I am sure that you are as ready for the weekend as I am. And as I have said before, there is so much to do in Tampa Bay, that there is just no possible way to fit everything in. Here are a few Tampa Bay area events and activites from our partners going on this weekend.

Tonight, Channelside Bay Plaza is hosting a smooth jazz session in the Channelside Courtyard. From 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. stop by for the smooth sounds of Al Chisolm + The On Que Players. Afterwards, you can walk over to Howl at the Moon and sing along with the piano players, Splitsville and try to strike out in a bowling match against your friends, Sling Shots for line dancing lessons or one of the many other Channelside Bay Plaza hot spots for some Tampa Bay nightlife.

Saturday, head over to Centennial Park in Ybor City to celebrate the history that once made Tampa the “Cigar Capital of the World’ with the 10th Annual Cigar Heritage Festival. The festival will include a kid zone, lessons in Sicilian wine making and sausage making, cigar rolling, dominos, live entertainment and even a charity beer garden. Oh, and did I mention it’s free admission?

If you’re still going strong Sunday night, Jimmy Fallon will be at the Tampa Improv. Tickets are sold out for both showings Saturday night, so if you want to get in on Sunday, log on and buy your tickets A.S.A.P! Jimmy Fallon, one of my favorite comedians, is best known for his impressions on Saturday Night Live and roles in movies like Taxi and Fever Pitch.

A weekend like this will probably leave you with a severe case of the Monday’s when it’s over. Make sure you come back and tell me how it went and what you’re planning for next weekend. Until then, have fun and be safe! For a complete list of Tampa Bay area events, check out our Calendar of Events.

Whew? Is everyone as whipped as I am? Things are starting to get busy around here, thanks in part to the beautiful weather and of course, to the 2009 Super Bowl which is now just weeks away!

We've hosted a number of productions in the market recently including a PSA for Metropolitan Ministries, a catalog and online shoot for Delia's, a commercial for Bright House Networks, a documentary shoot for The Discovery Channel. Coming up this week we've got Goodyear Tires, Nike Canada, and a commercial spot for Everest University.

And lately we've seen a dramatic increase in student film projects, compliments of the University of Tampa's Film and Media Arts program.

Hope to see you at tonight's Tampa Film Review. Don't forget they've moved to a new location -

Romeo’s Art Gallery
1515 E. 7th Ave
Ybor City

Oh and is everyone watching Rookies? I've DVR'd every episode but can't bring myself to watch them. Next episode featuring Tampa Police Department's finest airs on Tuesday at 10pm on A&E.

Looking for something a little different this weekend? How about an art viewing or perhaps a wine tasting? This weekend is packed with arts and culture in Tampa Bay. Here are a few fun (and affordable!) events going on this weekend with some of our partners.

If you are interested in art and art history, the Salvador Dali Museum holds regular Avant-garde Lecture Series’. On Friday at 6:30 p.m., guest speaker Andrew Laird will be talking about the origins of Classical influences from Greece and Rome in Mexican, Cuban and North American art, myth and nationalism. Even better, the lecture is free with museum admission which is only $5 after 5:00 p.m.

Also on Friday, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center will be hosting their Scene on the Green. This month’s showing is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this free, outdoor movie showing on the TBPAC Riverwalk.Keep your fingers crossed that the Tampa Bay weather stays fabulous!

Visit Malio’s Prime Steakhouse Saturday night for the San Rafael Wine and Live Music Series. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a wine tasting of MAIRENA Vinos De Mendoza paired with specialty cheeses by Malio's. From 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. enjoy live music from Half Circle and Friends. A whole evening for just $20.00 per person!

In honor of Veteran’s Day, MOSI will bring in patriotic music, hands-on science exhibits and an IMAX Dome Theatre film to honor our country’s heroes! Times for the special event vary. For all of our hometown (and visiting from out of town) heroes, November 8-11 MOSI will offer free admission to the museum for all active and retired military personnel, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers.

Invite a little culture into your life this weekend. While you’re at it, have fun! Don’t forget to come back Monday and tell me what you ended up doing this weekend in Tampa Bay! For a complete list of things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend, check out our Calendar of Events.

Have you ever wanted to climb a frozen, vertical waterfall, or maybe surf down a building size water-wall? Unless you are a professional you probably shouldn’t attempt these activities, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience them. Extreme is making its way to MOSI’s IMAX Dome Theatre on November 14.

Extreme is a documentary was filmed using IMAX cameras and trails adventurist athletes as they surf, windsurf, ski, snowboard, rockclimb and iceclimb. The action packed documentary also has an original music soundtrack.

On opening night, MOSI will have local adventure enthusiasts at the theatre from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm to talk about what fuels their passion for adventure. MOSI is home to the only IMAX Dome Theatre in the state of Florida making it one of the premier Tampa Florida attractions. So make sure you stop by and check out the newest Extreme experience at MOSI's IMAX Dome Theatre for the latest in Tampa Bay entertainment!

Hey Everyone! Film intern Amy here. In case you have missed out this far, the next Tampa Film Review will be held on Friday, November 14 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Romeo’s Art Gallery. It is located at 1515 E. 7th Ave in Ybor City. There is a selection of amazing films that will be screened including:

Ceu: by David Tinoco. A young man suffers from depression after an unclear tragedy. He has given up all hope until he is suddenly stirred by an unexpected source and given hope.

Conversations with patrons at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen in Clearwater, Florida: by Joyce Cooper: A documentary on the soup kitchen.

Return to Sicily: A New Journey by Raymond Chiaramonte: A documentary on one man’s discovery of his roots.

Attrition: by George Denison: The guilt of murder is too much for one man to bear.

Loneliness (Girl): by Allison Koehler

Intermingle: by Joe Sanchez: Sean is on the search. However the closer he gets to the man he's been searching for, the closer he gets to who he really is.

How To Kill a Vampire and How To Kill a Werewolf: by the Weekend Film School
 
Don’t miss out on screening this month’s films!

You might recall hearing about a cop reality show filming here in Tampa earlier this year. The show is called Rookies and was produced by Tiger Aspect and The Greif Company. Well, the show is finally premiering tonight on A&E.

Here's a snipet from the network's press release -

Remember your first day at your new job? Now imagine being a police officer.  ROOKIES, shot on location in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and Tampa, Florida, puts viewers in the squad car as each rookie heads out on patrol for the first time. 

Each week viewers will join the journey as rookies learn how to patrol the tough city streets with their field training officer (FTO). These veteran cops teach the rookies how to survive.  Some of these rookies will have what it takes – and others will be asking themselves if they can take the heat in one of the toughest jobs in America.

ROOKIES premieres Tuesday, October 21st at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E with two back-to-back half hour episodes.

In Tampa, Florida we’ll meet rookies like Amy Hess. She may look like the girl next door but she is one tough cop.  Her first week includes participating in her first SWAT hit.  Rookie AJ Cafaro, a former bar manager, goes on his first search warrant then witnesses his first dead body.  The call most rookies dread going on is the ‘”Signal 7” or dead body. Rookie April Levine gets two of these calls her first week.  She has the harrowing task of putting human bones in a plastic bag and lifting a five day old corpse.

Sounds reminiscent of Cops, eh? We'll see if this show serves Tampa well. Tune in tonight at 10pm for two back-to-back espisodes on A&E.


I've got so many things to touch on...not sure where to start...

I mentioned in my Clip Film Festival post that I was going to be jurying the Clip Film Festival (formerly the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) from October 2-12. Well, the festival wrapped on Sunday and all I can say is "wow". The festival was programmed by the lovely and talented Stephen Mintz who comes to us from the Reel Pride Film Festival in Fresno, California. Let's just say he's super talented. The films were terrific, the crowds were energized and the festival just had a warm and fuzzy, upbeat feeling throughout. They really know how to make a gal feel welcome.

Since I sat on the jury, I feel obligated to share the jury award winners with all of you -

Best Documentary: Pageant
Best Feature Film: XXY
Best Short Film: I'm Jin Young
Best Director, Documentary: Ron Davis/Stewart Halpern, "Pageant"
Best Director, Feature Film: Shamim Sarif, "World Unseen"
Best Director, Short Film: Edward Gunawan, "Laundromat"
Best Actor: Tye Olson, "Watercolors"
Best Actress: Christine Evangelista, "Goodbye Baby"

I look forward to future dealings with the entire Clip group (who are all probably dead asleep as I type this). Congratulations on a wonderfully successful festival guys!

A quick update on the Tampa Bay Area State of Film & Entertainment Industry Summit we hosted Thursday night at Nova 535 in downtown St Pete. We had a great turnout - 150 in total. Thanks to all of you who came, listened and were motivated to make change. We're finalizing our "what to do now" sheet and will have that available soon.

I would be remiss not to mention how AMAZING film director Martha Coolidge was during her several days spent at UT two weeks ago. Had a chance to meet her thanks to Tom Garrett, film professor and rock star extroidonaire, who organized a "ladies luncheon" for some of his female film students, myself and Jennifer Parramore, film commissioner for the St Pete/Clearwater Film Commission. Martha was the most approachable and honest film director I've ever met and I know we all enjoyed her company very much.

Ok, I'm walking away from my computer now. I think this blogging thing is becoming addictive. I know Jeremy is happy to hear that. So long for now...


Hello again Tampa Bay-philes, Reju here ! This past Friday, I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (TBPAC) in Downtown Tampa.The center has ranked with some of the best theater venues in the world and the expertise of their team shows before you even step in.

Walking around the center you're sure to get in the mood for theater with soundtracks, matched with the current showing, playing in the background all around the center. There are also a number of brand spanking new flat screen monitors displaying up-to date info on current and upcoming shows, and other general information.

Maestro's CafeTurn a corner facing the east bank of the Hillsborough River and you'll find a quaint riverwalk, and maybe even a joyous crowd waiting to catch the some of the free open-air showings. Adjacent to the outdoor stage, you'll find seating and dining at Maestro's Cafe(outdoors), or restaurant (indoors), overlooking the river and downtown tampa. Visually and aesthetically, there's a great feel for culture and a very inviting ambiance here.

The TBPAC was opened twenty years ago, and four years ago was joined by the Patel Conservatory, which educates and trains students of all ages in many artistic disciplines including dance, music, theater, and even media arts. The Performing Arts Center has five distinct theaters, ranging from big name, broadway show calibre stages with opulent seating, lighting, and entertainment, to cozy, stages catering to a much smaller audience showcasing more experimental theater. The effect of this variety is that weather your a performer or part of the audience, you feel that there's a theater to fit any show, and a show to fit any audience. Three of the theaters even have infrared listening systems for the hearing impaired.

Tampa Bay Entertainment: TBPACIt's a shame that I hadn't visited this place sooner, and really look forward to going there again to catch an actual show. I even asked about participating in one of the experimental plays, but unfortunately for me, this is not community theater and I have a long ways to go before I can even consider, being considered. What experience do I have in acting you ask? Well, I was one of the seven dwarfs in my elementary school "Snow White" play, and distinctly remember having the coolest/creepiest looking ''walking stick''/tree branch.

So if you're in Tampa, and have not seen the TBPAC, I gurantee you it's worth the visit any day, especially if you have friends or a significant other/'s, you can take along. It's quiet something to watch a play, and when you watch a good one, you'll know why theater stood the test of time.

Howl-O-Scream: Things to Do in Tampa BayHey all, its K-Mart again with the latest from the Underworld. On select nights through the month of October, as night falls on Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens is transformed from a family-friendly, African zoo-style theme park to a dark, foggy scare fest crawling with creatures and ghouls with Howl-O-Scream. The houses are louder and darker this year and the scare zones are longer and jam-packed with goblins and werewolves.

The first house we ventured into was “Eat Your Heart Out,” think motorcycle gang meets Rob Zombie movie. The walls are smeared in red and it pretty much looks like a dingy biker bar. The “dead props” weren’t always dead and the motorcycles weren’t just decoration. Without giving anything away, this is the maze that just when you think you’re safe… you're not.

The next maze we went to was the beer line, which was not nearly as scary. Enough said.

Tampa Bay Entertainment: Howl-O-ScreamThis was followed by the longest scare zone I have ever been in. Now I’ve done my fair share of Halloween attractions at theme parks, so I know what’s coming (people jumping from hiding places, shouting, fog, etc.), but the Wicked Woods seemed to go on and on. If the trees weren’t coming to life, then some horrifying creature was breathing on my neck or some walking dead was asking me where I was going.

To get a break (and some food) we went to Desert Grill and watched “One Wild Night,” a musical-esque show that somehow managed to tie in songs from both Katy Perry and Billy Idol among others.

The maze, “Taste of Blood” has probably ruined the bumper cars ride for me. The bad section of an urban city was crawling with vampires and everyone was covered in “blood”. Both “Death Row Vengeance” (a penitentiary where the inmates are set free) and “After Hours” (a nightclub that reminded me of Ybor’s Goth club, The Castle) were literally infested with people. There was nowhere to look away. People were above the maze, on the floor, behind doors, outside secret windows and inside the pictures.

I lost my voice the next day from screaming so much, but it was well worth it. There were enough things for people to do that the lines weren’t too long (especially for a Saturday night in the middle of October). Take a trip to meet the Raven Twins, if you dare. Make sure you come back and tell me how you survived.

Hey Everyone!! Intern Amy here.

The Gasparilla Film Festival and the Historic Beach Theatre have teamed up with Enigma Films to bring you three days of horror filled madness.

The Halloween Horror Picture Show weekend begins Friday October 24th and continues through the 26th with a blend of Classic and Independent horror films for your enjoyment! Come to the Historic Beach Theatre in St. Pete for the festivities!

Kick off the weekend on Friday the 24th dressed as your favorite evil dead character for the screenings of:

1:30pm  Robot Monster
3:00pm  Son of Godzilla
5:00pm  I Bury The Living
6:45pm  House on Haunted Hill
8:30pm  The Evil Dead II
10:45pm  Army of Darkness  

Saturday will begin with Free Family Friendly Movies with face painting, vintage horror trailers and a costume parade for the kids!  After 7pm, come dressed as your favorite Zombie for another night of fun while listening to a live performance from Funeral Daizes. The movies screened are:

10:00am  Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
12:00pm  Munsters Go Home
2:00pm  Gremlins (audience participation and gremlins in the theater)
4:30pm  Ghostbusters
7:00pm  The Tingler (another William Castle Classic with audience participation)
9:00pm  Night of the Living Dead
11:30pm  The Rocky Horror Picture Show

On the last day, Sunday the 26th, they will begin with the re-screening of a few Family Friendly Films of:

10:00am  Ghostbusters
12:00pm  Gremlins (with audience interaction)
2:15pm  The Tingler (with audience interaction)

The weekend finale begins at 4:30 with a few short indie horror films of:

The Reaper   
Frankenstein vs The Wolfman
Side Effect
Lamp Post Lake
In Darkness
Alarum


Following will be the screening of three independent feature films:

5:45pm  A Gothic Tale
8:15pm  Live Evil
10:00pm  Shadowland

Don’t miss out on a weekend of horror right before Halloween! For more information, visit the website at www.halloweenhorrorpictureshow.com and purchase your tickets!

Be there and be scared!!

Hey guys! TGIF, right? The beginning of October brings you a waterfall of things to do, everything from family-fun events to unforgettable nights out on the town. I have put together a small list of some of the Tampa Bay area events happening this weekend so you don’t have to miss a beat.

This weekend is going to be jam-packed with shows. For the whole month of October, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is having a late night, double feature, picture show. And by that I mean The Rocky Horror Show.  The late showing at 11 p.m. encourages audience participation (so don’t forget the rice!). You should probably leave the kids home for that one, but all weekend long Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey will be in town. The St. Pete Times Forum will transform into Neverland (to visit Peter Pan) and an undersea kingdom (to visit the Little Mermaid) among many other classic children’s favorites. You won’t want to miss it!

Friday night will be the kick-off gala for the Clip Film Festival (formerly the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival). The gala will be at the Don Vincente in Ybor City and the $50 ticket will include food and an open bar. Also, you’ll have a chance to meet comedian Bruce Vilanch (yes, the guy from Hollywood Squares) who is in town for the showing of his new film “Tru Loved.”

Looking for some less expensive things to do this weekend? How about heading to MacDinton’s Irish Pub Friday? From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. you can bring your pet with you for a pet Halloween costume contest (and no cover!) and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. a $10 wrist band will get you all-you-can-drink specials (make sure you take a cab if you are going to take advantage of this deal). For a little arts and culture in Tampa Bay, head down to Ybor City on Saturday. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. local artists invite you to the Ybor ArtWalk where you can spend the day visiting their galleries, studios and workshops.

Have fun, be safe and enjoy Tampa this weekend! Make sure you check back Monday morning (when the boss isn’t looking) and tell us how your weekend went.

Intern Amy here!  

The 19th annual Clip Film Festival (formerly the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) is upon us with so many great events, I’m not sure where to begin…

October 3rd – Festival Gala
Time 9:00 PM
Location Don Vicente De Ybor, 1915 N Ave Republica de Cuba
Gala Night - An Evening of Hip Elegance (Black Tie Preferred)
Music - Dancing - Entertainment - DJ Andy - Silent Auction
Join us after "Tru Loved" at the historic Don Vicente De Ybor (14th St and 9th Ave) for an evening of elegance.  Your ticket includes open bar, food, and entertainment (included in Crown Circle Diva and Simply Fabulous Pass).

October 8th- The St. Pete Twirling Project Performance
Time 8:30 AM
Location Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin Street
Come watch the St. Petersburg Twirling Project Perform outside of the Tampa Theatre on Wednesday night. This event is free to the public.

October 11th- SURGE, the official Men’s Party
Time 9:00 PM
Cost  $15
Location Czar Ybor, 1420 E 7th Ave
It’s the official Men’s Party for clip, the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival! Join more than 1,000 people for one night of epic entertainment at Czar in Ybor City. SURGE features three completely different entertainment venues and three very distinct types of music all under 1 roof! Doors open 9pm-3am. Open to adults 18+ (men and women welcome), and 100% of proceeds go to clip.

October 11th- SUGAR, the official Women's Party
Time 9:00 PM
Cost   $15-$30
Location The Honey Pot, 1507 E 7th Ave
The largest Girl party in Tampa Bay! Join over 700 women for one craved evening - it only happens once a year! It will be a feast for the senses.

October 12th- Sister Merry Widow's Masquerade Ball/Closing Party
Time 9:00 AM
Location gBar, 1401 E 7th Ave

For a complete list of films and events log on to http://www.tiglff.com/. The festival runs from October 2nd through October 12th and I know a local film commission manager who’s sitting on the jury so you’d better check it out! Nobody throws a better party!

Hey Everyone! U.T. is proud to be hosting Martha Coolidge on Wednesday October 1st and Thursday October 2nd. She is a famed Hollywood producer, writer and director and here for a limited 2-day engagement.

Martha Coolidge is an Emmy nominated director for a variety of her work. She gained success by directing numerous films containing a feminist perspective and was elected the first woman president for the Directors Guild of America. Along with her earlier credits are many documentaries and shorts.

The schedule for the week is:
OCTOBER 1st
10 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. - "Real Genius" & Behind The Scenes Screenings
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – “Valley Girl” & Behind The Scenes Screenings
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Conversations with Martha Coolidge,
8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Q&A w/ Martha, and "Material Girls" Screening

OCTOBER 2nd
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - "Ramblin Rose," followed by director's workshop
                                    and "Directing Actors for Film"
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" Screening

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Hollywood’s most famous directors this Wednesday and Thursday at the University of Tampa in Reeves Theater located on the 2nd Floor of Vaughn.

All events are open to the public and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Get ready to have some fun this weekend. Here's the latest edition of things to do in Tampa Bay, straight from Tampa Bay & Company's partners.  There is so much going on and so many Tampa Bay area events that you may have to take up an energy drink habit just to fit half of it in! Here’s the scoop on what some of our partners are putting together for you.

Friday night, you have to check out MOSI. For the next month, they will be showing Fly Me To The Moon, Grand Canyon Adventure and The Dark Knight on the IMAX Dome Theater.

Saturday morning, round up the kids and head down to the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be a variety of activities for families relating to Florida eco-friendly landscaping techniques through the use of native plants and water conservation. By attending the free event, you’ll get a goodie bag and a few hours of fun in the sun.

Saturday night is the time to check out the Tampa Bay nightlife.  You have to check out the All That Glitters: Annual Wine, Beer and Food Tasting at the beautiful T. Pepin Hospitality Centre. Benefits from the tasting go to the MacDonald Training Center.

This years event will include interactive cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chef Fabrizio Schenardi, executive chef of Pelagia Trattoria,  a culinary competition to unveil the “Best Chocolate Cake in Town,” live musical entertainment, casino games and both live and silent auctions. There will be over 20 of the area’s top restaurants and caterers offering samples of their delectable new fall menus. I’ll be there, so make sure you come by and say hello!

Sunday, head back over to MOSI and check out some of their newest exhibits: “The Amazing You” (an informational and interactive exhibit where you can learn about human body) and “From the Farm to the Fridge” where you can learn all about the milking process and even have the chance to milk a life-size mechanical cow (you know you want to).

And don’t forget, if it’s your birthday (and Happy Birthday from us to you if it is!) go to Lowry Park Zoo. You’ll get to see over 2,000 animals in lush habitats for free and have a chance to check out the brand new Gator Falls ride.

As always, check out the VisitTampaBay website for a complete list of Tampa Bay area events.  You'll find everything from where to eat, entertainment and much more. 

So why are you still sitting there? Get up and go do something fun this weekend! Monday, drop me a comment and let me know how it went!


I apologize for the lapse in blogs but I've been a busy lady. Spent last week in New York City, celebrating Independent Film Week with other members of Film Florida. Our annual Florida Wasabi Party was a big hit, as always (think it's the free beer or the free sushi that keeps em' coming back for more...??), and some great connections were made. Also had a great meeting with Leslie Cohen, Tampa native and Director of Film Programming for HBO. Then it was off to Boston for a fun-filled girls weekend. The Knights lost miserably to BC but a good time was had by all!

Now it's back to business and the business currently at hand is the planning of our State of the Film & Entertainment Industry Summit on October 9, 2008. The Tampa Bay Area Film Commissions (St Pete/Clearwater & Tampa Bay) have joined forces to host this educational event for our local film community. We realized recently that there are so many misconceptions about how and why our film incentive money was lost during our last legislative session. We hope to educate, rally, and call-to-action the people of Tampa Bay so that we may make Tampa (and Florida) a productive production destination once again. The invite is below - please join us if you're able.

To RSVP for this event, please click here.



See ya there!


In case you hadn't heard, Tampa Bay is a premier destination for the hottest events around.  This was without question on showcase, this past Friday at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center as Randy "Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew Tour" came to town. Once again Jerm somehow managed to find a date to the event.  What makes it even better was that she was cute, and as big of a nerd as me (she majored in computer science in college)!

Tampa Bay Area Events: America's Best Dance CrewI must admit that I have not once seen the show, as the reality TV scene lately has become a bit of a bore, but about five minutes into the program I had pretty much made the decision to tune in next season. 

Some of the things these guys and gals can do on stage simply defy words, not to mention gravity.  I mean seriously, who break dances on skates!  I can barely walk in a pair of skates, much less do handstands, back-flips, and spin on my head.  Those guys from "Break SK8" really put on a show as I would have to rate them as my 2nd favorite crew.  

I would have to give my biggest thumbs up however, to the crew from "JabbaWockeez." as words can't describe those performances throughout the night.  I was especially impressed with the tribute to the Jackson 5, as well as some old school Michael Jackson thrown in there.  Seeing some of those skills on display take me back to my youth when I was an aspiring break dancer and was glued to the television screen when Breakin first came out on beta max...yes I do go that far back!  Needless to say my break dancing career never took off unfortunately.

The Performing Arts Center's Carol Morsani Hall was packed with high school aged kids screaming their lungs out (I know this for sure, because most of them were sitting right next to me), and by the end of the night my ears were ringing!  It was truly an event to remember as the gang over there at the Performance Arts Center always bring the best entertainment to the Bay Area!

If you were there, leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

Ok, so if you’ve tuned in to the Lifestyle Blog, you’ve heard the latest reviews about nightlife, the night scene, coffee shops restaurants and other things to do in Tampa Bay.  We've got so much to do here with the attractions, beaches, shopping, golf, and sports...not to mention the arts and culture in Tampa Bay...But, where do you start?  Where do you eat?  What do you do? 

Well, now you can not only get the latest reviews about Tampa Bay entertainment, but you can check back here for a weekly (hopefully) update on some of our partner’s special events, entertainment and other Tampa Bay area events for the weekend.

Start your Tampa Bay tour off tonight you can head down to Raymond James Stadium to watch the USF Bulls take on the Kansas Jayhawks (if you were lucky enough to get tickets that is).  The Bulls have started off the season on a high note, so let’s see if they can keep the magic alive.  The game starts at 8pm, so if you aren’t there, you better be in front of a TV…it’s sure to be a matchup! 

If hard-hitting action (no, we aren’t talking football here) is your thing, then head down to the St. Pete Times Forum tomorrow for the Xtreme Fighting Championships.  This Mixed Martial Arts Event returns to the St. Pete Times Forum and it all starts at 1pm, at which time the Chrysler-Jeep Plaza outside of the Forum will come alive with performances from local bands, a bike show, and more.  

If you’d rather relax with the fam, then head down to MOSI, where there’s fun for everyone.  For tomorrow and Sunday only, folks can head down and get in for 50% off and enjoy over 450 hands-on exhibits, a show in The Saunders Planetarium, and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film. 

This is just a taste of what’s going on with our partners this weekend, but there’s much more happening.  Just log on to the VisitTampaBay.com website and take a look at our Calendar of Events.  Plus, check back next week and we’ll let you know what’s up with our partners for next weekend. 

Make sure you get out there, have fun, then check back and let us know how it was.  Or, if you have an event you want mentioned, just let us know. 


Hey! It’s the film intern- Amy! This is your chance to see 15 of the BEST Florida-made short films from the Sunscreen Film Festival. It will be screened at NOVA 535, this Saturday, September 13th beginning at 8pm.Don’t worry if you can’t make the first screening, all films will be screened again at 10:15!

The films will be competing for the title of “Best Florida-made Film” and you get to pick! The winning films (one from each screening) will receive Sunscreen 2009 VIP package each worth hundreds of dollars!

Admission is only $8, including one drink. Find out Saturday night who is best of the best!!!


Hey Movie buffs…Amy the film intern here. The Independents’ Film Festival committee just announced the finalists for the 2008 Best of the Fest. Winners will be announced 7 p.m. September 19th at the Tampa Theatre. Following, is a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers. Don’t miss this exciting festival! For tickets in advance go to: http://www.independentsfilmfest.com

Animation Award
Animal Instincts, Director Cameron Edser and Michael Richardson (Australia)
Emily in the Clouds, Director Clayton Mitchell (Florida)
The Clocktower, Director Cara Antonelli (Florida)

Indie Mini Film Award
Against the Wind, Director Dan Masucci (New York)
Hard Boiled, Director Brian Winter (Virginia)
Thanks to the Whistle Blowers, Director David Puls (New York)

Student Mini Film Award
Basket Boy, Director Pacifique Nzitonda (Africa)
Cuentos Chinos, Director Chris Caraballo (California)
Focus, Director Jesse Newman (Florida)

Student Short Film Award
Betrothed, Director Emily Sheskin (New York)
Latter Day Fake, Director Jolie Hale (California)
No One Doubts the Camera's Eye, Director Tim Compton (Florida)

Indie Short Film Award
El Ojo Unico, Director Adrian Castagna (California)
Red, Yellow, Blue, Director Changhee Chun (New York)
Shy, Director April Rouveyrol (California)

Indie Short Documentary Award--under 30 minutes
Florida's Wild Side, Director Tom Fitz  (Florida)
Flowers of Rwanda, Director David Munoz (Spain)
Silly & Serious, Director Dennis Tupicof (Australlia)

Indie Documentary Award--under 60 minutes
Millennium Musicians, Director Edson Pacheco (Florida)
Secrets of a Medicine Man, Director Nanette Fenton  (Florida)
Seminole Heights, Director Gene Howes (Florida)

Indie Feature Documentary Award--over 80 minutes
American Feud: A History of Conservatives & Liberals, Director Richard Hall, (Maryland)
The Church on Dauphine Street, Directors Rustin Thompson & Ann Hedreen (Washington)
Vaccine Nation, Director Gary Nulls (New York)

Indie feature Documentary Award--under 80 minutes
D.O.P.E., Director Chris Aherns (California)
King in Chicago, Director Seth McClellan (Alabama)
The Life Penalty, Director David Quint (Colorado)

Student Documentary Award

In the Panyard, Director Keli Ross-Ma'u  (California)
Postwar, Florida, Director Josh Kushner (Florida)

Indie Experimental Film Award
EZS: sequenza 1-A.E., Director Alessandro Brucini (Italy)
The Spasm Between the Infinities, Director Jeff Whipple (Florida)
Zunar-J5/9-Doric -48, Director Alexandra Rothert (Germany)

WEE WOW Award

Climbing Downward, Director Jason Berger   (California)
Return to Sender, Directors Emma & Sarah Bailin  (Arkansas)
The Honest Shepherd, Director Lubomir Mihaila Kocka  (Georgia)

Directors' Choice Award
Flowers of Rwanda, Director David Munoz (Spain)
For A Few Marbles More, Director Jelmar Hufen (Netherlands)
Kilowatt Ours, Director Jeff Barrie (Tennessee)

Anyone want to guess who this year’s winners will be?

Hey Everyone, It’s Amy- the Film Intern! The Independent’s Film Festival is coming up in only two weeks and the lineup is looking good.

Check out the schedule -

September 16th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 7pm
Films by Emerging Directors

September 16th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 8:30pm
Films about Indie Music

September 17th- Education Channel $7.50; 7pm
Films that transform catastrophe into beauty

September 18th- Education Channel $25 (in advance); 7pm
Party like a Film Star Fundraiser

September 19th- Tampa Theatre $8.00 (at door); 7:30pm
Best of the Fest award-winning Films, followed by filmmaker chat

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre FREE; 3:00pm
Junior Filmmakers Showcase

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 7:00pm
Documentaries in the Sunshine

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 9:00pm
Urban Film Series

September 21st- Education Channel $10.00; 2:00pm
Actors Workshop (Advanced Registration Required)

Don’t miss out on this unique festival. There is something for everyone!  
If you can’t catch the festival, no worries because the “official selections” will be aired on The Education Channel during September with a live web simulcast! For more information visit www.indiefilmfest.us.