September 2016 by Today & Tonight Magazine

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• To remove stubborn hard-water

• Eggs for breakfast at the campsite? Do deposits from a shower head (without removing it), use this trick: Add yourself a favor: Pre-crack and scramble a cup of store plain in white vinegar to a bottle. zipthem, then an empty water per-top sandwich bag (or a larger bag You’ll never have to worry about acciden-

with added vinegar to fit larger showerheads). Submerge the shower head in the vinegar and draw the plastic bag up tightly around the stem. Use a rubber band to secure the bag around the shower head. Leave overnight. Remove, scrub and shower to release the deposits. • Borax can be used to keep sidewalks free of weeds. Simply sprinkle a little Borax on the sidewalk and sweep into the cracks. This is a very effective weed killer, but it also will kill your grass if you use too much, so keep it in the cracks only! • “Have a stripped screw? Place a Beyond the Lunchbox wide rubber band over the head and Parents havedrill. enough worry band about fills when insert your Thetorubber school is in session - lunch shouldn’t be one of in the stripped spots and makes the them! A good lunch is balanced, formed around Ifdrill you’re looking for a most wayofwith to catchmain the screw. works a dependable course It and punctuated the time.” D.D. in nutrient-packed Nebraska change your—favorite fish recipe, sides, try a solid supporting cast of a lowno-calorie and“salsa” evenor a little adding salsa. Thedrink, word really • or “Make audio recordings short treat. videos of “sauce” you reading your children’s just means in Spanish. Don’t worry if your childplay wantsfor basically favorite books, then them There are many kinds the same lunch every day. different Just include these when you are busy doing housework, of salsa.choices Salsathat roja nutritious we is callathe four elements cooking.” Ore-tips to aworking perfectly lunch. Here arein some red sauce orpacked meant to — beK.A. thatgon will keep your child’s school mealtimes eaten warm, usually over healthy year long! • Ifand youhappy have aallsticky zipper, try runenchiladas. Salsa verde ning a candle along the zipper face, is a green sauce made SCHOOL LUNCH SAFETY TIPS: then zipping it up andareas down a few • Keep food-preparation in the kitchen with tomatillos. Salsa times. clean. Wash countertops, cutting boards, ranchera means “ranch utensils and yourtips hands in hot,Here’s soapy a water. Send your to Now Tip, style” and is typically And don’t let the family pet jump up on kitchen 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL counters. made of tomatoes and 32803.

Salsa Adds Spice to Snapper

• Aftercooked preparingtogether. lunches, remember to imchilies 2015 King Features Synd., of Inc.perishable mediately©return unused portions There’s salsa crudaand mayonnaise foods like also cheeses, deli meats or salsa fresca.Don’t “Cruda” to the refrigerator. let them sit out on the counter. “raw,” and “fresmeans • Make sure that cold foods are cold before ca” means “fresh.” You packing them in a lunchbox. If possible, prepare also canthefind commerthe lunch night before and store it in the refrigerator. (This also takes the edge off the cially packaged salsas madamorning in varietyrush!) of flavors, • Insulated lunch bags or boxes are the best including mango, peach way to keep food at a safe temperature until and The noon.pineapple. Nestle a frozen juicelevpouch or ice pack inside, sandwiches stay extra cool. els of and heat of the will salsas • Atfrom school,mild instruct the kids to store their range to fierylunchbox out of direct sunlight and away from hot. radiators or other heaters if possible. This simple recipe uses • Sandwiches made with refrigerated items such as luncheon meats, cheese and tuna tomatoes, bell peppers salad should be carried in an insulated lunch and onions to create a bag with an ice pack. That way they should salsa topping forhours without be safe fresca to eat after two to three refrigeration. snapper. You also can use Keep hot foods - like or of this• delicious sauce onsoups, otherstews types chilies - hot. In the morning, bring the food to a firm-fleshed fish. boil and then immediately pour into a hot, sterthis spicy salsathesnapper over ileServe vacuum bottle. (Sterilize vacuum bottle with boiling water.) angel-hair pasta, rice or cous cous. It’s also delicious served on thick LUNCH FOODS THAT CAN BE EATEN AT slices toast that have been rubbed ROOMof TEMPERATURE INCLUDE: with a clove • Peanut butterof garlic and brushed • Jams jellies with oliveand oil.

pounds red snapper, cod or other lean fish fillets

King Features Weekly Service

• “When moving, use foam plates

separators for your dinner plates. • “Iasfind that if I rinse out my Styrofoam Usecups kitchen to wrap serving to-go from towels coffee shops or conveplatters. If you have a box that sepanience stores, I can re-use them at least a rates glasses, drop a spice jar into each couple of Use times. and and lid are really glass. allThe thecup space, you’ll convenient, and I save money by bringing have fewer boxes to move.” — P.L. in coffee from home.” -- F.C. in Colorado South Carolina

September 7, 2015

tally smashing the carton of eggs.

• Asparagus can be kept longer in the fridge if you trim the ends and place the stalks upright into a wide-mouth glass with a little bit of water in the bottom. You can get an extra few days of storage with this trick. • “If your stainless steel sink gets dull, spray it with club soda.” -- J.S. in Washington

• “Need an emergency bootsaver? Stick a rolled newspaper down into the boot to keep it from flopping over.” -- C.R. in Pennsylvania • To help coats and jackets last longer, give them a coating of waterproofing spray.

1/4• Breads, cupcrackers, finely chopped fresh cereals • Clean fruits and cilantro orvegetables parsley meats, such 1/2• Dried teaspoon saltas beef jerky products, such as cookies and cakes 1/2•• Baked cup Progresso chicken broth Canned meat or poultry products. (from 32-ounce carton) SELECT CHOICES: 1. CutHEALTHY fish fillets into 8 serving Meats should be lean salami or skillet bologna), pieces. Spray large (no nonstick breads should be whole wheat and condiments with cooking spray; heat skillet over should be used sparingly. medium heat. • Turkey or roast beef and Swiss on wheat 2. Arrange fishof in single layer in bread with a drizzle low-fat Italian dressing instead ofCook mayo and loaded with (if skillet. uncovered 4 produce to 6 minyou can get awayonce, with it.)until Shredded utes, turning fishcoleslaw flakes mix (cabbage and carrots) is a great sandwich easily with fork. Remove fish to addition. It stays crisp, adds a nice crunch to warm platter; keep warm. a sandwich, and is high in vitamins A and K. 3.• Sliced Cookham,remaining ingredients cheese and Triscuits • PB&J (checkinyour school’s policy on nuts except broth skillet over medium and nut first) made on whole-wheat heat 3 products to 5 minutes, stirring frebread withuntil a pure-fruit jelly like Smucker’s quently, bell pepper and onion Simply Fruit. are •crisp-tender. Stir in broth; heat Thermos of hot soup through. Spoon tomato • Grilled chicken breast mixture over fish.• Hard-boiled Serves 8. eggs • Tuna or cubed chicken tossed with light mayo, mustard, celery and carrot

LUNCH SIDES WITH SUBSTANCE: Only one in four kids consumes the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, so if you pack a lunch without produce you’re missing a golden opportunity. As long as you have at least one piece of fruit or a serving of vegetables, adding a second crunchy snack is fine. • Carrot or celery sticks • Apple slices with peanut butter • Fruit salad; banana, pear, peach • Grapes • Olives • Almonds and raisins (mixed 50-50) • Triscuits • Small bag of pretzel sticks • Baked! Lay’s DRINKS: Considering the fact that many kids’ beverages have nearly as much sugar per ounce as soft drinks, tossing the wrong drink in the lunchbox could translate into 3 to 5 extra pounds by the end of the school year. Drinks should be either zero- or low-calorie (water, diet drinks), high in nutrition (milk, 100 percent Photo courtesy ofbest Bettypicks, Crocker juice) or both (tea). Here are the in descending order. • Watercourtesy Betty Crocker, Inc. Recipe • Lightly sweetened iced tea, like Honest Tea (www.bettycrocker.com/recipes). • Low-fat milk • 100 percent juice*** drinks • Low-calorie kids’ drinks, like Minute Maid Angela Shelf Medearis is an Fruit Falls and Tropicana Fruit Squeeze award-winning children’s author, Master this nutritious lunch bag mix, and culinary historian themystery author your kid will be the envy and of every student in school! ofmeat-eating seven cookbooks. Her new cook-

book is “The Kitchen Diva’s Diabetic SEPTEMBER 2016 Cookbook.” Her website is www.5 divapro.com. To see how-to videos, recipes and much, much more, Like

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

TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 13 Issue 3 September 2016 10 Cosmic American Music Festival 18 Scarpa’s Italian Restaurant 20 Hammock Hollow

COLUMNS: 5

Kitchen Diva

Now Here’s a Tip

Tracey’s Tid Bits

17 Brian’s Brain

Scarpa’s Italian Restaurant

21 On-o-mato-poe-ia 31 Pop Off at Pop Culture 32 Sara Michaels’ Porch Picks

THE FUN & AMUSING: 28 Crossword

LISTINGS: 9

Local Live Music

12 Snap Shotz 24 Restaurant Guide

20 Hammock Hallow

33 Bartender Spotlight

28 Brain Exercise

Cosmic American Music Festival

Sara Michaels’ Porch Picks

26 Calendar of Events

EDITOR’S NOTE We have some great things coming up in the next few months. Make sure you stay tuned. Bok Tower is unveiling their largest expansion in 87 years. They have free event for the public coming up in September to show case it. Check out the story for info. Also stop by the Derry Down for the Cosmic American Music Festival. That will certainly be a great time. Make sure to sign up for our Today & Tonight Weekly email newsletter. It is a weekly newsletter with events and promotions. If you would like to receive special discounts and be in tune on what is going on for the week, sign up at todayandtonight.com. You can sign up right on the home page. Make sure to follow us on Facebook to keep up to date. You never know what awesome deal or event might just show up. Chris Douglas Publisher

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

MARY JOYE ANASTASIA ZIVIC

CHRIS DOUGLAS

MIKE POTTHAST

PHOTOGRAPHY SALES

TRACEY GREENE - VP of Advertising BOB CURTIS - Senior Executive Media Director WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW SALES REPS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE SEND INFO TO TRACEY@TODAYANDONIGHT.COM

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On The Cover

Bok Tower To Reveal It’s Largest Expansion In 87 Years! On Saturday, September 10, The Gardens will open at 8 a.m. and general admission is FREE for this historic event

6 SEPTEMBER 2016

PUBLISHED BY: Today & Tonight, Inc. PO Box 2612 Winter Haven, FL 33883 Phone: 863.401.8001 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.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

TID BITS TRACEY’S

By Tracey Greene

U-S-A Olympic Pride

There’s nothing like a major sporting event to bring people together. The camaraderie, the competition, the thrills and the spills. Throw in an international flavor with thousands of athletes representing the best and the brightest talents, and the whole world takes notice. This must mean one thing: it’s Olympics time! Yes, I have admitted before that I am an Olympic junkie, getting giddy with excitement as each TV teaser is aired; months before “The Games” start. The Summer Games, oh how I love them. This is when our country really kicks some ass! And, oh did we ever: USA 121 total medals, CHN 70 total medals, GBR 67 total medals. These games were hosted in beautiful Brazil. Even with the rocky start, and government problems, I think the country overall hosted good games. Hopefully they will see a rise in tourism to help support Brazilians of all classes see a brighter future. After all, they are in one of the most beautiful places on earth. For the 2016 Games, there were 32 sports played over 16 days. Because only the most popular air in prime time along with recaps from the daytime events, I feel that I do not get a “well-rounded” enough view of the other sports being played. For these games, I set my DVR to record EVERYTHING. I know - it was crazy because there are a lot of games being played on different channels each day. Wow, it was overload. But, I will admit that I gained a new appreciation for a few sports like Rugby 7s, especially for the females – that is a fast pace hard hitting no frills game AND they do not have helmets. It’s crazy! Archery and shooting both amazed me; it’s like hitting a pimple on a dime. Fun fact, our first gold medal of the 2016 games went to a 19-year-old female in Air Rifle. She learned to shoot as a 14-year-old while deer hunting with her grandfather and father. They both knew immediately she was talented. Look how far she has come in just 4 short years. A few sports where not my cup of tea, like badminton, sailing, wrestling, weight lighting or table tennis (AKA ping pong) but I can tell you that we have a young female that ROCKS at table tennis and even though her favorite paddle was damaged during play she kept her cool when having to switch it out for a new one – for some athletes mentally that would have messed with their game; not her. I will admit that I didn’t even watch golf and was surprised to hear that some of the top athletes declined

8 SEPTEMBER 2016

to play in the Olympics, especially since it was just voted in, which is sad because you have to think that money is guiding their motives. For me, as with almost all of the games, I wanted to be supportive especially to the USA and even more so when it came to the medal rounds. Many people wouldn’t understand my reasoning, but not only is it CountryPride but the respect for what these athletes do and are capable of along with what they give up to achieve their dreams – athletes are very special-minded people. They prove that you CAN overcome to be great, no matter what! This great stage also brings ALL great athletes together for a common goal – pride for there country. This Olympics did not disappoint… well, maybe accept for Lochte-gate. Yes, he’s an idiot, we all know that. I mean, his reality show was launched and canceled as fast as he can swim. Yes, he embarrassed his country – Our County, while also disrespecting another country. We definitely know that, too. He should have had his butt spanked and sent to bed with no dinner like the bad spoiled child he is… but since he’s an adult hitting him in the pocket financially works too. I love that fact that Speedo dropped him first and then took the remainder of his sponsorship money and donated it to a children’s charity in Brazil. I do think they should make him go back to Brazil and apologize to the country – make amends face-to-face, not in the media or on Facebook. Those are hollow PR moves just to save face. Fans of Ryan “Bad Boy” Lochte don’t lose sleep over his financial situation. He’ll rebound as usual and keep making more money. Be on the look out for this season’s Dancing With The Stars. Lochte is on the show paired with Cheryl Burke. We love Cheryl Burke, she’s retuning to the show this season to a hornet’s nest being partnered with Lochte. Hopefully her fan-base will counteract the negative from his side… With all that being said, I hope that this incident does not tarnish the reputation of what’s right with “The Games”; it’s about the people, the countries, solidarity and watching great athletes perform on the stage of their life.

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SEPTEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR PRESENTED BY JESSIE’S LOUNGE TUESDAY, SEPT 6 NAT, BARRY & BETH (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 7 TJ AND THE CRUISERS (Ybor Lounge, LKD) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

THURSDAY, SEPT 8

MIKE HAMMOCK (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) SHAWN RAHN (Fresco’s, LKD) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Frank E’s Lakeside, HC) MOST WANTED (Ybor Lounge, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ GLENN JOHNSON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

FRIDAY, SEPT 9

JANICE RODENBAUGH 11A/ JANE ROSENBOHM 5P (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) DAN SIGNOR PROJECT (Fresco’s, LKD) ALMOST THERE (New Grove Lounge, DUN) NORTHBOUND (Ybor Lounge, LKD) FREDDY AND THE FOOS FOOS (Apple Lounge, WH) FERNANDO “THE VOICE” (Plantation Bay Center, ORL) MAROON 5 wsg TOVE LO/R. CITY (Amway Center, ORL) MIRANDA LAMBERT wsg KIP MOORE/ BROTHERS OSBOURNE (MidFL Amphitheatre, TMP)

SATURDAY, SEPT 10

GIDDY UP GO (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) SPITFIRE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) CROSS TRAXX (Tanners Lakeside, WH) BRIAN SUTHERLAND BAND (Fresco’s, LKD) ALMOST THERE (New Grove Lounge, DUN) LES DUDEK (The Derry Down, WH) MICHAEL MCARTHUR (Polk Theatre, LKD) AUSTIN MILLER (801 E. Main St, LKD) MACGILLIOSSA (Molly McHugh’s, LKD) TABOO (Ybor Lounge, LKD) MOST WANTED (The Pour House Lounge, WH) LUBECK (Sabor A Cuba, DUDN)

SUNDAY, SEPT 11

BLUE ROOSTER (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) WONDERLAND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BAD BOY REUNION: PUFF DADDY/LIL KIM/MASE/ FAITH EVANS/MARIO WINANS/112/TOTAL/CARL THOMAS/THE LOX/ FRENCH MONTANA (Amalie Arena, TMP)

MONDAY, SEPT 12 TONI BROWN & ED MUNSON (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

USELESS JESTER TUESDAY, SEPT 13

LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH) CHRISTOPHER WIDNER (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 14 VELVET JONES (Ybor Lounge, LKD) JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) KANYE WEST (Amalie Arena, TMP)

THURSDAY, SEPT 15

JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) FRANK MATYOCK (Fresco’s, LKD) JOSH TURNER/CHRIS JANSON/RUNAWAY JUNE (Boots N Buckles Saloon, LKD) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Frank E’s Lakeside, HC) 22N (Ybor Lounge, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ GLENN JOHNSON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

FRIDAY, SEPT 16

FOLEY & POINDEXTER (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Idle Zone, WH) SLAVE TO A NAME (Harley Davidson, LKD) ZAC BROWN BAND wsg DRAKE WHITE/ THE BIG FIRE (MidFL Amphitheatre, TMP)

MONDAY, SEPT 19

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

TUESDAY, SEPT 20 TONI BROWN & ED MUNSON (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 21 JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) GYPSY ELISE & THE ROYAL BLUES (Fresco’s, LKD) MOST WANTED (Ybor Lounge, LKD) ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

JOHN CORTESE & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) BOBBY JAMES (Fresco’s, LKD) WONDERLAND (Apple Lounge, WH) CAL: THE WHO (Lakeland Center, LKD) THE GETBYE (Maddox Ranch, LKD) SOUTHERN LEGACY BAND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) PHOENIX (Ybor Lounge, LKD) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Harbor Bar, SFTY HR)

THURSDAY, SEPT 22

SATURDAY, SEPT 17

ELLIE LEE BLUES BAND (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) JANICE RODENBAUGH 11A/ CHIP & JACKIE 5P (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) 99 IN THE SHADE (Tanners Lakeside, WH) MICHAEL RAY (Boots N Buckles Saloon, LKD) THE SOFA KINGS (Fresco’s, LKD) WONDERLAND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) FERNANDO “THE VOICE” (Consulate Health Center, WH) PICKUP ARTIST (Ybor Lounge, LKD)

CHRIS POINDEXTER/ MARK HANNAH BAND/ HUBO BENTLEY (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) THE A-V PROJECT (Fresco’s, LKD) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Johnny G’s, LKD) NIGHT RIDERS (New Grove Lounge, DUN) PHOENIX (Ybor Lounge, LKD) STONE DRUID (The Pour House Lounge, WH)

SUNDAY, SEPT 18 TRES HERMANOS (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC)

JON CORNEAL & CO (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Frank E’s Lakeside, HC) POWERSURGE (Ybor Lounge, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ BILL COLE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) HEART/JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS wsg CHEAP TRICK (MidFL Amphitheatre, TMP)

FRIDAY, SEPT 23

BURNIN BROTHERS (Apple Lounge, WH) TOBY KEITH wsg ERIC PASLAY/ WATERLOO REVIVAL (MidFL Amphitheatre, TMP)

SATURDAY, SEPT 24

USELESS JESTER W/ MR. HANDSOME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) SPITFIRE (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) SIXX L SIXX (Tanners Lakeside, WH) GLASS HOUSE POINT (Fresco’s, LKD) WONDERLAND (Pour House Lounge, WH) FEVER BAND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) MACGILLIOSSA (Molly McHugh’s, LKD) SOUTHERN LEGACY BAND (Fire Restaurant, WH) THE PURPLE XPERIENCE (Polk Theatre, LKD) PICKUP ARTIST (Ybor Lounge, LKD) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (Frank’s Place, LEE)

SUNDAY, SEPT 25

CHRIS POINDEXTER (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) BLUE ROOSTER (Old Man Frank’s, WH)

MONDAY, SEPT 26

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

TUESDAY, SEPT 27

CHRIS WIDNER/ PAUL JOHNSON (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH) SLAYER wsg ANTHRAX/ DEATH ANGEL (Hard Rock Live, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 28 JANE ROSENBOHM (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) LUBECK (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) VELVET JONES (Ybor Lounge, LKD)

THURSDAY, SEPT 29 JANE ROSENBOHM 8A/ JON CORNEAL & CO 12P (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) DJ CASPER (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) BLUEGRASS BUDDIES (Frank E’s Lakeside, HC)

MOST WANTED (Ybor Lounge, LKD) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND/ LARRY BRYSON (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL)

FRIDAY, SEPT 30

RED HOT ROOSTERS (Tanners Lakeside, WH) CATHERINE PRICE/ CLINT DOCKERY 11A/ TONI BROWN & ED MUNSON 5P (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) ANDY SHREEVE (Fresco’s, LKD) JOSH BLEVINS BAND (New Grove Lounge, DUN) SLAVE TO A NAME (Apple Lounge, WH) CROSS TRAXX (Ybor Lounge, LKD) LUNDY ROAD (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) SLAVE TO A NAME (Apple Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (MealsOnWheels/Lk Ashton, LW) FERNANDO “THE VOICE” (Hunter Creek Nurs/Rehab, ORL)

SATURDAY, OCT 1

DEAN JOHANESEN (Fresco’s, LKD) JOHN HINDMAN & THE MUSTANG MAFIA (The Pour House Lounge, WH) PROPHETS OF RAGE AND AWOLNATION (MidFL Amphitheatre, TMP)

MONDAY, OCT 3

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

TUESDAY, OCT 4

CATHERINE PRICE/ CLINT DOCKERY (Jackie’s Art Cafe, HC) ANDERSON/RABIN/ WAKEMAN (Hard Rock Live, ORL)

ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES Keep us up to date. Send live music info to tracey@todayandtonight.com Deadline is the 23rd of each month prior to publication.

SEPTEMBER 2016

By Anastasia Zivic The stage is set, and you are cordially invited, to the 2nd Annual Cosmic American Music Festival, a 2-day music extravaganza slated for September 16 and 17, 2016 at the newly renovated Polk passion project, Gram Parsons Derry Down, located in the heart of downtown Winter Haven. Preceded by the official opening, and highlighting the completion of the labor-of-love renovations, the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house, falls on September 1st. The Festival, in its second year, hopes to continue shining a light on both the incredible music the area has to offer and the aspiration of a grateful community to honor one of its own. A (VERY) BRIEF HISTORY: While his life started in Winter Haven as Ingram “Gram” Cecil Connor, III on November 5, 1946 (d. September 19, 1973), singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, he became known professionally as Gram Parsons. As a teen he played music in the “youth center circuit” and his step-father’s venue, located on 5th St. NW, was square one for talent like Parsons, Jim Carlton, Jim Stafford, Carl Chambers and Jon Corneal. While Parsons’ musical foundation rested upon traditional country music he said, “I dream of soul, country, a cosmic - what I call cosmic American music,” in the late 1960s, describing his fusion of soul, country, gospel, and rock and roll into one significant sound in a time when nothing similar existed. His influence has spread far and wide over the years, stemming from his tenure in The Byrds and the music he put out with the Flying Burrito Brothers, to being lauded by icons like Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. He is credited with the discovery of songstress and duet partner Emmylou Harris, and has been the subject of countless, sweeping musical

10 SEPTEMBER 2016

Original Gram Parsons Derry Down.

tributes by the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., the Eagles, Wilco, Tom Petty, and the Black Crowes, among others. “Twenty thousand roads I went down down down, and they all led me straight back home to you” ~Return of the Grievous Angel - Gram Parsons

John Beland will perform on September 17th at the Cosmic American Music Fesitval.

While Gram had been gone for some time, fortunately his music lived on. Yet, the Derry Down, home of dances and teen gatherings, became a distant memory, and the use of the building changed over the years until ultimately it ended up as a storage facility. From once lively and thriving, to defunct with no acknowledgement of its honorable story, the Derry Down went down, down, down many of its own roads before being donated to Main Street Winter Haven, a not-for-profit organization that involves the entire community in revitalizing

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The Ragbirds will perform on September 16th at the Cosmic American Music Festival.

downtown. Now a historical site and ready to officially commence its spirited journey of musical significance, we sat down with Anita Strang, Executive Director of Main Street Winter Haven, to speak about the 2nd Annual Cosmic American Music Festival and the future of the Derry Down. We also reached out to local musicians and members of the Derry Down Project Committee, Toni Brown and Marcus Brixa, to hear of their thoughts and learn how we can all be more involved. T&T MAG: The music scene is alive and well in Polk County, and you and the board at the Derry Down are getting ready to be a big part of that! Anita Strang: Yes, it’s just great! Going through the research to get the building designated as a historic site, I found tons of information about all of these great musicians that may not be household names, but they have contributed in such an amazing way - all from Polk County. This area has just always had musical roots. And it’s not just Derry Down, there’s Lundyville and Music Ranch, and Jessie’s, they have a long-standing reputation for having great live music, as well as Debbie Tennick at Tanners, and so many other venues with live music. In addition to that, there’s an undercurrent I can see starting to happen. T&T MAG: What are some of the plans for the venue? Anita: Derry Down was originally opened for young musicians, musicians under the age of 21, and that is one of the things we’ve really wanted to focus on. To be able to provide a stage for the younger crowd to be able to come and play. What we’d really love to do long-term is something where they’re paired up for different courses, with musicians like, maybe Les Dudek or maybe Jim Stafford or someone who’s had a long, great career, who knows how to handle a crowd if they’re noisy, or what to do if a string breaks in the middle of a song. Just something to share that kind of history. T&T MAG: So a pro to show them the

ropes? Anita: Yes, one of the things we’ve established is a young musicians night, it happens every 3 months. What we’ll start doing now that we’re open is that on Tuesday nights, it will become kind of a practice/open mic night, where kids can come in and play, and then they can come in and get better until they’re ready to do the big show. One of the things that we’ve learned is that a lot of these kids are really good! They’ve already trained in chorus or in band at school, so their technique and their training is very good... T&T MAG: And they’re needing practical application... Anita: Yes! How to play for an audience without the rest of the group. How to say “hey”, how to engage an audience. So, some of those things, we’d like to provide a space for the young musicians. T&T MAG: I recently interviewed the band Spirit and the Cosmic Heart for T&T, and spoke with Josh Miller, who mentioned he is doing something new at Winter Haven High School this year, a Rock Academy. Am I right in guessing there will be some tie-ins with the young musicians there and what you’re doing at Derry Down? Anita: Yes! Nat West, who is definitely a local legend, he has been doing music in the park downtown every Friday night for like, 20 years, he works very closely with Josh and the school system. Nat’s just a wonderful, wonderful person, and he’s managing the young musician’s night. Every city should have a Nat West. We’re really lucky to have so many great people involved like Gene Owen, Toni Brown and Marcus Brixa, to name a few. Marcus will be hosting our local musicians showcase. That will feature more seasoned performers. And Toni, she’s running the stage the second night in addition to performing, she’s great. T&T MAG: And the festival - the music, it’s a benefit. Anita: Yes. All of the proceeds from the music festival are going to benefit the Derry Down. We’re trying to raise money now

for the sound system, which is estimated at $12,500, we’ve already had around $5,000 go toward it, so we’re trying to come up with the rest. It’s all been a labor of love, lots of volunteer hours from many, many people, from electric to plumbing to painting, and the absolutely wonderful committee. We can’t wait for the opening on September 1st, and for the shows the 16th and 17th, and for everything that will be happening going forward! “We don’t wear sequins because we think we’re great. We wear them because we think sequins are great.” ~Gram Parsons T&T MAG: Toni, tell me about your Derry Down connection. Toni Brown: Around the mid 70s, soon after Gram died, I met members of the Flying Burrito Brothers in New York. I spent a few years with them, not full time, but when they came to town. Later, during my years with Relix magazine, I maintained my relationship with the guys, and we released a number of Flying Burrito Brothers albums on Relix records. In the mid 90s I met John Beland who toured with me and produced my second album. We’ve had a lot of crossconnections in the industry. The guy is a genius, really a genius. And for him to come to the festival, it’s perfect. Anita is an amazing visionary in what feels right for the Derry Down. T&T MAG: How did you get involved? Toni Brown: Ed (Munson) and I were invited to play on their very first show at the Derry Down and 1,000 people showed up - where everyone knew the music we were doing. It wasn’t the traditional people who come to my shows, and this was Polk County, and here are these people, because of Gram Parsons. It blew my mind. Gene Owen recommended me to Anita to help out with the Project, and she was happy to have volunteers! I still can’t believe it’s opening, this is just great. It was a fit for me to do this — Continued Page 13

SEPTEMBER 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 Find Us On Facebook Brew Hounds Sports Lounge 318 Havendale Blvd. (863) 967-2739 Mon, $3 Wells/$10 Malibu Bckts Wed, Ladies Night/$3 wells 8p Thu, Hospitality Night/$3 wells Sat & Sun, Beer Bckt Specials Football Season is here! 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

BARTOW Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 120 East Van Fleet Drive (863) 534-3111 Full Liquor Sports Bar!

Presented By Brew Hounds Sports Lounge The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 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

DUNDEE The New Grove Lounge (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537 Happy Hour Daily til 7p Tue, Industry Night Wed, Karaoke 8p Fri & Sat Live Music Sun & Tue $1 Tacos

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

Mulligan’s Bartow Golf Club 150 N. Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Karaoke, Thu 7-10p

HAINES CITY

The Wine Stable 150 S. Broadway (863) 533-9463 50+ Beer Selections 40+ Wine Selections

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

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

12 SEPTEMBER 2016

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

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 Live Music; Serving Lunch M-F Sept 17, 3rd Pink Party 5p w/ Food Specials, Raffles, Shots, Music Sept 23, Blues, Brews & Dinner w/ The Ellie Lee Band

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! 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¢ Beer 9p-12a, 21+ no cover Thu, Ladies 21+ Drink Free 9p-12a Sept 15, Concert for the Kids Sept 23, Michael Ray

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— From Page 11 work as it aligns with what I’ve done in my past. We’ve got 7 acts on the 2nd day with Ed and I being one of them, Ed is sound engineer, I’m a stage manager, we put on festivals around the world, so when there is something this close to home we want to be there and help out. We know where the mics go as musicians and so if we can put them there to help with the quality then that’s what we’ll do. And of course our favorite thing to do is play, and that we get to do that, as well, it’s just great. T&T MAG: The local musicians showcase is going to be a wonderful addition to the music offerings here in Polk Co., and Marcus, you’re in the drivers seat for this series? Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? Marcus Brixa: I’ve been at Carlton Music for 22 years as their primary guitar instructor. I am also a guitar tech and I do a lot of work with Theatre Winter Haven. I got involved in the Derry Down Project because a friend of mine, Jamie Beckett was involved, and as he and I started talking, I thought it was a great idea. I helped organize and put on the first concert there, outside, in 2014. As we moved forward, I wanted to be effective with people in the local area. Nat had the vision to do something with the younger concert students. I wanted to go ahead and mirror that with adults. Everything we have done up until now has been part of the fundraising campaign, and I’m excited now that it is a functional building, having everything that it needs to be successful. T&T MAG: What can we look for with the local musicians series and how will the series work? Marcus: To begin with we’ll do something every quarter, and as we move forward we’ll see what kind of activity we can have there. Eventually we’d like to have something every weekend, if not every day, but for now we’ll be focusing on our first event in October and then moving forward. We will want to feature 3 or 4 acts with a 40 minute set. And we’ll mix it up to give the audiences the opportunity to see lots of different acts over time. T&T MAG: How can local musicians get involved? Marcus: If someone wants to participate they can email Anita at anita@mainstreetwh.com, send their contact info, and

The Packway Handle Band will perform on September 17th at the Cosmic American Music Fesitval.

that will filter to me and the board. Each show will have acts with a similar theme and we would love to see many different acts featured. For the people who like to attend these kind of events, please look for it, get the tickets and go! It’s a different kind of a venue than what you normally see here in Polk County, and it will be a lot of fun! Gram sang, “It was a dream much too real to be leaned against too long.” I like to think that is the spirit called upon as Derry Down opens its doors to young musicians on Tuesday nights, to local, seasoned musicians, and to the listeners who love the music, all brought forth as an organic and purposeful progression for the venue. While hosting heroes with fiddles and acoustic guitars, encompassing the intention of once again providing a gathering place for those that have and want to

participate in their own musical story, and becoming a part of and sharing in the spectacular light and life brought to the musical world influenced by Winter Haven’s native son. The 2nd Annual Cosmic American Music Festival will be held at Gram Parsons Derry Down in Winter Haven on September 16th and 17th, 2016. September 16th will feature Heather Lee and Jordan Wynn Band and Ragbirds. Doors at 6pm, concert at 7pm. The night includes a reception with complimentary drinks and snacks during pre-show for $30. September 17th begins at 2pm and includes a day full of music, as well as a BBQ dinner for $75. Musical artists include John Beland, Packway Handle Band, William Quinlin, Jerry Mincey, Toni Brown and Ed Munson, The Only Daddy’s and Heather & Jordan Solo. Tickets for both nights can be purchased for $100 at mainstreetwh.com or by phoning (863) 295-9422.

SEPTEMBER 2016

14 SEPTEMBER 2016

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SNAPSHOTZ

Champino’s Rest & Pizzeria, Sandpiper Plaza 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd (863) 937-8866 Happy Hr 3-7p Full Liquor Bar Direct TV Sun, Brunch Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900 Happy Hr 3-7p Daily Specials Mon .50 Tacos 5-10p Wed .35 Boneless Wings 5-10p Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E. Edgewood Dr Ste G (863) 686-6441 The End Zone 6206 Hwy 98 N (863) 858-7226 2-4-1 Draft Beer/Hs Wines Sun, Bike Nite w/DJ Even Par Sports Bar Oak Plaza North 5100 US Hwy 98 N, Ste 13 (863) 816-7995 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 Isle of Capri Bar 541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246 Open Mon-Sat 8a & Sun 12p Beer & Wine; Food Available

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

EMAIL US YOUR

SNAPSHOTZ TO: SNAPSHOTZ@ TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR PHOTO IN THE NEXT ISSUE

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

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 Al’s Place 1530 N Scenic Hwy (863) 604-1456 $1.25 Drafts Trish is Back!

Mojo’s Wings, Burgers & Beer 1853 E. Memorial Blvd (863) 583-9119 Hpy Hr 2-7p Tue, Karaoke Wed, Biker’s Night w/$5 Burgers Fri, Ladies/Latin Night Sun, 50 cent Wings

All Star Grill 2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231 Darts, Pool Tables Live Music, Fri

Brock’s Smokehouse (at the Eagle Ridge Mall) 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Tue-Sat, Live Music 6p

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

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Full Liquor Sports Bar! Big Screen TVs

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 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 Mon, Tue & Thu, Poker Night 6p

SEPTEMBER 2016

SNAPSHOTZ Thu, Ladies Night

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

(863) 298-9815

Fri & Sat, Karaoke w/Paula 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p

9p-1a

Mon, Free Pool

(863) 293-9464

Sun, Pool Tourn & Karaoke 4p Full Liquor Sports Bar!

Wed, Ping Pong Tourn

30 Big HD TVs

Thu, Ladies Night 1/2 off select

Liar’s Lair Saloon

Mon Burger Special

Live Music Weekly

Camp Mack River Resort

El Norteno

14143 Camp Mack Rd

54 4th St, NW

Office Pub & Lounge

(863) 696-3863

(863) 298-0993

1243 1st Street S

Hpy Hr 4-7p Daily,

(863) 293-4767

w/$1Tacos/

Happy Hr 12-7 p

2-4-1Drinks

Mon, Karaoke w/Ching Ching

Daily Lunch Specials

Tue, Pool Tourn/Poker

Fri, Karaoke 8p Live Music R & L Pub 126 N 1st St (863) 676-7797

Sat & Sun, Poker Fire Restaurant

Darts, Golden Tee

325 W. Central Ave Y’all Come Back Saloon

(863) 875-5544

Old Man Frank’s

3230 State Rd 60 E

Sat Night, Live Music

1005 S. Lake Howard Dr

(863) 676-5759

Outdoor Seating Available

(863) 294-9179 Sun, Live Music/$12 Bckts

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 Apple Lounge 2803 Recker Hwy

Grape Expectations

Tue, Dart Tourn/$5 Entry

535 Cypress Gardens Blvd,

Wed, Corn Hole Tourn/$5 Entry

St 150

Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p

(863) 318-8800 Wine Bar

Past Time Lounge

Smoke-Free

1605 1st St S (863) 293-0027

Harborside Restaurant

Tue, Ladies Night

2435 7th St SW

Darts/Pool Table

(863) 293-7070

Wed, Poker 7p

Daily, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sunday, Early Bird 3-5p

The Pour House Lounge

Mon-Thu, Early Bird 4-6p

1560 Havendale Blvd NW

Waterfront Dining in Lk

(863) 299-5515

Shipp

Sat, Live Bands

High Seas Lounge

Somewhere Sports Bar &

7000 State Rd 544

Grill

(863) 299-2233

5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Great Food/Drink Specials

(863) 324-7524

Live Music

Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p w/Daily

(863) 291-0340 Idle Zone (At Lake May)

Food Available; Daily

615 7th Street SW

Specials

(863) 875-7949

Mon, Pool Tourn

Tanners Lakeside Restaurant

NFL & NASCAR Specials

Wed & Sun, Poker/Thu,

1006 S Lake Howard Drive

Great Food; Lunch & Dinner

(863) 662-5948

Karaoke Jensen’s Corner Bar

16 SEPTEMBER 2016

Beer Specials/Sports Packages

Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p

Lunch Specials Mon-Fri

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

Ave. Bar by Arabellas

100 3rd Street SW

328 West Central Ave

Happy Hr Wed-Fri 4-6p

Smoke-Free

(863) 229-8142

Sun, Party on Tiki Deck

Outdoor Patio

Open Tue-Sat, 4p

Live Music

Smoke-Free

Jessie’s Lounge

Full Menu/Full Bar

118 3rd Street SW

T L’s Old Place 2390 Ave G NW (863) 299-7924

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BRIAN’S BRAIN

By Brian Bruchey

Ready For School In my marriage, my wife and I try to share our duties at home. With the exception of cooking, because she doesn’t appreciate the greatness of Chef Boyarde. I actually do my fair share of laundry, dishes, and general cleaning. And we both try to share in the raising of our son. Even as a baby, I was a diaper-changer. And, I would occasionally get up in the middle of the night when he cried out. Granted, not as often as my wife would, but mainly because she has no problem whatsoever getting back to sleep, while I, on the other hand, would lie there in bed staring at the ceiling wondering if I’m ever going to fall back asleep. I fed the boy too. Not as much during his breast-feeding days, but that was because: A) My body doesn’t work that way. B) My chest hair would tickle his lips. Our equal participation in taking care of the boy continues, and barring her winning millions in the lottery, jumping on a helicopter, and flying off to live out the rest of her life in Costa Rica, that arrangement will continue for many years. Some days, she gets the boy ready for school, and other days, I am the one who’s responsible for that monumental challenge. I’m sure we’re not the only parents facing this torture day after day. However, if you are a parent of a child who eagerly wakes up each morning, eats breakfast, brushes his or her teeth, gets dressed, and goes out the door with no yelling, beatings, or destruction of property, I want you to know, I hate you. Nothing personal…it’s solely out of jealousy, but I hate your guts. Each and every morning, the struggle is real, as they say. Maybe it’s just the way life is, and we need to deal with it. Maybe it’s God’s way of making our family better somehow. Or maybe it’s my Mom in Heaven exacting her revenge for the

way I behaved so many years ago when I was the child reluctantly getting ready for school. I don’t understand my boy. If I wake up at 5:30am on a Saturday, and I want some nice quiet time to myself, I have to be very quiet, because he’ll easily wake up and want to do something with me. If it’s a school day, and it’s 6:30am, I could make loud noises, turn on lights, and nudge him constantly, before he wakes up in a grumpy mood. I have never actually counted this, but if I had to guess, I would say that I utter the phrase “Brush your teeth” at least 118 times…on average…in one morning. He’s seven years old. He’s been able to dress himself for several years. Why is it every school morning, he always replies to my demands for him to get dressed with, “I need help”? In the evenings and weekends, we have to watch him carefully, because he could easily eat an entire box of Cheez-Its in five minutes. Breakfast before school? It takes him twenty minutes to eat one small bowl of oatmeal. If our neighbor comes over asking him to come out and play, he gets his shoes on in ten seconds. On school days, it takes him five minutes to put those shoes on. Someday, my time will come. I don’t know when I’ll die, but I’m convinced it will be in the morning, and my last words will be. “You still have your pajama bottoms on!” Brian “Blood Pressure 180/120” Bruchey QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS bruchey@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2016

ON THE MENU

Eggplant Rollettini, Sliced eggplant stuffed with seasoned ricotta cheese and baked.

SCARPA’S ITALIAN

A Culinary Delight Close To Home

Veal chop of milk-fed veal sautéed with mushrooms in a marsala wine sauce.

18 SEPTEMBER 2016

By Amy Sumerlin Photos By Chris Douglas Just one visit and I’m hooked. Scarpa’s Italian is tucked away in a little plaza on East Edgewood, its location well known to foodies who love Italian – because it’s in the exact same spot that housed Mario’s Italian Restaurant, which gained tremendous popularity in the 1980s and ’90s. But I had no idea that Mario’s last name was Scarpa. Owner, Glenn Scarpa is Mario Scarpa’s son. He worked alongside his father, starting as busboy and dishwasher, and eventually running Mario’s kitchen for almost a decade and a half. After that, he moved on to pursue a career as a construction contractor. Meanwhile, Mario’s changed ownership a few times over the years, and at the same time the final owners, who had changed the name to La Porta Rossa — closed in 2013, Glenn was itching to get back in the family business. “I had

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Seafood Fettuccine a medley of crab, shrimp, lobster and scallops. Also available with olive oil and garlic or marinara.

been sniffing around Lakeland for possible locations,” he remembered, “when the landlord for this building called me, asking me to open a restaurant here.” That was the “pendulum swinger”, as Glenn called it, and Scarpa’s opened in December 2013. Very much a family business, Glenn focuses on back- of- house operations and his wife, Ashley, runs the front- of- house operations and does all of the baking. My husband and I decided to try it on a Tuesday night, and what a weeknight delight it was. The no-frills plaza in which the building sits belies the intimate, sophisticated atmosphere you enjoy the minute you walk in. I noted an impressive wine cellar before I ever sat down. Our lovely waitress, Joy, started us off with a basket of flaky bread and a glass of house Merlot for him and Chardonnay for me. We were extremely pleased on both counts, and I couldn’t keep my hands off the bread! The Antipasti on the menu listed some of the standard fare, such as Bruschetta ($8.50) and Prosciutto and Cheese ($13.50), but we decided to try the Sausage and Peppers ($9.50), an inspired choice… Next time, I know I want to try the Stuffed Portabello ($11.50), but I’m not sure I will want to share. By this point in the meal, we were already so tickled we called our daughter, Paige, to join us. Paige was with a friend, so we soon added two more settings to the table—which Joy did with pleasure. It was then time to choose the entrée. I chose the Chicken Marsala ($17.50), and was immediately pleased: The chicken was tender

Raspberry Delight.

and moist, and the marsala sauce a harmonious blend of wine, mushrooms, and butter. My husband, a fan of Shrimp Scampi ($21.50), was intrigued by one of the daily specials, the Gulf Scampi, prepared the same way as Shrimp Scampi, but including grouper and red snapper medallions instead of the usual shrimp. He smiled through the whole meal, and said it was one of the best scampi dishes he had ever had. The seasonal ingredients and fresh Florida seafood he enjoyed in that meal is featured in many of Scarpa’s dishes and specials. “I love to feature fresh Florida seafood,” Scarpa explained, “everything from grouper to mutton snapper and red snapper; types of fish you won’t find everywhere.” Meanwhile, Paige chose the Chicken

Florentine ($17.50), and she too comment-

ed how tender the chicken was. Her friend, Heather, chose the Manicotti ($17.50). The

Manicotti crepes were filled with a perfect

blend of Italian cheeses, and accompanied by two meats: two (very generously-portioned)

meatballs, two Italian sausage links, or one of

each. She chose one of each, and was especially pleased with the sausage.

Truly, everything was delightful – atmo-

sphere, staff, and every dish we tried.

If you are looking for a sophisticated yet

affordable place to eat, close to home, Scarpa’s is it.

FMI: Scarpa’s Italian, 1831 East Edgewood,

Lakeland. (863) 937-8940; scarpasitalian.com

Lasagna, Alternate layers of pasta and cheese blended in harmony with marinara sauce served with your choice of meatballs or sausage.

SEPTEMBER 2016

fter months of construction, Bok Tower Gardens comes into full bloom with the grand opening of the Pollinator Garden, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, Wild Garden, Outdoor Kitchen, and Edible Garden on Saturday, September 10. The Gardens will open at 8 a.m. and general admission is FREE for this historic event. HISTORIC RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Join the celebration at 10 a.m. with a special ribbon cutting dedication and remarks from Gardens’ president David Price, Board of Directors Chair Cindy Alexander, Board of Directors Vice Chair Dr. Tomas Bok, and Dr. Nick Place, Dean and Director of University of Florida/ IFAS Extension. Reverend Tom Seitz, Sr.

will provide a special garden blessing during the ceremony. Children will be invited to commemorate the ribbon cutting moment with a native pollinator release. Middle school students from the Bok Academy steel drum band will provide musical accompaniment during the dedication. BRING YOUR TASTE BUDS

The day will also feature culinary demonstrations in the Outdoor Kitchen with special guest Tyler Zager, a Florida native and recent winner of the Food Network’s Kids BBQ Championship along with a full schedule of special activities, music and demonstrations. Celebrated UF/IFAS Chef David S. Bearl will also provide two cooking demonstrations and will be joined in the Outdoor Kitchen by Polk County Master Gardeners.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

• Nature guides and educators, animal encounters, live music, Native American demonstrations, creative play activities, Sandy Music Girls in concert and more in the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Guided tours of the Wild Garden at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. • Interpretive guides in the Pollinator & Edible Garden from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • UF/IFAS hands-on learning exhibits and plant giveaway in the Alexander Discovery Center from  11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Polk County Master Gardeners Information Booth in the Edible Garden from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Cooking demonstrations by guest chefs in the Outdoor Kitchen at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. • Live carillon concerts featuring childhood music favorites at 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

“It has been a long journey since construction began in October 2014 and we are so excited to share these new Gardens with our visitors,” said Gardens’ president David Price. “This grand opening celebration salutes the work of our board, donors, members and staff who recognized this vision would lead to big improvements without changing the spirit of the Gardens.” Bok Tower Gardens chose the landscape architecture firm of Nelson Byrd Woltz, with Coyle & Caron for the new garden spaces and the revitalization of the historic Olmsted Gardens. The firm’s owner and principal, Thomas Woltz, was named the Design Innovator of 2013 by Wall Street — Continued Page 23

20 SEPTEMBER 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

BIG ORANGE

“Watch” Out For Anxiety My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time. — Steve Jobs How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon? — Dr. Seuss “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship

of the Ring I finally succumbed to the Smith household peer pressure and gave into my husband’s gentle push towards fashionable yet wearable anxiety. This column should be titled “why my watch is going to give me a heart attack.” For those kind readers who are already high strung, take my advice, strapping a buzzing minute-by-minute reminder to your wrist is a sure fire ticket to the loony bin. In addition to knowing the exact moment of sunrise and sunset, the temperature outside and my heart rate, I now have instant notification of emails and text messages. This overstimulation has led to many heart-stopping moments trying to read a message on a two-inch screen. I find myself moving my wrist absentmindedly just to check –in. Sure, I could take the watch off but now I am hooked to the

instant access, the reminders that it is time to stand up and that creepy, nerve-jangling buzz notification. Is being this plugged-in a benefit or just another sign of technology overload? Recently, my husband remarked I must have digital PTSD as I jump every time there is a loud noise. I blame this behavior on the constant roll of emails, messaging and Facebook reminders. Of course, I could turn these functions off but the addiction has already taken hold and I can’t help but sit back in smugness being able to make a phone call from my wrist. Whether it is a digital obsession or addiction doesn’t really matter as technology is here to stay. The world of Google Glass, Amazon Echo and predictive analysis is right around the corner. I envision a very stressedout and jumpy generation who has been conditioned to stand on demand. If you thought “text neck“ and elongated thumbs were an evolutionary outcome of the digital age…wait until you see the gigantic wrists muscles that come from the iWatch wearer’s constant twisting and flicking. But in the end, here is the truth…wearing the world on your wrist with communication at your fingertips is quite amazing. Even if the stress does kill me. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS info@todayandtonight.com

Big Orange is a orange and white male Domestic Shorthair mix. He is approximately 2 years old. He has been neutered. Big Orange showed up as a stray on a nice ladies front door step very hungry and looking for shelter. He fit right in from day 1. He plays with the other cats and dog in the home, is litter trained, and has a great personality.

JERRY

Jerry is a red male Whippet mix. He is approximately 1 year old. Jerry is a stray who appears to be good with children and other dogs. Jerry is a very happy dog who is up for any adventure and would make a great walking or jogging buddy.

NORA

Nora is a orange female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 1 month old. Nora was found at a local pet store one morning with her brothers and sisters. She is part of a litter of 5 and is sure to be a good fit in any home.

MUDD

Mudd is a chocolate male Chihuahua, Short-Haired mix. He is approximately 1 year old. Mudd is a stray dog that was found on the side of the road about to get hit by a car. He is a sweet dog that is full grown and seems laid back.

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. 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.”

SEPTEMBER 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 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 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

22 SEPTEMBER 2016

HAINES CITY

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

Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, BLT’s, Jalapeno Poppers, Mozzarella Stix, Wings, Boiled

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. Try Our Smoked Salmon Quiche, Blue Crab Quiche and Dali Salads are spectacular. 621 Ingraham Ave, Haines City (863) 547-6778 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 — Continued Page 25

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— From Page 20

Journal Magazine and is known for his holistic design approach and working knowledge of Olmsted landscapes, like that of the Gardens. Woltz was charged with the unique mission to embrace the legacy of the Gardens while providing a modern vision for the future. “The idea of sanctuary, of beauty, of people immersed in nature presented a tremendous opportunity to capture both imaginations and emotions. As visitors come to know more about the new spaces, Bok Tower Gardens builds a new generation of environmental stewards” said Woltz when asked about his overall vision for this landmark project. He continued “I am always looking for the story of a site. Our work at Bok Tower Gardens was centered on revealing the layers of this legacy space, its history, geology, hydrology, plant communities, wildlife and culture. We looked to the past to create contemporary and relevant new spaces that transform these areas to a public garden appropriate for the 21st century.” EXPLORE GARDENS OF PURE DISCOVERY

Bok Tower Gardens’ new areas provide nearly one mile of pathway connecting to the historic Olmsted gardens and offer a world of discovery and biodiversity. Native plantings, picturesque vistas and distinctive ecosystems are spotlighted by the expansion and provide visitors with a new way to experience the Gardens while still providing the tranquility

and serenity Bok Tower Gardens has provided for nearly eight decades. HAMMOCK HOLLOW CHILDREN’S GARDEN AND ALEXANDER DISCOVERY CLASSROOM

Featuring almost three acres of nature play, this garden will teach conservation and the vital connection between animals, plants, and people. There will be beautiful art, cooling water features, vibrant plantings, a boardwalk, performance stage, and music area. Children will have things to climb on, under and through, as well as places to build, dig and create. Pack a bathing suit and towel as Hammock Hollow is a splash zone! The Alexander Discovery Center located at the entrance to the Children’s Garden offers a contemporary meeting and gathering space for programs, small classroom learning, and staging for field trips.

wood fired pizza oven, top-of-the-line outdoor appliances and much more. Festive café string lights, ceiling fans and vine trellises make the kitchen functional, beautiful and intimate despite its large size. A center island with granite countertop provides more than 15 feet of space for chef demonstrations. The Edible — Continued Page 24

THE WILD GARDEN

Visitors will discover four diverse native Florida ecologies as they walk through eight acres of native plantings including a pine forest, oak hammock, wetland prairie and bog. Over 175 different native plant species were used to re-create these habitats mirroring the biodiversity and beauty of Florida’s Pine Ridge. The Wild Garden also features a spectacular boardwalk that overlooks the Wildlife Pond. OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND EDIBLE GARDEN

The Outdoor Kitchen features 6,400 square feet of culinary delight punctuated with a

SEPTEMBER 2016

— From Page 23

Garden includes fruit orchard, grape arbors, and raised beds for herbs and vegetables. This area will be a hub of horticultural and culinary activity showcasing lifestyle gardening and the culinary arts. The Edible Garden also complements the Gardens’ new UF /IFAS educational partnership. POLLINATOR GARDEN

This colorful 22,800 square foot garden features native and non-native perennials along a meandering path. The garden provides a botanical wonderland for birds, butterflies, bees and other nectar- and pollen-loving insects known as pollinators. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

With the opening of the new garden spaces, becoming a member of Bok Tower Gardens is the best way to enjoy unlimited admission. Family

24 SEPTEMBER 2016

memberships are only $75 and include admission for two adults and children or grandchildren under the age of 18. Members also receive reciprocal free admission to over 300 public gardens throughout the United States! Special discounts in the Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift shop are included as member benefits. For more information, pricing and purchasing, visit www. boktowergardens.org. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, visit www. boktowergardens.org or call 863676-1408.

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RESTAURANT LISTING From page 22

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 19 years! Monday 5pm to 10pm 50¢ Tacos. Wednesday 5pm to 10pm 35¢ Boneless Wings. Friday Homemade New England Clam Chowder. Fresh food specials all weekend! Not your typical sports bar! Follow us on Facebook! 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

MISTER FISH 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 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 326 BISTRO PIZZERIA 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. Polk County’s Premier Waterfront Restaurant. Scenic dining on Lake Shipp. Happy Hour 3-6pm daily. Early Bird Sunday 3-5pm and Monday thru Thursday 3-6pm. Summer weekday specials (see our ad). Private dining room, outdoor patio, beach and boat docks. Amazing sunset views. 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

SEPTEMBER 2016

Grove Roots Brewing Co. Grand Opening – Sept 17. All day grand opening celebration featuring live bands, food trucks and lots of freshly brewed Grove Roots beer. Located 302 3rd Street SW in downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 2-11 pm. groveroots.com

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

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, Expos & 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. Main Street Bartow Farmers Market – Wednesdays. The Farmers Market vendors offer a wide variety of products including produce, dips and soup mixes, jams, jellies, pickles, honey, pies, candied apples, relishes, pecan and peanut brittle, and crafts. The park is also a beautiful spot for a leisurely lunch, and food vendors offer Italian sausage, Philly cheese steaks, hamburgers, Caribbean specialties, and other items. Located at Fort Blount Park, corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue, in downtown Bartow. Wed, 10am-2 pm. Haines City Marketplace – Wednesdays. Visiting the Haines City Farmers Market is just the thing to do on a Wednesday! You can’t beat the fresh taste of produce these growers and produce resellers have to offer. Open yearround, the Haines City Farmers Market will always provide you with the freshest produce in Central Florida. Located in Haines City’s Railroad Park, located across the street from our Public Library and City Hall. Wed, 8am-2 pm. Davenport Farmers Market – Thursdays. Featuring a variety of vendors offering local produce, handmade crafts and more. Located at the Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center, off Hwy 27, Davenport. Thurs, 9 am-3 pm. Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays. We have an exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. We are part of the FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) program that assists those in the SNAP/EBT program by encouraging healthy behaviors by making fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to SNAP customers (formally known as food stamps). Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-2 pm.

26 SEPTEMBER 2016

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally – Sept 8. 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. Flashback Movie Night – Sept 9. Polk County Parks & Recreation is hosting a free movie night. This event will feature games, snacks, and a movie. Located Wabash Community Center, 1230 Southern Avenue, Lakeland. Fri, 6-9 pm. Call (863)284-4223 or visit parksandrec.polk-county.net for more info. First Friday “Dog Days Downtown” – Sept 9. Pet themed event. Leashed pets welcome. Featuring product samples, treats and games. LPD K9 demonstrations. Obedience training demostrations. Vaccine and microchip clinic. Pet water station. Pet adoptions. Free family friendly entertainment, activities, live music, and classy car show. Shops and restaurants open late. Monthly themed event. Located Downtown Munn Park/Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 6-9 pm. Second Saturday Cruise-In – Sept 10. Presented by the City of Auburndale. Located in the downtown city park. Sat, 4-8 pm. Call (863) 965-5545 for more info. Let’s Move Party; Celebrating Health, Education & Wellness – Sept 10. Presented by Community Outreach Partners. Free family friendly event. Registration Not Required. Residents will receive FREE basic healthcare services and other program info from local healthcare and business professionals. School supplies will be distributed to school age children on a first come first serve basis. Fitness experts will conduct exhilarating exercise moves and you will be able to get on the floor and join in. A fun zone for the whole family,face painting, chair massage, games,giveaways and more! Located Polk State College Gym, Winter Haven Campus, 999 Ave H NE, Winter Haven 33881. Sat, 10am-1pm. Call (863) 248-5102. Downtown Bartow Antique Fair – Sept 10. 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. Bok Tower Gardens Children’s Garden Grand Opening – Sept 10. The grand opening celebration day for the Pollinator Garden, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, Wild Garden, and Outdoor Kitchen & Edible Garden will be Saturday starting at 10 am. The Gardens will open at 8 am and general admission will be FREE for this historic event. For a schedule of events for the grand opening go to boktowergardens.org. 13th Annual Lakeland Cardboard Boat Challenge – Sept 10. Located at Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am. Repticon FIRExpo Reptile & Exotic Animal Show – Sept 10 & 11. Repticon Lakeland

is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise. It also includes live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone! Located in the Exhibit Hall at the Lakeland Center. Sat, 10-5 pm and Sun, 10-4 pm. Cost - $10 Adults, $5 kids (5-12), under 5 Free. Lake Wales Farmers Market – Sept 10 & 24. 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. Saturday Market Downtown Winter Haven – Sept 10 & 24. 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. Bring your chair and enjoy the beautiful live music played by Nick Herbert. Located Central Park Downtown, Virginia Miller Park, Winter Haven. Sat, 9-2 pm. Family Fun Night – Sept 16. Polk County Parks & Recreation is hosting a free Family Fun Night. This event will feature games, snacks, and a movie. Located Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center, 2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales. Fri, 6-9 pm. Call (863)679-4335 or visit parksandrec.polk-county.net for more info. Main Street Bartow Friday Fest – Sept 16. 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. Earthdance Florida – Sept 16 to 18. Art, Music, Energy Co-Creation. A collective journey of self-fulfilling bliss as we inspire, create, dance and bond with our commUNITY! In our limitless creative landscape of love the Spirit of Oneness thrives and everyone recognizes each other as equal, sacred, and divine. We are the Co-creators of our time and it is up to us to spread peace and love far and wide. Hand to hand and heart to heart, we gather together to pray, heal, and learn as one. Located at Maddox Ranch in Lakeland. Friday, 10am to 3 am. Saturday 10am to 6:30 pm; 8:30 pm to 3 am (closed from 6:30-8:30 pm for the Global Prayer for Peace). Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Ticket and Camping Info: earthdanceflorida.org

Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market – Sept 17. Bartow’s monthly Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Located East Main Street, Bartow. Sat, 8am-1 pm. Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team – Sept 17. 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, 5:15-7 pm. www. cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com Original Lakeland Gun Show – Sept 17 & 18. Presented by the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club. Largest show in the southeast with up to 600 tables and hundreds of exhibitors. Concealed carry classes each day presented by Equip 2 Conceal Firearms Group. Located in the Exhibit & Sikes Halls at the Lakeland Center. Sat, 9-5 pm and Sun, 9-4 pm. LakelandGunShow.com or (863) 225-2050 for more info. Haines City Latino Fest – Sept 18. Hosted by Haines City Public Library. Music, food, vendors. Come out to help celebrate the diverse Latino culture, arts and customs. Located Downtown Haines City. Sun, 2-7 pm. 9th Annual Pampering Event at BELK Winter Haven – Sept 18. A Day of Pampering, A Day of Beauty, A Day of Learning! Drawings, vendors, education. A spotlight on ovarian and breast cancer. Located at Belk Winter Haven Citi Center. Sun, 12 pm. Fashion show w/ cancer survivors at 2:30 pm. Call (863) 4126865 for more info. Hispanic Heritage Festival – Sept 24. Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Hispanic Heritage Festival celebrates culture through music, art, and food. This free community event will feature a DJ, live performances, a kid zone, exhibitors and local food vendors. Located Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Ave., Eloise. Sat, 12-4 pm. Call (863) 298-4485 or visit parksandrec.polk-county.net for more info. 4th Annual Food Truck Wars – Sept 24. Presented by the City of Winter Haven and Visit Central Florida. This year’s event will once again be held in the beautiful shade of Central Park in downtown Winter Haven. Save the date, mark your calendar, and bring your appetite to this great family friendly event with food choices for everyone from professional foodies to the pickiest eaters. Food choices include everything from American, Caribbean, and Italian dishes to lobster and everything in between. Don’t forget to leave room for

Dog Day of Summer at Bok Tower – Sept 17. Dog-friendly event benefiting the Humane Society of Polk County. Dog admission $5; 50%of proceeds donated. Humane rates apply. Enjoy dog vendors, activities, K-9 demonstration and more. Each dog also receives a doggie goodie bag. Sat, 10-2 pm. Leashed dogs welcome in the gardens from 8-5 pm. Located at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org .

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dessert! Food costs run on average between $6 - $8. For more information call the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 863-2915656. Sat, 2-8 pm. Bubble Run Lakeland – Sept 24. Just like running through Willy Wonkas’ factory. Clad in white t-shirts, adults, kids and strollers run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of absolute fun! Waves start every 3-5 minutes. Then, at each kilometer, participants will run through the Foam Bogs where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe. There is nothing competitive about Bubble Run other than seeing who has the most color on them after the race! There’s no timing, no timing clock and no placement awards. Just a great excuse to come out and have fun with your friends, family and kids while doing something healthy! Located at Sun n Fun Expo Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am. Cost -$50 (kids 4 and under race for free with adult). Bubblerun.com Saturday Afternoon Family Movies – Sept 24. Hosted by the Winter Haven Library. Saturday Afternoon Family Movies Second and fourth Saturdays of every month at 2 p.m. Join us for a family movie for everyone to enjoy! Food and drinks are welcome. Located in Downtown Winter Haven. Girls Night Out in Downtown Lakeland – Sept 24. Grab your girlfriends, bring your besties and enjoy a special evening in Downtown Lakeland. Shops, salons, spas, restaurants, and bars will have specials catering to the ladies. Sat, 5:30-8:30 pm. www. downtownlakelandfl.com Lake Wales Car Show – Sept 24. Stroll and admire the cool antique, custom and classic cars of yesteryear while enjoying music, enchanting shops, and the unique restaurants of charming downtown Lake Wales. Located East Stuart Ave, Lake Wales. Sat, 4-8 pm. PC Bridal presents Country Chic Bridal Expo – Sept 25. Located in Exhibit Hall East, The Lakeland Center. Sun, 1-5 pm. www. pcbridalexhibit.com for more info. Ladies Night Out in Downtown Winter Haven – Sept 30. Presented by Main Street Winter Haven. Calling all girls! Downtown Winter Haven businesses will offer special discounts and promotions. Check out the latest merchandise and have a cocktail or two! Fri, 5:30-8:30 pm. Call (863) 295-9422 for more info. Just Between Friends Sale – Sept 30 to Oct 2. Shop 24,000 square feet of quality new and gently used children’s and maternity items. You’ll find tens of thousands of everything you need to raise a child! Our clothing sizes range from newborn - 18 boys and newborn - junior (teen) girls. Located Sikes Hall at the Lakeland Center. Fri, 9am to 7pm. Admission is $2, Kids are free. Sat, 9am to 4 pm. FREE Admission. Sun, 9am to 3 pm. Free Admission (all items without a star are 50% off). Parking is free. www.jbfsale.com for more info. ZombieFarm Paintball Hayride – Sept 30 to Oct 29. Narrated hayride through the infectious zone in the dark with Live Zombies to shoot at! Located at the Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Rd, Lakeland. Fridays & Saturdays only! 7-10 pm. Cost - $30 per person. Includes: 200 rounds of ammo, paintball gun & mask. CornFusionMaze.com for more info. Check out Facebook for details. CornFusion Maze & Fall Festival – Sept 30 to Oct 30. Activities and events for everyone: crop maze, hayride, farm animals, cornhole, live music every weekend. Little Farmer Land for small children. Located at the Smith Family Ranch, 13444 Moore Rd, Lakeland. Fridays 3-6 pm, Saturdays 9-6 pm. Sundays 12-6 pm. Cost - $11.50 Adults, $9.50 for Kids 5 to 15. Free for 4 and under. (Free admission for Active/Retired

Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, EMS. ID Required) CornFusionMaze.com for more info. Check out Facebook for details. Cruisin’ Winter Haven – Oct 1. Experience the one-of-a-kind car show. Enjoy great music from the 50’s along with a cruising display of all the cars at the end of the evening. Event features vendors, activities for families and children, entertainment, door prizes and raffles. Located downtown Winter Haven. Sat, 4-9 pm. Call Parks & Recreation (863) 291-5656 for more info. Multicultural Unity Festival – Oct 1. Enjoy food, arts & crafts and entertainment representing different countries. Located at Westwood Park, 1150 31st St NW, between 34th St NW and 36th St NW. Call (863) 3329819 for more info. Sat, 10am-7 pm. Brick-or-Treat – Oct 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30. Brick-or-Treat offers safe and family-friendly Halloween festivities in October at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven. This spooky, kooky event features trick-or-treating along the Brick-or-Treat Trail, LEGO build activities, the largest LEGO jacko-lantern in the world, a haunted scavenger hunt in Miniland U.S.A., Halloween-themed entertainment and an all-kids costume contest with “bricktastic” prizes! Offered select dates in October, Brick or Treat features whimsical Halloween activities for kids throughout LEGOLAND Florida theme park. Located at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven. General Admission applies.

Concerts, Culture & 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) 984-1144 or www.lundyville. com for more info. Exhibition: A Sum of its Parts – Sept 1 to Sept 17. This year marks Polk Museum of Art’s 50th anniversary! When founded in 1966, the Polk Public Museum, as it was called, owned a broadly diverse permanent collection that included everything from petrified dinosaur teeth to homemade dolls. The vision for the permanent collection shifted in the early 1980s when the museum revised its mission to become exclusively an art museum. As it became the Polk Museum of Art, its collecting focus accordingly narrowed to only include works of fine art. A Sum of Its Parts will be a comprehensive chronology of the collection that will also chronicle the museum’s evolution alongside its collecting interests. Located at the Polk Museum of Art, 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland. Cost – Free. Call (863) 688-7743 or www.PolkMuseumofArt.org for more info. Les Dudek at the Derry Down – Sept 10. Located at The Derry Down, 297 5th St NW, Winter Haven. Sat, doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm. Cost - $20. www.mainstreetwh. com for more info or 863-295-9422. ISO’s Singer-Songwriter Session with Michael McArthur – Sept 10. The new Songwriter Session combines soulful singers with ISO musicians for an “unplugged” musical experience. This year, the ISO welcomes local artist Michael McArthur to the stage for a unique take on the symphony. Located at Polk Theatre, 121 S FL Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8-10 pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Polk Theater. www.polktheatre.org Dulcimer Night in Central Park – Sept 16. Central Park plays host to Dulcimer Night on the third Friday of each month. Dulcimer players are welcome to join in and everyone is welcome to listen to this beautiful instrument. A dulcimer is a musical instrument with a

sounding board or box, typically trapezoidal in shape, over which strings of graduated length are stretched, played by being struck with handheld hammers. Hammered and mountain dulcimers are the most common instruments played during this event. Located Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven. Free Event. Fri, 5:307 pm. Cosmic American Music Festival – Sept 16 & 17. Friday 7-11 pm. Heather Lee and Jordan Wynn Band, Ragbirds. (reception included $30). Saturday 2-11 pm. John Beland, Packway Handle Band, Will Quilin, Jerry Mincey, Toni Brown and Ed Munson, The Only Daddy’s, Heather & Jordan Solo. (BBQ Dinner Included $75). Located at The Derry Down, 297 5th St NW, Winter Haven. Now With Air Conditioning! Tickets available at www.mainstreetwh.com Call 863-295-9422 for more info. Classic Albums Live Presents The Who – Sept 16. Enjoy a hits from the Who’s Next album. In addition to performing these iconic albums, note for note and cut for cut, Classic Albums Live also presents a full set of the artist’s greatest hits during the second half of the show. Located at the Lakeland Center. Fri, 8 pm. Enjoy a special pre-show with Eric Michaels and Mike Lee from the popular Max 98.3 FM morning show starting at 7:30 pm. Cost - $36 Pit, $27 plus parking. www. thelakelandcenter.com Dancing Under the Stars – Sept 16. Return engagement to the Bartow Civic Center! featuring Sergey Barsukov and Maria Sidnjova, (2014 US American Smooth Rising Star Champions) and Maksym Lototskyy and Sarah Haworth (2016 Emerald Ball Rising Stars of American Rhythm). Dance and Social Hour with live band. Dinner and performance. Located Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Avenue in Bartow. Fri, 6-9 pm. Tickets: $50, at the Chamber of Commerce. Call Jeff Clark (863) 533-7125 for more info. A Journey Through Song – Sept 20. Featuring Beth Gibbs, mezzo soprano; Mark Thomsen, tenor and Paula Parsché, piano Join these faculty favorites as they take us on a journey through songs, arias, and duets that have held special memories for them in their lives and careers. Located Florida Southern College, Davis Performing Arts Center, Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall. Tues, 7:30 pm. Free Admission. Junie B. Jones the Musical – Sept 23 to 25. A delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books brought to life on stage in a genuinely comical, and not strictlyfor-kids musical. Its Junie B.’s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her, but first grade has never been so exciting. Featuring fun filled songs that will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. Located Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 6:30pm. Sat, 10:30am & 6:30 pm. Sun, 2 pm. Tickets - $15 Adult, $12 Child (12 & under). Lakelandcommunitytheatre.com The Purple Xperience – Sept 24. Celebrate the unique and talented life and music of Prince with this special tribute concert. The Purple Xperience, a five-piece tribute band hailing from Minneapolis, brings the memories of Prince and The Revolution to audiences of all generations. Led by Matt Fink (aka Doctor Fink), a member of Prince and The Revolution from 1978 to 1991.Located at Polk Theatre, S FL Ave, Lakeland. Doors open at 7 pm, Show starts at 6 pm. Cost - $38, $28. Chilloungenight.com or polktheatre.org for tickets. The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 – Sept 29 to Oct 2, Oct 6 to 9. The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop in which three chorus girls were murdered

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SEPTEMBER 2016

BRAINEXCERCISE Sudoku Puzzle STRANGE BUT TRUE BY SAMANTHA WEAVER • It was English Victorian author Samuel Butler who made the following sage observation: “Words are like money; there is nothing so useless, unless when in actual use.” • Martha Jane Canary -- better known as Calamity Jane -- was a noted frontierswoman in the late 19th century. She defied expectations of women by refusing to wear dresses, becoming a scout and fighting against Indians in the West. As one contemporary commenter observed, “She swore, she drank, she wore men’s clothing. She was 50 years ahead of her time.” • Those who study such things say that two-thirds of a shark’s brain is dedicated to detecting and sorting out odors. • In his 1510 book “The Adventures of Esplandian,” Spanish author Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo wrote of an island peopled entirely by Amazon-like women, and he called it California. When Spaniard Francisco de Ulloa was exploring the west coast of North America, his initial surveys of the Baja Peninsula led him to believe the land was an island, so the region was given the name of the mythical place: California. • In Mongolia, it’s common to put salt in one’s tea before drinking it. • If you’re a fan of nature documentaries, you’ve doubtless seen footage of Africa’s Serengeti, site of the world’s largest terrestrial mammal migration. If you’ve see images of the place, you won’t be surprised to learn that in Maasai, the word “Serengeti” means “the place where the land runs on forever.”

TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez

1. MYTHOLOGY: What was Charybdis in ancient literature? 2. TELEVISION: Who was the original host of the game show “Let’s Make a Deal”? 3. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of South Dakota? 4. HISTORY: When was the Securities and Exchange Commission established to regulate sales of stocks and bonds? 5. GEOGRAPHY: What U.S. city’s seal includes a phoenix, which symbolizes its rise from destruction in the Civil War? 6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where are the British Crown Jewels displayed? 7. FOOD & DRINK: What is tequila made from? 8. MOVIES: Who earned a second supporting actor Oscar for his performance in “The Cider House Rules”? 9. ANATOMY: What kind of tissue connects bones and joints? 10. LITERATURE: What was the pseudonym of author Hector Hugh Munro? ANSWERS 1. A whirlpool sometimes described as a sea monster 2. Monty Hall 3. Pierre 4. 1934, after the 1929 stock market crash 5. Atlanta 6. The Tower of London 7. Blue agave 8. Michael Caine 9. Ligament 10. Saki

ANSWERS

• You’ve probably heard of John Steinbeck’s celebrated novel “Of Mice and Men,” but you probably didn’t know that it was almost titled “Something That Happened.”

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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CALENDAR From page 27

by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher” is called to assemble at the estate of a potential wealthy backer for their new show. There they encounter a mansion replete with sliding panels, secret passageways, and a mysterious maid, all of which figure prominently in the ensuing mayhem when the infamous “slasher” reappears and strikes again. Located Florida Southern College, Loca Lee Buckner Theatre, 111 Lk Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland. ThursSat, 7:30pm. Sun, 2:30 pm. $19 Adults, $9 Students. Flsouthern.edu ISO’s Masterworks 1: Tea & Symphony – Oct 4. During these pre-concert lectures, Maestro Mark Thielen takes audiences on a journey into the life & times of the featured composer, identifying themes in the music and offering insight into the processes that created familiar master works. Located in the Lake Hunter Room at the Lakeland Center. Tues, 5:45-7 pm. www.imperialsymphony.org Pickin’ in the Park – Oct 7. Come enjoy the musical talents of local band, Harmony Grits, as they perform sing-a-long music for the crowd in Central Park on the first Friday of each month. Harmony Grits will provide songbooks to those attending for the first time. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Located Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven. Free Event. Fri, 6:308 pm.

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments Lip Sync Battle Polk; The Beat Continues – Sept 20. The Lip Sync Battle has come to Polk County! The fun begins at 6 pm as 10 teams select their favorite song and battle it out to see who will take home the top prize! Audience members, select your favorite performer(s). $1 = 1 vote. Who will collect the most votes? Who will the judges select? Appetizers, drinks, 50/50 Raffle and silent auction items. Proceeds benefit Citizen CPR’s mission to reduce premature death and disability from cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac events and drowning in greater Polk County. Located Magnolia Building, 702 E Orange St, Lakeland. Tues, 6-9 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Call (863) 680-1277 for more info. 42nd Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry Golf Tournament – Sept 22. Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry 42nd Annual Golf Tournament “The Musso” Two-man scramble includes Lunch following the Tournament, Social Hour, Hors d’oeuvres and Live Auction! Located Lone Palm Golf Club, 800 Lone Palm Dr, Lakeland. Thurs, 10:30 am registration, 11 am lunch, 12 pm shotgun start. Cost - $175 per player. Call (863) 686-1719 for more info. Soiree de Jazz – Sept 23. Come enjoy an evening in a Parisian jazz club atmosphere as you enjoy the musical talents of Jazz musicians Charlie “Topp” Hines, Kelly Nelson and Victoria de Lissovoy accompanied by additional musicians. Indulge in a wine sampling bar as you nosh on delectable French-style hors d’oeurves. Sit and enjoy the music or get up and dance the night away! Located PSC Lake Wales, Updike Hall, 1099 State Road 60 east, Lk Wales. Tickets: $30/person, $160 table for 4; $500 corporate table. Fri, 7-10 pm. Call (863) 676-8426 for more info. The Painted Paddle – Sept 23. Presented by Chain Life Winter Haven to raise funds for projects on the Chain of Lakes, Murals, Landscaping, etc. Beautiful canoe paddles painted by local artists will be on display and up for auction. Located on the chain of lakes so arrive by lake or land. Tiki torches,

live music by 99 in the Shade, light hors d’oeuvres and friends. Cash Bar. Casual Attire. Located at Tanners Lakeside (on the deck). Fri, 7-11 pm. Tickets - $20, available online at thepaintedpaddle.eventbee.com or at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Call (863) 677-5881 for more info. 2016 Meals on Wheels Auction and Dinner Fundraiser – Sept 30. This year’s theme; A Night at the Oscars. Dinner by Longhorn Steakhouse & Olive Garden, Music by B.Haven, Silent and Live Auctions, Raffles Located at Lake Ashton Clubhouse, 4141 Ashton Club Dr., Lake Wales. Fri, 6pm. Call Susan Eldridge (863) 299-1616 for more info. Howl at the Moon – Oct 1. Enjoy this community event presented by the LakelandWinter Haven Kennel Club. Food, fun and four-legged friends. Costume contest, raffles, vendors and more. Guests are asked to bring a donation of dry dog or cat food or cat litter. Located at the Humane Society of Polk County, 3195 Dundee Rd, Winter Haven. Sat, 5-8 pm. polknokill.com Empty Bowls Gala – Oct 1. Benefit for the Agape Food bank. Enjoy an evening of delicious food and local entertainment, all to benefit the Agape Food Bank’s mission to end childhood hunger in our community. The evening includes a live auction of one-of-akind bowls designed by local and national celebrities, as well as a silent auction. Located Regal Lakeland, 925 Bartow Rd, Lakeland. Sat, 5:30-9 pm. Cost - $75 per person. Call Marie Rich (863) 686-7153 ext 3015 for more info. Mr. Central Florida – Oct 6. Join us for the event of the year as distinguished men compete for the title of Mr. Central Florida! Featuring a Live and Silent Auction! Dinner will be provided. All proceeds benefit the patients of Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center. Voting Starts September 1st! $1=1 vote! Support your favorite contestant and help him win the competition and be crowned Mr. Central Florida! You won’t want to miss this! Admission - $65 (includes $15 champion votes). Cocktail Attire. Located at Sun n Fun Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland. Thurs, 6 pm. www.mrcentralflorida.org 7th Annual All American Ride for the Ta-Tas – Oct 8. Proceeds benefit local Breast Cancer Support, Research & non-profit foundations. 9:30am-11am Registration at M&D Auto Repair, 2301 Ave G NW, Winter Haven, MAP Cash prizes for poker hands; Best $500, Runner-up $250, Worst $100. 2:30pm The After Party, 3pm Last bike in at Moose Lodge, 2305 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, with Wet T-Shirt contest at 7:30pm, 50/50, Basket Raffle. . Sat, All day event. Call Debbie 863398-3600 for more info

Sports Events Lakeland Bassmasters Tournament – Sept 10. Lakeland Bassmasters will be hosting a fishing tournament at Lake Shipp Park in Winter Haven. Sat, 7-3 pm. Call Bob Lane (863) 559-1138 for more info. Spectators are welcome. Bass Tournament – Sept 24. Ron’s Tackle Box is hosting a Bass Tournament at Lake Shipp Park. There is a $10 registration fee. Each fisherman will receive a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a Sportsman II PowerPole Anchor. There is also a $2000 grand prize. For more information contact Ron’s Tackle Box at 863-956-4990. Sat, 6am-2pm.

POP OFF at

Pop

Culture

By Double T

Itsy Bitsy Packets of Pretzels, Pepper, Peanuts and More I’ve been traveling quite a bit. Flight attendants have handed me little packages of itsy bitsy pretzels. They call it a snack. I call it aerobic exercise. You try to tear the tiny little bag open and you can’t. Your arms get in a twist then you have to use your thumb and index finger like tweezers to extract the pretzels. You need scissors to open the bag, but they won’t let you take those on the plane. In First Class they get warm nuts in a lovely heated cone. Yes, warm nuts, so don’t get me off on a tangent with that. Somehow Premium Class (as they now disguise it), gets warm nuts, hot towels, champagne and whatever else they want at any time they want. It all comes on lovely trays. In Economy you get served slowly from old steel carts when the flight attendants feel like it. They toss you annoying bags of “free snacks” made of the same stuff of unbreakable helium birthday balloons. No wonder you can’t get them open. They also give you flimsy cups half-filled with water or some kind of beverage you would never drink at home such as Clamato, Fresca or 50 cents worth of wine for $9.00. I can and have handled many major crises in my life, but the things that can make me insane are things like this. Pilots are hurling people at 35,000 feet in millions of dollars worth of aircraft and they can’t provide an operable package of peanuts. That’s if an only if there is no one on the plane with a peanut allergy. Then it’s back to pretzels. The attorneys who concocted the law suits that got the airlines to pay out to people with

peanut allergies are getting warm nuts in Premium Class so you can’t fool me. That’s nuts! It gets my pretzels in a twist. Over the intensely loud white noise of the Rolls Royce engines you can hear a couple of hundred people crinkling and crackling the tiny little bags in a frustrated cacophony. It doesn’t stop there. If you are extravagantly wealthy enough to afford more than a free snack you can get a cold and stale larger snack. It comes fully outfitted with tiny little salt and pepper packets that are connected in the middle. If you don’t open them correctly, the 10 flakes of pepper and the 35 grains salt will fall like confetti. The packages are marked “S” and “P” because they are so small, there’s not enough room to print the full word. Then you get another package with a plastic knife and fork and a tissue thin napkin. All this occurs every day on the ground, too. Packages of sweeteners and condiments are at gas stations and fast food restaurants. I see people pushing mustard out of one end and have it backfire out the other only to extract enough mustard for one tenth of the hot dog. My idea is to make the packages bigger and easier to open. With luxury and money saving ideas like this it could jump start the economy into First Class! SEPTEMBER 2016

SARA MICHAELS’

PORCH THE DIXIE CHICKS

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32 SEPTEMBER 2016

Crystal Pepsi is back, there is a Clinton running for office, Garth Brooks is on tour and I just went to a Dixie Chicks concert… IS IT THE 90’S AGAIN!?!? If so, I’m not complaining at all! Garth’s tickets went on sale last month for his October concerts, and just like in the 90’s…tickets went FAST! But this article isn’t about Garth, it’s about the Dixie Chicks. When it was announced that they were coming to Tampa for a concert, my eyes lit up and I was 18 years old again! I saw ads on Facebook with their concert announcement and read just a handful on negative things from very few people. (If you don’t remember, almost all of country radio pulled the Dixie Chicks from their playlists in 2003 because of their controversial comments about President Bush in 2003 at a concert in London.) However, the majority of the comments on social media were extremely positive, most saying how they miss their sound. I never realized how much I missed hearing those three ladies on the radio until they weren’t on the radio anymore. In the day and age where we hear so many complaints about how “country isn’t country anymore,” complaints about auto-tune, complaints about “bro country,” and complaints about the lack of female singers on the radio, I understand those who miss the Chicks. As soon as I knew I was going to their concert, I started pre-gaming with them on my IPod. I was constantly shuffling through songs like “Long Time Gone,” “Travelin’ Solider,” “Wide Open Spaces,” “Landslide,” “There’s Your Trouble,” and my personal favorite…”Not Ready To Make Nice.” It’s amazing to me how happy each of their songs made me feel and what a great

mood they put me in. Nostalgia, taking me back to a time where it seemed the world was at a slower pace. Their concert was nothing short of magnificent. I read naysayers that said “nobody would show up” HAHA they were SO WRONG! It was a packed house at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater! I watched people singing each and every single word to their songs, people dancing in their seats and in the aisles! It was a night of joy and love, and I felt blessed to be there! Onstage there were mandolins, fiddles, steel guitars, banjos…they even played bluegrass! There wasn’t any tracks being played in the background, it was pure musicianship and talent. In my opinion, the way it should be. I joined the sold out crowd at the Amp dancing and singing, my heart was smiling. As they sang “Not Ready To Make Nice,” tears fell from my eyes…lots of them. I thought of their rise to the top, what they have been through, what happened after the fact, and where they are now. These ladies have sold over 30 million albums, embarked on sold out tours; including their most recent, they have stood up for what they believe in (be it right or wrong) and they have thrived and survived. Like the saying goes: “Well behaved women rarely make history.” There I was, with thousands of others…watching history be made.

BY SARA MICHAELS Host of “On The Porch” Monday - Friday, 3pm - 7pm 97 Country WPCV, 97.5 FM

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By ANASTASIA ZIVIC

GRILLSMITH & BREWLANDS Lakeland, FL

T&T MAG: Name something on your bucket list? KEITH: Live on a boat and skydive.

T&T MAG: How long have you been a bartender? KEITH: 3 years.

T&T MAG: What do you do in your spare time? KEITH: Photography/Videography with my friend Brandon for my company Deffit Red Productions.

T&T MAG: How long have you been at your current bar? KEITH: 6 months at GrillSmith and 3 months at Brewlands.

T&T MAG: Do you have any hobbies? KEITH: Take photos, roller skate and Judo.

T&T MAG: How did you become a bartender? KEITH: I started as a dishwasher and slowly moved up the ranks to become a server. Once there, the drinks and process to make something awesome out of a spirit really intrigued me. I began getting trained and then “BAM”, I became a bartender! T&T MAG: What is your favorite thing about your job? KEITH:I love building a connection with people and opening their minds to different tastes. T&T MAG: What is one crazy thing you experience as a bartender? KEITH: I see a lot, but it is what I hear that is crazy. When someone gets comfortable with you at the bar, you become everything in that moment. Guests begin talking about work, home, issues with their spouse, etc... As your bartender, I lend an ear and then mum’s the word! T&T MAG: Your favorite drink to drink? KEITH: Old Fashioned, Mojito or Gin on the rocks! T&T MAG: Your favorite drink to make? KEITH: One of my favorite drinks to make is a N’awlins Style Spicy Bloody Mary! T&T MAG: What is one thing the average person does not know about you? KEITH: I can do a backflip on land!

T&T MAG: Who are you inspired by? KEITH: Multiple people inspire me. If you are someone who puts good into the world you inspire me to continue to do the same for others! T&T MAG: Pick one – Earth, Air, Fire, Water? KEITH: Earth T&T MAG: If you could pour a drink for anyone in the world, who would it be and why? KEITH: Mahatma Gandhi - the reason would be to pick his brain, to get his full story on his way of life and to get an insight on how we all can live peacefully and share that with others around me! T&T MAG: Why should people come to your bar and have a drink? KEITH: Not only can I create you something you will enjoy but I will also give you something to take home with you. I want to get to know who you are, what you like in life and continue to expand on our relationship from bartender to Guest to Friend to friend. T&T MAG: In closing, you’d like to say? KEITH: Bartending comes in many forms, but creation comes from within. Mixology becomes something outwardly expressed in a cocktail! Come see me and let’s create something together! -Your Bartender Keith!

SEPTEMBER 2016

34 SEPTEMBER 2016