Spring comes in like a lion, and for those of us who love festivals, music, arts, dance and partie. It’s a roaring good time in March. With the passing of legendary jazz artist Al Jarreau last month, I’m gung-ho to see as many famous artists as I can at Tampa Bay’s amazing festivals and performing arts venues especially the Plant City Strawberry Festival, Tampa Bay Blues April fest and the Charlie Daniels Band April 1at Pinellas Park’s England Brother Park. Art comes alive in the gardens (Sunken Garden, see sidebar) and at the Chagall-inspired designs at Marie Selby Gardens. For lit lovers, Carl Hiassenis at The Straz Center March ,5 as is Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels, while the exciting Tiempo Librestuns March 10 and Forbidden Broadway is a riot March 12. Ciao baby, see you around town! – Nanette Wiser
For venue address, phone number and website, be sure to check our Events Listings in theback of the magazine. Sign up for our FREE Thursday newsletter with Top Five Events at www.paradisenewsfl.com.
BEST BET:
Palladium/Side Door/Hough Hall
- On March 17 at the Side Door, Green Tambourine: Coo Coo Ca Choo celebrate classic rock favorites from The Beatles, The Animals, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Reed, The Walker Brothers, The Fortunes, Hendrix, Cream, Sly and the Family Stone, The Young Rascals, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Steve Miller & more.
- Also on tap in March is the music of Stan Getz (March 12), Paul McCartney(March16) and in April, jazzy Nicole Henryand the kick-off to The Blues Festwith Samantha Fish(April 6). 253 Fifth Ave. N, downtown St. Pete 727- 822-3590 www.mypalladium.org
BEST BET:
St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival Co-hosted by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, this new festival (March 25-26) blends seafood dishes, delightful local restaurant fare, sensational sips, crafts, gourmet food products with live music (soul, classic rock, R&B, jazz, salsa) including Jah Movement, Orchestra Fuego, Mike Tozier, the Greg Billings Band, Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio, the Hubb Tones, RJ Howson and the Sarasota Steel Pan Band. Sat./Sun. 10 am – 8 pm North Straub Park, downtown St. Pete www.paragonartevents.com/S-45-St.+Petersburg+Seafood
BEST BET:
The Mahaffey Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. South 727-893-7832 www.mahaffey.com
- Don’t miss Brain Candy Live! March15, an outrageous evening of entertainment from two amazing minds: Adam Savage, former co-host of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series Myth Busters, and YouTube star Michael Stevens (“Vsauce”) showcase three tons of their crazy toys, incredible tools and mind-blowing demonstrations for a celebration of curiosity that’s been described as “A cross between TED Talks and the Blue Man Group.” Adam and Michael’s BRAIN CANDY LIVE! experience is like a two-hour play date with Walt Disney, Willy Wonka and lbert Einstein. A limited number of VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available for $125 (includes a post-performance meet and greet & photo opportunity with Adam Savage and Michael Stevens, a signed 8×10 photo and a commemorative laminate). A separate show ticket must also be purchased to attend the Meet & Greet.
- ‘Saturday Night Fever – The Musical’ dances our way March 17 for those who love the Bee Gees music and dancing Tony Manero from Brooklyn as much as I do.
- Rock Stars & Stripes: A Rock ‘n Roll Road Trip Across America (April14) is the brainchild of former Boston front man and guitar player David Victor, Rock Stars & Stripes is a unique concert experience that takes audiences on a virtual road trip across the country by performing classic American rock ‘n’ roll hits set against the backdrop of engaging video of some of America’s most iconic landmarks, places and people. During this explosive performance, music lovers will hear a selection of songs from some of the best American bands in music history, including Aerosmith, The Eagles, Kiss, Bruce Springsteen, Journey, Boston and many more.
- Country legend Dwight Yoakam strums hearts March 5.
BEST BET:
Tampa Bay Blues Festival April 7-9: Alfresco at Vinoy Park, this is one of the year’s most anticipated music festivals. www.tampabaybluesfest.com
Friday –
- Dennis Gruenling – 12:30-2p
- The Jordan Patterson Band – 2:30 – 4p
- Albert Cummings – 4:30 – 6p
- Ana Popovic – 6:30 – 8p
- Buddy Guy – 8:30 – 10 p
Saturday
- Matt Schofield – 12:30 – 2p
- Samantha Fish – 2:30 – 4p
- Toranzo Cannon – 4:30 – 6p
- Coco Montoya – 6:30 – 8 p
- The Rides with Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Barry Goldberg – 8:30 – 10p
Sunday
- Backtrack Blues Band – 1 – 2:15p
- JW-Jones – 2:30 – 4p
- The Lee Boys – 4:30 – 6p
- Dawn Tyler Watson – 6:30 – 8p
- Tab Benoit – 8:30 – 10p
VIP Experience Package:
An unforgettable way to enjoy three days of great music, food, drinks and hospitality. Purchase a 3 – day VIP pass for this year’s festival, and become a member of our Tampa Bay Blues Club. The purchaser’s name published in our Festival program as a valued 2017 TBBF Blues Club member.
- Special concert seating in padded chairs, located directly in front of main stage.
- Use of two large shade tents, with tables & comfortable chairs; water views of Tampa Bay.
- Dinners catered each evening at 6 pm.
- Complimentary lunch presentations by local restaurants and on site chefs at 2 pm each day.
- Free beers, wines, sodas and spring water. A private cash mixed drinkbar is also provided.
- Upscale, air conditionedrestrooms for VIP patronsonly.
- Free Festival programs for all VIP customers.
- Complimentary champagne and mimosas served Sunday afternoon.
- With each 3-Day VIP purchase, a listing of the purchaser’s name as a member of our Tampa BayBlues Club, recognizing you as a critical supporter of the Festival.
OPERA & DANCE
If you love swing, head over to the Coliseum. www.stpete.org/coliseum ; 727-892-5202. If you want to shake your booty, downtown St. Pete’s Ruby Elixir and Del Mar Gastro Pub is for adults who want to trip the light fantastic. Over at Eckerd College, they are showing Live HD Opera Performances in Miller Auditorium.
- La Traviata An Opera by Giuseppe Verdi March 11, 12:55 pm: Sonya Yonchevasings one of opera’s most beloved heroines, the tragic courtesan Violetta, a role in which she triumphed on the Met stage in 2015 opposite Michael Fabiano (as her lover, Alfredo) & Thomas Hampson (as his father, Germont). Carmen Giannattasio sings later performances of the title role opposite Atalla Ayan, with the great Plácido Domingoas Germont. Nicola Luisotti conducts.
- Saint Joan A Play by George Bernard Shaw March 17, 1:30 pm: Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trials of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. As one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the very fabric of the feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe.
- Indomeneo An Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart March 25, 12:55 pm: Mozart’s first operatic masterpiece returns to the Met in the classic Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production, conducted by Emeritus Music Director James Levine. The superb ensemble includes Matthew Polenzanias the king torn by a rashvow; mezzo-soprano Alice Cootein the trouser role of his noble son Idamante; soprano Nadine Sierraas Ilia; and soprano Elza van den Heeveras the volatile Elettra, who loves Idamante to the bounds of madness. FILM Eckerd College International Cinema Series Films start 7 pm Miller Auditorium.
- Right Now, Wrong Then March 10: The latest feature by Korean director Hong Sang-soo (Hahaha, Our Sunhi), Right Now, Wrong Then offers two versions of the same bare plot: A famous film director travels to a suburb of Seoul to show one of his films and meets a budding painter with whom he flirts both romantically and artistically. Taken separately, each is a simple episode in the life of an artist, but when compared, the differences between the two demonstrate how small choices add up to different results in people as much as events. Right Now, Wrong Then won the Golden Leopard at the 2015 Locarno International Film Festival.
- Neruda March 17: From the director of Jackie, Neruda focuses on the relationship between art and politics in post–World War II Chile. After criticizing the sitting president in a speech to the National Congress in 1948,the Chilean poet and Communist senator, Pablo Neruda (Luis Gnecco), retreated into hiding. Neruda traces his struggle to continue to connect with life and his likeminded followers along-side the dogged attempts of a fascist policeman (Gael García Bernal) to track him down. This film was selected as the Chilean entry to the2017 Academy Awards.
Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach continues on the jumbo-sized screen Fri.-Sat. beginning at 6 pm.
ART FESTIVALS & GALLERIES
Artist Tour/Artists At Work – March 18 (10 am – 5 pm) March 19(noon – 5 pm): This free, self-guided public art tour is sponsored by The Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood. Enjoy two days exploring the architecturally rich neighbor-hood of Historic Kenwood while you view the exhibits of19 artists at 15 different stops. See work by ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, illustrators, and fine art painters. This year’s theme, “Artists at Work,” allows patrons and visitors to engage with artists, and enjoy live demos throughout the two-day tour. Learn about the creative process and what steps an artist takes to bring their ideas from concept to completion. FYI: www.kenwoodartistenclave.org
Duncan McClellan Gallery:
Wild Life! showcases Seattle glass artists Kelly O’Dell & Raven Sky river opening March 11 (5 – 10 pm) enjoy an artist reception, glass blowing demonstration and live music with the Henry Ashwood Jazz Project. (thru April 7) 2342 Emerson Ave South; 855-436-4527. www.dmglass.com
Studio @ 620:
Music, art, spoken word, poetry, this performance/visual art gallery is a downtown treasure. 620 First Avenue S., downtown St. Pete 727-895-6620 www.thestudioat620.org
- Jazzy Philip Charos Quartet – March 17, 7:30 pm – features Joe Porter(upright bass), Jason Charos (trumpet), Nick DeLuca (guitar), and led by dynamic composer, drummer, and vocalist Philip Charos performing a repertoire of colorfully original jazz music and select standards.
- Photography takes center stage with Here And There – opening March 10. A group photography exhibit of six local artists whose work features vast landscapes, intimate spaces, spiritual travelogue, playful portraiture, unintentional paintings, and lazy after-noons. Photographers include Karen Kommer, Benjamin Ross Duensing, Laura Dante, Kevin Damphouse, Kéra Holzinger and Lenore Duensing.
- Collective Soles Dance Company performs “With Love” March 24-25 (7 pm), a performance that investigate slove as it appears through empathy, compassion, and acceptance in a combination of text, dance, audience interaction and more with choreography by Artistic Director Alex Jones and newly appointed Resident Choreographer Sean McDonald.
The Chihuly Collection:
This stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork is presented in a fabulous architectural space designed specifically for his art, showcasing how art and architecture can work together. An iconic 20 foot sculpture created especially for the site welcomes you at the entrance. The Collection includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations (Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, Macchia, Ikebana, Nijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds). A pioneer of the studio glass movement, Chihuly is credited with transforming the methods of creating glass art and there by leading the development of complex, multi-part glass sculptures and environmental art. However, his contributions extend well beyond the boundaries of the studio glass movement and even the field of glass: his achievements have influenced contemporary art in general. Known internationally, his installations include “Chihuly Over Venice” with the sculptures installed over the canals and piazze; “Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem”, attended by more than one million visitors, and the “Chihuly Bridge of Glass” in Tacoma, Washington.720 Central Avenue, downtown St. Pete 727-822-7872 www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly
Syd Entel Gallery and Susan Benjamin Glass:
The 5000square foot gallery located on Main Street in charming downtown Safety Harbor show cases acclaimed artists from around the World along with today’s premier American glass artists. 727-725-1808 fgalleries@tampabay.rr.com 247 Main St. Safty Harbor www.sydentelgalleries.com
MUSEUMS
Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, 727-896-2667 www.fine-arts.org
- Thru March 19: The Far North – Inuit Prints and Sculpture – These 30 works by accomplished Inuit artists spans the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
- Through May 7: Greg Smith Multimedia Artist: Smith’s work often centers on a character attempting to “create something, trying to structure his environment, but who’s also kind of hapless and, in the end, probably doomed.”
- March 4-July 2: Dominique Labauvie: Dig: The formal explorations of inter-discipli-nary artist Dominique Labauvie are rooted in both material and a highly developed relationship to philosophies of the drawn line. He has written: “When a line bends, it slows down; as it expands, it suddenly appears as a flat surface—it carves out its presence in space like a black hole. The ground (any ground: earth, wood or stone)hosts the forged lines as the landscape that for centuries has been mapped by rivers, roads, and highways. The line informs us about the absent forms, as only the missing remain in our memories, our books, and in our images. The line attests to the desire of thought.” Dig brings together recent works by Mr. Labauviein his signature media of steel and pastels. The theme of the ruin runs throughout, as he seems to take on the role of archaeologist, digging into the earth’s histories to try to understand their effect on current events.
- Thru June 4: The Open Road- Photography and the American Road Trip: Nothing says spring break like this exhibition, a delightful journey through America’s kitschy landscapes. The Dali Museum http://thedali.org
- Thru April 17 – Frida Kahloat the Dali: An exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s paintings and drawings, together with her personal photograph collection showcase her dream like work suggesting that love and suffering create a new sense of beauty. Kahlo’s art and storied life stir immense public interest. The Dali and Beyond Film Series fatures the A&E biography of Frida Kahlo.
- Thru May – Dali/Duchamp: The father of surrealism and the papa of conceptual art, this is the first exhibit dedicated to Dali and Duchamp’s friendship and influence on each’s art, showcasing 60 works and supplemented by correspondence and collaborative projects.
MUSIC
Gasparilla Music Festival March 11 & 12 – Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa: Headlining 3/11 is Grammy® Award nominee Cage the Elephant while 3/12 features Ryan Adams who will celebrate the release of his new album, “Prisoner”, at the festival .Joining the expansive lineup of 40 bands on four stages are: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Michal Menert &the Pretty Fantastics, Twin Peaks, Phoebe Bridgers, The Freecoasters, Inkblot and Patel Conservatory Vocal Arts Chorale. Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing is the exclusive beer sponsor and will debut their Gasparilla Music Festival Pilsner. In addition to music, brew and bites, there’s a wellness kickoff (3/11) with the Dubb Tenn Yoga and Ride the Park, a stationary bike ride hosted by SOHO Cycles. And the popular KidsFest which offers musical performances and interactive experiences for children of all ages. www.gasparillamusic.com/2017-lineup
A Touch of Classics:
The South Pasadena Community Band will present an evening concert featuring classic favorites (including Benny Goodman) and lively marches including “Afternoon of a Faun” and “Old Comrades March.” The band is composed of 40+ very talented local musicians. 7:30 pm. For upcoming programs, visit www.southpasadenaband.com/upcoming-program
- 3/8 Treasure Island Community Center, 1 Park Place & 106th Ave.
- 4/12 Treasure Island Community Center
- 5/18 Galatea Garden, South Pasadena Opera, Comedy, Blues @Iberian Rooster: Upstairs, they serve Colonial Portuguese Fusion Food, so savory and unique. Downstairs is the performance space; a sexy, vintage underground lounge. In addition to opera, there’s a comedy night, amazing blues and jazz. Sub Central At The Iberian Rooster. 475 Central Avenue, Suite 100 downtown St. Pete www.iberianrooster.com
Capitol Theatre:
Little by little, downtown Clearwater gets more fun with a new coffeehouse, a Pierce Street Market and Blast Friday (3/31 showcases Bill Joel Legends). This summer, Ruth Eckerd Hall will bring John Legend to Coachman Park, home to the annual October Clearwater Jazz Fest. Grab home made pasta or pizza at Cristino’s, then head over to Capital Theater for;
Gordon Lightfoot (3/17), Sinbad (3/18), Michael Amante (3/19), Carrot Top (3/22), The Ten Tenors (3/24), A Bronx Tale starring Chazz Palmenteri (3/25), Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (3/26) and Los Lonely Boys(3/28).
PARTIES
50th Golden Baton Luncheon:
The Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg will host its annual luncheon March 25 (11 am – 2 pm) in the Plaza Ballroom of the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel. Since 1965, the Golden Baton Award has been given by the Guild to individuals who have made significant contributions in leadership to benefit the Florida Orchestra. This year’s recipient is Mark T. Mahaffey, a St. Petersburg philanthropist who, with his wife, Marianne, has been a significant supporter of the Florida Orchestra for many years. Enjoy music by members of the Florida Orchestra and a Silent Auction. RSVP by March 10 for this Florida Orchestra benefit.
FYI: Charlene Miller, 727.254.1176Mozelle Bell, 727.522.8459 mozelle2@juno.com Vinoy Hotel 501 5th Ave. NE, downtown St. Pete
THEATER
March 21: Theatrical Journalism for LGBTQ Homeless Youth Project:
In revealing study reveals the devastating issues LGBTQ homeless teens encounter, conducted by the Homeless Youth Project in partnership with Family Resources and underwritten by Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. From 7 – 9 pm, Your Real Stories tells about the crisis, using theatrical journalism to portray the life experiences of five people either affected by, or working to solve the challenges of a truly underserved population. A post-show Q&A enhanced by the ability to give direct, real time feedback on personal devices available. FYI: Larry@planningworksonline.com
Admission free, RSVP at www.eventbrite.out-of-the-shadowstickets-31755105375
The Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Ave. N. St. Petersburg
- March 3-19: West Coast Players Presents The Lyons by Nicky Silver A smart, dark comedy. As Ben Lyons lies dying, his wife of forty years, Rita, flips through decorating magazines, planning a living room makeover. Ben and Rita have been at war for many years and when they’re joined by their children, Lisa and Curtis, all efforts at a pleasant visit or a sentimental goodbye to the dying patriarch are soon abandoned. Terrible secrets & vicious accusations replace sentimental memories. Can the family take the first tentative steps toward new human connection? Performances Fri./Sat. 8 pm.; Sun. matinees at 2 pm. 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33765 FYI: 727-437-2363 boxoffice@wcplayers.com www.wcplayers.org
- Thru March 26: Free Fall Theater’s Red Velvet: While this award-winning new play will transport you to Victorian London, the questions it raises about race, diversity and the role of the arts could not be more timely. This stirring drama transports audiences to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the early1800s. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, can’t go on tonight as Othello, and his company is in disarray. A young American actor named Ira Aldridge arrives to step into the role—but no black man has ever played Othello on the English stage. His ground breaking performance upends stage tradition and changes the lives of everyone involved. Lolita Chakrabarti’s multi-award-winning play uncovers the fascinating true story of a pivotal figure in theatre history. Christopher Ruther-ford directs this stunningly theatrical production of a play that the London Telegraph called “informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking.” FYI: 727-498-5205 www.freefalltheatre.com
ARTWALKS
- March 11: St. Petersburg Second Saturday Artwalk: The Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District become one arts destination for the St. Petersburg Second Saturday Art Walk on March 11 from 5 to 9 pm. You’ll get to see opening night where 40 galleries and studios premiere new works, with artists and demos on-site. Free ArtWalk trolleys encompass the arts districts. Free parking can be found on 1st Ave N and 1st Ave S from 15th St. to 30th St., The Clay Center of St. Petersburg, MGA Studios and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. Download the map and list of participants to plan your festive art evening at www.stpeteartsalliance.org
- Fourth Saturday Artwalk, Pinellas Park’s Creative District, 5851 Park Blvd.
GULFPORT FESTIVALS & ARTWALK
Don’t forget about Tuesday’s Fresh Market and Swing Dancing Wednesday at the Casino!
- Gulfport Artwalk 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday: On March 3rd, meet featured artist Lucas Pitzen who enjoys working with reclaimed and renewable wood products and transforming them into cutting boards to finely crafted tables. 3101 Beach Blvd., www.visitgulfportflorida.com
- Gulfport Springfest (4/14-15): Gulfport’s 7.5 acre Clymer Park, along the Beach Blvd. transforms into an “enchanted village” inhabited by costumed faeries, sprites, gnomes, ogres and trolls. The event is free, family and pet-friendly, and open to the public. Activities and entertainment for all ages will be offered. Vendors bring live garden plants, garden art, flowers, herbs, Renaissance-period items, clothing, jewelry, art, hand-made crafts and more for your shopping pleasure. Assorted food and drink vendors will be on hand, and an enchanted beer garden offers adult beverages, with live music nearby, throughout the event. 550127th Avenue S. www.visitgulfportflorida.com
TAMPA & BEYOND
Ringling College of Art & Design 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota www.ringling.edu
- The elegant Glass Masters of Venice continues thru March 25 with Barbara Basch’s docent tours Wed’s. 10:30 am.
- Homage to Andy Warhol runs through March18. Organized and produced by Wu-Shan, Inc. (Jeff Gordon and Path Soong), this thought-provoking exhibition at the Ringling College of Art and Design features silkscreen prints and original recordings, ranging from spoken word to music and sound. It was created by a diverse roster of artists, writers and performers who knew, worked with, were associated with or were inspired by Andy Warhol. Included are Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Ivan Karp, Billy Name, Ultra Violet, Lawrence Weiner, Carter Ratcliff, John Giorno, Vincent Freemont, Alexander Heinrici, Brigid Berlin, Christopher Makos, Yura Adams, Nat Finkelstein, Connie Beckley, Susan Breen, Path Soong, and Jeff Gordon. Jeff knew and admired Warhol, first conceptualized the idea of producing recordings (spoken word, sound pieces, music) by visual artists in the early ’80s, while he was the co-owner of the Greene Street Recording Studio. The exhibition juxtaposes each artist’s 12 x 12 inch (album sized) visual image with an audio work created in homage to Warhol. For instance, Patti Smith’s poem, “Edie,” muses on the life and death of Warhol Superstar Edie Sedgwick. Nat Finkelstein’s screen printed photograph shows Warhol and Dylan in the Factory with one of Warhol’s Elvis paintings in the back-ground. In his song, “When I Paint My Masterpiece”, Dylan critiques the Warhol ian notion of fame and success. Gordon’s screen print modifies one of Warhol’s Brillo Box sculptures as a visual analogy to his sound piece, which loops excerpts from a Warhol interview and lasts for the proverbial 15 minutes. Sony Music Entertainment sponsored the worldwide tour.
ARTS NEWS
Capital Fundraising Campaign for Creative Clay:
As Creative Clay enters its22nd year serving the Tampa Bay area through programs that make the arts accessible to all, the non-profit is looking to the future with an impending move, enhancement and expansion of programming, and the launch of “The 2017 Project: Securing Our Future. ”Donations to Creative Clay’s capital campaign will allow for increased quality programming, improved execution of services and an enhanced creative space that meets the needs of its artists as well as:
- Raise $100,000 for our build out and renovations.
- Increase the number of individuals the non-profit can serve as a result of gaining more physical space.
- Allow for more programming to occur under one roof. renting space at an off-site location to accommodate classes of artists.
- Allow for its “Around the World” Summer Camp to beheld on-site vs. an alternative location, and in an area specially designed for young campers, with dedicated lunch space and outdoor play area.
- Additional ADA-approved restrooms.
- In June, Creative Clay will move its headquarters form St. Petersburg’s EDGE District, to 1846 First Ave. S in the Grand Central District. This new space boasts an additional 1000 square feet more than their current location, allowing them to expand their Community Arts Program. FYI: CEO Kim Dohrman, kim@creativeclay.org www.creativeclay.org
St. Petersburg Opera Guild’s Annual 45th High School Vocal Competition Winners: Remember these young talents who were part of the amazing eighteen high school singers from Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. They competed before three adjudicators: Dr. Warren Jaworski, Associate Professor of Voice at USF; Ron Emery of Tampa and Tony Dillon who has appeared on many opera stages including St. Petersburg Opera. Tony currently lives in Clearwater.
- First Place Winner – Sarah Johnson, a resident of Largo, a home schooled sophomore is a vocal student of Linda Switzer of Tampa.
- Second Place Winner -Amanda McAllister, a resident of St. Petersburg, is a senior at Gibbs HS. She is a vocal student of Dawn Eubanks.
- Third Place Winner – Julie LaPierre, a resident of Oldsmar, is a sophomore at Eastlake High School. She is a vocal student of Linda Switzer.
- Honorable Mentions: Cameryn Valiente of Blake HS in Tampa, and Tatiana Becklund of Eastlake High School in Oldsmar. Palm Harbor Museum Re-Opens: If you like Heritage Village, you’ll want to take a road trip to see this jewel. With a beautiful facelift and refurbishing, this charming historical and heritage museum is better than ever. 2043 Curlew Rd. Palm Harbor www.palmharbormuseum.com