FINAL FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE: Final Friday Coffeehouse entertains all comers on the last Friday of each month, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Joffrey's Coffees, 2492 W Brandon Blvd., in the Regency Mall. Versatile Largo musician, who plays guitar, piano, mandolin and Autoharp, is tonight's headliner. Open mike signup is at 7 p.m. Call 685-2224.
SATURDAY
VETERANS CONCERT: The Tampa Bay Women's Blues Review will belt it out for Paralyzed Veterans of America in Halloween events starting at 8 p.m. at Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. WFLA-Ch. 8 news anchor Bob Hite will emcee, the Marines' color guard will lead a ceremony, and MacDill Air Force Base Col. Donald Halpin will address the veterans. Staff, nurses and active-duty wounded veterans from the Veterans Administration's Haley House have all been invited. Win best costume honors and take home a pair of tickets to Busch Gardens or SeaWorld. Tickets are $7 in advance, or $10 at the door. For all questions or to reserve advance tickets, call 935-6540.
NOV. 4
TALENT SHOW: Young singers, dancers, and performers of other kinds can show off their skills at the Music Showcase Annual Talent Show starting at 7 p.m. Judges will consider creativity and stage presence as well as performance. Registration is free, but performers must register in person at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. The show in the auditorium is also free. Winners in two age categories, 3 to 12 and 13 and older, will take home trophies and gift cards. Call 685-5998.
NOV. 5
RUSKIN ARTS: Prepare to sample the best seafood Ruskin has to offer, plus a juried art show and boat show. The 17th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival and the Ruskin Arts Festival will be held concurrently Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin. Among this year's culinary attractions: farm-raised shrimp and clams from Cedar Key, gator nuggets, whole crawfish and grouper sandwiches from restaurants. The cost is $5, $4 for seniors, or free to children younger than 12.
NOV. 10
UP AND COMING: Taryn Livingston, a USF music student and a national anthem soloist for the Devil Rays, has been knocking on the door to stardom. Earlier this year, she made a list of 20 semifinalists out of 200 contestants in a karaoke singing contest. Livingston, 20, has sung at the Strawberry Festival since she was 15. She performs at the Novemberfest sponsored by Nativity Catholic Church at 9 p.m. Sunday at the church, 705 E Brandon Blvd. The entire Novemberfest event runs from Nov. 9-13 at the church. Call 681-4608.
NOV. 19
IDOL TIME: Music Showcase is sponsoring a free contest, a place for singers ages 3 and older to wow the judges - who, organizers say, might resemble nicer versions of American Idol's Simon, Paula and Randy. Registration is free, and singers may register in person or on the phone. The advice to contestants is free, too. Winners get trophies and prizes, plus an opportunity to perform in the community representing Music Showcase. Music Showcase Idol starts at 11 a.m. at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Call 685-5998.
CHRISTIAN SINGER: Kristin Taylor, who has traveled the world carrying music with a message, will sing locally for the first time in three years. Her "Amazing Grace" concert at St. Stephen Catholic Church will benefit Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Biloxi, Miss., which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Taylor is also the founder of T.H.O.R.N. Ministries, which provides food and hygiene supplies to the homeless in the Tampa Bay area. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at the church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico. Tickets run from $10 to $35, and can be purchased at the St. Stephen office or online at www.ststephencatholic.org/ Call 689-4900.
