Concerts Tampa

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about a concert taking place at  The Patel Conservatory at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts tomorrow!

Jazz Jamm is taking place on Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the TECO Theater.

Students from the Patel Conservatory’s jazz classes will come together to perform in this jazz concert, under the direction of James W. Crumbly, Jr.

Regularly priced tickets start at $12. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827), in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

The Patel Conservatory offers classes for children and adults of all experience levels in all kinds of dance, music and theater. More information about the Patel Conservatory is available by calling 813.222.1002 and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.

Enjoy the show!

Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hey Folks! Here are some awesome things going on this weekend in Tampa Bay! Be sure to get out of the house and enjoy it all! We know we will!

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

98 Rockfest
98ROCK, Tampa Bay’s Rock Station, unveiled a line-up for 98ROCKFEST that will rock Tampa Bay on Saturday, April 28 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

This year’s impressive all-star lineup includes: Shinedown, Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Trivium, P.O.D., Adelita's Way, Art of Dying, Otherwise and more (*artists subject to change). Tickets range from $30-$75. For more information call (813) 301-2500, visit the Tampa Bay Times Forum Website!

Cappella Music Festival
Free concert featuring Platinum Recording Artist, Sister Hazel and musical guests Miggs, Jr. Doctor, among others. Backline Music Group will host a day of outdoor music at the Cappella Music Festival featuring live musical performances, food, drinks and fun for the entire family.

General Admission is FREE‘Suite Six’ VIP package: $50 (includes front row “Best in House” seating, VIP areas and 2 complimentary cocktails, beer and/or wine). To reserve your tickets call 813.250.0011, or visit the website!

FOR THE KIDS

Mummies of the World
An incredible array of mummies and artifacts will be unwrapped for the public at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry on Friday to reveal a haunting (some would even say creepy) collection of mummified people, pets and wildlife frozen in time.

This traveling exhibit is a rarity because it involves 21 different museums from around the world. Tickets are $18.95 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 2 to 12; $16.95 for seniors. For $5 more you can see both the mummies and the rest of MOSI, (813) 987-6000. mosi.org.

Dragon Boat Races and Asia Fest
Dragon Boat races and Asia Fest Dragons will be lurking in Garrison Channel this weekend as paddlers from across the U.S. and Canada compete to be Tampa's top dragon boat team. Meanwhile, the Asia Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at nearby Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St. It's free for the festival and to watch the dragon boats cruising down Garrison Channel starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday behind the Marriott Tampa Waterside, 700 S Florida Ave., Tampa.

FOOD & WINE

SeaGrapes Wine and Food Festival
Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival, The Florida Aquarium's annual food and wine event, set in the aquarium's exhibits, will have more than 100 fine wines, cuisine from area restaurants, live jazz, entertainment and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit aquarium youth education and conservation programs. 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday April 28. $95, $225 VIP. Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Tour De France Dinner at Fleming
Join us for a memorable evening of wine appreciation as we explore the fabulous heritage of French food and wine through an exceptional five-course dinner. For more details check out our blog post, or call 813-874-9463 to make reservations!

Well folks, that's a quick round-up of all things going on this weekend! What are you up, in addition to these great events?

That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about all of the fun things for children taking place at The Florida Strawberry Festival.

At this year’s festival there are tons of things for kids to do, besides enjoy the beautiful outdoors and eat tons of strawberries. Some of the wonderful activities for children are listed below.

Baby Contest: This contest is taking place on Sunday, March 4 from 3:45- 4:45 p.m. There will be two contests and one diaper derby. You may enter your child in a maximum of one category in each contest. Children participating must be between 6- 18 months.

Kids Show- Kandu and Jill The Magic Lady: Kandu and Jill The Music Lady created a show like no other, which incorporates live music, sound effects, sight gags, slapstick comedy and audience participation. This show captivates both the young and the young at heart.

Kiddie Rides:This expanded kids section has bumper cars, swings and a couple  other fun rides for children.

Find out more information on the activities for children taking place at The Florida State Fair, by clicking here.

A great day to make a trip out to the festival with your children is this Saturday. Kids Free Day is taking place at The Florida Strawberry Festival this Saturday; kids through high school will get in free.
 Just stop by any festival ticket booth and receive a complimentary entry ticket on this special day.

There is also a FREE kids concert on the Wish Farms Soundstage.  Suite Caroline, sponsored by Fantastic Sams, the talented singer/songwriter, will take the stage at 1 p.m.

I hope you all enjoy the festival and the wonderful food, rides and concerts taking place!

Check back often for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone.  Travis here with some great, FREE Tampa Bay Entertainment options for you.  The Patel Conservatory will offer a FREE master class with University of West Florida Professor and Director of Strings and Orchestra Leonid Yanovskiy on Tuesday, March 6 at 8 p.m. for Patel Conservatory students and the general public.

Prior to the master class, participants are invited to bring instruments and join in the open rehearsal of the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra classes for the Intermezzo Orchestra from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra from 7 to 8 p.m.

Originally from Russia, Yanovskiy graduated from the Moscow Gnessin College and Academy of Music, where later he taught violin and chamber music. As violinist with the Moscow Concert Chamber Orchestra and principal violinist with the Chamber Orchestra Northern Crown, Yanovskiy toured extensively throughout the former Soviet Union.

After immigrating to the United States in 1990, Yanovskiy received his doctorate from Rutgers University, where he studied with members of the Guarneri Quartet, Arnold Steinhardt and Michael Tree. In 1990 to 2007, he was a violinist with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New York City. In 2004 and 2005, he was concertmaster with the New York City Washington Square Festival Orchestra.
 
There are no prerequisites for participating in this FREE (Again, it's FREE) master class or in the open rehearsals. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, call 813.222.1002 or visit www.patelconservatory.org.

Have a great time and let us know how it went.  See you soon for more updates about great things to do in Tampa Bay.

Hey Folks! Jerm here and I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's day in advance! Also wanted to drop by and let you know of some great Valentine's Day activities going on here locally so you can add these to your potential itinerary!

Now as you know there are plenty of things going on here locally so this is not a complete list, more so just to give you some ideas, so if you know of any that should be added, leave a comment and we'll look into getting more details about that event!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion - lt's not too late to make that someone special in your life feel even more special.
Reservations are still available for a truly spectacular evening.

Yacht Starship - Don't wait to show your sweetheart how much you care with a romantic Valentine's Dinner Cruise! With stunning views from the water accented by dancing on the lounge deck, a StarShip cruise will really WOW them.

Segway Tour - Make this an unforgettable Valentine's Day with a Segway® Tour Experience in Florida. Get your 2012 Segway Tour gift certificates at the special price from February 1 – 14, 2012*!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the ultimate “date night” – a  romantic adventure under the stars, complete with unforgettable African animal encounters and delicious treats on Busch Gardens Serengeti Night Safari.

The Capital Grille - Let our exceptional cuisine and award-winning wine list sweep your special someone off their feet. Join Capital Grille Valentine's Day, February 14.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - For a a truly romantic Valentine's date, nothing trumps an evening at Fleming's. Be sure to reserve early for our Valentine's Celebration.

Boizao Steakhouse - Join Boizao Steakhouse for a very special occasion Monday, February 13th, Wednesday, February 15th, Thursday, February 16th with free Champagne and Dessert.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts - Celebrate Valentine's Day by taking in a show at the Straz Center! Celebrating an enchanting new studio album and companion live concert DVD of the same name, the awe-inspiring vocalists and mesmerizing violinist of Celtic Woman now embark on the BELIEVE LIVE US tour. Performing classic Irish tunes, timeless pop anthems and inspirational songs in their inimitable style.

Again folks, that's just some of the I am sure many things going on in the Tampa Bay area, so if you know of anything else going on leave a comment and we'll look into adding it! In the meantime stay tuned in for more Valentine's related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello everyone, Alex here with some concert news… Gladys Knight is performing at The Mahaffey on Friday, February 17 at 8 p.m.

Gladys Knight is a seven-time Grammy winner, who has had #1 hits on pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.

You won’t want to miss Gladys’ wonderful performance at The Mahaffey. Purchase your tickets today by  clicking here.

Enjoy the show! Check back with us throughout the week for updates on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Concerts.

Hello everyone, Alex back with some more entertainment news… Penn & Teller are coming to The Mahaffey on Friday, February 10 at 8 p.m.

For 35 years Penn & Teller have defied labels—and at times physics and good taste-- by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.

The well known Vegas act will be performing only a few select dates in the state of Florida, the night at the Mahaffey being one of them.

With sold out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials and hundreds of outrageous appearances on everything from Letterman to Leno, Friends to The Simpsons, Chelsea Lately to Top Chef, comedy’s only team show no signs of slowing down.

With an amazing six wins, including 2011, as “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year,” their 10-year run at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino makes them one of the longest running and most-beloved shows in Las Vegas history, outselling every other resident magician on The Strip. Their acclaimed Showtime series, “Penn & Teller: BS!” has been nominated for 13 Emmys and is the longest-running series in the history of the network.

Don’t miss out on a great show filled with magic and many laughs. Buy your tickets today. To purchase tickets, click here. Tickets are $36.50, $46.50, and $56.50 plus applicable taxes and fees.

Enjoy the show! Check back with us throughout the week for updates on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Concerts.

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to share with you the stage talent for the 2012 Seminole Hardrock Gasparilla Street Festival in downtown Tampa.

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the pirates arrival in Tampa Bay, but what you may not know is the festivities begin before the pirates invade and capture the City – and they’ll continue until long after the last pirate has paraded through the streets! 

The 2012 Pirate Fest Street Festival features stages with live entertainment, food and fun. Admission to Tampa’s Gasparilla festivities, including all Pirate Fest concerts is free. 

Talent will appear on the stages as follows:
Gasparilla Invasion Stage (Latin/Hispanic theme) sponsored in part by, Centro Tampa and Telemundo
(MacDill Park, Located along Ashley Drive and Whiting Street in Downtown Tampa)-PRE PARADE ONLY

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Danny Lozada y el Latin Band
Gasparilla Pirate Fest Stage at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Presented by Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and sponsored in part by 93.3 FLZ, Mix 100.7 and 98 Rock  
(Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Located along Ashley Drive between Madison and Polk)

Before the parade begins, music will be played from CD’s on the stage’s sound system and provide enthusiastic background music as event guests wait for the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates to begin.

Post Parade- Live Performances
5 – 6:15 p.m.                           Daniel B. Marshall
6:30 – 8 p.m.                           C’NERGY
8:30 – 10 p.m.                         Skycoasters

You don’t want to miss out on the many festivities taking place before and after the 2012 Gasparilla Parade on Saturday, January 28th. I hope you all have a fun time!

Check back with us often for updates on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

1. Tour participant Beau Bamburg was born in this Oregon town?
2. True or False Jeremy "Twitch"Stenberg joined the Metal Mulisha crew at the age of 13;
3. This Nuclear Cowgirl has to her credit live stage show and award show performances with artists like P. Diddy, Jessica Simpson, Ludacris, and Britney Spears?

Good morning everyone, Alex here to let you know about a great show coming to Tampa Bay in February.

The Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers is coming to The Mahaffey on Saturday, February 4 at 8 p.m.

They're back - the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers™. The show that started it all has been selling out all over the globe. No one does it like these brothers and they're back to show you just why they are the best.

Don’t miss out on a great show. Buy your tickets today. To purchase tickets, click here. *Tickets start at $34*

Enjoy the show! Check back with us throughout the week for updates on Things To Do In Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Concerts.

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some entertainment news for you!

Is anyone looking for a fun concert to attend this January? If so, you should go see The O’Jays in concert at The Mahaffey on Thursday, January 12, 2012. 

The O’Jays have been around for over 50 years, and have released 24 top ten hits.  On Thursday, January 12, at 8 p.m. Eddie Levert, Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant will be bringing their timeless show to The Mahaffey for all generations to enjoy.

Tickets start at $35. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, click here.

I hope you all enjoy the show! Check back with us throughout the week for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Concerts.

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with more news from the Patel Conservatory...

The Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra (PCYO) is holding auditions for placement on January 4 & 5, 2012 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

PCYO provides accomplished young musicians experience in an advanced orchestral ensemble.

In addition to receiving the finest musical training, PCYO students participate in unique experiences. PCYO students have the opportunity to play for the enjoyment of hundreds of music enthusiasts prior to Florida Orchestra concerts at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

PCYO students  will also have the opportunity to travel to Jacksonville, Fla. to work with members of the Jacksonville Symphony and participate in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Festival in June. This festival will include orchestras from Jacksonville and Tallahassee; PCYO was invited by the Jacksonville Symphony. 

The youth orchestra has performed twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City, with the New World Symphony in Miami, and elsewhere.

PCYO, part of the non-profit Straz Center, includes the Intermezzo Orchestra and the Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra. Intermezzo Orchestra is an intermediate ensemble of string players who have good basic playing skills and are learning the skills necessary to be in the advanced orchestra.

Auditions for PCYO will be held Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. each day.

To sign up for an audition, call 813.222.1002. (There is a $15 fee to audition.)

Good luck to everyone that is participating in these auditions!

Check back with us often for more information on Arts in Tampa Bay!

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about the new addition to the Patel Conservatory’s Rock School staff.

Dean Tidey, a British guitarist who has played with bands such as U2, the Rolling Stones, Cold Play, and R.E.M., has joined the Patel Conservatory’s staff as a Rock School instructor.

Tidey has played guitar for the last 12 years for the acclaimed English rock band, Feeder, but in April, settled in Tampa with his wife - a Plant City native - and their six year-old son. While here, Tidey has been recording and producing music. While playing in concert with Kim Richey at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, he discovered the Rock School program. 

In Rock School classes, students ranging in age from youth to adult, are placed in bands that practice weekly to create a Rock School Blowout performance for the end of the semester. No prior experience or training is required.

Placement auditions for Rock School classes will be held January 3, 7 and 10, 2012 at the Patel Conservatory.

Rock School classes are open to those in grades two through adult, from beginner to advanced.  ($15 fee to audition)  

For more information and to schedule an audition, call 813.222.6411. 
 
Have a wonderful day and check back with us often for more information on the Arts and Culture in Tampa Bay!      

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex back to let you know about a fun event for the entire family taking place at Patel Conservatory this December.

Jazz Jamm will be held on Wednesday December 7, 2011 at 7 p.m.
  
Students from the Patel Conservatory’s Jazz Ensemble and Adult Vocal Jazz Ensemble will come together to perform in this impressive jazz concert, under the direction of James W. Crumbly, Jr.

Regularly priced tickets start at $8. Beginning Nov. 22, regularly priced tickets start at $12 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

Enjoy the show! Check back with us often for more information on Arts and culture in Tampa Bay!

Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know about  a concert taking place at thePatel Conservatory at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

The Vocal Arts Concert will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the TECO Theater, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

Students from the Patel Conservatory’s Vocal Arts Senior and Junior Choirs will perform a program of classical choral music, spirituals and contemporary holiday music. The concert ends with the choirs joining the audience in a performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

Under the direction of conductors Gregory Ruffer, Deborah D. Lynch and Allison Novak, this concert will bring young singers together with master artist-teachers to take singing to a whole new level.

The Patel Conservatory is providing you with another chance to watch a great show that will get you into the holiday spirit.

Purchase your tickets today!  Regularly priced tickets start at $12 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

 Check back with us often for more updates on Arts in Tampa Bay!
                

Good Morning Everyone, Alex here to let you know about a concert taking place at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts this December.

The Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra is performing a fall concert on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.

Students from the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra will perform a concert of holiday music and traditional classical music, such as Haydn’s Symphony 104. The Youth Orchestra program consists of a string ensemble and a chamber orchestra comprised of the finest student musicians in the Bay area, under the direction of Artistic Director Gregory Ruffer, Principal Conductor Stephen P. Brown and Associate Conductor Catherine Michelsen.

Supporting Tampa Bay’s youth performers and enjoying a great performance is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.

Regularly priced tickets start at $17.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

Check back with us throughout the week for updates on Arts in Tampa Bay and for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!

Hello Tampa Bay, Alex here with some holiday event news from the Henry B. Plant Museum.
 
Christmas is just around the corner, and Henry B. Plant’s Museum is getting in the holiday spirit with the 30th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll, which is taking place December 1- 32, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. This is a great way to experience the warmth and charm of an old-time holiday. 
 
Throughout the stroll, you will travel beneath towering silver minarets, and throughout the former Tampa Bay Hotel as it captures the spirit of the season – Victorian style.  There will be 14 exhibit rooms; each dazzling with trimmed trees uniquely designed in 19th century themes and antique holiday accessories. While strolling down the Grand Hallway, your spirits will soar as you become immersed in carolers singing, Charles Dickens, much loved toys and wrapped gifts, Christmas stockings and Old Saint Nick.
 
For those seeking tree-trimming inspirations, this year’s Christmas trees will be graced by whimsical tea cups, beloved ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, etiquette driven language of fans, blinding white 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, aromatic cigars, twinkling bells, and antique toys.

At the Christmas Stroll there will be complimentary spiced cider and savory cookies and each evening carolers will perform music for your merriment. Visitors are invited to sing with the carolers in front of the 15-foot tree in the hallway.

Watch a video on last year's Victorian Christmas Stroll, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0_SJb21sxo.

What better way to get in holiday spirit then taking a walk through decorations inspired by a 19th century Christmas? Tell your friends and family today about the 30th Annual Christmas Stroll.

Admission is $13 for adults, $11 seniors and $7 youths (4-18 years). Discount Days are December 5, 6,12, and 13. On those days, admission is reduced to $9 adults, $8 seniors, and $5 youths.

Proceeds from the Victorian Christmas Stroll fund significant museum restoration and preservation projects, as well as educational programming.
 
The Museum is also having Bells of Christmas on Saturday, December 11th from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon of Plant Hall (adjacent to the Museum).
 
This will be an enjoyable event with hand bell music performed by Clearwater Christian Bell Choir from Clearwater Christian College, Fanfare Ringers from First United Methodist Church of Lutz and St. Andrew’s Ringers from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tampa. The concert is free and open to the public.

Check back soon for more information on holiday Tampa Bay events happening in Tampa Bay!

Hello everyone, Alex here to let you know of a great way to spend your Saturday evening outside in beautiful Tampa Bay. 

12 rock-and-roll-playing bands will liven up downtown at the FREE Rock School Blowout on the Riverwalk at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, November 12th at 1 p.m.

Dozens of Patel Conservatory Rock School students will perform songs they’ve learned during their12-week class session. Before classes began in September, students auditioned, were grouped into bands and have since been taught by Rock School instructors Lee Ahlin and Paul Stoddart.

At this outdoor concert, the bands will play some old classics by groups like Journey, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, along with songs by newer artists such as Train, Adele and Blink 182.

Blankets and stadium seats are permitted for this outdoor event; chairs with legs are not.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

More information about Rock School Blowout and on the Patel Conservatory is available at www.patelconservatory.org and by calling 813.222.1002.     

Support local bands, while you enjoy Tampa Bay’s beautiful weather with friends and family.     

Have a wonderful day and check back with us often for more updates on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!                   

Good morning everyone, Alex here to let you know of a great way to spend your Saturday evening outside in beautiful Tampa Bay. 

12 rock-and-roll-playing bands will liven up downtown at the FREE Rock School Blowout on the Riverwalk at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, November 12th at 1 p.m.

Dozens of Patel Conservatory Rock School students will perform songs they’ve learned during their
12-week class session. Before classes began in September, students auditioned, were grouped into bands
and have since been taught by Rock School instructors Lee Ahlin and Paul Stoddart.

At this outdoor concert, the bands will play some old classics by groups like Journey and Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, along with songs by newer artists such as Train, Adele and Blink 182.

Blankets and stadium seats are permitted for this outdoor event; chairs with legs are not.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

More information about Rock School Blowout and on the Patel Conservatory is available at www.patelconservatory.org and by calling 813.222.1002.     
Support local bands, while you enjoy Tampa Bay’s beautiful weather with friends and family.     
Have a wonderful day and check back with us often for more updates on Things To Do in Tampa Bay!