Seize the day

By Compiled by SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 6, 2000

Things to do

It will be Clowns Galore today from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Parkside Mall, 7200 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. More than 60 clowns will parade through the mall and take the stage in front of Dillard's at 1 p.m. for a one-hour show. Children can join in the fun of a bell choir. After the show, clowns will roam the mall, performing skits, pocket magic and tricks and taking photos with shoppers. Enjoy a performance of balloon-twisting and free face-painting from 3 to 4 p.m. All events are free.

Singer/songwriter Jon Semmes, who had a strong reputation on the Florida folk scene before a turn into country with the well-received compact disc Raised Right at Home, performs today at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Also performing is Cedar Mountain, a local "new grass" bluegrass group. (813) 625-2688.

Break out those shoulder pads, the Rubik's cube and those acid-washed jeans, the Club '80s Flackback Tour with Wang Chung, A Flock of Seagulls, Missing Persons and Gene Loves Jezebel is tonight at 7 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets are $19.80 to $35.

The children of Frog Prince Academy of Dramatic Art will present Scenes from Famous Musicals, today at 2 p.m. at the Frog Prince Puppetry Arts Center and Theater, 210 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations suggested; (727) 942-2222 or (727) 784-6392.

Things to view

The 1994 Disney live-action version of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book on ABC retells the famous tales of Mowgli, the boy raised by animals. It stars Jason Scott Lee, Lena Headley, Sam Neill, Cary Elwes and John Cleese. 7 p.m.

Bravo's new series Influences hosted by Alan Alda meshes interviews, taped performances and archival footage to trace the personal role models that today's entertainment icons looked to for inspiration, style and attitude. Comedian Tracey Ullman remembers Gilda Radner, Lily Tomlin talks about Imogene Coca, and Ted Danson homages John Cleese of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers. 7:30 p.m.

- Compiled by Times staff writer Sharon Kennedy Wynne.