St. Petersburg, FL (April 10, 2009) - The Back Room Short Film Festival of Sarasota is seeking film submissions for a short film festival at the NOVA 535 on September, 9th from 6–9 pm. This one-day festival will feature films from 2-7 minutes in length in three categories: inspiration/motivation, comedy and animation. “This is a film festival designed as a family-friendly occasion with the movies rated PG or less,” said Paul Gruber, founder of www.PeopleAreReady.com and www.TheBackRoom.tv. “We are encouraging people of all ages to participate and are reaching out to schools and other groups to encourage children, teens and young adults to submit a film.”
Amos Lee Performing at Capitol Theatre in Clearwater
Written by Linda PenningtonAmos Lee, who hails from Philadelphia, is known for a musical style that encompasses folk, soul and jazz. He has toured with musicians such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Paul Simon and Merle Haggard. His three album releases, Amos Lee (#2 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart), Supply and Demand (#76 on Billboard's Hot 100 Album Chart) and Last Days at the Lodge (#29 on Billboard's Hot 100 Album Chart) have all been met with commercial and critical success. Billboard Magazine said of Lee: "Proves that real emotion and true artistry are not always wasted on the youth."
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| County Commissioner Susan Latvala and her professional Arthur Murray partner, David Schmidt. |
Can a county commissioner rumba? Can a fire chief tango? See Pinellas County officials strut their stuff on the dance floor as part of Palm Harbor’s first Citrus Festival.
Palm Harbor, FL (April 14, 2009) - As Dancing with the Stars returned to ABC last month, the celebrities of Palm Harbor hit the dance floor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in the Fountains Plaza to start preparing for their very own Dancing with the Palm Harbor Stars! County Commissioner Susan Latvala, Fire Chief Jim Angle and Head of the Pinellas County School board Peggy O’Shea will be competing in the Rumba, Tango, and Foxtrot at Palm Harbor’s first annual Citrus Festival, an exciting new event celebrating the heritage of Palm Harbor through music, activities, and, of course, citrus.
O'Shea and Latvala are also excited to have the opportunity to work with their professional Arthur Murray partner, David Schmidt. “It is fun, and you get a great feeling of accomplishment,” said Latvala.
“This is going to be quite a competition,” said Lania Berger, owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, located on HWY 19 in Palm Harbor. “All three of our stars are doing a fantastic job with their choreography, as well as becoming lovely social dancers. I’m glad it’s the audience voting, because I think all three are deserving of a mirror ball trophy!”
Disney On Ice World of Fantasy Tickets and Show Times May 2009
Written by Linda Pennington
Come Experience a Magical Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy, May 14 – 17, 2009 at the St. Pete Times Form in Tampa!See your favorite Disney Stories with high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Master and the crew of Disney/Pixar’s CARS race across the ice.
Drive into The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the ‘Circle of Life’ with The Lion King. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice!
Your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life as Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.
For show times and tickets
1st Annual Palm Harbor Citrus Festival
Written by Robin Husbands-CauchiPalm Harbor was founded in the mid 1800’s and was best known for its citrus groves, closely followed by vast cattle ranches. Some of the pastimes were fishing, horseshoe tossing and anything musical. The music of the time was folk, bluegrass and gospel.
The Festival opens on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at 5pm with a carnival only on Thursday and Friday, and beginning Saturday, April 25th through Sunday, April 26th, the event will be in full swing with four blocks of activities, music, historical readings and vignettes, a “citrus” bake-off, “Dancing with the Palm Harbor Stars” and the crowning of the first Miss Palm Harbor Citrus Festival Queen.
2nd Annual Cleveland Street Poetry Walk
To start off the event, from 12 noon to 1pm in Station Square Park at 610 Cleveland Street, Elyse Aronson, a.k.a. Mz Goose, will host an hour of children’s poetry, fun and prizes. Children can bring poetry or they'll have a chance to write it on the spot!
Then at 2pm, the adult Poetry Walk will begin at Station Square Park presided over by Then at 2pm, the adult Poetry Walk will begin at Station Square Park presided over by Larry Jaffe, Poet Laureate for Youth for Human Rights. It will continue at various venues including the Jim Warren Gallery, Peter Gillham's Nutrition Center and Tony's Pizzeria, as well as the Warehaus Boutique and Intuition Salon and Spa, located at 418 Laura Street. A program and map will be provided for attendees at the park.
The camp will meet at Studio 620, located at 620 First Ave. South in St. Petersburg. It will run Monday through Friday, from July 6th to July 17th from 9am-5pm. The cost for the instruction and special equipment is $500.00.
“A kid with a camera and a passion can bring a special energy to film,” said Tony Armer, Executive Director of the Sunscreen Film Festival. “We want to provide youngsters with the knowledge to create good work with a beginning, a middle and an end that the audience can't wait to see.”
Clearwater, FL (April 2, 2009) - Clearwater Academy International, the only private school located in the downtown Clearwater area, held their Annual Festival of Arts the first weekend in April. With the Grand Opening on Thursday, April 2nd, attendees were treated to a fine display of student artwork and photography. The large exhibition displayed pieces using many different mediums from students of all ages.
Clearwater Academy is very active in expanding the school’s Arts Program to cover all aspects of the arts. For more information please visit the school website at http://www.clearwateracademy.org/ .
Legally Blonde the Musical Broadway Performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Written by Heidi Lux |
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Legally Blonde Preformance at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Photo by Wayne Cathel.
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Clearwater, FL (April 8, 2009) - Legally Blonde, the musical, manages to capture the feel of Legally Blonde, the movie. It is a silly, carefree piece of theatre that manages to leave you fulfilled, satisfied and quite entertained at the end of it, while including a positive message that is delivered through silly means.
The musical includes all of the familiar and important moments of the movie, such as Elle's videotape to get into Harvard, the scene where she's tricked into dressing like a Playboy bunny and arrives at a classy party and the hunky UPS guy. However, it still manages to stand on its own as its own piece. It's enjoyable if you've seen the movie and still enjoyable if you haven't.
Sunscreen Film Festival 2009 4th Annual Announcement Party
Written by Heidi Elizabeth Lux
St. Petersburg, April 1, 2009 - The Sunscreen Film Festival held the announcement party of their fourth annual festival on April 1st at Nova 535 in St. Petersburg.Each year the event gets bigger and better. Last year, John Travolta attended the festival. This year, Patrick Wilson plans on attending (his film, Passengers, is the opening night film this year). Mayor Baker showed his support by putting in an appearance at the party while also talking about how excited he was for the Grand Prix in St. Pete that weekend.
The festival began five years ago when friends Derek Miner and Tony Armer got together while working on an indie film in their kitchen and decided to put on a film festival to meet more people in the industry. The first Sunscreen was held at Studio 620 and had many local filmmakers and a total of 600 people in attendance. This year’s festival will be held at Muvico Baywalk, and the festival’s 68 independent films come from all over the country and the world.
Fun N Sun Festival 2009 Downtown Clearwater Events
Written by City of Clearwater
Clearwater, FL (April 1, 2009) - Clearwater will be celebrating its 56th Annual Fun n Sun Festival, April 24 through May 3. Many events will be offered to residents and visitors. There will be concerts featuring a variety of musical genres including oldies, jazz, and country among other activities. Featured events include:
Saturday, April 25
National Scrapbook Day
$35 Registration Fee
10am to 8pm, (727) 539-6767
Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St.
The 17th annual Mutt Strut, sponsored by Gulf Coast Dog Magazine, was held on Honeymoon Island on Saturday, March 14th.
Jump, “Lassie,” jump! - Photo by Ian Phoenix
Dog enthusiasts were able to spend time in the company of like-minded folk for the whole day. “There’s actually a French bulldog meet-up group, and this was one of their suggested things to come to,” says Beth Chenoweth, owner of Newton, a 4½ year-old adorable French bulldog. “I thought it would be fun to get him out and socialize with other dogs.” Beth and Newton found the event to be both fun and informative, thanks to the wide variety of information available. “We’re working on figuring out what food’s best for him, so it’s helped out, finding different food and different vets.”
The First 4th Friday Event in Downtown Clearwater Featured
Written by Heidi Lux and Ana Livingston
Spectators enjoy March Madness entertainment and refreshments at the inaugural 4th Friday Event in Downtown Clearwater - Photo by Simaen Skolfield
March Madness in Downtown Clearwater
The first 4th Friday in Downtown Clearwater was held, fittingly, on the fourth Friday of March. "March Madness" closed down Cleveland Street from East Avenue all the way down to Osceola.
The Clearwater Community Volunteers had their signature train giving rides up and down the street. It was the perfect evening for friends and families to come together and wander the streets while browsing the vendor tables, or to share an after-work-week drink while enjoying the free live music. Local downtown restaurants were open and many stores had booths. Intuition Salon sold jewelry and handbags, Pangea Cafe' offered muffins and their signature Illy coffee, and Bella Pucci Grooming Salon took the opportunity to advertise their new change of location.
Downtown Clearwater Festivals Japanese Culture and Lantern Event
Written by City of ClearwaterJapanese Culture and Lantern Festival to Celebrate Sister Cities’ 50th Anniversary
Artists in Action International 2nd Anniversary in Downtown Clearwater
Written by Heidi Lux
(left to right) Vice-Mayor George Cretekos, AIAI President Jack Potter and Executive Director Pat Luefan - Photo by Simaen Skolfield
Clearwater, FL - On March 21st, Artists in Action International (AIAI) celebrated their anniversary in addition to having a Grand Opening of their new Mission: Beautification Gallery space located conveniently downtown at 400 Cleveland Street.
The Mission: Beautification Gallery provides an opportunity for local artists to be seen. A few people I talked to had this as their first showing of artwork. Like Andrejas Lazdins, who found out about AIAI through Craigslist. He attended The International Academy of Design and Technology and does photographic and graffiti art, but this is his first time displaying his artwork.
William Joseph Classical-Pop Pianist Performing at the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Clearwater Featured
Written by Linda Pennington
Clearwater, FL (March 30, 2009) - Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road presents a second concert at the historic Capitol Theatre in the Cleveland Street District in Downtown Clearwater when pianist William Joseph performs on Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office, by calling 727.791.7400 or by logging onto www.rutheckerdhall.com .
William is known for his vigorous performance style, emotional power and polished precision and he performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall in January with Linda Eder. He has also toured with Josh Groban and Clay Aiken, and has supported artists including Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Kenny G and Il Divo. He is currently on tour is support of his current Warner Bros. record release Beyond. He is currently appearing on the PBS special Great Performances with David Foster: Hitman.
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Todd Rundgren at the Historic Capitol Theatre Downtown Clearwater
Written by Angela LeMay
Clearwater, FL (March 25, 2009) - Ruth Eckerd Hall On the Road presents Todd Rundgren at the historic Capitol Theatre in the Cleveland Street District of Downtown Clearwater on Friday, March 27th at 8pm. This iconic performer will make a rare concert appearance in the intimate setting of the 451-seat theatre located on the corner of Cleveland and Osceola Streets in downtown Clearwater.
Todd Rundgren, who has written hit songs such as “Hello, It’s Me”, “Bang the Drum All Day”, “Love in Action” and “Can We Still Be Friends”, is currently on tour in support of his latest album release Arena, one his most critically-acclaimed albums in years.
Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater have joined forces to renovate the historic Capitol Theatre, and patrons at the Todd Rundgren concert will get a rare glimpse of one of the oldest operating theatres in Florida. Further major renovations will begin later this year. Currently Ruth Eckerd Hall is in the planning stages to raise funds to renovate the theatre to restore it to its 1921 grandeur.
The Gasparilla Film Festival Turns Tampa into Hollywood
Written by Heidi Lux
Cupcakes, Red Carpet and Armand Assante What More Could a Girl Want?
Tampa, FL (February 2009) - For ten days, The Gasparilla Film Festival turned Tampa into Hollywood, with all those film types hanging around. For a second it felt as if the Superbowl was back in town; having the nervous feeling that you’ll turn around and bump into Matt Dillon.
Emmy Award winner Armand Assante was honored at the festival with the Career Achievement Award, and was a very pleasant gentleman. We sat down for an interview and ended up chatting endlessly about our acting training and techniques. His advice for young actors was, “If you chose to act, act, and don’t look back.”
In a full-length dress reminiscent of a cloud, Gasparilla Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Terry Moore floated by. In her 80s, she still managed to radiate that vintage sophistication and beauty. She had been married to Howard Hughes, and I wanted to go up to her and verify a few Old Hollywood rumors, but I was whisked off to another interview.
GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST 2009
Even if someone has never been to the annual celebration of Tampa Bay’s pirate history, they know it means two things: beads and booze. But what most people don’t know about Gasparilla is, it’s all done in the name of a good cause. Every “krewe” (organization) involved in the parade, benefits a charity. For example, The Krewe of Shamrock, the Thieves of San Lorenzo and the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon all benefit the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
The Mystic Krewe of the Nautilus is one of Gasparilla’s newer krewes, having been around for only five years. The krewe benefits both the Children’s Cancer Center and the Florida Aquarium, and holds several events throughout the year to raise money for these causes, all in addition to their participation in the annual Gasparilla parade.
March Madness Cleveland Street Event Clearwater FL March 2009
Written by The Editor
March Madness 5:30pm, March 27, 2009
Clearwater, FL (March 2009) - The Clearwater Downtown Partnership is proud to announce its first of many 4th Friday concert events on Cleveland Street. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 27th.
We are closing down Cleveland Street in the 600 Block and will provide you with a premier entertainment, art, food, wine and beer extravaganza. (The entertainment act is going to be big… stay tuned – you will be blown away!)
GOT BLUES?
Clearwater, FL (Feb. 2009) - Since 2006, seafood and blues music fans have been drawn to Coachman Park by the annual Knology Sea Blues Festival. The festival is the perfect way to spend a weekend, chilling on the grass, indulging in seafood and listening to some of the best blues acts around.
This year’s four-day extravaganza kicked off on Cleveland Street with blues fans braving the “cold weather” to enjoy a performance from Tampa local Julie Black, and a debut of her new song “Ever Since” off of her second album due out in April. Julie recently displayed her phenomenal voice at Clearwater’s Pangea Café. “It was a warm environment and neat café,” she said, and also mentioned how nice the owners are.
Friday night Malcolm & the House Rockers took the stage, followed by Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes. Fans danced in the park and enjoyed grouper sandwiches, a “sea in a sack” and even fried alligator. Saturday night featured John Nemeth, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and Jonny Lang. Sunday night finished up the extravaganza with performances from Kenny Neal, Marcia Cross and Elvin Bishop.
Bryan Morris, the drummer for Elvin Bishop, loves getting to play at festivals like this. “Oh man. It’s the best”, he said. “When you get out there and see all the fans, that’s what makes you feel good.” But of course, the blues is in his blood. His father was a blues musician who played for Ray Charles.
The 17th Annual Mutt Strut on March 14th, 2009, will be presented by The Gulf Coast Dog Magazine.
Clearwater, FL (Feb. 26, 2009) - The SPCA of Pinellas will be holding its 17th Annual “Mutt Strut” on beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, FL from 10am until 3pm. This event offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere with tons of vendors, games and hundreds of participants for the mile-long strut along the Osprey Trail starting at exactly noon. It will be led by our shelter mascots!
Because of its supporters, this annual event is the Pinellas County Humane Societies' largest fundraiser each year. The funds are raised through pledges from individuals and “packs” of participants, vendors and sponsorships. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money as an individual and as a pack, plus the first 400 walkers will receive a Wag Bag filled with goodies. Raise a mere $25 per individual and receive an event T-Shirt for yourself and bandana for your pet! You can download registration forms from our website at http://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/ on the events page ,and at the Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Road 590,
ORLANDO, FL (Feb. 25, 2009) – The Orlando Magic Dunking Dancers will be performing on Saturday, February 28th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park. Media coverage will be featured on ESPN The Weekend.
The Orlando Magic Dancers make up the Dunking Dancers performance team. They are the first of its kind in the NBA to display amazing aerial, under-the leg, behind the back and flip dunks, with style and grace.Artists In Action International Clearwater FL
Written by Elyse Van Breemen
Artists In Action International Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with New Gallery Grand Opening
Clearwater, FL (February 24, 2009) - A double celebration marks two years that Artists in Action International (AIAI) has been bringing art and culture to the Tampa Bay area. Saturday, March 21st, starting at 7:00pm they celebrate not only their second anniversary, but also the grand opening of the Mission: Beautification Gallery which recently moved into the old AmSouth building at 400 Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater.
Artists in Action, International exists to inspire artists of all genres to reach greater heights and make a difference in their communities. Founded here in Clearwater, Florida by visual artist Jack Potter, it now has members across the world. The group has received proclamations from the City of Clearwater establishing Clearwater Poetry Day and Clearwater Human Rights Week. They have also been acknowledged for their participation in the city’s Jazz & Art Walk, BeatleMania and Miracle on Cleveland Street.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI 2009 Featured
Written by Angela LeMay
Tampa, FL (February 2009) - The 2009 Bay Area Renaissance Festival welcomes guests for its 31st annual event held in Tampa, Florida. The festival will be open the weekends of February 21st through April 5th, in addition to "Festival Friday" on March 13th.
The food at the Faire is surely one of the most popular stops in any guest’s journey back in time. Each weekend the Festival offers a unique slant on the period with special events and activities for guests. The enchanting shire of Fittleworth will be host to national and local entertainment acts featuring comedy, music, juggling, jousting and stage combat. The artisans provide an added authenticity through the colorful shoppes that line the lanes of this renaissance setting.
Dancing with the Stars ABCâs New Season Announced Chuck Wicks as Celebrity Competitor
Written by Donna Schacher and Kirt Webster
Nashville, TN (February 9, 2009) – RCA Nashville hit recording artist Chuck Wicks is among the celebrity competitors poised to take to the dance floor for the eighth season of the enduringly popular ABC series, Dancing with the Stars. The new cast was revealed this evening as series host Tom Bergeron presented the “All Night Name Drop,” announcing this season’s competitors throughout ABC’s Sunday night prime-time programming.
ABC also announced in a press release this evening that Chuck’s dance partner in the competition will be his girlfriend and fellow country recording artist, two-time Dancing with the Stars champion, Julianne Hough.
Joining Wicks to round out this season’s celebrity contestants are rapper Lil’ Kim; Jackass star Steve-O; Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell; actor Gilles Marini; actress Denise Richards; Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak; recording artist Belinda Carlisle; actor/comedian David Alan Grier; football hero Lawrence Taylor; recording artist Jewel and her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray; and Olympic Gold-medal winning gymnast Shawn Johnson.
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