Creative Loafing Tampa — June 29, 2023

PUBLISHER James Howard

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa

DIGITAL EDITOR Colin Wolf

MANAGING EDITOR Kyla Fields

FOOD and THEATER CRITIC

Jon Palmer Claridge

FILM & TV CRITIC John W. Allman

IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl

CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Jourdan

Ducat, Steve Miller, Tyana Rodgers

PHOTOGRAPHER Dave Decker

SUMMER INTERN Gracey Davis

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Music: Tampa Bay Blues Fest 40

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Music Week ...................................................42 Concert review: Artic Monkeys 42

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EDITORIAL POLICY — Creative Loafing Tampa is a publication covering public issues, the arts and entertainment. In our pages appear views from across the political and social spectrum. They do not necessarily represent the views

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Proud as hell

Florida’s largest Pride parade went down in St. Petersburg last Saturday, but not before scores of beautiful people filled parks lining the downtown waterfront where they were met with supporters, smiles, hugs, and, yes, a handful of fanatical Christians who were rightfully shouted over. There was a lot to celebrate, too, especially since a federal judge, on the Friday before the party, blocked a Florida law that targets drag shows. Dave was in St. Pete to snap stills of the crowd and the early afternoon trans pride march.

—Ray Roa

Photos by Dave Decker

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Boom By the Bay

The City of Tampa’s annual Fourth of July party and midsummer celebration returns to downtown once again, complete with an apple pie eating contest, live entertainment, family-friendly games and of course, a massive fireworks display. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, small coolers, food and soft drinks, but the city wants you to leave the booze—as well as your personal fireworks stash—at home. The 5th annual Boom by the Bay party also features a pickleball tournament, a slew of local food trucks and face painting for the kiddos. Fireworks— paid for by the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s sponsors—are slated to start around 9:15 p.m., but are subject to change according to that night’s weather. See Music Week for previews of the music. For more 4th of July-related events, parties and fireworks shows happening throughout Tampa Bay, head to cltampa.com. Saturday, July 1. 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Free. Julian B. Lane

Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd., Tampa. tampa.gov—Kyla Fields

A Chef’s Dream:

An Evening of Art & Food

It’s time to Dal-eat. In conjunction with the Dalí Museum’s current exhibit “Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings,” Café Gala’s Chef Chuck Bandel hosts an exclusive celebration of art, food, and the creative forces that connect the two. Bandel will offer a tasting menu inspired by Dalì’s watercolor paintings, “guaranteed to delight all of the senses.” The event kicks off with a private viewing of the rarely seen works on paper from The Dalí Museum’s permanent collection, followed by small plates of art-inspired food from the cafe’s executive chef. The museum’s house white and red wine will accompany the spread of bites. Just like Dalì himself said, “beauty should be edible, or not at all.” “Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings”—which features works from 1916 to 1974—is on display in St. Pete until Oct. 22, in addition to the museum’s permanent collection of art. Wednesday, July 5. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Sold out. The Dalí, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali.org—Kyla Fields

Hot Dog Party 17

You wanted the wurst, you got the wurst. There’s only one, original hot dog eating contest in Tampa Bay, and for the last 16 years it’s happened in Ybor City. In 2023, the venue along with promoters have put together yet another supergroup-cover band—Piss, playing songs by Kiss—to headline an eclectic lineup featuring some of the best and wildest indie-pop (Mak), punk (Big Sad, featuring Creative Loafing Tampa Bay photographer Dave Decker), rap (Fre$h P) and pop (official Hot Dog Party anthem songwriter Jeremy Gloff). DJ Wally Rios mans the ones and twos for the best party of the holiday weekend. Monday, July 3, 6 p.m. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. crowbarybor.com

Ray Roa

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Tampa Bay Junior Derby World Cup fundraiser

The Women’s World Cup of soccer starts in late July, but so does another international competition: The Junior Roller Derby World Cup. And unlike the USWMNT of football, the junior roller derby team has a Tampa connection—seven of them, to be exact. Six local skaters and one coach are headed to Valence, France at the end of next month, but they need some money to get there since the estimated cost per person is $3,000. To help the cause, Seminole Heights’ favorite wine and imported beer watering hole is hosting a fundraiser featuring live music, a 50/50 raffle and merch. Sunday, July 2, 6:30 p.m. Bring money to donate. Independent Bar & Cafe, 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @independentseminoleheights on Facebook—Ray Roa

St. Pete Pride: Queer-E-Okee w/ Carson Kressley

The big parade might have been last weekend (see p. 8), but St. Pete Pride month rolls on, baby. Carson Kressley of Ralph Lauren and ‘Queer Eye’ fame returns to join a host of local queer musicians who’ll help lead a night featuring ‘some of the LGBTQIA+ community’s mostbeloved songs while the audience sings along with the help of karaokestyle lyrics projected onto a large screen.

Friday, June 30, 7 p.m. $20-$75. Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, 253 5th St. N, St. Petersburg. stpetepride.org —Josh Bradley

Critical Mass: Tampa Bay

For the last three decades since the first critical mass rides in San Francisco circa 1992, cyclists have gathered in large numbers to travel city streets en masse, bringing awareness to the idea of sharing the road. For Tampa’s summer critical mass ride, organizers invite anything human-powered—bikes, skateboards, skates—for a 10-12 mile night ride at approximately 11 mph. While the cops have rules for riding bikes at night (read: lights), Critical Mass Tampa Bay only has one: no gaps. “If there’s room in front of you for a car to sneak inside the MASS, YOU are a MAJOR safety hazard, and need to.., well, PEDAL FASTER, or consider dropping out of the ride. If you’re behind this guy, pass him!,” the group wrote online. Friday, June 30, 8 p.m. Free. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. Critical Mass: Tampa Bay on Facebook—Ray Roa

POLITICS ISSUES OPINION

Express yourself

LGBTQ+ sanctuary seeks funds to create the ultimate safe space.

By Kyla Fields

For almost a full year, a small, tenacious group of St.Pete-based queer residents have been hosting a multitude of inclusive events and support groups with the simple goal of “experiencing joy, community, and a sense of purpose.”

But like most grassroots, volunteer-run organizations with regularly-expanding programming—its model is ultimately unsustainable without a headquarters or consistent funding. So last month, Queer Expression St. Pete launched a fundraising campaign to help open a local brick and mortar to host its many workshops, laid-back art nights, sensory-friendly experiences, BIPOC-centered markets, genderaffirming clothing swaps and more.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $30,000 to rent a physical space for one year. Including in-person donations and money sent via Venmo, Queer Expression has raised about $5,500 so far—18% of its goal.

“In a time when our state legislators are actively attempting to outlaw Queer & Trans suicide prevention, the need for an inconspicuous sanctuary without signage or a publicized address has become more important than ever,” Queer Expression wrote. “The long term goal would be the development of a horizontally-organized, Queer/Trans-run collaborative neighborhood space and community venue that’s accessible to the working class of St. Pete, open 7 days a week, and is readily available for community use.”

For now, their all-ages events and support spaces are hosted at various venues throughout St. Pete—from public parks and coffee shops to yoga studios and other small businesses like Black Crow Coffee, Body Electric Yoga Company and The Collective St. Pete. Almost anywhere can be temporarily transformed into safe space, although it can be a difficult task to pull off in Florida these days.

Queer Expression has two active chapters—one in St. Pete and another in Oakland, California. The organization was founded by two queer and trans Florida natives who moved west a few years ago and felt the need to provide a playful and safe space that their younger selves needed but didn’t have access to at the time.

“Queer Expression Oakland is the first iteration of our organization that we started while separated from our support systems and

desperately seeking community,” founders told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “Unable to find creative movement environments that didn’t center white, cis, straight people, we sought to create the community we needed.”

Tori and Lauren (who prefer to go by first names to protect their identities) moved back to The Sunshine State after a stint in California, and now spend most of their time organizing and operating various queer and trans-centered events throughout Tampa Bay.

Oakland’s Queer Expression still hosts events and is run by a few of Tori and Lauren’s friends, specifically holding safe spaces for kids ages 11 and under.

Tori describes their organization as a “sigh of relief”—a refreshing, DIY alternative to Tampa Bay’s “status quo-maintaining” nonprofits.

Queer Expression makes it a point to let everyone know that it’s not a 501c3, stating that it “refuses to feed into the nonprofit industrial complex that neutralizes radical practices to make them more palatable for the masses.”

Dylan Rodríguez, professor and the chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies at UC Riverside, explains the danger of these types of organizations in the popular group of essays titled “The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex.”

“I remain constantly disturbed by the manner in which this political apparatus, the NPIC, perversely reproduces a dialectic of death. That is, the NPIC’s commitment to maintaining the essential social and political structures of civil society reproduces and enables the most vicious and insidious forms of state and state-sanctioned oppression and repression,” Rodríguez writes.

The term “safe space” can be tossed around by anyone or any corporation this month, but queer folks of all strides know damn well when they don’t feel secure. It’s not a particular place—but a feeling. It’s when you can stop looking behind your shoulder, worrying about how you’re being perceived by the heteronormative world and can finally seek pleasure in simply existing.

LOCAL NEWS

Queer Expression seamlessly captures that fleeting feeling at each and every one of its events. After a hopefully successful fundraising campaign, it should be able to provide that open-armed warmth to an entire generation of queer kids; a sanctuary in a sea of state-sanctioned hostility.

“These organizations maintain a status quo that is harmful to the communities we actively fight for,” Tori and Lauren told CL.

Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community has been showing out for Queer Expression’s fundraiser all throughout Pride month, hosting a variety of events and fundraisers benefiting its campaign for a brick and mortar. To donate or learn more about its ever-growing programming, head to @ queerexpressionstpete on Instagram.

“We sought to create the community we needed.”

HUG CLUB: Brandalynn Nuñez Cepeda during a Queer Expressions gathering.

Growing up

Cannabis and psychedelics take center stage at ‘Cannadelic Summer.’

By Steve Miller

For generations, early medical marijuana and psychedelic advocates have been fighting a seemingly Sisyphean battle to convince the public, and perhaps more importantly, our government, that plant-based medicines like cannabis and psilocybin have tangible benefits to individuals and, more broadly, society as a whole. Within the past decade, the tireless efforts of those early activists have borne fruit. As public opinion shifts, scientific research progresses, and legal barriers crumble, these once-taboo realms are recognized for their medicinal potential and positive impact on our nation. The growth of cannabis and psychedelics takes center stage in St. Pete next month during Cannadelic Summer on Saturday, July 15 at The Factory (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is a marketing partner for the event).

bags heavy with stems and seeds are long in the rearview mirror, and a new American industry focused on innovation and entrepreneurship is well underway.

COLUMN

Since Colorado led the way in recreational legalization in 2014, 23 other states have followed suit. Recreational and medical cannabis revenue for 2023 is expected to be over $33 billion. As gaudy as those numbers might appear, the overall economic impact is even higher, and the overall effect of the cannabis industry on the U.S. economy is even higher, estimated at over $100 billion.

The legal landscape: A patchwork of possibilities

research and creating a disparity between state and federal laws. If only Congress had listened to President Carter in the ‘70s.

However, despite the challenges of conflicting state and federal laws, the industry continues to thrive, generating billions of dollars in revenue, creating jobs, and contributing to local economies. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs driving this movement forward.

The psychedelic renaissance: shifting paradigms in mental health

In recent years, psychedelics have been making a comeback, not for their stereotypical use as a tool for recreational escapism but as powerful allies in treating mental health issues. Scientific studies exploring the vast therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA have shown promising results in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

Cannabis: From counterculture to mainstream

The cannabis industry has seen exceptional growth, from NORMLs founding in 1970 to today’s ever-expanding legalization. The cannabis industry has transformed from an underground counterculture movement to a legitimate economic force. The days of sketch

While cannabis has gained significant ground in terms of legalization, the legal landscape remains complex and varied. Some states have embraced full legalization, allowing recreational and medical use. In contrast, others have adopted a more conservative approach by testing the waters through legalization for medical use only or decriminalization. Meanwhile, on the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug, drastically hindering

As with cannabis, the legal status of psychedelics varies significantly worldwide. While some countries have embraced the therapeutic nature of these substances and are allowing research and clinical trials (In February 2023, Australia became the first country to make a formal statement that psychedelics have therapeutic benefits), others maintain strict regulations or outright bans. However, there is a growing global recognition that a new approach

to psychedelics is needed, one that prioritizes scientific research, harm reduction, and responsible use for the betterment of people and their ability to combat mental illness.

The psychedelic industry is preparing to ride this new focus on therapeutic benefits to solid economic growth. As evidence for psychedelics’ positive impact on mental health conditions grows, market analysis shows that the industry is expected to hit $12 billion annually by 2029, increasing from $4.87 billion in 2022.

This isn’t about losing your mind at Bonnaroo: the medicine of psychedelics

It’s important to emphasize that using psychedelics in a therapeutic context is not about tripping for the sake of tripping. It’s about harnessing the potential of these substances to heal, transform, and open doors to new perspectives. Many individuals who have undergone positive psychedelic experiences have been struck by the profound impact these substances can have on one’s sense of self, empathy, and interconnectedness with the world.

Anyone who has had a positive experience with psychedelics has undoubtedly thought, “If only world leaders tried mushrooms, there would be less violence.” before returning to the record player and starting The Piper at the Gates of Dawn again.

The potential for increased understanding, empathy, and peace would be tremendous. While continued on page 21

GREEN MACHINE: Once-taboo realms are recognized for their medicinal potential and positive impact.

LUMPPINI/ADOBE

“The legal landscape remains complex and varied.”

this may seem far-fetched, the current resurgence of psychedelics offers a glimmer of hope that we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift— one where these substances are recognized for their therapeutic benefits rather than being dismissed as mere escapist “drugs.”

Cannadelic: embrace the revolution

In rapidly growing industries like cannabis and psychedelics, conventions are the epicenter of innovation, education, and community-building. This summer, from July 15th, 2023, The Factory and Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg will host the much-anticipated Cannadelic Summer: A Celebration of Cannabis and Psychedelics convention.

networking events at breweries and similar venues throughout the state.

COLUMN

The convention is the brainchild of the Florida Cannabis Coalition and is produced by the husband and wife team Pete and Colleen Sessa. The Florida Cannabis Coalition started in Tampa in 2014 with an event at the Cuban Club. Since then, they have not slowed down in the mission “to help to educate and connect marijuana patients, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs on the community level.” They were integral in getting medical marijuana passed in Florida, helping to establish the industry in Florida, and have hosted large-scale cannabis conventions and hundreds of local

In February 2022, they launched the first Canndelic event at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The event was the firstever Cannabis & Psychedelic convention. The event was wildly successful. Over 8,000 people from all over the world attended. Emboldened by the success of this first event, they quickly hosted a second event in July 2022. Cannadelic Edu was held at Florida International University and brought in some of the leading cannabis and psychedelic researchers in the world. Their most recent event in February 2023 drew more than 13,000 attendees from 40 states and 28 countries and featured keynote speakers like Paul Stamets, Rick Doblin, Jason Silva, and Nancy Whiteman. They closed the convention out with an afterparty performance by Afroman.

Cannadelic Summer lands in St. Petersburg

For the first time, Pete and Colleen Sessa bring their Cannadelic Convention to St. Petersburg, and the event promises to build on what is rapidly becoming an industry-leading gathering of some of the most respected thinkers, entrepreneurs, and trendsetters in the cannabis and psychedelic industries.

The event is on July 15 from 10 a.m.-midnight and is packed with plenty to see, do, and

learn. Cannadelic continues its tradition of providing world-class speakers. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking talks and panel discussions led by industry pioneers, scientific experts, and visionary advocates. Gain insights into the latest research, emerging trends, and the future of cannabis and psychedelics. Scheduled speakers include visionary artist Chris Dyer, Founder & CEO of Magical Brands Garyn Angel, Ian Beckles, Dr. Gina Love, and Richard DeLisi.

The event will also feature activations and workshops, including guided meditations, sound healing, and more. There is also a full schedule of panel discussions on a wide range of topics, including:

• Cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic legalities in Florida

• Cannabis & psychedelics as treatments for addiction

• Mindfulness & psychedelic integration

• Psychedelic Art

• Cannabis, psychedelics & sports

• Sex, cannabis & psychedelics

In addition to all the educational opportunities, attendees will be able to explore a vibrant marketplace featuring 60-plus vendors from all corners of the industry. This is your chance to shop for the latest in cannabis and psychedelic products and technologies.

What would a cannabis and psychedelic convention be without some truly mind-bending

artwork? It wouldn’t be a Canndelic event, that’s for sure. The Fairgrounds St. Pete will feature a fully immersive art experience allowing visitors to enter a world of visual enchantment. Prepare to be captivated by the synergy of art and consciousness inspired by the psychedelic experience.

Riding the waves of change

The cannabis and psychedelic industries are riding the waves of change driven by innovation, scientific research, and shifting societal attitudes. Cannadelic Summer 2023 encapsulates the spirit of these evolving landscapes, providing a platform for education, connection, and celebration. Asked about Cannadelic Summer, Event Producer Pete Sessa said, “The event aims to cast away stereotypes and spread education about how when used mindfully, cannabis and psychedelics are powerful tools for healing ourselves and society.”

Canndelic Summer is sure to be an experience that embraces the medicinal reality, artistic expression, and collective vision of a world where cannabis and psychedelics are valued for their transformative power.

Secure your spot at Cannadelic Summer and join the community of cannabis and psychedelic enthusiasts, professionals, and advocates. Tickets are available at tampabaycannafest. com and come in various packages to suit your interests and budget.

CHANGING VIEWS: This isn’t about losing your mind at Bonnaroo.

ZIM/ADOBE

“If only world leaders tried mushrooms, there would be less violence.”

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Rum runner

33 of the best bars and restaurants on the SunRunner route.

By Jourdan Ducat

The City of St. Petersburg recently held a public meeting where it sought input on how to grow ridership on its increasingly busy SunRunner bus line. Grab a drink and a napkin, literally, because here’s ours.

It’s obvious the Tampa Bay area (and Florida in general) is lacking in public transportation, which is why it’s important to advocate for improvement and support the options that are currently available. A fairly recent addition in Pinellas County is the SunRunner, a bus rapid transit (BRT) system that connects downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach, making it easy for residents and tourists alike to gain access to countless local businesses.

In its first four months after launching late last year, the service welcomed more than 250,000 riders. The daily offering—with service every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after 8 p.m.—is free to use until November of this year, after which it will cost $2.25 per ride, which is still much cheaper than paying for an Uber or beach parking.

The 10-mile route offers plenty of bars, breweries and restaurants within walking distance of many of the SunRunner stops. There are also numerous cultural attractions along the way, including the Imagine Museum, Morean Arts Center, Dali Museum and Chihuly Collection, to name a few. The recently announced plans to open a new stop in 2024 outside the Sundial parking garage will give riders access to the numerous shops and restaurants on Beach Drive as well as the St. Pete Pier.

It’s nearly impossible to outline all of the places and activities the SunRunner route gives users access to, but this list can be used as a starting point for a fun day of indulging your taste buds and catching a light buzz, safe and sober transportation included. Not every stop is included in this dining guide, so let us know which ones we should add. Turn to p. 31 to see a listing of every bar and restaurant mentioned in this guide.

5th Street Station

Places to grab a drink here include St. Pete Brewing Company, the long-running watering hole Emerald Bar (smoking indoors is allowed), and stock market-themed bourbon purveyor Whiskey

Exchange. If you’re a wine drinker, Book + Bottle provides a cozy refuge where you can relax with a good read and one of several decadent small plates.

8th Street Station

This stop is a good one if you’re looking to catch some live music, as Floridian Social (previously the State Theatre), has performances Thursday through Sunday nights as well as an impressive bar program. Another nearby spot is The Bends, a decidedly hip cocktail bar that often has live music on the weekends. If you’re hungry, check out Engine No. 9, a popular haunt among locals where you can get some seriously elevated and delicious burgers.

13th Street Station

Places to grab a drink at this Edge district stop include Green Bench Brewing and the soonto-be-moving Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, which opens every day at 8 a.m. if you need your caffeine fix. Those with a need for a bite to eat should check out locally-loved Bodega for a Cuban sandwich or Red Mesa Mercado for Mexican, including breakfast served from 9 a.m.11 a.m daily. If you’re attending a Rays game, 13th Street is your stop to walk to Tropicana Field. Drop into Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill on your way for the ultimate pregaming experience. Ferg’s has been around since 1992 and has grown from what was once a small gas station to a lively venue that spans nearly two city blocks, complete with over 70 TVs.

22nd

Street Station

This bustling stop provides a plethora of options for beer enthusiasts, such as Cage Brewing, Pinellas

Ale Works, 3 Daughters Brewing, Grand Central Brewhouse and If I Brewed the World. If you’re looking for some activities to break up the day, stop by Par Bar for mini golf, Right Around the Corner for classic arcade games or Dog Bar if you’d like to make some new four-legged friends. Two popular vegan options within walking distance are Love Food Central Cafe and Good Intentions.

32nd

Street Station

This area has seen a lot of growth in recent years thanks to entrepreneurs who took a chance on a previously sleepy part of Central Avenue. A notable example is Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe, which opened in 2017 and was recently recognized as one of the best beer shops in the U.S. by Wine Enthusiast. Food options here include popular curry dishes at The Public Social House, tacos and Mexican specialties at Casita Taqueria, and both Chicago & NY style pies at Cappy’s Pizza. continued on page 31

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Sunset Drive S & Gulfport Boulevard S

For now, the next four stops mostly serve the local working and residential communities and don’t offer much in the way of entertainment. As St. Pete continues to grow and expand, these areas will likely become home to new concepts that will draw locals and tourists alike.

This stop provides two worthy food options that are within a short walking distance from the SunRunner station. Pasadena Bar & Grill offers up some seriously delicious pub grub like hearty burgers and fried bologna sandwiches, as well as strong and cheap liquor pours and a decent selection of domestic beers. Something to note is that this locally-loved spot is cash only and stops serving food at 2 p.m. daily on weekdays. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish is a nationally-recognized seafood restaurant that serves locally caught mullet, grouper and mahi that are smoked on site to perfection. Don’t overlook the smoked fish spread, German potato salad and Manhattan-style clam chowder, which all pair perfectly with a frosty mug of Miller High Life. This is another place that is cash only and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The best bars and restaurants on the SunRunner route

3 Daughters Brewing 222 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 3dbrewing.com

Beach Lounge 541 Corey Ave., St Pete Beach. 727-367-2331

The Bends 919 1st Ave, N, St. Petersburg. @the_bends on Instagram Bodega 1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. eatatbodega.com

Book + Bottle 17 6th St. N, St. Petersburg. bookandbottlestpete.com

Caddy’s St. Pete Beach 5501 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. caddys.com

Cage Brewing 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com

Cappy’s Pizza 2900 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg. cappyspizzaonline.com

Casita Taqueria 2663 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. casitatacos.com

Emerald Bar 550 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-898-6054

Engine No. 9 56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St. N, St. Petersburg. no9burgers.com

Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. fergssportsbar.com

Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thefloridiansocial.com

Good Intentions 1900 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. goodintentionsfl.com

Grand Central Brewhouse 2340

Central Ave., St. Petersburg. grandcentralbrew.com

Green Bench Brewing 1133 Baum Ave. N, St. Petersburg. greenbenchbrewing.com

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe 2927 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. hbsforlife.com

If I Brewed the World 2200 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. ifibrewedtheworld.com

Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails 1111 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. intermezzo.co

Boca Ciega Drive

Hop off just after you cross the scenic bridge over Deadman’s Key and walk a couple of blocks to Corey Avenue. A recommended place to start is Swigwam Beach Bar, a laid back, Irish-themed pub with a delicious yet deceptively strong frozen Bushwacker. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, check out the street market with vendors hawking products including honey, soaps, plants and specialty crepes.

DINING GUIDE

On the other side of Corey Avenue and Gulf Boulevard is the Beach Lounge, a no-frills dive bar where you can find cheap domestics and wells, a host of chatty regulars and a seriously addictive quarter pusher machine. If you’re looking for something to eat, head another couple minutes towards the water to Willy’s Burgers and Booze. It stays busy most of the day here, so fingers crossed you’re able to score a seat among the local regulars. The pub grub menu offers many other things besides burgers, including chicken and seafood dishes.

55th Avenue/Tradewinds

If you’re in the mood to belly-up to a beachside tiki bar for a frozen daiquiri, or if you need a room for the night, this is a good place to stop. The area is laden with lodging options, many

of which have beach-themed bars that are open to the public. Restaurants within a short walking distance include RumFish Grill, Caddy’s St. Pete Beach and Skidders Restaurant.

Beach Access

You guessed it, this is the end of the line and just a short walk to the water. If you forgot your sunscreen or want a chicken tender sub, cross Gulf Boulevard to hit up Publix at Dolphin Village.

Below are some helpful hints from the SunRunner website to help you plan your trip

• Download the Transit App or visit the PSTA Trip Planner; enter your starting location and destination to plan your trip.

• Wait at your selected SunRunner stop.

• The totem sign at each SunRunner station will display real-time information about when the next bus will arrive. FYI, SunRunner buses will arrive every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Saturday.

• All SunRunner buses offer free Wi-Fi, digital displays, and charging stations at every seat. SunRunner buses also have level boarding, and three bike racks plus standing room for cyclists on board!

Love Food Central Cafe 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. lovefoodcentral.com

Par Bar 2253 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. parbarstp.com

Pasadena Bar & Grill 796 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg. @pasadenabarandgrill on Facebook

Pinellas Ale Works 1962 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. pawbeer.com

The Public Social House 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thestudiopublichouse.com

Red Mesa Mercado 1100 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg. redmesamercado.com

Right Around the Corner 2244 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. @stpetearcadebrewery on Facebook

RumFish Grill 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. rumfishgrill.com

Skidders Restaurant 5799 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. skiddersrestaurant.com

St. Pete Brewing Company 544 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg. stpetebrewingcompany.com

Swigwam Beach Bar 336 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. swigwam.webs.com

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish

1350 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg., tedpetersfish.com

Whiskey Exchange 540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. whiskeyexchangedtsp.com

Willy’s Burgers and Booze 645 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. willysburgersandbooze.com

KEY TO THE CITY: Red Mesa Mercado’s cocktails are just a short walk from the SunRunner.

REDMESAMERCADO1/FACEBOOK

Buss up shut

Ybor City’s new Trinidadian spot, Sunda opens in Midtown Tampa, and more foodie news.

By Kyla Fields

Tourists and locals alike flock to Ybor City for its history and Caribbean flare, and a new restaurant opening this summer will definitely continue the district’s reputation. Trinidadian restaurant Pepper’s Island is swiftly finishing its buildout and will soon dish out roti and hearty curries from the heart of Ybor City.

Located at 1701 E 4th Ave. in the historic building that most recently housed Cephas’ Hot Shop—which dished out harsh health advice and bitter aloe shakes for almost 40 years—Pepper’s Island is slated to soft open next month.

Owner and operator Rodney Dhanraj—a Trinidadian-American of Indian descent—is taking the leap from corporate executive to full-time restaurateur and chef when his debut eatery opens this summer. He tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that it’s been a lifelong dream to open a restaurant of his own, after spending countless childhood summers helping his grandparents with their roti shop back in Trinidad.

“My grandparent’s roti shop is over 60 years old and is still going strong back on the island, with my aunt running it now,” Dhanraj says.

While Dhanraj will tap into family recipes and familiar Caribbean and Indian flavors at his restaurant, there will only be a handful of regular items on Pepper Island’s menu.

He’ll offer chicken and beef two ways— stewed and curried—alongside doubles, a popular Trini street food of fried flatbread stuffed with spicy chickpea curry, as well as aloo pie, a savory pastry filled with potatoes and other spices. Paratha roti—colloquially known as “buss up shut” (because the bread is torn like an old shirt)—will also be offered, in addition to sides like rice and pholourie, a pea flour-based fritter. Eventually, Dhanraj plans to extend his menu to offer more varieties of curry, utilizing various types of proteins like goat, shrimp and duck. On the weekends, he plans to fire up the outside grill and offer specials like jerk chicken late into the night.

“I’m using recipes that my grandmother and mother have used for decades. I grew up in a household where we cooked pretty much every day,” Dhanraj tells CL. “The rare times we went out, we always ate at mom and pop restaurants—we knew that’s where the flavor and love was.”

He took over the Ybor City building back in May, and has been tirelessly renovating it with his friends and family since. The historic building no longer has dozens of plants outside and an overgrown, jungle-like patio, but it’s now adorned

with the bright colors of the Trinidadian flag. In addition to indoor seating, Pepper’s Island will also have additional tables on the sidewalk and on its back patio. Inside, the restaurant features about a dozen seats , a resident DJ booth, a counter where customers will pick up their orders, and a large, island-themed mural painted by Dhanraj’s 13 year-old daughter.

The words “spice up your life” greet you as soon as you walk through the door—and Dhanraj warns his future customers that his food is indeed spicy. He actually named the restaurant after his girlfriend Naoumi Sliman, who boasts the nickname “Pepper.”

dished out hearty Jamaican dishes in Ybor City for nearly four decades—a laid back, welcoming ambiance that Dhanraj will continue when his Trinidadian restaurant opens this summer.

“I tried to keep the vibe really casual, real island-like. When people taste the food in this type of atmosphere, I think it will really come together and make sense,” Dhanraj explains.

After Pepper’s Island opens its doors this summer, it will be neighbors with other Latin and Caribbean-inspired concepts like Nana’s Restaurant & Juice Bar and El Puerto.

Although Pepper’s Island’s operating hours are still tentative and subject to change, Dhanraj

year of anticipation, Tampa’s Sunda New Asian will celebrate its grand opened on Monday. Reservations can be made on opentable.com.

The new Chicago-based Southeast Asian concept is located at 3648 Midtown Dr., adjacent to other hotspots like Ponte, BellaBrava and True Food Kitchen.

Sunda founder and two-time Emmy-winning actor Billy Dec told CL that Tampa’s upcoming location will offer a menu almost identical to that of its Chicago and Nashville restaurants, but with a few Gulf Coast twists.

Pulling flavors and techniques from all across the Asian continent, Sunda features a true blend of cuisines, featuring Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai-inspired dishes like tuna truffle pizza, baked snow crab handrolls, Tom Yum-style grouper, bulgogi roti tacos, lemongrass beef lollipops and oxtail potstickers.

Traditional Pinoy dishes like chicken inasal or BBQ skewers, adobo fried rice and crispy pork pata pay homage to Dec’s Filipino heritage, too. A kamayan feast for four—loaded with lumpia, crispy pork and garlic shrimp—can also be ordered for $180. The Filipino-American actor describes his restaurant as “very personal and emotional”—an attempt to showcase the beauty of his motherland and its unique fare.

If this wide spread of Asian-inspired dishes wasn’t enough—Sunda also boasts a sizable sushi menu complete with specialty rolls, sashimi and nigiri. An extensive signature cocktail list will also be offered alongside expected soft drinks, beer, wine and sake.

According to its website, the restaurant is named after the geographical term Sunda Shelf, “a landmass submerged under shallow seas that was once surrounded by the many different countries and cultures we celebrate at Sunda like Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China and more.” Dec says the “New Asian” part of the restaurant’s brand is all about “elevating the level of pride in our culinary technique and culture.”

Cephas left the colorful building on E 4th Avenue in the fall of 2019, downsizing his business from a full-service restaurant to a small juice stand a few blocks over on Seventh Avenue.

In late 2020, Tequila’s Ybor—which housed Cephas’ juice bar—was purchased by a new owner and both the Mexican restaurant and smoothie stand closed. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay spoke with Cephas in 2021, who was then focused on creating an urban farm and eventually wanted to reopen an herbal shop and smoothie bar elsewhere in Ybor City. Cephas

plans to open at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 10 p.m. throughout the week and as late as 2 a.m. during the weekend. For the latest information on Pepper’s Island and its upcoming soft opening, head to @peppers_islandrestaurant on Instagram, where you can catch sneak peeks of its menu, too.

Florida’s first Sunda New Asian restaurant opens at Midtown Tampa

A new restaurant heading to Midtown Tampa will soon give the Bay area’s many Asian fusion concepts a run for their money. After a full

While our local Sunda will share a menu with its other two locations, Dec tells CL that Tampa’s restaurant—designed by Studio K’s Karen Harold—will boast more of a tropical atmosphere and “vintage Polynesian vibe” due to its proximity to the Gulf.

His decision to open a restaurant in Tampa versus other cities in Florida was above all else, a personal one.

“While one side of my family is from Asia and still mainly lives there, the other side is actually from Tampa. We used to escape the

continued on page 36

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: The old Cepha’s spot will still push out Caribbean flavor.

KYLA FIELDS

continued from page 33

harsh Chicago winter by visiting Florida and I have some really fond memories of the area,” Dec tells CL. “When I visited Tampa a few years ago, I noticed all of these wonderful neighborhoods like Water Street and Hyde Park that I didn’t notice growing up.”

He says Tampa was the ideal location for the next Sunda restaurant due to its balance of tourism, booming residential population and expanding commercial development.

Tampa Edition’s Michelin-starred restaurant

Lilac offers discounted VIP dinners for local restaurant workers

OPENINGS

Local hospitality workers can now enjoy a VIP dining experience at one of Tampa’s Michelinstarred restaurants. Located at 500 Channelside Dr. inside of the Tampa Edition hotel, Lilac now offers Tampa Bay’s restaurant workers a VIP discounted dinner for two as a part of Executive Chef John Fraser’s nationwide initiative called “The Industry Table.”

between 28%-35% of the total price, according to Toast. Alcohol, however, is not comped. That means industry folks lucky enough to dine at this exclusive VIP table may walk away with a whopping 65% savings on Lilac’s prized swordfish with eggplant caviar, roasted Cornish hen with chicken tallow rice pilaf, or aged lamb chops with coriander-black truffle crumble.

“The true intention behind this offering is to help reignite the spirit that brought us into hospitality in the first place while also rebuilding a sense of community and camaraderie... The Industry Table is our team’s effort to help level the playing field so that all can access our restaurants and be inspired.”

The opening of Tampa’s Sunda was announced last year and it was originally slated to open sometime in 2022. After next week’s debut, Tampa’s Sunda will be open from 5 p.m.10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For the latest information on Sunda’s grand opening, head to its Instagram at @sundanewasian.

One table per night of service will be reserved as “The Industry Table,” seating two lucky folks that have filled out the questionnaire on Fraser’s website. The questionnaire requires basic information like your email, phone number, what restaurant you work at and what position you fill there.

Industry Table diners will only have to pay the cost of the food they ate—which hovers

Earlier this year, Chef John Fraser launched his “The Industry Table” program at his New York City restaurants IRIS, La Marchande, North Fork Table & Inn, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens , as well as Ardor in West Hollywood.

“If nothing else, the pandemic reminded us of how much we missed our industry family and community.” Fraser writes on his website. “With nothing more than the simple desire to reconnect and share the fruits of our labor with like-minded, passionate folks, The Industry Table was born.”

In an attempt to keep The Industry Table as accessible as possible, JF Restaurants asks participants to limit their VIP dinners at Lilac to twice a year.

Just a few months ago, the signature hotel restaurant took home one of Tampa’s very first Michelin stars, being praised for its acclaimed Mediterranean-Floridian fare and exceptional table-side service.

Check out Lilac’s full dinner, wine and cocktail menu via lilacrestauranttampa.com. For more information on Lilac’s Industry Table and its regulations, head to jfrestaurants.com.

PINOY PIZZA: Tuna truffle pizza complete with roti, black truffle, foie gras aioli, red onion and truffle vinaigrette.

DINE IN • PICK UP • CURBSIDE

HAPPY HOUR IN THE BAR AREA TUESDAY-SUNDAY 5-7

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY HALF OFF SELECT BOTTLES

• DAILY HANDMADE PASTA AND BREAD

• FRESH LOCALLY-SOURCED PRODUCE AND SEAFOOD

• VEGAN CHICKEN PARM AND VEGAN PIZZAS

WE ARE CLOSED ON MONDAYS.

Now at The Dalí

Over 100 rarely displayed drawings from the hand of Salvador Dalí offer a glimpse into the artist’s most intimate and spontaneous creative process.

LOCAL NEWS

MOVIES

THEATER ART CULTURE

Home base

Affordable housing for artists, alternative comedy theater, both announce plans to open in Ybor City.

By Ray Roa and Kyla Fields

In March 2021, Artspace, the nation’s leading nonprofit developer of arts facilities, shared a survey asking Tampeños what they wanted out of any new development that might help keep artists in the neighborhood. Results of the Arts Market Study were released later that year, and now we know that Artspace wants to make its home in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood.

In a press release, Tampa Arts Alliance, said it found a site for Artspace Tampa at 1610 E 3rd Ave., on 23,000 square-feet of land donated by local developer Darryl Shaw. There, the nonprofit—which took over the Artspace Tampa Initiative project in January 2022—envisions approximately 75 live-work units for artists, 2,500 square-feet of gallery-amenity space and 3,000 square-feet of arts organization space.

After securing $150,000 for the first phase in pre-development and site location work, the Alliance is now fundraising for the remaining $600,000 to move forward to the next phases of pre-development when the group will determine project design, develop overall financial modeling, and launch the capital fundraising campaign. Artspace expects to drop $27 million on the project according to a budget summary.

In a statement, Tampa Arts Alliance Chair Neil Gobioff—who also addresseda small crowd during the announcement at Kress Collective in Ybor City last Wednesday night—said the market study showed an imperative need for affordable live-workspace.

It’s still unclear how much rent at Artspace Tampa will run, but units at Fort Lauderdale’s Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts are a mix of subsidized and low-cost lofts for artists, with affordable and market-rate ownership.

“Cultivating the arts and realizing a wide range of housing options in Ybor City are two critically important goals for our community,” Shaw wrote in the release. “Artspace moves us closer toward accomplishing both and I’m very excited to see this project continue to move forward.”

Shaw is already lending his space at the historic Kress building for the Kress Collective art compound. It’s where the Arts Alliance made its announcement this week.

Peter Lefferts retired after 34 years as Executive Managing Director of American

DAVE DECKER

Express Bank and now splits his time between Minneapolis and Tampa while serving on the Board of Directors for Artspace Projects.

“This talent is the bedrock of thriving cities. Artspace helps communities be more dynamic and attractive.” Lefferts wrote in the release, adding that he has long wanted to bring Artspace to Tampa, and now the timing is right.

their newest enterprise. Heading to a 2,250 square-foot space at 811 E 7th Ave.—directly behind natural wine bar La Sétima Club and adjacent to restaurant Flan Factory—indie comedy theater The Commodore hopes to soon host a variety of performances and workshops.

The owners of The Commodore include local performers Matt Walker, Kevin Michalski, John Lasavath, Justin Peters, and Kelly Buttermore, who recently joined forces to build the “ideal space for independent comedy in Tampa Bay.” They launched a Kickstarter campaign earlier this month to help get their theater’s doors open, and have already earned $11,791 of a $30,000 goal.

Donations to The Commodore will help its team install sound equipment, lighting, new front doors, comfortable seating and much more. There are various donation tiers on its Kickstarter, where you can get sweet prizes like t-shirts and tickets to future shows if you give a certain amount to the soon-toopen theater.

From workshops and classes to live performances and other events, this Ybor City theater will serve as a multi-faceted creative space, filling a much-needed niche in the city’s alternative comedy scene.

The Commodore describes itself as a “safe harbor where aspiring comedians can refine

“Beautiful communities with affordable housing attract and retain creative talent.”

Alternative comedy theater The Commodore launches Kickstarter campaign for its upcoming Ybor City space

A group of local comedians and performers need a little community help to launch

“It’s time to give Tampa the comedy theater it deserves. We need your help to realize a longheld dream and create a safe, permanent space for excellent improv and sketch comedy in Tampa Bay,” The Commodore’s Kickstarter reads. While there’s no debut date set in stone, The Commodore’s owners aim to soft open sometime this summer with a grand opening slated for September.

their craft and discover new horizons.” In addition to serving as a hub for the local improv and comedy industry, The Commodore also plans to host nationally-acclaimed performers.

For the latest information on Tampa’s newest comedy theater and its upcoming opening, head to its Facebook page or Instagram at @commodorecomedy.

MAKE SPACE: Neil Gobioff said the market study showed an imperative need for affordable live-workspace.

THURSDAY JUNE 29 BAR OBSCURA UNDEAD PRESENTS

KATARSIS GOTH NIGHT

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MUSIC AND MOOD FROM DJ AZY AND SPECIAL GUESTS. 7-11PM | FREE

FRIDAY JUNE 30

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BROKENMOLD ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

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+ CH LORINEFIELDS, MOLD! & NOVELY

DOORS 8 | SHOW 9 | $12 ADV | $15 DOS | 18+

SATURDAY JULY 1

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DOWN BY LAW

+ CAR BOMB DRIVER / SLAP OF REALITY / DOLL PARTS

SHOW 745 | $15 ADV | $24 DOS | 18+

SUNDAY JULY 2

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aka NOWICKI, NUFFER & RICHARDS (ALT-ROCK/AMERICANA) 730-930PM FREE

BIERGARTEN THE LUNCH BOAT

with CAP'N VJ KNIGHT (‘70S & ‘80S SOFT ROCK / R ’N’ B) 1-4PM | FREE

RESTAURANT & BAR OPEN 11AM-11PM

WEDNESDAY JULY 5

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DARLING

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F 7.28 SAM WILLIAMS

BOLD shows are in the Music Hall

By Josh Bradley & Ray Roa

C CL Recommends

THU 29

The Cure w/The Twilight Sad Time to learn how to put mascara on again because the prince of England’s gloomy post-punk scene is coming to Tampa this summer as part of The Cure’s first North American tour in seven years. The show is long sold-out.

(Amalie Arena, Tampa)

Lady A w/Dave Barnes No, this isn’t the jazz singer that beared the same name 30 years, but the country trio—which changed its name in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests—currently in the midst of a run of shows that contain both hits, and a fistful of audience requests. Before this tour came to fruition, the band performed a stirring version of “Surfer Girl” at “A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys,” and singer Charles Kelley struggled with sobriety, but came out strong with a new solo single about his fight, entitled “As Far As You Could.” (Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg)

FRI 30

Alicia Keys w/Libianca Almost a year after playing a highly-anticipated show at Tampa’s Hard Rock Event Center, The “Girl On Fire” is back, but at a much bigger venue—Amalie Arena. In 2021, Keys released her eighth album, Keys (stylized KEYS ) and sold out shows throughout Europe and North America. This run finds Keys performing with an “in the round” 360-degree production set up, allowing fans to experience her music in a new way. (Amalie Arena, Tampa)—Tyana Rodgers

Colbie Caillat w/Gavin DeGraw In 2007, Caillat’s hit single “Bubbly” was the soundtrack to the kinds of summer nights thousands will enjoy at The Sound. The 38-year-old pop songwriter—whose dad helped produce Fleetwood Mac in the Rumours , Tusk , and Mirage eras—won a Grammy with Jason Mraz two years later (“Lucky”) and has since gone country with plans to release her debut album in the genre, Along the Way, on Sept. 22. Piano-playing songwriter DeGraw has a Grammy nomination of his own thanks to his work with Caillat on the 2013 film “Safe Haven.” (The Sound, Clearwater)

Palomino Blond w/Chlorinefields/ Mold!/Novely If there was ever an all-star bill of Florida’s indie-rock scene, it’s this one. Tampa band Novely opens it up with a skramz-ish update on midwestern emo, and is joined by St. Pete’s own Chlorinefields, an outfit where vocals go from a whisper to a wail, all while warm guitar and an array of synth come together for a sound that’s been described as, “a little Portishead, a little

Mazzy Star,” and something like a “sludgier, dirtier, sadder” Cocteau Twins. Visitors include a bright South Florida’s rock export, psych-noise outfit Mold!, which recently welcomed back founding member Bronto Montano just in time for the release of a newish, punchy single, “Don’t Wake Me Up!” Also in town is Miami’s Palomino Blond, on its longest headlining tour yet and playing its biggest Tampa headlining show to date in support of a new single, “Machine,” produced by Torche guitarist Jonathan Nuñez and mixed by Steve Evetts who’s lent his ear to The Cure and Saves the Day, among others. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Steve Connelly’s 70th birthday For nearly four decades, Connelly—famous for founding The Headlights, a lodestar of the local scene from the early 1980s-mid-’90s that once did a stint backing up ex-Byrd Roger McGuinn and played “The Tonight

Show”—has been a totem of the Bay area rock scene. He’s also lent his ear and touch to countless bands at his Zen Recording studio, so be ready to see a load of special guests—including rhythm section bassist TJ Glowacki on bass, drummer Michael Garrie, and guitarist Rich Sheldon—pay homage and try to keep up with a godfather of Bay area rock guitarists at this no-cover gig. (Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin)

VooDood’s 10th anniversary wrap party: Have Gun, Will Travel Music fans spend a lot of time looking at the stage, but there are scene champs who never get behind a microphone. Artist Theresa Crout is one such behind-the-scenes bedrock supporter of the Bay, and one of her favorite bands, Americana outfit Have Gun, Will Travel (HGWT), plays in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Crout’s VooDood project where she creates a themed collection

RAMON RIVAS

Alicia Keys

of voodoo dolls (2023’s theme is heroes, and HGWT was actually immortalized as VooDoods in 2019). More than 500 ‘Doods have been made all time; this is the only chance to see all of them under one roof in the company of the tribe of followers Crout has amassed along the way. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)

SAT 01

Boom By the Bay: Kenzie Wheeler w/ Kristopher James/Phoenix5 The Fourth of July is about everything ‘merican, and revelers are going to love Wheeler, a contestant from “The Voice” who’s arguably Dover, Florida’s greatest gift to country music. His sound and songs epitomize the red, white and blue, and he’ll be joined on the bill by one of the Bay area’s finest purveyors of jaw-dropping blue-eyed soul (Kristopher James), plus R&B party band Phoenix5, which plays Tampa Heights after its gig at the park. (Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa)

Dave Koz & Friends w/Candy Dulfer/ Eric Darius Koz is a pal of Ruth Eckerd Hall, and a highlight on this one is the addition of friends including saxophone players Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius, the latter being a graduate of Tampa’s Blake High School 22 miles away. The smooth jazz stars will each play their own material, and join Koz to help him through cuts from his Summer Horns albums that have topped the contemporary jazz charts over the last 10 years. (The Sound, Clearwater)

Dei V Post Malone, Metallica—and Dei V.

Those are just three artists on the soundtrack for the wildly popular video game, “WWE 2K23.” The emerging Puerto Rican reggaeton-er and rapper plays a nightclub on a popping stretch of Tampa’s N Armenia Avenue, and don’t be surprised if he’s in a club twice the size—or maybe even on the opening bill of an arena show—the next time he comes around. (Hefe Night Club, Tampa)

Down By Law w/Car Bomb Driver/Slap

Of Reality/Doll Parts

The L.A. punk rock band was originally set to perform at New World along with a stacked lineup of locals on May 6, but pulled out for undisclosed reasons. Now that the show is finally going down—with a new plethora of local support, including Slap Of Reality, which took over headlining duties in the spring—expect to hear a handful of tracks from the band’s 2021 Lonely Town album, as well as its heavy cover of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” featured on the recently reissued Punkrockacademyfightsong . (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Luh Tyler Tyler Meeks is a year away from graduating high school, and he’s already signed to Atlantic Records. The 17-year-old Tallahassee-based emcee immortalized his prepubescent voice on his debut album My Vision: Reloaded in March, and even scored a guest spot from Lil Uzi Vert. Meeks, currently on his first tour, is already set to open for Moneybagg Yo this summer (including a stop at Orlando’s Amway Center), but in the meantime, who doesn’t love a good warm-up gig? (Crowbar, Ybor City)

Shrek Rave The “Shrek” movies are monumental in the lives of millennials and Gen-Zers, and the traveling Shrek Rave— which has a motto of “It’s dumb, just come have fun”—has been the ideal congregation for those of us hoping and praying for “Shrek 5” on the daily. Recent highlights of the tour include DJ remixes of everything from Smash Mouth’s “All Star” to Rufus Wainwright’s version of “Hallelujah” (both heard in the original film), as well as someone dressed as the titular character pile-driving original antagonist Lord Farquaad, and special guest stage appearances from past “Shrek” directors Vicky Jenson and Conrad Vernon. (The Ritz, Ybor City)

SUN 02

Loud Luxury w/Ship Wrek/Autograf

Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando—an annual electronic dance music festival—just announced a who’s who lineup for the second weekend of November, and the Canadian EDM duo Loud Luxury made the list, along with the likes of Deadmau5 and The Chainsmokers. Tickets to this latemorning pool party—also featuring Ship Wrek, which also heads to EDC Orlando in the fall—are still available for $75, but I’ll be damned if they didn’t cost a whopping $20 during initial presale. (Hard Rock Event Center Pool at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa)

Peter Frampton Four years ago, Frampton fans were saying farewell to the classic rock guitarist who had been transparent about how the autoimmune disease inclusion body myositis will eventually end his touring career. On this run, the Grammywinner is on the “Never Say Never Tour!,” onstage in support of his 2021 album Frampton Forgets The Words , and fresh off the 47th anniversary of his most popular offering, Frampton Comes Alive! (The Sound, Clearwater)

continued from page 43 Fre$h P

Under The Rug w/Hollowhouse The Austin-based rock outfit’s new album Homesick for Another World has a collaboration with The Bros. Landreth’s Ariel Posen called “Lonesome & Mad,” and I’d be lying if I said that Under The Rug lead singer Casey Dayan doesn’t sound like Dave Grohl. His low tenor nonetheless shines on the mainly-acoustic lament, loaded with naturerelated imagery and slight country music vibe. Opening the show is indie-rock quartet Hollowhouse, and hopefully, frontman Ian Harrell will be a little more careful with the headstock of his guitar this time. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

MON 03

Hot Dog Party 17: Piss/Big Sad/Mak/ Fresh P/Jeremy Gloff/Wally Rios As mentioned on p. 12, Hot Dog Party is the only Fourth of July weiner-eating contest that matters in this town, but the gig also features Tampa rock heavy-hitter Mindwash putting on the proverbial makeup to play the songs of costumed, glam-metal icon Kiss as part of the musical lineup. Early arrival is suggested.

(Crowbar, Ybor City)

Super Soaker Twerkfest II: Big Britt w/ DJ Turnt While the rock and rollers eat hot dogs at Crowbar, the next huge thing in Tampa rap, Big Britt, will be a few block west on 8th Avenue where she headlines a pre-Fourth of July twerkfest. Britt’s new single, “Super Soaker” is an instant club classic with a wet and summerready video. Few artists can accurately channel wild Tampeño energy, but Britt does it with her eyes closed. (Club Skye, Ybor City)

TUE 04

The Florida Orchestra: Clearwater Celebrates America One of many free events at The Sound ends with the largest fireworks display in Clearwater history

soundtracked by The Florida Orchestra. (The Sound, Clearwater)

THU 06

The Zachary Bartholomew Trio The pianoplaying professor of music at Florida Memorial University has been praised by the late Ray Coussins—an accompanist for Frank Sinatra— and has taught at a handful of Miami-area universities. Dr. Bartholomew just staged a Chick Corea tribute in Georgia, and will change gears when his trio—including bassist Marty Quinn and drummer Rodolfo Zuniga— performs the music of modern jazz legends Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. (Side Door at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)

CHANDLER CULOTTA/GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

No comps: New concerts coming to Tampa Bay

Doja Cat has solidified her position as one of the country’s leading performers, and she’s bringing all of her silly lyrics, wildlycatchy hooks and energetic stage presence to Tampa this fall. The rapper, singer, and full-fledged pop star headlines an arena show in Tampa Bay as a part of her 24-date, nationwide Scarlet Tour.

Tickets to see Doja Cat play Amalie Arena in Tampa on Friday, Nov. 24 go on sale to the public on Friday, June 30 and start at $45.75. Folks can register for pre-sale tickets on  verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com, which is probably Doja Cat superfans’ best chance at getting into this highly-anticipated arena gig.

The only other Florida stop on Doja Cat’s massive tour is at Miami’s Kaseya Center on November 21. The last time Doja Cat played a show in the Tampa Bay area was at 94.1’s Wild Splash concert back in 2020, mere days before the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown took place.

The rapper and pop star—who releases her fourth album this year—is taking Tampa native and  Howard W. Blake High School

VNV Nation w/Traitrs/more TBA Friday, Sept. 22. 6:30 p.m. $30. Orpheum, Tampa

Hatebreed w/Terror/Vein/more TBA Sunday, Sept. 24. 6 p.m. $30. Orpheum, Tampa

Ne-Yo w/Robin Thicke/Mario Sunday, Sept. 24. 7:30 p.m. $29.50 & up. Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa

Nothing,nowhere w/See You Space

Cowboy/Static Dress/UnityTX Tuesday, Sept. 26. 6 p.m. $26. Orpheum, Tampa

The Hails w/Cannibal Kids Friday, Sept. 29. 7 p.m. $16. Crowbar, Ybor City

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin Saturday, Sept. 30. 8 p.m. $49.50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Rebounder (opening for Quarters Of Change) Sunday, Oct. 1. 6 p.m. $17. Crowbar, Ybor City

Band of Horses Tuesday, Oct. 3. 8 p.m. $35. The Ritz, Ybor City

Teddy Swims Wednesday, Oct. 4. 7 p.m. $25.50 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Kirk Franklin w/Tye Tribbett/Clark

Sisters/David and Tamela Mann/Israel

Houghton Saturday, Oct. 7. 8 p.m. $45.75 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

Molly Hatchet Saturday, Oct. 14. 8 p.m. $35 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Gayle Tuesday, Oct. 17. 7 p.m. $20 & up. Crowbar, Ybor City

graduate Doechii (pictured) with her on the Scarlet Tour.

Less than three years ago, the 24-yearold was playing at The Bricks in Ybor City. Since then, she’s been named to XXL’s vaunted “freshman” list and is now set to play her biggest hometown set to date. Although Doechii is L.A.-based now (and has been profiled by the L.A. Times), the Tik Tok-famous rapper has continued to rep her hometown throughout her recent rise to stardom.

“I ain’t from no big well known city… my music scene back home is pretty small. But now Tampa has finally started to develop and gain more recognition for our culture and music!” Doechii tweeted last year.  “Ima keep pushing the sound of my city and the overall sound of hip hop… thank you Tampa.”

As an added bonus, Bronx-born rapper Ice Spice—who recently hit the stage at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium alongside Taylor Swift—is on the bill, too. See Josh Bradley’s weekly roundup of new concerts below.

Kyla Fields

The 1975 Wednesday, Oct. 18. 7:30 p.m. $39 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

Vacations w/Last Dinosaurs Friday, Oct. 20. 5:30 p.m. $27.50 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

Nolan Potter's Nightmare Band (opening for Psychedelic Porn Crumpets)

Saturday, October 21. 7 p.m. $20. Crowbar, Ybor City

Heilung Monday, Oct. 23. 8 p.m. $43.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Lil Darkie and the Collapse of Modern Society Wednesday, Oct. 25. 8 p.m. $30 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

Graham Nash Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 1-2. 7:30 p.m. $53.50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Brian Culbertson Friday, Nov. 3. 8 p.m. $49.50 & up. Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg

Tennis Sunday, Nov. 5. 8 p.m. $24.50. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

LSDeram w/Zingara/Super Future

Saturday, Nov. 25. 9 p.m. $35. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Steve Miller Band w/Samantha Fish Band Thursday, Dec. 14. 7 p.m. $64.50 & up. The Sound, Clearwater

David Foster and Katharine McPhee

Saturday, Feb. 17. 8 p.m. $48.75 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Spyro Gyra w/Jeff Lorber Fusion

Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 21-22. 8 p.m. $40 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Doechii

Power through

By Caroline DeBruhl

Dear Oracle, as an arts major, my career has always been an adventure, but I found a full-time role up north that I mostly enjoyed before we moved to Pinellas County two years ago. I found a related job in Tampa but quickly realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. Now I’m commuting six-plus hours a week to a difficult, stressful, unfulfilling job while struggling to meet people where I live. I’ve applied to positions with no luck, hired a career coach who sent me jobs located even further away, and considered going back to school. This job is sucking the soul out of my body, but I don’t know if I can take a $15K pay cut to work closer to home. Do the cards have any wisdom for me? Thank you for your help.

New Floridian from the Great White North Cards:

The Chariot, Eight of Swords (reversed), Six of Pentacles (reversed), The Hierophant (reversed)

Dear New Floridian, so I’m going to start off this reading with some pagan theology but stick with me because I promise I have a point.

In the religion of Wicca, there is a central tenet known as the Wiccan Rede: “An’ harm none, do as ye will.” Like most quotes of religious texts, people of the faith have argued about its meaning (and exact phrasing) since Doreen Valiente first spoke it in 1964.

Some argue that it means that as long as you don’t harm anyone, you can do whatever you

want. Others argue that this phrase comes from the older tradition of Thelma: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” In Thelma, “thou wilt” doesn’t mean “do whatever you want.” It’s supposed to be following your True Will or the grand destiny of your life.

The argument for this interpretation is that you should follow your destiny as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. But here’s the catch: to deny yourself your True nature or your True calling is to harm yourself. That breaks the first part of the rule.

I bring all of this up because of the very first card of the spread: The Chariot. It is a major arcana card and the only one right side up, meaning it’s the most crucial energy you’re facing.

It is most definitely a “shoot first, ask questions later” sort of card, and right now, I think you need to ask the question: what is my True Will?

What is it that you really, in your soul, know you want and need to do for your career? Be completely honest with yourself, even if that answer feels unrealistic or silly, or impossible. That answer is going to be how you navigate this Chariot.

Your current job sucks, and you should absolutely quit it as soon as you can financially swing it. But you want to make sure that you don’t go galloping off into another dead-end job. You need to be intentional about the next steps.

ORACLE OF YBOR

The Chariot is a powerful card of momentum. It’s a card that can plow through barriers and propel your forward at a breakneck speed. The Charioteer stands their ground; they are in absolute control. But this type of energy is a double edge sword. You have to really know yourself to be in control of The Chariot. Because while it can obliterate barriers and plow through challenges, it can also send you off in the wrong direction at 100 mph.

I know you’ve been applying to jobs without hearing anything back and have hired a career coach who has been less than helpful. You’re feeling stuck; we can see that with the Eight of Swords reversed. But, as I’ve written about before, the Eight of Swords is deceitful; there is a way out if you can find it.

You might need to get creative and look at different strategies. A slight pivot into an adjacent field may actually provide a more satisfying career path. But again, be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for and what you need. As an arts major, do you need a flexible day job that allows you more time to create? Do you need to be in the field to feel connected and inspired?

You brought up possibly going back to school, and with The Hierophant, I think that’s a solid option to consider. Getting an advanced degree in your field could help with job prospects, but it could also help you explore your interests and find that True calling, and then help you hone the skills you need.

But there are financial worries right now that need to be considered. The Six of Pentacles is a tricky card because it’s both about giving as well as receiving. It might mean you need to find a job that is more giving—or it might mean you need to take out loans to pay for grad school.

Take a holistic look at all of the finances of your household: pull out all bills, all debts, all information about savings and income, and bonuses and assets. What is the base amount you need every month? What makes you feel comfortable savings-wise? Having a clear picture of your finances will help you see if you can take a significant pay cut for a job or not and what you would need financially to go back to school (if you choose.) Would others in the household be able/willing to cover changes in financial circumstances? This is also a great place for honest conversation.

The good news is, whatever happens, you’ll get out of this soul-crushing job. You are The Chariot, goddammit, a mighty and fierce thing to behold. You have the power to plow through barriers while still being rooted with the reins in hand. It might be a bumpy road, but with your True Will to guide you, you’ll be on the path you’re meant to take.

Send your questions for the Oracle to oracle@cltampa.com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram

Topside

By Dan Savage

I’m a 41-year-old cis female and have experienced a significant amount of physical and emotional abuse in my relationships. I recently started dating again and met a really great guy who told me that he was interested in having a Dom/sub relationship. I thought that would be it and told him so—given my experiences, I wasn’t interested in being his sub—but it turns out he wants me to be his dom. The thought of being the one in control kind of fascinates me and it feels very sexy to think about. But I am so used to worrying about the very scary and very real repercussions of even having an opinion after everything I have experienced in the past that I’m finding it difficult to navigate this. His interest isn’t in the whipsand-chains wheelhouse; it’s more like wanting to please someone who is demanding and bossy. Do you have any tips, suggestions, or resources you would recommend for me to learn more and be the best Dom Goddess I can possibly be?—Woman

SAVAGE LOVE

“Play is about your fun for tonight,” said Midori, “CHOIR is about structures of decisionmaking that can encompass ordinary daily life stuff as well as play time. It’s common for folks to mix these up, which can lead to unnecessary pressure, confusion about boundaries, expectation conflict, and other decidedly unfun feelings. This confusion is so common that I have an online class called “So You Want D/s? Now What?” to help people figure out which is which and how to enjoy them both.”

And your first small step—that first playful scene—doesn’t have to look like BDSM porn. You don’t need gear, outfits, or a dedicated play space.

Fourteen years ago, I fell for a woman who was into watching guy-on-guy oral sex. I indulged her fetish on multiple occasions at play parties and during pre-arranged hotel encounters with bisexual guys.

While I only did this to please her, I enjoyed these MMF encounters because I got off on her getting off. At the time I thought maybe I was bisexual and had been in denial. But after we broke up, and after becoming more thoroughly educated on D/s dynamics, I’ve come to believe I am in fact not bi and instead straight. I can just be really subby for the right woman. Most people to whom I disclose my history insist that I’m not straight because of what I did for that one woman.

How do furries happen? The kink just seems so random. And why are there so many furries now but no furries in ancient history?

Fathoming Unusual Roles

Cartoons. Disney. Mascots.

While not everyone who gets off on dressing up in fursuits and/or animal mascot costumes has the same origin story, FUR, many furries trace their kink to—many credit their kink to—the anthropomorphized animal characters they were exposed to in childhood.

Having Extreme Excitement

“Take it slow,” said Midori. “That’s always my first piece of advice: Take it slow. Then take small steps while remembering to center yourself and your joy first.”

An author, artist, educator, and public speaker on sexuality and kink for more than two decades, Midori created the ForteFemme Women’s Dominance Intensive (fortefemme.com) to help women to explore domination thoughtfully and authentically.

“Everyone talks about new relationship energy, and NRE is real,” said Midori, “but new relationship dynamic energy—NRDE—is just as real. NRDE feels just like NRE in important ways. In both cases, enthusiasm can get the better of us. We find ourselves wanting to do-all-the-things-all-at-once. In our excitement we can bite off more than we can chew, and then wind up feeling queasy and upset after. Right now WHEE should allow the sweet spiciness of all the new and exciting things she’s thinking about to continue to percolate while building confidence in herself.”

Once you’re ready to get started—once you’re ready to experiment—take small steps.

“There’s a giant difference between Dominance and submissive play scenes and D/s relationships, even if the names imply they’re the same thing,” said Midori. “I always refer to the latter as Consented Hierarchical Opted-In Relationships, or CHOIR for short—I know, too cute by half—but it’s helpful to make this distinction between saying yes to a small scene and entering into a D/s relationship.”

Even if you ultimately want a D/s relationship, you should start with some simple play.

“WHEE should experiment with adding a power dynamic to her already existing sex life,” said Midori. “It’s an exercise I call ‘Will You to ‘You Will.’ Take all the hot vanilla sex stuff you’re already enjoying—the things you’re probably already asking for—and turn the ask into a directive. ‘Will you kiss me?’ becomes ‘You will kiss me.’ ‘Will you lick me?” becomes “You will lick me.’ ‘Do you want to fuck me?’ becomes ‘We are going to fuck.’”

It’s about what you want.

“Think about what would please you,” said Midori. “That’s what centering yourself and your joy is about. Many of us have been conditioned to, in the course of our daily lives, to think of others first and not check in on our own wants. A consensual, collaborative D/s play scene can be a lovely way to break down these self-erasing, destabilizing habits. But to do that—to go there—you have to honestly ask yourself, ‘What would please me right now?’ It might not be something thought of as kinky or sexual. Do you want your hair brushed? You can tell him to brush your hair. Do you want a story read to you? You can tell him to read to you. Do you want dinner cooked and served with him dressed or undressed in a pleasing manner? And then for him to do the dishes? As Westley says to Buttercup, ‘As you wish.’”

To learn more about Midori, to check out her art, and to buy her books, go to planetmidori. com. The next ForteFemme Women’s Dominance Intensive takes place July 7-9.

I even encounter this in the kink community, where the D/s perspective should be better understood. My argument that I am straight and not bi is that I’ve never been romantically attracted to a man. I’ve never gone down on a man without a woman telling me to—and it’s not as if there aren’t any opportunities for me to do so, as I live on the north side of Chicago. (You might be familiar with this neighborhood?) All that

Now, most kids who watch Disney movies don’t grow up to be furries, just as most kids who take a swim class don’t grow up to have speedo fetishes or rubber swim cap fetishes. But a certain tiny percentage of all three groups do.Since we can’t predict which random environmental stimuli a kid might fixate on—and therefore can’t predict whose childhood fixations will become adult sexual obsessions—there’s no controlling for kinks. Some people are gonna be kinky when they grow up, no one’s kinks are consciously chosen, and if they seem random, it’s because they kindasorta are random.

As for the ancients… Anthropomorphized animal characters didn’t come to dominate childhood (mass media, imaginations) until the 20th century—Disney was founded in 1923, Looney Tunes was founded in 1930—but there were adults running around out there with marionette fetishes acquired at puppet shows before Mickey and Bugs took over. (There are still marionette fetishists out there.)

being said, do you think I’m straight?—Sucker For Dom Women

Sure.

As for the actual ancients, the Roman emperor Nero (37-68 AD) used to dress up in animal skins and pretend to be a wild boar at orgies—according to historians who may have been biased against him—and there are lots of examples of ancient people dressing up as animals for religious festivals and holidays; some of festivals included sacred sexual rites, but some of them were just fuck fests because people are— and have always been — kinky freaks. Send mail, get podcasts and more via savage.love.

Q: Who is having thoughts of suicide?

ACROSS 1 ___ brakes

5 Fizzy quaff

9 Speech stand

13 Addis addition?

18 Biblical twin

19 Nagano noodles

20 “___ that nice”

21 Half a 1960s group

22 (A Napa wine guy and a NAPA autoparts guy meet at a party, and the wine guy immediately starts with the jokes) ...

“How ya doin’! Say, I woulda been here sooner but I hit a ___!”

24 “This

117 Peaks

A: It’s not clear, is it? People of every income level, race, gender, sexuality, and religion think about suicide. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is the community’s gateway to help, hope and healing. Last year alone, we assisted over 5,000 callers struggling with thoughts of suicide.

CALL

123 Cocteau’s La Belle Bête

124 Have to have DOWN

1 Ball celeb

2 Metric starter

3 Rested

4 Affected

5 Intro to Juan

6 Final letters

7 Coffee order

8 Sock length

9 Actress Merrill

10 “___ see fit ...”

11 Encompass

12 Guide

13 Pal, to Proust

14 Wacko

15 “A terrible thing to waste”

16 Too heavy on the low notes

17 Evert contemporary

19 Went back

23 Buildable spot

25 Literary circumnavigator

28 Boss man, in Swahili

31 ___ up (overact)

32 Chilling

33 Language quirk

34 Of a brain membrane

35 Bygone midwestern NCAA conference

36 Same old thing

40 Cleveland player, briefly

43 Mary-Kate or Ashley

44 Green insect

a.

b.

d.

c.