Put this on your radar for Tuesday, Sept. 30

To Do

Chuck Ragan: One of Florida’s best musicians, Chuck Ragan, right, continues to impress with his folk-style solo work as much as he did with the punk rock of Hot Water Music. With Ben Nichols of Lucero and Tim Barry. 7 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 N Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. $15. (813) 248-9500.

M3Meet, Mix and Mingle: Sure, they call it a networking event, but once the drinks start flowing, you know it’s going to turn into a party with some of Tampa Bay’s most successful professionals. There’s also live music, spoken word and visual art. Ages 21 and older only. 6 p.m.-midnight. Whiskey North, 11921 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. $5. (813) 263-5628. whiskeynorth.com.

O.A.R. The national college favorite O.A.R. combines a rock sound with a roots sensibility. The core of the group has been playing together since they founded their first band in eighth grade. Oh, and if you were wondering, the name stands for “of a Revolution.” Playing with Between the Trees. 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $32. (727) 791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.

Tuesday Morning Market: You don’t need to wait for the weekend to find a great farmers market in Tampa Bay. Enjoy live music, fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Downtown Beach Boulevard area, Gulfport. Free. (727) 459-1963.

To Watch

The Biggest Loser: Families: 8 p.m., NBC. Before a trip to the Grand Canyon, the contestants are tempted with a stop at the convenience store. Want to avoid buying Oreos? Pay for your tank of gas first.

Privileged: 9 p.m., CW. Megan is amazed when she finds porno in Rose’s bookbag. She’s even more amazed that Rose isn’t the one who’s starring in it.

Half Their Size: The People Magazine Weight Loss Challenge: 10 p.m., ABC. Well, we would hope you could lose weight over the course of nine months. What’s with all the weight-loss worship lately, anyway?

Put this on your radar for Monday, Sept. 29

To do

Rev Run book signing: The Rev Run from the pioneering hip-hop group Run DMC will be in da house signing autographs and speaking about his new book, Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents. Together with his wife, Justine Simmons, Rev Run (a.k.a. Joseph Simmons, right) shares his family’s advice for raising successful and happy children, challenging today’s parents to take charge of their home and connect with their kids. Get there early to secure your space in line. Autographs will be for purchased copies only. 7 p.m. Borders, 909 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.

Henry Rollins: He’s back, and he’s still angry. The former frontman from Black Flag and Rollins Band has become an outspoken human rights activist and social commentator. Tonight he continues his spoken word tours with Recountdown 2008, a celebration of the final days of the Bush administration. Hmm... We can’t imagine what political current events he could possibly find to talk about. 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Hall at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. $26.50. 21361.com.

Open Mic: Live @ the Studio: On the last Monday of every month, Studio@620 invites poets, performance artists, performance poets, spoken-word artists and experimental writers of all backgrounds to share their work with established artists and beginners in a casual studio setting. Whether you’re performing or just watching, be prepared for anything. Hosted by Brian Duncan, this month’s featured poet is Aleshea Harris. 8 p.m. Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. $5. studio620.org.

To watch

Gossip Girl, 8 p.m., CW: Blair decides to take her anger out on her mother. Is this because Leighton Meester has admitted she was born in jail because her real-life mom was imprisoned for drug smuggling?
Life (season premiere), 10 p.m., NBC: Charlie and Dani try to find a serial killer before he strikes again. Or the writers get back to work and this show gets dropped at midseason.

CSI: Miami, 10 p.m., CBS: People in Miami are killing each other over gasoline because fuel prices have gotten so high. No, that’s not the news, that’s what the show is about.

Party like an art star!

If you ever thought that art galleries are boring, you're obviously missing out on some of the hippest places to hang out. Both of the art shows I went to this weekend were chock full of interesting scenesters and rocking music to listen to.

Starting out the weekend, I went to Canvas|4 at the Warehouse in Tampa on Friday (9/26). Before I go into all the good about this place, I've got to say that it was a pain to find and I got lost for a half-hour before managing to get there (and yes, I had Google mapped it). Other than that, it was a perfect locale of a dark warehouse that was done up specifically for the event. It felt like a truly underground showing of art, which just added to the hip factor.

As you can see here, Jeff Cinco is leaving his mark on this piece of art. Don't worry, hew had permission as it was a participation piece. This was the biggest attraction of the night and people lining up just to put a little bit of a mark on this piece of board.

This was the cutest thing at the show. Amy Well's hippos were absolutely adorable (and soft!) that I was almost ready to shell out the cash and get one. Plus, the money made from them goes to helping the Hippo Conservation so you're helping to environment as well if you decide to buy one.

Hannah Frisby and Lana Huckabee obviously like to kid around. They had me believing for a good period of time that Lana was ex-democratic nominee Mike Huckabee's niece. I know I'm gullible but in today's political climate, I'm not going to take any chances of upsetting a politcal figure.

On Saturday (9/27), I was ready for more art and got over to Art Pool for the final SoundFX party. I got to go to a few of the events for SoundFX and I've got to say that they were all really well done. It's nice to see such a seamless blend of art and music and make it attractive for anyone, even those who don't know anything about art and music.

Charles Viverous apparently likes to put an extra dimension on the things he looks at because he's wearing Marina William's best business card/3D glasses. I can't think of a better way to advertise yourself than to put your name and contact info on something that you're going to put on your head.

Keeping up with the on-stage antics of her band Giddy-Up Helicopter!, Ryann Slauson created a whole set of art instruments that she called a Tribute to Arcade Fire. If only she can make workable ones that she could play on stage to match with the crazy outfits the band is known for.

Lady Grace shows off her signs for Underground Xpress. If you've never heard of it, it's a cool website all about partying like it's 2012 (the year that a lot of paranoid people think the world will end) and supporting your local artists and musicians. Their videos are all about local artists and conspiracy. I don't think you can get a weirder mix than that but it works and it's a pretty awesome site to check out.

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from the abandoned art warehouse of Canvas|4 and the poppy, fun music art of Art Pool.

Holy costumed Yborites!

From now on when I'm in Ybor, I know who to call if I'm in trouble.

Normally, I'm not a fan of the skin-tight spandex look but if you're going to do an homage to the greatest crime-fighting duo ever, I'll let it slide. How cool is it to walk down 7th Avenue and run into Batman and Robin? Granted, Robin looks a little older and is sporting a bit of scruff. Some clubs like the Castle and Level III have even started playing a techno remix of Danny Elfman's Batman theme just for him (Thank goodness they haven't started playing that atrocious song by Prince).

You've got to give a hand to this guy for his devotion to his character. Not only does he drive an all-black bat-scooter but he also has at least four variations of his costume that I've seen, including a very scary bat-skirt. Maybe he should design one where he has a place to put his keys though. Hanging them on the arm definitely costs him superhero points. Robin, on the other hand, needs to make some new costumes. Perhaps ones without hot pants. He's sure to get cold in those short shorts.

Want to meet Batman in person? No need for a bat-signal! You can catch them at Level III on 7th Avenue and running around Ybor City on Saturday nights protecting innocents. Sources at the Gotham Times tell me Batman has also been sighted in downtown St. Petersburg. If you are Batman or you know him, please contact me and let me know as we want to get more information on this masked vigilante!

Sad day for the Swigwam

What! The Swigwam Beach Bar is closed? How can that be?

According to the Web site, its demise came with the bankruptcy of Shells Restaurants. Bummer.

Can't picture it? That's because the "Swiggy" kept a low profile behind the Travelodge on St. Pete Beach -- exactly what kept locals in flip-flops and bikinis coming back for more than 20 years. Well, that and the house speciality drink -- the Bushwhacker. With vodka, rum, Kahlua and handful of other potent ingredients, it's like a Mudslide on steroids.

More than anything, the Swigwam was just a nice little shack on the beach with nothing between you and the gulf except a bunch of sand and a cool libation in a plastic cup.

Maybe somebody will have the sense -- and cash -- to reopen it?

Artistic alternatives to Fashion Week

Chances are you know Fashion Week in Tampa Bay is a huge hooplah that attracts some big-time designers, big-name celebrities and hosts some big parties. But as cool as Fashion Week is, I'm here to let people know about some more underground and obscure events this weekend.

From warehouse to art house

On Friday, Canvas 4 is going down at a place called the Warehouse. I personally have never been but I've heard some good things from my contacts in the art underworld. Apparently, the place is an actual warehouse, which has been remodeled to exist as an art gallery. If nothing else, the show should be an experience to check out some truly underground artists and see some new and eccentric work. See Friday's tbt* for all the details of this new art space.

SoundFX, the sequel

A sister party to last week's SoundFX: Live, Saturday's SoundFX: Art Party is this week's shindig from Art Pool. While SoundFX: Live focused mainly on making artistic music, Art Pool has challenged local artists to create musical themed art. I have no clue what that means but Art Pool has yet to let me down with any of their events. It's the place to go to if you don't want to take any risks about having a good night out.

Rage on some brownies

If you think that sounds too artsy-fartsy, the Psycho Realms All Metal Benefit Hour at the Garage is for you. There will be metal and lots of it, including the band with the most metal band name I've ever heard: Success Will Write Apocalypse Across The Sky or SWWAATS for short. They sound a lot like Pig Destroyer and that's a great thing if you're in the mood for some serious thrash. And from the Completely Unexpected Department, there's going to be a bake sale at the show. I'm mostly interested to see if there will be metal-themed brownies with red sprinkles on top. Nothing goes better with cheap beer and metal than some good old-fashioned pastries.

Thanks to Marina Williams of Art Pool for the promotional photo of her for the SoundFX: Art Party.

Cho Shots!

We just got word that the "official" after-party for the Margaret Cho show at TBPAC tonight will be at G Bar in Ybor. Since it's "official", it means Cho might actually show, but if not, there will be drink specials, Cho Shots (whatever that means) and a screening of the latest episode of The Cho Show.

Be there. Fo' Cho!

New music and free pizza: What's not to love?

The latest album from addictive pop rockers Plain White T's is out today and they really want you to check it out. So much so, in fact, that they've arraigned for anyone who stops in at Vinyl Fever in Tampa today before 6 p.m. and buys a copy of Big Bad World, or any new release for that matter, will get a coupon for a free slice and a soft drink from Delosa's Pizza next door.

It's a good week to be hanging out at the record store. Anberlin will be playing a free instore there on Thursday, so check it out.

Cool kids, hot zombies: Quite a Sunday in Tampa Bay

Sundays are usually a day to kick back and relax. Perfect for going to see a movie, catching the Bucs game on TV or maybe just sleeping the day away. But not this past Sunday (9/21). It was packed full of activities both frightening and family-friendly.

Lace up those skates

Sunday was blazing hot so it was to be able to hang out at the chilly St. Pete Times Forum for IceFest 2008. But those who braved the afternoon heat found fun and games outside as well. Fans got to see the Lightning skate their last practice before the first preseason home game Monday.

If you don't love this pic of Ruslan Weaver imitating his dad William, you have no heart. There were a lot of cute kids there who were big Lightning fans, but none as serious as Ruslan. How serious? Get this: He's actually named after a former Lightning player. He's been a Lightning fan from birth!

Whoever might still think girls are weaker obviously didn't see Sara Hansen deal this crushing blow right to the face of Michael Joiner on the giant American Gladiators-style jousting mat. While I felt bad for Michael getting hit in the face with a giant Q-Tip, it feel so good knowing it was a girl doing it!

I love the shirt that Joelle Park, on the right, is wearing with her friend Stephanie Bouchard. I think she might be right. Turns out she makes a bunch of custom shirts including some really racy ones not fit for this blog, so be sure to keep a lookout for her at the games!

If you couldn't make it, check out the galleries for a lot more fandemonium from IceFest 2008.

This party was a killer!

After taking a short breather in the afternoon, I geared myself up to walk into the realm of the undead at  Pegasus Lounge's Zombie Luau. I wasn't allowed to bring my shotgun to defend myself, but I still tried to shoot for the head with my trusty camera and this is what I got:

Diana Hackett shows off her incisors as she rips into some flesh. While it's not human flesh, the barbecued ribs that were sold outside made for a good substitute to the typical zombie fare.

Not everyone is into hard-core gore, so I can understand why Kate Tito and Angie Vaccarl might want to go for a little more subdued look. But the fact that they're both thin, blond and look kind of similar reminds me of two very popular Hollywood twins who were former child stars and are currently media messes. The dark eyeshadow really doesn't help differentiate themselves from Mary-Kate and Ashley either. Zombie versions, that is.

Whenever I see a Skipper's hat, I always think of Gilligan's Island. But the Skipper never looked as scary as Gabriel Olumbus, and First Mate Gilligan definitely wasn't as attractive as Remee Lee. Guess they never did get off that island...

And what's a zombie event without some fluids spilled on the floor in undead drunken rage? Let's hope it was beer, not blood. Luckily, Tim Fischer took the lead and played the part of the Hawaiian zombie janitor. With mop in hand, he made the halls of the Pegasus Lounge safe to shamble on once again. Thanks Tim. You're my new favorite mop wielding superhero.

And be sure to click on through to see the rest of the zombie shenanigans, if you dare!

Art, rock and dinosaurs

I love the mixing of music and art. While it's not always an extraordinary blend, it's always a good time. The SoundFX: Live show at Crowbar this Saturday (9/20) was no exception. The music was pumping and the scenesters were just getting out of an art show that was down the street creating an atmosphere that made anyone walking in 10 times more hip. Everyone that considers themselves part of the scene were out mingling and drinking.

DJ Brian Oblivion did a great job mixing up music but the real attraction was his theme. All his music was set to be a soundtrack for the Pong game he'd brought and was projecting on the wall. It's great when you can listen to some good music and relive your childhood at the same time.

Rebekah Pulley was out with her side group, Venus in Furs. The group is a female-driven Velvet Underground tribute band. My only disappointment was the fact that the lead singer had a theremin set up and ready to go but didn't start the thing up once. For any of you who don't know what a theremin is, check it out and then tell me you wouldn't want to hear it.

I've got to give it to Giddy-Up Helicopter! because they know how to make a performance memorable. All you need to do is dress up in animal costumes and rock out. They had a dinosaur, a bear, a panda, a rabbit and one very hyper dog on the drums. I almost half-expect that they'll be signed to play at Anthrocon. It gives me chills just thinking about it. The bad type of chills that is.

Of course, there was a lot more than that, and you can see for yourself in our photo galleries, which include some very saucy nuns. Stay tuned for more updates on other events this weekend such as IceFest and a flesh-eating Hawaiian party!