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Get Away: Hot Ticket
By BRANDY STARK
© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 25, 2001
Orchestra chills and thrills
A Florida Orchestra special program at Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday lets children touch and play instruments, then hear the orchestra play classical music with a spooky theme.
The preshow activities include a crafts project and an "instrument petting zoo," where children can touch and try out instruments ranging from violins to trumpets to drums. Then, resident director Thomas Wilkins will lead the orchestra in a program that includes The Sorcerer's Apprentice, March of the Pumpkins, Funeral March of a Marionette and Thunder & Lightning Polka, Op. 324.
Wilkins started the Kids Classics concerts about four years ago as orchestra-sponsored events. Budget cuts kept the children's programs off the orchestra's calendar last year and this year. Ruth Eckerd Hall is sponsoring this one as part of its family series.
During past performances, Wilkins has talked to the children about the music, often sitting on the floor or cracking jokes to put them at ease. This likely is his last such performance because he is in his final season with the orchestra.
Doors open at 1 p.m., with the concert beginning at 2. Children also can participate in a postconcert costume parade. Ruth Eckerd Hall is at 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $10. For information, call (727) 791-7400.
People's Fair celebrates 30th anniversary
Circus McGurkis: The People's Fair, an eclectic blend of festival, peace rally, arts and crafts show and community action gathering, makes its 30th appearance Saturday in St. Petersburg's Lakeview Park.
The free event, sponsored by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Tampa Bay Peace Education Program, also includes performances by musicians, dancers and storytellers, plus activities for children.
The festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park, 20th Street and 28th Avenue S. If it rains, Circus McGurkis will be rescheduled for Nov. 3. (727) 896-0310 or (727) 823-2113.
An alternative weekend universe
Science fiction, horror and fantasy fans will have a field day -- make that three days -- at Necronomicon 2001, now in its 20th year. This year's guests include Orson Scott Card, author of Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead, science fiction and fantasy writer Walter Jon Williams and Star Wars novelist Timothy Zahn. Events include the annual Friday night Ygor Party, Saturday's Masquerade costume contest and Sunday's slide show presentation by artist Jean Pierre Targete. An art show and dealer's room is also on the premises. Necronomicon starts at noon Friday and ends at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Crown Plaza at Sabal Park, 1234 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa. Tickets at the door are $10 Friday, $15 Saturday and $10 Sunday; 3-day passes are $30. For more information, call (813) 677-6347 or go online at www.stonehill.org.
-- BRANDY STARK, Times correspondent
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