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King Day / black heritage events

By TIMES WIRES
Published January 12, 2007

A variety of events will be held this month to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to celebrate the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival. Here is a listing of a few events going on around Tampa:

Friday, Jan. 12

MLK parade: The annual parade plays host to local bands, organizations and clubs. Parade route starts at Blake High and ends at the University of Tampa. noon; free. Call 247-0952.

The Florida Aquarium Heritage Gala: The gala features the exhibit of "The Highwaymen Paintings." Also included is an appearance by three original artists, live music, food and a tour of the aquarium. 5:30 p.m. for VIP event, 7 p.m. for general admission event; Florida Aquarium, Tampa; $50-$100. Call toll-free 1-888-224-1733 ext. 143.

Step competition: Step troops from across the state will gather to show off their talent. Teams that participate will compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. 6:30-9 p.m.; Marshall Middle Magnet School gym, 18 S Maryland Ave., Tampa; $8-$10. Call 757-6760.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Al Lopez Park Street Festival: The family festival features a variety of bands like the SOS Band and Ace Factor & Reunion Band. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave., Tampa; free. Call 1-888-224-1733 ext. 143.

Skate party: Get your skate on at the Soul Roll Invitational. The invitational run through Sunday with a number of other events and parties. Midnight-4 a.m.; United Skates of America, 5121 N Armenia Ave., Tampa; $10-$18. Visit www.getyoursk8on.com.

MLK banquet: The Surf's Edge Enlisted Club hosts its 34th annual Martin Luther Jr. Banquet. The event features a buffet, fashion show and dance. 5 p.m.; MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa; $30. Call 827-9173.

Plant City MLK parade: Plant City celebrates with a parade featuring the city's National Guard, marching bands and more. The parade starts at the corner of Waller Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. 1 p.m.; free. Call 757-6760.

Sunday, Jan. 14

Festival of bands: Bands from all over the country unite to spice up the night with a little bit of old-school hits and some of the popular tunes of today. Also featured will be works by some of the country's top drumlines. 6:15 p.m.; Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. $10-$15. (727) 327-0085.

Monday, Jan. 15

MLK breakfast: The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs holds its annual leadership breakfast featuring guest speaker Xernona Clayton. 6:45 a.m.; Hyatt Regency Downtown, 211 N Tampa St., Tampa; $25-$400. Call 978-1898 or visit www.toba-network.org.

Heritage golf tournament: Noon; Rogers Park Golf Course, 7901 N. 30th St., Tampa; $75. Call 978-1898.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

HCC art exhibit: Hillsborough Community College hosts the living art exhibit Conjuring The Blues. The opening reception will feature the artist and a blues band. The exhibit runs through March 2. 6 p.m.; second floor library, HCC Dale Mabry Campus, 4001 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa; free. Call 253-7386.

Leadership luncheon: The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival hosts a luncheon featuring guest speaker Virgil Woods. noon; University Area Community Center, 4013 N 22nd St., Tampa; $15. Call 1-888-224-1733 ext. 143.

'Get on the Bus': The 1996 Spike Lee directed film follows several black men on a cross-country bus trip to the Million Man March. The viewing will also feature a panel discussion concerning the meaning and message of the film. 6 p.m.; Tampa Theatre, Tampa; $5-$12. Call 1-888-224-1733, ext. 143.

Poetry slam: The ninth annual poetry slam finals will showcase five of the area's finest wordsmiths all competing for the grand prize of $500. The event will also feature poet Taalam Acey and will be hosted by L.I.F.E., of Black on Black Rhyme Tampa. 8 p.m.; Shark Bar, 102 S Tampa St., Tampa; $15-$30. Call 810-3582 or visit www.blackonblackrhyme.com.

Thursday, Jan. 18

USF Speakers Series: The University of South Florida hosts a lecture featuring civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson. 7 p.m.; USF Sundome, 4202 E Fowler, Tampa; free. Call 974-3002.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Gospel choir: The University of South Florida Gospel Choir holds a concert featuring an array of music. 7 p.m.; USF College of Education, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; $10. Call 972-3409.

[Last modified January 12, 2007, 08:08:22]