A weekend so fun, it's scary

Here in Tampa Bay we take our holidays seriously. After all, where else does Halloween last a whole month? Now it's coming to a climax, so if you haven't celebrated yet, now's the time.

Fantasy come true

One of the biggest parties this weekend is sure to be the Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball at the Cuban Club on Saturday (11/1). A sister party to the one held in Las Vegas every year, I'm expecting the same spectacular debauchery that you would find in Sin City itself. Be proud Tampa Bay, this is the first time this party has been held at a city other than Las Vegas.

Beautiful people getting ugly

If you're looking for a party with a little bit of tradition, look no further than the 13 Ugly Men Freakshow at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel on Friday (10/31). Yeah, it's got a funny name but these guys (who really aren't all that ugly) put on one heck of a party. The place is jam-packed full of lovely ladies and guys ready to party all night long. A warning to the guys: your cover charge is $10 more than the ladies. Sometimes it hurts to have that Y-chromosome but it should be worth the little extra you have to pull from your wallet.

More than 15 minutes of fun

For those of you wishing to get your art on this weekend, Art Pool has you covered with the Halloween Art Party on Friday (10/31). But this isn't your typical costume party. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favorite artist but if you want to go for the big prize, make sure to come as Andy Warhol. The best lookalike wins the Art Pool prize so break out that pale foundation and dark sunglasses. If you can pick up a white wig as well it wouldn't hurt.

A swingin' good time

Keeping with the unconventional, Swing Gang is holding their Swing is Dead swing dancing Halloween party at Centro Asturiano on Friday (10/31). Expect to see lots of  amazing swing dancing moves being performed in some wild costumes. The fun thing about swing nights is that they're ageless events. By that, I mean you're just as likely to run into a 70-year-old grandfather coming out for some slow dancing as you are to find a 20-something girl who's there to get swung around in the air.

Better the second time around

Of course, if you're fed up with Halloween but still want to dress up like a weirdo, check out the Totally Electric 80's Prom at the Quorum Hotel on Saturday (11/1). It's the perfect time to break out the spandex and white suit coats. Here's a chance to relive your prom and make it go the way you'd like this time. And since now you're probably old enough to drink legally, you don't have to worry about hiding that flask in your suit pocket.

]Top Photo from Luis Santana from 2007's 13 Ugly Men Halloween Party.]

How to stay warm? Keep busy!

Sure, it's been a little bit colder the past few days, but just be glad you're not in Philadelphia where it's 40 degrees and raining. Here is Florida we've got a lot of great stuff going on today:

Halloween Yappy Hour: This has truly been the Year of the Dog. The dog costume contest, that is. There’s still time to give your favorite furry friend a shot a their 15 minutes of fame in Get Rescued In Gulfport’s second annual Halloween costume contest. There will entertainment for humans too, with raffles, auctions and free treats for all. 6:30 p.m. Downtown, Beach Boulevard area, Gulfport. Free. (727) 322-5217.

Halloween Pornaoke Costume Party: For some strange reason, some people just love belting out Bon Jovi songs off key in front of a bunch of strangers. But if you want to take it up a notch, each Wednesday, Pegasus Lounge hosts pornaoke. Relax, your clothes stay on, but the actors on the giant projector screen behind aren’t keeping anything covered up. Talk about turning up the blush factor.  And to top it off, this week’s costume contest should have no problem making a typical Wednesday show seem tame. 8 p.m. Pegasus Lounge, 10008 N 30th St., Tampa. (813) 971-1679. pegasusniteclub.com.

Joe Satriani: He may not be tearing up the charts, but Satriani is a guitar-slinging giant. Legend has it when the instrumental guitar soloist was 14, he learned of the death of Jimi Hendrix while at a football practice, quit on the spot and dedicated his life to playing the guitar. The longtime host of the G3 rock tours, Satriani’s latest single, "I Just Wanna Rock", pretty sums up his attitude toward his music. 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $29.50-$47. (727) 791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com.

Wide aWoke Wednesday’s: A series of forums that discuss the status of the African-American community in Tampa Bay, Wide aWoke hosts its show in front of a live studio audience. This month’s topic is “Love, Sex and Headaches.” We can’t think of many topics that could induce a more lively debate. 6:30 p.m. Alumni Center at USF, 4202 E Fowler Ave. FL , Tampa. $5 or free with student I.D. (813) 951-0794. WideaWoke.com.

Two words: Free tacos

[Getty Images]

Yes, free food is great, but that's not all that's going on in Tampa Bay today:

Free tacos: The Rays may be down a few games in the World Series, but thanks to Jason Bartlett’s stolen base in Game 1, we’re the big winners. Stop by any participating Taco Bell today from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and get your own free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. stealabasestealataco.com.

Cirque du Soleil tickets: Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco show is “inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants.” Whatever. We just want to see the amazing actors doing  impossible. Tickets for the June 25-July 5 performances at the St. Pete Times Forum are on sale at atcirquedusoleil.com or by calling (813) 287-8844. Tickets range from $40 to $95 for adults and $32 to $76 for children 12 and under.

Ben Kweller: By the time Kweller, right, was 9 years old he had already written an album’s worth of songs and won honorable mention in a Billboard songwriting contest. When he was 16 his post-grunge rock trio Radish started a bidding war among major labels. And by 19 he moved to New York and started his solo career playing with an alt-country pop twang. Fans of Wilco or Ryan Adams will not be disappointed. 8 p.m. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. $15. kweller.net.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival: Halloween may be fun, buy why not get a taste of the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead? Many believe this is the day that the dead can most easily communicate with the living. Sounds creepy, but things stay pretty lighthearted. The festival continues noon-10 p.m. through the holiday on Nov. 1 and 2. Casa Tina, 365 Main St., Dunedin. Menu and event prices vary. casatinas.com.

Doppelganger: The closing reception party is Friday, but don’t wait until then to see this exhibit exploring the alter ego inside all of us. Featured artists from the USF PhotoClub include Maria Velasquez, Jeremy Eldridge, Katie Weber, Laura O’Connell, Isabella Samreny, Erica York, Kendra Bailey and John Shirk. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through Friday. USF Centre Gallery, 4202 E Fowler Ave., CTR 246, Tampa.

Dicky V in the house, baby!

This just in: We've recieved word here at So Tampa Bay HQ that legendary college hoops commentator and announcer Dick Vitale will be signing copies of his new book in the USF Bookstore from noon-1 p.m. today.

The book is Dick Vitale's Fabulous 50 Players and Moments in College Basketball: From the Best Seat in the House During My 30 Years at ESPN.

Ooops, sorry. You just missed his appearance while you were busy reading the longest book title in history.

Costumed antics and multi-purpose art

If Guavaween had a kickoff party, it would have been Skipper's Freaker's Ball on Friday (10/24). Lots of the crazy costumes mixed in with alcohol and an undead vampire hillbilly singing the blues sounds like the normal fare for a Tampa Bay event in October. Thankfully if you didn't go, you can live vicariously through me as I took a photographic record of the night.

If you need to ask what Nathan Todd is dressed up as, you obviously live in the most remote area of the world with no internet access to speak of. Check online a little more often.

Yes, Reko Rivera is Master Chief from Halo. Yes, his outfit looks good and it's insanely detailed. The real question in my mind was if his rifle had a digital counter saying how many rounds he had left in his weapon. It did and the geek inside me started to drool. Good job Rivera, now I want to see the suit in combat.

Sorry but it's been done too much. Dennis Being had the accent spot on and the look was perfect but I've just been flooded with so much Borat that it angers me whenever I see it now. No offense to you at all. It's all the college football jocks who ruined it for you. Also, you tried to kiss me and feel me up, which kind of scared me.

Alright, having Borat put the moves on you is nothing compared to this.  His name is Maximus Santiago. Seriously, I think gladiators when I think Maximus , not overgrown diaper -wearing little boys.  It was at this point in the night that my brain shut down and I could no longer comprehend anything because once you meet a giant baby named Maxiumus, There's not much more to be seen.

Taking some time to cool my psyche, I headed out on Saturday (10/25) to the Board Meeting at St. Pete's Finest Skate shop. I figured that my brain had been scarred enough and I didn't need the extra damage that Guavaween was sure to give to it.

Of course, I'd have to run into Jeff Cinco as I see him at most underground art events. Let's count the awesome points of this photo:
1. Blazer
2.Gold Chain
3. Clone Trooper Helmet.
Three points of awesome for Cinco with an extra two thrown in for being able to pull it off with style.

Some very cool body-painting by  Amanda Killen on Shaun Ehrlich (left) and Hans Ehrlich (right). I feel bad for Shaun though. One, having to expose a giant bleeding heart on his chest and two, that part of his chest was shaved so Amanda could paint it. Poor Shaun will have a heart shaved onto his chest for a week or two now.

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from the Frightening Freaker's Ball and the uber cool Board Meeting.

An epic World Series worthy party!

It's that time of year again to break out your disgusting or sexy costumes and to go patrol the streets of Ybor City for beads. If you're in the mood for debauchery and wild celebration on the streets this Saturday (10/25), then make sure to head down to Ybor. Guavaween is back and with the Rays in the World Series, you can be sure this will be one of the biggest ones yet. If you've never been to Guavaween, you're missing out. It's a Tampa Bay tradition that you go and live it up on the streets. Make sure you have a reliable ride though as it's not a tradition to have to walk home on Nebraska Avenue like I did my first year. Make sure to check out some photos of the past Guavaween events to get yourself prepared!

Monster Mash

If you're looking for a different kind of wild, check out The Freaker's Ball: House of the Headless Hinson at Skipper's on Friday (10/24). Unknown Hinson will be performing, and though you may recognize him as an undead hillbilly vampire, he also did voice work for the Adult Swim show, Squidbillies.  There will also be a costume contest so make sure to dress to impress!

Frighteningly fun

If you're planning on going as a hipster/scenster kid for Halloween, the place to be as at The Faint at Jannus Landing on Friday (10/24). If you haven't heard of this band, know that they are quite possibly one of the best and most original groups that you're likely to see in your lifetime and their music inspires you to get up and dance. I saw them a few years back and was so sore leaving because I danced for their entire set. It's one of those few bands that I can say I like every single one of their songs. Just make sure to wear tight clothing and put in your piercings for the night.

You won't be bored

The next night you might find some of the same folks at The Board Meeting at St. Pete's Finest Skate Shop in this Saturday (10/25). No, it's not a gathering of executives but rather a clever play on words to show that it's all about skateboarding sub-culture art. One of the great things about shows like this is that it's all about appreciating art styles of all kinds. Painted boards are the common canvas here and it's nice to see how people use the medium to express their thoughts.  If you want to appreciate some culture this weekend, this is the place to be.

Oh yeah, go Rays!

Of course, there's also nothing wrong with hitting up Ferg's on Saturday (10/25) to see the Rays kick some tail in Philly this weekend. We all know they're going to win but it's still fun to go cheer on the home team on their way to the World Series Championship!

Rays may have lost but the party was a home run

While the Rays were ultimately defeated by the Phillies, the people at Vintage in St. Petersburg were not about to let that stop the celebrating Wednesday. Whether they were enjoying the chance to play in the World Series or looking for any excuse to drink on a Wednesday is not a question I can answer but even after the game, the party at Vintage kept going until the club had to kick people out.

That's what I call a Rays Hawk! In case you couldn't tell, Andrea Rose loves her home team and isn't afraid to let everyone know. Team spirit seemed to be at an all-time high at the Vintage with a mass of cheers for every good move on the Rays part. That doesn't mean everyone was rooting for the Rays though.

Talk about some dangerous choices in headgear and skin art. Dre Doe wanted to make sure I got a good look at local hip-hop musician Gambit Da Bandit's tattoo on his neck. Given the animosity after the Phillies won game one, these guys were pretty daring to be showing up at the Rays afterparty to do some heckling.

Meet the JabbaWockeeZ from the show America's Best Dance Crew. If you paid $40 to get into the Vintage based purely on the fact that you wanted to see celebrities, this is what you got. Johnny Gomes of the Rays did show up, but his appearance was so brief that it's almost like he wasn't there at all. Overall, the night was great and fun but please don't make the promises of getting celebrities like Derek Jeter, Lil Wayne and Missy Elliot if you can't confirm it. I saw quite a few people upset over the fact that no celebs were present.

Make sure to check out the rest of the drunken shenanigans at the Rays after party photo gallery!

What baseball game?

The Buckethead show is BYOB: Bring Your Own Bucket.

Yeah, there’s that whole baseball thing going on tonight, but maybe you want to hear some tunes other than Take Me Out to the Ball Game. But if you’re headed to downtown St. Petersburg, you might want to get there early. Parking? Good luck with that.

Australian Pink Floyd “The Wall” Don’t hold your breath if you’re hoping to see the real Pink Floyd tour any time soon, but this might be the second best thing. See The Wall performed in its entirety, complete with laser, animation and inflatables. Inflatable what? We’re not sure. 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $47.50-$67.

Buckethead: Ahh, the mystery that is Buckethead. Here’s the deal: A mostly-mute guy wears a Michael Myers-like mask and a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head. (There’s some backstory about him being raised in a chicken coop). Novelty aside, the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist is a gifted shredder with a strange but impressive collection of progressive metal, thrash, funk, electronica, jazz, bluegrass and comedy (including an I Like It Raw tribute to ODB). He’s collaborated with Les Claypool, Iggy Pop, and Serj Tankian. 8 p.m. Garage Bar, 662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $18-$20.

Unearth: It’s remarkable that this metalcore band from Massachusetts is even still alive, let alone touring and making new music. Since forming in 1998 they’ve survived van accidents, violent thieves, physical and mental illness and a rotating cast of members. But they soldier on, releasing their fourth album, The March, on Oct. 14. 7 p.m. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $20.

Los Lonely Boys: Hopefully these three brothers aren’t as lonely now that they’ve reached the top of the charts. Their bluesy-country rock has a Hispanic twinge (bad pun alert!) as spicy as South Texas chili. After they sing the national anthem at the Rays’ World Series game tonight, the trio won’t be able to stick around for the game. However, their Web site says “Go Phils!” Hmm ...  8 p.m. Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N, St. Petersburg. $27.50.

OctubaFest 2008: The festival concludes tonight with a performance by all the members of the USF tuba/euphonium studio. Not to toot their own horns or anything (another one!) but they say this show is a lot of fun. 8 p.m. FAH 101 at USF. 4202 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Free.

Baseball not your thing? Try these

We’re not sure what good this is going to do since you’re just going to be watching baseball tonight. But just in case there are some Red Sox fans in town who can’t bear to watch, here are some alternatives:

Pumpkin patch: The Pet Masquerade isn’t until Saturday, but you can stop by now to pick out the perfect plump pumpkin to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. 5-8 p.m. Old Hyde Park Village, 742 S Village Circle, Tampa.

Razzle Dazzle: The St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary’s 56th annual luncheon and fashion show raises funds to benefit the hospital.  Go ahead and treat yourself to something nice — it’s for a good cause. 11 a.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $50. (727) 866-3158.

Fall/Winter Goddess Fashion Show: Ladies, this one’s for you. Watch as the hottest fashions for fall and winter are debuted by Custo Barcelona, Amber Cox, Reborn Couture, Ice-It by BeBe Z and House of Dali. The only seasons we have here are summer and snowbirds. But no matter, enjoy the open bar and be one of the first 100 people and get a signature goodie bag. 7 p.m. Hyde Park Cafe, 1806 W Platt St., Tampa. $5 donation.

Portugal. The Man: Okay, let’s see if you can follow along: First a band forms in Alaska, moves to Portland where they name themselves Portugal. The Man. That's them on the right. The name of the band is “Portugal” (like the country) and the “The Man” means it is just one man. Which it clearly isn’t. Then they release an album with the songs credited to The Approaching AIRballoons. Why? Because The Approaching AIRballoons is the name of Portugal’s backing band. Get it? Neither do we. The name of the band is as complicated as its moody, experimental blues pop. With Earl Greyhound and Wintersleep. 7 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 N Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. $13.

Suicide Silence: Things you should not do at a Suicide Silence show: 1.) Wear tie-dye. 2.) Call out for “Freeee Biiiirrdd!” 3.) Let your guard down for one moment. The Web site of this deathcore band from Riverside, Calif., sums it up the experience: “Suicide Silence’s breakdowns cause havoc in the pit, their blast-beats are neck-snapping and there is a palpable sense of barely controlled pandemonium when they play live.” Sound like ... fun? Better get there early, or it’s good luck finding a parking space tonight. 6 p.m. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $19.

Keep them screaming for more

This Friday (10/17), I had the opportunity to travel to Orlando to see some of the horrific sights of Spooky Empire's Halloween Horror Weekend. I mainly wanted to check out the massive zombie walk of over 500 people going on for the start. I can assure you that it was utter madness and I've never seen that much fake blood being thrown around in my whole life.

Wherever there are zombies, there are going to be those who want to destroy them. A group called Z.E.D. (Zombie Emergency Defense) was on patrol for the whole walk. They even barricaded the doors to the hotel but were brutally slaughtered by the shambling hordes. This, of course, was all acting but it still looked pretty gruesome.

Taking a cue from Fido, Justin Mashburn holds Lindsey Mann at bay while she struggles with the neck restraint. Of course, when there's hundreds of zombies on the loose, what good is it to restrain just one?


Aaron Stanton as a giant gorilla thing with a cane and straw hat. If that doesn't get you to a double-take, I'm not sure what will. I feel bad for him because it was a scorching hot day and he must've been burning up under all that fur.

This is scary. Everyone knows mimes are freaky, but mimes who eat flesh? That's a different level all together. Tracy Abrahams and Carina Mattis managed to have the scariest costumes to me because they had the idea and stuck to it. I didn't hear them utter one word to anyone while they were there.

Possibly another So Tampa Bay Pseudo-Celeb, the Boogie Man made his first appearance. Here's the breakdown: Take equal parts Ybor Drag Queen, 70's funk star, Geraldo Rivera and make them undead and you have the most fabulous zombie talk show host to grace Tampa Bay. Being a member of the Deadite Empire, I expect to see lots more of the Boogie Man and his fierce attitude!

Make sure to check out the rest of the bloody action that happened at the zombie walk and check back tomorrow when I'll have the lowdown on the Zombie Fetish Party going on at Pegasus!