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Voyage to Tampa Bay

Looking for something to do? Here's a super calendar, ranging from Ernie Kovacs to Suzanne Vega.

One of only a handful of neoclassical soul artists to emerge, India.Arie stood poised to make an impact.

Born India Arie Simpson in Denver in 1975, she and her family uprooted to Atlanta where her involvement in the fertile, urban music scene led to her first independent CD, Groovement.

A slot on the 1998 Lilith Fair tour garnered major label interest, and India.Arie eventually signed with Motown Records. (She wanted the period as a trademark.)

A studied songwriter and guitarist rooted in R&B, soul, Motown and blues of the past, India.Arie's major debut, Acoustic Soul, was rich with textured songs and mature lyrics.

The album's first single, Video, received a lot of radio time and climbed the Billboard charts.

Last year, India.Arie completed her second record, Voyage to India, a set of nuanced and deeply heartfelt songs to follow the platinum-plus success of her first.

Another door opened for India.Arie when she was nominated for seven Grammys in 2002, including the "big four:" Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist.

Even though she went home empty-handed, India.Arie gave a buoyant performance of Video as one of the nominees.

She takes the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa. Tickets cost $19-$45. Call 229-7827.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNIE: Ever wonder if there were any funny Hungarians? Sean Sanczel and the late Craig Alpaugh did before penning a play, Ernie Kovacs - Mad Genius of Television, about a 1950s TV comedy pioneer. Through June 2. 8 p.m. today; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Thursday; Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N Hubert Ave., Tampa; $15-$25. Call 879-2914.

TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE: Stageworks presents Charles Busch's comedy/social satire about a New York matron with intellectual pretensions. Through June 1. 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Thursday; 4 p.m. Sunday; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa; $15.50-$21.50. Call 229-7827.

FARMER'S MARKET FINALE: Old Hyde Park Village caps off its last Farmer's Market of the season with a tag sale at the stores. The sidewalk sale starts at 10 a.m. and includes clearance and closeout items. Also, vendors will sell produce, freshly cut flowers, plants, baked goods and coffee from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Old Hyde Park Village, Swann and Dakota avenues, Tampa; free. Call 251-3500.

MITCH HEDBERG: With long hair, dark glasses and an amiable grin, Mitch Hedberg may have you convinced he's just another dope living off boring pot humor. But the Minnesota native has made quite a name for himself, having appeared seven times on the Late Show with David Letterman. 8 and 10:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday; Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, Centro Ybor; $14-$18. Call 864-4000.

2ND DAY BROADCAST: Lead singer John Swope, guitarists Richard Anello and Dan Barton, bassist Derek Fair and drummer Peter Joseph prove that the local alternative music scene isn't all mumbling college groups. Last year, 2nd Day Broadcast was named one of College Music Journal's top 10 unsigned acts in the United States. The Tampa quintet also has played at major radio festivals and opened for national bands - including Everclear and Our Lady Peace. But the local favorite has yet to be scooped up by a record label. 9:30 p.m.; Greenbacks, 528 Cleveland St., Clearwater; $5-$10. Call (727) 466-0532. SPIN DOCTORS: After releasing Pocket Full of Kryptonite in 1991, the Spin Doctors' first single, Little Miss Can't Be Wrong, took about a year to get radio play. But when it did, the New York-based group's first album sold millions of copies. Today, the quartet still sustains a modest reputation. 7 p.m.; Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N, St. Petersburg; $17-$20. Call (727) 896-1244.

EEK-A-MOUSE: This may be a shock, but Eek-A-Mouse is just a moniker for the Jamaican-born singer/songwriter whose real name is Ripton Hylton. He is a self-proclaimed originator of "sing-jay," a combination of singing and deejaying. 8 p.m.; Twilight, 1507 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; $13-$16. Call 247-4225.

FRENCH FLEA MARKET: The Alliance Francaise, a group that promotes French culture and provides French language classes, is having its second annual French Flea Market from 9 a.m. to noon at the group's clubhouse on the corner of Platt Street and Albany Avenue, Tampa; free. Call 977-8366.

PRODIGALS: An Irish rock quartet from New York, the Prodigals are led by singer/accordionist Gregory Grene, with guitarist Colm O'Brien, drummer Chris Nicolo and singer/guitarist Ray Kelly. The group's third and most recent CD, Dreaming in Hell's Kitchen, was released in 2001. 8 p.m.; Four Green Fields, 205 W Platt St., Tampa; $15. Call 254-4444. ART AND SPIRITUALITY FESTIVAL: Storytellers, face painters, clowns, massage, pilates, yoga and crafts flavor this year's Art & Spirituality Festival, which focuses on different world cultures. The two-day interactive festival is designed to promote the arts and creative expression as a way to enhance physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Event times and fees vary. The first events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and grounds, Tampa. Call 229-7827 or go to www.tbpac.org

ANTIQUES EVALUATION: Find out the value of a favorite family heirloom by bringing it to the University of Tampa's Music Room. Local appraisers will be available to answer questions. 10:30 a.m. to noon; $5 per item. Call 258-7302.

THE FABULOUS FIFTIES: Slip into those letter sweaters, poodle skirts and saddle shoes for a nostalgic trip down bowling lanes. Crown Lanes hosts Tampa General Hospital Foundation's sixth annual Moments In Time gala, which benefits the hospital's Pediatric Emergency Care Center. The bowling alley transforms into a '50s-style hangout where one might expect to spot Richie, Potsie and the Fonz. 6:30 p.m.; 5555 W Hillsborough Ave.; $500 per couple, including an open bar, food and live music. For tickets, call 844-7273.

TAMPA ORATORIO SINGERS: Members of the Florida Orchestra present their spring concert, Dvorak's Te Deum and American Inspirations by Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson. 7 p.m.; Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W Morrison Ave., Tampa; $17.50. Call 247-3866.

SUZANNE VEGA: Suzanne Vega started writing songs at age 14 and by 16 was playing at respectable New York clubs. After signing with A&M Records, she gained national fame with such hits as Luka and Tom's Diner. 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, Tampa; $19-$35. Call 229-7827.

ROB HALFORD: After resigning as Judas Priest's frontman in 1992, Rob Halford, now 51, began exploring different musical genres. The Birmingham, Ala., native returned to his metal roots with another quintet simply titled, Halford. The band has released Resurrection, Live Insurrection and Crucible, which were greeted favorably by metal heads everywhere. 6 p.m.; The Masquerade, 1503 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; $27.50. Call 247-2518.

THE DOORS: Keyboardist Ray Manzerak and guitarist Robbie Krieger, original members of the Doors, along with former Cult lead singer Ian Astbury, celebrate the songs and history of the '60s. They are expected to perform classics, such as Roadhouse Blues, Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times and Soul Kitchen. 8 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa; $39.50-$250. Call 229-7827.

GEORGE WALLACE: May 23-24, various times; Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, Centro Ybor; $27. Call 864-4000.

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE: May 24, 8 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa, $39.75-$49.75. Call 229-7827.

SINBAD: May 29, 8 p.m.; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa, $35-$40. Call 229-7827.

CHICAGO: May 30, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

B-52'S: May 31, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

NEVILLE BROTHERS: June 1, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

JAMES TAYLOR: June 5, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

FLEETWOOD MAC: June 8, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

NEIL YOUNG AND CRAZY HORSE: June 9, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

VAGINA MONOLOGUES: June 10-15, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, Tampa.

NORAH JONES: June 11, Coachman Park, Clearwater.

BO DIDDLEY: June 12, Tampa Bay Performing Arts, Center, Tampa.

BOSTON: June 24, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

BILL MAHER: June 27, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: July 14, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

CATS: July 15-20, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa.

VANS WARPED TOUR: July 25, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

RINGO STARR: Aug. 16, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.

COUNTING CROWS: Sept. 6, USF Sun Dome, Tampa. Rescheduled.

ALABAMA: Oct. 11, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.