Polaroids, nude festivals and '80s zombies

Say cheese!

Polaroids are such a great part of our culture. I remember getting my first Polaroid camera and thinking it was the coolest thing since my first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure. Mom would buy me some film and I'd quickly take 10 shots and ask for more. It was only when she refused to buy me more that I realized how much the film costs. Sadly, that film is going the way of the dinosaur as Polaroid says it will stop making it in early 2009. Bummer. But it's given Art Pool, St. Pete's place for the arty hipster, another good reason for a party.

The Purple Polaroid Party at Art Pool Saturday (8/23) is all about honoring the passing of America's most beloved instant film. It's not all just Polaroid images, though. Every single person entering Art Pool will have a photo taken to be added to the main installation. But please, wear something purple! So not only will you see some cool and unique art, you'll also be art. (In a good way. Not like what happened in that erotic lounge disaster a few weeks back.)

Leave your modesty at home

If you feel that clothes are just not your thing this weekend, this is the event for you. Eccentric local artist Xzanthia is hosting X-Bash at Riverboat Nudist Resort starting Friday. But it's not just about getting naked and hanging out. There will be seven bands, six DJs and some crazy art shows. Topping it all off is a massive foam party -- and you won't even have to worry about getting your clothes messy! This is a clothing-optional event, so you can keep your shirt on if you're a bit shy. Be prepared to see other people sans-pants. For all the details, check out Xzanthia's Web site.

They better play 'Thriller'

You know there's always some flesh-eating action somewhere in Tampa Bay. Not cannibals mind you, but our newest obsession: zombies. It was only a matter of time before the Pegasus Lounge got in on the act with Shock to the System: The 80s Zombies Prom. I'm thinking something like a John Hughes zombie movie starring Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson as undead high school students with inner angst about whether to love or eat each other.

Pegasus is known for pornographic karaoke and pretty heavy bands on a regular basis, so I'm interested to see how this one turns out. So far, no one has been able to take the Tampa Bay zombie crown from the Deadite Empire run by Jesse and Bridgette Fisch (pictured on the left) but it looks like there's some healthy competition building.

[Special thanks to Lisa Haiss of tbt* for the photo illustration at the top and to the photographers of the original images, all of which can be seen at the Purple Polaroid Party.]

Comments

[Mavis]

There is a difference in nudism or naturalism and pornography. Nudism believes in the freedom from the restrictions of clothing, Porn is for sexual gratification. Naturist looks like you and I and come from all walks of life. You will find it to be a relaxing lifestyle that is free of the daily stress we all experience. Naturist groups like naturistmingle.com are looking for people who are open minded and want to enjoy the company of others of a like mind.

[K]

Aww. I would've gladly done the zombiefied thing if I'd known sooner.

X-bash sounded interesting, but it's too much money for a struggling college student (a week before loan money rolls in, to boot).