Accent On Tampa Bay #235, Dec / Jan 2017

Special ts n e v E y Holida e! d i s n I Section

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Accent

On Tampa Bay

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Vol. 30, Issue 235 Dec 2017 - Jan 2018 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Barbara McGovern Graphic Designers Missy Lynn Contributors Bridget Burke Vicki Kolb Michael Martino Barbara McGovern Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Jenna Rimensnyder JoAnn Ryan Photographer Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Feld Productions PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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

e-mail AccentMagazine@aol.com

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Y A D I HOL TS EVETNampa Bay

Around

FLORIDA CRAFTART - thru Dec 31

www.FloridaCraftArt.org The Holiday Boutique is the ultimate artful shopping experience with fine jewelry, clay, glass, ornaments and more handcrafted by Florida’s most talented artists. Florida CraftArt converts its two large gallery spaces into a shopper’s delight and will help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and holiday décor as well. Florida CraftArt Gallery, 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

CAPITOL THEATRE HOLIDAY SHOWS www.rutheckerdhall.com A Charlie Brown Christmas Live - Dec 16. The live on stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life - all set to the unforgettable sounds of the Vince Guaraldi musical score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism - Dec 23. As Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic.

PALLADIUM HOLIDAY SHOWS www.mypalladium.org NATE NAJAR’S JAZZ HOLIDAY 2017 - Dec 14. The band will swing through both jazz and holiday favorites.

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA: SEASONAL SPARKLE – ALL FOUR SEASONS - Dec 18-19. Maestro Sforzini indulges us on a new magical journey through the year.

SPO will present an international musical tour highlighting great soloists, chorus, and 40-piece professional orchestra. Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727-822-3590.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD AT LOWRY PARK ZOO -

Weekends thru Dec 30 www.lowryparkzoo.org/ Christmas in the Wild returns with more twinkling lights and jolly surprises. Experience 18 wild and wonderful nights. Enjoy seasonal treats, enchanting entertainment and a 50-foot dancing Christmas tree. Visit Santa in his Tree Top Lodge and marvel at the magic of wildlife at night.

WINTER WONDERLAND DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER - thru Dec 22

SYMPHONY IN LIGHTS - thru Dec 31 www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/ Enjoy a lively array of dancing lights, dazzling décor, and snow too. Symphony in Lights is a holiday light show, choreographed to music featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Shows and snow nightly on the hour 6-9pm.

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www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org Osceola Park on Drew St. and N. Fort Harrison Ave, is the site of Winter Wonderland where you can see 77 live Christmas trees in Santa’s village. Children can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus; visit with Santa and his elves; pet baby animals; ride ponies and the Winter Wonderland train; slide down the 20-foot slide; jump in Winter Wonderland’s bouncy house; and take a spin on the human gyroscope. This year there will be snow, nightly entertainment on the stage and there may even be surprise visits from the Grinch. Clearwater’s Winter Wonderland is also a food and toy drive for needy children and families. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food for Santa’s sleigh to be donated to the charities Nourish to Flourish and the Pinellas Police Athletic League. Winter Wonderland

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is open from 6:00—9:00pm Wednesday through Sunday. Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free however there is a small charge for some activities and the food items in the Hot Chocolate Shop (cash-only transactions). www.piratewatertaxi.com/ Cruise through downtown aboard the Pirate Water Taxi for a unique vew of the beautiful sights of the holiday season. Pass beneath the lighted bridges to enter the Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour. Enjoy an entertaining narration on the first half of the cruise and then join in with Christmas Carolers on the second half, while savoring hot chocolate and a delicious holiday cookie.

This event is among the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. Featuring: One-half acre in size; App. 1/4 million lights; A walking yard tour that includes a small pond, several waterfalls & fountains; An 18-train HO scale railroad, with moving planes and carnival rides; Many animated & lit up figures and inflatables; House covered with lights and window cabinet displays; Bubble machines for the kids; Power sources: Three electrical meters; Takes a team about 3 months to install.

Among the top 3 finalists on NBC’s Today Show, featured on HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special and in PEOPLE Magazine.

Thru Jan 3, 2018, 6 pm to 10 pm, nightly (rain or clear skies). 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg, FL. 727 822-5562.

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE WATERFRONT LIGHTS AND DISPLAY - Thru Jan 1

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN - thru Dec 31 www.flbg.org

RIVER OF LIGHTS - Weekends thru Dec 30

www.stpeteparksrec.org/holiday-events.html Waterfront Lights and Display - thru Jan 1 - See thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North and South Straub Parks.

39th Annual OAKDALE DISPLAY - thru Jan 3 www.ChristmasDisplay.org

CHRISTMAS

LIGHT

Holiday Lights in the Florida Botanical Gardens every evening. The traditional array of light-lined paths with nightly free entertainment and visits from Santa Claus. The event is the largest fundraiser for the gardens and depends on volunteers, sponsors, and donations to reduce the cost of offering this holiday tradition in Pinellas County. More than 450 volunteers and generous sponsor donations make the Holiday Lights Continued

The Staff at

Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine Wishes you all a

Very Joyous Holiday Season & A Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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HOLIDAY EVENTS a success. 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Suggested donation $4 (13 years and older). 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774. (727) 582-2100.

The winter wonderland experience will feature new displays, exciting carnival rides, Living Nativities by area churches, nightly performances by local performers, a children’s entertainer, an expanded concessions menu and real life Christmas characters. Christmas Lane will be open each Thurs-Sun, 6-10 pm. Special admission and/or concession nights will be offered for active and former military, senior citizens, youth sports players, law enforcement, teachers and first responders. Christmas Lane will also feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Kid Zone that will include letters to Santa, face painting and ornament decorating.

3 DAUGHTERS BREWING’S WINTER WONDERLAND thru Dec 1 - 23 www.3dbrewing.com Hundreds of Department 56 village pieces are on display at 3 Daughters Brewing to help brighten the holiday season. Bruce Harting, grandfather of the 3 daughters, has been collecting holiday village pieces for over 30 years. The North Pole Winter Wonderland collection has grown to over 280 holiday pieces including 89 that are animated. To add to the festivities, multiple trains circle the village, a lift transports skiers up the mountain, ballerinas dance the nutcracker and Santa presides with his reindeer. 222 22nd ST S, St PetersCARROLLWOOD PLAYERS HOLIDAY EVENTS burg, FL 33712. (813) 495-7489. www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ RUTH ECKERD HALL HOLIDAY SHOWS A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Dec 1-23. An adaptation of www.rutheckerdhall.com the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embitBOWZER’S HOLIDAY PARTY - Dec 8. This year’s tered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human lineup includes: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Noone, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Bill Haley’s Eve, show him what life means. 4333 Gunn Hwy, TamOriginal Comets, Joey Dee, Sha Na Na Reunion with pa, FL 33618. (813) 265-4000.

Henry Gross & Johnny Contardo and of course Bowzer & The Stingrays.

CHRISTMAS LANE AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTFO: HOLIDAY POPS - Dec 17 TIVAL GROUNDS - thru Dec 24 A CARPENTER’S CHRISTMAS - Dec 19. Singer ww.christmaslane.com/ and playwright Lisa Rock and her 6-piece backing Oakdale Christmas Light Display

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band are keeping The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive and bringing their Christmas songs to the stage.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Dec 20 RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER - Dec 22 A SALUTE TO VIENNA - Dec 31.

The spirited romance of operetta, the glamour of ballroom dance, and the delicate beauty of ballet, featuring dancers from Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine & International Champion Ballroom Dancers.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL Dec 1 - 23 www.plantmuseum.com/ Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll.

During the Victorian Christmas Stroll, visitors will explore the Museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights, and hundreds of feet of garland. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced cigar boxes, and fanciful ornaments. The Victorian Christmas Stroll celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old fashioned holiday.

Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air. Every day, 10 am – 8 pm daily. Guests can enjoy live music each evening from 6 pm – 8 pm.

staff will be on hand accompanied by some special animal guests for everyone to meet. Photos with Santa are also available for purchase that morning. 813-2734030.

SNOW DAYS - Dec. 26 – Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy a real snow play area for kids and all habitats will be open late.

Aqua Eve - Dec 31 – 9 pm 1 am Jan 1. Splash in the New Year at Aqua Eve. There will be entertainment, complimentary food, beer and wine. Have a perfect view of the New Year’s fireworks show in Garrison Channel. Must be at least 21 years old.

THE MAHAFFEY HOLIDAY SHOWS www.themahaffey.com 98 DEGREES AT CHRISTMAS Continued

THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM EVENTS www.flaquarium.org/‎ SATURDAYS WITH SANTA thru Dec. 23. Santa and his elves visit The Florida Aquarium every Saturday. Santa’s elves will join him and dive in the Aquarium’s Coral Reef habitat during its regularly scheduled dive presentations.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 9, 8 - 9:30 a.m. Meet Santa and his animal friends. Begin your visit with a buffet breakfast. Aquarium www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

- Dec 8. Celebrate the holidays with the vocal quartet comprised of Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. They are renowned for their signature, R&B-tinged, four-part harmonies and will entertain fans as part of a national tour for their new album “LET IT SNOW.”

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE - Dec 20. This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a cirque spectacle …Broadway musical…and family show all in one.

THE TEN TENORS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dec 21. The TEN Tenors present their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites.

With soaring versions of “Joy to the World,” “White Christmas,” “Amazing Grace,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad,” and more.

TFO: HANDEL’S MESSIAH - Dec 22. Handel’s Messiah has mesmerized audiences since its debut in 1742 in Dublin. The oratorio based on scripture is in English and was originally an Easter offering. Now it’s a fixture at Christmastime in churches and concert halls around the world.

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER - Dec 26-27. Critics praise the Great Russian Nutcracker danced by a company of 40 worldclass Russian artists, with nine lush, awe-inspiring sets and elaborately detailed costumes. Exclusive to the Moscow Ballet are 10-foot-tall silk puppets, life-sized Matrushka dolls and the “Dove of Peace,” in which two dancers balance and leverage with each other to form a soaring white bird with a 20-foot wingspan.

400 First Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

727.892.5767.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (And Then Some!) - Dec 8 - 17 www.wcplayers.org A hilarious send-up of such beloved Christmas clas8

sics as A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and many more. Three actors barrel through just about every Christmas story, movie, or Bass-Rankin TV special you can think of. It’s nonstop fun for the whole family.

727-437-2363.

9TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOPLA & LIGHTED BOAT PARADE - Dec 9 Facebook.com/HolidayHooplaGulfport

Holiday Hoopla is a celebration of arts, crafts, foods, live music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere amid bright, twinkling, colorful lights.

Stroll the decorated streets of Gulfport filled with talented exhibitors and unique shops. The festival will provide shoppers with one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else, and all of your holiday shopping can be done in one place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 727322-5217. 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707 ST. PETERSBURG’S ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE - Dec 9 www.stpeteboatparade.org/ Holiday decorated boats will light up Tampa Bay near downtown St. Pete. The annual parade is hosted by the St. Pete Rotary Club. Live music, commentary, food, beer and wine. The fun begins at 5pm. Free and family-friendly. Grandstand seats and VIP available for purchase. Free parking and shuttle from North Shore lot.

HOLLY JOLLEY TROLLEY TOUR - Dec 9 www.oldsmarhistoricalsociety.org/holly-jollytrolley-tour/ Narrative tour, refreshments and chance drawing.

All proceeds benefit the Oldsmar Historical Society. 2 tours: 1-2:15pm and 2:30-3:45pm. 1 1/4 hour tour. Pick up the trolley in front of Oldsmar City Hall. 100 State Street West. 813-855-1191. Tickets at Historical Society Museum.

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Thru Dec 31

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usch Gardens Tampa Bay’s annual holiday tradition, Christmas Town, beams bright with twinkling lights, shows, holiday shopping and a visit to Santa’s House.

Holiday Culinary Samplers: Enjoy 5 or 10 delectable creations from holiday menus.

Story Time Breakfast with Rudolph: The all-new Story Time Breakfast with Rudolph delivers at Dragon Fire Grill complete with holiday songs, story time and special surprises.

Three Kings Celebration: Busch Gardens unfolds the famed journey to the humble town of Bethlehem during a Three Kings Celebration from Jan. 1-6. This cultural celebration boasts authentic Latin traditions, live entertainment honoring the three wise men.

Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland: Sam the Snowman

joins Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland. Meet and take photos with these characters, play holiday games and indulge in Yuletide treats.

Santa’s House: While the elves are busy preparing for Christmas, Santa is taking a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with families in his private study.

Thrill Rides at Night: Some of the best views of Christmas Town can be found atop Florida’s top thrill rides.

Guests can also expect the return of fan-favorite shows that ring in the season, including Christmas on Ice, Carol of the Bells light show and the Holiday Hills Brass Band. www.ChristmasTown.com

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HOLIDAY EVENTS CHRISTMAS MARKET AND PARADE ON COREY AVENUE - Dec 9 www.spbrec.com/special-events Starts at City Hall, 155 Corey Ave. and ends at the Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. Best parade viewing areas will be along Corey Ave and at the Library. Parking will be available at the Community Center. 9 am, Free.

art, photography, digital art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking and more. All the artists creating these pieces will be present at the event, many being represented in the nation’s most prestigious private art collections and public institutions. 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.

SNOW ON SEVENTH HOLIDAY PARADE - Dec 9 Ybor City, Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m Santa Claus is comin’ to town in the heart of Tampa Bay’s historic Ybor City. Join the throngs along La Sétima to cheer on 19 marching bands and the rest of the holiday entertainment until the Big Guy makes his appearance. Afterwards, stick around for family-friendly fun and plenty of snow.

2017 JINGLE BELL RUN - Dec 9 The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run helps champion arthritis research and bringing people from all walks of life together to say Yes to furthering a great cause. Bring your friends, family and co-workers to a fun-filled day of holiday cheer, where 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to charity. If you’d rather just walk, no problem. 813-559-2088.

MADEIRA BEACH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE - Dec 10 www.madbeachevents.com/holiday-boat-parade Starts at John’s Pass and travels through almost every finger of Madeira Beach to show off the holiday spirit. 6:30, Free.

SARASOTA BOAT PARADE 2017 - Dec 9 Join MarineMax Sarasota in the Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. The parade takes place the second Saturday evening of December, starting around 6 p.m. The boat parade starts from City Island. MarineMax Sarasota, 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL. (941) 388-4411.

HOLIDAY MUG AND HOT COCOA BAR WITH THE ICE QUEEN - Dec 10 Choose from an assortment of holiday mugs to paint during this event. Enjoy a hot chocolate bar that includes hot chocolate, candy canes, whipped cream and chocolate chips, plus holiday snacks while you paint. $. 12 PM - 1:30 PM. (410) 842-5775. Practically Pikasso Mobile Art, 1912 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL

LIDO BEACH HOLIDAY OF THE ARTS - Dec 9 - 10 www.paragonartevents.com/S-69Lido+Beach+Holiday+of+the+Arts.html The Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts transforms Lido Beach into an outdoor gallery of original and handmade art created by the work brought to Sarasota by artisans from across Florida and throughout the United States.

This tapestry of art is woven from works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable

8TH ANNUAL WESTCHASE HOLIDAY MARKET - Dec 10 10AM until 5PM All net proceeds from special raffles and silent auctions will be donated directly to Autism Speaks. This is the perfect place to pick up one-of-akind gifts, and unique stocking stuffers. Original and handmade craft items. Specialty food vendors - everything from cupcakes to Fido’s treats will be covered.

Santa will arrive to hear wish lists and pose for pictures from 1-4pm. Creative face painters will be on hand from

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12-4pm. “Best of Show,” 1st and 2nd juried prizes will be judged and awarded throughout the day. Grab a bite from the grill at the Westchase Golf Club while listening to holiday music, including Rockatar from 2-3pm, and John Barr, Classical Guitar, from 3:30-4:30pm.

MADEIRA BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE & ROC PARK CONCERT Dec 10 w w w. m a d b e a c h e v e n t s . c o m / holiday-boat-parade/ This is a city wide celebration for the holiday season. It kicks off in John’s Pass at 6:30pm with a shop local holiday extravaganza, tree lighting and boat parade kick off party. The parade then travels through almost every finger of Madeira Beach to show off the holiday spirit. Then the boats make their way to ROC park. View the parade along the seawall areas. The park will also have holiday music, food and spirits to enjoy.

the Oldsmar Cares pantry with toys sent to Puerto Rico the following week. Oldsmar Cares is 100% volunteer...this means nearly 100% of your donation goes towards the assistance of families in the greater Oldsmar area.

BOLEY CENTERS’ 35TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL RUN - Dec 13 www.runsignup.com/ Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/ BoleyCentersJingleBellRun 5k that features luminarias, bands, glow zones, snow, face painting, glow necklaces. Participation supports housing for individuals and families who have been chronically homeless. 7:30 - 9 pm, $ Race Fee. Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE, St. Petersburg.

CITY HALL OPEN HOUSE AND HOLIDAY CONCERT - Dec 13 Enjoy holiday refreshments and mingle with the City Commission, staff and Santa followed by a holiday concert at 6:30 pm in Galatea Garden. 4 - 6 pm, Free, 727-3474171. City Hall, 7047 Sunset Dr., South Pasadena.

TREASURE ISLAND’S LIGHTED BOAT PARADE - Dec 15 www.mytreasureisland.org/ newsdetail_T2_R162.php Treasure Island’s Lighted Boat Parade is like Las Vegas on the water - dazzlingly decorated boats of all kinds circle the city in friendly competition for top prizes awarded after the parade that evening at The Club at Treasure Island.

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ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES - Dec 10 www.honna.org/events/2017candlelight-tour Stroll the brick-lined streets of Historic Old Northeast. Use your map to discover eight festively decorated homes and seasonal music to get you in the holiday spirit. The tour kicks off at Westminster Palm View, 939 Beach Drive NE from 3 - 8 p.m.

SPREAD THE LOVE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE - Dec 12 - 16 www. oldsmarcares.org To benefit children in our local community. This year the children impacted by the hurricanes in Puerto Rico will be included. Please drop off new, unwrapped toys for the ages 2-14 at Oldsmar Cares located at 163 SR-580 Oldsmar, FL, Tuesday, December 12 through Friday, December 15 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. The Holiday Toy will be held Saturday, December 16 at www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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HOLIDAY EVENTS FDSWF HOLIDAY PARTY - Dec 16 www.friendssupport.org FFDSWF (Friends Down Syndrome West Florida) Holiday Party. Catered by Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering. Bring a tray of 24 cookies and participate in the annual Cookie Swap. Santa and Princess Anna will be on hand to meet and greet you in Santa’s Workshop. Julie Hirsch Photography will be taking your free holiday family pictures. Chuck Eckhart will be spinning the tunes in the Assembly Hall so put on your dancing shoes. A wonderful surprise will be given to all the boys and girls at the end of the evening!

6pm to 9pm. Rotary’s Camp Florida, 1915 Camp Florida Rd., Brandon FlL 33509 CURTIS HIXON WATERFRONT PARK EVENTS TAMPA THEATRE HOLIDAY CLASSICS - Weekends thru Dec 16. From the Technicolor tap-dancing of “White Christmas” to the slapstick of “Home Alone” and the Jimmy Stewart-filled sincerity of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the Tampa Theatre offers a sprinkling of fun for everyone. This year the historic theater is closed for renovations, so it’s offering its holiday film series for

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free in the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

WINTER VILLAGE - thru Jan 5. Celebrate the holiday season in downtown with Winter Village. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, the Winter Village transforms Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages. Strap on a pair of skates and take a few turns on Tampa Bay’s only outdoor ice rink (yes, it’s real ice). You’ll also enjoy waterfront cafe, rink-side coffee bar, popsicles & themed holiday treats). A group of 15 pop-up holiday Shops featuring a variety of great gift items. Plus holiday lights, free activities & more.

SAFFORD HOUSE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS - Dec 1516 www.tarponarts.org/event/annual-safford-housevictorian-christmas/ Experience a Victorian Christmas celebration at the historic Safford House, built in 1883 and beautifully restored. Tour the Safford House, elegantly decorated for the holidays in grand Victorian style, and take a step back in time with the Safford family and friends. Enjoy live musical entertainment, refreshments, and a holiday gift shop. Children will enjoy making crafts, singing carols and taking photos with a Victorian Santa. Tarpon Springs. 23 Parkin Court. 727-937-1130.

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HOLIZAAR at The Studio@620 Dec 16 w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/events/256147634850443/ From 11 AM - 5 PM. Nearly 30 vendors will have amazing art, gorgeous jewelry, funky shirts and succulents, organic bath and body supplies.... something for everyone on your gift list, you may even find something for yourself. Admission is free and open to the public..

11am - 5 pm. 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 727-8956620.

SAFETY HARBOR HOLIDAY PARADE - Dec 16

www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/ Calendar.aspx?EID=11164 Head over to Main Street in Safety Harbor for amazing floats, old fashioned cars & a visit from Santa himself. The free fun starts at 1-3 pm.

www.theshopsatwiregrass.com Entertainment & fun for the whole family, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, and lots more. Enjoy Chanukah delights including hot latkes and doughnuts. Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel. 812-994-2242.

YACHT STARSHIP HOLIDAY EVENTS - Dec 17 & 24 www.yachtstarship.com/ SANTA HOLIDAY BRUNCH Enjoy a photo with Santa at boarding, a brunch buffet and a DJ onboard spinning holiday classics and modern hits. This cruise is filled with a special visit from Santa and holiday fun for the whole family to enjoy.

HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE - Dec 23. Enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise, reserved table, buffet dinner and excellent water views of the Downtown Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – weather permitting, live DJ entertainment, Continued

ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG HOLIDAY OF THE ARTS - Dec 16 - 17 www.paragonartevents.com The 4th Annual St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts transforms South Straub Park into an outdoor gallery of original and handmade art created by extraordinary works brought to St. Petersburg by artisans from across Florida and throughout America. 10am - 5pm both days. Admission and parking are free. South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

CAROLS AND SONGS OF THE SEASON - Dec 17

w w w. p a s a d e n a c o m m u n i t y church.org Enjoy a delightful mix of sacred and secular holiday music. 727381-2499. 7 pm, Free. Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St S, St. Petersburg.

CHANNUKAH CELEBRATION Dec 17

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

Twelve Days of Christmas”. Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane (Craig Park), Tarpon Springs.

and dancing.

CHRISTMAS EVE CRUISE - Dec 24. Holiday buffet and DJ on-board playing holiday classics and modern hits. Holiday fun for the entire family.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE - Dec 31. Includes an open bar, souvenir boarding photo, hand passed hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations, carving stations, hand passed desserts, party favors, DJ entertainment, and a fireworks show with a champagne toast at midnight.

NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER AT THE STRAZ - Dec 21-23 www.strazcenter.org New York City Ballet Principals Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will perform the roles of Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier (Fri. and Sat.) and Miami City Ballet former principal Patricia Delgado will perform Sugarplum Fairy (Thurs.), along with the award-winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of nearly 175 dancers, gymnasts and other guest artists in this spectacular holiday extravaganza.

THE MESHUGANUTCRACKER - Dec 19

www.FathomEvents.com A Musical Comedy Celebrating Chanukah. Featuring a Klezmer-ized Orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” the production comes to the big screen on Dec 19 only. The MeshugaNutcracker includes dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot and special guest stars bringing audiences delight as they celebrate this holiday season. Check local movie theater times.

SONGS OF THE SEASON: TARPON ARTS BENEFIT CONCERT - Dec 21 www.tarponarts.org

Bring the whole family along for holiday fun, laughs, and carols sung by local Tarpon Arts performers. Such favorites as “O Holy Night”, “Silent Night”, and “The

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GULFPORT NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA - Dec 31 www.visitgulfportflorida.com/ events/new-years-eve-gala/ The Gala will include dancing and music, party favors, a midnight ball drop, full cash bar, complimentary champagne toast, sumptuous decorations, and more spectacles and surprises to be revealed that evening. The Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom located at 5500 Shore Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL

SWINGIN’ THE NEW YEAR AT THE ST PETERSBURG COLISEUM - Dec 31 www.NewYearSwing.com Dance your way into the new year at this all-ages event with music by the Jive Aces. Includes a countdown to midnight and a balloon drop, party favors and noisemakers, chocolates, prize giveaways and a cash bar. There is also a vintage fashion photo shoot and

contest. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with a swing dance lesson from 8 to 9 p.m., the party continues until 1 a.m.; 9 p.m. $30; Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

813-220-3911.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT BUSCH GARDENS - Dec 31

www.buschgardens.com/tampa/ events/new-years-eve-celebration/ Enjoy thrill rides in the dark, like Busch Garden’s newest family spin-coaster Cobra’s Curse, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower, Falcon’s Fury, or Florida’s first triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt. Jam out to music throughout the park and ring in the new year with a park-wide countdown and fireworks show in Gwazi Park. The park is open until 1 a.m.

FIRST NIGHT IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETE - Dec 31

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www.firstnightstpete.com Join the fun at First Night St. Petersburg’s Annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the Arts. This family-friendly event features live music, entertainment, drama, dance, games, art, fireworks and more.

Buttons can be purchased at www. firstnightstpete.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION - Dec 31 Ring in 2018 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for an awesome New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy Cobra’s Curse and other thrill rides in the dark. Jam out to music throughout the park and ring in the new year with a park-wide countdown and fireworks show in Gwazi Park.

And with the park open until 1 a.m., you can make the first hour in 2018 a thrilling one. Admission to the New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular paid admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

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LOCAL FOCUS EVENTS DECEMBER FIRST NIGHT ST. PETE 2018 BUTTONS NOW AVAILABLE. First Night St. Petersburg 2018, presented by 411-PAIN will be hosting an exciting evening of music, dance, theater, interactive and hands-on art projects, fire resolution sculptures and fireworks in over 20 venues throughout downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday December 31st from 4pm until midnight. First Night is fun for people of all ages. First Night St. Petersburg admission buttons, designed by local artists, The Vitale Brothers, for this year’s family oriented New Year’s Eve Celebration are available for purchase until December 24 at www.firstnightstpete.com/

Fri, Dec 8

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS AMAZING FEATS OF BASKETBALL WORLD TOUR AT AMALIE ARENA.

47-year losing streak against their world famous rivals during their 2018 season. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, HiLite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Globetrotters’ show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.

Their game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans. 800-745-3000.

2017 CAUSE4FASHION: SEASON OF HOPE at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Join in for a fabulous luncheon and fashion show to benefit Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s. All models are local Parkinson’s fighters. Mattison’s by the Bay, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 11:15am - 1:30pm. 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. 941-926-6413. www.cause4fashion2017. eventbrite.com/

Sat, Dec 9

14th ANNUAL TAMPA BAY AIDS WALK & 5K RUN. Walk because HIV infection rates haven’t hit zero yet and people are still dying from AIDS. In fact, in the Tampa Bay area, HIV infection rates have steadily increased since 2010 and Florida continues to have the highest infection rates in the nation according to the Florida Department of Health. There is no registration fee for walkers however to receive a shirt, you must raise $35. (donations accepted). 8AM. Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. www.TampaBayAIDSWalk.org

The Harlem Globetrotters will face the Washington Generals team which recently launched a more competitive profile over the summer. The new tournament-tested team is looking to snap a 16

CLYDE BUTCHER ST. ARMANDS MEET & GREET - Dec 9 A meet-and-greet holiday reception/open house, where guests will have the opportunity to meet Butcher, who will give talks throughout the day and autograph and personalize books, calendars and photographs for holiday gifts. 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free. 941-702-8818, 59 S Blvd of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL. www.clydebutcher. com

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THE COOKING LIGHT & HEALTH FIT FOODIE FESTIVAL & 5K. Fit Foodie Festival & 5K celebrates the balance of a delicious, healthy and active lifestyle as runners eat their way to the finish line with bites at every mile, then celebrate at the post-race John Hancock Vitality Village Food and Fitness Festival. Runners are rewarded for making healthy choices with tastes from local restaurants, beer and wine gardens, mini-workout classes, cooking demonstrations, meet-and-greets with elite athletes and more. $. 8-11:30 AM. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater, FL 33755. www.fitfoodierun.com

Sun, Dec 10

CHILI COOK-OFF BENEFITING ST PETERSBURG FREE CLINIC.

Get your crockpots ready, for the first-ever community Chili Cook-Off to benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. Stop by the brewery to sign up (it’s free). The winning chili (crowd favorite) gets a CASH prize. Want to taste some delicious chili (and beer)? For just $15 you’ll get to sample all of the chili cook-off entries, plus Flying Boat beer tasters. And, you’ll get to vote on your favorite. Ticket

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sales will benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. So you can feel good about helping out a great cause while you enjoy some great chili. 12 PM - 5 PM. 727-800-2999. Flying Boat Brewing Co., 1776 11th Ave N, St Petersburg, FL.

Dec 11-13

A CATCH FOR CHRISTMAS. Mike Evans Family Foundation inaugural fundraiser. Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans and his wife, Ashli, will gather with friends, family, Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates and community supporters to celebrate the launch of the foundation, which will be focused on providing aid and assistance to youth and families in the Tampa Bay community as well as his hometown of Galveston, TX. The Dec. 11 dinner event will be the first of three community initiatives hosted by the Mike Evans Family Foundation that week as part of “A Catch for Christmas.” On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mike and Ashli will host a private holiday dinner in Tampa for more than 120 women and children currently overcoming domestic violence.

Then on Wednesday, Dec. 13, they will host an afternoon of surprises at One Buccaneer Place for 13 deserving youths who have achieved success in their classrooms while being active in the community. The Mike Evans Family Foundation will develop a college scholarship program for graduating high school students from low-income families in need of financial assistance. Evans and the foundation will also support women and families battling domestic violence. Individual Dinner Tickets will include hors d’oeuvres and dinner, beverages, an opportunity to mingle with Mike and teammates, and the chance to hear from the Evans’ about the launch of their foundation. From 8:00-10:30 p.m., additional guests may attend with an After Dinner Ticket purchased at the door, which will include

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beverages and a chance to mingle with Evans and teammates. During this time, guests will also enjoy raffle prizes, autograph opportunities, and the chance to receive foundation shirts. Proceeds will benefit the Mike Evans Family Foundation.

Cocktail attire is requested. The dinner event will be hosted at 717 South in Tampa. For tickets, visit www.day1sports.com/13dinner

until mid January.

On the following day, December 16, Bazaar Art hosts its “Art Throwdown” from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and every third Saturday thereafter at Mandalay Park on North Clearwater Beach. A throwdown is a competition whereby artists compete to claim top honors. Bring the kids because they will have a bounce house, rock painting, face painting and more. Enjoy performing musicians and create something of your own at the Bazaar Art Trailer.

Free to the public. Fashionistas — mark the calendar for December 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. A fashion show rolls out at Second Century Studios, presented by Morgan Isaac, whose luxury brands feature haute couture, handbags, accessories and more.

Second City Studios. 727-944-2674. or visit www.

BazaarArt.org

Sat, Dec 16

Dec 15-16

EDGY ART FOR THE HOLIDAYS. A bit of steampunked, a measure of throwdown and a taste of fashion will be on the palates of art aficionados this holiday season. So what is steampunked? A funky mix of science fiction and design inspired by 19th-century, steam-powered machinery. If it sounds intriguing, it’s even more spectacular to see. Steampunked costumes, paintings, ceramics and other works of art are created by talented and imaginative artists. The Steampunked exhibit opening takes place at Second City Studios, 331-A Cleveland Street, directly across from the Capitol Theater. It’s free to the public and will be on display Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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LAUGHING ALL THE WAY! A COMEDY FUNDRAISER FOR ABILITY TREE OF FLORIDA. Laughing All the Way is a stand-up comedy event and fundraiser at 7pm at the Springstead Theater. There will be live stand-up comedy featuring Daren Streblow, who has performed for Disney Cruise Line and Universal Studios, and he’s the host of his own syndicated comedy radio show airing in over 70 markets around the United States and Canada. Ability Tree Florida will also have a silent auction and there will be live music. Ability Tree’s mission is to reach out to families impacted by disability through recreation, education, support and training (R.E.S.T.). 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. $.

Springstead Theater, 855-373-6033. 3300 Mariner Blvd in Spring Hill, FL. www.abilitytree.org/ Florida/ _______________________________________ SEMINOLE HARD ROCK TAMPA FIRST CASINO IN U.S. TO FEATURE IGT’S NEW SPHINX 4D VIDEO SLOTS. The new video slot machines combine mid-air haptic and gesture-based technology with awe-inspiring, glasses-free TRUE 3D graphics. The SPHINX 4D game introduces unprecedented immersion and interaction with new hardware. To go along with enhanced surround sound and ultra-HD graphics, the game offers an advanced moveable chair with rumble functionality. You can see the Sphinx 4D in action at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm5tviQusa0

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ST. PETERSBURG ACCESSIBLE MURAL TOUR.

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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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2nd Annual Drambuie Modern Classics Competition

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n November 6, Drambuie, the heather honey whisky liqueur, took over Iberian Rooster and hosted the 2nd Annual Drambuie Modern Classics Competition. Hosted by Brand Ambassador Vance Henderson, local bartenders Brenda Terry (Tampa Yacht & Country Club), Lauren Klemm (Mise en Place), Ryan O’Neil (Copper Shaker) and Tony Finotti (Copper Shaker) sought out to create a cocktail using Drambuie in an effort to win a trip to retrace the history of Drambuie in Scotland.

Ryan O’Neil’s Out of The Skye was the winning cocktail of the competition. www.drambuie.com/

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sible to all regardless of ability or disability. The unique virtual Mural Tour may also be viewed anywhere around the world via the internet, with a computer or hand-held device. There are 40 centrally located works to focus on, spotlighting the Shine St. Petersburg Mural Festival, several special murals, plus two murals commissioned by AARP Tampa Bay. The audio portion of the tour provides vivid descriptions of each mural, the artist and its setting. The online guide includes transcriptions of the audio recordings, photos and a map, with notes on accessible parking and mobility barriers. www.stpeteartsalliance.org/ explore/

JANUARY Thurs, Jan 25

SENIORS HEALTH FAIR. Senior citizens and Baby Boomers are invited to attend a health and wellness event that is designed to show that smart living equals better living. The health fair will take place at the Magnolia Auditorium in Five Towns, a 55+ Retirement Condo Community. Compassionate Care Clinic of Pinellas will be on hand to answer questions of the public. Participants will be able to have health screenings, see demonstrations of products and have fun. The event will feature natural products for the home and people’s health and products that are geared for the elderly. The health fair runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to Five Towns residents and nonresidents. No entrance fee. 727512-3017.

petergillisinsurance.com

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MARKETS & CONTINUING EVENTS 1ST FRIDAYS ART IN THE HEIGHTS - 1st Friday thru March 2. First Friday Art in the Heights is at participating galleries, studios, and small businesses, from 6 to 9. Art After Hours features restaurants and bars in the area, from 9 to midnight. Several Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights neighborhood art galleries, studios and small businesses will be extending their hours so that you can see a slew of new art at different venues all in one outing. www.facebook.com/ FirstFridayArtintheheights/ 1ST FRIDAY ST. PETE. Monthly street party with music, food and beverages for purchase.

Proceeds benefit the Christmas Toy Shop. 5:30 - 10 pm, Free, Central Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets, St. Petersburg. www.firstfridaystpete. com

tral at Kennedy. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampabaymarkets.com/flicksand-food-trucks 2ND SATURDAYS AT WILLIAMS PARK - Starting December. The new social event in downtown Williams Park will be a family friendly event that will take place each Second Saturday of the month starting in December. Averyone who is interested in performing, being a vendor or volunteering now is the time to get involved. www.y2kpro.com ROCK THE PARK CONCERT - 1st Thursday thru March 1. Rock the Park is held at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on the 1st Thursday of the month. A monthly music series showcasing musical talents of all genres. This FREE event is pet and family-friendly. www.facebook.com/ RockThePark

GULFPORT 1ST FRIDAY ART & GALLERY WALK. The streets are lined with artisans, entertainment and gourmet goodies. Shops, galleries and restaurants open late. 6 - 10 pm, Free, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfportflorida.com

THE MID-WEEK MADEIRA BEACH OPEN AIR MARKET - Wednesdays. November through the end of April. 10am - 2pm, On Madeira Way between the Tom Stuart Causeway and Gulf Blvd in Madeira Beach. Local Growers, hydroponic and local produce, gourmet and specialty foods, fine arts and crafts, spaquality body care products, community connections.

Family and pet friendly, beach close, free.

www.TheBeachMarkets.com

FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS - Every 3rd Thursday. The Gourmet Food Truck Fun is paired with Independent short Flicks and Live Music.This urban, hip event is located at Grand Central at Kennedy where the Pour House and City Dog Cantina provide Micro Brews and cocktails. 10-15 gourmet food trucks offer everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites. There will be something for everyone. The event is held from 6pm – 10 pm, Rain or Shine. The Grand Cen24

THE INDIAN SHORES SUNDAY MORNING MARKET. 3rd Sunday of the month. 9am-1pm, November through the end of April. 19305 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores. On the grounds of the Town of Indian Shores Municipal Center. We’re Local produce, gourmet and specialty foods, fine arts and crafts, spa-quality body care products, fine arts and crafts, community connections. Town of Indian Shores Library Sale the third Sunday of each month. Family and pet friendly, beach close. Free. www.TheBeachMarkets.com

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Daring Collaborators

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Story and photos by Melissa W. Martino

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n my humble opinion, this is one of the most exciting shows presented at the Salvador Dali Museum. Maybe its the fashion connection — I’m not sure. The exhibit is full of surprises with just how much the two artists influenced each other. Within the show, you discover well-known Dali pieces and Schiaparelli fashions that were obviously inspired by the other. The exhibit is nicely lit and well laid out with in-depth informative placards. It is presented in collaboration by The Dalí Museum and Schiaparelli Paris. In it, you will see Haute Couture gowns and accessories, jewelry, paintings, drawings, objects and photos.

Elsa Schiaparelli was considered the most prominent figure in fashion between the two World Wars. Her designs were influenced by contemporary artists, such as Dali and Jean Cocteau. Schiaparelli actually invented shocking pink, the zipper in Haute Couture, trompe l’oeil garments, culottes and more for fashion. Elsa’s clientele were some of the most famous women of the day — The Duchess of Windsor, Mae West and Marlene Dietrich to name a few. There are pieces and references in the exhibit about them.

Elsa’s original address in Paris is still home to the Schiaparelli designs of today, as the House of Schiaparelli celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year.

Which brings me to an unexpected and fabulous part of the show — wonderful new creations from the House of Schiaparelli design director Bertrand Guyon are presented at the end of the exhibit. You will see Elsa’s iconic signature design features in the new dresses and jewelry. A large screen projection shows Schiaparelli designs being created today, and models wearing the displayed fashions.

Before exiting the exhibit, there is a small mirrored “changing room” behind a curtain that contains phrases attributed to Ms. Schiaparelli written on the mirrors for one to reflect on.

The Dali/Schiaparelli exhibit will be on display through January 14, 2018. Enjoy!

The Salvador Dalí Museum is located at One Dalí Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. For additional information contact 727-823-3767 or visit www.TheDali.org

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More exhibit photos on following pages

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The obvious influences Dali and Schiaparelli had upon the other.

Opposite: A stunning white and gold embellished wedding gown with a hood and long train.

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Some of the new designs from the House of Schiaparelli that continue the spirit of Elsa’s bold designs.

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and occasionally melancholic score. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa.

1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa.

813-229-Star. www.strazcenter.org

BROADWAY SHOWS

FTHE BOOK OF MORMON - Dec 5-10. The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.”

Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical.

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

LOVE NEVER DIES - Dec. 12-17. Love Never Dies is a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Be seduced by the beautiful, sometimes magical and poetic, sometimes joyful,

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SCHOOL OF ROCK - Jan 2-7. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitarshredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage.

Vanity Fair raves, “FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING!” Recommended for ages 13+ RIVERDANCE - Jan 19 - 21. The 20th Anniversary World Tour. The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland - in rock, music, theatre and film - nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance.

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

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t AMALIE ARENA 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813.301.6500. www.amaliearena.com DECEMBER 8 - Harlem Globetrotters 10 - FSU vs. Tulane Men’s Basketball 15 - Katy Perry

16 - Jingle Ball 17 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra 22 - Cirque Musica Holiday 30 - WWE Live Holiday Tour 31 - Jim Gaffigan JANUARY 13 - Winter Jam 2018 20 - U.S. 103.5 Presents Throwdown by the Bay 2018 AMERICAN STAGE 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727.823.7529. www.americanstage.org/ thru - DEC 10. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. As World War II is drawing to a close, Beatrice rails against the roles expected of women of her era. Benedick has just arrived home from the war and is not ready to be tied down. Who needs 34

marriage?! The two face off in a hilarious battle of wits in this American Stage take on the Bard’s famous romantic comedy about the war between the sexes. Full of live music and dance and set against the backdrop of the bright sunshine of the Florida Keys, this exuberant, philosophical, and festive play reminds us that no one is immune when it comes to matters of the heart.

DECEMBER 10 - House Teams Live!

16 - 24 - It’s A Wonderful Life 17 - House Teams Live!

JANUARY 7 - House Teams Live!

14 - House Teams Live!

19, 20 - I Get a Kick: A Sinatra Celebration 21 - House Teams Live!

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 800.361.8388 www.asolorep.org Thru- DEC 30 - EVITA. Acclaimed Puerto Rican recording artist and actress Ana Isabelle will take on the iconic role of Eva Perón in the theatre’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s EVITA. Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including best musical and best score, EVITA chronicles the electric rise and fall of Eva Perón, who used her beauty and charisma to climb from her povertystricken roots on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to become the powerful and polarizing First Lady of Argentina at the age of 27.

JANUARY 10 - March 28 - Shakespeare in Love 17 - March 4 - Morning After Grace CAPITOL THEATRE 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater 727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/Venues DECEMBER 8 - wellRED comedy tour 9 - David Crosby & Friends 10 - Gin Blossoms 13 - Clearwater Chorus Holiday Concert. In honor of the season, the Clearwater Chorus has prepared a unique blend of uplifting music that will surely bring joy to all. From solos to a full choir sound, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

15 - The Outlaws

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 17 - Steve Earle & the Dukes JANUARY 2 - Henry Rollins - Travel Slideshow 10 - Brad Garrett 11 - The Zombies 12, 13 - Art Garfunkel: In Close-up 14 - Karla Bonoff/Livingston Taylor 20 - Musical Thrones: A Parody 27 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. www.carrollwoodcenter.org DECEMBER 16 - Christmas with Emile Pandolfi CARROLLWOOD PLAYERS THEATRE 4335 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 813.265.4000. www.carrollwoodplayers.org/ DECEMBER 1 - 23. A Christmas Carol. An adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means.

both naughty and nice (mostly naughty!).

JANUARY 11 - 21 - Breaking the Code

CENTRAL PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 105 Central Park Dr, Largo. 727.587.6793. www.largoarts.com DECEMBER 9 - 10 - The Nutcracker. Join Clara on her journey to save her beloved Nutcracker from the giant mice who battle toy soldiers. Then on to the palace of The Sugarplum Fairy with dancing candies and waltzing flowers.

12 - Petula Clark 13 - 15 - Santa’s Holiday Revue. A rollicking musical that takes a joyous round-the-world tour of dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more.

17 - An Elvis Christmas Special starring DWIGHT ICENHOWER. Dwight Icenhower holds the title of Memphis King of the World Grand Champion 2011, 2012 & 2013, Images of the King Grand Champion 2013 & 2014. He is also the winner of 2010 Las Vegas Hilton’s Grand Championship and 64 first place awards.

19 - A Celtic Christmas. A Celtic Christmas has played to packed concert halls and critical acclaim nationwide. The rafters will ring with fiery traditional music, Irish Christmas songs, riveting traditional dance and, of course, stories of life in the remote parishes of Ireland.

CATHERINE HICKMAN THEATRE 5501 27th Avenue South Gulfport, Florida 33707. www.mygulfport.us

DECEMBER 22 - 31. THE TWELVE PLAYS OF CHRISTMAS. A collection of holiday-themed short plays showcasing the talents of the Bay Area’s finest playwrights and actors. The Twelve Plays of Christmas features a small, intrepid cast and crew portraying over 45 characters. Holiday classics as well as new works, 36

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JANUARY 6 - Lynn Trefzger 7 - Candid Camera’s 8 Decades of Smiles!

11, 12 - The Three Little Pigs 13 - Bria Skonberg 14 - The Fifth Dimension

See venues for dates – Mahaffey Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall & David Straz Performing Arts Center

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 366-9000. www.floridastudiotheatre.org DECEMBER Thru DEC 31 - Once. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go; an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

12 - MARCH 4. Heisenberg.

An electric encounter thrusts two strangers into a fascinating and life-changing game. Heisenberg brings to blazing, theatrical life the uncertain and often comical sparring match that is human connection.

29 - APRIL 1 - Blue Suede Shoes. From the father of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Chuck Berry, to The King himself, Elvis Presley, this revue celebrates the birth of rock and roll with such great hits as “Rock Around the Clock,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

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19 - Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival 20 - Mutts Gone Nuts 20 - Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway

EARLY BIRD DINNER THEATRE 13355 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762. 727.864.7600. www. earlybirddinnertheatre.com Thru DEC 17 - A Nice Family Christmas

ECKERD COLLEGE OPERA 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg Miller Auditorium. 727.864.7600. www.eckerd.edu/metopera The Met in HD Series. Live highdefinition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA 727.662.7286. www.floridaorchestra.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, Florida 33755. 727446-1360. www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org/ Thru DEC 10. THE FANTASTICKS - The longest running show in New York history with over 50 years and still going, The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. It’s a charming tale featuring a famous score that includes such theatre classics as “Try To Remember”, “They Were You” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain”.

JANUARY 18 - 28 - Rumors FREEFALL THEATRE COMPANY 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205 www.freefalltheatre.com DECEMBER 1 - 24 - The Little Prince. The intoxicating childhood classic in a vibrant new production.

JANUARY 26 - FEB 18 - The Glass Menagerie. The seminal masterpiece by one of America’s greatest playwrights GLENRIDGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. 941-552-5325 www.gpactix.com DECEMBER 5 - The Chipper Experience!

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8 - Pine View Jazz Band 15 - Nat Najar’s Jazz Holiday

JOBSITE THEATER Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 N. W.c. Macinnes Place, Tampa . 813-229-7827. www.strazcenter.org JANUARY 17 - FEB 11 - THE TEMPEST. This production reimagines the character of Prospero as a woman. On a distant island, a woman waits.

Robbed of her position, power and wealth, her enemies have left her in isolation. But this is no ordinary woman nor an ordinary island. She is a magician, able to control the very elements and bend nature to her will. When the vessel carrying those who wronged her appears in the distance, she creates a vast magical storm to bring them to her – then they awake finding themselves in a place where nothing is as it seems.

MAHAFFEY THEATER 400 1St St. S, Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg, 727.892.5767. www.themahaffeytheater.com DECEMBER 7 - TFO: Coffee Concert 8 - 98 DEGREES AT CHRISTMAS. Celebrate the holidays with 98°, the vocal quartet comprised of Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. They are renowned for their signature, R&B-tinged, four-part harmonies and will entertain fans as part of a national tour for their new album “LET IT SNOW.” 9 - TFO Gala Concert 16 - TFO: Holiday Pops 17 - MICHAEL CARBONARO LIVE! He’s performed over 500 comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic on his hit truTV series, “The Carbonaro Effect” now in its second season. The St. Pete show will be jam-packed with audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and a whirlwind of mind-blowing magic performed live on stage.

20 - CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE. Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2017 season with its 10th Anniversary National Tour created by Cirque Dreams Founder and Broadway Director Neil Goldberg. This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a cirque spectacle …Broadway musical…and family show all in one!

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t 21 - THE TEN TENORS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Get in the holiday spirit when Australia’s rock stars of the opera, The TEN Tenors, present their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites. With soaring versions of “Joy to the World,” “White Christmas,” “Amazing Grace,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad,” and more, The Ten Tenors Home for the Holidays is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

22 - TFO: HANDEL’S MESSIAH. Michael Francis, conductor. Handel’s Messiah has mesmerized audiences since its debut in 1742 in Dublin.

23 - THE FAMILY BLESSING 26 - 27 - MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER. It’s the quintessential holiday fantasy. The Moscow Ballet’s fanciful, beautiful interpretation of the timeless tale of a little girl and her Christmas Eve dreams, with the iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky.

JANUARY 5 - Sleeping Beauty 6 - 7 - TFO: Jahja Ling Conducts Beethoven 10 - A Night of Janis Joplin 11 - Branford Marsalis 11 - TFO Coffee Concert 13 - TFO: Rogers & Hammerstein 16 - Tango Fire 17 - The Drifters, Coasters & Platters 19 - Icons of Comedy Encore 19 - Steve Martin & Martin Short 20, 21 - TFO: Dvorak;s Cello Concerto NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, Miller Auditorium Performances in HD www.livehdstpete.com/national-theatre-live JANUARY 12 - Obsession THE PALLADIUM 253 5Th Ave N, St. Petersburg. 727.822.3590. www.mypalladium.org www.gmctb.org DECEMBER 5 - Carroll Brown & Friends: 2000 Years Ago. 8 - Forbidden Christmas: A Naughty Cabaret.

Santa will need lots of coal for this naughty bunch of cabaret singers! Join the men of Una Voce: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay for this onenight-only bawdy salute to the Yuletide. Selections

will include familiar standards as well as original parodies.

10 - Heralds of Harmony 11 - Second Winds Wind Ensemble 14 - Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday 2017. The band will swing through both jazz and holiday favorite – choice cuts from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s adaptation of the Nutcracker Suite, and selections from Najar’s new records release Christmas In December.

18 - 19 - St. Petersburg Opera: Seasonal Sparkle – All Four Seasons. Maestro Sforzini indulges us on a new evocative and magical journey through the year.

18, 19 - St. Petersburg Opera: Seasonal Sparkle JANUARY 5 - Alex Harris and Siobhan Monique 13 - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute 18 - Johnny Lang Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727-822-3590 www.mypalladium.org PINELLAS PARK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. www.etix.com/ ticket/v/11231 DECEMBER 10 - A Gift of Music JANUARY 6 - Elvis Birthday Bash 20 - Beginnings - Tribute to Chicago

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t RITZ YBOR 1503 E 7th Ave., Tampa, Fl 33605. 813-248-4050. www.theritzybor.com/

RUTH ECKERD HALL 1111 N. Mcmullen Booth Rd, Clearwater.

727.791.7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com DECEMBER 6 - TFO: Sounds of Celebration 8 - Bowzer’s Holiday Party. This year’s lineup includes: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Bill Haley’s Original Comets, Joey Dee, Sha Na Na Reunion with Henry Gross & Johnny Contardo and of course Bowzer & The Stingrays.

9 - Game Gumps 10 - Celebrating Sinatra: The Way It Was. Classic Stories, Video And Q&A With Sinatra’s Manager And Author Eliot Weisman. Hosted By The Tampa Bay Times Film Critic, Steve Persall.

15 - John Prine 17 - TFO: Holiday Pops 19 - A Carpenter’s Christmas. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her 6-piece backing band are keeping The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive and bringing their unforgettable Christmas songs to the stage.

20 - A Christmas Carol 42

22 - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and of course, Rudolph, as they come to life.

23 - The Nutcracker 31 - A salute to Vienna. The spirited romance of operetta, the glamour of ballroom dance, and the delicate beauty of ballet, featuring dancers from Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine & International Champion Ballroom Dancers.

JANUARY 7 - Elvis Birthday Bash 10 - TFO: Musicians in the Spotlight 11 - The Doo Wop Project 12 - Johnny Mathis 13 - Moody Blues 14 - The 3 Redneck Tenors 18 - Mike Hammer: Encore for Murder 18 - Johnny Lang 18 - Jackson Brown w/Greg Leisz SARASOTA BALLET 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 941-359-0099. www.sarasotaballet.org

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941.359.0099. www.sarasotaopera.org

SHOW PALACE DINNER THEATRE 16128 U.S. Hwy 19, Hudson, FL 34667. 727-8637949. www.showpalace.net/ thru DEC 25 - Music brings the Rudolph family together in A Doo Wop Christmas. An original story set to the tune of doo wop holiday favorites and Christmas classics.

SIDESPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618.

(813) 960-1197 www.sidesplitterscomedy.com/ DECEMBER 7 - Bobby Slayton 9 - “Pretty” Paul Parsons is Bad Santa 14 - 16 - Gilbert Gottfried 16 - Jared Fried 17 - Fifty Shades of Men 21 - JB Ball

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STATE THEATRE 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. www.statetheatreconcerts.com DECEMBER 9 - Squirrel Nut Zippers

STAGEWORKS THEATER 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa, 813.374.2416. www.stageworkstheatre.org DECEMBER 1 - 23 - Avenue Q - The Return JANUARY 12 - 21 - Keely and Du

DECEMBER 5 - Doctor Kaboom 5 - 10 - The Book of Mormon 6 - Santa’s Holiday Revue 7 - TFO: Cheers!

9 - A Drag Queen Christmas 12 - 17 - Love Never Dies 15 - TFO: Holiday Pops 15 - BEN HAGGARD. Merle Haggard lives on in this tribute to his music and songs by his youngest son. Ben follows in his daddy’s footsteps, sometimes wearing Hag’s boots but often striking out a path where he can make a little of his own thunder.

18 - THE GRAHAMS. This roots country power couple pumps out great honkytonkin’, toe-tapping tunes and turns around to deliver a swelling lament about mama that may put a real tear in your beer.

21 - 23 - NEXT GENERATION

BALLET’S NUTCRACKER. New York City Ballet Principals Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will perform the roles of Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier (Fri. and Sat.) and Miami City Ballet former principal Patricia Delgado will perform Sugarplum Fairy (Thurs.), along with the award-winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of nearly 175 dancers, gymnasts and other guest artists in this spectacular holiday extravaganza.

28 - 30 - HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS IN CONCERT. The concert will feature The Florida Orchestra performing every note from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a Continued

ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE Oldest, continuously operating community theatre in Florida since 1925. 4025 31st St. S, St. Petersburg, 33712.

727-866-1973. www.spcitytheatre.org DECEMBER 7 - 17 - A Christmas Carol

STRAZ CENTER 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813.229. STAR www.strazcenter.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOTLIGHTS con’t giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.

JANUARY 2 - School of Rock 12 - TFO: Rogers & Hammerstein 12 - MARCH 11 - Forever Plaid

13 - Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow 15 - The Sibling Rivalry Tour 15 - Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones.

Rock ‘n’ roll band based out of Nashville.

They’re fronted by 20-year-old singer, songwriter and incendiary guitarist Hannah Wicklund. Promoting their single “Bomb Through The Breeze” from the new album which will be drop in January, 2018.

16 - View From Above w/Terry Virts 16 - 25 - Open Rehearsal - The Barber of Seville 17 - FEB 11 - The Tempest 19 - TFO: Dvorak’s Cello Concerto 19 - 21 - Riverdance 20 - Amadeus 24 - Gobsmacked! A new twist on a cappella shows.

DECEMBER 16 - You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.

URBANITE THEATRE 1487 Second Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. www.urbanitetheatre.com Thru DEC 17 - Echoes. On a ship to colonize a newly discovered planet, a soldier and a teenage girl find themselves quarantined in one of the ship’s cabins with only an outdated robot and each other for company. When they’re no longer able to create fantasies to escape their past lives, the two cabin-mates are forced to explore their own traumatic histories in order to connect and survive.

Play by Claire Kiechel. A regional premiere.

VAN WEZEL 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-953-3368 www.vanwezel.org DECEMBER 10 - Choral Artists of Sarasota 11 - 98 Degrees Christmas 15, 16 - Sarasota Ballet 17 - A Charlie Brown Christmas Live 21 - Cirque Dreams Holidaze 22 - A Christmas Carol 29 - Great Russian Nutcracker JANUARY 3 - Salute to Vienna 4 - Ron White

TARPON SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 324 Pine St, Tarpon Springs, FL. www.tarponarts.org/ DECEMBER 8 - 13 - Marriage of Figaro

15 - A Night Before Christmas Concert JANUARY 14 - Eleanor Roosevelt: The Power of Words 18 - The Company Men TRIPLE THREAT THEATRE Ybor Campus Mainstage Theatre. 813-969-0240. www.TBTTT.org 44

5 - Peter Cetera 6 - A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder 8 - A Night with Janis Joplin

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9 - Steve Solomon - Cannoli - Latkes 10 - The Nat King Cole Tribute 11 - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 12 - Tango Fire 15 - Legendary 5th Dimension 16 - Renée Fleming 17 - Chita Rivera & Tommy Tune 18 - The Drifters, Platters & Coasters

VILLAGIO CINEMAS AT CARROLLWOOD 11778 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. www.hellonheelsrhps.com EVERY FRIDAY ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WITH LIVE CAST.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Live cast Hell on Heels. Join in for a night of sinful indulgence in classic RHPS style. Live cast, call backs, liquor, lingerie, plush reclining seats, and plenty of fishnets to go around.Time warp into the early hours of the morning.Make Fridays into a tradition of Transylvanian cultural appreciation, complete with plenty of virgin sacrifices. Doors for the show open around 11:30 PM. Preshow begins at 11:45, and every show ends with a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.

WEST COAST PLAYERS 21905 Us 19 N. Clearwater, 727.437.2363. www.wcplayers.org DECEMBER 8 -17 Weekends - EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD. Christmas classics as A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and many more. Three actors barrel through just about every Christmas story, movie, or Bass-Rankin TV special you can think of. It’s nonstop fun for the whole family.

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COOLSTUFF!

X A R T C I S MU G

All music is available on www.Amazon.com

BRIAN LANDRUS O R C H E S T R A Generations

enerations is the breathtaking debut of the Brian Landrus Orchestra, a 25-piece all-star ensemble stocked with some of the most inventive musicians in modern music. These virtuosos bring to the forefront the extraordinary, sweeping music of composer, baritone sax and low woodwind master Brian Landrus. This orchestra incorporates inspiration from classical music, hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae and world music. These diverse gneres are deconstructed and absorbed, emeerging with a new musical landscape. www.brianlandrus.com

EURYTHMICS Peace

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ne of the most revered and respected pop groups of the 1980s, Eurythmics (Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox), with over 80 million albums sold, have been nominated for the 2018 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and are re-releasing eight of their RCA studio albums on vinyl between April and Oct, 2018.

Referencing the move to vinyl now, Stewart says “They [albums] will sound better. In the archives, we have the original half-inch masters, which have a fantastic sound.

That’s what we’re going from, not the digital remasters where the sound has been compressed.”

TREVOR GORDON HALL Late Night With Headphones Vol 1

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his is the latest album from guitarist and composer Trevor Gordon Hall, hailed by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as “one of the top 30 guitarists in the world under 30.” Late Night With Headphones Vol 1 is a heart-felt collection of songs that sends listeners in a differnt direction. He puts down his acoustic guitar and picks up the electric, weaving multiple layers of sounds and textures spanning various gneres. He’s on a mission to push personal boundaries, explore new sounds, and awaken dormant inspirations while saying true to his own melodic senses.

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CHRISTEN LIEN Elpis

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hristen Lien is an avant-garde artist with classical roots, and a multi-instrumentalist who creates an innovative brand of musical storytelling. She has branched out to bend the classical genre by integrating innovative technology and collaborating with artists and musicians from many mediums. The viola is at the heart of her music making; however, she also incorporates the use of guitar effect processors and looping pedals to create a multi-faceted landscape that bridges electronic, industrial and classical genres. www.christenlien.com

LAUREN KINHAN A Sleepin’ Bee

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hether on her own highly-acclaimed albums, as a 25year member of the vocal group New York Voices, or as co-founder of two diverse groups, Moss and JaLaLa, singer/ songwriter Lauren Kinhan has always forged her own path as a performer, composer and improviser. With her latest, A Sleepin’ Bee, on Dotted i Records, Kinhan presents the first all-standards collection of her career, a loving tribute to legendary vocalist Nancy Wilson, showing Kinhan’s unique perspective and idiosyncratic personality.

www.laurenkinhan.com

DOLLY PARTON I Believe In You

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olly Parton has released her first-ever children’s album, titled I Believe in You, 50 years after the release of her first album. Dolly wrote and sings all 14 of the tracks. The album includes a new recording of her 1971 hit song “Coat of Many Colors,”as well as a bonus track of her reading the book version aloud. All proceeds from the album go to Parton’s charity, the Imagination Library, which mails over one million books around the world monthly to children to help promote literacy. She began her charity 20 years ago, and 100 million books have gotten into the hands of children so far. www.dollyparton.com

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The Florida Orchestra Performs Handel’s Messiah at Churches and Mahaffey

ust days before Christmas, The Florida Orchestra and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay will perform Handel’s Messiah with its famous “Hallelujah” chorus at two large churches and the Mahaffey Theater, offering an astounding 10,000 seats throughout Tampa Bay to experience the oratorio that has awed audiences for 275 years. Tickets are on sale now as part of the orchestra’s 50th anniversary 2017-18 season.

Three consecutive nights of the holiday staple, under the baton of Music Director Michael Francis, begin at the 5,000-seat Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz on Thursday, December 21. A special performance follows on Friday, December 22, at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, with its revitalized acoustics. The final concert is Saturday, December 23, at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, which seats about 3,000. All performances start at 8 p.m. Enhancing the experience at the churches, the orchestra and Master Chorale will be simulcast on their state-of-the-art projection screens.

Tickets are on sale now. Reserved seats at the Mahaffey Theater are $15, $30, $45 and $55. Seats at the two churches are general admission only, for $30.

Michael Francis

The Florida Orchestra: The Florida Orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45. Kids and teens get in free to all Masterworks concerts with Classical Kids tickets, available in advance at the Ticket Center. floridaorchestra.org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286.

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TRAVELOGUE

Arnold Palmer’s­

BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE

Where Golf and Tranquility Meet Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

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f you do not follow sports (which I admittedly do not), I can still conjure up at least one name associated with any sport.

Indy Car Racing: Mario Andretti. Basketball: Michael Jordan.

Baseball: Joe DiMaggio. Golf: Arnold Palmer. Even if you do not follow a sport, legends have a way of reaching beyond their fields into the mainstream. Arnold Palmer is such a legend.

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rnold Palmer is of course known for his incredible golf skills, but also popularizing the sport, and taking it out of the elite group and bringing to everyman. He was really the first golf “superstar,” but also remained humble and kind. His fans were called “Arnie’s Army” and would follow him faithfully. Palmer created a charitable foundation and named it Arnie’s Army. The foundation was formed mainly to help children and created the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies Center, The Howard Philips Center for Children & Families, and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children—all located in Orlando.

During his career, Palmer won 62 PGA Tour titles among many other major titles including the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship, racking up a total of 95 professional wins. Somewhere along the line, he found time to learn to be a pilot and flew for over 50 years.

When you get to be a legend, you get things named after you. Arnold has the Arnold Palmer Cup, which is an annual team competition between American and European college golfers. The Westmoreland County Airport in Latrobe, PA was renamed the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Then there’s the drink which you have probably sampled, called The Arnold Palmer, which consists of iced tea and lemonade. You may have driven on Arnold Palmer Blvd off Kirkman Rd. in Orlando. The list goes on and on.

Arnold Palmer’s personal photos adorn the walls throught the Lodge and guestrooms.

The front entrance to the lobby is warm and inviting.

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King guestroom, bathroom, balcony overlooking the 9th hole.

A lot of golf-themed art can be found throughout the complex 52

The Grill Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch.

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hen Arnold played the course at the Bay Hill Golf Club in Orlando back in the 60s, he felt it was the ideal location for a full golf resort. He made it happen in the 70s and was really the impetus for the popularity of golf resorts popping up all over Florida. For the rest of his life, Palmer spent 6 months at Bay Hill Club & Lodge and 6 months at his LaTrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania. (Never really losing touch with his roots, he was born in LaTrobe.) He sadly passed away last year, and left a void in the hearts of the staff at his resorts, as he was beloved.

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Full Disclosure: We not golfers, but love golf resorts. Why? Because they tend to be beautiful and tranquil. Our recent visit to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge was a complete delight.

When you pull into the property, you arrive at a complex that could be easily located in the NorthWest (sans the palm trees and cold weather). The 70-room lodge is all natural stone and wood, which is carried on throughout the interior. With the addition of comfortable fabrics and leather, it’s homey and unpretentious. Ambient lighting adds to the relaxed feel of the lodge. There are several restaurants on property, all serving tasty food and drinks.

The Bay Window Restaurant serves delicious casual fare, and overlooks the putting green.

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ur lodge room overlooked the 9th hole and the practice green. Since the weather was so lovely at the time, we opened the door to the balcony and enjoyed morning coffee and the slight breeze. The rooms are tastefully furnished in warm earth tones with an eye to comfort, and all lodge rooms have internet access. A daily newspaper is delivered in the morning, and convenient morning coffee stations are located in the hallway lounge areas. Room service is also available. There is a channel on the TV that is devoted to Arnold Palmer’s life story which is quite fascinating. In the guest rooms, and throughout the lodge, you will find various photos of Arnold playing golf, or with some of his famous friends. A lot of interesting artwork also adorns the walls of the lodge—not surprisingly with a heavy emphasis on golf themes.

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s a guest of the lodge, we had access to the same facilities as members during our stay, such as a spa, hair salon and fitness center, pool and tennis courts, and of course, golf—Bay Hill is considered one of the top 10 PGA courses in the country. A tour of the spa showed it to be quite inviting. We chose to try the Couples Massage, which was just divine. The Couples Massage is held in one of the lodge rooms instead of the spa area, which makes for an even more relaxed experience. After a massage, couples have room for an extra hour, in which to further relax and enjoy some sparkling wine and strawberries, which are part of the massage package.

Couples massage includes champagne and strawberries and an extra hour with which to enjoy them.

Barbara Goldberg cut Arnold’s hair for 15 years at the Bay Hill Salon. Here she stands by his favorite chair.

The Terrace Cafe overlooks the Bay Hill pool. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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he Bay Hill property has 280 acres, with 27 holes of golf, fitness center and a marina. Besides the lodge guest rooms, there are guest houses available featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room and full kitchen. The staff we encountered during our stay were all very helpful and accommodating, from the bellman to the front desk to the waiters and the spa.

Whether it’s great golf or tranquility (or both) that you desire, we highly recommend Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is located at 9000 Bay Hill Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32819.

For more information, please call 407-876-2429, or visit www.bayhill.com

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COOLSTUFF!

! f l e h s k o o On The B

STAR WARS Made Easy

A beginner’s Guide to a Galaxy Far Far Away

by Christian Blauvelt

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on’t know your Wookiees from your Wampas? If the Star Wars saga has you stumped, Star Wars Made Easy gives you everything you need to get you around the galaxy. Star Wars is a global phenomenon and the Force has truly reawakened. So where to start if you have never actually gotten around to watching the movies? Or if you find yourself dating an avid Star Wars fan? Or your kids keep asking you tricky questions about the dark side? Star Wars Made Easy is aimed at Star Wars novices who want to get up to speed and make sense of the Star Wars references that permeate modern culture.

This book will answer questions about the movies and the Star Wars universe.

Christian Blauvelt is a Webby-winning media/entertainment journalist, with years of experience at global brands publishing editorial content and cross-platform audience experiences for digital, print, television, and in-person events.

Penguin Random House / www.dk.com

WEALTH UNBROKEN:

Growing Wealth Uninterrupted by Market Crashes, Taxes or Even Death

by Rebecca Walser

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n this book, Rebecca Walser, a tax attorney and financial strategist, demystifies the path the long-term wealth building using her many years of financial experience. 96 out of 100 Americans will fail to achieve real, lasting financial cuccess in retirement because conventional welth-building wisdom has been leading Americans astray for over 40 years. From a variety of sources, Americans have been fed half-truths for decades, ruining their lifetime pocketbooks. Wealth Unbroken subverts this misinformation and tells readers how to avoid common financial pitfalls while properly saving, building and investing for now and the future.

Rebecca Walser, JD, LLM, CFP, is a seasoned wealth management advisor specializing in strategic tax and financial planning for high net worth individuals, families and businesses. She is based in Tampa.

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Atlantic Publishing Group www.atlantic-pub.com

A PIONEER SON AT SEA: Fishing Tales of Old Florida

by Gilbert L. Voss, Edited By Robert S. Voss

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ong before tourism dominated Florida’s coastline, the state was home to dozens of commercial fisheries and ethnically diverse communities of rugged individuals who made their living from the sea. In A Pioneer Son at Sea, Gilbert Voss recounts his early days of fishing on both coasts of the peninsula during the Great Depression and World War II. Here are vanished scenes from old Florida: gill-netting for mackerel off Jupiter, the early days of charterboat fishing for sailfish out of Stuart and Boynton, the snapper fleet at Carrabelle, sponge-diving at Tarpon Springs, the oyster fishery at Crystal River, and mullet fishing from airboats at Flamingo. Voss’s anecdotes feature Crackers, rum runners, murderers, Conchs, wealthy industrialists, charterboatmen, Greek spongers, and Cuban vivero captains.

Gilbert L. Voss (1918–1989) was professor of biological oceanography at the University of Miami. He was the author of several books including Seashore Life of Florida and the Caribbean. Robert S. Voss, the author’s son, is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

University Press of Florida www.upf.com

Getting Off On FRANK SINATRA A Copper Black Mystery

Imbrefex www.meganedwards.com

by Megan Edwards

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spiring journalist Copper Black has just found out that her boyfriend is responsible for his not-quite-ex-wife’s pregnancy. A house-sitting job at a Las Vegas “party house” should provide much-needed distraction. While researching a story about an exclusive private school, Copper accidentally discovers the dead body of the school’s founder. Now involved in a highprofile murder investigation, Copper turns to her brother, a pastor who is overseeing the construction of a center for the homeless. An Indian medicine man claims the site is a sacred burial ground, attracting hordes of protesters. As she tries to solve the murder, help her brother, advance her career, and sort out her love life, Copper stirs up a world of trouble.

Megan Edwards is an award-winning writer based in Las Vegas, where she is Executive Editor of Living-Las-Vegas.com. A former newspaper columnist and magazine contributor, Edwards is the author of the well-received travel memoir Roads from the Ashes. This is her first novel. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ATTR ACTI ONS & M U S E U M S E V E N TS

Tampa Bay Area BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg 727.893.7326. www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.

Tram Tours Saturdays, Guided Tours, Classes.

DECEMBER 2 - Unloved Animal Series: Coyotes 2 - Winter Wildlife 3 - Gardening with Florida’s Native Plants 9 - Paddle Clam Bayou 9 - Pioneer Nights 10 - Alligator Walk 12 - Freshwater Wetlands

BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727.

453.6800. www.brookercreekpreserve.org CHIHULY COLLECTION 720 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 727.822.7872. www.moreanartscenter.org Only permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

(727) 441-1790. www.seewinter.com

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after the injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, features the story of Hope, a young resident dolphin.

CRACKER COUNTRY Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610. (813) 627-4225. www.crackercountry.org/ Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum, was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr. so future generations might better understand and appreciate Florida’s rural heritage.

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE 2955 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.323.2787. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Cafe-Pottery Studio 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk DALÍ MUSEUM One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727.823.3767. www.thedali.org DECEMBER 2 - Every Day’s a Holiday 7 - ArtFlix: White Christmas 9 - Artists and Models Abroad 16 - Moulin Rouge 19 - 2017 Holiday Arts + Crafts Bazaar THRU JAN 24 - DALI & SCHIAPARELLI. Dali & Schiaparelli will feature haute couture gowns and accessories, jewelry, paintings, drawings, objects and photos, as well as new designs by Bertrand Guyon for Maison Schiaparelli. This will be the first exhibition dedicated to the creative relationship and works of Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dali – friends and collaborators that set Paris and the world ablaze with their groundbreaking visions.

Elsa Schiaparelli was regarded as the most prominent figure in fashion between the two World Wars.

Her designs deliberately subverted traditional notions of women’s roles and beauty, embracing and exaggerating the transgressive nature of fashion.

Schiaparelli explored bold Surrealistic themes in her designs, heavily influenced by artists, especially Dali, with whom she often collaborated. The Dali will be celebrating the exhibition with a grand fashion show and gala, bringing Paris chic to downtown St. Petersburg. The event will allow guests a glimpse into the secret world of haute couture. Held on Saturday October 14, the black tie affair will begin with a fashion show featuring contemporary Schiaparelli designs followed by an elegant dinner reception. A more casual yet equally celebratory Sunday brunch will be held the following day. A variety of other events and programs will also accompany the show.

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Attractions & Museums

CONT

DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2240 9th Ave.S, St. Petersburg. www.woodsonmuseum.org The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg Florida community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture and community.

DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 813.760.6600 www.dmglass.com 2nd Saturday Gallery Walk DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER 1143 Michigan Blvd. - Dunedin, 34698. 727.298.

DFAC - www.dfac.org

DUNEDIN WINE AND ART WALK - 2nd Fri of the Month Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, 34698. 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.

10 - Gift and Plant Sale FLORIDA CRAFTART GALLERY 501 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727.821.7391. www.floridacraftart.org Second Saturday Artwalk Mural Walk on Saturdays

FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 8200100. www.flholocaustmuseum.org thru DEC 31 - THE HOLOCAUST AND THE BOOK OF FIRE EXHIBITION. The paintings, drawings, prints, and artists’ books by Murray Zimiles are graphic statements meant to engage and propel the viewer into a whirlwind of fire and devastation. In these powerful works, Zimiles deals with issues like the absence of God during the Holocaust and the absence of civilization. Zimiles is the stepson of Holocaust Survivor and felt obligated as an artist to deal with the subject.

WORKS FROM SAMUEL BAK. Mr. Bak and his mother wre the only members of his family to survive the Holocaust. He created a legacy of testimony through his art.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2734000. www.flaquarium.org Explore and learn about marine life at The Florida Aquarium. For all ages. Exhibits, Journey to Madagascar, Wetlands Trai, Bays and Beaches, Coral.

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo , 727.582.2100. Closed weekends & County Holidays. www.flbg.org The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques.

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2100 www. flbg.org Free. Friendly dogs welcome on leash. Open daily.

Welcome Center is closed weekends & county holidays.

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FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-221-2222. www.fmopa.org thru DEC 30 - BY THE YARD, CIRKUT CAMERA PHOTOGRAPHY. This exhibition will feature panoramic images created by the unique Cirkut camera in the early 20th century. This wide range of resources will feature images from daily American community life, industry, wartime, and fantastic views.

Thru 31 - Under the Cuban Sun JANUARY 14 - iPhoneography 101

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 443-3861. www.glazermuseum.org/

FORT DE SOTO PARK Tierre Verde. 727.552.1862. www.pinellascounty. org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm The park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.. Guided Nature Walks – Sat & Sun. GALLERIE 909 909 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 727.565.3930. www.gallerie909.com Featuring African American Artists Second Saturday Artwalk Drum Circle First Friday each month Avant-garde jazz first Saturday each month Spoken Word last Sunday each month

OCEAN SANDBOX! Move and shape the sand to create the ocean’s topography. Sculpt mountains, islands, underwater channels, and caves to see our augmented reality marine landscape come to life with ocean creatures, treasure chests, and more Mindfulness With Evolve is designed to raise resilient and self-reflective kids. The series includes FREE monthly programs to our community includ-

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.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $10 Adults; $8 seniors 62+; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 66

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ing yoga, meditation, and art located in the courtyard outside of the Glazer Children’s Museum.

SUNSHINE SUNDAY. Sunshine Sunday is a special morning on the last Sunday of every other month.

This program is a limited-engagement event for children with special needs and their caregivers. Children can explore the Museum with lights and sounds turned down and sensory adapted tools, special programs, and community resources at their fingertips.

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 821-8992. www.greatex.org/ Science and humanities exhibits allow visitors to touch, move and actually become part of several pieces. First Sunday of month open special hours for special needs families.

DECEMBER 6 - A Very Berry Market 27 - 29 - School’s Out Camp 31 - Noon New Year’s Eve GULF BEACHES HISTORICAL MUSEUM 115 10th Ave, St Pete Beach 727-552-1610. www.gulfbeachesmuseum.com Only museum dedicated to the preservation of history of the local barrier island. Preserving island history for tomorrow’s generation.

GULFPORT 1ST FRI AND 3RD SAT ART WALKS 727-322-5217. Free. Beach Blvd., Gulfport. www.visitgulfporftlorida.com The Gulfport Art Walk event features new artists every first Friday and third Saturday each month and CONTINUED

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ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest accredited sanctuary devoted to big cats. The nonprofit sanctuary is home to more than 70 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, servals, caracals, and

various other exotic cats.

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 primarily supported by donation.

The facility offers a variety of guided educational tours at 14 set times during the week. Be aware that most tours are not open to children ages 9 and under. All ages tours are held Saturdays at 12 pm. They also offer private tours, field trips, birthday parties, and other events.

BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. For tour times and reservations, call 888-316-5875, or visit www.BigCatRescue.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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includes several different sculpture and paint mediums, jewelry, photography, folk art, upcycled items, handmade/designed clothing and accessories, body products, authors, entertainers and more. Live musicians appear at several venues throughout the waterfront district during Art Walks from 6-10 PM, year round.

21 - Music in the Museum, 11 am 17 - Children’s Day at the Stroll, 10 am - 5 pm featuring Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre, paper crafting, story-time, and more.

HERITAGE VILLAGE 11909 125th St N, Largo. 727.582.2123. www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage

GULFPORT HISTORY MUSEUM 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. 727-327-0505. Free Admission. www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.org The Gulfport Historical Society preserves and celebrates Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public.

DECEMBER 15 - So You Think You Know Gulfport?

HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 254-1891. www.ut.edu/plantmuseum DECEMBER 1-10 - Drop off your Letters to Santa!

9 - Metropolitan Youth Orchestra 17 - Upstairs/Downstairs Live Theater, 2 pm

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Free 21-acre living history museum. New exhibit Boathouse display.

Sundays – Speaking of History.

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9 - 31 - Holidays at the Village JANUARY 6 - Roc Day Tampa Bay

LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. 813) 9358552. www.lowryparkzoo.org DECEMBER Thru DEC 30 - Christmas in the Wild 31 - Noon New Year’s Eve MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.5731. www.selby.org MONDAYS – Yoga in the Garden DECEMBER 6 - Holiday Luncheon 6 - Orchids Up Close & Personal 7 - Wine & Design 13 - Brief History of Botanical Art 21 - Light in Bloom 31 - New Year’s Eve MOREAN ARTS CENTER 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727-8227872. www.moreanartscenter.org/

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941.388.4441. www.mote.org Science, Education, Aquarium DECEMBER 16 - Santa Jaws MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 255 Beach Drive. NE, St. Petersburg, 727.894.4638. www.fine-arts.org Thru FEB 4 - MICKETT/STACKHOUSE: RECIPROCITY. This exhibition focuses on the collaborative practice of Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, who have been working together for over ten years. Producing large-scale sculpture, paintings, and prints, the Mickett/Stackhouse team pushes one another out of their respective comfort zones. Mickett came to the partnership from a background in philosphy, radio, and theater, while Stackhouse followed a traditional visual arts path, with his work having been collected by museums including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the National gallery

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36th ANNUAL VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL Thru Dec 23

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xperience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the Henry B. Plant Museum. The event occurs daily from 10 am - 8 pm. With the wide variety of decorations, there is sure to be something for everyone. There is an interactive sensory tree activity for visitors with sensory disabilities. Look closely in exhibit cases and you will find tiny antique trees as small as 1” in height. See decorations harkening back to the Tampa Bay area’s history of aviation. Gaze at antique ornaments and colorful nutcrackers in an old-fashioned Christmas scene. Other decorations include a replica Plant System train, vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced items, and fanciful ornaments. Complimentary cider and cookies will be served on the veranda each day while holiday music floats through the air. Guests can enjoy live music each evening from 6 pm 8 pm. Shoppers in the Museum Store will find snuggly Teddy Bears available for purchase. For each bear bought in the Store, the Museum will donate another one to the Tampa Police Department Family Violence Unit.

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of Australia.

Through APRIL 1 - STAR WARS and The Power of Costume DECEMBER 6 - Doug Chiang 10 - Chorus Angelorum 10 - Duncan McClellan 12 - Threads: One Artist’s Journey 13 - Coffee Talk w/Nan Colton 21 - Porch Party JANUARY 18 - Spotlight Lecture: Confluence MUSEUMS ON US - The First Full Weekend Of Each Month 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. 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.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617. (813) 9876000. www.mosi.org Gaze skyward - Saunders Planetarium. IMAX Dome Theatre. Over 450 Hands-On Activities. Zip Line.

REPLAY AMUSEMENT MUSEUM 119 Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs www.replaymuseum.org An Interactive museum with 100 pinball games, video games and other amusements from the past.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941.359.5700.

www.ringling.org Mondays FREE admissions all day. Thurs – Art After 5 Thurs - Art After 5 Thurs through Sun - Joseph’s Coat Skyspace Third Thurs - Ringling by the Bay ($10) Fri - ROAR - Ringling Order of Art Readers Fri & Sat - Bayfront Garden Tours Sat - Kid’s Quest, Family Workshop DECEMBER 7 - Holiday Splendor 8 - Trunk Show: Sugar Sand Silver 14 - Deck the Halls @ Ca’ d’Zan 15 - Elf 21 - Deck the Halls @ Ca’ d’Zan 28 - Deck the Halls @ Ca’ d’Zan JANUARY 4 - Deck the Halls @ Ca’ d’Zan

SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM 329 Bayshore Boulevard South, Safety Harbor.

727-724-1562. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/573/Museum-Cultural-Center The Safety Harbor area has long been an ideal place to live. From the earliest peoples (20,000 B.C.E.) who hunted giant mammals on a peninsula twice the size of present day Florida, to our present city of dedicated preservationists, Safety Harbor has an impressive history.

SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores. 727.391.6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com

Located on the Gulf Coast, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds. This is the largest non-profit wild bird hospital sanctuary. More

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than 100 birds live in the sanctuary, representing 20 species.Tours are available. FREE admission. Donations accepted.

SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY, ONE OF THE OLDEST AND LARGEST WILD BIRD SANCTUARIES IN NORTH AMERICA, IS IN DANGER OF REDUCING OPERATIONS DUE TO LACK OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT. The not-for-profit, bird rescue and rehabilitation facility only has a few days’ worth of food on hand at any given time and is no longer able to conduct bird rescues. Monthly operating costs, including the care and feeding of over 110 permanently injured birds on site, still exceed $20,000, despite cutting expenses to a minimum. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, a fully independent, successor organization to the previous sanctuary, relies completely on public support to maintain a small, dedicated staff to provide daily care. Seaside has administered critical care to over 1,300 sick, injured, or orphaned birds representing 128 different species in 2017, to date.

The compromised birds are brought to Seaside by concerned citizens or were rescued by staff and volunteers from locations within 400 square miles of the Central Gulf Coast of Florida. Rehabilitation work is costly and relies on well-trained, dedicated staff, many volunteers and quality facilities. The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s mission must continue in order to meet local and global community needs. This large, well-equipped seabird sanctuary is essential to the Tampa Bay area.

deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing. The Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium is a second stage rehabilitation facility which provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital.

ST. PETERSBURG’S 2nd SATURDAY ARTWALK www.stpeteartsalliance.org

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201 10th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205. (941) 746-4131. www.southfloridamuseum.org/

The Parker Manatee Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both 72

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 parking can be found on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St. to 30th St. and at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg. 727.894.1052

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www.spmoh.org Schrader’s Little Cooperstown is made up of more than 4,800 baseballs, documents, story boards and video screens – connects America’s national pastime with historical events from the region and around the world.

DECEMBER 16 - Beers on the Pier ST. PETERSBURG PRESERVATION WALKING TOURS Central Ave. & 2nd St, St. Petersburg (Oct. - Apr.) 727.824.7802. www.stpetepreservation.org National Register listed downtown. Free for members. Suggested donation non-members.

DECEMBER 2 - Downtown 7 - Downtown Morning 9 - The Waterfront 16 - Crescent Heights Neighborhood 16 - Historic Gulfport 18 - Holiday Lights Bicycle 23 - Westward Ho to Historic Kenwood 30 - Waterfront with a Literary Twist ST. PETERSBURG WALKING MURAL TOURS Departing from Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Murals and history behind them.

727.821.7391 www.floridacraftart.org

into nature. Sunken Gardens offers a botanical experience of tropical splendor, the perfect backdrop for a yoga class. www.facebook.com/Awaken2Yoga DECEMBER 6 - A Very Merry Market 7 - Jingle Mingle 9 - Air Plant Terrarium Workshop 16 - Wild for Wildflowers

TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park.

727.579.8226, www.tbauto.org Unique collection of vintage cars and vehicles.

Cousteau Society Artifacts on exhibit.

THE STUDIO @620 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 27895-6620. www.studio620.org Thru DEC 2 - ROOTWORKER, a solo exhibit by Coralette Damme. Coralette’s interest in her Germanic heritage has led her down paths researching folk lore and folk beliefs, and the resulting spirit of intention that is found where these paths intersect.

The works in this show highlight her linoleum block prints with some additional surprises mixed in.

SUNKEN GARDENS 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (727) 551-3102. www.sunkengardens.org/ Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. thru June 1, 2018 - AWAKEN 2 YOGA. Enhance your yoga practice by getting outside and

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER 801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2280097. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/ DECEMBER 6 - Towers in the Sand - History of Florida Broadcasting Thru - JAN 28, 2018. GATEWAYS TO THE CARIBBEAN: MAPPING THE FLORIDA-CUBA CONNECTION. For some, the connections between Florida

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and Cuba begin with Fidel Castro’s takeover in 1959.

For others, especially in Tampa, they begin 70 years earlier with the arrival of the cigar industry and the founding of Ybor City in 1886. In “Gateways to the Caribbean,” you’ll find an unbroken thread between the Sunshine State and the island nation dating back nearly 500 years.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813.259.1720. www.tampamuseum.org Friday - Art on The House - 4 to 8 pm Saturday - Art Spot for Families FEBRUARY thru 11 - Mernet Larsen thru April 1 - Made In Tampa TAMPA THEATRE 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. (813) 2748981. www.tampatheatre.org/ A restored classic theatre showing modern independent and classic films. Pre-show Wurlitzer organ concerts.

TARPON SPRINGS HERITAGE MUSEUM 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs. www.Tarponarts.Org History and culture of the greek community DECEMBER 21 - Songs of the season

profile within the creative community of Florida’s west coast. Drawn primarily from the collection at USF, the exhibition will feature editions of Rosenquist prints produced at USF’s print atelier Graphicstudio. Additionally, it will include works from private collections, drawings and support materials.

WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

727.453.6500, www.weedonislandpreserve.org Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Learn all about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory; so, we can use them to learn about the past. You will get the chance to sort through, identify, and wash artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites. One Friday a month.  WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS www.weekiwachee.com/ A natural tourist attraction where underwater performances by “mermaids”, women wearing fish tails as well as other fanciful outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River.

A waterpark, Buccaneer Bay, and boat rides are also part of the attraction.

TARPON SPRINGS HISTORIC DEPOT MUSEUM 160 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727.943.4624 Free Admission. www.tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org The Historic Train Depot Museum houses the office and Archives of the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society, which has filled the old station with exhibits telling the story of Tarpon Springs’ past.

USF BOTANICAL GARDENS 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 813-974-2329. www.gardens.usf.edu USF CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. 813. 974.4133. www.ira.usf.edu Thru DEC 9 - JAMES ROSENQUIST: TAMPA. Pop artist James Rosenquist, who passed away earlier this year, lived and worked in the Tampa Bay area for more than four decades.Throughout his life Rosenquist maintained a very active and generous 76

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L A M I N A Y B BA NEWS

BABY ORANGUTAN at Busch Gardens www.buschgardens.com/tampa/

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orn to mother, Luna, and father, Madju, the baby orangutan is currently healthy and being cared for by its mother with the animal care team monitoring closely. Bornean orangutans are critically endangered and live in the trees in the tropical island rain forests from lowland swamps to high in the mountains of Borneo. Bornean orangutan populations have declined by more than 50% over the past 60 years, and the species’ habitat has been reduced by at least 55% due to rapid deforestation and devastation of their habitat. Young orangutans are also by the illegal pet trade and mothers often killed as poachers snatch their young.

BABY GIRAFFE at Busch Gardens

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www.buschgardens.com/tampa/

usch Gardens Tampa Bay recently announced the birth of a reticulated giraffe. The male calf, named Quinn, was born to mother Celina and was 6 foot tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds at birth. The gestation period for a reticulated giraffe is 15 months, and calves nurse for approximately 1 year. The new mother and baby are currently in an area out of guest view so they can be closely monitored by zoo staff to ensure the baby is nursing and growing properly. The duo will join the other animals on the Serengeti Plain in the next several weeks. Reticulated giraffes are found in northeastern Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. In a cooperative effort with other American Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions, Busch closely manages its giraffe population through a program called the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to improve the genetic diversity of managed animal populations.

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ecently the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Care Team introduced Aku, a rescued walrus calf from Alaska, and Ginger, a walrus calf born at the park. The two began inspecting one another curiously.

After their first bottle feeding together, Aku and Ginger were soon following each other around the habitat and playing. The goal is to create a social bond and develop companionship between the two animals. While walruses are not yet listed as a threatened species, they do face growing threats in the wild, including the significant loss of sea ice.

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BABY WALRUSES at SeaWorld www.seaworld.com

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Looking Good

by Melissa Wolcott Martino

SWAROVSKI New Stackable Rings

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his season, Chamilia, a Swarovski company, is introducing new stackable rings. The entire Chamilia line is made from sterling silver or 14 karat gold and features genuine Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Zirconia. “Stackable rings have been a popular offering from Chamilia since their introduction,” said Chamilia Vice President, Global Merchandising and Marketing Catherine Ottaviano. “Each year we introduce new styles that integrate into existing Chamilia collections so that our customer can continue to feed her need to stack and coordinate with what she is already wearing.” Items from Chamilia’s Spring 2018 collection will be available starting January 2018, and will be sold at the brand’s more than 1,000 retail partners worldwide and on the Chamilia website.

For more information please go to www.chamilia.com

ESTEE LAUDER Fragrances Classic and Alluring O

ver the years Estee Lauder Companies has extended its prestigious portfolio through the development of fragrances from world famous designers and celebrities which include; DKNY, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Sean John and Tommy Hilfiger. Mrs. Lauder started her business with four skin care products and a simple premise: that every woman can be beautiful. Armed with that philosophy, plus perseverance, creativity and passion, she changed the face of the cosmetics industry.

Here are a few of the fragrances you should check out.

TORY BURCH - The first fragrance from Tory Burch captures classic elements in unexpected ways. Feminine and tomboy. Easy and polished. Floral peony and tuberose blend with crisp citrus notes of grapefruit and neroli — anchored by earthy vetiver.

MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION - Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum. The essence of sensual-chic in a sumptuous, nuanced fragrance that exudes allure with your every turn. Warm amber, wrapped in sandalwood and layered with white flowers.

DONNA KARAN Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum - Inspired by the feel of cashmere, highlighted by essences of Orchid Flower, Bergamot For more information, and Moroccan Jasmine. visit A fragrance to seduce the www.elcompanies.com senses.

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For more information, visit www.spony.com

SPONY

Convertible Women’s Ballcap

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great accessory for any gal on the go to keep messy hair maintained. With the Convertible Women’s Ballcap, you can wear it closed like a regular ballcap or open up the back to flaunt that updo.

The cap has a back center seam constructed with

separable Velcro closure instead of sewn shut.

Added pockets inside cap keep Velcro on side flaps from coming in contact with hair. It can be worn as a regular closed ballcap and as an open-backed ponytail cap. Just open up back of cap for ventilation, and close up back for protection from rain or extreme weather. The Spony is made in the USA.

BACIANO DESIGN

Unique and Contemporary

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veryone needs the ultimate cozy sweater in their wardrobe.Snuggle up in chic, designer sweaters and ponchos this winter and you won’t believe they are under $100. Inspired by the modern woman, Bacino collections are effortlessly chic and classic. Baciano’s designers focus on creating unique and contemporary outfits which stand out with sophistication and elegance, yet with a young and hip vibe.

At Baciano, they believe that “A classic never goes out of style.” After sketching by hand the designers use CAD technology to bring their unique designs to life. The design team is at the forefront of the fashion world, constantly searching for new colors, fabrics, silhouette, and trends.

Pictured here is the Cindy cardigan.

For more information, please www.visit bacciinc.com

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HOLIDAYS DISNEY STYLE EPCOT

Candlelight Processional at Epcot: One of the most beloved Epcot traditions returns with new celebrity narrators. Disney legend Kurt Russell is among the newcomers, along with Pat Sajak, Matt Bomer and CCH Pounder who will join returning favorites Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Jaci Velasquez and others. The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

The show takes place at the America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., through Dec. 30.

New Holiday Kitchens at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – Experience the flavors of the holidays, as you meander through World Showcase stopping at each of the festival’s many Holiday Kitchens. These kiosks serve up food and drinks that

take the words “warm and cozy” to a whole new level.

There’s even a Holiday Kitchen that’s all about sweet treats like snowflake sugar cookies and warm apple fritters with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Guests can enjoy all-new spectacular holiday projections displayed on the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel! This new holiday experience runs continuously throughout the night and features animated scenes of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories.

Keep an eye out for the billboards that come to life and the falling snow on Sunset Boulevard.

Tasty Treats: Taste the newest Flurry of Fun confections at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From red velvet whoopee pies decorated with icing garland, ornament pearls, and holiday sprinkles to Olaf Cake Pops and apple cranberry cobblers, these holiday sweets will have you smiling from ear-to-ear!

MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Each special ticket, limited-attendance event features an exclu-

For more information, call 407-934-7639. Check online at www.DisneyWorld.com 82

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treats. For more frontier-style holiday happenings head over to Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground where carolers arrive by hay wagon spreading the sounds of the season.

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf: Join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat for two 18-hole adventures available all year-round! The indecisive elves built two courses, one that showcases the warm Florida weather and another that represents the arctic North Pole. What better way to create a new holiday tradition than with family games, Christmas melodies and festive décor?

Holiday Entertainment at Disney Springs: Every corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for the season with festive holiday décor and seasonal entertainment. This year an expanded Christmas Tree Trail features ten new trees inspired by Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo.

Meet Santa Claus: A cozy conversation with Father Christmas, himself, makes the holiday season complete. Santa Claus will park hop to greet guests at Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He’ll even make an appearance during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. sive performance of Holiday Wishes fireworks, and the very first performances of other spectaculars like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Frozen Holiday Wish castle-lighting ceremony and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. The special party, complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries, begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Remaining parties will be held on December 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22. www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty

DISNEY SPRINGS

Through Jan. 8, each of Disney Springs 4 neighborhoods is transformed through festive décor, entertainment and holiday shopping at new retail locations.

Guests can stroll among 15 custom decorated holiday trees, and toys have magically come alive for an interactive holiday dance party nightly on the plaza. There’s pin trading, a nightly tree lighting ceremony and more.

AT EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD

S’mores, Hot Cocoa and Christmas Carols at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Immerse yourself in the yuletide grandeur of the Pacific Northwest at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where a majestic Christmas tree towers over the resort lobby. Cozy up to the fire and relax with a cup of hot cider or cocoa and holiday

Gingerbread Houses: Explore stunning edible creations at select Walt Disney World resort hotels, like the life-size holiday gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A giant edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. New this year, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be home to an 18-foot-tall Cinderella Castle, crafted with thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant and modeling chocolate.

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ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Orlando Area CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS - Thru Jan 7.

ICE! is celebrating the 15th season of bringing frozen fun to Floridians. This year’s ICE! features Christmas Around the World celebrating the world’s diverse holiday traditions, representing United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and more. Artisans from Harbin, China, home of the world’s largest ice and snow sculpture festival, travel more than 6,000 miles to hand-carve more than two million pounds of colorful ice into larger-than-life sculptures.

When guests enter the 9° attraction this year, they will discover holiday scenes from various nations and twostory ice slides surrounded by sculptures and international tidings, all before ending with a trip to the North Pole to experience Santa’s toy workshop. The ICE! experience ends with the Frostbite Factory live ice carving showcase and the traditional Nativity created with crystal clear ice.

Performances featured during the Sounds of the Season Concert Series include: “CHRISTMAS IN EVERY LANGUAGE” featuring

Gaylord Palms STARS - Dec 6 and 12. A multicultural musical celebration of Christmastime, featuring eight of Central Florida’s highly talented vocalists who have performed all over the world.

ORLANDO GAY CHORUS - Dec 13. The Orlando Gay Chorus consists of 100+ gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual and transgender members, all thankful to continue their mission of changing hearts and minds throughout the world..

“AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS” performed

by Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic and the Orlando Ballet - Dec 20. This special performance features a precocious, young crippled boy who is visited by three strangers who happen to be the Three Kings on their way to see the Christ child.

VOCTAVE - Dec 21. A cappella group Voctave features members who have performed all over the world with multiple artists and in countless venues.

CIRQUE DREAMS UNWRAPPED - Never-before-seen acts, artistry and costumes set in a magical and timeless wonderland bring this new high-flying adventure for the entire family onto the atrium stage.

This latest Cirque Dreams Unwrapped spectacle is a thrilling 25-minute, action-packed experience of

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom

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elebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mickey, Santa and plenty of Disney friends at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The special holiday festivities feature live entertainment, dazzling fireworks, a cheery parade and more. The party becomes even merrier with complimentary treats and hot cocoa, plus a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas

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Party features entertainment, including: Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration; A Frozen Holiday Wish; Holiday Wishes Fireworks; Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade; Club Tinsel; “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” ; and Santa Claus is coming to town. Select nights in November and December.

www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty

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RECORD-BREAKING, “KISS-STORIC” EVENT - Dec 7. Gaylord Palms Resort will welcome couples to celebrate love and the classic, seasonal tradition of kissing under mistletoe during its Kiss-Story in the Making special event. The resort will seek the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for Most couples kissing under mistletoe in one location on December 7 at 8:15 p.m.

There are lots more events at the Gaylord for the holidays. www.gaylordhotels.com

amazement, theatricality and imagination that will have guests on the edge of their seats.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP SCAVENGER HUNT - sends guests to find Snowburst, the Gaylord Hotels Polar Bear, along with his bear buddies as they make sure Gaylord Palms is festively decorated with holiday cheer. In addition, guests can choose from all kinds of furry friends to bring home, including the exclusive light-up Snowburst polar bear.

2017 JINGLE BELL RUN - Dec 9 Baldwin Park, 4982 New Broad Street, Orlando, FL. 703-297-0336. www.jbr.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo. asp?ievent=1173434 The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is the longest-standing festive race around, helping champion arthritis research and bringing people from all walks of life together to say Yes to furthering a great cause. A fun-filled day of holiday cheer, where 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to charity. If you’d rather just walk, no problem!

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - Dec 20 - 31 Fighting Gravity - This holiday season, the term CONTINUED

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

THRU DEC 31

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t SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration carols fill the air, a sea of lighted trees sparkles over the lake in a wintery, watery wonderland, and world-famous skaters twirl on ice. With festive food, stunning live shows, and delightful entertainment, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and savor the cinnamon and spice holiday scents of delicious treats as you shop for unique, artisan-crafted gifts.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration brings the season to the sea on select nights and is included with park admission.

www.seaworld.com/orlando/events/christmas-celebration/

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“lift-off” will take on a whole new meaning at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For the first time ever, the internationally acclaimed performance group Fighting Gravity will put on a nightly show during the visitor complex’s annual Holidays in Space celebration. The group will awe crowds with a nightly performance that seems to defy the laws of physics. Fighting Gravity’s black-light illusion dances gained notoriety in 2009, as third-place finalists on the popular NBC TV show, “America’s Got Talent,” and has been featured on stages around the world, with acts such as Will.I.am and Jennifer Lopez.

www.centralfloridazoo.org/

Fulfil your need for speed at ANDRETTI KARTING, a brand new indoor go-kart facility. It features electronic go-karting, zip lines, bowling, racing simulators, a ‘sky bar,’ rock climbing, laser tag and a full-service restaurant. 9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.

407.610.5020. www.andrettikarting.com/orlando/

See over 500 animals representing 205 species.

Take to the sky and enjoy an aerial adventure course, ZOOm Air Adventure Park or bring your flip-flops and swimsuit to cool-off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. See domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo, or see the Southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in the Herpetarium.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, FL 32771.

DINOSAUR WORLD 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565. (813)

CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Select Nights in December

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hristmas Bricktacular event highlights include: A dazzling, 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree outside Market Restaurant, which comes alight several times each evening with a beautiful combination of synchronized lights and favorite holiday music, plus an occasional snow flurry.

Say hello to LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier Send letters to the North Pole and hear stories told by Mrs. Claus.

Capture precious memories at the one-of-a-kind photo ops, including a life-size Santa, sleigh and

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reindeer made out of thousands of LEGO bricks, and from inside a giant snow globe or with the giant LEGO Christmas wreath.

Help create a giant LEGO mosaic and look for Santa’s LEGO elf hiding in the theme park.

Enjoy classic Christmas songs performed by the LEGO Brickettes.

Christmas Bricktacular is included with park admission.

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www.Legoland.com

717-9865. www.dinosaurworld.com/florida/ Dinosaur World features over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures in over 20 acres. Fossil dig, Dino Gem Excavation, Geode Cracker and more.

two all-glass wind tunnels in an open single-story floor plan that allows I-Drive passersby to see fliers in action.

8969 International Dr, Orlando,Florida. (407) 337-4359 www.iflyworld.com/orlando/

Hold on aboard FUN SPOT AMERICA’s new wooden coaster dubbed the Mine Blower. This wild new ride clocks in at 82 feet tall, running nearly 50 mph and including a barrel roll inversion, a rare element for a wooden coaster.

KISSIMMEE AIR MUSEUM - WARBIRD ADVENTURES

GATORLAND 14501 S Orange Blossom Tr, Orlando, FL 32837.

(407) 855-5496. www.gatorland.com/ A 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando showcasing thousands of alligators and crocodiles including four extremely rare leucistic “white” alligators. The freeflight aviary, petting zoo, one of a kind animal shows, natural alligator breeding marsh, and the “thrilling” Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.

Soar at IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING’s facility next to WonderWorks on International Drive, equipped with

233 N Hoagland Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34741. 407870-7366. www.warbirdadventures.com/air_museum The Kissimmee Air Museum is located at the KisCONTINUED

HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL Thru Jan 6

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xperience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with wondrous spirit. Watch the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch as the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular returns. Merry and Mayhem combine as the Minions join Santa Claus in the all-new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

www.universalorlando.com

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simmee Gateway Airport in Kissimmee, FL. It houses vintage aircraft from World War II to the Vietnam War including an outdoor showroom.

LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.

407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org MADAME TUSSAUDS 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866630-8315. www2.madametussauds.com/orlando/en/ Madame Tussauds Orlando’s interactive guest experience in the themed room features Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. The attraction has added a one-of-kind customized camera system that utilizes multiple cameras to stitch together a unique photo of fans interacting with Neymar’s figure. The camera technology captures 40 photos in less than one second to produce a GIF image. Guests receive the GIF via email to share with friends. Pose for the paparazzi’s on the red carpet with today’s biggest celebrities.

MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 246-4278. www.mennellomuseum.com/ Once the private home of Howard Phillips, son of local philanthropist Dr. P. Phillips. Changing exhibitions featuring American art of all genres and time periods, including original as well as traveling shows.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.

407-645-5311. www.morsemuseum.org/

A collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as fine 19th and 20th century American decorative arts.

OLD TOWN 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (407) 396-4888. www.myoldtownusa.com/ Old Town is an amusement park with rides and outdoor shopping mall. Wednesday night is the Little Darlins’ Street Party while a cruise of classic cars are the free entertainment every Saturday night. A rock and roll band (specializing in tunes from the 1950s and the 1960s) plays prior to the classic car cruise.

ORLANDO EYE 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866228-6438. www.officialorlandoeye.com

The Orlando Eye is one of the newest attractions in Orlando and the largest observation Ferris Wheel on the East Coast.

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 2416 Mills Ave N, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 8964231. www.omart.org Thru DEC 31 - ODED HALAHMY: BABYLONIAN ODYSSEY. Oded Halahmy’s lyrical bronze sculptures pay homage to his Iraqi roots and his long career as a successful contemporary sculptor based in New York City. Babylonian Odyssey presents recent sculptures that reference many elements of Middle Eastern landscape and reflect the hieratic qualities of ancient Mesopotamian art.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. (407) 5142000. www.osc.org/ CONTINUED

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ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE 1001 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. 407-8967365. www.orlandorep.com/show/disneys-newsies/ ORLANDO SEALIFE AQUARIUM 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 866622-0607. www.visitsealife.com/orlando/ Sea Life Orlando will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures. From face-to-face encounters with sharks, to a hands-on touchpool experience, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at the newest aquarium in Orlando.

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 2065100. www.piratesdinneradventure.com/

Set aboard an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon measuring 46 feet long, 18 feet wide with 40-foot masts, the ship is anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting.

Surrounding the lagoon is a six-sided showroom of six additional ships where the audience is seated.

Voyagers on each of the six ships have their own pirate mascot whom they cheer on as the adventure unfolds with a cast a dozen actors, singers and stunt performers engaging in action-packed exploits, accompanied by cannon blasts, pyrotechnics and plenty of laughs.

In addition, more than 150 guests have the chance to play an actual role in each show as the evil Captain Sebastian the Black leads his crews of renegades on a swashbuckling adventure before your very eyes.

POLK MUSEUM OF ART 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org SEAWORLD / DISCOVERY COVE 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821. (888) 8005447. www.seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/ MAKO HYPERCOASTER. Mako is Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 73 mph as it races along nearly one mile of steel track.

KRAKEN ROLLER COASTER is SeaWorld Orlando’s first digitally-enhanced, virtual reality (VR) roller coaster experience.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS / ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE / WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER www.universalorlando.com/ SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG honors one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests at Universal’s Islands of Adventure can explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors.

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Casino Gaming Scene Las Vegas TOURNAMENT OF KINGS: ‘TWAS THE KNIGHT - thru DEC 28 www.mgmresorts.com Kings, queens, knights and maidens of all ages are invited to eat, drink and have a holly jolly time, while watching the legend of Prince Christopher’s journey toward knighthood unfold. Guests will be served a three-course holiday feast which, true to the time of Merlin, will be eaten sans utensils. Audiences will witness Merlin summon snowfall on the Kingdoms while listening to holiday-inspired music, poems and songs performed by the cast.

The vignettes created for the holiday show include a specially choreographed ribbon dance along with a skilled rider upon an Andalusian stallion.

THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS HAS ICE RINK - thru JAN 10

www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Boulevard Pool has transformed into a winter

wonderland high above the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors will enjoy roof-top ice skating on more than 4,200 square feet of real ice, roasting s’mores by the fire, light snow showers, adult renditions of seasonal culinary classics and breathtaking views surrounded by vibrant city lights.

HOLIDAY AT THE PARK - thru Jan 7 www.TheParkVegas.com An immersive holiday experience featuring ice skating, shopping and attractions at The Park and Toshiba Plaza. The Park is illuminated with twinkling holiday lights while strolling carolers sing holiday favorites. With an 80-foot Silver Fir tree as its centerpiece, “Holiday at The Park” will offer fun for guests of all ages. The heart of the experience, Toshiba Plaza, will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with festive activities including screenings of beloved holiday movies each week, a place for children to share their wishes with their favorite bearded buddy, and more. Admission is free.

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for his eccentric impressions of some of the biggest celebrities in the world today.

Las Vegas cont AMERICA’S PARTY: LAS VEGAS NEW YEAR www.lasvegasevents.com New Year’s Eve festivities will include both the themed fireworks extravaganza on the Las Vegas Strip and the live concerts and fireworks at the Fremont Street Experience. As a culmination to a full year of planning, Fireworks by Grucci will coordinate a pyrotechnic display from the seven locations along the Las Vegas Strip.

PURPLE REIGN HAS NEW RESIDENCY AT TROPICANA LAS VEGAS www.troplv.com/ Purple Reign, the world’s No. 1 Prince tribute starring Jason Tenner, has its new Las Vegas residency at the Tropicana. The award-winning Prince tribute show is a high-energy musical performance.

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS AND CIRQUE DU SOLEIL LAUNCH ONE-OF-A-KIND PACKAGE www.maverickhelicopter.com/cirque-ka.aspx Maverick Helicopters has partnered with Cirque du Soleil for a one-of-a-kind show and Vegas Nights flight package. The bundle offers two show options, KÀ, or The Beatles LOVE, and a spectacular Las Vegas Strip helicopter flight.

IMPRESSIONIST GORDIE BROWN DEBUTS AT HOOTERS CASINO HOTEL www.hooterscasinohotel.com/ Master impressionist and longtime Las Vegas entertainer Gordie Brown recently made his headlining debut at Hooters Casino Hotel. He is known

ROSINA, AN INTIMATE COCKTAIL RETREAT, TO DEBUT AT THE PALAZZO www.palazzo.com Rosina, an elegant and luxurious cocktail retreat

PARK THEATER • Jan 17 - Feb 25

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worldwide superstar for more than six decades with over 100 million records sold, Cher is set to perform at Park Theater.

From concerts to television, film and beyond, the Oscar, Emmy, GRAMMY and Golden Globe Award-winning Goddess of Pop continues to break the mold of a traditional performer. Be prepared for an incomparable, intimate entertainment experience with the legendary talent.

www.montecarlo.com

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at The Palazzo Las Vegas, will debut this December. Rosina is the first of three new cocktail bars planned for the resort. From hospitality veterans Sam Ross and David Rabin, Rosina celebrates the classic cocktail, boasting a menu of beloved originals, crafted in the highest quality, and served in an environment that embodies defiant glamour.

ability to engage audiences embody the magic of Las Vegas’ classic lounge crooners.

MATT GOSS NOW AT THE MIRAGE www.mirage.com Matt Goss has returned to las vegas with a new multi-year residency at the Mirage Hotel & Casino, bringing his celebrated act – including multi-piece band, sultry backup singers and Dirty Virgins dance troupe – to a new live-music experience. Known for his impassioned performances that combine intoxicating vocal sets, big band instrumentals and old-school glamour, British-born Goss’ style and

DEAL ME IN with Mark Pilarski www.markpilarski.com/

KINSHIP DOESN’T COUNT FOR COMPS Dear Mark: Sometimes I mistakenly use my Dad’s Player’s card in a slot machine. Would I have any trouble getting a big payoff if they see the card isn’t mine? Wayne S.

On just about every Player’s Club card brochure, you will find font size 4 print with these words: NON-TRANSFERABLE! Members may not distribute, lend or in any way allow another person to use their card.

These “revocable” perks-for-play are a privilege granted by the casino in exchange for your father’s past and hopefully future action. When your Dad tries to redeem points for comps, most casinos are going to want to see some photo identification.

However, Wayne, that’s for the freebies. When it comes to the actual payoff of a jackpot, you will still be paid. They won’t though, issue comps to you by honoring his card.

Here’s the kicker: They are going to comp you anyway for a feeding frenzy so that after you chow down, you will hook right back up to another machine allowing them a shot at getting some of their money back.

Here’s the deal, Wayne. Casinos make billions by enticing players like you to hand over your hardearned money. Thus, in the spirit of competition, casinos started offering comps to attract, and keep, loyal slot players. The knowledgeable player uses them to bargain for the best deals, along with lowering the house edge.

Since comps are awarded based on the number of coins you cycle through a machine, you might as well get credit for all that money you insert. Just don’t commit the mistake far too many players make, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

to gamble to excess just to receive them.

So, Wayne, being a slot player with the ability to “comp yourself,” you justifiably deserve your fair share of the billion plus dollars casinos give away in comps each year.

Just not on your Dad’s card. That is not to say that in the real world (casino), countless spouses benefit from using each other’s card and seldom, get caught.

While we’re at it, I also would recommend that you possess Player’s Cards from at least three different Casinos. Casinos all too often change their comp guidelines and host personnel. If you have several casinos that you enjoy, you will never have to worry that any changes to their comp policy will ruin your gambling experience. By spreading your action, you will find that the various casinos offer distinctive bargains at different times of the day, week, month or year.

One final thought since I am probably going to get this question multiple times after this column runs. The machine’s software within does know that you are using a Player’s card. But, using one does NOT, repeat, does NOT, have any effect on your outcome or the house edge. That’s a separate chip.

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Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage www.beaurivage.com

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ells are ringing this holiday season as Beau Rivage Resort & Casino invites visitors to experience their unique brand of holiday magic. Now through Jan. 2, Beau Rivage will be dressed in holiday-style with thousands of twinkling lights, larger-than-life nutcrackers and ornaments, gingerbread houses and enchanting winter displays.

CHRISTMAS ON ICE. From Dec. 15-25, worldclass ice skaters perform alongside talented singers, dancers and Christmas characters. A magical snow globe comes to life with Christmas on Ice’s sets and costumes, Santa sleigh rides for lucky members of the audience and snowfall at every performance. The Buffet will offer children ages 12 and under a free meal with show ticket, and the Arcade will offer double redemption vouchers with each ticket purchased. Christmas on Ice room packages start at $129 and include deluxe accommodations and two tickets to the show.

Enjoy a holiday meal and capture the memories at Beau Rivage with See Santa in The Buffet.

Visitors can savor the delights of the season during Beau Rivage’s Holiday Shopping Spectacular, Dec. 12-16. Indulge in a cup of hot cocoa, sample gourmet treats, browse the window displays and receive a gift with purchase at select stores. Get unique gift ideas and meet more than a dozen artisans and their representatives during their annual holiday trunk shows. Participating vendors include Lagos, David Yurman, John Hardy, Roberto Coin, Erin London, Pewter Graphics, Moments, Mignon Faget, JoAnn Wheeler and many more.

WINNING WONDERLAND $500,000 GIVEAWAY - Thru Dec 28. Guests can earn one drawing entry for every 100 Slot Points or table games equivalent accumulated throughout the promotion for a chance to win a share of $500,000 in prizes, including a Tesla Model S. Drawings begin at 5 p.m. every Thursday & Saturday.

MISTLETOE MONEY. Beau Rivage’s popular Mistletoe Money spreads holiday cheer, year after year.

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M life Rewards members earn $5 per 1,000 slot points earned on their card from Dec. 17-25. Mistletoe Money can be redeemed at Beau Rivage retail shops through Dec. 25.

NEW YEARS EVE. Special dining options will be offered in many of the resort’s restaurants. Bid farewell to 2017 at Coast, EIGHT75 or Breeze Bar. Inside the Beau Rivage Theatre, The Molly Ringwalds will perform and hold a champagne toast with the crowd at midnight. New Year’s Day brunch will be offered in the Beau Rivage Buffet and Stalla Italian Kitchen.

HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT

CHRISTMAS ON ICE - Dec. 15-25 BETTER THAN EZRA - Dec 29 Ring in 2017 with THE MOLLY RINGWALDS - Dec. 31 RIVERDANCE - Jan 12 - 14 ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK The Prodigal Son Tour - Dec 19 - 20 STARSHIP Featuring MICKEY THOMAS - Jan 26

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WWW.BEAURIVAGE.COM/FLIGHT

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by Dr. Lori Verderame

Nutcracker Collectibles

Anton Riffeser established the Anri firm in the 1920s.

Germany’s Erzgebirge percussion nutcrackers from the Ore Mountain region are popular with collectors for their tall hats and brightly colored cosccording to reports, an Italian bronze nutcracker tumes. Carvers from Norway, Denmark and Sweden dating back to the 4th century B.C. is among the produce highly recognizable nutcracker figures of earliest one known and King Henry VIII gave Anne fishermen, street vendors and seafarers.

Boleyn a nutcracker as a gift. Nutcrackers span the German makers Otto Ulbricht and the Steinbach globe among various cultures. firm became known for nutcrackers with fanciful acSparked by famous examples amassed by colleccessories. Holiday forms often include reindeer, tors, an interest in the history of cracking the nut unSanta Claus or characters from, of course, the “Nutcovers three basic methods cracker Suite.” to free a nut from its shell: Ivory was tried but could percussion, lever, or screw. not withstand the force of Materials used to make repeated use. High-style nutcrackers run the gamut, china table settings included including stone, wood, and porcelain nutcrackers. The metal. top of a famous porcelain For instance, nutting screw nutcracker by Meisstones were found in North sen, with a brass wheel for America and parts of northcrushing the nut, matched ern Europe 5,000 to 8,000 the china pattern. years ago. A nut placed in Once nuts were cracked, Steinbach and Ulbricht nutcrackers, the depression of a stone metal picks became neccirca 1960s-1980s was smashed by another essary to dislodge them. stone, called a hammer Other accessories include stone, to reveal a nut inside the shell. nut bowls, serving spoons, nut openers used to pry Nutcrackers may be carved from pine, cedar, open cracked nuts. Fruit knives, essentially smallspruce or other conifer trees. Linden, beech, ash, scale pocket knives, were used to eat fruits and nuts oak or boxwood often are chosen among deciduous at the end of a meal. Ever-popular nut bowls often trees. With a wooden screw-type nutcracker, introcame in pairs – one for nuts and the other to hold duced in the 17th century, a nut sits in an open cavity loose shells. of the cracker and a screw comes down hard enough Sets of a nutcracker and assorted pick have been to crack it. popular. They were the brainchild of a 19th-centuSome early nutcrackers display metal hinges or ry dentist, Henry Quackenbush, whose initial start levers. For instance, a lever-forced nutcracker works in making dental tools made him famous as a nutwith a nut placed in the mouth of a cast metal figure cracking technician. such as a dog, alligator or wolf. A nut positioned in the belly of a carved nutcracker figure helps prevent Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an interdamage to the decorated face, with a lever at the nationally syndicated columnist, author, and awardback or an elongated nose creating a lever for crackwinning TV personality who stars on History chaning. nel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Dating to the 1700s, Italy’s Groden Valley was Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., the famous site for the creation of figural nutcrackDr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worlders made of pine and paint. In northern Italy, carvwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or ers produced lever nutcrackers. Well-known artisan 888-431-1010.

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Bucs Bits W

here in the world did the Buccaneers go?

This was going to be their year. First the playoffs and then the Super Bowl. How has that been working out?

Not so good. The fans and the team are scratching their heads. It would seem that this was the team they needed. All the other teams were quaking in their cleats. Oh well, the best play plans don’t always work out. Did the Bucs believe their own hype? Did the Hard Knocks Curse come back to bite them? Did all the injuries sink the ship? Players stepped up so injury should not have made that much of an impact. They got a new kicker, a Jersey boy, and that usually comes through. Plus they got a little bit of Irish luck and that could not have hurt. What about Jameis? Were his injuries being played down? I know from personal experience as the mother of several athletes how much athletes hate to quit when they’re hurt, they think they are invincible. They fool themselves into thinking that they can just suck it up and all will be well but it usually does not work that way. It will come back to haunt them.

SALUTE TO SERVICE - Things on the field haven’t been so great but the Buccaneers’ commitment to the community has never wavered. They visited McDill Air Force Base to kick off the Salute to Service. For years the Buccaneers have had a very close relationship with the military and with McDill in particular. Members of the team, the cheerleaders and Capt. Fear had a meet and greet with the McDill families. At the game with Seattle the Buccaneers continued the tradition of honoring local heroes with the heroes of the game and Salute to Service suite while honoring the flag runner and guests for the coin toss. Prior to the kick off, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, of the Glazer Family Foundation, presented a check for $25,000 To the USO Central Florida to support its programs and services. The USO Central Florida serves as the teams primary charitable conduit to the local military community, working closely with the Buccaneers on a wide variety of military ap100

Story and photos by Barbara McGovern

preciation incentives.

BUCS FOR A BETTER BAY is the team’s far reaching commitment to making Tampa Bay better today and for generations to come. The key components is the Buccaneers academy programming through which the Buccaneers provide resources and hands curriculum and hands on participation from Buccaneers players and cheerleaders. The team has adopted 14,000 under-served students in 24 elementary schools throughout Hillsboro County. Each of the schools in the Buccaneers academy program — most of which are title I schools — also received a court size shade cover that provides an improved environment for the students to safely participate in physical health and wellness activities.

BUCS CARE FOUNDATION - Tampa Bay buccaneers players, coaches, cheerleaders, alumni, and staff have an active role in community improvement in a variety of youth health and education incentives, family out reach and military innovative partnerships through the Bucs Care Foundation and local nonprofit organizations which provide assistance to thousands of central Florida residence each year. The Glazer Family Foundation initiatives include the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Glazer Family Foundation Vision Mobile Center which continues to enhance the learning opportunities for bay area youth’s.

TURKEY TIME on November 20 was a fun time.

This was the 11th annual Turkey Time that was presented by the Bucs, Publix supermarkets, Coca-Cola beverages Florida and the The United Way. The group distributed full turkey meals to over 1,000 families in need. This tradition started in 2007 and has provided more than 7,500 under-served families in the community. It was very inspiring to see how the entire Bucs organization helped out. There were dozens of family members and staff working tirelessly to make sure that everyone had what they needed. It was so cute to see some of the littlest Buc’s kids helping out. What a positive learning for the kids, and I hope for the people who they were helping. There are several things that the Bucs will be doing to make Christmas a little brighter in

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the Tampa Bay area. I’ll tell you about them next time.

BUCCANEERS ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL HUDDLE - Jameis Winston and Darcie Glazer Kassewitz will be hosting a Buccaneers Academy Educational Huddle at Curtis Hixon Park on December 13 at 10 AM. This is a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bucs for a Better Bay Initiative. Glazer family foundation copresident Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and quarterback Jameis Winston will host a Buccaneers Academy Educational Huddle at Curtis Hixon Park for 100 under-served students. The participating children all attend Buccaneers academy schools in a program that engages students and encourages learning.

In addition into Winston’s huddle with students, Darcy will be in attendance supporting the organizations long-standing commitment to Hillsborough County students and school administrators. As part of the days student focused program, the Glazer Family Foundation Vision Mobile will be on hand providing screenings and presenting selected students in need of additional assistance with brand new, free prescription glasses.

To date, the program has provided vision screenings to more than 66,000 students and distributed more than 9000 free prescription glasses.

PLAYER NEWS - There are interesting news items about some of our players. Gerald McCoy is the Buccaneers nominee for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award that will be revealed at the NFL honors game before the Super Bowl. The award is presented to the player who has demonstrated the quality of on the field sportsmanship. Winners are selected by a vote of all the NFL players. On February 3 the NFL honors show will announce the winner and he will receive the donation of $25,000 to the charity of his choice. I can’t imagine a player who deserve this honor more.

Vincent Jackson has been named the 2017 Buccaneer Man of the Year. Vincent was nominated for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the year for the fourth con-

secutive year. He is among the 32 players who have been named their team’s man of the year. Representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact, these players are now eligible to win the Walter Payton NFL man of the year award presented by Nationwide. The award recognizes a player for his excellent on and off the field. As one of the team’s nominees, Jackson will receive a $50,000 donation to the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation and an additional $50,000 donation in his name in the Character Playbook initiative in the Tampa Bay market. Three of the 32 nominees will be selected as finalists and the winner will be announced in Houston at NFL Honors, a two-hour prime time award special aired nationally on February 4th, the night before the Super Bowl.

A total of $1 million will be donated in the name of the 2017 Walter Payton NFL man of the year, with $500,000 going to a charity of his choice and $500,000 supporting the expansion of Character Playbook across for NFL markets. Two finalists will each receive $125,000 donation to the charity of their choice and $125,000 donation in their names to expand Character Playbook.

THE NFL HALL OF FAME has made their selections and three of our own have been selected for the class of 2018 as semi finalists. Ronde Barber, John Lynch, and Simeon Rice, who all played on the Bucs Super Bowl team are on the list. This may be the first time that three players from the same team who all played at the same time have been nominated. Good luck to all.

The Pro Bowl in Orlando has nominated three Buccaneers players for the 2018 pro ball game, Gerald McCoy for the fifth time, Lavante David and Mike Evans. Wow. A lot of honors for a great bunch of really good guys who do the Tampa Bay area proud.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

GO BUCS!

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COOLSTUFF! I

MAMA MANCINI’S ! n e h c t i Fully Prepared K e h In T All-Natural Italian Products

f you love meatballs and don’t have time to make them yourself (or even if you do), Mama Mancini’s makes delicious products that are home style, old world Italian food created from recipes Dan Mancini’s grandmother, Anna, brought with her to America. Mama Mancini’s Meatballs and Slow Cooked Italian Sauce is prepared the exact way they were made so many years ago. The meatballs are made from 100% beef, whole fresh eggs, Romano cheese, onion, parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper and the exact amount of bread crumbs. They are formed by hand and lightly browned. They are then placed in slow cooked Italian sauce which is pure Italian plum tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, some salt and pepper and a bay leaf and slowly cooked for three hours.

The products are sold fully cooked with sauce and all you need to do is heat them up. MamaMancini’s product line of meatballs, stuffed meatballs, slow cooked sauces, Meatloaf, Stuffed Peppers are available at markets all across the country.

Pictured: Mama Mancini’s Stuffed Meatballs with Five Cheese Centers

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DEEP EDDY VODKA Handcrafted Spirits www.deepeddyvodka.com

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eep Eddy Vodka is handcrafted in their Texas distillery by a team serious about creating a great spirit. The vodkas are column-distilled 10 times using corn, the finest Texas water and natural flavors, producing smooth, clean vodka. Deep Eddy Vodka has zero byproduct or waste. Everything that goes through their column either burns up in the process or ends up in the bottle. All Deep Eddy vodkas are made with premium juices, essential oils, natural sweeteners & local honey. The Deep Eddy lineup: VODKA - Distilled from corn which is naturally gluten free, distilled 10 times and charcoal filtered; RUBY RED - Flavored from a proprietary blend of real ruby red grapefruits from the best growers in America; SWEET TEA - Made from Indonesian whole leaf black tea & lightly sweetened with local organic clover honey; CRANBERRY Made with real cranberries harvested from a family-owned farm in Massachusetts; LEMON - An Austin original, made with all-natural, real lemon juice; PEACH - Handcrafted in our their distillery from real peaches and award winning vodka; ORANGE - Made with the freshest blend of real oranges and mixed with award winning Original Vodka.

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FREEZINda Whey Protein Powder Frozen Dessert www.freezinda.com

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f you drink a lot of protien shakes, you can shake up your routine with FREEZINda - a delicious alternative to your old shake. FREEZINda is a 150 calorie dessert mixture that consists of a liquid & dry mix. It takes just 90 seconds to mix FREEZINda into a whey protein shake (made with 50 grams protein using your own whey protein powder plus 1 cup water or milk). Place it in the freezer, and it will turn into an ice cream like frozen dessert in 14 hrs. Using whey protein is the preferrable choice. Depending on the protein you use, your dessert will either taste like an icy sorbet, or more like ice cream.

FREEZINda packages contain 3 one-half cup servings per container.

NUNI Tortilla Toaster Make Tacos Faster

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ired of flipping tortillas at the stove? This is the perfect gift for the taco lover. You can heat 6 tortillas at a time. No more standing over the pan heating one tortilla at a time, or heaven forbid heat them in the microwave. An automatic shut-off deactivates the unit after each toasting cycle. Once the toasting cycle is complete simply rotate to release the tortillas from the unit.

The toaster has a 6-slot capacity, and is corn, flour, and wheat tortilla friendly. There are 5-shade settings, and the unit is made for 6� tortillas or smaller.

The Nuni Toaster provides the same authentic taste as the Mexican comal, but with the convenience and ease of use of the microwave.

For more information on the Nuni, please visit

www.nunitoaster.com

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The “I Wanna Go There!” Travel Page

Marblehead Ohio M

arblehead Lighthouse is one of Lake Erie’s best known and mostphotographed landmarks. It rests on the Marblehead Peninsula, a rocky headland of Columbus Limestone that juts into Lake Erie. (“Marblehead” means “marble headland,” because limestone is sometimes incorrectly called marble.)

The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer excellent picnicking and views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island.

www.parks.ohiodnr.gov/marbleheadlighthouse 104

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