Tampa Bay Film

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some Tampa Bay area events, hosted by the Florida Orchestra, during December.  So strap your sleigh bells on because here we go!

Dec. 2: An Intimate Collaboration, The Austrian Way Highlighting Music by Beethoven & Bruckner. 

As a multi-cultural prelude to The Florida Orchestra’s next Masterworks concert, The Studio@620 and The Florida Orchestra present An Intimate Collaboration: The Austrian Way, with discussion, music, and other art forms related to Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 featured on the Masterworks series on December 4 and 6.

An Intimate Collaboration: The Austrian Way takes place Wednesday, December 2, at 7:30 pm at The Studio@620 located at 620 First Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg. Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Suggested donation $10. To place a reservation, call 727.895.6620 or visit www.studio620.org.

Dec. 4 & 6: Masterworks: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto.  The youngest winner ever of the International Beethoven Competition in Vienna, Stefan Vladar performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with its flowing, gliding and sparkling melodic gifts on a program with Bruckner’s majestic and soaring Symphony No. 6.

It's Fri, Dec 4, 8 pm at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall, and on Sun, Dec 6, 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67. 

Pre-Concert Conversation: All Masterworks programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and the composers in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain.

Dec. 10: Coffee Concerts: Opera’s Greatest Hits - Alastair Willis conducts this morning Coffee Concert that features Verdi’s Traviata, Prelude to Act III, Puccini’s La Boheme, and Rossini’s Overture: Italian Girl in Algiers.

Don’t miss the pre-concert conversation and complimentary coffee and donuts one hour before the concert. It's Thurs, Dec 10, 11 am at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater. 

Pre-Concert Conversation: All Coffee Concert programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and the composers in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain.  tickets are: $24, $29, $34, $42

Dec. 11-13: A Holiday Pops - Sure to put a smile on your face and good cheer in your heart, treat yourself and your family to a sleigh load of musical chestnuts, favorite yuletide tunes and Christmas carols with your orchestra and the soaring voices of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay.

It's Fri, Dec 11, 8 pm at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat, Dec 12, 8 pm at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; and Sun, Dec 13, 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

Dec. 16: Special Concert - Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas: 

Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious” and singled out by The Washington Post as “an astonishing array of virtuosity,” the Irish traditional music and dance group, Cherish the Ladies, will toast the holiday season with their wondrous weaving of Irish vocals, old-world airs and tug-on-your-heartstrings yuletide tunes with fiddles, flutes, penny whistles, guitar, banjo, accordion, mandolin and even some step dancing.

It takes place on Wed, Dec 16, 8 pm at Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, and tickets are: $25, $40, $55, $70

So, make sure you get out and enjoy one of the many events that the Florida Orchestra has in December. 

And keep checking back here for info about other Tampa Bay area events and great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

1. Name this cast member and the character she will portray in Wonderland the Musical, whose credits include on Broadway: In the Heights (four 2008 Tony Awards®), Good Vibrations. Off-Broadway: In the Heights (Drama Desk Award), Byzantium?
2. Name this talented producer of Wonderland the Musical, who also serves as the President/Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center?

Hey everyone...Travis back with some great Tampa Bay area events taking place in December.  We're bringing you all of the Florida Orchestra events taking place in December.  So, here we go:

December 4 & 6: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto - As the youngest winner ever of the International Beethoven Competition Vienna, Austrian pianist Stefan Vladar makes his TFO debut performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor. 

Stefan Sanderling conducts this program, which also includes the TFO premiere of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6. Vladar has been a regularly featured soloist at prestigious music festivals in Salzburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Hong Kong, Osaka, Rheingau, Ludwigsburg and the respected Schubertiade in Austria. 

Show times: Fri., Dec. 4 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sun., Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

December 11, 12 & 13: A Holiday Pops - With guest conductor Jeff Tyzik on the podium, attendees will be treated to a sleigh load of musical chestnuts, favorite yuletide tunes and best-loved Christmas carols, all with the over 150 voices of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. 

Now in his fourteenth season as principal pops conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic, Jeff Tyzik has lead many of the top orchestras around the United States, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Boston Pops, Dallas Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops.

Show times: Fri., Dec. 11 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat., Dec. 12 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; Sun., Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Tickets are: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

December 16: Cherish the Ladies “A Celtic Christmas” - Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious” and singled out by The Washington Post as “an astonishing array of virtuosity,” the Irish traditional music and dance group, Cherish the Ladies, joins The Florida Orchestra for “A Celtic Christmas.” 

They will toast the holiday season with their wondrous weaving of Irish vocals, old-world airs and tug-on-your-heartstrings yuletide tunes, complete with fiddles, flutes, penny whistles, guitar, banjo, accordion, mandolin and even some step dancing.

With eleven recordings to their name, including a Grammy nomination for their “Celtic Album” with the Boston Pops, they have received numerous honors, including being selected as the Best Musical Group of the Year by BBC.  In fact, their recording “On Christmas Night” was chosen as one of the Top Christmas Albums of the Year by The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Village Voice and The Washington Post.

Show time: Wed., Dec. 16 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater.  Tickets are: $25, $40, $55 and $70

And of course, tickets to all performances can be purchased by calling 800-662-7286 and online at www.floridaorchestra.org.  So, get out and enjoy the holiday season with the Florida Orchestra. 

And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events for the holidays.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment ideas for you for Veterans Day! 

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, MOSI will be offering $5 admission to all active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters and police officers. Admission includes MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film. 

You must present Military Photo ID to receive offer and it cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.  Take advantage of the deal from Nov. 11-15!

I thought this was a great thing for MOSI to do to honor our Veteran's, so I wanted to be sure to share it with everyone. 

Stick around...we'll be back with other Tampa Bay area events, and other updates about cool Tampa Florida Attractions. 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay entertainment news!  It's been a while since we've done a giveaway, so we are going to try this again. 

Hopefully you have all heard about the brand new production at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Wonderland, Alice's New Musical Adventure.  if you haven't heard, just check out the previous blog by clicking here. 

Well, we have two tickets to give away for the performance on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center. 

These will be Facebook giveaways, so don't forget that you have to be a fan of the Visit Tampa Bay Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/visittampabay). 

We'll be doing the giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10am, so make sure you are there and ready to answer a trivia question. 

The first 10 correct repsonses have a chance at the tickets.  so, we'll see you then! 

And keep checking back for more updates about cool Tampa Bay entertainment options and other things to do in Tampa Bay.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here.  This is just a quick post, but when I heard about this Tampa Bay entertainment news, I had to share! 

We all remember the book from when we were younger (especially if you are from my generation, which will remain a mystery), but now we get to see the movie, and we get to see it on IMAX. 

The highly anticipated move, Where the Wild Things Are, is coming to MOSI on Nov. 7!!!  I'll wait for everyone to calm down. 

I'm not sure how long it's running, but it doesn't matter, because it's there long enough for everyone to go see it!!!! 

So, head over to www.MOSI.org to get more details about tickets and this and other shows!  You can bet you'll see me there! 

See you next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as tips for what to do, where to stay and so much more! 
 

Hey everyone!  Travis back with some more scary Tampa Bay entertainment options for Halloween! 

We are heading over to the Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center this time.  Jobsite Theater presents Night of the Living Dead, now through Nov. 15. 

Another classic Jobsite Halloween treat...by Lori Allen Ohm, based on the screenplay by George Romero.  It's Directed by Chris Holcom.  Here's the lowdown -

Fallout from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies.

Seven people trapped in an isolated farmhouse, held hostage by the ravenous ghouls, begin to turn on each other as the dead encroach. 

Pretty cool right??!!!  so, make your plans, get your tickets and have some scary fun!!!  Regularly priced tickets start at $24.50.

If you want to order tickets, or if you need more info, just click here!

And keep checking back.  We'll keep bringing you more great things to do in Tampa Bay for Halloween, as well as other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

Hey gang...Travis back with some REALLY cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  This just in from TBO.com...The Broadway hit "In the Heights" has won a slew of awards for chasing down and delivering the American dream to theatergoers.

Now fresh from Broadway, the show's national tour begins Tuesday in Tampa at the Performing Arts Center.

The title refers to New York's Washington Heights neighborhood, a barrio teeming with family-owned businesses built by Hispanic immigrants and their children. Central to the story are the owners of a taxi service, who struggled to put their daughter through college — the first in her family to go. Another family owns a beauty salon and a third runs a bodega. Everyone aspires to something better, and they all know it's possible in America.

The multigenerational story is relevant to both Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights, and to author/playwright Hudes, whose Puerto Rican parents settled in Philadelphia. Miranda wrote a first draft of "Heights" in 1999 during his sophomore year at Wesleyan University. He based the characters and storyline on personal experiences and observations.

Through the next several years, the work developed into a series of successful stagings. Eventually, Miranda and Hudes met and collaborated to fine-tune the production that reached off-Broadway and then Broadway in 2008. While he focused on the music and lyrics, Hudes fleshed out the story and dialogue.

Here are the vitals for 'In the Heights': 

WHEN: Tuesday through Nov. 1; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Morsani Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $38.50 to $72.50; just call (813) 229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org.

If you want to read more of this story, including quotes from the cast and writer, click here!

And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events!
 

Hey everyone...Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment news you've all been waiting for.  Ok, ok, ok...you may not have all been waiting for it, but it's still great news. 

It's not everyday you get a chance to trick or treat with over 150 life size dinosaurs. But you can on Halloween at Dinosaur World.

Children in costume between the ages ages of 3 to 12 will receive free admission to Dinosaur World on Halloween Day. Halloween treats will also be given to all children who visit. This free admission is valid at all three locations.

For safety purposes, children must be accompanied by an adult (no kidding, right?!). This discount is valid only during business hours and is not part of any evening activities.

Free children admission covers all exhibits including the Dinosaur Walk, Fossil Dig, Prehistoric Museum, Boneyard, Movie Cave, Mammoth Garden, Skeleton Garden, Deinonychus Island, Carnivore Boardwalk and other location specific activities.

so, whether you're a kid or not, get out there and explore. 

And keep checking back for more great Tampa Bay area events for Halloween, and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey everyone!  Travis here with a Tampa tourism update.  This is breaking news in from the county, so listen up! 

In today’s regular Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the motion carried 7-0 to rename the Tampa Bay History Center building the 'J. Thomas Touchton Tampa Bay History Center.'

The renaming of the building was brought forward by Commissioner Rose Ferlita to honor the dedication and drive Touchton demonstrated to make the new facility a reality. Touchton, the founding chairperson, spent 20 years actively raising both endowment and capital funds for the History Center project. 

Plus, the Touchtons are in the process of donating their historic map collection of more than 3,000 items to the History Center. These maps and charts represent some of the “Florida” map-makers visions that have been created over the past 400 years.

The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District, and serves as the County's official repository for historic artifacts. With a total cost of $52 million, $17 million provided by the County, the History Center includes 25,000 square feet of exhibit areas, featuring 12,000 years of local history, interactive displays and multiple theaters, plus a gallery that features temporary exhibits.

In addition, a research library is staffed by the Hillsborough County Library system. The Columbia Restaurant operates the Columbia Cafe, complete with a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar in Ybor City, founded in 1905.

If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

and there's your breaking news update!  Check back for more Tampa tourism updates, as well as information on great things to do in Tampa Bay! 
 

Hey gang...Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment news!  You can join Tops In Blue as they present “To Dream,” an action-packed adventure of music and dance that invites audiences to follow their dreams, whatever they may be.

Tops In Blue, the premiere entertainment showcase of the  U. S. Air Force, will perform at the Ford Amphitheatre on November 2 at 7pm. The gates open at 6:30pm and both the show and parking are FREE – No tickets are needed.

This year, Tops In Blue continues its long-standing tradition of “family entertaining family” by showing us what has made Tops In Blue a “must-see” event every year for over half a century. 

You’ll hear hot Latin sounds, All-American country music, and hits from the top of the charts.  You’ll experience the great music from your favorite movies and Broadway shows.  Combine all that with the dazzling lights, costumes and precision choreography for which Tops In Blue is known worldwide, and you can look forward to a show that’s sure to please everyone.

Tops In Blue ‘09 keeps 56 years of touring tradition by visiting all bases throughout the United States and more than 25 foreign countries.  Their aggressive tour schedule spans more than 120 locations and also includes entertaining forward-deployed troops in various locations in Iraq, Qatar, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The show is guaranteed to energize hearts and souls and remind each of us that we stand proudly for America, its people and its music. So, don't miss this powerful and unforgettable show.

if you need more details, just visit www.topsinblue.com.  And as always, keep checking back here for more great Tampa Bay area events and information about great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is good for the whole family.  You can join the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department for a sunset movie at Medard Park in Planty City. 

They are showing the famed Shrek next Sat. Oct. 24.  The movie starts at 7:15pm and the gates open at 5:15pm...so get there early.  Here are some Q&A for you -

WHERE CAN I PARK?  Enter Medard Park at Turkey Creek Road and you will be directed to the FREE parking area by an attendant. 

HOW WILL THE FILMS BE SHOWN?  they project the movies on a high-quality digital rear-projection system on a giant, inflatable 50-foot wide screen. Dual, synchronized digital projectors will produce an image that is luminous and crisp, and a powerful sound system will allow guests to enjoy the movie from almost anywhere in the park. 

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?  Way before the film begins.  You can arrive as early as 5:15pm for Shrek. Part of the fun will be arriving early to picnic, toss a Frisbee, people-watch and enjoy the early evening with your friends and neighbors.  Prior to the film, you might even see yourself on the big screen as snapshots of guests at the park are flashed upon the screen.   

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?  The Tampa area is known for the scattered showers that are prominent during the late afternoons. The dark sky can intimidate and it may look grim for an outdoor movie, but don't let that scare you away. We will show a movie in light rain. We will only stop the show for safety reasons if there are very strong winds or lightning in the vicinity. Otherwise...the show will go on!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?  Along with your friends and family, you might want to bring blankets, compact beach or lawn chairs, your own snacks, beverages, and rain gear if the weather is iffy.  If you like to toss nerf balls or Frisbees, bring them.  If you like to read, bring a book to read prior to sunset and the start of the movie. 

WHAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE?  Tampa Theatre will provide all Sunset Cinema concessions and merchandise booths, featuring a traditional theater concessions stand offering popcorn ($2), candy ($3) soft drinks ($2) Gatorade, bottled water ($3), and juice boxes for the kids ($1).  Fun souvenirs like official Sunset Cinema Frisbees and picnic blankets will also be available.  Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help support Tampa Theatre’s year-round artistic and educational programming, and offset the cost of producing Sunset Cinema events.

CAN I BRING MY DOG(S)?  Well behaved pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. Please clean up after your pets. We love our dogs just as much as you, but we will revisit our policy if pet owners are inconsiderate of others, or if the large crowds, darkness and abrupt loudness of the movies make pets disruptive to others.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?  Admission is FREE!

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?  e-mail gargoyles@tampatheatre.org – "our small but intrepid staff will answer e-mail questions within 24 hours (Monday through Friday)."

So, get the friends and family ready, and go have some fun.

we'll see you here next time for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.
 

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great Tampa Bay area events for November.  We are talking about the Florida Orchestra today!  They have some wonderful events for everyone throughout November, so take a look. 

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has three upcoming performances in November, each unique in its own way.

October 31 & November 1: The Tampa Bay Steel Orchestra
Principal Percussionist John Shaw returns with The Tampa Bay Steel Orchestra and Tampa Bay vocalist Fred Johnson to share the stage with TFO in a night of sizzling steel drum and Caribbean hits, including Yellow Bird, Marianne, Day-O, Jump In the Line, One Love and more.

The Tampa Bay Steel Orchestra's seven members are amongst the most accomplished steel pan players in the country. The group has appeared with TFO and been featured at First Night in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival.  In 2001, four members performed the national anthem for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, becoming the first steel drum band ever to do so for a Major League Baseball game.

Show times: Sat., Oct. 31 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; and Sun., Nov. 1 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall
Tickets: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

November 6, 7 & 8: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
Scottish composer James MacMillan makes his conducting debut with The Florida Orchestra in a program featuring the US East Coast-premiere of his The Sacrifice: Three Interludes on a program with the TFO premiere of Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 4 and featuring the orchestra’s concertmaster Jeffrey Multer in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. 

Acclaimed as one of today’s greatest living composers, James MacMillan’s musical language is flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage, his Roman Catholic faith, social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music, blended together with influences from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music.

Show times: Fri., Nov, 6 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat., Nov. 7 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; and Sun., Nov. 8 at 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall
Tickets: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

November 27, 28 & 29: Classical Mystery Tour
With members of the acclaimed Broadway sensation Beatlemania, it's a night of Beatles hits…Penny Lane, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, Strawberry Fields Forever, I Saw Her Standing There and more.  The Los Angeles Times singled out their concert for its “high goose-bump quotient,” adding “the crowd stood and bellowed for more.” 

Performing in concerts with orchestras around the world, the members of the band are all accomplished vocalists and include Jim Owen on rhythm guitar and piano, Tony Kishman on bass guitar and piano, Chris Camilleri on drums and Tom Teeley on lead guitar.

Show times: Fri., Nov. 27 at 8 pm, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - Carol Morsani Hall; Sat., Nov. 28 at 8 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater; and Sun., Nov. 29 at 2pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Tickets: $20, $30, $43, $53, $67

If you're looking for more information about these, just head over to www.floridaorchestra.org.

and of course, keep checking back for other great things to do in Tampa Bay!  Plus, we'll have more Tampa Bay area events for you shortly.
 

The folks over at Hyde Park Village's new CineBistro had me over on Tuesday morning for the media preview and I must say - yum! Beyond the amazing food, the place is just beautiful in design and detail. I think this theater will be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. The grand opening is tomorrow evening. The opening week's lineup includes: Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story; The Stepfather; Couples Retreat; Law Abiding Citizen; Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are; and The Boys Are Back with Clive Owen.You can purchase tickest online by clicking here. And just to tease you a bit, here are some photos that are too good not to share! 

I hope everyone has a chance to get out and attend this year's 20th Anniversary Clip Film Festival! Tonight's screenings include Friends & Lovers: Ski Trip 2, Butch Factor (both at Tampa Theater), City of Borders and Chef's Special (both at Muvico Baywalk). For a complete listing of times, schedules, parties and events click here.

Anyone attending tonight's USF Bulls game vs the Cincinnati Bearcats? I'll be there. Don't forget it's a "green out" and they are asking all fans to wear GREEN! Go Bulls!

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some great things to do in Tampa Bay for Halloween!  And these are taking placed at the famed Tampa Theatre.  From scarry movies to tours, they have something for the entire family.  So, here we go:

Sunday, Oct. 25 - GHOSTS & GARGOYLES: Costumes, crafts, cartoons and a scavenger hunt are all part of this family fun event.  It's $5 for adults and $2 for kids 12 and under.  The event, from 2 to 5 p.m., will feature Halloween crafts, a scavenger hunt and “ghost walk” through the Theatre, free popcorn and special onscreen entertainment, all for the admission price of $5 per adult and $2 per child under 12. Costumes are encouraged and concessions will be available for purchase.
 

Friday, Oct. 30 - CREATURE FEATURE DOUBLE FEATURE:  FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN & THE MUMMY
It all starts at 7:30pm.  Two Frights for One Price!  $9 adult; $7 kids 2 -12, senior, military, Tampa Theatre members.
PLUS!  Audience Halloween Costume Parade on Stage Before the First Movie.  In case you haven't seen these classics, here's a review for you:
 

Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman (1943)
Over 10 years after first turning down the role, Bela Lugosi donned the neck bolts and platform boots to play Frankenstein's monster for the first and only time in Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman. Lon Chaney, Jr. gets in on the campy Halloween fun by reprising his most famous role of Larry Talbot, better known as The Wolf Man. Sure, the Wolf Man died at the end of that film, but who’s gonna split hairs here? Unfortunately, Larry’s furry little problem wasn’t solved by death or resurrection, so, naturally, the only option available is to seek out Dr. Frankenstein. In his quest, Larry stumbles upon Frankenstein’s Monster instead and is convinced by his scientist buddy Dr. Mannering (dating Frankenstein’s daughter, natch) that it is, in fact, the Monster who can cure Larry. As you might expect, a climactic battle between ol’ Wolfie and the Legendary Lugosi ensues. You’ll hoot and howl at this great Creature Feature Halloween classic.
 

The Mummy (1932)
You have to hand it to the walking dead. What they lack in speed and agility, they more than make up for in sheer single-minded determination. The Mummy’s Im-Ho-Tep is a case in point. He's an ancient Egyptian priest, cursed for his terrible crimes against the gods. A team of British archaeologists who can’t leave well enough alone dig up his sarcophagus, along with a box inscribed with a warning that opening it will unleash death and destruction. You'll never guess what they do. Once freed, Im-Ho-Tep takes on the appropriately evil alias Ardath Bey and gets to the task of resurrecting his ancient lover--which will, of course, require a living human surrogate. While the premise may sound formulaic, The Mummy in fact turns out to be bracingly weird, relying on atmospheric creepiness to set the eerie tone. Boris Karloff gives a terrific performance as Im-Ho-Tep in this dreamlike masterpiece. Stock up on ace bandages and prepare for a good spooky evening.
 
Saturday, Oct. 31 - HISTORY & HAUNTS TOUR: Just in time for Halloween, escape into the past in Tampa Theatre first-ever History and Haunts Tour, blending the amazing history of this 83 year old classic movie palace with tales of the paranormal experienced by staff and guests over the years.  The tour includes a creepy concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, as well as a special audio-visual presentation containing historic photos of the theatre as well as spectral evidence (photos, electronic voice phenomenon, etc.) gathered at this national landmark. Tickets are limited, so advanced purchase is strongly recommended. Note: Since this tour includes the frank discussion of ghosts and paranormal phenomenon, no children under 5 will be admitted.

It happens from 11am to 1pm and tickets are $10.00 adults, $8.00 senior, student, military, children 5-12, $5.00 Tampa Theatre members.  Just contact Janice Strand at janice@tampatheatre.org if you want to attend! 

So, there you have it, plenty of activity for anyone and everyone for this Halloween!  So, get out there and enjoy.  But, there are plenty of fun things to do at the Tampa Theatre throughout the month, and the year, so log on to www.tampatheatre.org to get the full scoop!

and as always, keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 
 

So we're in the midst of the 20th Anniversary of the Clip Film Festival this week. Can you believe it? Twenty years "celebrating life in pictures"! Anyone been to any screenings or special events yet? I was unable to attend opening night, as I was out of town for a work obligation and I'm sorry I missed it. Las year's celebration was incredible and I can only imagine how they planned to top themselves for the 20th Anniversary. Screenings and special events are happening daily on both sides of the Bay. For a complete schedule, click here.  

I'm looking forward to attending this afternoon's media preview of the new CineBistro @ Hyde Park Village. Thanks for the invite, Katy. The grand opening happens this Friday, October 16th. You know the drill - high-end food, bar, great service, plus all your favorite films. Should be a great addition to the Hyde Park scene. It's also the home of the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival.

Speaking of Gasparilla, just got word of their next event via press release, here's a snipit: 

The Gasparilla International Film Festival in conjunction with Brokenmold Entertainment is proud to present a special performance by acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Butcher live in concert at the Market on 7th Ave in Ybor City on October 22. The show will benefit the Gasparilla International Film Festival and will be preceded by a screening of the independent film, Visioneers, starring Zach Galifianakis, who was most recently seen in 'The Hangover' and the new series on HBO, Bored to Death.  Tampa fusionists Poetry 'n Lotion will close out the evening.

Should be a great event! Full details, including show times are online. Hope to see you there.

A shout out to the Guzzo Brothers who kick off filming today of their latest indie project, 'Caged Dreams'. I'm visiting the set this week so I'll be sure to snap some photos to share. Good luck guys!