Looking for something to do? Here's a super calendar, ranging from a sock hop to a streetcar hop.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 21, 2004
Internationally known photographer Bud Lee lived in Ybor City when retired cigar workers discussed politics in the plaza, sans the deafening sounds of nearby dance clubs.
He lived upstairs from an aging prostitute known as Black Mary and down the way from a lesbian midget couple.
And it was in this same heady atmosphere that Lee - and other creative types - organized the now legendary Artists and Writers Balls in 1978.
For 10 years in a row, the ball attracted thousands of partiers to the Cuban Club after the Krewe of Sant'Yago Knight Parades. Artists transformed the club into different themes, from Bad Taste in Outer Space to Calhoun's Little Hawaiian Circus. Lavish costumes, great bands and mock coronation ceremonies were among the highlights.
The ball became so popular that it evolved into Guavaween. Then it faded away after many artists left Ybor.
After a lengthy absence, the freewheeling, Bohemian event returns Saturday at the restored Italian Club, 1731 E Seventh Ave. The theme: Bohemian Bubbas 'n' Babes.
The party will include an open bar, appetizers and complimentary valet parking. Live music - Latin, blues and jazz - will fill the Italian Club's three floors.
A silent auction will feature artwork by local and nationally recognized artists. Partygoers should wear attire that reflects the theme.
Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Mental Health Care Foundation of Tampa.
Call (813) 272-2878, ext. 246.
TODAY
SPRING INTO JAZZ STREETCAR HOP: Ride the streetcar for the sake of the Florida Orchestra during the second annual Spring Into Jazz Streetcar Hop. Participants will receive a one-night streetcar pass and wine or appetizers at businesses along the 2.4-mile route between Ybor City and Channelside, including the Don Vicente Historic Inn, Newk's Cafe, J. Mallory Bistro and Bar, Gaspar's Grotto, and the Marriott Tampa Waterside. Proceeds benefit Vitally Interested Volunteers for the Florida Orchestra, or VIVO. 6 to 10 p.m. (check-in is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 1911 N 13th St.); $35; parking $1 for three hours at the Palm Avenue Parking Garage across the street. Call (813) 852-8651.
ELVIS FESTIVAL: Grab your blue suede shoes for the second annual Elvis Festival in downtown Tampa through Sunday. The festival kicks off today at 7 p.m. with the Viva Las Vegas Casino Nite at the TECO Atrium, 702 N Franklin St. The main event - which is free - takes place Saturday along the Franklin Street Mall in downtown Tampa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The festival pass costs $75 and includes admission for all events. Call 813 274-8981 or go to www.tampatheatre.org
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA: As part of the SuperPops series, guest conductor Richard Hayman leads the Florida Orchestra to perform Star-Spangled Spectacular. 8 p.m. today, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, Tampa. Also 8 p.m. Saturday, Mahaffey Theater and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $21-$45. Call (813) 286-2403 or go to www.floridaorchestra.org>
TODD RUNDGREN: Todd Rundgren's best-known songs I Saw the Light, the ballads Hello, It's Me and Can We Still Be Friends, and the goofy novelty Bang on the Drum All Day suggest he's a talented pop craftsman. The perception about him might be different, but he is undoubtedly a gifted songwriter. This spring, Rundgren issued Liars, a politically heavy concept record. It was his first rock album in more than a decade. 8 p.m.; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $30-$40. Call (727) 791-7400.
TAMPA INTERNATIONAL DEAF FILM FESTIVAL: Feature films and short films made by deaf filmmakers, directors and actors will be shown during the Tampa International Deaf Film Festival at Hillsborough Community College's Ybor campus. Films from China, England, France, Australia and Japan will be shown through Sunday; HCC Ybor City campus, Tampa. For a complete film schedule, go to www.floridadeaffilmfestival.com Tickets are $5 for each show. Call 727 791-2628.
22 SATURDAY
SEA GRAPES: Food, wine, a silent auction and live jazz by the Dagari Jazz Trio and the Denise Moore Quartet create the backdrop for Seagrapes, the Florida Aquarium's third annual wine-tasting fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Florida Aquarium's youth education and veterinary programs. Must be 21 to attend. 7 to 10 p.m.; Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; $50-$60. For tickets, call (813) 273-4568.
HYDE PARK CRAFT FESTIVAL: This family event showcases original handmade artwork including jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, metal, glass and hand-painted clothing. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Old Hyde Park Village, Swann and Dakota avenues; free. Call (813) 251-3500.
23 SUNDAY
SUMMER CLASSICS MOVIE SERIES: As part of its Summer Classics Movies Series, the Tampa Theatre caps off its Elvis Presley tribute with a double feature. In 1964's Viva Las Vegas, race car driver Lucky Jackson Presley works as a waiter in Las Vegas to earn money for a new engine. In 1957's Jailhouse Rock, Vince Everett is serving a one-year prison term for manslaughter. While in jail, his cell mate, a former country singer, inspires him to go into the record business. 3 p.m. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa; $7 for each show. Call (813) 274-8981 or go to www.tampatheatre.org
26 WEDNESDAY
AN EVENING WITH TRAIN: With songs Meet Virginia and Grammy-winning Drops of Jupiter (Best Rock Song and Best Orchestration), Train has risen to the forefront of adult alternative rock. The group is touring to promote its latest album, My Private Nation, featuring the single Calling All Angels. 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa; $33.50. Call (813) 287-8844.
ARETHA FRANKLIN: More than any other performer, soul music giant Aretha Franklin epitomized that genre. She had an astonishing run with 1960s hits Respect, I Never Loved a Man, Chain of Fools, Baby I Love You, I Say a Little Prayer and Think. 8 p.m.; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater; $55-$75. Call (813) 287-8844.
HYDE PARK LIVE MUSIC SERIES: Old Hyde Park Village's live music series kicks off the summer with Lounge Cat, a jazz, blues and swing band. Beer sales benefit the Epilepsy Services Foundation. The outdoor event continues the last Wednesday of each month through October. 6 to 9 p.m.; Hyde Park's main fountain area, Swann and Dakota avenues; free. Call (813) 251-3500.
27 THURSDAY
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA: As part of the Masterworks Series, conductor and music director Stefan Sanderling leads the Florida Orchestra to perform Mahler's Symphony No. 5. 8 p.m. today, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. Also at 8 p.m. May 28, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, Tampa; and 8 p.m. May 29, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg; $21-$45. Call (813) 286-2403.
BOOK DISCUSSION: Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope will discuss Indifference: The Bush Administration is Recklessly Destroying a Century of Environmental Progress, a chronicle of the administration's commitment to economic exploitation of air, water and wild lands. 7 p.m.; Inkwood Books, 216 S Armenia Ave., Tampa; free. Call (813) 253-2638.
FLICKS
NEW IN THEATERS:
Bon Voyage (today)
COMING SOON:
Raising Helen (Wednesday)
The Day After Tomorrow (May 28)
Soul Plane (May 28)
NEXT WEEKEND
CAROLINE RHEA: May 28, Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant, Centro Ybor.
SAFARI AFRICA OPENS: May 28, Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa.
FLORIDA STATE HOME SHOW: May 28-31, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa.
HARRY CONNICK JR.: May 28, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater.
MINEOLA TWINS: June 3-20, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa.
JASON MRAZ: June 3, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater.
LOOK AHEAD
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS: June 12, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater.
ERIC CLAPTON: June 14, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.
MARC ANTHONY: June 15, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.
