May 2016 by Today & Tonight Magazine

MAY 2016

4 MAY 2016

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MAY 2016

S T N E T N O C F O E L B A T

TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 12 Issue 11 MAY 2016 10 “Weird Al” Yankovic

“Weird Al” Yankovic

20 Craft Beer Revolution 29 VOTE For Your Favorite Bartender 34 BAND: Kat & The Dawgs 36 Artist: Tinia Polk Clark

COLUMNS: 7

On-o-mato-poe-ia

13 Sara Michaels Porch Picks

20 Craft Beer Revolution

17 Brian’s Brain 18 Tracey’s Tid-Bits 18 Bartender Spotlight 33 Pop Off at Pop Culture

28 Brain Exercise

LISTINGS: 8

34 Crossword

Local Live Music

14 Snap Shotz 24 Restaurant Guide

ARTIST: Tinia Polk Clark

26 Calendar of Events

This month we got a rare opportunity to interview “Weird Al” Yankovic. He is one of the greatest song parody writers. Check out the interview, it’s a lot of fun to read! Also head over to the Craft Beer article. Time to get your brew on! July is our 13th Annual Polk County’s Beloved Bartender issue. Make sure you vote for your favorite bartender at www.todayandtonight.com. The top 10 will be featured in our July issue. A big shout out to all the special ladies in your life; Mother’s Day is right around the corner so it’s time to honor all those “moms” that help us through the good and bad times. Last, Memorial Weekend is bringing up the rear so get those grills out and boats ready for family and friends. But, before drinking down that first brew, take a moment of silence to all that have come before and sacrificed so much so that we continue to live in the BEST nation in the world! Last but not least, a big Happy Birthday to our amazing writer Erica Smith.

As always, Expect More... Get More... We Deliver! Chris Douglas Publisher

BAND: Kat & The Dawgs

THE FUN & AMUSING:

EDITOR’S NOTE

STAFF PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:

CHRIS DOUGLAS TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS TRACEY GREENE MARY JOYE SARA MICHAELS

ERICA SMITH BRIAN BRUCHEY

EDITORIAL ERICA SMITH AMY SUMERLIN ANASTASIA ZIVIC

MARY JOYE LOREN SPANGLER

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DOUGLAS

MIKE POTTHAST

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On The Cover “Weird Al” Yankovic

PUBLISHED BY: Today & Tonight, Inc. 39 3rd. Street S.W. Suite 201 Winter Haven, FL 33880 Phone: 863.401.8001 Fax: 863.401.8003 email:chris@todayandtonight.com Reproduction in whole or in part of this magazine is prohibited without written permission from Today & Tonight, Inc. Copyright, 2016 by Today & Tonight, Inc. Submissions: Today & Tonight Magazine welcomes unsolicited manuscripts.

6 MAY 2016

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ONOMATOPOEIA on·o·mato·poe·ia: The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss).

By Erica Smith

Chickens With An Attitude Chicken Chronicles Continued… Ladies with an attitude, Fellows that were in the mood Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it — Vogue, Madonna Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful. — Norman Vincent Peale Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. — Khalil Gibran Lately, the lyrics from Madonna’s quintessential dance anthem plays in my head (and I admit, across my lips) as I head out to the chicken coop each morning. Of course, now that I am a crazy chicken lady, I substitute the word “chicken” for “ladies” and “roosters” for “fellows” and on some level primal cognitive level, I think the chickens are entertained by my silliness. Our chickens do seem to “strike a pose” as they awkwardly make their way back and forth across the backyard. I am not sure how we managed to find pets with significant attitude problems. Our precious dog Haley was infamous for her lack of interest and affection for most visitors. We chalked up her anti-social behavior to learned behavior as Keith and I are both introverts. After Haley, we thought, surely we couldn’t go wrong with a flock of chickens. One only has to look at Foghorn Leghorn to see chickens are the social butterflies of the agricultur-

al world (wink, wink). My imagination conjured up all the sweet illustrations from the Golden Books of my childhood. Plump chicken mammas like Henny Penny who wear cute bandannas and save the barnyard from falling skies. Those sweet youthful musings have been destroyed, as we adopted hens from hell. That last statement might be hyperbole, but we definitely have three chickens with an attitude problem. We finally broke Savannah this winter after a weekend stay in the broody buster cage, but Emily and Anna are proving to be unbreakable. Savannah was pretty chill during her broody stage; however, Anna and Emily are downright barnyard brats. Anna pecks when you try to move her and Emily is simply impossible, turning the broody cage into her own personal lounge. Unlike Savannah, who couldn’t stand the confinement, Emily actually preferred the intimate surroundings and learned how to jump back into her solitary confinement. Keith and I finally succumbed to bad parenting methods and have given into the chickens’ demands. Emily is very happy with a cozy nest inside her cage complete with fertilized eggs to hatch. Anna continues to peck me every morning despite my pure intentions and Savannah is starting to look suspiciously jealous as she eyes her sisters’ current situation. Who knew chicken parenting would be so challenging… we continue to sing the “broody blues” as spring slowly melts into summer. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS info@todayandtonight.com

MAY 2016

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THURSDAY, MAY 5

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FRIDAY, MAY 6

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SATURDAY, MAY 7

THE A-V PROJECT (Fresco’s, LKD) SHEVONNE PHILIDOR (Brew Hub, LKD) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) ANDY SHREEVE (Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (Wildfire BBQ, DUN) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) LOGAN BROTHERS (Pour House Lounge, WH) NATHAN BALDWIN BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BRASS HEART BAND (Fire Restaurant, WH)

SUNDAY, MAY 8

CURT BEASLEY & FRIENDS (New Grove Lounge, DUN)

MONDAY, MAY 9

BOB & ELLIE SHALLOP (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

TUESDAY, MAY 10

BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 WILEY & PJ (Fresco’s, LKD) BEN MEYER (The Pink Piano, LKD) PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) GLENN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

8 MAY 2016

THURSDAY, MAY 12

EDDIE WRIGHT MUSIC (Fresco’s, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND wsg BILL COLE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

FRIDAY, MAY 13

SG WOOD (Fresco’s, LKD) SHEVONNE PHILIDOR (Brew Hub, LKD) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) JANICE RODENBAUGH 11a/ JANE ROSENBOHM 5p (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) MICHAEL BONANO (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)

SATURDAY, MAY 14

GLASS HOUSE POINT (Tanners Lakeside, WH) DEAN JOHANESEN (Fresco’s, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) ANDY SHREEVE (Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD) JOSH BLEVINS BAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) RANSOM (New Grove Lounge, DUN) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Pour House Lounge, WH) SIXX L SIXX (Johnny G’s, LKD) FLORENCE + THE MACHINE wsg ANDERSON PAAK/ THE FREE NATIONALS (Amway Center, ORL)

SUNDAY, MAY 15

JUSTIN GRIMES (Tanners Lakeside, WH) JADED (Caribbean Bay, WH) SPIT FIRE (New Grove Lounge, DUN) WONDERLAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MONDAY, MAY 16

BOB & ELLIE SHALLOP (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

TUESDAY, MAY 17

SLAVE TO A NAME (The Pink Piano, LKD) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 DAVE SMITH (Fresco’s, LKD) PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) GLENN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

THURSDAY, MAY 19

JOHN RHEY (Fresco’s, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND wsg DENNY ELLIS (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) YOU & I (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

FRIDAY, MAY 20

ANDY SHREEVE (Fresco’s, LKD) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) CATHERINE PRICE & CLINT DOCKERY 11a/ JANICE RODENBAUGH 5p (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) MICHAEL BONANO (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) DEF LEPPARD wsg TESLA/ REO SPEEDWAGON (Amway Center, ORL)

SATURDAY, MAY 21

JOSH BLEVINS BAND (Tanners Lakeside, WH) THE SOFA KINGS (Fresco’s, LKD) NIGHT RIDERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) WONDERLAND (Pour House Lounge, WH) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Frank’s Place, LEE) DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES/SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS/ TROMBONE SHORTY/ ORLEANS AVENUE (MidFlorida Amphitheatre, TMP)

SUNDAY, MAY 22

CROSS TRAXX BAND/ LAST EXIT BLUES BAND (Tanners Lakeside, WH) BIG LIFE (Caribbean Bay, WH) BEN MEYER (Winner’s Circle, LKD)

CURT BEASLEY & FRIENDS (New Grove Lounge, DUN)

BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

RED HOT ROOSTER (New Grove Lounge, DUN) 99 IN THE SHADE (Fire Restaurant, WH) ALMOST THERE (Pour House Lounge, WH) JOE WALSH AND BAD COMPANY wsg STEVE RODGERS (Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

SUNDAY, MAY 29

MONDAY, MAY 23

BOB & ELLIE SHALLOP (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

TUESDAY, MAY 24

JOHN CAMPBELL (Fresco’s, LKD) BEN MEYER (The Pink Piano, LKD) PHIL SCHNEIDER/ ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) GLENN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

THURSDAY, MAY 26

DUOS W/DAMON (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) PAUL MAZZARELLA (Fresco’s, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND wsg CAROL MC NAUGHTON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) YOU & I (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

FRIDAY, MAY 27

BRIAN SUTHERLAND BAND (Fresco’s, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (High Sea’s Lounge, WH) ZACK BISS (The Brass Tap, LKD) AMERICAN KNOCKOFF (Ybor Cigars and Spirits, LKD) JOSH BLEVINS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) MICHAEL BONANO 3p/ ALMOST THERE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) JANICE RODENBAUGH 11a/ CHIP & JACQUE 5p (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) R. KELLY (Amalie Arena, TMP)

SATURDAY, MAY 28

BOBBY JAMES (Fresco’s, LKD) AMERICAN KNOCKOFF (Ybor Cigars and Spirits, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD)

NIKKI BRIAR/ SLAVE TO A NAME (Lkld Harley Davidson, LKD) BEN MEYER (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) HIGH OCTANE 12p/ ALMOST THERE 5p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MONDAY, MAY 30

BOB & ELLIE SHALLOP (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

TUESDAY, MAY 31

SLAVE TO A NAME (The Pink Piano, LKD) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Brocks Smokehouse, LW)

WEDNESDAY, JUN 1

JOE B. (Fresco’s, LKD) GLENN JOHNSON (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

THURSDAY, JUN 2

BRYAN RIVERS (Fresco’s, LKD) YOU & I (Brocks Smokehouse, LW) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) ELLIE GOULDING wsg MATT AND KIM (Amalie Arena, TMP)

FRIDAY, JUN 3

RICH MISTRETTA (Fresco’s, LKD) SLAVE TO A NAME (Apple Lounge, WH)

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MAY 2016

The Mandatory World Tour 2016 starring “Weird Al” Yankovic comes to the Youkey Theatre at The Lakeland Center on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

10 MAY 2016

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By Anastasia Zivic

THE HISTORY

Few would have guessed that “Weird Al” Yankovic – who as a shy, accordion-playing teenager got his start sending homemade tapes in to the Dr. Demento Radio Show – would go on to become the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history and a pop culture icon. Now in his fourth career decade as America’s foremost song parodist, he has been honored with four Grammy® Awards and fifteen nominations, including his most recent win in 2015 for Mandatory Fun, the first-ever comedy album in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard charts, capping a career’s worth of accolades for classic song and music video parodies such as “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy” and “Tacky.” Following his wildly successful 2015 Mandatory World Tour, traveling to more than 100 cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, the tour continues beginning on June 3, with Yankovic bringing his highenergy comedy rock show to another 80 cities across North America including the Youkey Theater at The Lakeland Center on June 9, in addition to New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and two nights at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles where he will be performing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In the wake of his 1989 cult-hit feature film UHF, his late 1990s CBS Saturday morning series The Weird Al Show and numerous AL-TV specials he’s made for MTV and VH1 over the years, Yankovic has remained a staple of film and television, from appearances on The Simpsons and 30 Rock to a musical production at the 2014 Primetime Emmy Awards. Most recently he has guested on ABC’s Galavant (as a singing monk) and The Goldbergs (as the ‘80s version of himself). This spring Yankovic joins the fifth season of IFC’s Comedy Bang! Bang! as its new co-host and bandleader, and this fall he will be heard as the voice of the title character in Disney XD’s new animated series Milo Murphy’s Law (from the creators of Phineas and Ferb), in the wake of other voiceover work for Gravity Falls, Wander Over Yonder, Adventure Time and the DC animated feature Batman vs. Robin. His live performance on George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison was recently released across all formats, while Legacy Recordings is planning a career-spanning box set featuring all 14 “Weird Al” Yankovic studio albums digitally remastered later this year. Also, NECA will debut the first in a line of retro-clothed Weird Al action figures in May. In the last decade, Yankovic’s music and videos have only become more popular. His 2006 album Straight Outta Lynwood spawned the Billboard Top 10 single “White & Nerdy,” the video for which spent two months at #1 on iTunes and garnered over 150 million web hits. In 2009 he wrote, directed and starred in the themed attraction Al’s Brain: A 3-D Journey through the Human Brain featuring cameos by his mother-in-law and Paul McCartney. Two years later, in tandem with the release of his album Alpocalypse, Comedy Central aired the concert special “Weird Al” Yankovic Live: The Alpocalypse Tour, filmed at Toronto’s venerable Massey Hall, and released the unedited version of the concert on DVD and Blu-ray. In 2012, The Nerdist Channel debuted Face 2 Face with “Weird Al” Yankovic, a web series where Al got to “interview” some of his “close, personal friends” in the entertainment biz. Iz July 2014 Yankovic released his 14th studio album, Mandatory Fun, which would go on to win Best Comedy Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards. The album features parodies of some of the biggest hits of the previous year, including Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” (“Tacky”), Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (“Word Crimes”), Lorde’s “Royals” (“Foil”), Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” (“Handy”) and Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” (“Inactive”). The album also features several inspired originals and pastiches (“Lame Claim to Fame,” “Sports Song,” “My Own Eyes,” “Mission Statement,” “First World Problems” and “Jackson Park Express”) along with Al’s latest accordion-fueled medley, “NOW That’s What I

Call Polka!” Mandatory Fun debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, the first time a comedy album debuted at #1 and the first time a comedy album reached the top of the chart in more than 50 years (the last one being Allan Sherman’s 1963 release My Son, the Nut). On Spotify, Yankovic set the U.S. record for having the most tracks from one album in the viral top 10 at one time, taking the first four spots. Internationally, the album debuted in the Top 10 in both Canada and Australia (#3 and #9 respectively). In addition, ”Word Crimes” debuted in the Billboard Top 40, making Al one of only three people to have had Top 40 singles in each of the last four decades, the other two being Michael Jackson and Madonna. For Mandatory Fun, Al released eight music videos (“Tacky,” “Word Crimes,” “Foil,” “Handy,” “Sports Song,” “Lame Claim to Fame,” “First World Problems” and “Mission Statement”) across eight days, resulting in more than 46 million views combined in its first week. For the videos he teamed up with various production partners such as Nerdist Industries, CollegeHumor, Yahoo!, Funny Or Die and TruScribe, as well as talented auteurs like Liam Lynch, Jarrett Heather and Tim Thompson. Yankovic added “New York Times bestselling author” to his resume with the release of his 2011 children’s book, When I Grow Up (HarperCollins). The following year came Weird Al: The Book (Abrams), an illustrated hardcover on Al’s life and career, followed by another Al-penned kids’ boo k, My New Teacher and Me! in 2013. Currently in the pipeline is a television show based on his

children’s books, being developed with the Jim Henson Company. Among other publishing milestones, on April 21, 2015 Weird Al had the honor of becoming MAD Magazine’s cover boy and the first guest editor in the magazine’s 63-year history. Al’s social media fan base currently sits at over 4 million followers on Twitter (@alyankovic), 1.76 million fans on Facebook (weirdal), 183,000 followers on Instagram (alfredyankovic) and more than 970,000 subscribers on YouTube (alyankovic). And for one moment, I got to live out a strange fantasy I didn’t even know I had, when Weird Al called to talk to Today and Tonight Magazine in advance of his June performance.

THE INTERVIEW

T&T MAG: When people talk about you the same words are used: genius, legend, icon, hero. What do you think about that?  WEIRD AL: Well, it’s very flattering obviously! When I started out, the adjectives were not quite as flattering... [Laughs]. It all sort of evens out. One of the things that kind of keeps me level-headed is that I try not to get full of myself when I’m at a peak in my career and try not to get too depressed when I’m at a valley. I just try to soften all the edges and keep it level all of the time.   T&T MAG: Bravo for that. I’m sure it took a lot of practice and you’ve had a long time to do that. You’re also not showing any signs of slowing down - your tour schedule is relentless and you have so many things going

MAY 2016

on. After all this time, do you still find yourself inspired by the same things as you did when you were just starting out?  WEIRD AL: Yes, it’s all pop culture. The nice thing about pop culture is that it’s always changing. You never run out of source material, so I never run out of things to make fun of. It’s a little - it’s getting more strange, I think. You know, it’s odd for me to say this, because pop culture has always been ridiculous, but it’s starting to get so ridiculous that it’s redundant to make fun of - but, well, I’ll always have a job, I think. Well, at some point people might get tired of seeing my face or hearing me do it, but it won’t be from a lack of source material.   T&T MAG: Well, I doubt that, no one is getting tired of laughing! I’m curious, is there a large gap between who you are professionally and personally? Do you shift into different levels? WEIRD AL: Well, Weird Al is not like a character I put on, per say, but there are definitely different degrees to my energy, so I basically do what is appropriate. I’ve always been a chameleon in that way.   T&T MAG: You’re a trendsetter in that you’d assumed the moniker “Weird” in your professional life at a much different time in social history. Do you think the kids or the younger generation now, much the same as the audience which you attracted in the ‘80s, identify with you even still because you’ve been unapologetically “weird” this whole time? WEIRD AL: Part of what’s nice about my moniker is, you know, I took it on sort of as a badge of honor, the Weird Al thing,

just because people had been calling me that in the dorms in college. And I thought that, well, okay, I’ll be Weird Al. And a lot of kids over the last few decades have taken a lot of comfort in that - because they were the freak of their school or they were different somehow and people were making fun of them for being different. And they looked to me as some guy who embraced his, you know, different-ness, I’ll make that a word [Laughs], and it was somehow inspirational to them. They said, okay, if this freak can, you know, can be successful and be proud of who he is then maybe I can too.   T&T MAG: I know for certain you’ve inspired people I know in that way. When you have the kind of audience you’ve had and you’re able to make a difference in someone’s life that way it’s a gift for you both. Do you find that you’re still receiving similar gifts of inspiration? Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet that you’d like to? WEIRD AL: Oh, there are a lot of people. I don’t really collaborate that often, it’s something I enjoy doing, but gosh, doing Comedy Bang! Bang! is a thrill for me because every day I get to work with someone different. We always have guests coming in and improv artists and comedic actors and every single day I get to work with either an old friend or someone I’ve always admired.   T&T MAG: Yes, you’re the bandleader! If people haven’t seen the show, they have to check it out. Comedy, music, comedic music [Laughs]. Speaking of music, anything you’re listening to now? Are

you listening to Top 40, or are there other favorites you put on? WEIRD AL: When I listen to Top 40 it’s part of my job description because I have to keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture and figure out what’s mainstream. It’s not necessarily what I’d listen to for my own personal amusement. Over the last, say, half a year, we’ve been listening to the Hamilton cast recording in the car (original Broadway show). My family and I are big fans of that. Lately I’ve been listening to the Scharpling & Wurster box set. It’s not necessarily what’s topical or cutting edge in music right now - I have pretty eclectic tastes. I mean, I also listen to a lot of very random things: deep cuts in my personal library, a lot of old British Invasion music and a lot of alternative and indie band stuff.

T&T MAG: Well, thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us today. I’d also like to thank you for Spatula City.   WEIRD AL: Nice! [Laughs] T&T MAG: We’re looking forward to seeing you perform when you’re in town!   WEIRD AL: Thank you!   The Mandatory World Tour 2016 starring “Weird Al” Yankovic comes to the Youkey Theatre at The Lakeland Center on Thursday, June 9, 2016. Tickets can be purchased by phoning The Lakeland Center Box Office during their hours of operation at 863-834-8111, online at www. thelakelandcenter.com or by calling the 24-hour ticketing line at 888-397-1000.

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Sturgill Simpson made his late night debut on David Letterman in July of 2014. Since that time, he’s been on several shows including Conan and Fallon. As I type this, he also has the Number One Album according to the Billboard country charts. In April of this year, Margo Price made her television debut on Saturday Night Live. DEBUTED on Saturday Night Live, that’s incredible! Much like Simpson, Price’s album debuted in the Top Five on the charts, and is currently STILL on the charts. So two debuts of country artists…both in New York, of all places…both selling a ton of albums, and most have not heard of either. There’s something very wrong with this picture!!! (I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Chris Stapleton sitting on top of the charts for album sales and racking up awards at the CMA’s and the ACM’s with very little radio play) So this is May’s Porch Pick… let’s just call it Margo May! My choice this month is Margo Price. If your ears have been yearning for the traditional side of country music…music that doesn’t name drop Fireball Whiskey in every other line…look no further than Margo Price. Don’t get me wrong, she DOES have drinking songs on her album and she does sing about a “handle of tequila” but her songs are story songs. That is one thing that I think that has missing from country music for some time now, songs that tell a story. Margo is a story teller. Sturgill is a story teller. Brandy Clark, story teller. Chris Stapleton, story teller. Cody Jinx…story teller. It’s apparent in record sales, that’s

MARGO PRICE

what people want to hear…the sound of the music they grew up on. Stories they can relate to. Not all of us can identify with tailgates and tanlines, but most of us can relate to wanting to tell someone off, most can relate to heartbreak, sadly… some of us can relate to the loss of a child…this is Margo’s music. To me, Margo’s voice is a mix between Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette. Her sass is comparable to Loretta Lynn. Back in the day, some of Loretta’s songs were banned from country radio because of the content…(which makes me laugh considering what today’s music says)… well, that sass is exactly what Margo is delivering to you in her album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter.” The entire album is a piece of art. I will not suggest particular songs to purchase, because every single song on this album DESERVES to be on this album. Each song is a link in a chain, and there is NOT a weak link to be found. Sure I have my favorites, but I feel I wouldn’t truly appreciate the work in its entirety if didn’t own the entire record. I hope you feel the same way! BY SARA MICHAELS Host of “On The Porch” Monday - Friday, 3pm - 7pm 97 Country WPCV, 97.5 FM MAY 2016

SNAPSHOTZ Call your favorite bar

For more information!

AUBURNDALE Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

102 W. Polk Street (863) 968-0010

Full Liquor! Hpy Hr Beer All Day Mon, Margarita’s 2-4-1, 5p-cl

Thu, 2-4-1 Wells & Drafts 9p-cl Bottoms Up Sports Bar 419 E. Bridgers Ave (863) 845-2913

Karaoke, Pool Tables Silver Strike Bowling Beer & Wine

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Presented By Brew Hounds Sports Lounge DAVENPORT Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350 Full Liquor Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps The Lucky Leprechaun Irish Saloon 43356 Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100 Full Liquor The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880

Wed, Ladies Night/$3 wells 8p

The Wheelhouse @19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560 $1 Shock Top Drafts $2 Bud Select/Spring Fling Drafts $2 Camarena Tequila Tue, 2-4-1 Titos Vodka 4-9p

Sat & Sun, $12 Beer Bckts

DUNDEE

Promos

The New Grove Lounge (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537 Happy Hour Daily til 7p Wed, Karaoke 8p Thu, Jam Session w/Ransom Band Fri, Sat & Sun Live Music Sun & Tue $1 Tacos Cinco de Mayo party

Brew Hounds Sports Lounge 318 Havendale Blvd. (863) 967-2739

Mon, $3 Wells/$10 Malibu Bckts Thu, Hospitality Night/$3 wells Cinco de Mayo Fiesta/All Day

The Crew’s Corner

733 W. Bridgers Ave (863) 965-7700

Happy Hr Daily 4-7p, 75¢ draft/ Sun $2.25 Dom

Mon,Thu-Sun, Pool Leag Sat, Karaoke 9p

BABSON PARK Boondocks

1475 N Scenic Hwy (863) 638-2890

Dart Leagues, Corn Hole Volleyball, Pool Tables

BARTOW Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

120 East Van Fleet Drive (863) 534-3111

Full Liquor Sports Bar! Mulligan’s

Bartow Golf Club 150 N. Idlewood

FROSTPROOF P & J Recreation 33 South Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825 Home of Famous Slaw Burger! Tue, Music w/Cory 2-3p/$1 drafts Wed, Dart Tourn 8:30p Thu, Music w/Cory & Curt 8p Fri, Corn Hole Tourn 8pm/DJ FT. MEADE Pit Stop Package & Lounge 800 Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Live Music

(863) 533-1668

HAINES CITY

The Wine Stable

All Star Grill 94 Maxcy Plaza Circle (863) 422-3455

Karaoke, Thu 7-10p

150 S. Broadway (863) 533-9463

50+ Beer Selections

40+ Wine Selections

14 MAY 2016

Amos Tavern 200 US Highway 17 92 N (863) 422-1459

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848 Full Liquor Sports Bar! Big Screen TVs The British Stage Door 9150 Us Highway 192 (863) 424-8056 Wed-Sun, Karaoke Jackie’s Art Cafe’ 621 Ingraham Ave. (863) 421-0777 Weekly Music Liquor Up 600 Ingraham Ave (863) 422-8585 Wed-Sat, Karaoke Shady Cove Bar & Grill 7140 State Road 544 E. (863) 421-6800 Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p Open Daily 12 p Daily AUCE Food Specials Daily Drink Specials Live Music

LAKE ALFRED LA’s Midway Saloon (Across from WH Airport) 3900 Lynchburg Rd (863) 875-7966 Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F Sat, Live Music Cinco de Mayo party

LAKELAND Barry’s One 740 N. Wabash Ave (863) 683-5283 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s North 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 Full Liquor Sports Bar! 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday! 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Wed, Kids Eat Free 4-8p Thu, Trivia Night 8p Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S FL Ave (863) 646-7757 Full Liquor Sports Bar! 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday! 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Sun & Tue, Kids Eat Free 4-8p The Boondocks 8518 Hwy 98 North (863) 858-3355 Tue & Thu, Ladies Night Fri & Sat, Live DJ PBR specials everyday!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

MORE PHOTOS at www.todayandtonight.com

Isle of Capri Bar 541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246 Open Mon-Sat 8a & Sun 12p Beer & Wine; Food Available

Boots n Buckles Saloon 4951 Hwy 98 North (863) 815-BOOT Tue, Pool Hall 2-4-1 Games 6p Tues, Karaoke 9p-12a Wed,5¢Beer9p-12a,21+nocover Thu,Ladies21+DrinkFree9p-12a Champino’s Rest & Pizzeria, Sandpiper Plaza 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd (863) 937-8866 Happy Hr 3-7p Full Liquor Bar Game Day Specials/Direct TV Sat, Live Music/ Sun, Brunch Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900 Happy Hr 3-7p Daily Specials Fri & Sat, 2-4-1after 7p Sun, $2 16oz Drafts

SNAPSHOTZ

EMAIL US YOUR

SNAPSHOTZ TO: SNAPSHOTZ@ TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR PHOTO IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Johnny G’s 5153 US Hwy 98N (863) 858-3366 Hpy Hr Mon-Fri 4-6p Wed, Nickel Drafts 8p Thu, Bike Night Fri, Ladies Night 7p Just Larry’s Bar & Grill 3415 E County Rd 542 (863) 666-6898 Tue, $5 Burgers/$1 Drafts Wed, .50 Wings 4p-cl Thu, $2 Redneck Tacos Fri, AUCE Fish $8.95

Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E. Edgewood Dr Ste G (863) 686-6441

Lucky’s Sports, Oyster & Tiki Bar (Orange Bowl Lanes) 4318 US Hwy 98 N (863) 858-3878 Mon, Poker 7p Wed, Poker 11a 1st Thu, Karaoke Contest 1st/3rd Sat, Live Bands

The End Zone 6206 Hwy 98 N (863) 858-7226 2-4-1 Draft Beer/Hs Wines Sun, Bike Nite w/DJ

Martini’s Lounge 3239 S. Florida Ave (863) 644-8993 Fri & Sat, DJ Pool Tables, Darts, Big Screens

Even Par Sports Bar Oak Plaza North 5100 US Hwy 98 N, Ste 13 (863) 816-7995

Mojo’s Wings, Burgers & Beer 1853 E. Memorial Blvd (863) 583-9119 Hpy Hr 2-7p Tue, Karaoke Wed, Biker’s Night Fri, Ladies/Latin Night Sun, 50 cent Wings

Fresco’s Bistro & Wine Bar 132 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267 Happy Hr 5-7 Monthly Beer/Wine Pairings Great Bistro Fare/Late Nite Menu Live Music Gator’s Dockside/ Highland City 5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627 Food, Full Bar Open late night Hookah Palace 122 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818 Mon, 2-4-1(no Martini’s/ Btl Beer) Tue, $2 Draft Beer, $3 Wells Wed, $4 Martini Madness Thu, Ladies Drink Free 9p-12a Fri/Sat, Belly Dancers 9:30p/10:30p

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231 Darts, Pool Tables Live Music, Fri Southside Package & Lounge 1122 S. Florida Ave (863) 683-4703 Happy Hr 10-7p & 12-2a; $1.75 Drafts & $2.75 Wells Full Liquor T A Slammers 1011 S. Florida Ave (863) 682-4178 Live Music Tue, Pool Tourn 7p T-Bows 33 Lounge & Package 4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd (863) 683-1201

Happy Hr Daily 4-6p; $2.75 Wells & $2.25 20oz Drafts

Wed-Sat, Karaoke @ 9p Wally’s Pool Hall 1136 E. Main St (863) 688-4460

Hpy Hr, Mon-Sat 11-7p Mon, 9-ball Tourn

Tue & Thur, APA 8 & 9-Ball Leag.

Thu, Ladies Nite w/free pool Winner’s Circle

4215 South Florida Ave. (863) 644-9464 Sun, Cornhole Tues, Poker

Wed, Ladies Night

1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p XYZ Lounge East Gate 2190 US 92 E

(863) 666-3859 XYZ Lounge

3050 Hwy 98 S./Bartow Hwy (863) 665-2310

Ybor Cigars & Spirits 5263 S. Florida Ave (863) 619-6799 Happy Hr 4-7p

Darts/Pool Table/Flat Screen TVs

Tue-Sat, Live Music

LAKE WALES All Star Grill

2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975

Full Liquor Sports Bar! Big Screen TVs

Brock’s Smokehouse & Acropoli Italian

(at the Eagle Ridge Mall) 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975

Tue-Sat, Live Music 6p Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Rd

(863) 439-2031

Seafood, Full Liquor

Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 11-4p

Thu, Fri & Sat, Live Music 6-10p

MAY 2016

SNAPSHOTZ The Good Spot 3825 N. Scenic Hwy (863) 949-4243 Mon-Fri, $1 drafts 3-7p Tue, $2 Dom Bottles

Thu, Ladies Night ½ price 7-11p

Lunch Specials

Darts, Pool Table JayBees Restaurant & Lounge

8625 Hwy 60 E (863) 696-1901 Full Liquor

Lunch & Dinner Open Mon-Sat

Just One More Bar 112 E. Crystal Ave. (863) 223-8803

Tue, Free Pool 5p/Poker Night 6p

Thu, Ladies Night/Poker 6p Fri & Sat, Karaoke w/Paula 9p-1a

Sat, Poker 1p/Food Specials 5-8p

Sun, Pool Tourn & Karaoke @ 4p

Liar’s Lair Saloon

Camp Mack River Resort 14143 Camp Mack Rd (863) 696-3863

Fri, Karaoke 8p

Live Music

R & L Pub

126 N 1st St

(863) 676-7797 Y’all Come Back Saloon 3230 State Rd 60 E (863) 676-5759

RIVER RANCH Westgate River Ranch Saloon

3200 River Ranch Blvd. Restaurant/Saloon

General/Western Store

(863) 692-1321 ext 40013 Fri, DJ 6p-12a

Sat, Live Band 6p-1a

WINTER HAVEN A.J. Slammers

508 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 875 5623

16 MAY 2016

Apple Lounge

Jensen’s Corner Bar

(863) 291-0340

Smoke-Free

Food Available; Daily Specials Mon, Pool Tourn Wed & Sun, Poker/Thu, Karaoke

Live Music

Ave. Bar by Arabellas 328 West Central Ave (863) 229-8142 Open Tue-Sat, 4p Smoke-Free Full Menu/Full Bar

Mon, Free Pool

2803 Recker Hwy

100 3rd Street SW

Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p

Outdoor Patio

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 293-9464 Full Liquor Sports Bar! 30 Big HD TVs Mon Burger Special Caribbean Bay 1004 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-6778 Fri-Sun, Karaoke 9p El Norteno 54 4th St, NW (863) 298-0993 Hpy Hr 4-7p Daily, w/$1 Tacos & 2-4-1Drinks Daily Lunch Specials Fire Restaurant 325 W. Central Ave (863) 875-5544 Sat Night, Live Music Outdoor Seating Available Grape Expectations 535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, St 150 (863) 318-8800 Wine Bar Smoke-Free Harborside Restaurant 2435 7th St SW (863) 293-7070 Daily, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sunday, Early Bird 3-5p Mon-Thu, Early Bird 4-6p Waterfront Dining in Lk Shipp Sun, Live Music High Seas Lounge 7000 State Rd 544 (863) 299-2233 Great Food/Drink Specials Live Music Idle Zone (At Lake May) 615 7th Street SW (863) 875-7949 NFL & NASCAR Specials Great Food; Lunch & Dinner

Jessie’s Lounge

118 3rd Street SW (863) 298-9815

Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p Wed, Ping Pong Tourn

Thu, Ladies Night 1/2 off select Live Music Weekly

Office Pub & Lounge 1243 1st Street S (863) 293-4767

Happy Hr 12-7 p

Mon, Karaoke w/Ching Ching Tue, Pool Tourn/Poker Sat & Sun, Poker

Darts, Golden Tee Old Man Frank’s

1005 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-9179

Sun, Live Music/$12 Bckts Wed, $1 Tacos

Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p Cinco de Mayo party

May 29, Boat Regatta Past Time Lounge 1605 1st St S

(863) 293-0027

Tue, Ladies Night Darts/Pool Table Wed, Poker 7p

The Pour House Lounge 1560 Havendale Blvd NW (863) 299-5515

Sat, Live Bands Somewhere Sports Bar & Grill 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524

Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p w/Daily Beer Specials/NFL & College Pkgs

Lunch Specials Mon-Fri Cinco de Mayo party Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar

1006 South Lake Howard Drive (863) 662-5948

Wed-Fri, Bar Open 4p/Kitchen 5p Sat & Sun Open @ 11:30a Happy Hr Wed-Fri 4-6p

Sun, Party on Tiki Deck T L’s Old Place

2390 Ave G NW (863) 299-7924

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

BRIAN’S BRAIN

By Brian Bruchey BEAU

Have It All! Sometimes, it is best we do not get everything we want in life. This took me many years to fully understand, but there was a point in my life that it finally became clear. If I got everything I wanted, I would have a car equipped with rocket launchers. Without a doubt, those rocket launchers would be used often…probably every single time I drove on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, and multiple times on each drive down I-4. I won’t say that ALL drivers annoy me, but definitely, overwhelmingly, without a doubt, most drivers do (don’t worry; you’re not one of the ones who annoy me). Pull out in front of me, I blow you off the road. Drive the exact same speed as the person in the lane next to you, and I blow you off the road. Throw trash out your window, and not only do I blow you off the road, but I’ll follow it up with a U-Turn, drive up to you and your burning heap of crap, then blow up what’s left of your jerk-face carcass just because you really, really suck, and I really, really hate litterbugs. Rockets on my car would be bad because, while many people would be empathetic to my frustrations with drivers, the cops, judges, and juries would probably frown upon my tactics to rid the world of such scum, one exploding projectile at a time, and I would be locked up. If I had everything I wanted, I would have pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with pizza rolls for snacks between each of those meals. This would be too much pizza (which almost seems like an impossible term), and that would be bad, because if I ate that much pizza, I would resemble Jared Fogle before he became the spokesman for Subway… probably even before he was a pedophile offering cash to 16year old girls. Actually, I can guarantee you that it would have been before he was buying up youngins, because, back then, not only was he really fat, but he was also really poor. It’s tough picking up 16 year old girls when you’re fat and poor. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience. If I had everything I wanted, I’d have my own yacht. I don’t know much about operating a boat. I’ve rowed a canoe

Beau is a brown and white male Boxer and Mountain Cur mix. He is approximately 1 year old. He is allowed outside. He is good with children. He is good with dogs. Beau was found as a stray. He seems be to great with kids and other dogs. He really likes car rides.

BISCUIT

Biscuit is a white and red female Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) mix. She is approximately 1 year, 6 months old. She has been spayed. Biscuit is a high energy dog! She needs a home with a fenced in back yard. She has been around children and is good but will jump up on them and take away any toys they may have.

a few times in my life, and I watched Gilligan’s Island every day of my life for seven years, yet amazingly, I probably could drive a boat. As my wife could tell you, I’m not one for reading instructions when I get new things, so if I got a boat, I would just take it out of the box (they come in a box, right?), throw it in the water, and be like the Commodores and get my Sail On. This would be bad, because my lack of expertise, and my abundance of ignorance when it comes to boating means my maritime adventures would resemble that of the Titanic. If I had everything I wanted, I would take my wife to one of those scientists who are doing illegal cloning of humans on distant islands, then order about four clones of my wife. So then when my wife had a headache, I’d just call on the other four clones to come to the bedroom, for a little fun. It wouldn’t be cheating because they’re all the same woman, just different, so that’s fair. I would call this Fair Four Play. This too would be bad, because trying to decide on where to go out to dinner with my wife is already a nearly impossible task, I can’t imagine the frustration of having five wives tell that they don’t care where we go for dinner, but then shoot down every suggestion I make. So you may think it would be nice to get everything you want, but you would be mistaken. Be happy with what you’ve got, and be careful what you wish for. Now that I think about it, maybe it would be alright if I just had several million dollars, right? Nothing bad can happen with that. Brian “All or Nothing” Bruchey

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS bruchey@gmail.com

SKY

Sky is a brown female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 2 months old. Sky is such a fun kitten! She has a sad story of being left behind with her mom and siblings until a sweet woman found them and brought them into here for a chance to find a new home.

SUNSET

Sunset is a brown female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 2 months old. Sunset was found with her mom and litter mates abandoned. She is a sweet kitten who just wants a home to call her own..

The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tuesday-Friday 11:30-6pm and Sat 10-4 pm.

Veterinarian of the Month When Loren Nations graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1981 his dreams of becoming an influential veterinarian in a big city would follow many paths. After graduating from UF with his veterinary degree in 1991 he completed a medical and surgical internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, NY considered the Johns Hopkins of veterinary medicine. Instead of remaining in New York City he returned home to practice “big city” medicine with his mentor Dr. John Maxwell. Dr. Nations’ desire to help animals and commitment to practice at the highest level led to specialty board certification in canine and feline practice, one of only 425 ABVP diplomats in the country and 27 in the state. With this expertise, the practice has flourished into a seven doctor 24 hour emergency and critical care hospital, specialty referral center, and general practice. Dr. Nations has devoted his life to creating a center that will improve our pet’s lives for years to come. Dr. Nations The completion of a state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot veterinary center is only the beginning of the medical advancements Dr. Nations hopes to bring to Central Florida. “My life revolves around my family and animals. They are one and the same, that is who I am and why I am so passionate about being a veterinarian.”

MAY 2016

TID BITS TRACEY’S

By Tracey Greene

Summer Time Fun!

By ANASTASIA ZIVIC

JIMMY D’S

Imperial Swan Hotel 4141 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 647-3000 T&T MAG: How long have you been a bartender? SHAUN: About 15 years T&T MAG: How long have you been at your current bar? SHAUN: 2 years. T&T MAG: What got you in to bartending? SHAUN: I was helping out some friends at a bar and was working as a bar back. They saw I had the hang of it so I started tending bar. T&T MAG: What is your favorite thing about your job? SHAUN: Oh, God Bless America. I guess just meeting new people. The hotel offers a variety of people that come in - mainly from Detroit, because we’re the official winter home of the Detroit Tigers. So we meet a lot of interesting people! T&T MAG: What is the craziest thing you experience as a bartender SHAUN: Oh, I’ve seen it all! I don’t even want to say all of the things I’m thinking! I’ve seen people drop their drawers to sing karaoke on stage. T&T MAG: Your favorite drink to drink: SHAUN: I’ve always been a Crown guy, but I’ve now changed over to Tito’s with water, with a lime. It’s my recommended drink to stay hydrated and to not have a lot of carbs and sugar while you drink at night - I’m trying to watch my figure. T&T MAG: What is one thing the average person does not know about you? SHAUN: I’m so open, I think everyone knows everything about me! I think I need to phone in a friend. Everyone knows I DJ, everyone knows I’m a Gator fan - I think everyone knows everything, but the music, I love music. T&T MAG: Name something on your bucket list?

18 MAY 2016

SHAUN: I want to go to Europe. T&T MAG: What do you do in your spare time? SHAUN: I hang out with my two beautiful, lovely, wonderful children. I want to hang out with my daughter before she’s too old! We like to relax, watch movies, just hang out. T&T MAG: Do you have any hobbies? SHAUN: Sports, now that I’m older softball instead of baseball, basketball, going to the beach, fishing with my kids. I love to travel, I want to see everything. T&T MAG: Who are you inspired by? SHAUN: I have some friends that are doing well in life and I try to keep good people around me so I can focus on doing good in my life. T&T MAG: Pick one – Walk on hot coals, jump out of an airplane, front a Death Metal band SHAUN: Oh, jump out of an airplane! T&T MAG: If you could pour a drink for anyone in the world, who would it be and why? SHAUN: Probably either Jim Carey or Adam Sandler. I’d like to be around two of the funniest, craziest people in the world - that’s kind of my personality. They’d be perfect, they’d entertain me. T&T MAG: Why should people come to your bar and have a drink? SHAUN: We’re non-smoking on the inside, we have a beautiful patio in the front and a beautiful patio next to the pool, if you do want to smoke. We have great drink specials all of the time and we have all sorts of entertainment - from live music, karaoke, trivia and different nightly deals going on. We’re a great NFL Sunday Funday home. We’ve got great food we put out for free on Sundays. And we have great clientele who comes into the bar! T&T MAG: In closing, you’d like to say SHAUN: Go Gators!

Summertime fun is here, Polk County. Time to make plans for weekend boating trips through the Chain of Lakes; take the family to the water park at LEGOLAND or a weekend away with friends to the beach. We do, after all, live in the Sunshine State #LoveFL! With this relaxation time and great fun come an awesome responsibility to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s harsh and damaging rays. Many want to ignore the warnings or think they are immune when it comes to the effects of the sun on your skin and your eyes but skin cancer does not discriminate. Whether it’s lying by the pool, getting caught up on weekend yard work, working in the garden or simply enjoying a backyard barbeque, we need to remember to wear those sunglasses, hats and slather on that sunscreen. From another generation where sun worshiping was the norm, my mom always loved being in the sun. From simply lying out on the concrete slab in the backyard to offshore fishing; keeping a golden tan came easily. Now at the age of 69, she is paying the price for all if this Summertime Fun. Recently, my mom had a basal cell cut from her shin underneath the knee and then a couple weeks later a deeper section underneath her clavicle area on the chest. Even though now, she keeps her body and face more covered and protected while outside, the doctor reminds that it’s the sun damage caused from her younger days that is rearing its ugly head later in her life. From annual body checks at the dermatologist, to being checked every 6 months to now every 3 months – this is what it takes to keep my mom safer from skin cancer. At least she and her doctor are taking steps to be

on top of any visual changes in her skin. On the topic of being golden brown all year round, I wish that our government would ban indoor tanning beds, like a few other countries have, since they increase your chance of getting cancer by 85%, same as I wish that cigarettes were illegal but that’s part of living in a “free” democratic society. However, many countries have adopted a ban on indoor tanning beds for anyone under the age of 18; perhaps this would be the first step to saving our children from developing skin cancer as middle-aged adults. No matter what anyone thinks or promotes, all of the information is readily available to the public regarding the harmful effects caused by the sun (and from smoking cigarettes) but it’s personal responsibility that must prevail. It’s just a little friendly reminder as we enjoy those Summer Regatta boat parties at Old Man Frank’s and those Chain Life Flotillas in Lake Eloise – don’t forgot to wear your UV protection for your eyes, your head and, of course, most importantly sunscreen for the body – apply and reapply often. Being a golden tan might be nice but living skin cancer free is even nicer. Two words of advice for all of those (still) would-be sun worshippers: Spray Tan. Have a fun-filled and safe Memorial Weekend and enjoy lots of Summertime Fun with your friends and family. Don’t forget when planning that outside excursion; always be prepared with your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. For more tips and facts, please check out www.skincancer.org QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS info@todayandtonight.com

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TnTMay.pdf 1 4/20/2016 7:26:54 AM

CMY

MAY 2016

w The Proof Is In The Hops By Loren Spangler and Tracey Greene Photos by Chris Douglas

The concept of craft beer depends on an in depth interpretation by the connoisseur … making each individual beer brand special

and one-of-a-kind. The American craft brew industry is small and usually independent with less than twenty-five percent controlled by a beverage alcohol member. With a traditional style of flavor deriving from innovative brewing ingredients and fermentation, its homebrew roots gave birth to what we now call the “craft brew” industry. Craft beer has been described as authentic and intellectual. It is a drink enjoyed for every day celebrations and valued as one of the many special things in life, involving taste that gives

happiness and makes one feel better. Each glass displays creativity and passion of its master, and is directly related to the complexity of its ingredients. Enjoyed by millions of beer fans throughout the world, the versatile beverage not only enhances food when paired, but is often used in the kitchen as a gourmet-cooking ingredient. A microbrewery is a personal brew pub that brews and sells its own beer on premises and characterized by an emphasis on quality, flavor, and brewing technique. Microbrewing began in the United Kingdom in the 1970s joining traditional artisanal brewing that existed in Europe for centuries. As the concept became popular, it expanded and quickly spread to other countries. The 1980s marked the decade of the microbrewing pioneers. In a time when industry experts were slow to recognize their existence, these companies emerged with a vision serving their communities with a taste of full-flavored beer and old world traditions…a phenomena destined to become significant in value and uniquely American in character. The year 2004 saw an acceleration of craft brew sales as beer drinkers increasingly connected with high levels of quality,

BREWPOP BREWERY In addition to brewing beer (TOP), BrewPOP also brews sodas. Currently eight unique inhouse flavors. Made of coconut and banana, the Crazy Monkey (RIGHT) is the most popular. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK 20 MAY 2016

consistency, and innovation. Beginning with just eight craft brewers in its fledgling years, the number has skyrocketed to over 3,400 breweries and is still growing.

BREW HUB

BREWPOP BREWERY

Winery & Wood Fired Pizza. Open in September of 2015, this Auburndale brewery & winery features 48 crafted beverages dedicated to taste rather than style. Offering a unique flavor and aroma that has not been experienced for generations in their Beer, Wine, Soda’s and Food. Never folding to settle into the “norm”, owners, Jerry and Carmen Sowders, strive to be out on the edge and be locally fresh. With Jerry as the brewer and creative influence of Carmen, they started BrewPOP Brewery & Winery. In addition to brewing their beer, they also brew sodas. Currently eight unique in-house flavors with the Crazy Monkey being most popular; when available the Cream Soda is a must-try that will take you back to childhood. While enjoying a beer, wine or soda of choice, guests may order a Neapolitan style pizza from a wood fired oven specially built in New York. The state of the art oven features a rotating deck for an evenly cooked pie and reaches temperatures of over eight hundred degrees to make that perfect old style crust. Jerry said his interest for beer started as a kid when his dad worked at a Pabst distributor in Saginaw, Michigan where Jerry would wash all the delivery trucks every Saturday for years. Jerry traveled overseas and sampled great beers from breweries in Hong Kong, London, India, Paris and visited the Heineken brewery in the Netherlands and he realized there is way more to beer than what the USA had to offer in their monotone beers of the day. After attending a Craft Beer Festival in Maine in 2010 and meeting Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head that served him a glass of 120, at that moment he decided to study the technique of making beer from A to Z. After several months of study and planning how to make big flavorful beers to home

Beer flights at Brew Hub are among the favorites (TOP). A must try is the Bann Mi meatball sub (LEFT) prepared exclusively from Meatballs & More Food Truck. brew he started experiencing successful and consistent home brewing from his first 10% Black IPA and with that the seeds were planted to one day becoming professional brewer. BrewPOP (Neapolitan Style) Pizza menu: From the ‘Build your own’ to specialty; The Kickin’ Yard Bird, BrewPop’ed Margarita, Piemonte, Sinapis, Salumeria, BrewPop’s White, Kids Eight Inch Pizza, and Big Kahuna. Grilled Wings: Lemanero, Pacific Island, Stung by a Mango, Hot Ginger, Gyro, and Sesame. There are also Fresh Hot Pretzel Logs with the world famous ‘Jerry’s Beer cheese’, and Your-Way Salads and Sliders (check w/ your server).

BREW HUB

Located in Lakeland. Brew Hub is a company that provides brewing, packaging, distribution, and selling services for breweries that are at capacity or financially constrained. Founded in 2012, Brew Hub

was founded by industry executives (formerly Anheuser Busch) and craft brewing experts in St. Louis, Missouri and allows craft breweries the facility for brewing their beer under the direct supervision of Brew Hub’s brew master. The team consists of CEO Timothy Schoen, James “Otto” Ottolini, Chief of Brewing Operations, and President Jerry Mullane. “Brew Hub allows great craft brewers to grow their businesses by expanding into new markets they otherwise could not reach,” says CEO Timothy Schoen in a news release and adds: “This is a most exciting time to be in the beer business.” Brew Hub’s modern, fifty thousand square foot facility is capable of producing seventy-five thousand barrels, or one million cases of beer. Partner Brewing & Services offered by Brew Hub allows craft brewers to not only brew their beer to the exact specifications of their own brew master, but also to package and distribute from the Brew Hub brewery and make their beer available for export to national and international markets. This concept allows craft brewers to expand their distribution without the overhead costs of building a brewery, — Continued Next Page

MAY 2016

Craft beer brewed only 50 feet away. Also, enjoy a simple yet very flavorful menu that pares perfectly with your beer.

LAKELAND BREWING COMAPNY

Cuban and more.

storing, or transporting the product. Brew Hub’s one-hundred sixty acre facility, with its convenient access to Southeast markets, currently has partnerships with Cigar City Brewing, Orange Blossom Pilsner, Green Man Brewing, BJ’s Co-owner/Founder of LBC, Francis Janes, invites Restaurants, and all four companies at the Lakeland customers to join them in their taproom, kick back Brewery. with a Seasonal, Core, or Experimental brew, and The Tasting Room is open Wednesday to Sunday join others seeking refuge from a fast-paced world. starting at 12 pm. Cozy up to the bar or grab a table For a treat, try their outdoor space with café seating, with friends. Enjoy their fresh craft beer by the glass performance area, bar, and a view of passing trains. Ask about their Brewery In Residence Program or by the flight. Food is also available from “Meatballs where beers from another brewery are featured in a & More” food truck. two-month run. During that time, Lakeland Brewing Join the Brew Hub in May for their American Company will host a Brewers Evening allowing Craft Beer Week Celebration May 16 to 22. customers to meet the folks behind the program as Wednesday, May 18 is ACBW Wacky Wednesday well as the brewers responsible for their own beer. BREWPOP. 2122 US-92 West (in front of Wal Mart with crazy discounts, specials all day and $5 At LBC, they staff their kitchen at Old School next to Subway), Auburndale. Phone: (863) 662-3864. growler fills. Thursday, May 19 is Bark for Brews; a Annex with talented cooks, resulting in flavorful Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 celebration of man’s best friends featuring a doggie results. Lunch consists of a daily sandwich, soup, a p.m. Friday 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday 12:00 small plates menu, and is served from 11:30 a.m. to play area, pet and owner activities, treats, door p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. weekdays. The Lakeland Brewing motto is: prizes and more…in cooperation with the Cigar City Web site: brewpop.com. “Fresh beer, Fresh food.” They wouldn’t have it any Brewing tap takeover from 5-9 pm. Friday, May 20 is other way. BREW HUB. Location: 3900 S. Frontage Road, Cultured and Craft History of Brew and Brewing 101. A message from the Lakeland Brew Company Lakeland. Phone: (863) 698-7631. Monday & Tuesday An interactive class from 6-8 pm (partner breweries owners: “Building Lakeland Brewing Company was a closed. Wednesday 12:00 p.m. to 9:00. Thursdayfeature). Live performance by The Dan Signor Project labor of love; sometimes frustrating, often exhausting, Friday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Sunday at 8 pm. Saturday, May 21 is the Battle of the Bands 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Web site: brewhub.com. but worth every drop of sweat and tear of joy. We invite you to join us in our onsite taproom. Kick back, from 7-11 pm. Two bands dueling for your affection LAKELAND BREWING COMPANY. Location: 640 East and applause. Sunday, May 22 is The Perfect Pairing; relax, and surround yourself with others seeking Main Street (north shore of Lake Mirror) in downtown refuge from our fast-paced world. Make a new friend, a beer dinner with host from 5-8 pm. Raquel Cabrera Lakeland. Phone: (863) 940-3600. Hours: Wednesday catch up with old ones; or just peacefully stare at performing live from 5-8 pm. 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to beautiful Lake Mirror and enjoy the downtown 10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. “Meatballs & More” Menu: Bruschetta, Hummus, Lakeland skyline…Beer. Food. Wine. Laughter. We Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Monday & Brew House Salad (w/chicken-steak-shrimp), bring these elixirs of life together under one roof for Tuesday. Internet: lakelandbrewingcompany.com. Smoked Chicken Salad, Beer Braised Sausage, Chef’s everyone to enjoy. All that’s missing from the magic Specialty Meatballs, Chicago Style Italian Beef, I-4 is you.” VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK 22 MAY 2016

LAKELAND BREWING COMPANY

MAY 2016

POLK COUNTY’S

RESTAURANT GUIDE To Have Your Restaurant Listed Please Call 863-401-8001

AUBURNDALE

THE NEW GROVE LOUNGE

SWEET MAGNOLIAS TEA & BISTRO

MELONIE’S CAFE The original uptown Dundee Cafe. All entrees prepared daily. Unique stir-fry, breakfast, signature salads, sandwiches, handmade burgers, nostalgic shakes & desserts. Follow us on Facebook for Daily Specials and Discounts Must-try; Friday Night Fish Fry 5-8 pm with Live Music 209 East Main Street, Dundee 863-439-5416

24 MAY 2016

LAKELAND

Peanuts, Fries, Handmade 12” or 16” Pizza.

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S Polk County’s largest family sports pub. Happy Hour M- Sat. 4pm to 7pm. 2-4-1 cocktails all day everyday. See Website for full menu. Kids eat free Tuesdays. Blackened Dry Rub Wings 902 Old Polk City Rd. 863-419-4848 www.beefobradys.com

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND

Carry out available. Smoking establishment. Check us out on Facebook. Must Try Our Handmade Pizza 28390 Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537

Poppers, Mozzarella Stix, Wings, Boiled

Relax, Sip, Enjoy! It’s our house special TEA! Gourmet teas & coffees. Fine meals & excellent desserts including our delicious, hearty lunches prepared fresh everyday! Private parties welcome! Monday-Saturday 11am-3pm. Gift certificates available. Try one of our tasty sandwiches or wraps. 212 Howard St., Auburndale 863-965-1684 www.mysweetmagnolias.com

DUNDEE

HAINES CITY

Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, BLT’s, Jalapeno

WILDFIRE BBQ GRILL & BAR Our passion for BBQ run’s deep!! All starts with personally picking the right meat, hand rubbing it with our own secret blend of spices, letting it rest for at least twenty four hours. We at wildfire do not rush our cooking, our fires run wild but our patience runs deep. We take our sweet time to slow smoke each and every meat, as they all require their own attention and gentle love and care. It is this love and care that goes in every meal we prepare for you, just like we would for our friends and family, slow and with lots of love. Ribs & Special Burgers 28610 Hwy 27,Dundee 33838 • (863)588-2114 www.wildfiregrills.com

JACKIE’S ART CAFE We feature specialty Quiches; In addition to the “regular” menu, we also offer a Plant-Based menu. Everything - including soups & desserts - is home-made. We make big fresh salads daily, buy fresh fish and cook them here, and slow cook and shred pork for our sandwiches. Great Food. Great Music. Great Friends. Live music daily. Open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm and Friday evenings from 5-8 pm. Check out our reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook. Must-Try: Smoked Salmon Quiche and Jackie’s Chicken Salad. 621 Ingraham Ave, Haines City (863) 421-0777 facebook.com/jackiescityhallartcafe Email: jackiesartcafe@gmail.com

Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm. Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings! 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 www.beefobradys.com

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Coldest Beer In Town. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Try Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers! 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com

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CHAMPINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Authentic homemade Italian cooking. Fresh, made to order meals for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour is 7 days per week from 3pm-7pm. Live music every Friday and Saturday from 8pm-11pm. Catering and big parties available and welcomed. New York style pizza, calzones, desserts! Try our Eggplant Parm 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863-937-8866 www.champinos.com

CHAMPS SPORTS BAR Serving Polk County for over 15 years! Live Blues Guitarist Eddy Riddle 7-10, 2 for 1 house wine, Cajun food specials. Facebook specials. 6645 S. Florida Ave. #14 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com

CHEF T’S GARDEN GRILL Central Florida’s most beautiful dining experience. Enjoy exquisite continental and American cuisine in a historic turn-of-the-century atmosphere in the historic Chiles house. Or linger over wine and appetizers on our intimate garden patio. “I Love Food And The Art Of Dining”- Chef T Veal lovers are in for a treat! 1525 E Gary Rd., Lakeland 863-687-4386

JUST LARRY’S BAR & GRILL Our food specials: Tuesday $5 Burgers and $1 Drafts, Wednesday .50 cent Wings 4 pm to close, Thursday $2 Redneck Tacos, Friday AllYou-Can-Eat Fish $8.95. Must Try: Wings 3415 E COUNTY RD 542 (863) 666-6898

through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays. Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280

LAKE WALES BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S

Polk County’s largest family sports pub. Happy Hour M- Sat. 4pm to 7pm. 2-4-1 cocktails all day everyday. See Website for full menu. Kids eat free Tuesdays. Over 20 Flavors of Wings 19598 US Hwy 27, 863-679-1975 www.beefobradys.com

CRAZY FISH Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues. - Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun. Shrimp or Fresh Grouper 802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 676-6361

JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service amd famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials. Weekend specials. prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp anc catfish. Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook

WINTER HAVEN

MISTER FISH

326 BISTRO PIZZERIA

Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday

Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order speciality pizzas. Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.

Classic Pizza Napoli 326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro

APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL #1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm. $1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more! Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself. Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 863-291-0340

ARABELLA’S We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients. Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambience makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination. Bananas Foster prepared table side. 346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us

HARBORSIDE Seafood, Steak, Oysters. Scenic waterfront dining on Lake Shipp. Early bird: Sunday 3-5 pm and Monday-Thursday 4-6 pm. Enjoy happy hour 3-7 pm everyday. Special Super Grouper Menu on Thursday. Private dining room available. Enjoy the outdoor patio. Open 11:30 am daily. Fried Lobster & Oysters 2435 7th Street SW, Winter Haven (863) 293-7070 • www.harborsidefl.com

HARRY’S OLD PLACE Get your Fresh Fix at Harry’s Old Place. Huge selection of fresh fish including shrimp, scallops and mussels in addition to char-grilled

steaks, chicken and pasta entrees. Craft beers, eclectic wines and tempting appetizers along with a great children’s menu. Less than a mile from Legoland. Like Facebook for weekly specials. We have mobile catering, Tallulah’s Table by the Sea for private parties and events. Fish in a Bag 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com

IDLE ZONE BAR & GRILL Located on Lake May (chain of lakes) with a brand new dock. Serving fresh, homemade lunch and dinner. AMAZING WINGS! Live music, karaoke and games. Totally remodeled atmosphere, clean and non-smoking inside. Outside patio seating. Hot and Fresh Wings 615 7th St., Winter Haven 863-875-7949

LA FLOR DE ESPANA BAKERY & RESTAURANT Authentic Cuban, Puerto Rican and Spanish cuisine. Fresh baked breads, pastries and desserts. $3.99 breakfast specials. Cold beer and wine. Warm, friendly atmosphere. Free WiFi. Large groups welcomed. Catering available. Open from Monday-Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm. Friday & Saturday 7 am to 9pm. Cuban Sandwich, Pastries, Breakfast. 200 Post Ave SW, Winter Haven 863-299-1122 or 863-299-2626

SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm. Jumbo Wings & Pizza 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524

MAY 2016

C A L E N D A R Get Your Listing in the Calendar

Adaptive Water Ski Event – May 7. On the Edge Children’s Foundation and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team are teaming up to host a free ski event open to Children and Adults with disabilities (ages 6 and up). Bring your blanket or lawn chair for seating. On beautiful Lk Silver, Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 100 Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 9 am for registration (lunch and pontoon boat rides will be provided to participants). Safety Restrictions: no brittle bone disorders or seizures. Contact Jean Voisard: jean.voisard10@gmail.com and www.cypressgardenswaterskiteam. com for more info.

Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication. Events will be included as space allows.

Arts, Crafts & Festivals Dixie Twilight Farmer’s Market – Wednesdays. Vendors include: organic produce, eggs, soaps, jewelry and more. Located under the breezeway of the Dixieland Village, 1035 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. Every Wed night from 5-8 pm. “Rebels with a Cause” Art Exhibit – May 1 to Jul 3. outstanding selections of painting, drawings and sculptures from The Huntsville Museum of Art’s recently acquired Sellars Collection of Art by American Women at Lakeland’s Polk Museum of Art. This landmark holding celebrates the achievements of more than 250 talented female artists active between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries. Many rebelled against the convention of their day by exhibiting alongside their male counterparts, receiving awards, and pioneering the way for those who would follow. Located at Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland 33801. www.polkmuseumofart.org for more info. Culture & Cocktails: Latin – May 5. Bok Tower Gardens will host Culture & Cocktails: Jazz at their new outdoor kitchen. Join them for food and fun! The evening will include a Latin cultural celebration with Cuban cuisine, live guitar music and sangria. Reservations are required. Located Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales. Thurs, 6 pm. Cost - $10 plus admission. Call (863) 676-1408, www.boktowergardens.org for more info. First Friday “Celebrating Public Works” – May 6. Sponsored by City of Lakeland. An evening of free family friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and, of course, the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Monthly themed event. February features the five major colleges and universities. Located Downtown Munn Park/Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 6-9 pm.

26 MAY 2016

7 Rivers Water Festival – May 7. The purpose of the event is to show solidarity between public and private conservation organizations and recreational retailers in subjects that apply directly to the residents. Issues will be addressed such as fish and wildlife habitat loss, water quality degradation/nutrient enrichment, enhancing personal responsibility and public involvement, as well as utility service and supply issues. As a result, water sports and lakeside activities become more pleasant, which in turn gives the public a reason to further change their impacts. Visit http:// www.polk-county.net/boccsite/OurCommunity/7-Rivers-Water-Festival/ for more info. Free Event. Competitions. Demonstrations. Exhibits. Games. Learning Opportunities. Live bands. Prizes. Food. Located Simmers-Young Park, 339 American Spirit Rd, Winter Haven. Sat, 10-3 pm. Mayfaire Saturday Night Party – May 7. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a free party on the shores of Lake Mirror, just two blocks north of Lake Morton. This event includes fireworks and the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5K Race. (For more information about the race, contact Lakeland Runners Club.) Food vendors will be available on site. Sat, 5:30-11 pm. Cost – Free to everyone. MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake – May 7 & 8. Art show presented by Polk Museum of Art. Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida and is on Sunshine Artist magazine’s prestigious “Best 200 Art Shows” list as number 55. Come see why it has such a great reputation! Located around Lake Morton, Downtown Lakeland. Sat & Sun, 9-4 pm. Free admission, free parking and

shuttle service. Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally – May 12. Presented by Downtown Lakeland Partnership. 20+ food trucks line up around Munn Park to sell their unique cuisine every second Thursday, 6-9 pm. Located downtown Lakeland, 201 E. Main Street. Call for more info. Downtown Bartow Antique Fair – May 14. Held the 2nd Saturday of each month, antique vendors set up along the sidewalks in downtown Bartow. No charge for public; $20 for vendors. Located E Main Street, Bartow. Sat, 8-2 pm. Mud Endeavor 7 – May 14. The birthplace of Mud Endeavor, this unique location in the Central Florida area gives us extreme terrain that is taboo to Florida’s topography. With 100 foot elevation changes, this run brings a whole new aspect to mud obstacle course racing. In 2016, we are returning to our favorite place with an entirely new course layout. Because this is an old dirt mine, the spectator viewing area is second to none with more than 75% of the course totally visible. Spectators are able to stand on the side lines, look down onto the course and cheer on their favorite runner while he or she tests their limits on the challenging hill climbs, 100 foot water slides and various other demanding obstacles. 9-12 pm, www.mudendeavor. com Cost – Fee is $69.95. Admission is $10. Located 29251 Wildlife Lane, Brooksville, FL 34602 Lake Wales Farmers Market – May 14 & 28. The Lake Wales Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce and more on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Located Park Ave & Stuart Ave, Lk Wales. Sat, 9-12 pm. 2nd & 4th Saturday Market Downtown Winter Haven – May 14 & 28. A free community event, family and pet friendly. Market may offer food trucks, antiques, paint artists, jewelry artists, hand made soaps hand-made local furniture, balloon artists, facial paintings, local crafts, local raw honey, local fresh goods, non-profit organizations with great needs, kettle corn, all natural and fresh ingredients Popsicles, fresh produce and veggies, lots of home-made products from cottage industry, seasonal local grown fruits and vegetables, live music top 40s and Jazz by Nick Herbert, book signing by local authors, and very especially provide to the city residents with a great quality life experience. Bring your chair and enjoy the beautiful live music played by Nick Herbert. Free event. Everyone welcome. Located Central Park Downtown, Virginia Miller Park, Winter Haven. Sat, 9-2 pm.

Cup – May 19. No, it’s not for bankers, but it was given to citizens by bankers, hence the name. Our banking community carries on that tradition by strongly supporting the awards ceremony today! The Banker’s Cup Award is considered Winter Haven’s highest honor as it recognizes a citizen who has made a significant impact and/or contribution over a number of years or through a single project. Ticket price also includes a food “tasting” from many local restaurants and caterers.  Located at The Armory, 555 Ave C, SE, Winter Haven 33880. Thurs, 6:309 pm. Tickets - $100, Black Tie Optional. Bark for Brews at Brew Hub! – May 19 A Celebration of Man’s Best Friends - featuring a doggie play area, pet and owner activities, treats, door prizes, and more... In cooperation with a Cigar City Brewing tap takeover! Located at the Brew Hub, 3900 S Frontage Rd, Lakeland. Thurs, 5-9 pm. No cover charge; must be 21! www.brewhub.com Main Street Bartow Friday Fest– May 20. The Friday Fest is a downtown street party featuring a live band, food & beverages, open car cruise-in, and activities for children. Different theme each month. Located E. Main Street, Bartow. Fri, 6-9 pm. Battle of the Bands at Brew Hub – May 21. Celebrate American Craft Beer Week (May 16-22) with a Battle of the Bands at Brew Hub! Two local bands dueling for your affection and applause! Located at the Brew Hub, 3900 S Frontage Rd, Lakeland. Sat, 7-11 pm. No cover charge; must be 21! www.brewhub.com Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team – May 21. Free Water Ski Show. Concessions with snacks, drinks and t-shirts/hats are available. Bring your blanket or lawn chair for seating. Third Saturday on beautiful Lk Silver. Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 100 Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 5 pm. www. cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com Jags In-Door Arena Football – May 21 & 28. Cheer on the Central Florida Jags as they take on the Orlando Rage on Sat, May 21 and the West Palm Beach Phantoms on Sat, May 28. Game time is 7:05 pm. Located in the arena at the Lakeland Center. www.thelakelandcenter. com Movies on the Lawn – May 27. Main Street Bartow presents Movies on the Lawn on the northwest corner of Wilson Avenue and Main Street. The movie starts

2016 Citizens of the Year Banker’s

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at dark. Concessions are available for purchase, and several of the downtown restaurants are open for takeout. Those attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and insect repellent. Located Downtown, E. Main Street, Bartow. Fri, 6-9pm. Fresh Bites: Pizza Plants – May 28. Stop by and hang out in the new outdoor kitchen and enjoy light snack samples using ingredients from the new Bok Tower edible garden. Sampling cost is $5 per person. Located at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. General admission rates apply. Sat, 11 am to 1 pm. www. boktowergardens.org First Friday “The Summer Games” – Jun 3. Sponsored by City of Lakeland. An evening of free family friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and, of course, the chance to check out a great, locallyowned restaurant or retail establishment. Monthly themed event. February features the five major colleges and universities. Located Downtown Munn Park/Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 6-9 pm.

Concerts & Theatre Lundyville Music Hall – Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays. Wed, 7:30-10 pm; Acoustic Stage Open Mic. Performers and audience free. Thurs, 6-10 pm; Country Nights with Simple Country Band. $5 admission. Sat, 6-10 pm; Karaoke Night. Located Lake Juliana Boating & Lodging, 600 Lundy Road, Auburndale. (863) 9841144 or www.lundyville.com for more info. ISO’s Annual Pops by the Lake – May 6. Sit back and relax during Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Pops by the Lake” concert in the Lake Mirror Amphitheatre, located on the Frances Langford Promenade; 121 S Lake Ave, Downtown Lakeland. Thurs, 8-9 pm. Cost – free. Impractical Jokers – May 6. The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe: Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James “Murr” Murray and Brian “Q” Quinn star in truTV’s hit show, “Impractical Jokers;” and are headed from your screen to the stage to perform a live comedy show in your town! The night will be filled with laughs and hilarious videos inspired by the long-running “Jokers”. Expect there to be never-before-seen footage, and the guys doing what they do best. By the way, have you seen Larry? Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center. Thurs, 7 & 10 pm. Cost - $49.50, VIP packages also available. Call (863) 834-8111 or www. thelakelandcenter.com for more info. Shrek The Musical JR – May 13 to 15. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” for everyone’s favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. Adapted for young performers and featuring a host of over-the-top roles for an expandable cast, there’s a part for everyone in this dazzling adventure story. Located at Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven 33880. Fri, 7:30 pm. Sat, 2:30 & 7:30 pm. Sun, 2:30 pm. Cost - $10 Adults, $8 Students. www. theatrewinterhaven.com for more info. Color BUZZ 5K – May 21. Get ready to

have the time of your life. The #1 night time color run, Color BUZZ is coming to Lakeland at the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus in May. The 5K includes: five color zones, foam waterfalls, bubble zones, snow, foam jet cannons, and more. Participants can run, sprint, jog, walk or stroll because Color BUZZ is not timed. This family-friendly event is all about having fun. After exploring the color zones along the 5K, the fun continues at the finish line with an after party that includes a DJ and even more color. Located Sun ‘n Fun Convention Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland 33811. Sat, 6-8 pm. Cost$19 to $29, plus $10 parking fee. www. colorbuzz.com for more info. Marvin’s Room – May 25 & 26. The Edge Stage Read Series presents Marvin’s Room. Bessie lives in Florida where she cares for her aunt and ailing father, Marvin. Aunt Ruth has several collapsed vertebrae and has to wear an electrode pack on her waist with which she can both control her constant pain and open and close her garage door at will. Unable to speak, and confined to his bed for years, Marvin’s only entertainment comes from someone bouncing beams of sunlight, reflected from a small mirror, around his room. For Mature Audiences Only. Located Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lk Ave, Lakeland. Wed & Thurs, 7:30 pm. Cost - $10. Call (863) 603-7529 for more info. www. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com “Weird Al” Yankovic; The Mandatory World Tour – Jun 9. The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, earning four Grammys and 15 career nominations. He is best known for his hilariously irreverent parodies of hit songs by the biggest stars in the musical universe over the past three decades, including “Eat It,” “Like A Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy” and “Tacky.” The tour follows Yankovic’s Grammy-winning Mandatory Fun, which was the first comedy album in over 50 years to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts and the first comedy album in history to debut at the top spot. Located in the Youkey Theatre at the Lakeland Center. Thurs, 8 pm. Cost - $40, $30, VIP tickets also available. Call (863) 834-8111 or www.thelakelandcenter.com for more info.

their favorite horse and make their Win, Place or Show predictions. Entertainment includes a “horse” auction, a hat contest and complementary bourbon tasting for all to enjoy. Guests may also enter to win a “Trough of Cheer” with the purchase of a commemorative horseshoe. An extensive selection of silent auctions items and baskets will be available. Delicious Kentucky-themed hors d’oeuvres will be served and free flowing traditional mint juleps are included with ticket purchase. Come dressed in your finest Derby attire and enjoy the best local Kentucky Derby Party while supporting the youth in our community. Located at Lone Palm Golf Club, 800 Lone Palm Dr, Lakeland. Sat, 3-7 pm. Cost - $75. 5K Run to Benefit Lakeland Area Seniors – May 14. Lakeland Housing Authority has partnered with Romero Medical Plaza and T Fitness and Wellness to host a 5K Run for Seniors. The event will benefit seniors needing housing assistance through the Lakeland Housing Authority. Non-runners can enjoy entertainment, food, blood pressure checks, and vendor displays while cheering the participants through the course. Vendors include Access Florida, Total Perfection, Second to None, CrossFit Devastation, WellCare, Lakeland Housing Authority, and Romero Medical Plaza. Located at Lakeland Housing Authority, 430 Hartsell Avenue, Lakeland. Sat, 7-10 am (Registration is 7-7:30 am, the run is 7:30-8:30 am and presentations are 8:30-9 am). Cost - $20. For more information on the 5K, contact Tari Terry, T Fitness and Wellness, at 863-940-2096 or tfitnessandwellness@gmail.com. Brewz Crewz 2016 – May 21. A craft beer festival with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the SPCA Florida. Located at Citizens Bank & Trust, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 2-6 pm.

Sport Events Charity Events & Golf Tourn. 3rd Annual Women of Central Florida Spring Fashion Show – May 5. Featuring stylish fashions from local boutiques, modeled by beautiful, talented and generous women in the community. These women will walk alongside mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, and friends. Special guest Sheriff Grady Judd. Catered by Publix Aprons. Proceeds benefit patients of Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center. Located the Historic Polk Theatre, 139 S FL Ave, Lakeland. Thurs, 6-8:30 pm. Tickets are $50 Adv, $60 at Door. For sponsorship information, please contact Debbie Burdett (863) 6863189. www.cfshc.org Kentucky Derby Party – May 7. Camp Fire Sunshine Central Florida will celebrate the “first jewel in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing” on Saturday, May 7th, with its 23rd annual Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser at Lone Palm Golf Club. Party-goers will cheer for

Lakeland Flying Tigers Baseball – May/ June Schedule. Located at Henley Field, 1125 N Florida Ave, Lakeland 33805. For more info, www.lakelandflyingtigers.com for pricing and promotions. May 11 vs Tampa Yankees; Wed, 6 pm May 12 vs Tampa Yankees; Thurs, 10:30 am May 20 vs Charlotte Stone Crabs; Fri, 6 pm May 21 vs Charlotte Stone Crabs; Sat, 6 pm May 22 vs Charlotte Stone Crabs; Sun, 1 pm May 23 vs Charlotte Stone Crabs; Mon, 10:30 am May 27 vs Clearwater Threshers; Fri, 6 pm May 28 vs Clearwater Threshers; Sat, 6 pm May 29 vs Clearwater Threshers; Sun, 1 pm May 31 vs Brevard County Manatees; Tues, 6 pm June 1 vs Brevard County Manatees; Wed, 6 pm June 2 vs Brevard County Manatees; Thurs, 6 pm June 3 vs Bradenton Marauders; Fri, 6 pm June 4 vs Bradenton Marauders; Sat, 6 pm June 5 vs Bradenton Marauders; Sun, 1 pm June 6 vs Bradenton Marauders; Mon, 6 pm

MAY 2016

BRAINEXCERCISE Sudoku Puzzle STRANGE BUT TRUE BY SAMANTHA WEAVER • A proverb of unknown origin states, “The length of a piece of wood can only be too short on one end.” • Scotsmen and their descendants make up almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and almost three-quarters of American presidents. • An adult human has 60,000 miles of blood vessels. • There was a scientist once who made it his mission to taste as many different kinds of meat as he possibly could. In his opinion, the worst tasting was mole meat. I won’t argue. There probably aren’t very many people who would be willing to gain enough experience in that field to be able to debate the matter. • Hong Kong has more Rolls Royce cars per capita than any other city in the world. • The main cabin of Air Force One, the airplane in which the president flies, is 4,000 square feet. That’s more than many people’s homes. Air Force One has seven bathrooms and 16 TVs. And there is enough food aboard to serve 2,000 meals. • There is a popular, bright green melon liqueur, “Midori,” which is used to make fruity drinks such as melon balls. The name is very descriptive -- in Japanese, “midori” means “green.”

TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez

1. GEOGRAPHY: On what continent is the nation of Sierra Leone located? 2. TELEVISION: Which TV character was known for the saying, “Live long and prosper”? 3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which of Santa’s reindeer comes first, alphabetically speaking? 4. MEASUREMENTS: What is the time frame indicated in “circadian rhythm”? 5. MATH: How many sides does a heptagon have? 6. MUSIC: What was the Oscarwinning theme song of “The Poseidon Adventure”? 7. COMICS: What company created “Avengers,” “Spider-Man” and “Hulk”? 8. HIGHER ED: What private university’s main campus is in South Bend, Indiana? 9. ASTRONOMY: What was the first planet to be discovered using the telescope? 10. MEDICAL: What is the focus of oncology? ANSWERS 1. Africa 2. Mr. Spock, “Star Trek” 3. Blitzen 4. 24 hours 5. Seven 6. “The Morning After” 7. Marvel 8. Notre Dame 9. Uranus 10. Cancer

• Most people know that a human has 46 chromosomes, but how do we compare to other living things? Not surprisingly, an ant has only two. A fruit fly has eight. A garden pea has 14. Your pet dog has 78. And a garden fern? It has 1,260 chromosomes!

ANSWERS

• The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work is Alaska.

28 MAY 2016

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POLK COUNTY’S

BELOVED BARTENDERS 2016 VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

Vote

for your favorite BARTENDER today!

The top 10 voted bartenders will be featured in our 13th annual “Beloved Bartenders” issue, July 2016. Deadline for Ballots is June 13, 2016 (by 11:59pm).

____________________________________________________________________________ Full Name of Bartender (required) Nickname (if they have one) ____________________________________________________________________________ Venue (required) ____________________________________________________________________________ Venue Address

13th

ANNUAL Beloved Bartender Blowout

Join the party as Today & Tonight Magazine celebrates two huge milestones including the magazine’s 12th Anniversary and many years of spotlighting Polk County’s most Beloved Bartenders with our July feature story. For over a decade, our widely popular people’s choice contest has been “toasting” the area’s best hospitality professionals, and over the years, we have received thousands of votes. We want to thank our readers for their continued support of Today & Tonight Magazine’s efforts! Let’s make the “13th Annual Beloved Bartenders” the biggest contest to date! Get out there and enjoy some great Polk nightlife and be sure to nominate your favorite bartender for a coveted spot on our honored list! Submitting your favorite bartender is easy. Each vote is important so submit your ballot by June 13th. Contest winners will be announced in the July edition. Good luck and happy drinking!

____________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip ____________________________________________________________________________ Venue Phone ____________________________________________________________________________ Your Name (required) ____________________________________________________________________________ Your Email Address (required)

Scan To Vote By Phone

Apps available for most smart phones. Including iPhone, Blackberry and Androids

Mail This Ballot to: Today & Tonight Magazine 39 3rd St. SW, Suite 201 • Winter Haven, FL 33880 or vote online www.todayandtonight.com

MAY 2016

Graduation 2016 Angelica 25

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30 MAY 2016

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MAY 2016

Congratulations to The Humane Society of Polk County on the success of their recent fundraiser held at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall on Thursday, April 21, 2016. www.FurBallPolk.com.

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POP OFF at

Pop

Culture

By Double T

Blood, Guts, Snots Phlegm and Stitches The above list of disgusting things is why I did not go to medical school. Even one thing off that list can make me cringe. Having strong aversions to the above list, not to mention the amount of detachment I would have to evoke to cut someone open with a scalpel left me closed to being a doctor or nurse. If you can do it, you’re braver than me. Applause! For those of you who like to talk about blood and guts; more applause! I’m not one of those really brave people. All I want to do when I hear about that stuff is to get antibiotics. Hopefully, I haven’t offended anyone, but realize that before you get into detail about the reason you needed a transfusion, some people might not be able to handle it. It’s not that they feel too little or are hard-hearted. They may just feel too much and have a soft spot that is repelled by the pain and suffering of another. It would be a long list if I were to describe the times I have endured surgery and the scalpel and broken bones. I don’t tell those stories often, because my own stories make me feel as if I am still ill. It makes me cringe to think about my own blood, guts, snot, phlegm and surgery. Yuck and a half! I don’t want to remember that stuff. I want to be healthy. It’s okay to talk about it in therapy. It’s okay to talk about it to family and people who are interested. It’s okay to ask someone if they have a weak stomach before going into detail about your toe nail surgery and how they botched the stiches and you bled all over the

LA’s 0859

hospital floor and your kitchen floor when you got home. But please have the courtesy to ask before you tell! This applies to humans and animals. I can’t even watch slow motion rodeos with bull snot being slung around. I could never be a veterinarian. When I hear a young person say they love animals and they want to be a veterinarian, I remind them that part of that job is the aforementioned gross list and the love of animals may not override the aversion. Some don’t think it’s not all about fixing Fluffy. Speaking of human doctors, speak to some. I know a lot of doctors from my real life. They talk about buying planes, moving to Alaska when they retire, sailing, golfing, traveling (continuing education trips don’t count), their children, dogs and cars. They do not talk about blood, guts, snot, etc. Now do you see why their coats are white? So they can be bleached! They don’t call ‘em Scrubs for nothing.

MAY 2016

MUSIC BAND PROFILE

BACKSTAGE PASS

BY ANASTASIA J. ZIVIC

f you’re a fan of expressive, fiery, soulful vocals, if you like a solid, seasoned, power rhythm section, if you appreciate a smokin’ lead guitar that’s traded licks with some of the greats, then seek out Polk County’s own Kat & the Dawgs for a rockin’ good time. The four-piece band with their robust lineup, provides their audiences a throwback to the beloved classic rock and rock-based blues of the ‘60s and ‘70s, oozing appeal all the while, for those who long for the inspired music of that time. Kathryne Agner, a.k.a. the Woman with the Voice, a.k.a. the Kat of Kat & the Dawgs, sat down with us to share a little about her history, the band, and how music 34 MAY 2016

has helped her to shine. And she does. T&T MAG: When did you start playing music? KA: I literally started playing in a band with my father (Billy Agner) when I was 12-years old. We played parties, you know, non-bar type places because I was young. He had a southern rock and country thing, and I would sing the backups and people started going, whoa, okay, she can really sing! So I started singing some lead and then I kind of took over from there - and it was all over! [Laughs] T&T MAG: I know you’ve got some pipes on you!

Do you play any instruments? KA: I play guitar and piano. I used to teach privately, for underprivileged kids at an after school program in Haines City. T&T MAG: That’s great. So obviously your love of music is in your blood. And as a child who played music yourself it’s easy to relate to other kids at that age. Did your father have that same experience? KA: I don’t know where he got it from. He grew up playing bass and guitar growing up. Moved to California to do the whole rock ‘n roll thing. Played with Brian Setzer. Got in big bar fights with him! [Laughs] He came

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KA: We were honored to play! The lineup this year was amazing. For me, being a Harrison grad, I just really appreciate the fact that people understand how important music education is. I mean, it saved my life. I don’t know who I would be if I didn’t have music in my life - to have that outlet. I could be a drug addict, I could be in jail right now, I could be a plain Jane person, but music taught me to let my light out and expose myself. It taught me to share my love and passion and creativity with other people. And people relate to that. They pick that up. It’s very important. Everyone should have an outlet. Whether it’s sports or singing or being a musician - everyone should have that and be able to let that inner soul thing out.

back because his dad owned a construction business and was like, hey, come home, run the business, so he got wrapped into that, but he’s been playing music the whole time. T&T MAG: Do you see that there was a turning point, from child to adult, in the kind of gigs you were playing with your father? KA: Around 18 or 19. I mean, I had always played in bands, from 12-years old I had played with his band, but then it became my band. He always played bass for me the entire time, you know, but then it was my band, and we were hiring different kinds of guitar players, playing music that really shined on my type of vocals. T&T MAG: So talk to me about the Dawgs. Your dad is a Dawg [Laughs], tell me about the rest of the band. KA: Yes, my father, Billy Agner, as I mentioned, plays bass. Dr. Nickey Waslyn, he’s a chiropractor in Lakeland, on lead guitar, he’s absolutely fantastic. He’s from Long Island, NY and has played with everyone from The Rolling Stones to Hall and Oats - I mean, everybody. So he came down to open his chiropractic business, heard I could sing, we met each other after that and locked eyes and that was it. We can’t play with anyone else it was just like - that thing, it’s there. It’s like... T&T MAG: Magic. KA: Yes. Magic happened! And we also have Howard Warren on drums. He’s been playing with my father since high school band at Bartow High School, so they’ve been a rhythm section for 40-plus years now and they’re just completely tight, and I just can’t play with anyone else. They’re just “there” all the time. In the pocket. Ready to go! T&T MAG: That’s very special. KA: It really is. T&T MAG: If someone asks, how do you describe the music you play, your sound, for those that may not know and are interested in coming to see you play? KA: If you like Led Zeppelin, that’s what you’re going to hear. Blues rock, very psychedelic lead guitar, in your face rock ‘n roll, but classic style - ‘60s and ‘70s. T&T MAG: Do you think your influences are derived from playing at such a young age with your father? KA: Absolutely. I’m kind of stuck in the ‘60s and ‘70s - I feel like I should

have been born at that time. You get this heat - oh, you’re 30-years old, don’t you think you should like so-and-so? But it’s not like that. I just love the older guys. They play with their heart. They play with their soul. There’s something about ‘60s and ‘70s rock ‘n roll that you can’t get nowadays. The emotion isn’t there, it’s not “true”. It’s not a feeling you’re going to get. T&T MAG: You mentioned the guys. Who are some of your female influences? KA: I love Ann Wilson from Heart. I love Stevie Nicks. Janis Joplin. T&T MAG: And newer music? KA: Some of the harder rock that maybe isn’t so new, but have something that carries over from that earlier time period. Shinedown, Godsmack, Foo Fighters. I prefer the older music, really. T&T MAG: What do you think of the music scene here in Polk County? KA: I love it! It’s great. I mean, you don’t really imagine that there are so many talented people in a hundred miles of you but they are just everywhere! You think you’re something, and then you walk into a corner bar and see a band like Thomas Wynn and the Believers and it just blows your mind apart that there’s

this person - they’re trying, but you’re not hearing them on the radio, and I mean, it’s so much better than what you do hear on the radio. And they’re right here. So many talented musicians and singers here. T&T MAG: What kind of advice would you give to a new band starting out on the scene here now? KA: Play, play, play, play, play play play play - play anywhere and with everyone! Different kinds of forums with different kinds of people, just get that experience and get on that stage, in front of people, and learn, not only the technicality, playing and singing at your best, but how to work the crowd. How to get on stage, be comfortable in your own skin, how to project love onto the audience. A lot of people just clam up and don’t let it out. You don’t have to be the best, you have to emit a beautiful light that radiates and that’s what people pick up. T&T MAG: Very true. Speaking of something beautiful, I know as someone who taught music to underprivileged children that it was important for you to be a part of Play it Forward Polk the nonprofit organization which raises money for musical instruments for kids in Polk County public schools who cannot afford them.

T&T MAG: I agree. Music education leads to so much more. Play it Forward is definitely pro-letting that soul thing out - the outlet. It’s wonderful. Do you see yourselves, Kat & the Dawgs doing more of that kind of show? Where will we find you going forward? What kind of shows do you guys have coming up? KA: Yes. Absolutely. I think we’re all very comfortable playing gigs around here. We love to do benefits, we love to do festivals. We’re all very hardworking, business entrepreneur-type people that have day jobs, so we just like to get together and rock ‘n roll, you know, we just play our music. We’re not trying to make it “big”. I’m not trying to go on The Voice or American Idol, but this is what I love to do and people love to hear me sing and the band play, so it works out good for all of us. We’ve got upcoming shows at The Poor Porker, Frescos, Wine Stable. We work too much to book ourselves too much, so you’ll be able to find us at nice little places in the area. T&T MAG: We’ll be on the lookout! Thanks for taking the time and for shining your light on us today! KA: You’re welcome! Thanks to Today and Tonight Magazine, and all of the people who come out to support us and hear us play, and we hope your readers will come check us out at an upcoming show! T&T MAG: Oh, they will, and they won’t be sorry! For more information about the band and upcoming events search: Kat & the Dawgs on Facebook. MAY 2016

Grace Manor.”

Tinia shares, “I think the museum program

helps because it brings patients into a facility

meant for everybody. They’re not segregated from the community.”

Tinia has two back to back groups on the third

Thursday coming up in October at Polk Museum of Art. “I explain exhibits and try to get them

engaged through the art. It’s about expressing

themselves, but they don’t have to if they don’t feel like it.”

By Mary Joye

Tinia Polk Clark

Artist Who Heals to the Beat of a Different Drummer Tinia Polk Clark is not new to our art scene,

Executive director of PMoA, Claire Orologas,

but her Side Street Studio in Winter Haven is and

offers, “Works of art have the capacity to elicit

preparing for a drum class with autistic youth.

deep memories, or simply bring the pleasure of

Institute and The Polk Museum of Art (PMoA),”

individuals with memory loss and their caregivers

engaged. It gives them permission to have fun and

moving.”

teach them to express emotion. They start smiling

and not actually a qualified art teacher,” she was

it’s a healing place. The day we visited, Tinia was “We partner with the Central Florida Autism

Tinia begins. “This drum circle gets the kids

bang on something. We do hard and soft beats to

very personal responses. They can tap into

visual engagement. The things that happen for

during a museum visit can be surprising and very Though Tinia humbly states, “I’m a facilitator

right away!”

mentored by educated and famed abstract artist

their Alzheimer’s project.

for her art and it her paintings have been used for

Tinia also works on site at the PMoA with

Elizabeth Clement. She has awards and honors

Georgiana Smith, Family Advisor at Grace

charities and for just plain fun.

Manor at Lake Morton - Memory Care Facility

I took one of Tinia’s abstract classes at Arts

comments, “Memory care residents have varying

Ensemble International. I had fear about where to

to see a creative awakening in their expression or

some robin’s egg blue paint out of a tube, put a

relating to the artwork. The museum atmosphere

then guided the brush in a large swoop. When I

In fact, we’ve added ‘Meet Me at PMoA’ to our

You’ve begun.”

responses when they tour the gallery. It’s touching

begin. Tinia humorously and confidently pushed

to hear an individual share a personal experience

brush in my hand, told me to shut my eyes and

is calming and seems to reinforce their dignity.

opened my eyes, Tinia smiled and said, “There!

activities as a monthly outing for our residents at 36 MAY 2016

When I reminded her of this, Tinia chuckled,

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“So many people are like that. It’s only frickin’

okay, too. No one has to like it except for the person

It’s becomes the foundation for something better.”

segment of society that’s between a rock and a hard

paper! Just do it. If you don’t like it, paint over it.

What a nice metaphor for life. If you don’t like it,

you can paint over it and reframe it.

“Like with Alzheimer’s patients,” Tinia

continues, “I start with shapes. Don’t come with preconceived notions of painting like Bob Ross.

Don’t set yourself up for failure. I don’t teach that

realistic style. Normally what I do is just show them materials or you can also bring your own paper, canvas and paint.”

Side Street Studio is also a great place for

people with Social Anxiety or PTSD to get out and about. Why be shy! Painting is a soft barrier for

communication. Tinia’s cozy studio is calming. It’s a safe and non-judgmental creative environment.

Lots of brainstorming is going on about class ideas or one- on-one experiences with art therapy are in the works.

Tinia adds, “I’d like this space to be an outlet

for individuals an emotional need for art, not necessarily someone who just wants to paint something for their living room.”

Her passion for purpose is inspiring.

“It would be a bonus if someone took art home

and hung it up, but the enjoyment making it is what matters. If you want to put it in the closet, that’s

making it. I think this could benefit just about every place.”

This is a great place to transform grief into relief. My mother had just passed away when I went to her class. When I wrote this, Tinia was leaving after her class to see her terminally ill mother, so when she helps others, she knows all about rocks, hard places and how to paint your way OUT of a corner. “I try to make the space inviting,” Tinia said as we were talking over chicken wings, “There’s not structure. If you want to laugh, cry or talk, that’s okay. I think you can re-train and calm your brain with art.” Science has proven this to be true. Give it a try! “There are beautiful things in mistakes,” Tinia encourages. “There’s no wrong way to paint. Just because you used a crayon on the bottom or put a different color paint on top, it’s like a kid in a toy store. It’s a Cracker Jack surprise.” As the time gets closer for drum class she taught about this kind of artistic outlet. “We start with a beat and all take a turn. We ask them how different beats make them feel, such as happy, sad or angry. It’s similar to group therapy because they know each other and they share things like losing their

teeth or talking about how their goldfish died. It’s a good thing.” If you or a loved one are interested in this “good thing” at the museum contact Matt Belcher at 863688-7743×222 or MBelcher@PolkMuseumofArt.org. If you’d like studio classes email Tinia.art@gmail. com or call 863.224.8557 for an appointment, or as her card says you can meet her “by chance” at 110 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven, FL 33813.

MAY 2016

A Big Thank You

To Our Sponsors, Runners and Volunteers

A benefit for the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Women and Children

The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort would like to thank all the participants, volunteers and sponsors of the 2016 Brick Dash 5K. Over 1,300 runners and walkers attended the event on Saturday, April 16, at host sponsor LEGOLAND Florida Resort to benefit the Foundation’s Fund for Women and Children. Thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of the women and children served by Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital.

Supporting Sponsors Banner Managed Communication | Bargain Carts | Francis Communications | Party Rentals Unlimited Winter Haven | United Rentals

For information on how to sponsor or participate in next year’s Brick Dash 5K: (863) 292-4138 | whhfoundation@baycare.org To view more photos: BayCare.org/WHH-Foundation-Events LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND FLORIDA IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP.

BC1602951-0416

38 MAY 2016

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER AT WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

14TH ANNUAL

FOR THE CITRUS CENTER BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS INC.

Thursday, May 26th 5:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00 p.m. Raising money and glasses at...

Tanners Lakeside 1006 S. Lake Howard Dr. Winter Haven

Open Bar & Fabulous Food

Our Mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Celebrity bartenders compete for your cash with inspired cocktails and top-shelf raffle items

$75 per person All proceeds, including full ticket price, will be a donation to support the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Program.

For more information: Kelly Krieger at 863-412-7204 Victoria Gauthier at victoria@nikdel.com Jocelyn Wilson at jocelyn@foodpartners.net

Purchase tickets at www.cCBGC.COM/events