Curated by By Caron Schwartz
SHINE ON St. Pete!
This year’s SHINE Mural Festival includes five international, four national, and 25 local artists, including 13 wall artists, 12 Corner Canvas murals, and one bus in partnership with Carmada. For more information see www.shinemuralfest.com or facebook.com/shineonstpete
Returning for its fifth year, October 18-26, the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival will again delight us with a diverse collection of public art from renowned local, national and international mural artists. The festival, which has received widespread international attention, is an outdoor art exhibition founded with a seed grant from the Mayor’s Office of CulturalAffairs, and produced by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance with local artists and community members.
BURN BABY BURN Party on the street October 19th,
In the heart of St. Pete’s Central Arts District during the Morean Arts Center’s BURN! Molten glass, street art and live music surrounds you as you interact with art and artists, sip craft cocktails and enjoy gourmet food.
An official SHINE Mural Festival Event, BURN will illuminate the power of art in public spaces and bring street artists into the gallery. Guests will see work by BASK, JUJMO, Daniel Lloyd-Miller and Kodi Thompson in the Morean Galleries, experience live glassblowing in the dark at the Morean Glass Studio and enjoy interactive art throughout the evening.
The Hottest Ticket in Town costs $50. Or for $100 join the Krew: an exclusive party at the Chihuly Collection from 7-9pm in addition to the entire BURN street party, The Krew party will include live music by O Som Do Jazz, live art and more!
Saturday, October 19, 7pm – 10pm, Morean Arts Center, 7th Street and Central Avenue More art at Morean NEW One-day Workshop: Modern, Mixed Media Practices and Creations with Olivia Thornton
Sunday, October 13, November 10, OR December 8, 2 – 5pm
Learn about new ways to incorporate other media into your digital, sculptural and/or visual artwork. We will discuss using the following materials in your creative process: 3D pens, acrylic (paint and pens), apps, charcoal, color pencil, fabric, ink, markers, masking tape, modeling clay, newspaper, pipe cleaners, string, watercolor (crayons, paint and pens) and more!
Member $65, non-member $75. For more information or to register visit www.moreanartscenter.org or call 727-822-7872.
No endangered insects harmed in the making of this art installation – When you think of insects, art may not be the first word that comes to mind. Where many see nuisance pests and recoil, artist Jennifer Angus embraces their natural beauty — the rainbow colors of their wings and exoskeleton, the wispiness of an antenna, the jagged design of their legs.
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg will rekindle a sense of discovery and respect for the importance and beauty of what Angus calls the “six-legged kingdom.” Her exhibit, “The Grass-hopper and the Ant and Other Stories,” on view from October 12 to January 5, 2020, displays a wondrous environment where thousands of exotic, brilliantly colored insects reign.
The species Angus uses are not endangered. They are either farm-raised or collected by the indigenous peoples who live in the areas from which they originate.
While you’re at the MFA be sure to check out “Up Close and Personal,” an exhibit through Feb. 16, 2020, that comprises diminutive, personal objects. Ranging from Japanese netsuke—the petite sculptural toggles on men’s kimonos, to wearable English portrait miniatures of family members or lovers, to an ancient Greek wine cup from the time of the Trojan War, these objects reveal an intimate focus that often goes unnoticed.
Preserve the ‘Burg announces October Movies in the Park
Bring family and friends to enjoy FREE movies and live local music each Thursday evening in October on St. Petersburg’s beautiful downtown waterfront. The fun begins with music at 6 pm and movies at dark in North Straub Park (400 Bayshore Dr., NE), on Beach Drive and between 4th and 5th Avenues NE. The final movie will take place in South Straub Park, beside the Museum of Fine Arts. Although movies are free, pay-what-you-can donations are appreciated.
Movie-goers are welcome to come early to listen to the music and to enjoy the beautiful evening with a picnic, either by purchasing food and drink from some of St. Petersburg’s best vendors or by bringing their own food.
- October 3 – The Odd Couple (1968) G, Music by the Botomatics
- October 10 – Spare Parts (2015) PG-13, Music by George Pennington
- October 17 – Groundhog Day (1993) PG, Music by Funky D’s Deja VooDoo
- October 24 – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) PG, Music by Gloria West & the Gents
- October 31 – Scooby Doo & the Spooky Scarecrow followed by the original 1925 Phantom of the Opera Music by Vince Di MuraIn other ‘Burg news
Preserve the ‘Burg is pleased to announce the recent appointment of a new Executive Director, and she might look familiar! In August, the Board of Directors named Monica Kile to its top staff position. A dedicated city booster, Monica was Preserve the ‘Burg’s first executive director from 2013-2015 when we were called St. Petersburg Preservation. Monica returns after directing the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College and working on special projects with organizations like The Palladium Theater and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.
The circus comes to town for Sueños de Dalí 2019
Join us for the Surreal Circus that is Sueños de Dalí, as the Museum and its grounds are transformed into a big top experience like no other. Enjoy themed open bars, custom cocktails, tempting taste treats and dancing the night away… all to benefit the work of The Dalí to fulfill its mission as a non-profit arts institution focused on educational & community outreach. Complimentary valet parking is available. Costumes encouraged, delight guaranteed.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:30–11:59 pm
General Admission Tickets $125Museum Member Tickets $115
Fair for Folks SPIFFS
St Petersburg International Folk Fair Society holds its 45th Annual International Folk Fair October 25 – 27 at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The festival showcases food and culture from 36+ ethnic organizations, each representing immigrants from nations across the globe. The groups will unite in a Grand Parade of Nations, culminating in a swearing-in ceremony of new American citizens.
NEW THIS YEAR: A Friday evening concert with popular local Betty Fox Band. Gates open at 6 pm; concert starts at 7 pm.
Additional entertainment in the Main Stage / Beer Garden area includes performances by Urban Gypsies, Brazilian Samba by O Som Do Jazz, New Horizon Band of Gulfport, and Conundrum Celtic Band.
Folk dancing and music will be performed throughout the festival on two stages. For more information see facebook.com/spiffsfolkfair and www.spiffs.org
Hopin’ for Chopin
The Chopin Project’s 2019-2020 season kicks off in November with piano concerts all over the southeast including the Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg. Concert dates:
- Monday, Nov. 25: Matthew Graybill
- Monday, Jan. 13, 2020: Renata Gutman
- Sunday, March 22, 2020: Inna Faliks
- Wednesday, May 6, 2020: Igor Lovshinsky
All programs begin at 7:30 pm.
For more information call 813-966-1933 or click to chopinproject.com.
Let’s do the time warp at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents a screening of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at the traditional time, midnight, on Saturday, Oct. 19. Snacks, refreshments, and the requisite food props (don’t bring rice or toast from home, please!) will be available for purchase.
It was a dark and stormy night when sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) get a flat and seek help at the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a sexy cross-dressing scientist.
As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). The danceable musical culminates in Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation: beefcake “Rocky.”
General admission tickets are $5. For four bucks more, your general admission seat comes with unlimited fountain soda and popcorn. Or bring three friends and $30 for a four-pack package, and you all get unlimited fountain soda and popcorn. A limited number of $75 VIP boxes for four are also available.
Party like it’s 1929
Get ready for a fantastic evening worthy of Jay Gatsby himself. Every other year the Henry B. Plant Museum transforms the Fletcher Lounge at The University of Tampa into a 1920s speakeasy for The Great Gatsby Party. This fabulous evening includes live music, games of chance, fabulous food, an open bar and a photo opportunity with a vintage 1929 Bentley. Proceeds will support the conservation and preservation of the Plant Museum collection, as well as community programs.
Nov 9, 2019, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fletcher Lounge, The University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa Tickets: $125For sponsorship and ticket information call 813-254-1891
Creative Clay Fest returns Nov. 9
Creative Clay’s largest fund raiser, will be held Nov. 9, 11 am-8 pm, in the Grand Central District, across from Creative Clay, 1846 First Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. The event (formerly Folkfest St. Pete) is a celebration of original art and live music. Now in its 13th year, the festival was created to promote the Creative Clay’s mission: to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through access to the arts by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences. Creative Clay Fest attracts makers, creators and folk artists from the area, including artists such as Missionary Mary Proctor, Don Stone and Jack Beverland, a.k.a. Mr. B. Creative Clay.
Two stages – one inside The Hideaway Café and the other outside, adjacent to the Café, will feature a variety of musical acts.
For more information visit creativeclay.org; like and follow Creative Clay on Facebook, on Instagram @creativeclaystpete, on Twitter @creativeclay.
Attention St. Petersburg Opera Aficionado
Since it’s now mid-October, we’ve missed St. Petersburg Opera’s first donor quarterly of season 14. Sorry for that, but they do recur quarterly. Invitations to donor quarterly events are reserved for SPO contributors who give at the Chorus Level ($500-$1,000). Donors at or above the Sustainer Level ($1,500 +) are welcome to invite two additional guests, which helps SPO make new friends. SPO is asking opera lovers at the Member ($10-$99), Advocate ($100-$249), and Enthusiast ($250-$99) levels to consider increasing their donor level. The quarterly donor events are just one of the perks of Chorus Level, which also includes:
- Invitation to attend and observe an SPO Chorus Rehearsal, led by Maestro Sforzini and Rigoletto Stage Director Karl Hesser, on Jan. 12.
- Celebrate Season 14 with your very own The Things We Do For Love commemorative coffee mug.
- Invitation to Donor Quarterly Events (4 per Season).
- Listing in Mainstage Opera and Cocktails/Mornings with the Maestro programs for one year. And now … parking! You know Season 14 will be filled with innovations, exciting surprises, and more performance delights than ever before. We’ve got something else to announce – valet parking!
All St. Petersburg Opera Company-hosted events at Opera Central now come with complimentary curbside valet service, from our friends at Knights Valet. The service will be available one hour before start time. For our Mainstage productions at the Palladium Theater, curbside valet parking will be available for $10 per vehicle, starting 90 minutes before each performance. You can prepay for your season of parking by contacting the box office or purchasing online a parking voucher ($40), good for all three Season 14 operas as well as the brand-new Pops Spectacular! Check stpeteopera.org for details.
Free Fallin’ at freeFall Theatre Company
freeFall Theatre’s 2019/2020 season, “A Decade of Daring,” promises to be eerie and thought-provoking. The season kicks off with Jeffrey Hatcher’s modern adaptation of Henry James’s spooky, ambiguous “The Turn of the Screw,” which runs through Oct. 27.”The Lion in Winter,” James Goldman’s royal family drama of the Christmas when Henry II let his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, out of prison for the holidays. Let the bickering begin Nov. 23 – Dec. 22. George Brant based “Marie and Rosetta” on the real-life story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her protégée Marie Knight. The musical shows how the two broke new ground in gospel music, influencing the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, and Ray Charles. You’ll be dancing in your seat Jan. 18 – Feb. 16, 2020.Josh Tobiessen’s “Lone Star Spirits,” on stage Feb. 29 – March 29, 2020, shows the conflict between a small-town girl’s past and present. “Dear World,” on stage April 25 – May 24, 2020, is based on Jean Giraudoux’s “The Madwoman of Chaillot.” Book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, the show reimagines the classic story of eccentricity versus the status quo as a musical with the kind of decadent and ebullient score that is Herman’s trademark.
The season wraps up with Michael Raabe and Eric Davis’s “Oz,” another musical based on L. Frank Baum’s beloved Land of Oz, promises “over the rainbow” inspiration. Ruby slipper days are June 27 – July 26, 2020.Single tickets and subscriptions ranging from $9 to $249 are available now and can be purchased by calling 727-498-5205 or by visiting www.freefalltheatre.com.
Good news from the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance
SPAA is pleased to announce that Wendy Durand has won the second annual Jim Rolston Memorial Professional Development Grant. She will be honored during the October 16 Artful Wine Pairings Benefit Dinner. Wendy has been a professional full-time potter for 12 years. Ten years ago she discovered slab construction, which has allowed her the most creativity and finally gave a voice to her work. Now she’s ready to further develop her talent/technique and “kick it up a notch” studying with an experienced hand-building instructor. She has twice been named a NICHE Award Finalist, and is featured in many personal collections around the country – including Jane Seymour (artist and actor), Lisa Unger (NY Times best-selling author), Yann Weymouth (internationally known architect) and Helen Wallace (St Petersburg’s Poet Laureate).
Wednesday, October 16, 6 – 9 pm, The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg Individual Tickets/Sponsorship Tables may be purchased at stpeteartsalliance.org.
SPAA Funding Futures sponsors after-school programs Talented students who aspire to be artists are often faced with socioeconomic disadvantages that prevent them from pursuing their passion. SPAA’s Funding Futures Student Award program has helped deserving students by providing funding for local summer arts camps and now, after-school arts programs! Since its launch in April 2017, SPAA has awarded over $25,000 for 47 students, ages 10 to 17, providing them access to dance, music, jazz, voice, theater, digital arts, photography, cinematic arts or visual arts, even point shoes for a young ballerina. For application information, email tracy@stpeteartsalliance.org.
Dance like everybody’s watching
Ever want to dress up like a zombie and dance Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” dance? During this workshop we will break down the entire dance step-by-step in an easy to follow format. Have two left feet? No problem, with our help you’ll make a fantastic zombie! Leanna Wharry, Instructor Zombies of all ages; however an adult zombie will need to fill out a workshop waiver form. Wear comfortable clothing, including sneakers (sandals and flip flops can break with some other movements).
All rehearsals are FREE of charge and are run strictly by volunteers.
Mondays in October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 5:30-6:30 pm
Bilmar Beach Resort, 10650 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, the sponsor that’s making this workshop possible. WHAT to BRING: Plenty of water, it’s important to stay hydrated!
The Florida Orchestra community events flourish
The Florida Orchestra’s community and education programs — mostly free events like park, youth, and hospital concerts — support a key mission of Maestro Francis and TFO: If you believe in the power of music, then you have to take it to everyone – even those who can’t come to a concert hall.
Community events for the 2019-20 season:
INSIDE THE MUSIC Admission is pay what you can at the door. Sponsored by the Hough Family Foundation.
- Inside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, the Mahler arrangement, Thu, Oct 10, 7:30 pm, Blake High School, Tampa
- Inside Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathetique,’ Thu, Dec 5, 7:30 pm, Gibbs High School, St. Petersburg
- Inside Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, Thu, Apr 30, 2020, 7:30 pm, Mahaffey Theater
FREE POPS IN THE PARK
Under the baton of Associate Conductor Daniel Black.
Pops in the Park at Vinoy Park, Sat, Oct 19, 2019, 7 pm and at River Tower Park, Tampa, Sun, Oct 20, 7 pm. At St. Petersburg concert, performances of the St. Petersburg Community Concert Band and Master Chorale of Tampa Bay begin at 5 pm, with food trucks and family activities. Fireworks finale! Presented by Ashley HomeStore
SPRING POPS IN THE PARK CONCERT DATES:
- At Coachman Park, Clearwater, Sat, May 9, 2020, 7:30 pm
- At Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa, Sun, May 10 (Mother’s Day), 2020, 7:30 pm
FAMILY CONCERTS WITH FULL ORCHESTRA, Daniel Black conductsOne Giant Leap, with NASA video. An afternoon of family activities and a concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Instrument Petting Zoo and lobby activities start at 1 pm. Tickets: $8 per person in advance/$10 at the door, ages 3 and under free.
- Sun, Oct 27, 2019, 2 pm, Straz Center, Tampa
- Sun, Nov 3, 2019, 2 pm, Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg
FREE HAPPY HOUR CONCERTS
Free, hour-long concerts at a historic venue — Armature Works in Tampa. Stay for a meet and greet with TFO musicians afterward. Food and drink available for purchase in Heights Public Market.
- Eat, Drink & Be Scary. Fall under the spell of bewitching favorites like Saint-Saen Danse Macabre and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. Stuart Malina conducts. Wed, Oct 30, 6:30 pm, Armature Works
- Rumba on the River. Savor the Latin flavor withGershwin’s Cuban Overture, Marquez’s Danzon No. 7, and more. Stuart Malina conducts. Wed, Jan 7, 2020, 6:30 pm, Armature Works
- Russian Hour. Music from powerhouse Russian composers, including Rachmaninoff, Prokofie, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Daniel Black conducts. Wed, May 13, 2020, 6:30 pm,
Armature Works
WOODSON CHAMBER CONCERTS
The ultimate Sunday afternoon, surrounded by art and music at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg. TFO chamber performances begin at 3 pm, followed by a reception. Admission is pay what you can at the door; proceeds benefit the museum.Seating is limited.
RSVP to WoodsonMuseum@gmail.com. Dates are Jan 12, Feb 9, March 15, and April 5 in 2020. Check FloridaOrchestra.org for program announcements.
SING OUT TAMPA BAYTFO’s casual community sing-along with the orchestra is turning 5! Come belt one out with Music Director Michael Francis, either from the stage or your seat. We’ll help with the words to familiar favorites from Broadway, film, symphonic, and popular repertoire. Admission is pay what you can at the door. Fri, Jan 31, 2020, 7 pm, Mahaffey Theater Onstage chorus registration is available at FloridaOrchestra.org. Space is limited.
ASOLO REP launches 2019-2020 season
The Sarasota venue brings these performances to its historic stage:
- Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC Nov. 16 – Dec. 28. Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes
- Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS January 10 – March 8, previews January 8 & 9. Adapted by Ken Ludwig. Directed by Peter Amster.
- The LIFESPAN OF A FACT January 24 – March 19, previews January 22 & 23. By Jeremy Kareken & David Murrell and Gordon Farrell. Directed by Celine Rosenthal.
- See INTO THE BREECHES! February 14 – March 21, previews February 12 & 13. By George Brant. Directed by Laura Kepley.
- The GREAT LEAP March 20 – April 11, previews March 18 & 19. By Lauren Yee. Directed by Vanessa Stalling.
- The WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL: KNOXVILLE April 10 – 25, previews begin April 3. Book by Frank Galati. Music by Stephen Flaherty. Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Based on the novel “A Death in the Family” by James Agee. Based, in part, on the play “All The Way Home” by Ted Mosel. Directed by Frank Galati.
- HOOD: A ROBIN HOOD MUSICAL ADVENTURE May 15 – 31, previews begin May 7. Book by Douglas Carter Beane. Music and Lyrics by Lewis Flinn. Directed by Mark Brokaw.
- See SNOW WHITE June 12 – 28, preview June 11. Adapted from The Brothers Grimm. Music by Joey Hickman. Directed by Alex Byrne.
Season subscriptions and tickets are available by visiting Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office, located in the lobby of the theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, calling 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388, or online at asolorep.org. Box office hours through October 30 are Monday through Friday 10am-5pm.
American Stage launches its 2019-2020 Season
‘An American Dreamscape’ with the award-winning VIETGONE, written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Brian Balcom.
An all-American love story about two very new Americans. It’s 1975. Saigon has fallen. He lost his wife. She lost her fiancé. But now in anew land, they just might find each other. Raymond James Theatre, 163 3rd Street North, St. Petersburg, Oct. 2 through Nov. 3, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings & Saturday and Sunday Matinees, $44, Friday/Saturday Evenings, $50/$54Arrive 30 minutes early to get the inside scoop on the play.
Need a reason to smile? American Stage Improv (ASI) to the rescue!
Improv Nights: Always Fresh. Always Funny. Select Saturdays: Nov. 9, Jan. 11, March 7, April 25, May 9, Aug. 22
- 7 pm – Music & Mayhem. Laugh and sing along as American Stage Improv presents a fully improvised one-act musical, plus opening sets by house teams!
- 9 pm – The Hawk & Wayne Show. Gavin Hawk of Second City and Ricky Wayne from The Groundlings are a perfect storm of wit, bold characters and physical comedy.
IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL ST. PETERSBURG CHAPTER 65 announces 2019-2020 Events
Monday, Oct. 21 “Discover the World of Miniature Designs and Techniques” demonstrated by Muriel Scrivner, Senior Professor 1st Class of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana. A workshop for all chapter members will follow. Learn more at https://ikebanastpetersburg.com/.
D-GALLERIE MOVES TO THE SUNDIAL
Gallerie is pleased to announce its new relocation venture to the Sundial, 153 2nd Ave N in St. Petersburg. The 40+ artists represented by D-Gallerie are award-winning professionals working in contemporary and traditional artforms. Among the artists displayed artists are Peter Max, Fer Sucre, Kelly Aldridge, Jose Cordova, Jose Mora, and Abby Elizabeth.
D-Gallerie is a third-generation family-owned art gallery in downtown St. Petersburg with roots in South America that aims to help emerging and established artists showcase their works and experience to a broader audience.