RuPaul hits the streets of Ybor and other wackiness

Don't deny it. You know you love RuPaul and are just itching to see her at L'Olivier this Saturday. Combine the performances of the world's most famous drag queen with a dinner club based around Moulin Rouge ranks as a don't miss event for the night. Even if you don't have reservations for dinner, you can just walk up and see her. Admittedly, the price is a bit high with $39.95 but it should be money well spent. Her show starts at 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Looking to get out this weekend but aren't necessarily wanting to see the famous drag queen? Check out the Gasparilla Film Festival this weekend. For my money, I'd say check out the young filmmaker shorts  at the Channelside theater at 11:35 a.m. They're usually fun and quirky enough to be lively for the whole time and you get to see what the future of film making is shaping up to be. If you're looking to get the full low-down on all the shows though, check out the whole schedule to find what film tickles your fancy.

Remember the 80's? It seems like it's never died here in Florida (I blame Don Johnson) but it does make for some interesting dance nights. This time it's Ruth Eckerd Hall holding their Awesome 80's Prom this Saturday at 5 p.m.. These things have become a dime a dozen now days but it doesn't make them any less fun. The music may get old but seeing people dressed in the ridiculous will always be hilarious (especially if they take it seriously!). Tickets are going to run $35, which is about the normal cost of a prom ticket these days anyways.

If you haven't heard about it already, there's a nude art show going on this weekend. It should be great for those looking for the avant-gard sort of thing but I just have two words of warning before you go. Keep all of your clothes on. People want to see the models naked, not you. Second, if you're going just to get a cheap thrill at looking at nude women, cruise down to Mons Venus instead. That's what it's there for. Check out the story by Susan Thurston for all the nitty-gritty details if you want to go. Remember that none of the people are going to look as good Michelangelo's David naked so don't get your expectations to high.

Fill up - it's Fat Tuesday!

Free food! Today is Fat Tuesday, the final day of Mardi Gras, and in the tradition, the last chance to gorge yourself before Lent. For centuries, the English have “flipped” for pancakes, as strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent. The pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products. And these days, who knows pancakes better than IHOP? Today guests get a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network. The offer is good all day, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. IHOP served 1.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day in 2008. That’s a tall stack.   

Mardi Gras on Main Street: Once your belly is full, work off those calories at the annual celebration in downtown Dunedin. Enjoy the craft vendors, food from area restaurants and live music by Gumbo Boogie Band (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and the Vodkanauts (9-11 p.m.). The highlight is the parade that begins at 7:30 p.m. and moves along Douglas Avenue, from Beltrees to Monroe. 5-11 p.m. Downtown, along Main Street, Dunedin. Free. (727) 733-3197.

2009 Governor’s Baseball Dinner: Here’s the opportunity to break bread with Charlie Crist and baseball’s bigwigs on the night before spring training opens. Meet Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, members of Baseball Hall of Fame and representatives of the 16 teams who spring train in Florida. Eat dinner on the field and tour the updated version of the traveling display “Play Ball: The History of Spring Training in the Sunshine State.” 6 p.m. Tropicana Field, 1 Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg. But if you want to hang with the big dogs, be prepared for the big bill: $100. (850) 488-8347.

An action-packed concert with a surprise ending

I can't deny that I love Giddy-Up, Helicopter!. They're one of those few bands that exemplify the idea of what local music should be to me. It's fun and never feel like I need to judge them on a different scale from other nationally known bands. They come out full of energy (usually with some jumping around and dancing before the show starts) and get right into it. Naturally, when I heard they were having a CD release party at Czar, I had to be there. Combined with the awesomeness of the show, I got a little extra surprise at the end that made my heart thump with joy.

Starting out the night was Inertia!. If you haven't heard of them, they're two sisters who play a melodic rock that has an ethereal sound. They remind me of a bluesy Tegan and Sara with less lesbian overtones. These girls have some massive skill and are definitely worth the check out if you see them around town.

I appreciate what King of Spain does. I don't like it though. Personally, the music kind of grated on me a bit during the show. King of Spain is the type of music that I don't mind listening to at home but it just didn't seem to fit with the mood of the club. It involves a lot of electronic looping in the music, which kind of loses it's effect in a live show. Think if the Beatles had tried to tour with the White Album. The music on it was genius but not meant to be played in front of a live audience.

I don't think I can put into words how much fun Giddy-Up, Helicopter! is. The whole crowd was jumping and dancing throughout the entire set. Unfortunately, this was their second-to-last concert. It's sad that one of my favorite local bands is going away but there's still one more concert they'll be doing on March 9 at Czar. If you haven't seen them before, do yourself a favor and go to it. You won't regret it.

In addition to the musical wonderment of the night, the roller disco was going on! It's been a while since Czar has done the roller disco and I've never seen it on a Saturday night before so that was a treat. It pulled in quite a few people with some zany costumes to match. Plus, the derby girls were out representing for the night. This is definitely something I'd like to see to get back on. Maybe a monthly roller-disco Saturday night at Czar (hint, hint).

Make sure to listen to the bands while you check out the photos in the galleries. It'll be like being there vicariously!

Sequins and creamed corn

Glam is awesome. Don't try and deny it. As long as you don't take it too seriously, wearing wigs and sparkles can be some of the best fun you can have. That's what the Glamagic Shove N' Love at the Rat Soap Art Studio (think a Brooklyn style factory set up for dancing and art) was all about. Having fun in whatever way possible. Throw in drag queens, music acts and fashion shows, and you have yourself a stellar way to spend a Wednesday night. Of course, there were a fair share of surprises. Check the photos below to find out for yourself.

Can you get much cooler than this? Victorian wig, Sequined blazer and a pimp cane with a diamond on top, Ricky Diamond was flaunting some extreme style. I've never seen that much dancing at an art show but he got the people moving. Add in a quick costume change to look 80S cool (complete with neon shades!) and you have a man who knows how to put some fun into music.

Meet Sloppy Seconds. Don't know them? Give it a little while and you just might. This new group has got some style that has to heard to be believed. Think hip-hop mixed with rap and then throw in a whole bunch of sexual content just to be safe. The way they describe themselves is electro-sexual. It's nifty and and they kind of remind me of Electrocute. If you like your hip-hop nasty and dirty, keep an eye out for this duo.

I'm not sure how I feel about Nicky Click. If you listen to her music on-line, it sounds alright. In person, she's all over the place. Literally. Falling on the ground and climbing all over stuff. It makes the show very erratic and interesting to say the least. She did fit right in with the crowd at Rat Soap though. I'd say she's a unique Florida oddity but she's from New Hampshire. I'm not used to seeing this type of oddity outside of Florida!

What event is complete without wrestling? Seriously though, that's creamed corn. I felt absolutely disgusted but I couldn't keep from laughing. It was like watching a real-life Jackass episode. It's vomit-inducing, it's stupid but you can't keep from watching and cracking up.

Overall, I'm definitely going to keep a look at Rat Soap Art Studio from now on to see what they do. If they did all this on a Wednesday, I want to see what they'd pull off on a Friday! Make sure to check out the rest of the glamtastic pics!

 

A delicous day in Tampa Bay

Save room for seconds: Some of St. Petersburg’s finest restaurants will showcase their cuisine along with select vintages as live musicians serenade North Straub Park at today’s St. Petersburg Wine and Food Festival. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. 7-9:30 p.m., with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. $50, $75 (VIP). (727) 347-6133. StPeteWineandFood.com.

Two legends on one stage: The Temptations long ago secured their place among the Motown royalty with hits like The Way You Do, The Things You Do, My Girl and Get Ready. The Four Tops battled the British Invasion with Baby I Need Your Loving and Reach Out, I’ll Be There. See them both on stage at 8 tonight at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $46-$55. (727) 791-7400. rutheckerdhall.com. 

Get your motor running: The current auto industry might not be getting a lot of love these days, but fans of classic automobiles can still celebrate the good old days. This weekend the Zephyrhills Auto Festival cruises into town with vintage auto racing, a swap meet and classic car show. Shopping for a new ride? There’s a collector car auction at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday (bidder’s fee extra). 8 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Sun. Festival Park, 2738 Gall Blvd. (U.S. 301 S), Zephyrhills. $8 Thur.-Fri., $10 Sat.-Sun., 12 and younger free with adult. Multiday passes available. (813) 258-6726. zephyrhillsfestivals.com. 

Frost/Nixon in the flesh

Ok, maybe not the real David Frost and Richard Nixon, but their story captivates on stage as well as the screen.



He’s just not that into truth
The film has been nominated for best picture at this year’s Academy Awards, and this week you can see Frost/Nixon in stunning 3D! No, no glasses are needed. It’s actually the Tony Award-nominated new play about David Frost, a famous British talk-show host with a playboy reputation, eliciting the apology that the rest of the world was waiting to hear from former President Richard Nixon as the two men squared off in one of the most monumental television interviews of all time. 7:30 p.m. today, with shows through Sunday. Morsani Hall at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets from $35.50. (813) 229-7827.

Fair weather fans
The Florida State Fair has come and gone again, but if you can’t get enough of blue ribbons and food on sticks, head up to the Pasco County Fair in Dade City. Today’s entertainment includes animal shows, racing pigs and a magic and comedy show. 3-11 p.m. today, runs through Sunday. Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 SR 52. $8, $5 ages 6-12, 5 and younger free; unlimited ride wristbands are $15 Mon.-Thur., $20 Fri.-Sun. (352) 567-6678.

Paint me thrilled!

Every month, I think I won't go to the Art Pool events. I won't deny that I've been to quite a few of them and it's starting to feel like a monthly ritual. Every month though, Marina Williams comes up with some wild event to hold that is completely creative and offers a new focal point for the idea of art. The Muse Show is no different and it ranks up as one of my favorite events that she has had. If you haven't been to Art Pool yet, quit denying yourself and check it out. I 100 percent guarantee that you'll find at least one entertaining thing there that you'll like.

Bobby Hart's makeup made him have a striking resemblance to Krishna. Except the whole smoking part. The concept of deities with lung cancer is a little too deep for me.

Have you seen Pan's Labyrinth? If not, watch it and you'll see why Kori Skaltsas' paint kind of freaks me out. It may have an oriental feel, but put eyes in her hands and she'd be set to be in Guillermo Del Toro's next film.

What better symbolism for Valentine's day than Evan Dawson dressed as the Prisoner of Love? Sure it's not cheerful and full hearts and pink, but us jaded lovers need something for the holiday as well. Besides, it's kind of sweet. In a morbid, bondage sort of way.

Coming soon for women of all ages, floral camouflage! Perfect for hiding out at your aunt's house party. Maggie Day shows how she blends in perfectly without notice against this floral backdrop. I'd really love to see that on the market and I'd love to see our soldiers in it! The green camo is so 1950!

Check out more painted bodies from the Muse Show!

Have a great time and save some coin

Free fair fun!

For the first time in its 105-year history, the Florida State Fair is opening its gates for free. Today, after 4 p.m., you can enjoy all the midway rides and melty treats you can handle, but the main event is the Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Concert at Ford Amphitheatre with performances by The Spinners and Little Anthony and the Imperials, a flyover and a patriotic fireworks display. Florida State Fairgrounds, Interstate 4 at U.S. 301 N, Tampa. Free parking. (800) 345-3247.

Back to Basiqs

Alternative emcees the Basiqs, right, preview their first national release, This Lie, tonight. It’s a slick indie, hip-hop, pop and soul effort that discusses issues that arise when artists sell out. 9 p.m. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. $10. (813) 241-8600.

Love 'n’ Roll

Wheel your way back to your younger days and treat your special someone to some fun on wheels at tonight’s Roller Heat night featuring unlimited free fondue with the price of admission. Just think of it as a do-over for those awkward dates you went on in junior high. 9 p.m.-midnight. United Skates of America, 5121 N Armenia Ave., Tampa. $10 each or $19 per couple.

Affordable art

Being a careful spender in this economy doesn’t mean your love of art should suffer. Bessie Arts hosts the opening of the Print Ready show tonight, with original works, prints and photographs by local artists, priced to sell and ready to buy. Plus there’s a cash bar and DJ Mega will be spinning tunes. 6 p.m. Nova535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg. Free admission. (727) 821-6682.

Something old, something new

There's two cool bands performing in Tampa Bay tonight, but they couldn't be more different:



Worst. Band. Ever.

You go see the Millionaires for the same reasons you rubberneck in traffic or look at the bug you’ve squished under the newspaper — you just have to peek. At least the three valley girls address their critics head-on, acknowledging they’re “no-talent, just lucky,” “so annoying” and “totally ruining music.” 6:30 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 N Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. $13-$15. (813) 248-9500.

Twenty-first century ho-down

Itchin’ for a jugband sound with YouTube-era swagger? A dose of Old Crow Medicine Show will do the trick. The Tennessee boys play a mix of old-time folk, country, bluegrass and gospel and inject it with contemporary lyrics. The band picked up lots of jam-band fans at Bonnaroo as well as NPR listeners on A Prairie Home Companion, so expect an eclectic crowd. 7:30 tonight Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. $26.50. (813) 274-8286.

Classics or current? Take your pick today

Foxy Shazam: Their unhinged music is a maniacal mix of pianos, guitars, howling vocals, double-kickdrum percussion and rock 'n’ roll theatrics. It’s loud! It’s fast! It’s dance! It’s pop! 6:30 p.m. Orpheum, 1902 N Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. $10. (813) 248-9500.

WMNF Environmental Film Series: A double-feature of environmental films will play simultaneously on both sides of the bay. Kilowatt Hours is an award winning new film that shows practical ways to reduce energy use at home, save money and reduce our carbon footprint. Mountaintop Removal looks at how the coal industry’s practice of blowing up the tops of mountains in Appalachia is devastating communities and rivers. Both showings will be followed by a discussion featuring local environmental leaders. 7 p.m. $5 advance, $7 at the door. Globe Coffee Lounge, 532 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 898-5282. Tampa Pitcher Show, 14416 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. (813) 963-0578.

Elvis Holiday Tribute Show: What’s better than a great Elvis impersonator? Two Elvis impersonators. It’s twice the sideburns and sunglasses at this rockin’ retrospective incorporating the King’s early and later years. 1 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $16. (727) 791-7400.