Tampa Bay Radio Stations

Hello there folks! Jerm here with a tasty update for you regarding an event goin on in downtown  Tampa this Friday!

Ever wonder who makes the best burger in Tampa Bay? Well I know I have, and in my quest to gain the the knowledge of who makes the best burger, I still am trying to find that perfect one! Well wonder no more I say as this Friday at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!

Join us and top area restaurants in this annual bragging rights competition & fundraiser for naming the “Best Burger in Tampa Bay”, with all proceeds to support Friends of The Riverwalk in their efforts to complete and activate Tampa’s Riverwalk.

With Jack Harris (Fox Radio 970 WFLA) as Master of Ceremonies, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn our Honorary Grand Marshal, a celebrity culinary judging panel will award top honors at Burger Showdown 2012 including Best Burger in Tampa Bay and Best O-T-B (Other-Than-Beef) Burger! Burger Showdown attendees will vote (with included chip) on their favorite Burger; 2012 People’s Choice Award.

Some of the restaurants competing for the title are:

Ashley Street Grille
BGR The Burger Joint
Burger 21
Champion’s Sports Bar
Chili’s
Datz
Green Iguana
Square 1 Burgers
Stacked Burgers
…and more!

As you can see, this is gonna be a pretty amazing event folks, so I suggest you get your tickets asap! That's all for now, but stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay dining and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Check out the website for additional information and tickets! www.BurgerShowdown.org
Questions? Email: Info@BurgerShowdown.org or call EventFest: (813) 251-3378

Hi everyone!  Travis back with some great info for those wanting to further their acting career!  We're heading out to the Patel Conservatory again, and boy do they have a great program.  Scene study will be the theme of two four-week acting workshop series offered at the Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in March and April.

The workshop will be offered for adults and for students in grades six through 12. Adult workshops will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, March 20 through April 10, and the workshops for those in middle and high school will be held 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, March 24 through April 14. 

These acting workshops are designed for those who have had previous on-camera acting training. Students will experience cold readings, script memorization, character preparation and the filming process and critique. This workshop is meant to strengthen the working actor for both auditions and bookings for television and film.

Workshop curriculum has been developed by professional actress Eugenie Bondurant, who will teach the workshop. Bondurant is one of the most respected on-camera and college drama prep coaches in the Tampa area. For 19 years, she has taught her on-camera program and her students have gone on to principal roles in film, television and commercials.  Other students have launched successful speaking and political careers and many have been accepted at prestigious drama programs nationwide. Bondurant is a certified Meisner acting teacher, trained under Larry Silverberg.

A member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, Bondurant has appeared in numerous feature films, network television, and national commercials. A few of her film and television credits include Fight Club with Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, Space Truckers with Dennis Hopper, The Brooke Ellison Story, directed by Christopher Reeve, Something Wilder with Gene Wilder and Alice Cooper, and Saturday Night Live with Madonna and Mike Myers.

Registration for these workshops is available online at www.patelconservatory.org, by calling 813.222.1002 and by registering in person at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.  Have fun everyone, and happy acting.  We'll see you back here for more information about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some holiday event news.

Ybor City is beginning to get into the holiday spirit and would like you to join in on the fun. Below is  a list of some of the holiday activities taking place in Ybor.

Thursday, December 1, 2011
Miracle on 7th Avenue
The RITZ Ybor is hosting their 3rd annual holiday party featuring live entertainment by The Ken Apperson Band along with holiday-themed cocktails, photos with Santa, arts & crafts, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, Holiday Tree Decorating Contest and more. Open to all ages; donations accepted at the door to benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF).
6 - 9 p.m. | The RITZ Ybor, 1503 East 7th Avenue | www.RitzYbor.com

Friday, December 9, 2011
GaYBOR Holiday Party
Join the GaYBOR District Coalition in celebrating the holiday season during their 4th annual Holiday Party. The Coalition provides complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for Ybor businesses, residents and friends during this free event.
6:30 p.m. | Honey Pot, 1507 East 7th Avenue | www.GaYbor.com

Saturday, December 10, 2011
Art in the Park
Hosted by City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department, the 2nd annual Arts in the Park festival features artists from around the country along with the weekly Saturday Market. More than $2,000 will be awarded to artists for first, second, third and best of show cash prizes. Live holiday performances will happen in and around Centennial Park and Centro Ybor.  Starting at 11 a.m. and continuing through the day, Santa will make appearances in Centennial Park and around Ybor City – bring your camera and be on the lookout for surprise gifts! Free.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Centennial Park, East 8th Avenue and 19th Street North

Deck the Walls
Celebrate the holidays with gifts of culture and artistic creation. Ybor Arts Association’s member artists will curate a collection of affordable gifts in a festive holiday atmosphere.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | various venues in Ybor City | www.YborArt.org

Santa Pub Crawl
Tampa Charities organizes an annual pub crawl around Ybor City, with prizes awarded for best holiday costumes. $20
6 p.m. | starts at The Honey Pot, then moves to various venues in Ybor City | www.santapubcrawl.com

Friday, December 16, 2011
Snow on 7th Avenue
Seventh Avenue, recognized as one of the “10 Great Streets in America,” will be converted to a winter wonderland as it snows from the rooftops and balconies of businesses. Take a stroll through the snow for an experience unlike any other in Tampa during the holiday season. Free.
8 - 10 p.m. | East 7th Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets

Saturday, December 17, 2011
Photos with Santa & Live Holiday Music
Bring your camera and take your photo with jolly St. Nick against the backdrop of a 34’ tree in the courtyard of Centro Ybor and in various Ybor City establishments. Carolers will provide sounds of the season in Centro Ybor’s courtyard. Free.
7 - 10 p.m. | Centro Ybor, 1600 East 7th Avenue and various venues in Ybor City

Saturday, December 31, 2011
Outback Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade & Band Blast
The parade and pep rally features floats, college cheerleaders and more than 20 marching bands. Free family-friendly event. Sponsored by United Healthcare, Budweiser, 970 WFLA, 93.3FLZ Radio, 620 WDAE and the City of Tampa.
5:30 – 9 p.m. | along East 7th Avenue | www.OutbackBowl.com

There is so much going on this holiday season in Ybor City. Just head over to http://www.yborcityonline.com/upcoming-events/historic-holiday-spirit-in-ybor to get the full scoop!  Get together with friends and family and enjoy some of these fun events.

Check back with us to find out more information on holiday events and on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Happy Friday Everyone, Alex here with some good news for all of you who love to play Golf!

Crescent Oaks Golf Club will be open for public play, while still maintaining an exclusive membership. The new club opens Saturday, October 1, 2011.

This is the first time the course has been open for public play since it was founded in 1989!!

Crescent Oaks is located in the East Lake area of north Pinellas County. It has always been known as one of the more popular clubs around the area due to its interesting golf course layout with long, wide fairways on 198 acres abutting the Brooker Creek Preserve.
 Crescent Oaks also has a driving range, practice putting green and short game area.

The course will be undergoing some remodeling very soon! They are planning to re-do all of the bunkers, repair bridges and cart paths, restore fairways, landscape, renovate inside the clubhouse and add a state-of-the-art radio controlled irrigation system.  Also, new golf carts will be arriving next week!!

The seasons are changing, and it's almost time for perfect golf weather! Get together with your friends to play on this newly renovated course!

To make a Tee Time to play Crescent Oaks, call 727 937-4653 (GOLF).  The club is open 7 days a week.  For more information on Crescent Oaks go to, www.crescentoaksgolf.com.

Address: 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 34688.  (All guests will be admitted through the Crescent Oaks community gate off Eastlake Road just north of Keystone Road)

**Join the Crescent Oaks Community at the Parade of Golf Carts on Friday, September 30 from 6-7p.m. to celebrate the re-opening of the Golf Club.  Residents will decorate their carts and compete for prizes.

Have a wonderful weekend and check back with us next week for more information on Things To Do in Tampa Bay and on Tampa Bay Golf!

Hopefully all of you have heard about the debate that's taking place this coming Monday, Sept. 12.  Just in case, here's a quick overview -

CNN and the Tea Party Express, along with more than 100 local tea party groups from every state across the country, will team up Monday, September 12 to present a first-of-its-kind debate from the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention: Tampa, Florida. Eight Republican presidential contenders will face questions from moderator and lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer during the two-hour event, which will air live on CNN from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. from the Florida State Fairgrounds. The debate will focus on a wide-range of topics, including the role, size and scope of government, with a specific emphasis on issue number one to tea party members and all Americans: the economy.

Now that you are filled in, you need to know about a watch party taking place, unless you were lucky enough to be able to get in!  That night, Salem Radio Network Host Mike Gallagher will host a Presidential Debate, VIP Dinner and Watch Party, presented by The Tea Party Express and Talk Radio 860 WGUL.

Planned activities include a live WTBN AM 570 & 910 radio broadcast with local host Bill Bunkley starting at 4:00 p.m. from the Florida State Fairgrounds inside the Special Events Center Building. All elected officials and presidential candidates are encouraged to stop by the event prior to the CNN Presidential debate and engage with the radio host Bill Bunkley and dinner attendees.

Dinner guests can enjoy entertainment from singers Lloyd Marcus, Rivoli Revue, Diana Nagy and comedians Jim Labriola and Victoria Jackson. Plus, there will be special appearances from Tea Party organizations, activists and distinguished speakers. Individuals who already have CNN Presidential Debate Tickets will receive priority dinner seating starting at 5:30 p.m. through 6:15 p.m.

The Dinner Reception for regular seating begins at 6 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. for individuals with tickets to attend only the debate watch party. The CNN live debate is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. and will be displayed on jumbo screens with live interaction from CNN cameras in the room engaging the crowd in the watch party.

Here are some ticket options for you:

$60 Dinner Ticket with Debate Watch Party & After Party – this ticket includes buffet dinner with beverages, watch party & after party access, and parking is included in this price.

$10 Ticket for Debate Watch Party & After Party – this ticket does not include food, cash bar is available and there will be an additional $5 parking fee collected upon entry.

All dinner and watch party tickets include free entry into the after party immediately concluding the debate. Table Reservations and Sponsorship packages are available. Please note that tickets to the CNN live debate have already been distributed by Tea Party organizations. The best way to get involved in the action is to buy a ticket for the dinner and watch party. Advance reservations are required for all tickets to secure your seat. If you're interested, just visit www.860wgul.com to purchase tickets or call (813) 639-1903.

And if you go, stop back by here to let us know what you thought.  Let's not get too far in to the political side of things, but as an event, we'd love to hear your thoughts!!!  And of course keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, and other Tampa Bay area events. 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that Greg Warren, a stand-up comedian and popular radio personality, will be at the Hard Rock Café this July!

Greg Warren will bring his comedic talents to Hard Rock Cafe for a free performance, as guests enjoy dinner and drinks at Tampa’s best place to experience everything that rocks — LIVE!

Warren is a Midwestern native probably best known for his “Flute Man” bit, where he continues to captivate audiences with anecdotes about the conflict in meshing two stereotypically opposing high school identities — varsity wrestler and band geek. His arsenal of characters inspired by personal stories, such as high school insecurities and the ongoing quest to be cool, continue to attract diverse audiences from across the country.  In his hilarious stand-up act.

Warren also highlights his current life struggles with the service industry, moderation, and “One Star People.”

Warren has had several, memorable appearances on a variety of highly-watched television programs, like "Comedy Central Presents," CBS’s "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," NBC’s hit competition show "Last Comic Standing," BET’s “Coming to the Stage” and Country Music Television’s “Comedy Stage.”

Additionally, he is a favorite on the nationally-syndicated “Bob and Tom” radio show, which led him to tour theatres across the country with the “Friends of Bob and Tom Comedy Tour.”

You don't want to miss this stand-up comedian's appearance in Tampa. It is going to be a great show!

 So, head on out to the Hard Rock Café on Sunday, July 17 for a great dinner and funny show. The show starts at 9p.m. (seating is at 8:30 p.m.)

Admission is free, must be 18 or older.

For more show information, please call 813-627-ROCK (7625), 1-800-937-0010 or visit www.hardrockhotelcasinotampa.com.

Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay Entertainment and Tampa Bay nightlife news!

Hey Tampa, Melissa here with a reminder that this Sunday, November 7th Conga Caliente, Tampa’s premiere festival with be at Al Lopez Park. The festival celebrates Hispanic arts and culture and will have fun for the entire family.

Conga Caliente is known for featuring entertaining artists, arts villages and different types of tournaments. Admission and parking are free. For the past six years, this festival has drawn thousands and has become one of the most recognized family festivals in the Tampa Bay area.

There will be many performers this year-here’s what the lineup looks like:

• Manolo Mariena
• Danny Losada
• Johnny Rivera
• Ommy Cardona
• Pedro Jesus
• Carolina La O

Conga Caliente will also feature a sports segment, “Momento Deportivo” hosted by FC Tampa Bay soccer player, Ricardo Sanchez at 11:30 a.m.

Like I said, the festival is very family friendly, and especially so this year as Radio Disney will be hosting the children’s stage, giving away awesome prizes and other really cool things like airbrush tattoos and face painting.

So come on down and celebrate one of Tampa’s fantastic traditions-this weekend at the Al Lopez park in Tampa. As always, keep checking back here for more about all the great Tampa Bay Area Events.

Hey everyone.  Travis back with more Tampa Bay area events for you to enjoy.  If you've never been out to Conga Caliente, make sure you change that this year.  It's not that far away, so take a look at the details -

On November 7, Conga Caliente, Tampa's premiere Hispanic festival, will celebrate its 7th anniversary with a day of excitement, education and fun for all ages. This fall festival celebrates Hispanic arts, customs and traditions from around the world. At Conga Caliente, you are sure to find performers from Puerto Rican, Columbian, Cuban, Panamanian, Venezuelan, Spanish or Dominican and other backgrounds that are nationally and internationally recognized.

This FREE ADMISSION event will be held at Tampa's Al Lopez Park, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. FREE parking is located directly across the street at Raymond James stadium. 

Have you noticed that I have said FREE twice...listen up! 
 
Conga Caliente ranks as one of Tampa's top five community events and is recognized as one of the most celebrated Hispanic themed festivals in the Central and West parts of Florida.
 
On festival day, Conga Caliente transforms Al Lopez Park into a small city surrounded by villages of diverse interest. The festival brings entertainment, excitement and information for all in one location. "There is entertainment for everyone. Many come for the performers but stay all day visiting the exhibits," said Maritza Astorquiza, producer of Conga Caliente.
 
The festival includes an art village made up of work from local artist; an extensive youth area which includes entertainment from Radio Disney; a health village, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida; a corporate village; educational displays; a domino area which will host tournaments throughout the day; a cigar area; prizes and giveaways; tasty, traditional ethic foods and a beer garden sponsored by Budweiser.
 
State Farm, Conga Caliente's presenting sponsor, will host the domino tournament in their pavilion. Registration from the tournament begins at 11 a.m. Conga Caliente players will be competing for a $500 prize!

Here's a bit of history about the event, for those who are interested:  Conga Caliente was created in 2004 by Coda Sound Inc. Originally, this event was intended to be a onetime festival; however, after 20,000 people attended the first Conga Caliente, this festival became an expected event by the public. Since 2004, daily attendance is approximately 35,000 people. Each year, this festival grows leaps and bounds. Now celebrating its 7th anniversary, this annual event, Conga Caliente is here to stay!
 
Like I said, make your plans to be there because it's going to be a great time.  And keep checking back here for more great Tampa Bay Entertainment plans and things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here with a weekly update on fun Tampa Bay area events happening around the area over the weekend.

1. Night in the Islands- July 10, 2010
On Saturday, July 10, from 6-11pm, the City of Tarpon Springs will present Night in the Islands – a free event on the world famous Sponge Docks. Enjoy Greek music, dancing, dining and other activities under the stars at the Sponge Docks. The event features live music by Ellada, an exciting Greek band composed of three of the best Greek musicians in the state. Ellada will perform outside on Dodecanese Blvd (the Sponge Docks) between Hope and Athens streets from 7 to 11pm. The band will perform nisiotika, the lively traditional music of the Greek islands, as well as old and new Greek favorites. Ellada includes George Soffos, bouzouki; Dino Theofilos, keyboard; and Elias Poulos, vocals. Prior to the main event, there will be live Greek music between 4 and 6pm on Dodecanese Blvd. at Riverwalk, west of Hope Street. Night in the Islands also will be offered Saturdays, August 7, September 18, October 2, and November 6, 2010. Mark your calendar and make this a regular destination!
Address: SPONGE DOCKS (DODECANESE BLVD BETWEEN HOPE AND ATHENS ST.), 
TARPON SPRINGS, FL 34689 
Times: 6:00-11:00pm 
Admission: FREE

2. Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida, featuring the art of Hermann Trappman- July 10,2010
The Tampa Bay History Center presents "Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida", featuring the art of Hermann Trappman, opening Saturday, July 10th. The exhibition will detail the natural history of Florida through Trappman’s compelling paintings, artifact replicas, fossils, and examples of the resources utilized by ancient Native Americans. Obscured by Time offers a glimpse of early Florida, its native peoples and geography prior to European contact in the 1500s. A self-taught artist, Trappman’s work explores the life of Florida’s early peoples and is based on artifacts, fossils and other archeological evidence found along the shores of Florida.
Address: 801 Old Water St., Tampa, FL 33602 
Times: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Admission: $12.00 for adults

3. The 2nd Monthly Hula’s Boat Hop- July 10, 2010
The 2nd Monthly Hula's Boat Hop will be on Saturday, July 10th starting at 8 p.m. on the dock next to the newly remodeled and expanded Dukes Bar.  Hula Bay, one of the few waterside venues in Tampa and is located at 5200 West Tyson Avenue off Westshore, South  of Gandy.  There will be complimentary valet parking, live entertainment, no charge for  overnight boat slips, a DJ by the pool beginning at 1 p.m. and a full menu will be available.  The next one will be on August 21st.
Address: 5210 Tyson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611 
Times: starting at 8p.m.

4. Sail Tampa – July 10- 14, 2010
Join us as we celebrate Tampa Bay’s rich maritime history featuring the magnificent International Sailing Ships of the World. The celebration begins with a spectacular “Parade of Sail” as the ships enter the Port of Tampa with thousands of spectators lining the shoreline. The 5-day festival will feature nightly fireworks, live music and dockside tours of the ships located in the Channel District,
known as Channelside.
Address: 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 
Times: Varies

5. Tampa Bay Lightening Young Guns Camp- July 10-14, 2010
The Tampa Bay Lightning will hold their annual player development camp at the St. Pete Times Forum July 10-14. The camp will feature 31 players and include two sessions per day. All on-ice sessions will be open to the public. The camp will culminate on July 14 with the Young Guns Game, a prospect scrimmage and fan event. Among the 31 players attending the camp are former first-round picks Ty Wishart, Carter Ashton and Brett Connolly as well as second-round picks Scott Jackson, Richard Panik and Dana Tyrell. Highly touted prospects Dustin Tokarski, Jaroslav Janus, Alex Hutchings and Mark Barberio are also expected to attend the camp. The players will partake in a number of various activities away from the ice as well, including presentations on strength and conditioning, nutrition and others. On Monday, July 12 they will also attend a luncheon with team supporters and participate in community service initiatives that afternoon. The camp will conclude on Wednesday, July 14 with the Lightning’s Young Guns Game. Doors for the event will open at 5:30 p.m. with the game getting underway at 6 p.m. The contest will feature two 20-minute periods with a shootout challenge at the end. Following the game fans will have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session, get autographs from all the prospects involved in the camp and watch the Lightning Hockey Night radio show broadcast LIVE from the XO VIP Club from 7-8 p.m. They will also have the chance to enter to win exciting Lightning prizes and more, while ThunderBug and the Bolt Brigade will be on hand to entertain.
Address: 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: July 10: 8:30am-11am, 4:30pm-7:30pm; July 11: 9am-11:30am, 4:30pm-8:00pm; July 12: 9am-11:30am; July 13: 2pm-4pm; July 14: 9am-11:30am, 6pm-7:30pm
Admission: Free

6. Talent Quest Florida- July 9-11, 2010
Talent Quest Florida is a karaoke singing competition for teens and up!
We have three categories divided into male and female divisions: Country, Contemporary 
and 50-And-Over.  Winners of Talent Quest Florida (one male and one female from each category) get paid entry; air fare and hotel stay at the national Talent Quest Karaoke competition in Laughlin, Nev., in September!
Time: 8:00am- 11pm
Location: Doubletree Hotel Tampa, Westshore
Price: Friday & Saturday July 9-10, 2010- $15 per day. Sunday, July 11, 2010- $30 per day.

7.  World Cup Watch Parties July 10-11, 2010
In honor of their semi-final appearance and as a welcome to Tampa, Splitsville luxury lanes and dinner lounge will be hosting a World Cup watch party this Saturday at 2pm for the Crew and Cadets of the Capitan Miranda – Uruguay’s Tall Ship.  The match between Germany and Uruguay will kick-off at 2:30 pm on Saturday so stop by Splitsville Lanes in the Channelside Entertainment Complex and meet the crew while watching the match!

The Channelside courtyard will have live entertainment from 11am-2pm with locals and visitors coming down to show their support for the World Cup Final match between Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the US Bid to Host the World Cup in 2018/2022. At 2pm, step inside any of the fine establishments here at Channelside and enjoy watching the game in the cool AC!

Don’t forget about events happening at our local attractions all Summer long like:

1. Island Nights at Adventure Island
2. Play & Dine All Day at Busch Gardens
3. Summer Nights at Busch Gardens
4. MOSI's CSI: The Experience

Enjoy your weekend and check back with me next Thursday for another Weekend Events update.