Artists & Writers

DANCING QUEEN The choreography and poetic motion of St. Petersburg native and artist laureate Helen Hansen French is showcased in Look Touch Move @ Creative Pinellas Jan. 20 6-8pm. French is on the faculty of St. Petersburg College and teaches dance both in NYC and here. She began dancing at Judith Lee Johnson’s Studio of Dance, and at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts. After attending the HARID Conservatory, she earned a BFA from Juilliard School under the Early Admissions Option and after graduation she joined Buglisi Dance Theatre where she is currently a principal dancer as well as rehearsal assistant. In addition to BDT’s annual New York City seasons she has performed at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Chautauqua Dance Festival, Vail International Dance Festival, Rishon LeZion International Festival in Israel, and the Oriente Occidente Festival in Rovereto, Italy. Mrs. Hansen French has also been instrumental in restaging BDT’s works at Marymount Manhattan College, The Alvin/ Ailey Fordham BFA program, George Mason University, and the University of California at Long Beach.

French has been featured the New York Times Arts and Dance Teacher Magazine and lauded by The Arts Alliance and others. In addition to her work with BDT Helen has performed with the Nilas Martins Dance Company, been in residency at White Oak Dance working with choreographer Adam Hougland and performed in the Guggenheim’s Works/Process program with choreographers Brian Reeder and Pam Tanowitz. In 2010 she presented a solo show at Studio@620 that featured the re-created works of Ruth St. Denis, Doris Humphrey and Jacqulyn Buglisi. She has been a member of the dance faculty at the Neighborhood Playhouse in NYC and The Juilliard School. Committed to arts education, she is a founding member of the St. Pete Dance Alliance and co-producer of Beacon, a performance series for St. Pete.

By Nanette Wiser It’s the season of giving on Paradise’s social whirl. Grab your LBD and Plus One and head out to these fabulous events that raise money for good causes! Give a donation and have fun partying – it’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift when you help a charity…altruism=love.

Jan. 15: Patriot Day Memorial @ St. Petersburg Coliseum to honor our heroes and remember the events of 9/11 with proceeds benefiting Breaking Barriers (RHS First Responder Program) and introducing Operation Rescue. RememberHonorSupport.org

Jan. 18: Brooke’s 4th Annual Butterfly Bash @ The Floridian Social Club. The event is for Pediatric Lupus Awareness run by Denise Brown whose daughter died from lupus. Working with The Lupus Foundation of American and TGH Foundation, where Brooke was a patient, the event raises money for an important cause. Enjoy live entertainment by The Black Honkeys, fabulous food from CRG, where Brooke was a loved employee (Love Child, Ciccio Water, Daily Eats, Green Lemon), free Prosecco and a silent/live auction. info@brookesbutterflybash.org

Jan. 19: The Gator Gala benefits the Alligator and Wildlife Recovery Center @ The Don CeSar. (See our cover feature)

Feb. 5: PARC’s 53nd Annual Black Tie Gala @ The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is themed Evening of Purpose. Enjoy dining on specially prepared gourmet dishes, dancing to The Bay King Band and help raise funds so PARC can continue offering vital support to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

March 11: The Greatest Show @the Luxury Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise departs the Port of St. Petersburg for this black-tie gala that raises money for seven beloved local charities: Brooke’s Butterfly Bash, St. Pete Fools, Heels to Heal, The Shawn Brown BOOK NOOK Paradise boasts authors of every genre from earth lovers (local gardener Craig Huegel’s Butterfly Gardening with Florida’s Native Plans) to mystery writers (St. Petersburg’s Tamara Lush and her Coffee Lover’s Series, pen name Tara Lush). Her newest whodunnit is Cold Brew Corpse, and it’s a hoot. Craig Pittman’s The State You’re In chronicles Florida’s wildest stories. Clearwater Beach first-time author Jan M. Walton’s first novel River Avenue is a departure from her day job coaching people to write their autobiographies.

Foundation, ILSP Emergency Relief Fund, Pinellas Pals, and RememberHonorSupport. Enjoy sightseeing, dancing, live music, dining, Alvin Reserved Selection wines, and burlesque and magic shows on three decks. VIP and Gold & Silver Tickets available; VIP includes exclusive dinner and all deck access, exclusive pre-parties and after-party with DJ Fresh. The entertainment lineup features Ariella & Nic Kraster, Shawn Brown, Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar, James Suggs, #No Filter Show Band and surprise guests. Also performing is Boris & Sax. Complimentary valet parking is included in the ticket. TheGreatestShow.Org

The fabulous Alessandro Alvino aka Alvin hosts the floating Greatest Show party as maestro extraordinaire and is bringing this event from Italy, having produced similar events worldwide. “I wanted to honor my father who believed in doing good and 100% of the ticket sales go to the charities,” he says. “It’s also a great way to celebrate my 50th birthday which is midnight March 12th at the end of the party.”

Picasso and the Allure of the South, presented exclusively at The Dalí, explores the influence of southern Europe on Pablo Picasso’s revolutionary work. Some of Picasso’s most creative and prolific artistic periods took place during extended sojourns in the mountain towns of northern Spain and along the Mediterranean coast of France. “Picasso and the Allure of the South represents an exceedingly rare opportunity to experience masterworks by the artist through the innovative lens of place and cultural context,” said Dr. Hank Hine, executive director of The Dalí. When: Jan. 29-May 22 Where: 1 Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg Reserve tickets: www.thedali.org

The Dalí Museum and Neiman Marcus invite you to feast your eyes on Neiman Marcus fashions and surreal works of wearable art created by Fashion Design at The Dalí teen designers. Enjoy complimentary drinks and a nosh while meeting some of Tampa Bay’s upcoming fashion designers. When: Feb. 3 at 6pm Where: Neiman Marcus at International Plaza, 2223 N Westshore Blvd., Tampa Cost: $65 (proceeds benefit The Dalí Museum’s educational programming). For more information and to buy tickets: www.thedali.org/event/thedali-benefit-fashion-show-atneiman-marcus-2022

Your tactile, audible, and visual senses will be engaged with “Reiteration,” an unforgettable kinetic installation by artist Sharon McCaman, where sensory technology and sculpted material come together to create an interactive experience. Combined with “Reprise,” a dance residency by Creative Pinellas Artist Laureate Helen French, open participatory rehearsals and workshops will explore the movement-based relationship between dance and McCaman’s interactive art sculptures. Learn more at the opening reception 6-8pm Jan. 20 at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo.

There’s still time to apply for Creative Pinellas’s 2022 Professional Artist Grant. This opportunity is designed to uplift and support Pinellas County’s creative community and to highlight the county as an arts and cultural destination. Grants of $5,000 are open to artists in disciplines ranging from acting to visual arts. A $5,000 Artist Laureate grant may also be presented to an outstanding artist who would serve as a partner/collaborator with Creative Pinellas. Apply by Feb. 14 at www.creativepinellas.org/ professional-artist-grants.

Get ready to fight a dragon, swim with merpeople, and find out just who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire. Rediscover the magic of Harry Potter while The Florida Orchestra performs Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score. March 4 or 5, 7:30pm, Morsani Hall. Tickets start at $49.75 at www.strazcenter.org.

The MUSE Awards are presented by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance to celebrate the artists and art-lovers in our community. No stiff tuxes, no boring speeches – it’s a pARTy to uniquely honor the creative individuals who spark St. Petersburg. And a crucial fundraiser for the Arts Alliance’s work. MUSE sponsorship helps us help all our arts groups. We facilitate the monthly St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk; produce the SHINE Mural Festival; publish ArtBeat; provide afterschool arts education awards; and present arts business educational programs. When and where: Friday, Feb.4, Morean Center for Clay.

www.stpeteartsalliance.org/ experience-arts/muse-awards For sponsorship opportunities: Terry Marks terry@stpetearts alliance.org.

Atelier to SoSi presents St. Petersburg’s first-ever all-cat art show, Feline. This show focuses solely on feline-inspired art, including sculptures, paintings, collages, prints, and other eclectic pieces based on the fantastic felines of the world. Atelier de SoSi is partnering with St. Pete Sunshine Kitty Catfe, donating a percentage of all of sales to this fabulous organization that helps cats find their fur-ever homes. Now through Feb. 19, Atelier de SoSi, 2380 Sixth Ave. S in St. Pete.

On loan from the collection of the Chigi family, the Museum of Fine Arts presents Bernini and the Roman Baroque, an exhibition celebrating the

work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and the Roman Baroque period (c. 1600-1700). Working for popes and princes, Bernini was one of the brightest luminaries in the history of art. Reflecting artistic energy that pulsated throughout Europe and inspired architects, artists, and urban planners across the globe, Bernini and the Roman Baroque embodies the magnificence and innovation that transformed Rome into the capital of the art world for centuries to come.Feb. 12May 8 at the Museum of Fine Art in St. Pete.

Carlo Maratti and Mario Nuzzi, Summer (detail), c.1658-59, Collection of the Chigi Family, Palazzo Arricia, Italy

A conservation project undertaken by experts at the Rijksmuseum on the institution’s most famous painting, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, has revealed a previously unknown preparatory sketch hidden beneath the masterpiece. The project, which involved 30 conservators working for three years, has led to the discovery of several changes the artist made during his painting process. “It is fascinating to see Rembrandt searching for the right composition,” said Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits.

The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) kicks off the new year with a wide variety of art classes hosted at their new facility, The Pruitt Arts Education Center on the ArtsXchange Campus. Adult classes range from traditional, such as Art History and Yoga, to unique, introducing Wet Felting and Multi-media Expression. For kids age 8 to 14, the Aresty School for Young Artists offers multisensory and multidisciplinary artmaking from Sustainable Art to Stop Motion Animation after school, on weekends, and during spring and summer breaks. For more information and to register for classes, visit www.warehouse artsdistrictstpete.org.

What’s the earliest memory you have of the creative freedom of art? Perhaps it’s the smell of a new box of crayons or the squish of clay between your fingers. A blank sheet of paper, a ball of clay, and a world of possibilities. Those possibilities are still there inside you, and the Dunedin Fine Art Center wants to help you realize them. While DFAC offers instruction in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, and pottery, you’ll also find exciting offerings in digital imaging, fashion design, jewelry, metal-working, stone-carving, and wood-turning to name a few. The easiest path to the catalog and registration is www.dfac.org or 727-298-DFAC. Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin

The MAR is a performing arts studio and incubator for creators, dancers, actors, musicians, and more. It’s a place for rehearsing, workshopping, recording, live streaming, performing – all kinds of creative collaboration. The brainchild of Heather and Dave Hamar – performers, teachers, and entrepreneurs who imagine a hub for artists to create, collaborate, and strengthen the local performing arts community. Located at 2309 Central Ave., St. Pete. Learn more: www.themarstpete.com. and sell their work in a museum setting, and it gives museum visitors a rare opportunity to view–with the option of purchasing–work produced by local artists. Prices start at $50. FMoPA, 400 N Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, www.fmopa.org/ benefit-sale-2021

The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation presents performance artist Nan Colton in “A Portrait of Virginia Woolf.” As the legendary author, Colton talks about how people see one another as she explains the process of having her portrait painted by Jacques-Emile Blanche. This historically accurate performance, set in 1939, explores how character is created, both from the author’s and artist’s point of view. Proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. When: Sunday, Feb. 6 at 4pm. Cost: $25 Where: Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. For more information: 727-893-1244.

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Benefit Sale is going on through Jan. 30 in the community gallery. The sale lets FMoPA members display “Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumes. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

KIDS & FISHING Reel in your little Captain Nemo with a visit to the popular Kids’ Fishing Clinic, presented by the non-profit Hook the Future. Presented by Captain Don Dingman, who has a cable TV show and donates his time to help children learn to fish, the program taking place at the St. Petersburg Powerboat and Sailboat Show Jan. 20-23 is for children ages 4-16. Want to be on a future show: Send name, age, address, and parent’s contact number to captdon@hookthefuture.com; names are drawn eight weeks before the shoot. Drawing thousands of boating enthusiasts and sailing lovers to the downtown waterfront, the 44th Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show is at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater–Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park (next to the Dali Museum).

In Pinellas County, there are many opportunities to introduce a child to the joy of fishing. Kids’ Fishing Clinics are one-day educational events established by the Outreach and Education section of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Also check out specialty camps at the Y and the non-profit organization Take A Kid Fishing. www.takffl.com

ADOPT A FUR-BABY The ultimate romance in 2022? You and Fido or Fifi. Adopting a pet is preferable to buying one online or from a pet store; in fact, Pinellas County has put a moratorium on opening any new pet stores in the county in 2022. You can foster a pet as well. A rescue pet is the ultimate love story. Pet rescue organizations help match the pet to your home, your personality, background and medical history as well as helping you decide if adding a second (or third!) pet is a good match.

Check out The Humane Society of Pinellas, SPCA Tampa Bay, Fluff Animal Rescue, Friends of Strays, Pinellas County Animal Services, Safe Paws and the cornucopia of rescue dogs by breed (pit bull, greyhound). Ready to adopt? Don’t make a quick decision, think about your schedule, and time commitment. Don’t rush introductions and learn as much as you can about the fur-baby that caught your eye. Make sure to get a wellness check in, choose a good vet and kitten/puppy proof your home. If you can, think about adopting an older animal and you’ll skip the potty-training headaches. Finally ask yourself what you want? An exercise companion? A cuddler? Then find the perfect match for your heart’s desire.

Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator

Venues are listed, alphabetically within category, in the following sequence of categories. Each listing includes address and web link, if available. Most web links are active when you are online at www.paradisenewsfl.com or copy and paste them in your browser.

IN THIS ISSUE:

ONLINE:

(Events are subject to change. Please visit website or call to confirm.)

1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org

2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-321-2071 charlieparkerpottery.com Second Saturday Art Walk

Pinellas Park Art Center, Roe’s Deli, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters. 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com Painters of all levels are welcome.

719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Glass Studio & Hot Shop, Classes and Galleries. Free Saturdays @ The Morean for Families. Second Saturday ArtWalk

420 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg 727-821-7162 ext. 2311 moreanartscenter.org Fridays – Friday Night Clay Free Sundays @ The Morean for Families 1-2pm and 2-3pm Second Saturday ArtWalk

714 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Resident glass artists. Classes available. Daily demonstrations every hour noon to 4pm.

Park Station Building 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727-360-4406 pinellasart.org

at Don Vista Arts Center 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-367-3818 suntanart.org Celebrating 50+ Years Classes have resumed

559 49th St. S, St Petersburg 727-290-6515 thehivestpete.com Classes, open studio, pottery and jewelry sales

treasureislandartguild.org Painting Workshops held weekly Wednesday – Anything Goes Thursday – Acrylic Painting Friday – Portrait Workshop (live model)

6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Petersburg 813-504-3092 vactb.org Provides opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase creative and artistic accomplishments

600 27th St. S, St. Petersburg 727-323-3141 zenglass.com Offers glassblowing classes & workshops. Second Saturday ArtWalk St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District

106 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-827-7195 artfusiongalleries.com

1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Petersburg 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com Second Saturday ArtWalk

2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com Open by appointment only!

2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 brendamcmahongallery.com Local & regional artists

212 Second St. N, St. Petersburg 727-900-1063 bulagallery.com

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde

1830 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota 941-260-5787 chasengalleries.com/sarasota

20-February 2 – Luminous: works of Karen Weihs and Mark Bettis

3-16 – Wonderful World featuring Joanne Rafferty

720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org First permanent collection of Dale Chihuly’s work Advance ticket purchase required

237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice 941-486-0811

15 – Open House Darkroom Tours

52388 Tamiami Trail Ochopee 239-695-2428

5-6 – Meet Clyde and Niki Butcher clydebutcher.com/galleries Through May 31 – America’s Everglades Exhibit, Clearwater Library, 100 N Osceola Ave., Clearwater

Eckerd College, Library Circle, St. Petersburg 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program Closed to the public until further notice

2939 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-440-9643 facebook.com/ collectorsexchangedtsp Second Saturday ArtWalk Open to public on Saturday; all other viewings by appointment

2955 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-323-2787 craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio Second Saturday ArtWalk

15 – David Wilcox in concert

Tuesdays & 4th Saturday • 9am-3pm, Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S. gulfporttuesdayfreshmarket.com Fridays • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport. A juried event featuring emerging and professional artists. First Friday of every month. Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach Saturdays • 9am-2pm, St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market, First Ave. SE and First St., Al Lang Stadium parking lot near the marina. Celebrating community, food, and creativity. October through May. 1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach. 2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. TI Waffle House, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk 3rd Saturday • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry and pottery to locally sourced botanicals. 4th Saturday • Gulfport 4th Saturday Fresh Market 9am-2pm • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery. Sundays • 9am-1pm Indian Shores Sunday Morning Market, Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd. Local vendors offer everything from gourmet foods to fine art. (November-April). TheBeachMarkets.com. Library Book Sale every third Sunday. • 10am-2pm, Corey Sunday Market, Corey Ave. (74th Ave), St. Pete Beach. Almost a hundred vendors with an emphasis on local fresh, hydroponic and organic veggies, gourmet take-out treats, locally made crafts and live music. (9am-1pm June-Sept.) Every other Sunday • 9am-noon, Organic Farming at Eco-Village, 302 15th St. N, St. Pete. Volunteer in a community garden that provides access to fresh organic produce, opportunities for physical activity, connection with nature.

1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org Second Saturday ArtWalk

7 – Outdoor New Year, Great Deals Market

4 – Outdoor Love, Love,

Love Art Market

St. Pete College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-2548 spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources

2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport 727-317-5936 customhousedecor.com

1234 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Petersburg 407-921-3608 d-gallerie.com

2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Petersburg 813-760-6600 dmglass.com Second Saturday ArtWalk

1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org More than 100 classes offered Scholarships available

290 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N, St. Petersburg 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery

501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org Second Saturday ArtWalk Mural Walk on Saturdays

14-February 26 – Members’ Show

3920 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-289-2089 facebook.com/grandcentralfineart

St. Pete ArtWorks, 2604 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org

1431 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-898-6061 facebook.com/lesliecurrangallery Second Saturday ArtWalk

400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Petersburg 727-220-1567 facebook.com/luissottilstpete

2145 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg (inside St. Petersburg Opera) 727-823-2040 facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery Second Saturday ArtWalk

689-C Dr MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg 727-251-8529 chadmize.com

214 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg 727-821-5824 redcloudindianarts.com

730 Broadway (Second Floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050 facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin New artist exhibits monthly

247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808 sydentelgalleries.com

Florida Craftsmen Galleries (second floor) 10 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com Second Saturday ArtWalk By appointment only

12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo thegalleryatcreativepinellas.org Pinellas County’s local arts agency

620 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Advance ticket purchase required

7-25 – Through Our Eyes 10 – New Year Yoga Flow 29 – The Studio Honors 2022

2323 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-254-6981 woodfieldfineart.com Second Saturday Art Walk

400 Beach Drive, Suite 146, St. Petersburg 727-201-8285 facebook.com/WylandSt.Pete

401 Channelside Dr., Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com

14 – Winter Jam 2022

9 – Tool 11 – Legends of the Streetz

Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg 727-823-7529 americanstage.org Through January 2 – Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol

7-9 – 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival 2022

2-27 – School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play

5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org Through January 1 – Hair

4-23 – Belleville 12-March 26 – Our Town 19-April 1– Grand Horizons

9-April 2 – The Great Leap

405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com/capitol-theatre

7 – Al Di Meola 9 – The Fabulous Thunderbirds 11 – Marc Broussard 12 – Phillip Phillips & Jon Foreman 13 – The Steel Drivers 15 – Puddles Pity Party 16 – Judy Collins 21 – The Righteous Brothers 25 – Michael Bolton 26 – Big Band of Brothers 27 – Gaelic Storm 28 – Leo Kottke 29 – Wynonna Judd and

The Big Noise 30 – Robert Cray Band

3 – Songs of John Prine 4 – Ryan Hamilton 5 – Jim Brickman 6 – Hot Tuna Acoustic 8 – The Simon and

Garfunkel Story 9 – Life and Music of

George Michael 10 – Los Lobos and Taj Mahal 11 – CAL: The Beatles – Let It Be 12 – Tom Papa 15 – Steve Val: Inviolate Tour

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre

5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us

7 – Theater Opening Art

Reception and Exhibit 30 – The Rat Pack: Together Again

4 – Theater Opening Art

Reception and Exhibit

105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com

7-9 – Broadway Belters 13-14 – Jethro Tull’s

Martin Barre Band 15 – Jimmy Webb 21 – Michael Winslow w/ Marc “Skippy” Price 24 – Bob Seger/Cher Tribute 27 – Solitary Man: Neil Diamond Tribute 28 – Jive Talkin’ Tribute to the Bee Gees 29 – Bobby Collins w/ Mark Ricadonna

3 – Get Ready:

A Tribute to Motown 4 – Greggie and The Jets:

Tribute to Elton John 5 – The New Shanghai Circus 6 – Cross That River

By Caron Schwartz

c our T e S y h ugh L ook

We Gulfportians rarely leave our enclave, much less venture off the Pinellas peninsula. So, when visiting sister and brother-inlaw wanted to take in the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa, the drive seemed daunting. “Ooh, we could take the ferry,” said Sis, looking up from her phone. Next thing I knew I was parking in the Sundial garage, where the Cross Bay Ferry validates parking.

A five-minute walk later we were boarding the Provincetown III at the Vinoy Basin. Sis had pre-booked the tickets online, a must, since the 149-seat vessel usually sells out. We explored a bit, checking out the seating, restrooms, and full-service bar. Sis and Bro sat in the stern to watch St. Pete fade into the distance while Boyfriend and I ventured to the bow to better enjoy the “bounding main.” Hardly. Tampa Bay was calm, and the catamaran provided a smooth ride.

Ninety minutes later we disembarked at the Tampa Ferry Terminal, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center. After stopping for sustenance at a nearby Starbucks, we enjoyed a half-hour stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to the museum.

Once inside, however, Boyfriend and I decided it was too nice a day to spend it inside. We had noticed the TECO Streetcar stop near the terminal and thoughts turned to lunch in Ybor city. We caught the free ride on Whiting St. prepared for another transportation adventure.

When technical difficulties caused an indeterminant stop at Publix Station, however, lunch in Ybor became a search for food in the Channel District. Google provided directions to the nearby Pour House where we shared a craft brew and nachos. Then Lyft got us to the terminal on time. Safely back in St. Pete, we meandered to the Vinoy for drinks on the veranda.

If you go: Cross Bay Ferry: www.thecrossbayferry.com Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: 400 N Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa www.fmopa.org Sundial Parking Garage: 117 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg Tampa Riverwalk: thetampariverwalk.cm TECO Streetcar: www.tecolinestreetcar.org Pour House: 1208 E Kennedy Blvd. #112, Tampa www.pourhousetampa.com Vinoy Hotel: 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg

Through January 23 – Pieced and Patterned: American Quilts c1830-1930 $0-$20, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. The exhibit pays homage to the quintessentially American art form of quilting and to the historic role of women who were phenomenally talented needleworkers. 727-896-2667 mfastpete.org

$10 adults, Noon-5pm/7pm Fridays, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N Ashley Dr., Cube 200, Tampa. Astrid Reischwitz, by combining old and new photographs, embroidery, napkins, wallpaper, cloth, and other materials found at Spin clubs in small, rural village in northern Germany, revives a personal memory and the far-reaching effects they had on her life, as well as those of her ancestors. 813-221-2222 fmopa.org

Grants of $5,000 each are open to artists in the disciplines of dancing, literature, media arts, musical performance, music composition, acting, theater creation and visual arts. Details: creativepinellas.org

$38.50-$68.50, 3pm, The Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s music, with Vladimir Vasiliev’s choreography, the full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden’s story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the entire family will enjoy! 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com

$75 all-event pass, single tickets available, American Stage, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. The festival will bring unheard works of playwrights to St. Petersburg, providing a first look at scripts in development over two weekends. Panels and workshops will be held in conjunction with the readings. 727-823-7529 americanstage.org

$35-$60, 8pm, Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. A staple of the Tampa Bay area dance season with performances by international ballet stars that introduces the world’s brightest young dance talent on the same stage, such as award-winning wunderkinds from the Straz Center’s Next Generation Ballet and Youth America Grand Prix. 813-229-7827 www.strazcenter.org

7 – Tribute to the Gambler:

Kenny Rogers 10 – Joanne Shaw Taylor 11 – Heart by Heart 14 – Almost ABBA

13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-466-5998 earlybirddinnertheater.com/site

8-February 27 – Boeing, Boeing

105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 eightoclocktheatre.com

7-9 – Broadway Belters (co-produced with Central Park Performing Arts Center)

(formerly State Theater) 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-322-4600 floridiansocialclub.live Jazz on Sundays

1 – The Black Honkeys 4 – Devin Neel Band 5 – Doug South Band 7 – Greggie and the Jets 8 – Stormbringer 11 – Someday Honey 12 – Speakeasy 13 – The Jazz Phools 14 – 90’s Night with Actual Bank Robbers 15 – Kind Villian 18 – Brooke’s Butterfly Bash Fundraiser w/

The Black Honkeys 19 – Derek Lersch Band 20 – Hot Tonic 21 – #No Filter 22 – Massacoustics 26 – In the Band featuring Kaleigh

Baker and special guests 27 – Jose Ramirez Band 28 – Rude Squad, Headtones,

The New Rulers

5 – The Spazmatics 12 – Ajeva

302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org

13-23 – Neil Simon’s Fools

6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com

7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 941-552-5325 gpactix.com Performances suspended

5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction

Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org

13-23 – Gilligan’s Island the Musical

200 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com

1 – Amazing Tributes to Godsmack and Creed 27 – Authority Zero 28 – Pettyhearts w/ St. Pete Sons 29 – Fast Fashion w/ Risky Business 30 – Tab Benoit

8 – Circa Survive w/ special guests 12 – G. Love and The Juice

(Music Acting Dance Theatre of Tampa) 813-386-6173 madtheatre.com

502 Third Ave., Bradenton 941-748-5875 manateeperformingartscenter.com

13-23 – A Literary Feast: Ernest Hemingway & F. Scott Fitzgerald 20-30 – Chaplin: The Musical

Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N Tampa 813-740-2446 midflorida.com/amphitheatre