Where to Stay

And The Winner Is....Alexis Gray!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

Congratulations are in order for Alexis Gray of the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay, who recently received top national honors for being recognized as a national winner of the Catch Me At My Best Program!

For this contest, all of the DoubleTree team members participated in a customer focused service program initiated by the Doubletree Brand called Catch Me At My Best.

Each team member had the opportunity to have special comment cards filled out from guests who “catch” them going above and beyond. Alexis was the top winner in the high customer contact category.

Additionally, the names of those with the highest number of cards from each hotel were submitted to the corporate office for a chance to win a national award. Alexis was among those national winners and was received a cash prize, special recognition, and some other token prizes.

Hey Lexie, since you are rolling in the dough these days, can I borrow $20? Just kidding... I only need $10...lol! Additionally with your new found welath, I will be expecting a great Christmas gift from you! Please pay me no mind, as I am being silly...

All joking aside though, congratulations to Alexis and the staff over at The Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay as they continue to be a shining examples of the hospitality industry here in Tampa Bay!

To see Alexis and the great staff in action, or to plan your next meeting or convention, please visit the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay website!

That's all for now folks, but keep checking back for more on the Tampa Bay hospitality industry and Tampa Bay Meetings!

This is Jerm signing off from your Tampa Bay Team!

Attending BBB at the Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Hey everyone...Julie here with a BBB update! I went to Business by the Bay last night at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (soon to be known as the The David A. Straz, Jr.
Center for the Performing Arts in the Carol Morsani Hall and had an ahhhhhmmmmazing time. Waiters delivered appetizers as people sauntered around and mingled. The setting was beautiful.

The energy of so many performers and dancers and technicians all devoted to your entertainment swirls around the room and you feel as though you play a distinct part in bringing all of the effort together and landing in that one spot.

This space has an unmistakable wondrous atmosphere about it that takes your breath away. Which is why this is the perfect setting for the premier of Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure, produced by our very own Tampa Bay PAC!

It was nice to see Lovelynn from Grand Events of Florida: Creating Grand Environments for 20+ years in the for Tampa Bay Resorts, Tampa Bay Meetings and Tampa Bay Conventions. Professional event design and production, decor, lighting, A/V, entertainment, custom fabrication and sewing, stage design, live foliage.

And Louis from Nola Cafe and News Stand: Featuring a full list of signature coffees, beignets and only the most authentic New Orleans fare. Relax in the French Quarter atmosphere, listen to New Orleans jazz and blues and enjoy a cup of café au lait and beignets. And of course no event would be complete without Dianne striking a pose! This picture just HAD to be included! I'm sure it is of no surprise to you that Paul had his hand in goading her on!

With the appetizers and free drink ticket and Tampa Bay & Company's very own Jeremy Fairley on hand to help you get started with social media in your own organization I think people felt the time was certainly well spent.

If you want to come with me and have a great time the next Business by the Bay is at The Lime 915 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606; Tuesday December 8th from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.

Until the next time, stay tuned for more of my updates on fun filled things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Museum of Art... It's Almost Here!

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

It is me again, Linda Mummert reporting some exciting news for the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Museum of Art is planned to open on February 6, 2010 in downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

It was designed by San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz, the building will feature a shimmering pierced aluminum exterior, and state-of-the-art gallery spaces with innovative translucent ceilings and polished stone floors. Five expansive interior galleries, one exterior sculpture gallery, an educational classroom equipped with the latest technology will offer visitors a wide variety of visual art experiences.

The museum will provide the Tampa Bay area with world-class traveling exhibitions, a growing collection of contemporary and classical art expanded educational programs and access to scenic outdoor events along Tampa’s Riverwalk. TMA will become a nationally recognized major arts destination and premier venue for residents and visitors. The museum’s interim facility is located at 2306 N. Howard Avenue in Tampa.

TMA recently announced they have selected Mise en Place of Tampa as the exclusive food and beverage café and catering services operator for its new facility. Ann Frechette will be the Catering Director for the Tampa Museum of Art.

The new Tampa Museum of Art will feature a café, Sono Café, which will be open seven days a week and will overlook the banks of the Hillsborough River and be accessible to all visitors through an admission free entrance. The café will have a seating capacity of approximately 75, including waterfront tables and will offer menu items appropriate to visitors of all ages. Sono Café’ will embrace the “Slow Food Movement”, which counters fast food, and fast life and invites guests to slow down and enjoy the dining experience with all the sensations that accompany the consumption of good food and quality ingredients in a comforting environment.

The menu of Sono Café’ is rooted in Italy – where the concept of “Slow Food” was founded in 1989 and will offer guests a range of choices from wine to dessert, and everything in between. The new museum will offer exquisite spaces for weddings, corporate events, and Tampa Bay meetings.

Rental spaces include lobby receptions for 300-400 people, seating dining for 200-250 people, exterior gallery receptions that can accommodate 125 people, and meeting rooms to accommodate small to medium gatherings with a maximum capacity of 120 people. The meeting rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including modern A/V equipment and internet access.

As the exclusive catering operator, Mise en Place will provide all catering services for museum rentals and special events. For further information, please contact the Ann Frechetta at 813-253-6473 or email rentals@tampamuseum.org. The museum’s switchboard can also be reached at 813-274-8130.

Please take the time to visit TMA when it opens in February 2010 and have a relaxing meal! Well, this is it for my exciting news. Stay tuned for my next tidbit of Tampa Florida News.

Check out Mainsail's New Digs...

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

Hi everyone! I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Heather Helton. This is my first blog post and I look forward to sharing more blogs with you in the near future.

I'm excited to help spread the word about what's new and what's to come in Tampa. First, I would like to tell you about the BRAND NEW Mainsail Suites Conference Center.

This state-of-the-art facility is a total of 17,000 sq ft of meeting space--which includes a 6,500 sq ft ballroom and 7,000 sq ft terrace. This new conference center can accommodate
groups up to 500 people, so it's perfect for Tampa Bay meetings, banquets, cocktail receptions and weddings.

Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center is the first extended stay hotel in Florida that offers "true conference facilities”. Mainsail is an all-suite, full-service hotel that is conveniently located in the Westshore District which is only minutes away from Tampa International Airport.

While most extended stay brands are limited in their services, Mainsail provides comfort and convenience for all of their guests. Mainsail has one and two-bedroom suites with separate bedrooms and bathrooms, and they are all equipped with full-size kitchens.

Guests can relax and unwind while surfing the net, for free! That's right, complimentary high-speed Internet access for your convenience! Mainsail also offers free airport shuttle, free parking, room service, an on-site restaurant and lounge, recreational activities and much more.

Mainsail guests will have all of the benefits of an enhanced learning environment, all of the conveniences of a full-service hotel, and all of the comforts of a suite! To learn more about this property, please visit their web site at www.mainsailtampa.com.

Charlie-PaLooza at the Seminole Hard Rock

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some amazing Tampa Bay entertainment options for you! We just got this info in from our friends at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, so here it is:

Join Charlie Daniels, The Marshall Tucker Band, and other great country and rock acts on Dec. 5 from noon until 6p.m. for a free concert in the back lot of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

But wait, there’s more! This amazing free concert is actually the culmination of a full weekend of fun that starts on Thurs. Dec. 3 with The Charlie Daniels Charity Blackjack Tournament in the casino at 9 p.m.

Blackjack entry fee is $250 per player. The total guaranteed prize pool for players is $22,750; first place will pay $10,000. Tickets are available at the Hard Rock Retail Store or by phone: 813-627-7740. Space is limited with only 144 seats.

Tournament registration is from 5 - 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 outside the Poker Room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Tournament play begins at 9 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 4 The Charlie Daniels Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held at Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club, in Valrico. Entry is $500 including golf, two tickets to a pairing party and an awards dinner – both at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a deluxe goodie bag, and two VIP passes for food and beverage at the Saturday concert. To participate, contact Tammy at (727) 243-8293.

Scheduled to appear on the Dallas Bull/Budweiser stage in the back lot of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino along with The Charlie Daniels Band will be: The Marshall Tucker Band, Confederate Railroad, Lee Brice, Wiley Fox, Jason Young, N-Kahootz, and Suite Caroline.

Though the concert is free to the public, there are a limited number of VIP passes available for $50 that include a free meet and greet with Charlie Daniels and free food and beverages in the VIP tent. To purchase a VIP pass call Tammy at (727) 243-8293.

Also, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., fishing captains Keith & Monte from the vessel Wizard, as seen on the Discovery Channel’s show Deadliest Catch, will be on hand to sign autographs.

Following the concert, a Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) tournament will be held in the Seminole Hard Rock back lot. FCW is the training facility for the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). WWE wrestlers will sign free autographs. Admission is $10 at the door.

Wow, I'm running out of space to talk about everything that's happening at one of the best Tampa Bay hotels there is. So, just head over to www.seminolehardrock.com to get more details...if you need them.

And keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tis the Season at the Seminole Hard Rock

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here again. I have some cool information straight from one of the best Tampa Bay hotels in the area - the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This Thanksgiving season, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino lives up to Hard Rock International’s famous “Love All, Serve All” tagline by donating $5,000 dollars worth of Thanksgiving dinner items to help Metropolitan Ministries achieve their enormous need.

The Seminole Hard Rock Girls are dropping by the Clear Channel Helping Hands Food Drive being held at Westshore Plaza on November 20 at 7am with a truckload of meat, cereal, mixed vegetables and other highly requested items.

The Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Food Drive (being held at 2010 N. Florida Drive Ave.) is open from November 2 through December 24th. If you want to get involved, call 813.209.1000 or log onto www.metromin.org.

Then, join the 2009 Seminole Hard Rock Girls to take photos from noon until 5 pm on Friday, November 27th as Seminole Hard Rock’s elaborate holiday tree is lighted in Seminole Hard Rock’s Hotel Lobby.

Player’s club members are encouraged to bring a new toy for the Toys for Tots Gift Exchange Lottery which will also take place in the Lobby from 10am until 4pm also on November 27th in exchange for a myriad of prizes from free play to on property food credit.

Also, guests are encouraged to take an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Lobby to donate a gift to a child in need.

So, take a page out of the Seminole Hard Rock book, and get involved this holiday season! And as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay...and we'll even give you some cool idea for shopping in Tampa Bay!

Building a Bath of Hot Chocolate

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Partner Pulse

While people attend Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center Tampa and stay at Tampa Bay Hotels and Tampa Bay Resorts it is always interesting to see what is happpening in other parts of the hotel industry.

Even though a specialty line through any of these brands probably will not appear in the Westshore District you should be thankful that you won't have to build a bath of hot chocolate for a customer staying here in Tampa Bay!

Hotel Building Boom Focuses On Boutique Brands

by Curt Nickisch

Lost amid the hammering the hotel industry has been taking lately, there's a building boom. Big hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott and Starwood are rolling out lines of specialty hotels.

What most hotels call the lobby, the new W Boston hotel calls its "living room." Plunk down in one of the leather pods, and you can admire the polished granite floors by leaning back and seeing them reflected in the mirror on the ceiling. In the evening, the staff turns the lights down and the music up.

W is part of a big hotel company called Starwood. This new location is the latest in a growing trend of so-called contemporary lifestyle hotels. Hyatt's line is called Andaz, and Marriott has Edition. The idea is to lure customers bored with mainstream hotels.

W's global brand manager, Eva Ziegler, takes her job very seriously.

"We want to provide access to a world of wow," she says. "Basically, help you to escape from the fears and from the [mundanity] of everyday life, and come into a world where everything is possible."

That might sound attractive, if you can afford it. The W's room rates in Boston start at around $200. Hotel staffers wear designer outfits and no name tags, because they're just as cool as you. They'll get you anything you want — as long as it's legal.

Hot Chocolate Bath

The hotel's general manager, Bill Bunce, remembers the customer who wanted a hot chocolate bath.

"And so to get all of that ready and get it in the tub and marshmallows floating — and they wanted it hot, too, which is even more difficult to do," he says. "But we were able to do it."

Of course, it also went on the customer's bill.

"That's the other key part to it, too," says Bunce, laughing. "Whether they want to pay the price. You could tell me whatever you want. I can deliver it, but there's a price attached to it."
The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Market restaurant at the W Boston hotel

The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Reed Woodworth, a hotel industry analyst for PKF Consulting, says occupancy is down nationwide even as hotels have been cutting rates.

"It's a particularly difficult time to be opening up a luxury, high-end hotel in an economy that we've had for the past year now," he says.

Betting On The Future

But Woodworth says the hotel companies remember that before the recession, consumers were willing to pay about $80 more to stay in these newer, cooler hotels that don't feel like a chain — even though they are.

The hotel companies are betting on that demand coming back.

"W Hotels basically doesn't build hotels today for tomorrow," says Ziegler. "It builds hotels for the long term. So when the economy comes back, it also means we will own the upswing."

Woodworth says investing in new locations during a downturn can keep customers loyal and interested. But it's risky.

"It's still pretty much the wisdom in the hospitality world that this is going to be a rather slow climb out of this hole," he says. "So while they are riding the upswing as it were, it still looks to be a very gradual upswing over the next few years."

That means it could be a long time before these hotels make money. After all, people have gotten used to paying low rates for high-end hotels. It's going to take a while to convince consumers to pay the high prices they used to pay for these kinds of hotels — even with the lure of hot chocolate in the bathtub.

Rockin Out at the Seminole Hard Rock

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment that'll have you rocking at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Three exceptional musical stand-up comedians: Michael Mack, Ron Feingold and Kier showcase an evening of music and stand-up comedy along with a closing jam session that has to be seen to be believed!

All three comedians have been heard on the nationally syndicated radio program Bob and Tom and they have also been seen on national television such as Comedy Central and ABC's America's Funniest People.

It all happens on Monday, November 9...Doors open at 7pm, with the show at 8pm. It's at Floyd’s at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and tickets are $20...you can get them through Ticketmaster or at the door & Hard Rock Shop.

have fun rockin out with those guys! We'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay Entertainment Alert!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with a Tampa Bay entertainment alert that you will want to hear.

The Pay-Per-View Welterweight Championship LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV will be shown for FREE!

Here's what you get for FREE: The 12 Rounds of the Welterweight Championship with Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, plus 10 rds Middleweight Fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Troy Rowland, and 12 rds of the Super Welterweight Championship Daniel Santos vs. Yuri Foreman.

It all happens on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 9pm at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Whammy Bar, Center Bar, Lobby Bar and the Poker Room.

So...BE THERE! And keep checking back for other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Biker Bash Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi everyone...Travis back with some cool Tampa Bay entertainment for you. Get your engines revved up, because Biker Bash is returning to one of the premier Tampa Bay hotels, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The poolside Bike Bash will be on Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon - 6p.m., featuring the popular 10-Class Bike Show & Contest, a poker walk, live entertainment, $10 bar-b-que, and $2.50 Miller Lite specials.

Registration for the bike contest will be from noon until 3 p.m. and limited to the first 75 motorcycles. Trophies and prizes will be awarded in each of the 10 classifications. Oh, and the emcee for the Biker Bash will be Radical Randy.

So, if you need more details, head over to www.seminolehardrock.com. and as always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay, other Tampa Bay area events and even info about great Tampa Florida attractions.

Richard's Run for Life

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is for a good cause!

The 8th Annual Richard's Run for Life, a 5K Run/Walk benefiting H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute will take place this Friday evening, November 6 beginning at 7pm.

The event will start and end on 9th Avenue in Centennial Park in Ybor City. The event will follow the standard Ybor City 5K run route.

Set up for the event will begin at 5pm and breakdown will be completed by 9pm. In order to accommodate the event, several streets will be closed during the race between 6-8 pm to include the following:

Nick Nuccio Parkway between Nebraska Avenue and Interstate 4
Palm Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 21st Street
9th Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets
19th Street between 8th and Palm Avenues

After the race, food and refreshments will be served in Centennial Park. For more information, visit www.richardsrunforlife.com.

And there you have it everyone! Make sure you come out and run with Richard to benefit H. Lee MOffitt Cancer Center!!!! get your running shoes on and I'll see you out there.

Until then, keep checking back for other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

A New Job Opening...Yes Please

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse

So like everyone else I know right now, I have a few very good friends looking for work in the Tampa Bay market. It’s a scary time right now and it’s good to keep up on what jobs in the Tampa Bay Meetings market are available…especially in the Tampa, FL hospitality industry.

I check the normal online places on a regular basis for jobs at Tampa Bay Resorts or at the Convention Center Tampa but recently I came across a site that was not so expected.

Did you guys know that Tampa Bay & Company has a page that lists job openings for those of us in hospitality. It was so cool to already have jobs narrowed down and not have to search through page after page of ridiculous “work from home” scheme jobs before I got to something legitimate. There are listings from Tampa Bay Hotels and even some Tampa Bay Resorts.

There are several jobs at hotels for people with experience in sales and even jobs through the Hillsborough County Bar Association. You may be surprised by the variety of listings through Tampa Bay & Company. I knew they had a broad base of Tampa Bay Partners but I did not realize they could post jobs too.

If nothing else, add the link to your regular search and see what other Tampa Bay Hotels, Resorts or Attractions are looking to fill positions. You never know when you may find that perfect job for a good friend. Or even better…that perfect job just for you.

Throwing Away Free Money at BBB

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse

I went to Business by the Bay last night at Stump’s Supper Club and actually had a great time at one of the best Tampa Bars in the Channelside District. There was a guy playing the bass. And I mean an actual bass like in an orchestra not a bass guitar. Another guy played the keyboard and sang.

We could have lived without the singing but the music did set up a great environment. Tampa Bay Entertainment keeps getting better each year I live here.

When I got there I was given a free drink ticket and some free bucks to use at the gambling tables provided by Delite Entertainment. There’s nothing like alcohol and gambling to make for a great night! The Tampa Bay Hotel sales departments were out in full force. And it’s always fun to see the guys from The Florida Aquarium.

A few chicken fingers later and I’m ready to throw away some free money at the gambling table. It took 1.3 minutes flat for me to lose everything but the experience was certainly enjoyable. These days with the Tampa Florida News about the economy any reason to laugh is worth the effort.

If you want to come with me and have a great time the next Business by the Bay is at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Carol Morsani Hall November 17th at 5:30 p.m. We'll be celebrating Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure!

Start your New Year with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino!

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some AWESOME Tampa Bay entertainment that everyone need to be at! Here's the info just in from the Seminole Hard Rock (one of the best Tampa Bay hotels out there)!

Musician, singer, songwriter and actor Rick Springfield and his band will perform on Dec. 30 in a state-of-the-art event tent erected just for this concert at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Best known for his 1981 Grammy award-winning single, “Jessie’s Girl” on the classic album, Working Class Dog, and his role as Dr. Noah Drake on the daytime drama General Hospital, Springfield has amassed an impressive music collection of almost 20 albums over the years.

The still-handsome Australian-born rocker’s newest CD is a departure for him. Entitled My Precious Little One: Lullabies For A New Generation, it’s a collection of mellow songs he wrote in the 1980s for his boys, now 20 and 21.

His current band includes longtime bass player and collaborator on Venus In Overdrive, Matt Bissonette, keyboard player, Derek Hilland, guitarist George Bernhardt, and drummer Rodger Carter.

Tickets are $55 for reserved seating; $40 general admission, available at the Hard Rock Store and all Ticketmaster outlets starting Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. (you must be 18 years and older.) Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. Parking, as always, is FREE.

So, I hope to see you all out there! Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Wild Things Coming to MOSI

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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!

ExTRAVELganza in Tampa Bay!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa tourism news. Plus, it's some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment.

The Sixteenth Annual ExTRAVELganza, the Bay Area's Premier Vacation & Sports Auction
Featuring the New Tours of Taste, take places on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-10pm.

It's happening at the at the spectacular newly opened Mainsail Conference Center! As far as Tampa Bay hotels go, this one is amazing!

There is no other fundraising event in the Bay Area quite as extraordinary as ExTRAVELganza, which provides the opportunity to purchase dream travel packages while raising scholarship dollars for hospitality and/or culinary arts students.

And, attendees will be delighted with a spectacular inaugural event - a Titanium Chef Competition with celebrity judge. Seats will be limited for this event.

So, make sure you log on to www.extravelganza.org to get more information about attending...also, they are looking for items for the auction. So, if you have something you'd like to donate, you can do that as well...just check the site for details.

See you there. And keep checking back for more updates about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Seminole Hard Rock’s Annual Guitar Auction Tonight!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang...Travis here with some Tampa Bay enterainment news, as well as some Tampa Bay hotel updates...all in one!

Pop artist, Jules Burt, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott, and current Buc defensive tackle, Chris Hovan are the celebrities confirmed so far to participate in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s annual Angelus Guitar Auction.

It all takes place tonight at 7p.m. in Floyd’s nightclub at the Hard Rock in Tampa, where one-of-a-kind guitars decorated and signed by Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, and Brooks & Dunn will be auctioned.

Artwork produced by residents of The Angelus will also be available for purchase. All art exhibition and auction proceeds benefit The Angelus non-profit organization for severely handicapped children and adults, located in Hudson.

Tickets will be for sales at the door for ONLY $10. (This event is for ages 18 and up only.)

Hosted by Chad Brock and Dave McKay of country station WQYK 99.5, the night will feature a silent auction at 7p.m. and a live auction at 9p.m.

PLUS, complimentary hors d oeuvres and wine samplings will be served courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock.

In case you don't know about the Angelus, here you go:
The residents and students at The Angelus all have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs for every day functioning. The 20-year-old organization in Hudson, Florida is a place for severely handicapped residents to call home. The Angelus currently has five group homes with 32 residents. With the continued help of the community, the goals and philosophy of the Angelus “a place to live, to love, to learn” will be maintained and the quality of life for the people who cannot help themselves will be assured. Visit www.theangelus.com for more information.

and of course, you can log on to www.seminolehardrocktampa.com to get more info about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.

'In the Heights' starting its national tour in Tampa

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

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!

MOSI Hosts Week of the Family Kick-Off Event

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis back with more Tampa Bay area events! This Sunday, November 1, the Museum of Science & Industry will be offering free admission to all visitors in celebration of the Week of the Family Kick-Off Event.

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the kick-off ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy MOSI, plus live music by Tracy Williams, Belinda Womack, Morrison Avenue and others, celebrity appearances, family workshops, and much more.

Week of the Family Tampa Bay takes place November 1 – 8, 2009. The mission of Week of the Family is to strengthen family relationships through education, healthy activities, fitness, faith and community service.

The Week of the Family Tampa Bay will host events throughout the Bay area, for more information visit www.weekofthefamilytampabay.org. There are some restrictions, so log on to take a look.

But, this will be one cool Tampa Bay area events to make it out to.

Check back again, as we'll be brining you more great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as what to do, where to stay, and other Tampa Bay events.

Downtown Tampa events

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang! Travis back with more great Tampa Bay area events, taking place in downtown Tampa!!!! So, let's get to it:

Tonight, start your engines. The 2010 Model Tampa Bay International Auto Show races to the Tampa Convention Center. If you are in the market for a new car, this is a must do before you go to the dealership.

tomorrow, October 24th, the popular Student Dance Happening will take place inside and out at The University of Tampa Oct. 21-24 at 8 p.m. A crowd favorite at UT, the Dance Happening will begin at the David Falk Theatre. The opening portion of the free program will take place inside the Falk Theatre, and the remainder will take place on the Plant Hall East Verandah.

UT graduate Susannah LeMarquand ’01 is the Dance Happening coordinator this year. She has worked on cruise ships and is now working at Busch Gardens while teaching as an adjunct instructor at UT. Presented by the Department of Speech, Theatre, and Dance, the Student Dance Happening features popular music and the work of talented students from all sectors of the University community. Choreography features new work by 21 UT students and alumni. The UT Dance Team and the Black Student Union Dance Team also will perform. Dance styles will include hip hop, modern, tap, lyrical and jazz, with more than 80 students participating. The UT Dance Happening offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique “traveling” dance performance. The event is free!!!

Also, the Lightning take on the Buffalo Sabres. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information about the Tampa Bay Lightning, visit their Web site at www.tampabaylightning.com.

Then, on Sunday, October 25th, Get ready for Halloween with friends: new, old, and dead. Historian/actor Maureen Patrick is the guide for an often shocking, frequently hilarious hour-long tour of Oaklawn Cemetery (founded 1850) where pioneer Tampa's well-to-do and ne’er-do-well lie side by side. The graveyard is the final resting place of pirates, slaves, Indian fighters, 13 City mayors, veterans of seven wars, and victims of five yellow fever epidemics. Elegant statuary, moss-hung oaks, and winding brick pathways give Oaklawn a Gothic feel, while tombstone epitaphs range from the genteel to the ridiculous. Patrick will appear in elaborate nineteenth century mourning attire, in the character of Miss Prudence Fipwhistle (born 1855, died 1899.) A $5 donation is requested at the end of the tour and benefits Tampa Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.

On Monday, October 26th, Make your way to Café Dufrain to celebrate at Corkage Free Monday Nights. Bring your own bottle of wine and the staff of Café Dufrain will uncork it for you. Enjoy fine dining while taking in the water views from the outside patio. Watch the skyline of downtown Tampa turn from day to night. Gaze at passing boats all while relaxing Monday night away.

Finally, on Tuesday, October 27, we are saying Happy Birthday to Mr. Plant! Henry Plant would be having his 190th birthday. The HB Plant Museum thinks that's cause to celebrate and they hope you will join them! What is a birthday without balloons, cupcakes and punch? They await you on the veranda, from noon - 2:00pm. All day Museum admission is complimentary and visitors will be given a 10% discount in the Museum Store. In 1891, Henry Plant opened the most astonishingly magnificent Hotel of its day and it is still relevant as an iconic symbol of Tampa. Take a break from your busy schedule on October 27th, enjoy a cupcake on the veranda overlooking downtown, and stop in the Museum for a Victorian step-back-in-time moment. Happy Birthday Henry Plant!

Now, how's that for some cool Tampa Bay area events??!! Make sure you get out and experience as many as you can.

we'll see you here next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay!