Food, music, art, classic theater, kids/family events – all can be found this weekend in Tampa Bay. The fun does not slow down for Summer, so mark your calendars and make a plan. You’ll be so glad you did. Enjoy!
Thursday
Word Play – A Crossword Puzzle Gala
Banquet Masters, Clearwater
Need a plan for tonight? How about doing crosswords for charity? Voices of Hope for Aphasia hosts this evening of fun, games, and giving to help those living with aphasia in the Tampa bay area. Voices for Hope has been part of the fight for two decades and work diligently to fund research and new treatments. Hope to see some of you there! Creative black & white attire and walk-ins welcome!
June 8th @ 6:30pm Tickets and information here.
Limited Engagement – Annie by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin
Morsani Hall @ The Straz Center, Tampa
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
Now through June 11th Tickets, performance schedule and more information here.
Opening – Stop Kiss by Diana Son – Gulfport Community players
Catherine Hickman Theater, Gulfport
Be ready for intensity. This drama by Diana Son explores the circumstances and interactions surrounding a couple who were attacked and injured during their first kiss. Throughout Stop Kiss, relationships are explored, formed, and even ended. The author elaborates on the depths of human emotion and compassion in this play.
June 8th – June 18th Thursday – Sunday performances. Tickets, performance times and more information here.
Man of LaMancha by Dale Wasserman, Music by Mitch Leigh, & Lyrics by Joe Darion
Asolo Rep, Sarasota
Shout out to our friends to the South. Considered by many to be one of the best musicals of all time, MAN OF LA MANCHA is brilliantly reimagined by celebrated director Peter Rothstein, who immerses us in Miguel de Cervantes’s retelling of Don Quixote and his quest. This epic and poignant journey celebrates the perseverance of one man who refuses to relinquish his ideals and who is determined to see life not as it is, but as it ought to be.
Now Through June 11th Tickets, show schedules, and times here.
Friday
Space & St. Pete Distillery present: Hot Box
SPACE (855 28th St S), St Pete
Opening will feature: HOT BOX art exhibit – IT’S GIVING LITERARY – Music by DJ REPETE – Performance by DIRTY JOHN’S
Events throughout the weekend – Schedules and more information here. (18 and over)
Poetic Justice
The Studio @620, DTSP
SaturdayThe Studio@620 welcomes Green Book of Tampa Bay’s “Poetic Justice Artist Showcase”. Join in as they celebrate Juneteenth through an exhibit featuring Green Book-listed artists which will be kicked off during a special celebration on June 9 showcasing Black excellence. Though there is still grieving, this event searches for joy and for freedom with celebration. Art is a form of expression that allows for these feelings. The special event on June 9 will feature not only visual art, but will include live music and poetry readings.
June 9th @6pm – 9pm Tickets and more information here.
Selwyn Birchwood – Album Release event
Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa
Award-winning Florida bluesman Selwyn Birchwood will celebrate the June 9th release of his highly anticipated fourth Alligator Records album, Exorcist, with a live performance that evening at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa. The young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and vocalist sets a course for the future of the blues with his visionary, original music. He calls it “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” an intoxicating mix of deep blues, blistering, psychedelic-tinged rock, booty-shaking funk and sweet Southern soul, played and sung with fire-and-brimstone fervor. Exorcist will be available on purple vinyl LP, CD and at all popular streaming and download sites. 813-971-0666
Saturday
Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival
University Park, Tampa
Get ready for a vibrant celebration at the 12th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Heritage Festival! Swing by for a feast of Caribbean flavors,
live music, and warm community vibes. It’s year 12 for this festival that is sure to be as colorful as it will be flavorful.
June 10th @2pm – 8pm More information here.
Alice Ferrulo presents: Something Blue – An Immersive Interdisciplinary Exhibition
Tully Levine Gallery – The ArtsXchange, St. Pete
The public opening of Something Blue is set to take place during Second Saturday ArtWalk and features the work of international artists: Ethan Barbee, Jenny Bleackley, Alice Ferrulo, Gia Porras-Ferrulo, Elvia Hill, Victoria Jorgensen, Bailey Lord, and Mel Saraceno, Derived from the old wedding ditty, Something Blue explores all conceivable expressions of the color in multiple artistic disciplines and genres including the visual and performing arts. Ferrulo, a dancer, performance artist, and owner of Black Horse Theater, will perform as well as dancers from the Tampa Ballet Company and other performers.
June 10th @5pm – 9pm More information here.
Rays Pride Night
Tropicana Field, St. Pete
Celebrate Pride at Tropicana Field on Saturday, June 10th when the Rays take on the Texas Rangers. Fans can purchase a special Pride Day package that includes a seat in the Lower Level and a limited edition Rays Pride Day can cooler. Tickets for special package seating must be purchased by Thursday, June 8th.
June 10th @6:40pm Tickets and more information here.
Have fun and stay safe out there!
Cindy
Send your events to cstovall5@gmail.com
