade in 2015 from MacDIll Park along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

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action from Bradenton’s revitalized Riverwalk. In addition to powerboat racing, the event, which opens with a Christian concert on Feb. 6 at Sutton Park in Palmetto will offer plenty of opportunities for free, family, fun onshore as well, including: Jefferson Starship Concert: The celebrated musicians will perform as part of their 40th Anniversary Tour at the Riverwalk Pavilion and Event Area.

Zambelli Fireworks: From the country’s “First Family of Fireworks,” a thunderous illumination that will radiate the skies in a 15-minute, musically choreographed, heart-pounding performance!

XPOGO: One of the most exciting and pulsating professional extreme sports, Xpogo has become a huge spectator sensation. Athletes will perform highflying stunts (propelling to heights of 10 feet!) and flips that will captivate an audience of any age!

K-9 Crew Dog Show: The ultimate high-energy canine thrill show will incorporate comedy, tricks and crowd-pleasing Frisbee catching routines into their always amusing and adorable exploits.

Hydro-cross Jet Ski Racing: These stunt racing jet skiers set the standard for frenetic, fast, and furious free-for-alls in high-performance watercrafts.

www.bayarearenfest.com/index.html

2015

37th Annual

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he 37th Annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival. Journey 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 begins on February 14th and ends on March 29th. The Festival is open weekends, with a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, March 27th. 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 free. Discount tickets are available at participating Walgreens stores and at MOSI.

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2nd Annual LOCALTOPIA, “A Community Celebration of All Things Local” - Sat. Feb 7 www.KeepSaintPetersburgLocal.org/Localtopia

Keep Saint Petersburg Local, commemorates its 3-Year Anniversary with the 2nd Annual Localtopia, featuring over 100 vendors/participants from St. Pete’s independent businesses for arts and culture, shopping, eating and drinking, health & wellness plus service providers and non-profits. Local craft beer garden with the “Drink Like A Local” draft beer truck serving beers from St. Pete and other Florida craft breweries. “Local Food Court” with local restaurants and Local Buds. Live music/entertainment all day on the Williams Park bandstand. VILLAGES: Arts Village, Family Village with special, engaging experiences, Skate Village featuring vendors, skate ramp and tricks by Schoolyard Skatepark. St. Pete Indie Market Village, Free Bike Valet, Live screen printing of Keep Saint Petersburg Local T-shirts including commemorative/special editions. Get your picture taken in “Stella,” the vintage car (1935 Plymouth) retrofitted with a photo booth in the back seat.

MONSTER JAM - Sat. Feb 7 www.MonsterJam.com Monster Jam, the monster truck series, makes its return to the Raymond James Stadium for a completely new show on February 7th. Monster Jam attracts crowds of more than 100,000 fans for the combined two events each year. Sixteen Monster Jam monster trucks will compete in side-by-racing, an obstacle course, and the fan-favorite freestyle competition. This is an entirely different line-up of race teams and drivers, competing on an entirely new race track, than the show presented on January 17th – an all16

new experience for consumers. Gates Open at 5 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. Racing Starts at 7 p.m. Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607.

Pet Resource Center’s First Saturday Celebration Adoption Fair - Sat. Feb 7 www.HillsboroughCounty.org/Pets

Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center, the County’s animal shelter and the First Place for Pets, invites the community to a festive First Saturday Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

February’s event will offer family-friendly fun with exhibitors, free games, a bounce house, food trucks, and pet adoption specials. The pet adoption fair will also offer attendees the chance to spin the wheel for prizes – and for prices on adoption fees. All adoptions include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, County license tag, and micro-chip with free chip registration.

To raise awareness of the Pet Resource Center display at the Florida State Fair Expo Hall, free Fair passes will be given away every hour during the First Saturday Celebration shelter event on Feb. 7.

Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is often the first place to receive the community’s lost and surrendered animals, and the shelter hopes to be the first place adopters come to select a new pet. Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa. (813) 744-5660.

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Brides For The Arts Wedding Expo at the Largo Cultural Center - Sun, Feb 8 www.largoarts.com/

The Largo Cultural Center will host its first annual wedding expo on Sunday, February 8 from 12-4pm.

The Center will team up with wedding and event professionals in the Tampa Bay area to transform its event space into a fantasy wedding wonderland filled with beautiful decor. Couples looking to tie the knot will have the opportunity to interact with selected and unique vendors from various categories and see the hottest trends of 2015. (727)587-6751.

2nd Annual Mardi Gras in the EDGE - Sat, Feb 14 www.edgedistrict.org This all-day community celebration spans the entire EDGE District, stretching from Dr. MLK Jr. Street to 16th Street, and from 1st Avenue North to 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg. Businesses throughout the District are participating with special contests, door prizes, discounts, live music, or other activities.

Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro kicks it all off the night before, with a Louisiana crawfish boil and the Back Track Blues Band. Saturday’s celebration this year sports a “Purple Reigns” theme. Participating EDGE businesses will be marked with purple balloons by their doors, and this year’s parade will be decked out in purple.

The Purple Reigns Second Line Parade will gather at Ricky P’s at 3 pm, then begin its march through the EDGE District at 4 pm. After the parade, Ricky P’s will hold a Mardi Gras costume contest at 5 pm, followed by the Gumbo Boogie Band playing Cajun Zydeco music at 6 pm. Other businesses throughout the District will continue their festivities into the evening as well. 727-329-8869.

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24th Annual Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade - Feb 17 www.dunedinmardigras.com/

Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade and Festival is a parade featuring 50 unique and colorful floats. Admission to the parade is free and a VIP pass is available for a fee.

2015 AMSOIL Arenacross at the Amalie Arena - Feb 21-22

The 24th Annual Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will take place on Feb 17 in Downtown Dunedin, celebrating the historic tradition of Mardi Gras with food, music and fun. The event kicks off at 4 pm in the Pioneer Park Pavilion with music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Festivities will last until 11 pm and then spill over into local pubs and restaurants until closing time – the official after party will be held at Club Blur.

This year’s festivities will include: Music from Gumbo Boogie and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas; Miss Mardi Gras Queen pageant; Vendors spread out along Main Street; Food from great local restaurants and food trucks lined throughout the streets; Craft beer trucks sponsored by Great Bay Distributors; and Family friendly fun. The highlight of the 24th Annual

www.amaliearena.com AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, is the most intimate arenabased off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. At the Amalie Arena, Sat, Feb 21 hosts professional class racing starting at 7 p.m. and Sun, Feb 22 hosts amateur class racing starting at 12 p.m.

AMSOIL Arenacross brings edge-of-your-seat thrills and captivating competition to fans across the country with two Main Events during each night of action, head-to-head bracket racing, and the dramatic Race to the Championship, a playoff-inspired showdown to crown the champion.The Amalie Arena floor will be covered in 170 truckloads of soil, ultimately evolving into a sculpted, man-made dirt battleground that features air-inducing jumps and logic-defying obstacles.

Attending fans will have the chance to meet the stars of the sport and get autographs during the pre-race Track Party before the Saturday professional event from 5-6 p.m.

OSCAR Red Carpet Live pre-show telecast at the Tampa Theatre Feb 22 • www.tampatheatre.org/

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ow in its 16th year at Tampa Theatre, Hollywood Awards Night 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. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Red Carpet Reception, Including a limo ride around the block and a walk along the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, with “Roan Jivers” announcing your star-studded arrival. Once inside, patrons can sample scrumptious appetizers, get hair and makeup touch-ups by the professionals from Paul Mitchell the School, and peruse silent auction items representing local businesses. Guests are encouraged to show off their star status with a movie-themed costume, or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit.

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Feb 28 - March 1 www.amaliearena.com

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n a captivating combination, Master Magician Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse join forces with professional illusionist Zach Williams for a magical production on stage. Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show features grand illusions and favorite Disney characters, including Donald Duck and Goofy; Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother; Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter; and beloved Disney princesses Jasmine, Belle and Snow White.From the breathtaking levitation of Minnie and Jasmine to the transformation of Cinderella’s rags into riches in a split second, Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show gives families a whole new way to experience Disney magic. Adults and children alike will delight in this show.

11th Annual Gulfport’s Get Rescued Sat, Feb 28 www.GulfportMA The Get Rescued evening celebration, Tails at Twilight, is a component of a day of festivities that begin with Gulfport’s Get Rescued, a street festival and fundraiser held on Beach Blvd. on the same day. In the evening, after the pets have gone to bed, all are invited to a lively evening of fun for humans that will also donate to the important cause of animal rescues. The evening will include dancing and live music, catered hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and drawings. Proceeds from ticket sales, after expenses, will be donated to rescue groups participating in the evening event. Live and silent auctions will offer a chance to support participating non-profit rescue groups with a variety of auction items up for bids including travel, hotel stays, art, wine and food, pet accessories, restaurant gift certificates, an African Safari and much more. Tickets for the Get Rescued Evening Celebration are a $25 donation. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. South.

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COOLSTUFF! SNAP REMOTE

Strike a Pose and Snap www.urbanoutfitters.com/

This is a smart little device for the perfect selfie. Get in the picture and snap sweet shots from your phone courtesy of this little remote control.

The tiny, two-button device is super simple to use.Just download the free app so you can activate your smartphone shutter. The remote comes complete with a removable stand so you can prop up your phone and get the precise pic you want. It works with distances up to 3 feet.

BEARDSKI

GOLF GIFTS

Unique Gifts For The Golfer www.inthesandgolf.com

In The Sand Golf was created by Mary Whitworth, a pilot and golf lover. After flying over Florida golfcourses, she noticed some of the golf course sand traps were shaped liked letters of the alphabet. She has now captured the entire alphabet with photos of the sand traps. Some of the traps have rakes, golfcarts and golfers in and around them.

Spelling golfers names, words and sayings, she has launched a business creating mugs, totes, prints, poker chips (ball markers), coasters and a future of endless items to place these letters onto. Have your name, your club or golf references printed on any of these products. Great gift for the golfer!

Fun Yet Practical Ski Mask

www.beardski.com

Now you can look extra-cool while keeping warm on the slopes or riding your Harley. Beardski is a onesize-fits-all insulated ski mask with comfortabel lined neoprene, woven thermal fleece and a 12� synthetic beard. The easy to wear mask holds securely in place, but is easy to remove. The design covers the ears, face and neck from the harshest of cold-weather conditions. Get a couple of ‘em for your different moods.

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Cartoloji Prints and Throw Pillows Artful and Colorful Global Designs www.cartoloji.com/

Cartoloji combines a passion for art with a love for the world creating iconic abstract maps that are stylish and fun. Cartoloji has a collection of artful & colorful pillows and prints made in the USA and eco-friendly.

Each piece is a sophisticated abstract design from artist/cartographer Bhaval Shah Bell, whose works are inspired by her life long journey from Asia to Africa and now, the US. The pillows celebrate the cities, states and regions of the globe.

Pillows are available in two sizes and three colorways — all made of certified organic cotton printed with eco-friendly ink. Prints are produced on acid-free paper (matting/framing optional).

If after browsing through their website you have not found what you were looking for, Cartoloji will create the iconic map-art prints or pillows you’d like.

RENNY

Smartphone Hub & Ringer

www.olenstechnology.com/product/renny-home/ An important cell call at home goes unanswered because a phone ringtone is too low, the phone is out of reach, or it is muffled in a pocket, briefcase, drawer or car. Sound familiar? No worries. Olens Technology has the Renny HOME and Renny JR. products designed with technologies to help make sure cell phone rings get heard and answered. The Renny models offer a range of up to 200 feet, always on auto-connect, built-in selectable ringtones for loud and clear call notification, and more.

Renny JR. connects one phone within 150 feet, forever auto connects and has multiple loud selectable ringtones. The Renny JR. also notifies users of text and email notifications, and streams music from any smartphone with its powerful and clear loudspeaker.

Renny HOME is a stand-alone base station & smartphone ringer that automatically connects up to two mobile phones wirelessly when within 200 feet - without using a landline or home phone system and there are no monthly fees or service charges. Renny HOME announces the name of the caller, allows users to handle incoming calls handsfree by speaking “answer” or “ignore” out loud, select loud built-in ringtones, and stream music from a smartphone with its quality speaker.

Renny Ringer smartphone hub and ringer works anywhere in a home or office by automatically connecting wirelessly to any mobile phone within a 200 foot line of site range. The rechargeable Renny is always on and ready and works unnoticeably in the background until it is needed.

Many Blue tooth speakers answer a phone. Unfortunately most require the user to manually connect every time they use it. Worse yet, when connected to the speaker the phone doesn’t work, because the speaker “steals” the call. Renny eliminates these problems, and packs many phonefriendly features into a little package. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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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

Fresh Market at Wiregrass - 1st & 3rd Sat of each month, year round (except Nov, Dec & Jan only on 1st Sat) Held at the Shops at Wiregrass, open-air retail and entertainment destination located on the corner of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd in Wesley Chapel, FL. 80-100 vendors. Local food, crafts, live music.

10am - 3pm. www.TampaBayMarkets.com

Corey AVE SunDay Market - Oct - May Corey Ave between Boca Ciega Ave and Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. Local vendors sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, hand crafts, eco-friendly and fair trade products and more. Enjoy a morning of live music, shopping, and breakfast, brunch or lunch at an area restaurants– 10am - 3pm. www.CoreyAve.com

Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village - 1st Sunday Of The Month Year Round Hours: 10am - 3pm. 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. 742 South Village Circle, Tampa, FL 33604. www.hydeparkvillage.net/

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET - All Year Vendors offer a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, seafood, Florida beef, and desserts. Also hand-made items, jewelry, art work and more. Live music.

9am - 3pm, Oct - May; 9am - 2pm, June - Sept. www.gulfportma.com

NORTH TAMPA MARKET 2nd Saturday, Year Round Hours: 10am - 2pm. 100 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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www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Dunedin Downtown Market - Nov - June Fri and Sat of each week during the months of Nov thru June, 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. Pioneer Park in downtown Dunedin. www.TampaBayMarkets.com

GANDY’S SAT MORNING Market - Nov - May Mixed Farmers Market atmosphere with handcrafters, local farm produce, baked artisan breads, plants and more.

No GMO’s. Market is mixed with arts, crafts, jewelry, home décor and more. live music. 4411 West Gandy Blvd., Tampa (between Westshore and Manhattan). 10am - 3pm. info@gandymarket.com

YBOR CITY SATURDAY MARKET - Year Round Oct-April, 9am - 3pm; May-Sept, 9am - 1pm. gourmet foods & sauces, fresh baked breads, prepared foods, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath & body products, candles & more. Free Parking, Free Admission, Pets Welcome. www.TampaBayMarkets.com

SWEETWATER SUNDAY Market - Oct - May Sweetwater Farm Stand sells fruits and vegetables from organic farms. Vendors have environmentally-friendly and handcrafted products, farm-fresh eggs, raw milk, artisan breads, organic coffee, Florida-native plants, organic clothing, handmade arts and crafts, gardening books, body care products and more. Workshop Series, Live Music Series, Sunday Yoga. Off of Hanley Road and Comanche Avenue. www.sweetwater-organic.org/

Madeira Beach WED Morning Market Weds, Year Round The Mid-Week Madeira Beach Morning Market is open Weds from 9 am-2 pm. 80+ vendors including growers, gourmet foodies, artists and crafters. Live music. Free, family and pet friendly. On Madeira Way between Gulf Boulevard and the Tom Stuart Causeway. www.thebeachmarkets.com/

Madeira Beach Mid-Month SAT Sunset Market & Music Festival - Sat eves, Year Round The Mid-Month Sunset Market and Music Festival will run one Sat each month from 4 pm-9 pm in conjunction with the monthly Cornhole Tournament starting Nov 15. Free, family and pet friendly. The Sunset Market will also feature a kid’s zone, a 20 foot rock climbing wall, and a separate beer garden. on Madeira Way between Gulf Boulevard and the Tom Stuart Causeway. www.thebeachmarkets.com/

Downtown Clearwater Farmers Market - Weds, Year Round Farm fresh produce, delicious cheeses, fresh baked goods, beautiful cut flowers, plants, a variety of crafters and much more. Stay for lunch from one of the al a cart vendors.

9:00am – 02:00pm. Live music starting at 1 am. 500-600 blocks of Cleveland St, Clearwater. 727-461-7674 www.facebook.com/CWFarmersMarket www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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BROADWAY SERIES The Book of Mormon Jan. 20-Feb. 1. The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Washington Post says, “it is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: The funniest musical of all time.” Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.” Contains explicit language.

Annie - Feb. 17-22. Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. This production of Annie will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Motown The Musical - March 17-22. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music.

Pippin - April 14-19. Pippin is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago and it won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. It features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 doigts de la main.

The Illusionists - May 26-31. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage.

ANNIE

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

Seth Rudetsky: My Big Fat Broadway Show

50 Shades! The Musical Parody at Ferguson Hall - Jan 25

at the Jaeb - Jan 17 to 18

Sirius/XM radio’s Broadway host Seth Rudetsky is bringing his hilarious and award winning one-man show back to Tampa. “Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Show” is described as a combination of America’s Funniest Home Videos and The Daily Show. The 90 minute tour-de-force features his trademark “deconstructions,” in which Rudetsky uses his audio/video collection to break down brilliant performances from beloved Broadway divas (Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley) as well as showcase mind-boggling videos like The Osmonds singing a medley from “Fiddler On The Roof” or Cher performing all of “West Side Story”. Seriously. This award-winning show recently played to a sold-out crowd in London where it received 5-star reviews and was called “blindingly brilliant” “Fantastic” “Hysterical”, a “must-see” and “nothing short of brilliant!” Seth has played in the orchestras of more than 15 Broadway shows, been nominated for numerous Emmy awards as a comedy writer and cowrote the critically acclaimed disaster movie musical, “Disaster!”, which is slated for Broadway in the 2015 season.

Russell Peters: Almost Famous World Tour at Carol Morsani Hall - Jan 18

Straight from NBC’s hit show, Last Comic Standing and the critically acclaimed movie, Chef, and, of course, Netflix, Canada’s number one stand-up export Russell Peters returns with all new material for his Almost Famous world tour, featuring Russell’s latest take on some of his favorite communities, jobs he can understand, cell phones, dating and his uncle who’s never been punched in the mouth, plus Russell’s signature lightning fast improv with the audience.

“Critics’ Pick! Exuberant and very entertaining! 50 Shades! delivers the goods!” - The New York Times Don’t restrain yourself! Submit to “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” today. This sexy and hilarious send up to Fifty Shades of Grey, has audiences rolling on the floor and dancing in the aisles! Now it’s your turn to experience the show that has sold-out audiences across the country begging for more. 50 Shades! The Musical Parody” will rock your world. Warning: this show is intended for mature audiences.

First Date - Broadway’s Musical Comedy at the Jaeb - Feb 3 - April 19

When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serialdater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives? Warning: this show is intended for mature audiences.

My Sinatra at Ferguson Hall - Feb 28

The devil-may-care style and incomparable charm of Frank Sinatra surge through the microphone once again in Cary Hoffman’s show, “My Sinatra.” This oneman musical explores the sometimes strange, frequently hilarious, and always interesting life of Hoffman himself, a Sinatra idolizer with unparalleled ability to channel the voice of Ol’ Blue Eyes. Throughout “My Sinatra” Hoffman interweaves his personal tale of musical obsession with the star.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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RADIO GOLF Jan 23 - Feb 22

Harmond Wilks is a real estate developer poised to become Pittsburgh’s first African-American Mayor. He is also on the verge of clinching a lucrative land deal: if the government declares the Hill District as “blighted” – including Aunt Esther’s house on 1839 Wylie – a lot of federal money will be made available to Harmond and his partners. But as he steps into political prominence, his plans collide with his past, and August Wilson’s 10th and final play shows how, in the rush to progress, the past is never too far behind. Contains adult language.

LAMB CHOP AFTER DARK with Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop - Fri, Jan 30

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

a G-rated show for adults who grew up with Shari and Lamb Chop. The nostalgic performance is filled with contemporary music, topical comedy and hilarious audience participation — never failing to rekindle, in hundreds of thousands of adults, cherished memories of their previously forgotten childhood.

THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS Thurs, Feb 12

The New Christy Minstrels under the direction of founder Randy Sparks are now in their 54th year of touring. The Grammy Awarding-winning NCM will perform beloved American folk music audiences have loved for generations, including “This Land is Your Land.”

FUNNY BONES: The Comedy of Charlie Chaplin - Fri, Feb 20

Celebrate 100 years of “The Little Tramp” with Dan Kamin, who trained Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscarnominated performance in Chaplin. This one-of-akind event takes audiences on a magical excursion into Chaplin’s enchanted comic world through film clips, live performance, and the screening of a newly restored version of The Pawnshop, Chaplin’s short 1916 masterpiece.

Who doesn’t remember Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop? Between their television show, special appearances and quirky sing-a-longs, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop have long established themselves as American icons. Now Shari’s daughter, Mallory, along with her mother’s famous sock puppet are carrying on the tradition — entertaining audiences of toddlers and seniors alike. Lamb Chop After Dark is

DON CAMPBELL: A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg - Sat, Feb 28

Celebrate the music of Dan Fogelberg with adult contemporary/country crossover and folk-rock singer-songwriter Don Campbell. Often compared to Dan Fogelberg, Vince Gill, and Chris Isaak, Campbell will honor singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Fogelberg with hits such as “Leader of the Band”, “Longer” and “Same Old Lang Syne.”

4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa, FL. (813) 269-1310. www.carrollwoodcenter.org/ 28

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www.spcitytheatre.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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AMALIE Black and Brown Comedy Get Down Fri, Jan 23

www.amaliearena.com/ Cedric The Entertainer, Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez and Charlie Murphy will come together for the Black And Brown Comedy Get Down on Fri, Jan 23 at 8 pm at Amalie Arena.

Cedric the Entertainer is an actor and game show host, best known for co-starring along with Harvey on “The Steve Harvey Show” and starring as Eddie in the Barbershop films.

Mike Epps has appeared in Hangover and Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins in addition to voicing ‘Sonny’ in Dr. Dolittle 2.

Eddie Griffin appeared on the big screen in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Scary Movie 3, John Q, and Armageddon to name a few.

D.L. Hughley was a member of The Original Kings

of Comedy, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show, host of BET’s Comic View.

George Lopez hosted Lopez Tonight, TV’s groundbreaking hit sitcom George Lopez, which ran for six seasons.

Charlie Murphy has appeared in feature films such as Lottery Ticket with Bow Wow, Ice Cube and Mike Epps, Our Family Wedding and The Perfect Holiday, and stars as ‘Vic’ in Adult Swim’s new show “Black Jesus”.

STAGEWORKS Birds of a Feather - Jan 29 – Feb 15 www.stageworkstheatre.org/ Inspired by true events. a smart and surprisingly human comedy about two bird families living in New York City: Roy and Silo, the two male penguins who raised a chick together at the Central Park Zoo, and the redtailed hawks who made their home on the ledge of a 5th Avenue building. A heart-warming story that celebrates families of every type.

STEVE-O - Feb 26 - March 1 Steve-O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover) has become a household name and it all started when he snatched a video camera from his father’s closet when he was fifteen years old. From there he started producing homemade skateboarding videos featuring dangerous stunts mixed with comical behavior. MTV aired the first season of JACKASS starring Steve-O in 2000 and in 2002, the team moved on to JACKASS: THE MOVIE. In 2006, Paramount released JACKASS: NUMBER 2 in theatres and in 2009 Steve-O competed on ABC’s hit show, DANCING WITH THE STARS, and lasted six weeks, despite an injury and having virtually no dancing ability whatsoever.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 30

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

americanstage.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS www.largo.com/ Cyrille Aimee - Fri, Jan 23.

Internationally renowned singer Cyrille Aimée has proven herself to be an unstoppable, undeniable talent in the modern age of jazz and pop music.

Franc D’Ambrosio and Glory Crampton Celebrate the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber - Jan 24.

Franc held the title “World’s Longest Running Phantom” for nearly a decade and starred as “Anthony Corleone” in The Godfather III. Glory Crampton is best known for her critically acclaimed roles in Phantom, My Fair Lady, Nine, Camelot, Carousel and The Fantasticks.

The Best of The Second City - Sun, Jan 25.

From the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill

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Murray and more, comes the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City’s trademark improvisation.

The Lettermen - Jan 29.

See one of the defining vocal groups of the 60s and members of The Vocal Group Hall of Fam. From their first hit in 1961, The Way You Look Tonight, through current hits of today, the sound is undeniably Lettermen.

The Four Bitchin’ Babes “Mid Life Vices” - Fri, Feb 6, 8pm Playing their own instruments, these four seasoned musician-actress comediennes take turns in the spotlight presenting the hippest and most luxurious girl group harmonies “evah!”, Their elegant wit and sophisticated stand-up humor create an amazing evening of Cabaret/Broadway ‘esque entertainment.

Neil Zirconia: The Ultimate Faux Diamond - Mon, Feb 9, 2pm and 7pm.

Neil Zirconia’s professionalism and the ability to remain true to “The Solitary Man” will give you an evening to treasure, filled with yesterday’s songs and beautiful noise.

Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

STUDIO@ 620

A Picasso: A play by Jeffrey Hatcher Mon, Jan 19 www.studio620.org

verdicts. Teams have three minutes to agree on one unanimous verdict and cast their ballot. Then the Judge gives her verdict. And, there’s always lots of moaning from the losers and cheering from the winners!

620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701, 727895-6620.

freeFall The Buffalo KingS - Jan 17 - Feb 8

It is the autumn of 1941, in a Paris fallen to the Germans. An underground bunker. Nazi confiscated works of “degenerate” art, destined to feed an exhibited bonfire. Picasso. Artistic genius. Voracious devourer and discarder of women. Forced to choose which of his own works will be sacrificed and to answer to a woman with her own secrets that the artist must discover in order to save his captive work.

Night Court After Dark Sat, Feb 28

This new comedy bursts with original songs, dances, graphics and a one-of-a-kind audience participation game. The energizing Night Court Game is played by teams. Each team’s mission is to match the judge’s

www.freefalltheatre.com freeFall Theatre opens 2015 with Natalie Symons’ comedy The Buffalo Kings playing Jan 17 – Feb 8. In Symons’ new play, as in life, comedy can be found in the most unlikely of places. The King family are gathered together for Christmas and struggling to heal in the wake of a hate crime committed against fifteen-year-old Nick. But things really start to get interesting when his senile grandfather Harold threatens to take matters in his own hands. The Buffalo Kings is a touching and often fiercely funny coming of age story that examines the inner lives of a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant.

MURDER ON THE HIGH Cs Thru Feb 1

“A World Of Comedy. Where YOU Become The Detective” Welcome to a command performance of “THE VOICE”....

Opera Diva Carlotta Itsalotta.

As the concert progresses, the guests find out there are much more risks in singing, than the risk of losing “THE VOICE”.

An interactive show the entire family will enjoy!

727-409-0293. 5732 Main Street, New Port Richey, Fl. www.ferrarostudiotheatre.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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The Early Bird Dinner Theatre

Caught in the Net - Jan 10 - March 1 www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com The sequel to Run for Your Wife finds the bigamist taxi driver John Smith still keeping his two families in different parts of London, both happy and blissfully unaware of each other. However, his teenage children, a girl from one family and a boy from the other, have met on the Internet and are anxious to meet in person since they have so much in common name, surname and taxi driving dad! Keeping them apart plunges John into a hell hole of his own making.

His lodger Stanley could be a savior, but he is about to go on holiday with his decrepit old father who turns up thinking he is already at the guest house. The situation spirals out of control as John juggles outrageously with

the truth.

Early Bird is located at 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762.

West Coast Players Don’t Dress for Dinner - Jan 16 - Feb 1 www.wcplayers.org With his wife away, his best friend Robert unwittingly invited as an alibi, and a gourmet cook to fancy things up, Bernard has the foolproof romantic weekend planned for himself and his chic mistress - or so he thinks. An evening of mistaken identities and hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert are forced to improvise plausibility at breakneck speed.

727-437-2363. 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater.

FOOTLOOSE - Jan 23 - Feb 8

FOOTLOOSE follows teenager Ren and his mother as they move from Chicago to a small midwestern farming town. While Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, he is surprised to learn about rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, Reverend Shaw. Shaw is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth that he has trouble commanding in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious teenage daughter sets her sights on Ren, the underlying generational tensions begin to surface. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for a father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

SP City Theatre, 4025 31st St So, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org 34

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www.sidesplitterscomedy.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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s t r e c n o ot C

AMALIE ARENA

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www.amaliearena.com

Tues, Feb 3

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udiences will enjoy the delightful range of the world’s most famous Pops orchestra led by Keith Lockhart. Experience the majesty of Dvorak and Copland, swing with Ellington and Gershwin, get a little crazy with Queen and soar with the film music of John Williams. In addition, audience-favorite pianist Michael Chertock joins the Pops for a performance of George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations. It’s music for the ages -- and for all ages -- that the whole family will treasure.

Under his leadership, Keith Lockhart continues to bring the Pops already spectacular show to new heights including 35 national tours, four overseas tours, 11 albums and 73 television shows including 38 new programs for PBS’s “Evening at Pops” and the annual July Fourth spectacular in Boston. In addition to his work with the Boston Pops, Lockhart is currently the Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra and is the Artistic Director of the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival. He has conducted nearly every major orchestra in North America, as well as the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the NHK Symphony is Tokyo, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, Lockhart concluded eleven seasons as Music Director of the Utah Symphony and created the first ever joint administrative arts entity of the Orchestra and Utah Symphony.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Ride Out Tour Thurs, Feb 5

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Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band is hitting the road in support of Seger’s new studio album, Ride Out. The tour will make a stop at Amalie Arena in Tampa on February 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The tour will be Seger’s most extensive since 2006/2007 “Face The Promise Tour” and will give Seger & his Silver Bullet Band the opportunity to perform once more for fans across the US and Canada including stops in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Cleveland, Atlanta, Pittsburgh Buffalo, Toronto, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix. Seger’s Ride Out album entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #3, marking Seger’s highest debut ever on the chart. www.bobseger.com

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Maroon 5 WORLD TOUR 2015 Wed, Feb 25

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ulti-platinum selling and Grammy Award-winning rock band, Maroon 5, is touring in support of the band’s fifth studio album, V. THE MAROON 5 WORLD TOUR 2015 includes a stop in Tampa at Amalie Arena on February 25 at 7:30 pm. Rozzi Crane will open the tour in the US. Their new album, V, features the Billboard Top 10 smash hits, “Maps,” and “Animals.” “Maps,” which Rolling Stone declares “a stomping, funk-soul-gospel breakdown,” quickly reinforced the group’s status as a powerhouse in popular music, setting a record for the highest debut by a group on Top 40 radio charts in 18 years. Fans who purchase a ticket to THE MAROON 5 WORLD TOUR 2015 online at www.livenation.com will also receive a digital download of the album.

Capturing their first of three Grammy Awards as “Best New Artist” of 2005 and going on to sell more than 17 million albums worldwide, Maroon 5’s releases have gone gold and platinum in over 35 countries. The band won over fans and critics alike with the hybrid rock/R&B sound they introduced on their debut album, Songs About Jane and their double platinum album, It Won’t be Soon Before Long, which included hits like “Makes Me Wonder” and “If I Never See your Face Again.” In 2010, the band released their third studio album, Hands All Over, which featured the group’s anthemic charttopping smash single “Moves Like Jagger.” The song has since gone on to become one of the bestselling singles of all time. Maroon 5’s most recent album Overexposed quickly reinforced the group’s status as a powerhouse in popular music with all of its singles rising to the top of the charts and setting an all time record for the most #1s (six in total) by a group in the Top 40 chart’s 20-year history.

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January Offers a New Year’s Pops, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and a Radiohead+Brahms Mash-Up

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he Florida Orchestra (TFO) welcomes 2015 in January with morning Coffee Concerts, Tchaikovsky’s achingly beautiful Violin Concerto, Prokovfiev’s glorious Romeo and Juliet, a Rock mash-up concert of Radiohead+Brahms and The Florida Orchestra’s Gala featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma, which is already sold-out. Readers can visit the orchestra’s website at www.floridaorchestra.org for details on all of these concerts, but in the meantime, here are highlights on just a few of them.

Hailed as “an exciting violinist” by The New Yorker and called a “brilliant violinist” by The New York Times, Jennifer Koh is featured on the next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks in Tchaikovsky’s beloved Violin Concerto. Tito Muñoz conducts this program, which also includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and American composer Adam Schoenberg’s atmospheric lullaby Canto inspired by the birth of his son.

These concerts will be January 16, 17 and 18 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

As part of The Florida Orchestra’s mission to expand its symphonic programming to reach all musical tastes

in our community, the next Rock Series concert definitely does that in “Radiohead+Brahms Mash-Up.” Hailed as “musical chemistry,” this concert is a free-flowing fusion of Radiohead’s indie-rock sounds with the symphonic might of Brahms.

Concertgoers can enjoy a new sound world of Radiohead songs from their landmark OK Computer album…Airbag, Paranoid Android, Karma Police and more…all combined in a mystical mix with the dramatic and soaring themes of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. Creator and arranger Steve Hackman conducts this program on January 30 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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14 0 2 L L A B LE G N I J s ’ Z L 93.3 F umpin’ sJ a w a n e r Amalie A

Story and photos by Scout Stewart

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very year, the Jingle Ball Tour is sponsored and presented by numerous radio stations across the nation. Between a total of ten shows in America, this year’s holiday-themed concert event featured 28 of the biggest names in the music industry, with each show offering a different lineup.

On December 22nd, Tampa Bay’s 93.3 FLZ hit radio station had its chance to host their very own Jingle Ball event at Amalie Arena. With top acts like worlddominating “The Voice” judge Pharrell Williams, multiple platinum-selling band Fall OutBoy, and Grammywinning DJ Calvin Harris, the night presented some of the finest live musical moments the Tampa Bay area has seen all year.

Other acts in the star-striking lineup: Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Charli XCX, Jessie J, MAGIC!, Rixton, Jake Miller, Kiesza, and Shawn Mendes.”

Meghan Trainor

Jake Miller

Pharrell Williams 40

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Demi Lovato

Jason Derulo

Jake Roche of Rixton

Nick Jonas

Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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COOLSTUFF!

! n e h c t i K e In Th

Gourmet Popcorn Sweet Treats From Capital Corn www.TrentonPopcorn.com

Who doesn’t love popcorn?

Capital Corn has created some really different and yummy all natural popcorn flavors that should delight any palate.

New flavors are always being added, and seasonal ones as well. Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Poppy, Gingered Caramel, or Cinnamon Bun anyone? Cookies & Cream and Cheddar are also favorites.

Capital Corn makes great gift baskets in three sizes — personal, royal and deluxe.

NAKED TURTLE RUM www.nakedturtle.com/

Earth Cafe

Impossibly Delicious Vegan Cheesecakes To Go www.EarthCafeToGo.com

If you’re like me, and you hear “vegan, wheat/ gluten free, dairy free, cholesterol free and refined sugar free” you’re going to figure it’s good for you, but gonna taste awful. Earth Cafe has created forreal delicious 8-slice cheesecakes that can tout the above description! Flavor choices make them even more tantalizing: Pumpkin Spice, Who’s Your Daddy?

(Rich creamy Carob Mousse), Rockin’ Raspberry, Cherry Dream, Strawberry Fields Forever, Blueberry Thrill — to name a few. A Sampler pie is comprised of 8 slices of your favorite flavors.

Slices of their gourmet desserts are sold in health food stores nationwide, but if you can’t find them near you, you can have them shipped frozen right to your doorstep. They will keep for months in the freezer. Just thaw out a few hours before serving. Enjoy!

Don’t Worry. Drink Naked.

Naked Turtle takes it’s rum seriously. Produced on the island of St. Croix the rum is crafted with fine sugar cane molasses and distilled five times with the pristine waters of the Virgin Islands. The Naked Turtle never touches the inside of oak barrels, and is bottled “naked” allowing the naturally delicious rum character to shine through, producing crisp, great tasting rum that goes down smooth. It looks clear and crisp, and smells like rum with subtle hints of vanilla.

The Naked Turtle mixes well with everything. Signature cocktails include the Naked Cola, the Naked Daiquiri, the Naked Colada as well as a host of other delicious drinks made naked. Not surprisingly, The Naked Turtle is a big fan of sea turtles, and they have partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to raise awareness and protect them.

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PERSONALIZED BEER GLASS “Will Run For Beer”

www.homewetbar.com/ What do you want waiting for you at the end of a long race? You want your cold beer! Show everyone your love for running and for beer with the Will Run For Beer personalized pint glass from HomeWetBar.com.

Featuring foot print detail, this beer glass can be personalized with your name and established date of choice. Measuring 6” tall and holding 16 ounces, these glasses are great gifts for runners who enjoy a nice cold brew after a long race.

Will Run For Beer Personalized Pint Glass is made with sturdy glass construction, and is dishwasher safe.

HomeWetBar.com has a lot of other great bar related gift ideas too.

VITACLAY

Yogurt Maker and Personal Slow Cooker

vitaclaychef.com

The VitaClay Stoneware Yogurt Maker and Personal Slow Cooker is a temperature controlled, large batch stoneware yogurt maker. No more worries about leeching from plastic containers or fragile glass.

Three setting temperature control makes creating standard style yogurt, creamy and delicious probiotic Greek yogurt, yogurt cheese or any other yogurt simple and easy. It’s easy and costs 50% less than plastic store bought containers to make 2 quarts of home-crafted natural, creamy and delicious probiotic Greek yogurt or yogurt cheese. Pass on fragile glass, unstable plastics or metals touching your fresh and healthy ingredients and say yes to the lowtemperature controlled, easy to clean and chemical free ceramic insert used by VitaClay.

Make flavorful and rich artisan homemade yogurt free from additives, preservative or thickeners on your countertop.

The 2 quart, 64 ounce ceramic stoneware insert is easy to clean and chemical free.

Choose your own high quality ingredients to maximize your calcium and probiotic content. Add your own juicy fruits and sweeteners for monitoring your sugar intake. Great for one-pot personal meals, soups and stews as well.

VitaClay comes with over 50 natural recipes for making and using yogurt plus savory one-pot meals. Comes in red or silver exterior. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

“Brews & Bites” Brings Food Trucks and Live Music to Sail Pavilion - 2nd Fri of the Month www.tampaconventioncenter.com

from local musicians at the venue’s unique 360-degree waterfront bar, from 6 to 11 pm.

Sail Pavilion is located on Tampa’s busy RiverWalk, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa. 813-373-1193.

Dunedin Wine and Art Walk - 2nd Fri of the Month

On the second Friday of every month, the Sail Pavilion hosts a Brews & Bites Food Truck Rally. A rolling celebration of food and fun, Brews & Bites will feature a fleet of area food trucks, and live entertainment

Eve’s Family Restaurant Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Beer & Wine • Homemade Soups DAILY SPECIALS • BANQUETS • CATERING 28 Years In The Same Oldsmar Location!

DINNER FOR 2... $18.99 Includes entree, soup or salad and dessert* Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons or specials

*ice cream, pudding or jello Choose from the following:

Oven Roasted Turkey Smothered Chicken Breast Smothered Chop Steak Spaghetti & Meatballs

Meatloaf Fried Shrimp Liver n’ Onions Chicken Livers

Woodland Square 3150 Tampa Road, Oldsmar • 787- 6886 6:00 A.M -8:00 P.M. TUES - SAT., 6:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. SUN. & MON. 44

www.2ndfridaydunedin.com/ Celebrate the second Friday of the month as downtown Dunedin merchants offer specials and discounts; browse the art exhibits, sip wine at tastings, enjoy food samplings, live entertainment and a drawing.

Wristbands to get special offers from merchants and be eligible for prize drawing. Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, 34698.

Central Florida Rum and Food Experience - Jan 24 www.rumandfood.com

T h e Inaugural Central Florida Rum and Food Experience will tease not only the palate but educate the mind as well.

This event will be held on Sat, Jan 24, from 3pm to 7pm at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida. The event will be the first of its kind for Lakeland and will feature rums to sip, savor and buy as well as plenty of delicious food to sample. This affair will feature live cocktail and food demonstrations and seminars to increase your rum knowledge. Fun will also be a factor as there will be live entertainment, cigar rolling and an area to enjoy the cigars. Proceeds will benefit the local charities supported by the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland and the North Lakeland Kiwanis Club.

The Lakeland Center, 701 W Lime Street, Lakeland, FL 33815

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WineWeekendStPete.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Tasty Food and Drinks!

5th Annual Oldsmar Cares Wine & Food Gala - Thurs, Feb 5 www.oldsmarcares.org/gala.html Wine, beers and food from local restaurants, silent and live auctions of luxury items; proceeds benefit Oldsmar Cares, helping residents in need with rent and utility assistance, food pantry, clothes. The Nielsen Building, 501 Brooker Creek Blvd., Oldsmar, 34677.

Wine Weekend St. Pete 2015 - Feb 6 - 8

www.wineweekendstpete.org Wine Weekend St. Pete 2015: Cheers to 50 Years.

February 6-8 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the

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Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Stars of the wine world Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo will be the guests of honor. The corks will pop, the wine will flow, and the good times will roll at the following: Black-tie “Evening at Maxim’s” on Fri, Feb 6, begins at 7 p.m. in the Marly Room.

International Wine Auction under the tent on the Museum’s north lawn and dinner at the “Café Montmartre” in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory, Sat, Feb 7. Wine-tastings/auction preview begins at 2:30 p.m. The live auction follows at 4 p.m. and will spotlight not only exquisite wine, but also over-the-top lifestyle items and trips. Dress is resort casual. The French-themed dinner starts at 7:30 p.m.

Anniversary Brunch at the MFA, Sun, Feb 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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8th Annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival January 23 - 26

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orks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, a four-day culinary festival presented by The SarasotaManatee Originals (SMO), unites food, wine and beer enthusiasts with preeminent regional chefs and celebrated vintners from around the world. The festival, Jan 23-26, features various winemaker events at area restaurants and retail shops; interactive wine seminars; The Grand Tasting in The Ringling Museum’s courtyard; and a trade event for area restaurants, retailers and hoteliers. Each participating winery will submit wines of their choice to be judged by a panel of wine professionals in advance of the festival. Winning wines will be awarded gold, silver or bronze in a number of categories. Event goers will have an opportunity to purchase all of the wines—including the award-winners—at The Grand Tasting.

The Grand Tasting, which features signature dishes from the area’s top chefs, along with a vast array of wines and beers presented by guest vintners and breweries, is Sun, Jan 25, noon to 4 p.m., at The Ringling.

The Grand Tasting’s general ad-

mission tickets are $95 (plus service charges). VIP tickets are $250 (plus service charges) and include a $100 wine voucher for purchases made at The Grand Tasting, VIP parking, early admission to the event, a champagne reception, a guided tour of the art museum, covered seating at the event, and an invitation to the kick-off party.

Tickets to The Grand Tasting can be purchased only online at: www. dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks.

This year’s The Grand Tasting will feature a silent auction of fine

wines to benefit All Faiths Food Bank. “Raising money for area non-profit groups is a vital element

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of this event,” says Kate Atkin, executive director of The Sarasota-

Manatee Originals. “We’ve raised more than $250,000 over the past seven years for our charitable partners and hope to continue to raise much needed money for these worthy organizations.”

“Participating restaurants almost always report increased new business immediately following the event,” she says. “The Grand Tasting is an invaluable tool to introduce menus and services to hundreds of foodies who may have never stepped through their doors.”

For more information about the eighth annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, visit the website or call 941-365-2800.

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Chef-inspired Culinary Market Opens in Downtown St. Petersburg Story by Joyce LaFray, photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino he once somnolent City of St. Petersburg, known worldwide as “The Sunshine City,” now offers residents and visitors alike everything under the sun.

In addition boasting an amazing waterfront of 244 miles along the water, one of the largest marinas in the southeast, and Ft. Desoto, a nationally top ranked beach, now there’s an outstanding culinary marketplace in the picturesque downtown.

Thanks to James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina and esteemed partner Chef Don Pintabona, St. Petersburg has suddenly awakened to a most unique experience, the birth of an outstanding market named simply “Locale.”

I’ve live in this remarkable city for 36 years and enjoyed every moment, though often disappointed in the restaurants and markets. Yet, the last several years have fortuitously transformed this city into a treasure trove of exciting gastronomic adventures.

I was greatly anticipating the December opening of this much-touted market to the Sundial complex. Once known as “Baywalk,” before recent renovations by the ingenious Bill Edwards, CEO of the Edwards Group, this “shopping mall” is now attracting record-breaking crowds.

Edwards says, “St. Petersburg is ready to embrace Locale Market. We’re proud to offer a world-class culinary marketplace to our world-class city and those who discover it.”

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CHEF MICHAEL MINA, co-owner along with Don Pintabona.

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Photo by Joyce Lafray

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Locale Market cont’ And a world-class market it is. This Chef MinaPintabona brainchild contains something for every finicky taste, like the enormous Tomahawk prime beef, the creamiest gelato I have tasted since I lived in Italy, fresh home-style pasta with a choice of truffle butter, ragu, or simple but luscious pomodoro, fresh fish that runs the gamut from cobia and red snapper to the freshest oysters and plumpest shrimp money can buy.

Savor the prize Bibb lettuce, rosy red plum tomatoes, organic fruits, veggies and herbs, fresh cut flowers, and a bevy of gourmet delights, including a lovely selection of EVOO’s and balsamic.

What’s truly unique is the market design. There are a variety of kitchens, each with their own sous chefs offering monthly seasonal menus. Guests can choose to take-out, or eat in at a scattering of tables downstairs, at the cozy wine-beer bar upstairs, or alfresco at a comfy patio overlooking Sundial.

Kitchens carry about five dinning selections including sides, most under $15. My favorites are the ribs with guava barbecue sauce, grilled finfish, and the potpourri of specially seasoned veggies. There’s sushi, tempura

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shrimp, and a luscious St.Petersburger containing aged beef that’s worth the $14 tab.

A charcuterie area contains a unique variety of cheeses and meats, including some triple creams and salumi. William Dean, the famous Clearwater chocolatier, is often on premise whipping up his colorful confections, including a good version of our beloved Key Lime pie.

And there’s more. Take an afternoon to explore.

Local ingredients from farm- to-table are a highlight, and you can even arrange a special dinner in a private dining room upstairs, with a flight of wine or beer to suit your fancy.

No doubt, Locale and these culinary wizards are here to stay.

Locale Market is located at 179 2nd Ave North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. 727-523-6300. For more information, visit www.localegourmetmarket.com/

Joyce LaFray, known as “The Florida Gourmet” is the author of 15 cookbooks and guides to Florida and Caribbean restaurants, and recipient of many awards for her contributions to the Florida/ Caribbean dining scene.

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www.clearwaterbeachuncorked.com/

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njoy the pre-Valentine’s Day buzz on February 7th and 8th for two deliciously decadent days, as

Clearwater Beach is transformed into an epicurean oasis for food, wine, spirits and craft beer fans and connoisseurs. Bright House, the City of Clearwater, VSPC, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, and Publix Super Markets host the mouthwatering 4th annual Clearwater Beach Uncorked beachfront food & wine adventure.

Nationally acclaimed chefs will whisk, whip and wow guests alongside the areas great local chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, and culinary experts. Tickets to the Grand Tasting event will provide access to the premier destination for foodies, wine lovers and craft/ micro-brew beer aficionados. Enjoy fabulous food from the area’s most delicious restaurants, ‘boutiquey’ hotspots, and world-class hotels.

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Taste over 100 wines from across the globe and enjoy the best brews available. Sip, savor and be seen on Clearwater Beach at this paparazzi-filled event nestled on one of the most exquisite beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Guests of the event will enjoy a perfect beach weekend coupled with light bites of sweet and savory fare to compliment a vast array of enviable and recognized wines and craft beers to satisfy every palette. Meet with wine specialists, brew masters along with the best and brightest chefs from across the Bay-Area during this week-long gastronomic experience.

Clearwater Beach Uncorked will donate a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership. Funds will go to educational programs and scholarships to enhance the future of individuals in the hospitality and IT industries. Food, wine, and beer sampling is all inclusive in the ticket price. Area parking lots are plentiful. See the parking section on the website for more information.

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BOXXLE WINE DISPENSER Enjoy Boxed Wine www.boxxle.com

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n the past, boxed wines were not held in the highest regard. Not anymore. Boxxle is a new 3-liter premium box wine dispenser for home, bar or restaurant. It gives wine lovers an easy, convenient and attractive way to dispense and enjoy boxed wine … elevating it above the rim of the glass for easy dispensing, right down to the last drop. The Boxxle is a handsome stainless steel dispenser designed to rest on a countertop, bar or table.

Boxed wine stays fresh up to six weeks; it’s shatter-proof, portable, will never have cork taint, and is environmentally conscious. The variety of boxed wines is impressive, with producers offering everything from Moscato to Monastrell and many smaller, family-owned wineries selling boxed versions of their premium wines including Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Pinot Grigios and organics.

With Boxxle, wine lovers can use the entire bag without having to tip or drag the container to the edge of the countertop.

Boxxle automatically compresses the bag and keeps wine fresh up to six weeks.

With its contemporary design, the Boxxle is sturdy, built to last, and complements any kitchen, bar or dining room décor.

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The Newest Addition to Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk Resort is an Italian Cuisine Lover’s Delight!

Story and Photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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Step into the new Trattoria al Forno located right on the boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and you enter a time gone by in Italy. The décor is modernized old world comfort with cozy tables overlooking the boardwalk, or front row seating to observe cooking from scratch like your mama used to make—that’s if your mama was a darn good Italian cook.

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As is with all things Disney, great attention to detail has been made in the look of the restaurant as well as the cuisine. A select list of 65 Italian wines is attractively on display as you enter the restaurant lobby area. A back-story of the trattoria makes the dining experience even more fun. The Trattoria al Forno is supposed to be a family-owned turn-of-the-20th-century boarding house that, because of it’s popularity, has become a restaurant with four different dining areas – la cucina (the kitchen), sala da pranzo (the formal dining room with a beautiful display of the family’s china and silverware, and crystal chandeliers overhead), salotto (the living room with comfortable booths and old family photos on the wall), and la taverna (the “original” family tavern, now a private dining room for groups.)

On our dinner visit we experienced 4 courses, beginning with a terrific Antipasti of very thin-sliced Italian Cured Meats with House-Pickled Peppers, Olives and Caponata (made with eggplant and veggies), and a Caprese Salad with house-made Mozzarella, all served on a polished wooden pizza board. The Trattoria has a special meat slicer that can slice their meats to an impossible thinness. Chef said “If you hold it up to the light and don’t see your finger’s shadow through it, it’s not thin enough.” The achieved thinness actually seems to enhance the meat’s flavor.

Our next course was pizza, and we picked two out of the menu of six different styles — a Truffle Cream with Asiago, Pecorino, and Fontina Cheeses, and a Fennel Sausage, Salame Picante with House-Pickled Peppers. They were both exceptional, with that wonderful crust that can only come from a brick oven (the al forno, which can get up to 800° and cook a pizza in 90 seconds!)

For our main course, our group ordered 3 different dishes and shared tastings. Tables are cleverly set up with a stack of small plates just for that purpose.

Braised Beef Bolognese came with house-made Cavatelli, with very tender beef and a delightful red sauce made with a touch of wine.

The Semolina Tagliatelle alla Carbonara with Guanciale (Pork Jowls) was delectable. Due to the process of preparing Guanciale, the meat takes on a fuller flavor, which works very well in this dish.

And the Shrimp with Garlic, Caper, and Anchovy Butter served with Polenta was a garlic lover’s delight.

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Hardly room for dessert, but always a must, so we carried on. More group tastings with the order of a Cannoli “Pizzelle” filled with Chocolate and Pistachio Cream, and a Lemon Panna Cotta with Almond Crunch and Macerated Berries. Both sublime!

Fortunately, the restaurant is located right on the boardwalk, so a pleasant walk around it finishes off a lovely evening, and maybe loses a few worth-it calories!

The Trattoria is also open for breakfast, and has a wonderful sounding menu, which we will definitely try on a return visit. Poached Eggs with Fennel Sausage, Parmesan and Tomato Gravy served over soft Polenta sounds too good to pass up!

Trattoria al Forno is open 7:30 – 11:00 a.m. for breakfast, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. for dinner. For more information or reservations, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE.

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2015 Coming Up in the “World” New Name, New Adds to Disney’s Polynesian

cation Club Bungalows will be the first of this type of accommodation at Disney, sleep up to eight guests, and feature a plunge pool where guests can enjoy views of fireworks over Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. This resort will also be the first to have connecting Deluxe Studios that will sleep up to five guests and have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort. The first phase of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is scheduled to open in 2015.

New Africa Marketplace Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom As part of a sweeping re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort has returned to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Changes also include a new food and beverage experience opening for guests in 2015: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – opening in the spring and based on the lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Trader Sam’s will welcome explorers to a mystical and tropical oasis featuring a lounge area with handcrafted tiki cocktails served in souvenir mugs, paired with Polynesia-inspired small plates. Other changes greeting Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort guests: A menu makeover at Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant. A new children’s activity center called Club Disney welcomes guests ages 3-12 to play dress-up, create crafts and engage in games, storytelling or movie nights. A renovated Nanea Volcano feature pool area, a new children’s water play area and an enlarged deck for poolside seating will be completed in 2015. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature 20 Disney Vacation Club bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon and 360 Deluxe Studios. The Disney Va-

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Imagine the colors, scents, savory tastes and boundless activity of a village marketplace in Africa. That sensory scene is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a spring 2015 opening planned for Africa Marketplace – a new shopping and dining option for park-goers in Harambe, the village anchoring the Africa section of the park. One highlight of the new space will be Harambe

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Marketplace, a new quick-service food and beverage location offering street-inspired dishes from walk-up windows. Guests will find plenty of shady places to relax and eat. For their convenience, the new space also will open up a new pathway from Africa to Bradley Falls and the Asia section of the park. Together with the new Harambe Theatre housing “The Festival of the Lion King,” the addition of Africa Marketplace will double the size of the original Harambe Village. Paired with previously-announced projects throughout the park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing the largest expansion in its history.

the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Feb 19-22

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, takes place Feb. 19-22, at Walt Disney World Resort. There are races for all ages and levels, including runDisney Kids Races. For those who think a half marathon is just a walk in the park, runners can participate in the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge, which includes a 19.3mile adventure over two days – the Disney Enchanted 10K on Saturday followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. For an additional challenge and cruise vacation, runners who immediately follow the Princess Half Marathon Weekend race with a Disney cruise departing Monday, Feb. 23, can run the Castaway Cay 5K on Disney’s private island in the Bahamas to earn a specially designed Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal.

22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 4 - May 17

Spring will bloom in a big way with bountiful blossoms, colorful Disney topiaries, gardening seminars and flavors of the season when the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs March 4 to May 17 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Dozens of Disney character topiaries, from Chip and Dale to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will rule the festival kingdom in the park’s Future World and World Showcase, and Outdoor Kitchens will return with refreshing beverages and tantalizing tastes from the garden and grill.

Home and garden seminars, children’s play gardens and other festival features will return for the 75day event. At the Festival Center, interactive gardening workshops will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and guest speakers will cover the latest in outdoor trends and home and garden topics.

Guests can try new food and beverage tastes from Outdoor Kitchen menus and pose for selfies among topiaries, multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. On the park’s Future World lakes, more than 200 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

Hundreds of butterflies of several species will dazzle guests at the festival’s screened butterfly house. As the sun begins to set, illuminated gardens will brighten the evening and cast a magical glow across the park.

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

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS www.visitOrlando.com

Coming up in Orlando Mango Run 5K - Sat, Jan 17

runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/MangoRun? This January will mark the fifth anniversary of the historic Haiti earthquake, and the 32nd year of New Missions serving on the island of Hispaniola. New Missions has a long-term solution for Haiti as local churches are established and schools staffed by Haitians help strengthen communities with jobs and educate future leaders. Join in on Sat, Jan 17 for the Mango Run 5K at Lake Baldwin Park in Orlando, FL. Participants will help give the gift of education, food, and medical care to children through New Missions. Start Time: 7:30am

Pajama Pancake Run/Walk 5K - Sat, Jan 17

www.active.com/orlando-fl/running/races/pajamapancake-run-walk-5k-2015?

WILL RUN FOR PANCAKES! Throw on your favorite pajamas and join in for the 1st Annual Pajama Pancake Run. Start the day with a run or walk through the scenic, wooded and flat 5K course that winds through

the trails of Turkey Lake Park. A delicious pancake breakfast (free to runners) awaits you at the finish line. Stay and enjoy the park for a day of family fun. Or eat your pancakes and run. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Olympia High School to benefit the Cross Country Team. All runners receive a “Will Run For Pancakes” event T-shirt and pancake breakfast.

Fun Run begins 7:30 AM.

The Chocolate 5K - Sat, Jan 17

nrroadracing.com/races/chocolate-5k-orlando-fl/ It’s All About The Chocolate. All chocolate is compliments of NR Road Racing. It is not mandatory for you take part, but you are more than welcome to have some sweet treats. There will be chocolate stations set up along the three mile course and of course, some more

WILD DAYS Weekends Jan 24 - Feb 8

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oin in for three wild weekends on Jan. 2425, Jan.31 - Feb.1, and Feb. 7-8. An immersive event in every sense of the word, Wild Days connects guests to this wild and wonderful world we all share. Wild Days features exciting and interactive shows, the opportunity to meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation, and encounter amazing animals up close.

Jan. 24 - 25 - Penguin Lovers’ Weekend - SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina hosts a cool weekend of wildlife surprises, with a special focus on penguins!

Jan 31 - Feb 1 - Generation Nature Live with Bindi Irwin - Join SeaWorld Kids youth ambassador Bindi Irwin, for this high-energy, fun-filled show, packed with cool and quirky animal facts designed to inspire kids to become Game changes for Nature.

Feb 7 - 8 - Jack Hanna Weekend - Worldrenowned animal expert Jungle Jack Hanna returns to SeaWorld for a weekend of wild encounters.

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at the end. Ghirardelli chocolates will be supplied along the way. Remember Choc-ola? Well it’s back and they have it for you.

Orlando Home and Garden Show - Jan 23 - 25

www.orlandohomeandgardenshow.com/ Aisles of beautiful landscape displays to inspire your own home and garden. Visit local landscapers’ booths to have your lawn and garden questions answered; don’t forget your plans, pictures or blueprints. Shop for live plants and trees at the huge onsite nursery. Plus, enjoy a complete array of expert gardening seminars all weekend. You’ll find just about everything for your home all under one roof; shop a complete selection of kitchens and baths, contractors and remodelers, interior design, outdoor living and more. The 2015 show features exciting headliners including Food Network Star, Chef Emily Ellyn and Brian Santos, aka “The Wall Wizard.” Also appearing will be Tom MacCubbin, best known to Floridians as host of the syndicated radio program “Better Lawns & Gardens,” and Nathan Graboff, “The Garden Guru.” Other features include is the 2,500 square-foot SODO HOME Design Center’s “Interior Design Showcase,” landscapes and water features, kitchen & bath trends, a home improvement zone, fresh

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flower market, huge on-site nursery, gift & gourmet area, pet zone, dog training seminars, plus much more.

Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.

A CHOREOGRPAHERS’ SHOWCASE DAZZLES At Downtown Disney - Mon, Feb 23

www.orlandoballet.org La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil and the Orlando Ballet present A Choreographers’ Showcase for one night only at the La Nouba Theater at Downtown Disney West Side, on Mon, Febr 23. This critically acclaimed partnership features new works created and performed by artists from both Cirque du Soleil and the Orlando Ballet. Expect the unexpected when these two groups come together for one night only in a theater known for enlightening artistic performances.

e a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Jan 30 – Feb 1. You can join in interview sessions with film talent, have the chance to get their autographs, access special discussions and demonstrations, and visit a Harry Potter Expo. A Celebration of Harry Potter is an unforgettable event where the magic of Harry Potter continues and it’s only at Universal Orlando Resort.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

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ith 16 concerts lighting up the stage; 1.8 million beads flying through the air; a wild and wonderful parade led by amazing, outrageous performers and great food—Mardi Gras is like no other. Each night a different big-name headliner gets the party started—playing their biggest hits and favorite tunes live on stage. Scheduled Performances: Feb 7 - Olivia Newton-John; Feb 14 - Jessie J; Feb 15 - Barenaked Ladies; Feb 21 - Kelly Clarkson; Feb 28 - Heart; Mar 7 - Trace Adkins; Mar 13 - TBD; Mar 14 - Styx.

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Looking Good POCKET POPPET Cardigan On The Go

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f you hate carting around a cardigan on your arm, wrapped around your waist or over your shoulder just in case you might need one for where ever you’re going, your’re going to love the Pocket Poppet. This stylish cardigan comes in a little pouch that becomes part of the outfit when you unfold it — hidden on the inside back by the small of your back. The hidden pouch is now a handy place to keep some valuables while traveling.

The Pocket Poppet’s design is such that it fits in whether you’re dressed up or down. You can carry on your wrist via it’s wrist strap, or stick it in your purse.

It comes in 8 colors and 3 styles. It’s made of a knit fabric that is 92% rayon jersey, with 8% spandex, and made in the USA.

Stetson No Fly Zone Hats www.dorfman-pacific.com/

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he Stetson No Fly Zone Hats from Dorfman-Pacific help keep the buzzing away from you. These innovative hats protect against all kind of pests including; mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, ants and flies. The No Fly Zone hats are EPA registered and contain permethrin fabric which is recommended by both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization), making these hats environmentally friendly.

There are several different models available, the one illustrated here is made with durable 71% nylon, 29% polyester construction and a mesh inset, which allows for breathability. The brim offers protection from the sun, and a fold-away fabric shield blocks the wind and sun from your ears and neck. A drawstring and toggle closure at the back of hatband allows for a custom fit on this very comfortable and lightweight hat.

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NERIUM

For Perfect Skin

www.mynerium.com

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erium is a one-of-a-kind, science-based line of skincare products that produce real results. The secret in their Day Cream, Night Cream and Body Contouring Cream is the exclusive combination of antioxidants that have anti-aging properties and aloe, which hydrates, firms and soothes skin tissue.

NeriumAD’s Age-Defying night and day creams address multiple skincare concerns at once, including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.

NeriumFirm Body Contouring Cream is formulated to help improve the appearance of cellulite and dimpling on common problem-areas, such as love handles, thighs, waist, upper arms and more.

Prep Sportswear Vintage Team Fan Gear www.prepsportswear.com/vintageteams_directory.aspx

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o you still hold allegiance to a sports team that is no longer around? If you long for the good old days when your favorite team was still taking the field, then Prep Sportwear has you covered. For the nostalgic sports fan, this classic Vintage line features some of the greatest teams of all time.Â…Prep Sportswear offers the largest array of custom fan apparel for football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey and more. Once you find your team - choose from endless logo possibilities of t-shirts, hoodies, tech device skins - to backpacks, blankets, scarves, towels and beyond.

Then choose your logo, pick a color, size and personalize.

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas CHARLIE PALMER’S AUREOLE and DARIOUSH Join Forces For Elegant Wine Pairing Dinner Feb 5: www.mandalaybay.com/ Charlie Palmer’s Aureole at Mandalay Bay will unite with Darioush winery for an exclusive pairing dinner Thurs, Feb 5 at 6:30 p.m. Mandalay Bay’s Director of Wine Harley Carbery, along with winery Proprietor Darioush Khaledi and President Dan de Polo will host the event guiding guests through each of the 6 courses with insights into the inspired thinking behind each pairing.

The event will leave guests wanting more as they taste the exquisite fare from Aureole and the harmonious blends of traditions, graciousness and thoughtfulness of Darioush.

lute to the greatest singer of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra. The theatrical production starring Bob Anderson, complete with a 32-piece orchestra, re-enacts a live Sinatra performance highlighting the music of The Great American Songbook, which Frank made so famous. Music lovers will get to travel back to a time circa 1975.

Rascal Flatts at Hard Rock Hotel: www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas-hotel?

50 SHADES! THE PARODY at Bally’s Opening Feb 3: www.50ShadesVegas.com Chart-topping music group Rascal Flatts brings the first country residency, Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot!, to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with nine shows between Wed, Feb 25 and Sat, March 14.

Inspired by the best-selling trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey, 50 Shades! The Parody begins performances on Feb. 3. Proclaimed “filthy and funny” by New York Daily News and “clever and wildly entertaining” by Variety, 50 Shades! The Parody is a hilariously naughty satire that explores the steamy relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, as seen through the eyes of a trio of girlfriends reading the novel at a book club meeting. As the women devour the novel, the character’s delicious affair comes to life before their eyes. This laugh-out-loud musical features a sassy original score, including such songs “Open Your Book,” “I Don’t Make Love,” and “There Is A Hole Inside Of Me.” Frank The Man. The Music at the Palazzo www.palazzo.com/

Frank The Man. The Music. is the quintessential sa68

Raiding the Rock Vault Celebrates Debut at The New Tropicana - Saturdays www.troplv.com/

“Raiding the Rock Vault” celebrated its debut at The New Tropicana Las Vegas. The show pays homage to rock’s greatest hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The show’s all-star lineup includes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Howard Leese [Guitar] (Heart), Robin McAuley [Lead Vocals] (MSG, Survivor), Doug Aldrich [Guitar] (Whitesnake, Dio), Paul Shortino [Lead Vocals] (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot), Jay Schellen [Drums] (Badfinger, Asia), Andrew Freeman [Lead Vocals and Guitars] (Lynch Mob, The Offspring), Michael T. Ross [Keyboards] (Lita Ford, Hardline), Hugh McDonald [Bass] (Bon Jovi), and outstanding female vocalists Carol-Lyn Liddle (Masters of Rock) and Stephanie Calvert (Starship).

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GaMing Wisdom with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/

Is Chuck-a-luck Worth Chucking?

Dear Mark: I have some recollection of a casino table game that featured a metal cage in the shape of an hourglass that contained three large dice. The dealer would invert the cage causing the dice to tumble and come to rest, revealing the winning combination. The game had some resemblance to 3-card poker with payoffs based on the outcome. Do you know of this game, where it is played, and who was this CHUCK guy anyway? Leigh H. Chuck-a-luck, also known as Birdcage, originates from an old western cowboy game called Sweat Cloth. In British pubs, Chuck-a-luck is dubbed Crown and Anchor as the six sides of the dice are decorated with diamonds, hearts, clubs, spades, a crown and an anchor.

Chuck-a-luck is a simple dice game in which the player has various wagering opportunities on the outcome of the roll of three dice. The game’s gambling apparatus consists of three over-sized dice in an hourglass-shaped cage known as the birdcage and a table layout with several betting options.

After the bets are placed, the birdcage is flipped several times by the dealer with the result displayed once the cage stops moving and the dice drop and rest.

Wagers are paid based on the possible combinations that appear on the three dice. Those bets include: Numbers Bet: Here you bet on any single number (16) and are paid according to the number of dice that land on your chosen number. If you bet on number “6” and

one die shows a 6, you are paid even money (1 to 1).

If two dice come up with a “6”, you are paid 2 to 1. If all three dice appear “6,” you are paid 3 to 1, although on some layouts it can be significantly higher.

Field Bet: The “field wager” is a bet that the sum of the values on the three dice comes to 3 through 7 or 13 through 18. This bet pays even money (1 to 1). If the dice total is 8 through 12, you lose.

High Bet (Over 10): A bet on “high” is a wager that the sum of the three dice will be over 10. A High Bet pays even money. If the dice total is less than 11, you lose, and, if all three dice are the same (three-of-a-kind), you also lose.

Low Bet (Under 11): A bet on “low” is a wager that all three dice will be under 11. This bet pays even money. If the aggregate of the dice is over 10, you lose. Again, you also lose if a three-of-a-kind appears. This wager can also be labeled Under 10/Over 11 with the same payoffs.

Any Triple: A bet on “Any Triple” is a wager that all three dice will be the same. This bet pays 30 to 1.

Chuck-a-luck can sometimes be found at carnivals and casino night fundraisers for charities. The last place I remember seeing the game in a casino environment was in 2012 at New York-New York in Las Vegas. Today, it is not showing on their web site under table games or in Steve Bourie’s excellent American Casino Guide, although possibly the game could still be there.

As for “who was this humanoid Chuck guy,” whoever you want him to be, Leigh, as the common name “Chuck” has no influence on the name of the game.

Finally, Leigh, Chuck-a-luck, with a house edge that averages 7.5 percent, is a game that, hopefully, all Deal Me In readers would chuck.

Mark Pilarski is a recognized authority on casino gambling. He is a university lecturer, reviewer and contributing editor for numerous gaming periodicals, and is the creator of the best-selling, award-winning audio book series on casino gambling, “Hooked on Winning.”

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Las Vegas cont The LINQ Hotel & Casino Welcomes First Hotel Guests - Saturdays www.caesars.com/linq

The LINQ Hotel & Casino has opened its doors to the first hotel guests. All hotel rooms and suites contain an interactive system on the TV which gives guests access to hotel amenities. With the click on the TV remote, guests can order room service, housekeeping items, set up an alarm clock, as well as order one of the

many popular board games available to be delivered to the room. Room service from multiple dining outlets at The LINQ Hotel & Casino and Promenade such as Brooklyn Bowl and Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar are also available. Guests can also access the interactive system from their personal smart phones and personalize their music experience with customized LINQ Hotel playlists on Spotify. In addition to the standard rooms that feature a fresh, modern design with floor to ceiling windows, boasting views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip or the High Roller – the world’s tallest observation wheel – five different suite models are available.

BELLAGIO EVENTS: www.bellagio.com Fabergé Revealed thru May 25 - “Fabergé Revealed” showcases 238 rare Fabergé artifacts. A part of the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, these treasures are synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, impeccable taste and the rich history of the Russian imperial family from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Unique to this exhibition is a small collection of “Fauxbergé” objects – Fabergé look-alikes once believed to be originals.

Cosmopolitan EVENTS www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/ The Ice Rink. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms the Boulevard Pool into a winter wonderland, The Ice Rink. Featuring falling snow, ice skating, fire pits and a collection of favorite winter cocktails and seasonal food offerings, the intimate lodge experience returns high above Las Vegas Boulevard.

MONTE CARLO YOGA IN THE PLAZA www.montecarlo.com/ Monte Carlo Resort and Casino invites guests to start their Saturdays with stretches and salutations with its newly launched Yoga in the Plaza. Taking place each Saturday at 8 a.m., the hour-long class is designed to accommodate all skill levels and is complimentary for Monte Carlo hotel guests. Yogis are led through a series of poses by instructor Alicia Goldsmith. Monte Carlo provides mats and towels, as well as bottled and cucumber water. After class, participants can continue the healthy start to their day at Sambalatte, the Plaza’s café lounge and espresso bar. The menu includes nutritious breakfast items such as fresh fruit smoothies, veggie quiche, teas and a variety of coffee options.

Throughout the winter months, classes will be offered weather permitting and heaters also are provided. 702730-7590.

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Gaming Scene cont Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage

The popular Terrace Cafe Terrace Café offers a delicious new twist on café dining.

A new menu celebrates classic southern favorites, fresh and healthy alternatives, and a number of savory specialties to satisfy every appetite.

Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877462-2328. www.beaurivage.com

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.

Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevations and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. The newly-remolded course is player-friendly and more strategic. With some bunkers removed, the remaining bunkers have been rebuilt creating a much more strategic course. In addition, 15 of the hallmark live oak trees were repositioned to add to the Fallen Oak experience.

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.

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SOUTHERN BREWERS CLUB CRAFT BEER TASTING - Jan 21 - 22. In support of Gulf Coast Craft Beer Week, Beau Rivage will hosts its iconic Southern Brewers Club. On Jan 21 - 22, Beau Rivage will be celebrating all things craft beer. Guests can get a firsthand experience with Mississippi’s growing craft beer culture. Guests can appreciate a variety of specialty brews from the famous Chicago-based Goose Island Beer Company and Beau Rivage brewing partner Crooked Letter Brewery in Ocean Springs, MS. Brewmaster Wanda and Paul Blacksmith, owners of Crooked Letter Brewery, will share insights about their popular local brews. While exploring complimentary featured specialty brews, guests can enjoy live music by local cover band Anderson and Brennen on Wed, Jan 21. The celebration continues on January 22. wher guests can enjoy this southern style social which will feature comparative brew tastings provided by Goose Island Brewing Company. This event also showcases special gourmet pairings prepared by culinary artist Chef Sarah Cormier of Beau Rivage’s Coast Restaurant and a gift for each attendee.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT

Jan 23 - RICK SPRINGFIELD; Jan 30 - MERLE HAGGARD; Feb 13 - CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED; Feb 20 - MICHAEL BOLTON; Feb 27 - RON WHITE; March 6-7 - RODNEY CARRINGTON; March 13 - SANTANA; March 20 - ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK; March 27 - MARTINA McBRIDE; April 26 - JACK HANNA.

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ArtLines PHOTOGRAPHS OF AND ABOUT AFRICAN AMERCIANS - Jan 17 to May 3

www.fine-arts.org All exhibitions during the MFA’s 50th anniversary year are inspired by and revolve around the collection.

African American Life and Family draws on the Museum’s impressive collection of photography, as well as key loans, and primarily reveals how blacks viewed and presented themselves through images. In 1900, sociologist and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois created an exhibition of photographs titled The American Negro for that year’s World’s Fair in Paris. He selected images that showed refined, educated, and prosperous African Americans, challenging prevalent views

ily, including many portraits that would have been displayed in the home, provided a way to resist misrepresentation. Snapshots, postcards, portraits, and other typically private photographs became “galleries” of black America— the world hidden from public view or forced into oblivion by the constant flood of stereotypes.

In addition to vernacular photography, the exhibition will feature two works by the gifted photographer James Van Der Zee, who captured the growing black middle-class in Harlem through the mid-1940s. Addison Scurlock was a respected portraitist in Washington D. C.; his portrait of Booker T. Washington is a highlight of the exhibition. Charles “Teenie” Harris’s picture conveys the energy of a Pittsburgh jazz club from 1945, and Marion Post Wolcott’s photograph of a juke joint in Mississippi also projects a celebratory mood. They both point to the central role music has played in African American life and survival. African Americans have created much of our country’s most inventive and singular music.

MFA, 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-8962667;

and expectations of the time. Exhibiting photographs of and by African Americans introduced visual complexity to counteract deliberate distortion. Negative imagery could be thwarted by pictures of dignity, pride, success, and beauty.

Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, depictions of African Americans in theater, art, and the media often took the form of caricature, which exaggerated and simplified its subjects. Because of photography’s empirical nature, representing a “truthful” image of what was before the camera, photographs can define reality. They also have the power to contest dominant modes of representation when people have control over their own image.

The photographs in African American Life and Fam74

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TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell - March 7 - May 31 www.tampamuseum.org

laire on his friend, the painter Edouard Manet). Early on in his artistic life, Esser had decided on landscape photography. The settings for his photography are located primarily in France, a country that became his adopted home of sorts. Producing photography created in accordance with classical compositional principles, Esser has been working for 15 years on the illustrated atlas of a country that seems unaffected by the technological changes that the 19th century brought with it. FMOPA is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602; 813.221.2222.

One of the most popular American artists of the past century, Norman Rockwell (1894–1978) was a keen observer of human nature and a gifted storyteller. For nearly seven decades, while history was in the making all around him, Rockwell chronicled our changing society in the small details and nuanced scenes of ordinary people in everyday life, providing a personalized interpretation—albeit often an idealized one—of American identity. His depictions offered a reassuring visual haven during a time of momentous transformation as our country evolved into a complex, modern society.

Rockwell’s contributions to our visual legacy, many of them now icons of American culture, have found a permanent place in our national psyche.

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

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS www.fmopa.org Elger Esser: Combray - thru March 29

In contrast to most other contemporary art photographers, Elger Esser is no “painter of modern life” (Baude-

St. Petersburg’s 2nd Saturday Artwalk www.stpeteartsalliance.org

Over 40 galleries and studios in the Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, Edge District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District come together as one arts destination. ArtWalk is Opening Night where many galleries and studios premiere new works. Some are only open on ArtWalk, and many offer demonstrations and refreshments. Plan to drive, walk or take the trolleys to visit the districts of your choice.

Free ArtWalk trolleys will encompass Warehouse Arts District and the Grand Central District, The Central Avenue trolley serves the Waterfront, Central, EDGE, and Grand Central Districts. Free parking can be found on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St. to 30th St. and at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

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ArtLines cont

1 + 1 = 1 + 1 and B + W at the Dunedin Fine Art Center - Jan 16 - March 1 www.dfac.org

BANK OF AMERICA’S MUSEUMS ON US - The First Full Weekend Of Each Month - Feb 7 - 8 www.museums.bankofamerica.com

Bank of America’s Museums on Us offers free weekend access to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The program’s mobile site gives customers access to the full list of markets and museums on-the-go. Participating Tampa Bay area museums are: Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Present your B of A or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID for free general admission the first full weekend (Sat and Sun) of each month. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible.

Two solo exhibitions, a two-person installation and a themed group show add up to some interesting mathematics at DFAC. Jeff Christ: Private Language. Miamiborn artist, Jeff Christ’s paintings are a force of nature– in scale, process and palette. Vadis Turner’s practice of painting with textiles reimagines abstract paintings as contemporary heirlooms. Ya La’ford + Nathan Beard: Illuminated Silence transforms DFAC’s Gamble Family Gallery. Black + White is all media. This juried exhibition in a limited palette promises to be as illuminating as it is stark.

Visit or call 727.298.DFAC for more information.

3rd Annual Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival - Jan 17 - 18 www.paragonartevents.com/sarasota/

H o s t e d by the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC), Gulfstream Avenue will blossom into an extraordinary outdoor gallery of original and handmade fine art as artisans from across America journey to Sarasota. These artists will weave a tapestry of art from spectacular creations in painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both Sat and Sun. Admission and parking are free.

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ArtLines cont Florida CraftArt: Living with Mysticism - The Power of Visual Vodo Jan 17 - March 2 www.floridacraftart.org

The Florida Craft Art gallery is proud hosting a group exhibition of Haitian artists, featuring an overview of some of the finest examples of Vodou Flags, utilizing Sequence and expert beadwork, as well as found object sculpture by Haitian Artist Guyodo. The flags exemplify the use of fine craft as an application in ritual art making that have now become a viable visual art form for commercial purposes. The sculptural works of Guyodo, showcase the inventiveness and resourcefulness of an artist who gathers found objects to fashion whimsical as well as grotesque figurative statues. Each body of works speaks to the influences of the African diaspora tradition, as well as Catholicism and the practice of Vodou in a contemporary platform.

St. Petersburg’s Arts Alliance 2nd Annual MUSE benefit - Fri, Jan 30

will be an unforgettable signature event. No stiff tuxes, no boring speeches; it’s the art community’s pARTy to uniquely celebrate the Muses of St. Petersburg. Creative pARTy attire suggested - this is a night to revel in our creative spirits. Events include interactive digital art, pop-up performances, artful by-the-bite dinner courses, curated auction items, and the Muse Arts Awards.

2nd Annual St. Petersburg Spring Fine Art Festival - Jan 31 - Feb 1 www.paragonartevents.com/stpete/

The 2nd Annual St. Petersburg Spring Fine Art Festival will be held in North Straub Park adjacent to the Museum of Fine Arts. The Festival unveils original artwork by more than 100 artisans from 25 states and two international countries. Also represented are many local and regional artisans. A tapestry of art will be woven from works in painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, metalwork, mixed-media, digital art, woodworking – and much more. If you do not find exactly what you want, commission a piece of art made specifically for you.

Hours of the Festival are Sat and Sun 10-5. Admission and parking are free.

www.stpeteartsalliance.org

MUSE will celebrate artistic inspiration at the Museum of Fine Arts. The St. Petersburg’s 2nd annual fundraising benefit for arts will recognize the breadth and beauty of art and culture in our City of the Arts, and pay tribute to those that continue to inspire and guide St. Petersburg to its standing as an international arts destination. Proceeds will benefit artists, arts businesses, and arts & cultural organizations through Arts Alliance programs and services. MUSE 78

2 Cool Art Show 2015 - Feb 7 - 8 www.pavaartists.org

This juried fine art and fine craft show takes place from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Thirty eight juried fine artists will show and sell their work within the Gulfport Casino.The event showcases the artistic work of PAVA’s statewide members.

Parking and admission are free for this weekend event. Gulfport Casino 5500 Shore Blvd. Gulfport, Fl. 33707.

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Downtown Dunedin Craft FestivalFeb 14 - 15 www.artfestival.com

The Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival Craft returns February 14-15 featuring fine crafters and eclectic exhibits with broad appeal. The array of handcrafted art and affordable items provide a selection of unique and

memorable gifts for Valentine’s Day. The artistic media will include 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. Admission is free and open to the public. Main Street in Downtown Dunedin . Navigational address: 271 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698.

MINIATURE ART SOCIETY 40Th Anniversary Show & Sale Jan 18 - Feb 15

www.miniatureartsocietyofflorida.com

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Paintings shown here are actual size!

he Miniature Art Society of Florida is celebrating its 40th Anniversary year, at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Tarpon Springs, Florida, from Jan 18 through Feb 15. You will be amazed by the spectacular display of miniatures – not only paintings but scrimshaw, fired porcelain, and sculpture – including works created by some of the world’s finest miniature artists from around the world. With few exceptions, all of the art is for sale.

Approximately 700 works of art will be shown, from 185 artists, in addition to the society’s permanent collection of more than 100 miniatures. Magnifying glasses are available for the complete enjoyment of the small treasures. Entries from 33 states and 10 countries provide a wonderful diversity of “Homeward” by Lynn Wade

“Basket Of Peaches” by Jane Mihalik 80

subject matter and framing techniques. Of the approximate 900 works of art submitted for entry in the show, a jury of award-winning miniaturists has carefully selected only the very finest for display.

Visitors may talk to and observe artists while they work. These artists are willing to demonstrate their techniques, such as oil painting, acrylic, colored pencil or sculpture.

Most of the artists create under magnification, using a variety of mediums, methods and very small brushes for paintings. Demonstrators may be from England, Canada, many US states and local Florida artists.

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 Klosterman Road. 727-712-5762. Gallery hours:Tues, Wed & Sat 10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 8 pm and Sun 1-5. Mon closed.

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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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by Dr. Lori Verderame

Jewelry Storage Tips Did you get a piece of jewelry this holiday season?

Jewelry is a very popular type of collectible. In addition to sprucing up an outfit, jewelry pieces, precious metals, and gemstones hold their value well in the antiques and vintage marketplace. So, storing these valuables is important.

Gold and silver pieces can get scratched when stored

next to each other or next to other pieces in a jewelry box. These precious metals can damage fragile jewelry items like pearls and shells too. Store gold pieces by themselves or in a felt- or velvet-lined box when possible. Gold necklaces ideally should be stored hanging up by their clasp to prevent damage. Gold bracelets should be stored flat when possible. Bangles need their own storage boxes to prevent dents and damage too.

Always store pearls separately in a padded case or jewelry compartment. This will prevent damage to the 82

soft cultured pearl’s lustre surface. And, pearls should be restrung as soon as you notice that the individual knots are getting stretched out or loose. You will lose the pearls if the string breaks… I guarantee it.

For gemstones set in rings, use ring holders that separate set stones and their settings from one another.

This will prevent scrapes and scratches and retain a stone’s clarity, too.

Watches should not be stopped when stored. Let the watch run so you do not damage the battery or movement. Store watches flat and use a soft cloth to cover

the dial and protect the crystal face when storing them.

When it comes to fine jewelry, protecting your investment goes hand in hand with proper storage.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Check out her schedule at www.DrLoriV.com/events. Visit www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.

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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.

Aug/Sept Programs: 8/23, 9/27 - Karlyn of Island Bamboo Nursery will be teaching about landscaping with bamboo.

8/30 - John Goss will be teaching about growing and propagating Heliconias and Gingers in Central Florida.

9/6 - Marilyn Eigsti will be teaching about aquatic and marginal plants for ponds.

9/20 - Dennis Cathcart, of Tropiflora, will be teaching about bromeliad culture in Florida.

Sunken Gardens is at 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 84

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

www.stpete.org

www.bigcatrescue.org

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Delaware History Trail

www.visitdelaware.com/ The Delaware History Trail has 36 sites throughout the state that showcase its heritage. Among the sites are the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover, the Delaware History Museum and Old Town Hall in Wilmington, Historic Odessa, the Lewes Historic District, the New Castle Historic District and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.

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