Rising with the Boss

By SHANNON BREEN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 22, 2002

Looking for something to do? Here's a super calendar, ranging from chimps to tenors.

Bruce Springsteen strikes another successful chord with his latest CD The Rising, which deals with the emotion and aftermath of Sept. 11.

His 46-city concert tour that began in August cast off in Springsteen's hometown, East Rutherford, N.J., across the Hudson River from New York City.

The Rising, flavored with themes of redemption, forgiveness and salvation, is his first collaborative rock album in nearly two decades with his longtime compadres, the E Street Band.

Springsteen's rigorous tour, which includes a Tampa show on Sunday, hasn't sailed flawlessly.

He postponed three concerts while E Street Band saxophone player Clarence "Big Man" Clemons recovered from surgery for a detached retina. He's said to be fully recovered and back on tour.

Other E Street Band members: bassist Garry Tallent; drummer Max Weinberg (Conan O'Brien's band leader); keyboardists Roy Bittan and Danny Federici; guitarists Nils Lofgren and Steven Van Zandt; and singer Patti Scialfa.

At press time, the concert at the St. Pete Times Forum was not sold out, but seats were going fast.

Even if you don't buy a Springsteen ticket, there are other ways to get one.

Before each concert, Springsteen gives away dozens, or even hundreds, of tickets he has in reserve. It's his way of keeping tickets out of the hands of scalpers and rewarding fans who didn't get seats during the mad phone sales rush.

Sunday's show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $73.25. Call 287-8844.

TODAY.

HOLIDAY HARVEST BAZAAR: Holiday Harvest Bazaar, a two-day fundraiser for the Tampa Federation of Garden Club Circles, is back at the Tampa Garden Center, 2629 Bayshore Blvd. The event features about 50 vendors selling everything from exotic plants to jelly. A lunch and fashion show at noon today costs $15. On Saturday, speakers will give lectures such as "Is Your Tree a Grand Tree?" Experts also will give seminars on urban beekeeping and landscaping with bromeliads. Children's activities include pot painting and decorating. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday; free. Call 240-5272.

CHRISTOPHER TITUS: Since Fox canceled the semi-autobiographical comedy series Titus in May, its creator and star, Christopher Titus, has returned to the stand-up circuit. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday; Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, Centro Ybor; $18-$22. Call 864-4000.

SMALL WORKS: A HOLIDAY GROUP SHOW: Clayton Galleries opens an exhibit featuring 23 gallery artists. All of the pieces are smaller than 22 inches and include oil and watercolor, mixed media and wood sculpture. The artists also made ornaments to sell and decorate the gallery Christmas tree. 7 to 9 p.m.; Clayton Galleries, 4105 S MacDill Ave. Call 831-3753.

JANE GOODALL'S WILD CHIMPANZEES: The movie offers viewers a giant screen journey into the hearts, minds and world of wild chimpanzees. The film chronicles the work of Jane Goodall, who has spent more than 40 years with the chimps at Gombe Park on Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Goodall and other researchers give moviegoers glimpses into the daily lives of the now famous Gombe chimps, among them Fifi, Freud, Frodo, Gremlin, Gaia and Galahad. Opens today with showings at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday; MOSI, 4801 E Fowler Ave.; $13.95. Call 987-6100.

TIM REYNOLDS: In 1999, guitarist Tim Reynolds went on an acoustic tour with his fellow musician and close friend, Dave Matthews. Tonight, he performs solo. 9 p.m.; Twilight, Ybor City; $10. Call 247-4225 or visit www.etix.com.

HALCYON: Harmony, insight and originality come together in Halcyon. The local trio includes the aggressive guitars of Debbie Hunseder and Stephanie Callahan, and the polyrhythmic percussion of Alvon Griffin. 8 p.m.; Skipper's Smokehouse; $8. Call 971-0666.

FOUR BITCHIN' BABES: Suzzy Roche, Sally Fingerett, Camille West and Debi Smith make up the Four Bitchin' Babes. The Babes -- sans semi-expletives -- are on tour to promote their new CD, Beyond Bitchin'. 8 p.m.; Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg; $21-$25. Call 287-8844.

KENNY ROGERS: "The Gambler" has recorded 59 albums and sold more than 100-million records worldwide. In 1999, Kenny Rogers landed again at the top of the charts with singles The Greatest and Buy Me a Rose. In addition to music, he wears another hat: acting. He starred in 1982's Six Pack about a stockcar driver helped by six larcenous orphans and several made-for-TV movies. He'll perform such hits as Lucille, Lady, We've Got Tonight. 8 p.m. today; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $45-$75. Call (727) 791-7400.

23 -- SATURDAY.

YBOR CITY HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: The Main Street Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival in Ybor City is a resurrection of the old Ybor Square Arts & Crafts Fiestas popular in the '70s and '80s. The show features a variety of arts and crafts from wind chimes, jewelry and photography to stone lanterns and fine art. Pets welcome. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Centennial Park, Ninth Avenue and 19th Street; free. Call 241-2442.

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER CLEANUP: Each year, hundreds of volunteers collect about eight tons of garbage along the Hillsborough River as part of the Hillsborough River Cleanup. This year's cleanup will remove trash and non-native invasive plants such as the Brazilian pepper and air potato. Volunteers should wear hats and protective shoes. Gloves, trash bags and buckets will be provided. 8 a.m. to noon; cleanup begins at the Lowry Park boat ramp, North Boulevard, across from Lowry Park Zoo. For information, call the Mayor's Beautification Program at 221-8733.

TOUR TAMPA THEATRE: Learn more about Tampa Theatre's history, architecture, restoration and ghosts on a 1-1/2 hour balcony-to-backstage tour, which includes a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ by organist Bob Baker and a short film screening. Noon; Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., downtown Tampa; suggested donation $5. Call 274-8286.

THE IRISH TENORS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: Do you feel like hearing Christmas music before Thanksgiving? If so, check out the Irish Tenors Christmas Spectacular. Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Finbar Wright perform seasonal favorites such as O Holy Night and We Three Kings. The trio, accompanied by a full orchestra, also will sing Danny Boy. 8 p.m.; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $45-$75. Call 287-8844.

24 -- SUNDAY.

FREAKY FRIDA FASHION: Viva La Frida Cafe Y Galeria presents the Freaky Frida Fashion Show as part of its monthlong celebration of the newly released film Frida starring Salma Hayek. The show features contestants who will entertain diners in clothing similar to that worn by Frida Kahlo, from her headdress down to her shoes. It is not a Frida look-a-like, so you can leave your bushy eyebrows at home. 6:30 p.m.; Viva La Frida, 5901 N Florida Ave.; Call 231-9199.

FOOTBALL: GREENBAY PACKERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS. 1 p.m.; Fox, Channel 13.

25 -- MONDAY.

CREED: Christianity and huge record sales define the Tallahassee-based grunge band Creed. Lead singer Scott Stapp sings about spirituality and sermonizing in the group's emotionally wrought anthems such as Higher and Sunday Morning. Every CD release has had a single with a No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts or has reached multiplatinum status. 7 p.m.; St. Pete Times Forum; $33.25-$43.25. Call 287-8844.

KENNY LOGGINS: Feeling footloose? Kenny Loggins, the three-decade singer/songwriter/guitarist from California, comes to Clearwater with such hits as Whenever I Call You Friend, Footloose and Danger Zone. 7:15 p.m.; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $42-$75. Call 287-8844.

26 -- TUESDAY.

SHOCKWAVE: Blast II: Shockwave combines music, movement and color. The theatrical spectacular includes musical selections from Billie Holiday's God Bless the Child, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and Buddy Rich's signature piece Channel One Suite. The company features 24 wind musicians, six percussionists and an eight-member visual ensemble. Through Dec. 1. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall; $23.50-$59.50. Call 229-7827.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: PROVIDENCE FRIARS AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA. 7 p.m.; USF Sun Dome; $14. Call 974-6889 or 1-800-GO-BULLS.

NEXT WEEKEND:

• GEORGE WALLACE: Nov. 29, Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant.
• WYNONNA: Dec. 1, Ruth Eckerd Hall.
• VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS STROLL: Dec. 3-23, Henry B. Plant Museum.
• KENNY G: Dec. 3, Ruth Eckerd Hall.

COMING UP:

• A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Dec. 6-8, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
• DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: Dec. 10, St. Pete Times Forum.
• LION KING: Dec. 13, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
• GUNS N' ROSES: Dec. 13, St. Pete Times Forum.
• MEATLOAF: Dec. 27, Ruth Eckerd Hall.
• DAMON WAYANS: Dec. 28, Ruth Eckerd Hall.
• B.B. KING: Dec. 31, Mahaffey Theater.
• HARRY BELAFONTE: Jan. 14, Ruth Eckerd Hall.
• RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS: Jan. 19, Ruth Eckerd Hall.
• BELA FLECK AND THE FLECKTONES: Feb. 13, Tampa Theatre.

City Times: The rest of the stories