So Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay gets ink with the Cigar City Tattoo Convention

2009-01-08T08:59:11-05:00

Skin and ink. For so long, there was something rebellious and forbidden -- usually by Mom and Dad -- about tattoos. Now Mom and Dad have tattoos, too. Slowly they've become respected as permanent, wearable artwork.

A lot of that artwork will be on proud display at The Cigar City Tattoo Convention, which runs Thursday through Sunday (Jan. 8-11) at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. It's hosted by local artists from Atomic Tattoos and will feature the cream of the crop of national and local tattoo artists.

With nearly 70 tattoo artists in attendance, expect to see extremely varied art styles. Not all of the art will be on skin. The Skate Park of Tampa has donated skate decks for the artists to show off their work.

The convention will go beyond skin and ink, too. This year the four-day festival has added a variety of films and entertainers.

One of the biggest stars is Jim Rose, who takes body modification to the extreme. Like pushing nails into his nostrils. Or sticking money to his forehead with a staple gun. Ouch. He isn't scheduled to perform any of his really gruesome acts, but his seminar on Sunday, "Self Mythologizing As A Marketing Tool," should be an interesting insight on the man and his life.

Want something with a little more action? The Syrens of the South will perform Saturday. The sexy, sassy Syrens have gained massive popularity since they were started by Miss Lashe and Talloolah Love (at left) in Atlanta in 2007. Now the burlesque act tours the country, performing at places like the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.

The convention also will be a concert extravaganza. Unknown Hinson -- the undead hillbilly playing hardcore rock 'n' roll -- is the featured rocker on Saturday (1/10). Plus, some of the best local bands around, including Doll Parts, Rancid Polecats and Nessie, will be rocking the event.

Still, the main attraction will be the people getting new ink around the clock on the fourth floor of the Cuban Club. Piercings will also be available.

Thinking about a little skin art for yourself? There will be plenty of designs to choose from, so make sure to bring a little extra cash.

The Cigar City Tattoo Convention

Cuban Club
2010 Avenida Republica De Cuba, Tampa
Thursday through Sunday (Jan. 8-11)
Thursday is free entry from 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday are noon to midnight and Sunday is noon to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for a day pass or $35 for the weekend.

Top photo: The Cuban Club will be full of tattoos ranging from simple to elaborate, like this one. Photo by Leigh Armstrong

Think Bryan Adams has any tattoos?

2009-01-08T06:00:00-05:00

You'll get a chance to find out tonight — if you have good seats that is.

Bryan Adams: Homecoming dance hit-maker (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, Heaven) Bryan Adams hits the road in support of his new album 11. Who knew that “first real six string” would help the Canadian romanticist sell more than 65 million records? With sparkly soft-rock and power ballads, Adams, right, likes to walk the cheesy/sexy line, and at 49 he does it with a new sense of style and humor. Last week, incidentally, his Christmas Time made Examiner.com’s “Six Christmas Songs a Mall Employee Could Do Without” list. 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $39.50-$47.50. (727) 791-7400.

Cigar City Tattoo Convention: Not just ink and needles, this convention brings together art, music, film and more for a weekend-long celebration and examination of the body-modification tradition. See the Web site for a schedule of all the events. Cuban Club, 2010 Ave. Republica De Cuba N, Tampa. $15 per day, $35 for the weekend. (813) 248-2954.

Florida Classic Clusters Dog Show: AKC-sanctioned, all-breed dogs shows, obedience trials and rally trials. Also behind-the-scenes show tours, rescue organizations on site with adoptable dogs, vendors. Kids’ Day, Jan. 11; Seniors’ Day Jan. 12. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Through January 18. Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville. Free admission; parking $5. (813) 465-4525.

Photo by Getty Images

A new Barfly worth buzzing about

2009-01-07T13:35:22-05:00

Good news for all you intoxication connoisseurs in Tampa Bay. Tbt* has found a new Barfly who will be hitting the streets in search of the best places for booze hounds to go. Wade Tatangelo is the new man who will steer you to beer and he's off to a good start with his new review of the Beef O' Brady's on the USF campus that will be published in Friday's tbt*. Formerly, Wade was the music critic at Creative Loafing but his skills will put to good use at tbt* as you can see below.

"Nestled in the Marshall Student Center on the USF Tampa campus, this Beef ’0’ Brady’s is the place to enjoy hot wings and other pub grub goodies alongside undergrads in a room decked out in Bulls green and gold. There’s a 10-stool bar, cafeteria-style seating, a dozen LCD screens and billiards tables. And yes, there is beer and wine. But if you wish to enjoy an adult beverage, don’t arrive before 5 p.m. Apparently school officials are afraid students might tie one on before suffering through that College Algebra course. Guess they’re not worried about night class inebriation," — Wade Tatangelo

That's just a teaser, but I'll link up the full review when it's available or you can check it out in Friday's tbt*.

The circus is in town!

2009-01-07T06:00:00-05:00

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus elephants parade to the St. Pete Times Forum from Union Station as they kick off Zing, Zang, Zoom, the 139th Edition of the Greatest Show on Earth. Asian elephants were unloaded, one was taken by truck and the rest paraded through downtown. Photo by Kathleen Flynn/Times

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Zing Zang Zoom: “Magic” merges with traditional circus arts for a whole new experience where things disappear. Like an elephant. Don’t worry, the show still features all the quintessential circus elements: animal acts, high-wire acts, clowns and human cannonballs. 7:30 p.m., continues through Sunday. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $16.75-$86.75. (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100.

Glow Golf: If you’ve ever crept onto a golf course to sneak in a few rounds at night, you’ll have a huge advantage at this glow-in-the-dark tournament. Golfers may sign up as a foursome or a single, and there’s free all-you-can-eat hot dogs. 6 p.m. Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis facility, 10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island. $20 per player; registration is required. (727) 360-6062.

Marshall Tucker Band: Can’t you see?/Ooooh, can’t you see?/What that woman’s/ Been doin’ to me. Remember that tune? The Marshall Tucker Band is a rootsy-bluesy pioneer of American Southern Rock. Rebel Pride will open. 7:30 p.m. Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. $35. (727) 587-6793.

Little Black Dress Night: Ladies, wear your favorite little black dress and receive free wine from 9-11 p.m. Guys? This offer does not extend to you, so stick with pants. First Wednesdays monthly. Table Restaurant, 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 823-6372.

Rock star lets his hair down tonight

2009-01-06T06:00:00-05:00

Aaron Lewis: The Staind front man, right, is so soaked with ideas that he’s touring solo to ring them out. He’s also been ditching his set list, taking requests and “letting the night dictate itself.” The free-form acoustic evening seems like quite the departure from Staind’s serious, often moping metal. 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $32.50-$54.50 (727) 791-7400.

Last Comic Standing Live Tour: Standup comedy by the five finalists from the NBC TV show. Scheduled to appear: Marcus, Jeff Dye, Louis Ramey, Iliza Shlesinger and Jim Tavare. 8 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Toll-free (800) 826-9303.

Real Lives Movie Series: 'The Rosa Parks Story’: Angela Bassett stars in the 2002 film about the woman who helped spark the modern civil rights movement in the late 1950s. Noon, Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center, 2010 Greenbriar Blvd., Clearwater. Free. (727) 736-1494.

Top 10 drunken ramblings

2009-01-04T21:37:57-05:00

Ah, the wonders of alcohol. When you drink it, you think you're the smartest person alive. But have you ever tried writing down what you say when you're drunk? Try it next time you have that epiphany while intoxicated. How embarrassing. As it's my job to listen to drunken ramblings on a consistent basis, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite (and confusing) things I've heard. Just slur a little when saying these and it'll be like you were there!

It's okay. I'm drunk. That really doesn't make me feel any better. Regardless of the situation.

My mom can beat up your mom. This is scientifically the stupidest phrase in existence. It's true!

You know what's wrong with Florida? It's not New York. Technically, they're right.

I'm going to cut my hair tonight. I imagine drunk hair cuts are what led to the stylish hair of Flock of Seagulls.

Objection! I don't know how this caught on but I hear it more often lately. It's a good way to get your voice heard, though (in a loud, obnoxious way).

When people do accents. While not really a phrase, it's hilarious to hear someone start talking in an Irish accent mid-phrase.

I feel like going for a jog. Oh yes, running while drunk. That's not a bad idea at all.

I'm going to ride my bike tonight. See above and add in road rash.

I can do the knife trick from Aliens. Warning: If anyone around says this when drunk, Take away their liquor and sharp objects or drinks won't be the only thing cut off for the night.

Texting during the conversation. Why do we need to text people 5 feet away from us? For some reason, the urge to do it is greater when intoxicated.

So what's the weirdest thing you've heard a drunk person say?

Pictures to cure your New Year's hangover.

2009-01-01T15:30:09-05:00

Congratulations! you lived through New Year's Eve! Now take a couple ibuprofen, drink some coffee and try to get that hangover out of your system. After you've done that, Check out some of the wild pictures that I took in my New Year's Eve adventuring in Ybor City. While not as packed as I expected (I blame the economy), it still provided it's share of wildness.

Don't drop it! Joe Morton shows off some bottle-spinning techniques at Pop early on in the night. They were on fire at first but he was told to put them out. Talk about a buzzkill. Who doesn't like fiery trick bar tending?

If you want to be a star, the spinning podium at Pop is the place to be. Sarah White shows us how even ordinary and mundane activities like drinking through a straw can be made awesome by a spinning podium. You go Sarah!

What do you say to a bearded doctor covered in blood named Jason Mott caressing a white balloon standing outside the Castle? The correct answer would be to say nothing, walk away very slowly and make no sudden movements. Admittedly, it was all part of the asylum theme the Castle had going for it's New Years but it's still creepy.

Who doesn't love a naughty nurse? When the naughty nurse is naughty in the insane way, it's not as lovable. Fortunately, Lena Denham isn't actually mentally disturbed. By dressing that way, she did make all the guys crazy though.

Meet Kristen Daniels. I wanted to show this picture for two reasons. One, every single guy who walked past her probably woke up with a sore neck this morning from whipping their head around to stare at her. I literally saw a guy walk into another person because he decided it was a better idea to look at her than to care about where he was going. Two, when I see something this gorgeous, I can't keep it to myself. Don't drool too much guys.

Make sure to check out the rest of the pics of my Ybor City adventure!

The Pegasus goes Excelsior!

2008-12-28T15:26:27-05:00

As I look forward to 2009, I can't help but wonder what craziness and absurdity awaits. 2008 was definitely a year to be remembered with lots of wild parties and things that will be forever burned into my brain but if the Cartoon and Comic party at the Pegasus (12/27) is any sort of indicator, the wildness of 2008 will be completely overshadowed by 2009. Surprisingly, Batman missed this one. Perhaps he had people to save and alcohol to drink in the mean streets of Ybor that night.

Ricky Peterika dressed up as Neon Man. His powers? To be instantly visible from across a crowded room and make Trekkies look cool in comparison. He could definitely be Tampa's own superhero.

In case you didn't know, I'm a geek. When I saw Kristie Alneida as Tank Girl, My jaw instantly dropped to the floor. Unfortunately, she's dating the next guy on the list but it did bring back nice memories of my teen angst and had me yearning to listen to Bikini Kill.

Imagine this. Tank Girl and Wonder Woman. It's not quite as cool when Wonder Woman is Marc Golas and features an overage of body hair. I'll never think of Lynda Carter in the same way.

If Neon Man is Tampa's superhero, the Tim Fredericks as Beer Man is St. Petersburg's. Able to chug a pitcher of PBR in mere seconds, Beer Man could have his secret identity as generic St. pete punk kid with his sleeveless Clash shirt and massive mutton chops.

Alright, this one is obscure. In order to get this, you would have to seen Toxic Avenger Part 4 (I'd link you to the trailer but it's very NSFW, but you can find it on youtube if you look). If you haven't, I'm sure you can still get a kick out Max Santiago in a diaper while carrying a machine gun and a cigar. Something about adult babies indulging in vices and violence is hilarious.

Check out the rest of the comic antics that were at the Pegasus in the galleries!

Candy cane clubbing

2008-12-23T23:00:17-05:00

It's finally here. It doesn't matter whether you got a new iPhone or another pair of singing socks, Christmas being over is an excuse to party it up like a rockstar. Put that Christmas money you got from your aunts and uncles to good use and buy a couple drinks. You deserve to unwind a bit.

While nearly every club in Ybor is going to be open on Christmas night, Czar is looking to have the standout event with Merry Cursemas! With phenomenal local Tampa-based DJs spinning throughout the night, this one looks like the event to go to if you're interested in doing some festive clubbing around Ybor for the night. If you're not looking for much of the festivities, the Castle is also going to be doing their normal Thursday Pop and Wave night. I've got it on good authority that it will packed more than usual and candy cane styled shots will be available.

If you want to stay on the Pinellas side of things for your post-Xmas partying, you might think about hitting up the Winter Wonderland over at the Venue. Playing it up like Santa needs a little unwinding after his trip around the world, this one looks to shape up as the happening place to be. While not my favorite of environments to get my drink on, the Venue has steadily improved in the past couple months and this party sounds like it should appeal to most everyone. If you'd like to keep it a little more down and dirty, check out the Bishop's Bad Santa Party. Just make sure to bring your Santa hat with you. It'll get you a free shot and considering you can get them at Wal-Mart for a buck if you don't already have one, it's well worth it.

Of course, if you're feeling daring and you've got nothing better to do, start early on Christmas eve with Pornaoke at the Pegasus. Have no idea if they'll be any sort of crazy theme other than the usual dirtiness on a projected screen but if you don't care if Santa catches you being really naughty, it'll be good way to let off some of that pre-Christmas steam.

The So Tampa Bay best and worst of 2008

2008-12-23T12:43:29-05:00

The year is nearing a close and what better way to end it than to get all nostalgic about the times we had this year? Honestly, there were quite a few standout things that happened this year that I felt I needed to give credit either for their greatness or sheer horridness. That's why I've decided to create some year-end awards.

For better or for worse, these were some of the things that I think deserved mention this year. You probably won't agree but that's why it's my list. If you have any other events or people who you think should have been recognized, feel free to let me know with a comment.

BEST NEW VENUE: Art Pool
Everything about Art Pool just oozes awesome. From the kitschy design to its growth from a small art shop to the place to be every month. The parties are always unique, with a crazy theme to tie them together. Finally Tampa art scenesters have a a reason to journey across the bay.

BEST PARTY OF THE YEAR: Czar's 5th Anniversary
Mix free vodka with passwords, double agents, the USSR and a whole lot of forethought and you have Czar's wild anniversary. I cannot even put into words how great this party was. Oh wait, I can and did. It was original, well thought out and -- most importantly -- a lot of fun! I'm hoping to see more events like this in 2009.

BEST ART PARTY: State of the Art at the Cigar City Theater
Take one part scenester, one part large open warehouse and mix it together with a little liberal thinking and you'd have State of the Art. No other party has utilized the Cigar City Theater as well, and the fashion show was to die for. Not to mention the first piece of art you'd see when walking in was a live piece representing the bloody aftermath of adultery. It was edgy and made art feel rebellious again.

SCENE PERSON OF THE YEAR: Marina Williams
From putting together Art Pool to just doing her own crazy thing, Marina Williams was everywhere, getting her hands into everything. She's helped cultivate a new standard of what was considered hip for 2008 while staging some of the most interesting parties of the year.

BEST DRESSED: Amber Cox of A Wear to the Tear Vintage
Hands down, Amber exemplified the best parts of fashion whenever she was out and about. She had glitz, glamor and fun with whatever outfit she wore. She took the sequined-style dresses that my great-grandma would wear and made them hot for people in their 20s. For that alone, she deserves recognition.

WORST STYLE: Tight shiny pants on men
The sad thing is that I've seen this happening a bit more frequently. It's absolutely cringe-worthy. My motto: No man should be able to see his own reflection off of his pants. If this ever becomes an actual trend everywhere, I'm getting on the first plane back to Korea.

WTF STYLE: The Green Man at the Castle's gothic bikini beach party
Nothing makes you more confused than seeing a man dressed head to toe in bright green Spandex. Add to that, it was nowhere near Halloween and the theme of the night was swimwear. With costumes like these, I don't even look for an explanation. There'll never be one that's satisfactory.

WEIRDEST EVENT OF THE YEAR: Goths on Ice:
Part of the Convergence convention, Goths on Ice took the cake and was even wilder than watching a gothic Fonzie jump a shark in a pool (perhaps the biggest letdown of the year). There was just something about people in black frilly lace and PVC donning ice skates that was oddly appealing. Add in the reactions of regular skaters and you have an event that just left you speechless with bewilderment.

BEST PARTY YOU PROBABLY MISSED: Art Gone Bad at 688 Skate
Art scattered across half-pipes with kids skateboarding around paintings makes for a surprisingly pleasant experience. It's definitely interesting to be appreciating a nice sculpture and, all the while, looking over your shoulder for an oncoming BMX rider. It added a little bit of thrill to the art scene and I'd like to see more places capitalize on that.

BEST PARTY YOU'RE HAPPY YOU MISSED: Midget Chippendales at the James Joyce
This one will haunt me until the day I die. It wasn't really the guys who were disturbing (I'd really rather not see any of them in thongs again, though) but rather the ravenous women giving them dollars. No one should ever be that excited to stuff money in the crotch of a dancing dwarf. It just screams wrong.

MOST CLAUSTROPHOBIC EVENT: Sweatshop Strikes Back at Czar
So busy, I had a hard time even lifting up my camera. I was constantly being squished against at least five other people until I got next to the stage. It was a great time, but I was more than happy to go outside for a smoke every now and again to get away from the mass of hipsters.

THE 'DON'T TAKE YOUR GRANDMA' EVENT: Fetishcon 2008
Seriously, unless your grandma likes the idea of human ponies, whips and latex. Not saying anything is wrong with it, I just worry about exposing my grandmother to things like this. She might get ideas and that's information I don't need to know. I'm scarred enough as it is.

BIGGEST TREND OF 2008: Zombies
The Zombie Nation was everywhere. Tag your party with zombie and it instantly made it that much hipper. From zombie luaus to cowboy zombies, there seemed to be a new and different event focused on zombies every week. Now that it's 2009, let's give another horror franchise a go. Why not give the mummies some love?

MOST UNEXPECTED TREND OF 2008: Art exhibitions becoming the cool and hip thing to do
With the amount of indie galleries around the bay, 2008 saw a huge rise in the interest of the local art scene. People decided that it'd be more fun to go to an art show than go out to an Ybor club on a Friday night. Trust me, I'm not at all complaining and I couldn't be prouder of Tampa Bay. I hope 2009 continues the trend and we get more independent artists and more unique galleries opening throughout Tampa Bay.