State of the Art returns!

Just a quick note for all you art-stars out there, State of the Art v.2 is happening April 25th at the Roosevelt in Tampa. I had mentioned in my year end wrap-up for 2008 that the first State of the Art was the best art party I had been to that year. With that in mind, State of the Art v.2 should be a great party tonight. With live music, fashion and a live art installation being put out, State of the Art v.2 should be a no miss party to hit up tonight. Considering just how cool the last event was, I want to make sure people get a lot of notice for this one so the turnout will be amazing.

On a side note: I apologize to anyone who read the earlier article stating that the show was today. I got a little too excited when I got the e-mail stating it was April 2nd that I forgot to look at the flyer, which states the show is on the 25th. Honestly, no one feels more stupid than I, since I drove out to Tampa for a non-existent show!

State of the Art v.2 will be going on at the Roosevelt, 1812 N. 15th St., Ybor City, at 9 p.m. They don't have a cover charge listed but plan on paying around $10 to get into the show. Last year's was worth at least twice that with the amount of art and music going on. I'll get more information to you as this develops

Can't get enough Hoobastank?

Their outdoor set at Williams Park in St. Petersburg might get a little soggy today, but head over to Push around 11 p.m. tonight for an intimate acoustic set by the band at their "official" afterparty.

Tampa Bay gets ink with the Cigar City Tattoo Convention

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

Party away those Holiday blues with a wild weekend.

Christmas is almost upon us and you have only one more good weekend to make sure you get your name on Santa's naughty list. Thankfully, I've got some ideas to make sure you get the most out of this weekend.

Enjoy their show, but read our reviews

Chances are you've heard of REAX, Tampa Bay's local music magazine. While we think they're no match for our own music critic, Sean Daly, they are a good read for all the lowdown on local music. Tonight (12/18), they're hosting its free reader appreciation party over at New World Brewery. With four local mystery bands playing, it may seem like a bit of a gamble, but given that they are a music magazine, you can expect their choices of bands will good.

The Sports Party Animal

If you're more into the hip-hop scene, Ian Beckles of 620 AM is hosting his second annual Christmas party tonight (12/18) at Lime . It's a naughty or nice theme but I imagine there aren't going to be too many people taking advantage of the "nice" part. Regardless of how you dress, the music spun by DJ Homewrecker will be a mix of the best old and new-school hip-hop to keep everyone on the dance floor until the night is over.

We're so horn-y

Believe it or not, Tropicana Field is hosting a college bowl game Saturday aptly titled the St. Petersburg Bowl. It's not the most important college game of the year (7-5 USF vs. 6-6 Memphis) but it does make a good excuse to hold some block parties like the one going on Friday (12/19) on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Make sure to leave any blue and gray at home. You don't want to accidentally mistaken for a Memphis Tigers fan and cause a riot.

Beats the office party

Out in the Ybor area, there are two parties really getting into the spirit of the season with their own unique way. The Hallucination Before Christmas at Czar on Saturday (12/20) is going to feature some great electro music by various artists while also doing a canned food drive to help out those in need around the bay.

Meanwhile, at Crowbar it's the Ghetto Christmas Party the same night but will be a little more rock with the punk/ska band Full Fledged Unit playing. Honestly, both are good choices and it just depends on how you're feeling that night.

There's always room for u-g-l-y

Sometimes getting prepared to go out can be a chore. Finding the hippest clothes and trying to look your best is a pain to do night after night. Lucky for us, the Bishop is having their Ugly Sweater Party tonight and Push is having their own party on Sunday (12/21). It's simple really: Break out that sweater with glowing reindeer that your grandma got you and get half off all your drinks. Plus, if you have the ugliest sweater in the bar, you win yourself a huge bar tab. If there was ever an excuse to be caught wearing a Cosby sweater, it's this.

No wonder he's the jolly old elf!

Christmas time is almost here and there's a lot of cool stuff going on before the holidays hit and you have to spend extended periods of time with the family.

Ho, Ho, Whoa!!

Let's face it, Santa kind of looks like a drunk: A fat guy with a long unkempt beard, not to mention those rosy red cheeks and nose. I'm not the only one who thinks this either. The 8th Annual Santa Pub Crawl is hitting Ybor City Friday (12/12). Just imagine hundreds of people dressed in bright red suits stumbling down Seventh Avenue with tie-on beards pushed to the side in order to suck down some more booze. Of course, it's all for charity and should not be taken seriously. Make sure to check out the video the guys who run the event put together to advertise. If they can be that silly and weird sober, just imagine them drunk!

Study or just stare

Have you ever been interested in trying to be an artist but don't know how to even start? Art Pool has set up an event to help you out with the inspiration. At The Foundation Show on Friday (12/12) you will see the finished product from the artist but also all the steps that they took to get there. It should be interesting to see the complete process an artist has to go through to create a piece and should be a good inspiration for aspiring artists. Then on Saturday (12/13), they're also having a holiday/craft/garage sale at Art Pool. So if you have any artistic people on your list for Christmas, this should be on your schedule to hit up.

Lookin' good

For all you fashionistas out there, Rigged Out in Tampa at Czar on Saturday (12/13) is sure to offer the height of hip fashion. It's hosted by Parisa of The L-Word, so you know it's going to be sexy. Given how Czar events usually are, expect this to be the the place to see and be seen this weekend.

Which list are you on?

If you're looking for the weird and wild, stop by the Garage on Friday (12/12). The Naughty or Nice show is going to have some dark, burlesque performances by local Florida burlesque star, Minnie Vicious. Imagine a 50's Vargas pin-up girl. Make her flesh and blood and you have Minnie Vicious. I've seen a lot local performers trying to capture the aesthetic of pin-ups but none have been able to do it as masterfully as Minnie Vicious.  While this is considered a fetish event, don't get it confused with those fetish clubs in Pinellas. This is more of the equivalent of seeing a saucy dance performance. On the weird side, the first 50 people in the door get a paddle. Yes, like the ones you'd see teachers use to spank kids.

Art, punk and some pain for Batman

Now that Black Friday has come and gone, everyone should have that need to hit the stores and shop like crazy out of their system. So replace it with a need to hit up all these events and party like madmen. It's a similar experience, but at least you won't be fighting with 60-year-old woman over the last Elmo Live.

We :::heart::: art

The art scene has definitely been on the upswing this year with a lot of groups trying to make art galleries the place to be. For the most part, they've succeeded and made an art showing a viable alternative to another night at an Ybor City bar. Virgin 2.0 at the Ritz on Saturday (12/6) could be the biggest one yet. With the typical indie artists from around the Bay present, there will also be a fashion show, a performance by the odd, but entertaining, Jeremy Gloff and a rhythmic yoga demonstration. It's got a mix of all the eccentricity that makes Tampa Bay so unique. It definitely could be the best art event of the year (I'll save my judgment on that for after) and you can assume the this will be scenester central, so make sure your clothes are hip and chic.

Three words: Live break dancing

Over on the Pinellas side, the Artist's Invasion is at Williams Park on Friday (12/5). I imagine that Williams Park will be completely over run with new Bohemians while this festival takes place. A variety of different bands with totally different styles will be there, including the Jim Morey Band, Extinction of Man and Tribal Style. Also, there will be live break dancing. I don't think that there's anything more retro-hip than break dancing (I tried to learn when I was a kid and ended up looking like I was having seizures). This is a definite catch-all event with something that will please anyone who shows up. With Virgin 2.0 you get to enjoy two great art shows this weekend if you choose to go out!

The horror!

Break out your black eyeliner and skull patches because the Misfits are in town at Jannus Landing on Friday (12/5). While they're no longer the huge sensation they once were, they're still a decent show to catch, especially if you've never seen them live before. They exist as one of those bands that you should see before you die just because of their phenomenal impact that they had on underground music culture as a whole. A lot of the bands that exist today, like Wednesday 13, Murderdolls and Rob Zombie, wouldn't be the sensation that are without the influence of the Misfits. Admittedly, they no longer have my personal favorite member (Glen Danzig holds a special place in my heart) but they're still a good reason to be break out the torn clothing and get into the pit. Bonus game: Whoever counts the most Misfits skull tattoos wins a prize.

Rip it up at Reconstruct

If you've got the fashion design bug in your system, it's time for you to try and strut your stuff. Reconstruct at the Tamiami on Saturday (12/6) is all about taking your old clothes and putting them back together in a unique way. Use your imagination and you could possibly walk away with some sort of prize for doing a good job. There aren't any rules except you just need to be creative with those old T-shirts and put them together into something wearable so let your inner artist out and create something chic.

Batman's big bash

Rounding out the weekend events are the monthly First Friday in St. Pete. With the Artist's invasion going on at the same time, it'll be easy to walk back and forth between the two if you need a break from either one. Finally, if you can't get enough of Ybor's own controversial caped crusader, Tampa Bay's Batman will be having his birthday party at the Castle on Saturday (12/6) so you can go and wish him well. If you've had enough of him you'll still get the option entering the raffle to be one of the lucky 22 people who get to paddle him for his birthday. Remember to follow through on your swing.

A very electro holiday weekend

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time. Too much family and it's just the start of the Christmas season blues. Having a little time to yourself can work wonders this time of year. But now you can fuel up on leftovers and start looking forward to all the hip parties this weekend. All you need to do is be able to pull yourself off the couch after eating that massive helping of that tryptophan-filled turkey. If you do though, you won't be disappointed.

New take on Christmas lights

It's been ages since there's been a good electro party here in St. Pete so if you're a fan of bright flashing lights and computerized music, make sure to check out Swerve at the Garage on Friday (11/28). Lately, the Garage has been having parties that just get bigger and bigger all while staying immensely varied with their type of clientèle. This party looks to be no different and will have scenesters coming out of the woodwork to drink sake bombs and dance to the underground electro and trip-hop that will be playing. The party is about everything electronic including video and electronic art.

Blue threads

If you're more into "regular" art, check out the Make art, not war party going on at Art Pool on Saturday (11/29). In case you couldn't tell by the name, it's going to be a politically driven art show with a bunch of Obama art by Blue Lucy and a fashion show by Wear to the Tear, who previously did some very avant-garde work at their own vintage fashion night at the Kennedy. As always, even if you're not interested at all in Art Pool, it's a good time because of the people and the unique themes to the events. It'll also be interesting to see how they make a fashion show semi-political.

A Very Metal Christmas

With the end of Thanksgiving comes the preparation for Christmas. Crowbar is all over that with the Child's Rockin' holiday concert on Saturday (11/29). Just donate a toy or pay $8 to get in (but seriously, donate a toy and help out the kids). Some of the bands include 9th Evolution, Cowboy Mafia and Liverbaby. Admittedly, the music isn't going to inspire thoughts of goodwill and peace among all men, but who says the holidays can't have a little bit of a metal edge to them?

Techno-puppets — huh?

If you're looking for something totally eclectic this weekend, I don't think you could beat Quintron and Miss Pussycat at New World Brewery this Friday (11/28) for zaniness. Take a punk rock electro band and then add in puppets that look like they're straight out of a 70's kids tv show. Surprisingly, the music isn't bad either, which is surprising for bands like this. Just be prepared to feel disoriented and and slightly confused. If you don't believe me, check out one of their videos.

Find your own fun

If nothing intrigues and you need to get out, just check out your local hangout. It seems like every club in Tampa Bay is doing their own thing to get into the holiday spirit (and capitalize on the days off). I'm pretty sure that at least one of your favorite bars will be doing post-Thanksgiving party so there's no reason at all to miss out on the festivities and cheap booze!

Shiver me timbers! Not out in the cold.

St. Petersburg Times photo

Cold weather got you down? Don't let it! It's supposed to warm up by this weekend and not a moment too soon. Going out partying is just like sleep because you'll never be able to make up lost time!

Walk this festival, not the plank

If you have dreams of sailing the open seas with only a parrot and a large bottle of rum for company, stop by the Florida Pirate Festival at Vinoy Park Friday (11/21) through Sunday (11/23). Even though pirates are the obvious Tampa Bay norm for festivals, it's still fun to go out with an eye-patch and hook for a hand. It's supposed to have a family friendly area but you know there will be enough saucy wenches and scurvy dogs to satisfy the adult crowds as well. So study up on your pirate lingo and don't come dressed as a ninja. I hear pirates hate those guys.

Sound familiar?

It's just a shame not many people on this side of the pond got a chance to the Beatles in concert. On Friday (11/21), Cheap Trick will be performing the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album in its entirety at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Given the style of their normal music, it should be interesting to hear their interpretation of it. Then on Saturday (11/22), four local bands will each play one side each of the White Album for a tribute called the White Album Recreation at Skipper's. Here's hoping Rebekah Pulley gets to do Happiness is a Warm Gun.

Drink up, help the kids

If you like alcohol but not the idea of dealing with numerous impressions of Captain Jack Sparrow then trade out the rum for some vodka and hit up the Ritz on Friday(11/21) for the Vodka Fest. Don't be showing up in blue jeans and sneakers to this one, either. This isn't a t-shirt and jeans kind of festival though, it's an upscale fundraiser with dozens of the finest spirits for sampling. It's a bit more expensive too, but proceeds benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation for troubled children. Those children need you to go and sample all that alcohol. Do you really want to let them down?

Sounds more fun in summer

Those of us who are inherently lazy (pretty much all of us), we now have an event that caters to us. It's Chillounge in Straub Park on Saturday (11/22) and all it involves is relaxing on some outdoor furniture and sipping a few cocktails. The goal is to transform the park into a giant open-air lounge. Plus there's a fashion show going with it as well as some sweet jazz music to keep your feet tapping. You'll be plenty comfortable though.

Wear that style out

Take a look in your wardrobe right now. Would you describe your clothing as hip? Didn't think so, so make sure to hit up Pale Horse Saturday (11/22) for the Back in Black T-shirt show. These aren't just normal T-shirts as each one is a limited edition style that'll be fairly unique to you. Pale Horse has become a mecca of sorts for the graphic artists in St. Petersburg so it's a great place to come and hang with hippest of the hip. Plus, each T-Shirt is only $15 you can grab some stylish threads and not empty out your bank account. No worries about them falling apart either.

Creatures of the nightlife

The Tampa Bay area is hardly the perfect sunless setting for vampires. Still, with the movie Twilight hitting theaters, we haven't been this romantically obsessed with the cool creatures since Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So if the beautiful undead were walking among us, where would they go for Tampa Bay nightlife? Here are five spots — besides The Castle in Ybor City, of course.

Insomniacs Coffee Lounge: What's better for creatures of the night than a coffeeshop that's open all night? Add in cocktails and an endless cup of joe — whether you actually drink them or not — and it's perfect. Just watch out for sunrise when you walk out in the morning. It's killer. 4319 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.

Boneyard: If you're drawn to the crowds of Ybor but don't want to do the typical gothic vampire thing at The Castle, try the Boneyard. With a darker but kitchsy atmosphere, it'll get your blood lust going in a more modern-style, like Quentin Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn. 1823 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City.

Bar Envy: Trying to keep a low profile? In Hernando, there's this dimly lit lounge that used to be Saints & Sinners. With the too-cool atmosphere and Monday nights dedicated to industrial and EBM, it'll appeal to your dark side. 11060 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

The Kennedy: Ideal for all the glittery undead who still want to be the life of the party. The blood red atmosphere is the perfect cover for plenty of neck nuzzling. 2408 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

Club Underground: With a secluded location and popular event nights, Club Underground is everything a vampire needs. Amid the midnight atmosphere and pumping bass, it's easy to escape into one of the many segmented rooms. Security is tight, though, so you might have to leave the sharp incisors at the door. 802 E Whiting St., Tampa.

Concerts and Cars: What's going on this weekend

Young Jeezy will be performing and rocking the crowds at Last Damn Show this year at Tropicana Field. Photo from Luis Santana | tbt*

While there aren't too many parties this weekend, that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do. Some big name bands will be coming to the Bay along with some cool stuff for the gearheads to enjoy. Motor and music fans, this weekend is built specifically for you.

Biggest Damn Show

The big concert event is the Last Damn Show at Tropicana Field Saturday (11/8). Given the track record for the previous years, you can expect this party to be loud and crowded. With a huge line-up of artists performing including Young Jeezy and T-Pain, you'll be kicking yourself for months if you're you're a hip-hop fan and you miss this one.

Warm up to Coldplay

If you're more into the rock side of things, Coldplay is playing Friday (11/7) at the Amway Arena up in Orlando. It's quite a drive for a concert but, on the other hand, it's Coldplay.  They're a band that has to be seen to be believed. When I first heard them, I wrote them off as Radiohead-lite but then I got dragged to one of their concerts and it pulled a 180 on my view of them. If you like rock in the slightest, this is not a concert to miss.

We vote for these guys

If you don't want to drive an hour and a half away, The Presidents of the United States of America are playing at Jannus Landing this Saturday (11/8). They've been mysteriously quiet for the past four years and we're thinking they only thaw out around election time. If you don't remember these guys, think back to the 90's and some of the crazier Alt-Rock and the Presidents were among the craziest. I clearly remember in my youth watching the video for Peaches on MTV and rolling on the floor laughing when the ninjas came out of the trees at the end. That's not to say they're a comedy rock band. They just like to have a little fun with their music.

Home grown grooves

It's also a big weekend for the local artists with two of the biggest playing this weekend. Playing some catchy folk rock, Tampa Bay's darling Rebekah Pulley, right, will be playing at the Ringside Cafe on Friday (11/7) for a small venue type of show. If you want something a little more indie and a little more poppy, check out Giddy-Up! Helicoptor at New World Brewery on Friday (11/7) for your fix. Plus, they wear crazy costumes while playing and you just can't beat that.

Get your motor running

If you're not into concerts you can get your engine revving instead. The International Auto Show is in town this weekend at the Tampa Convention Center and you can go and gawk at all the cool vehicles being shown off.

For more of an old-skool vibe there's the Kustom Kulture art show at the Garage this Friday (11/7), which is going to feature a bunch of motor-driven art as well as some hot rod 50's-style music.

If you want to see wild paint jobs and fast custom cars, check out the Little Tokyo Night Show at the Lowe's in Riverview on Saturday (11/8). You can rest assured that the vehicles will be among the best that you'll see

Red wasn't invited?

But if you want the typical type of party, you can at least make sure it's for a cause. The Blue & White party poolside at Seminole Hard Rock Casino on Friday (11/7)is all about helping the Childrens Cancer Center. There's going to be DJs, dancing and a fashion show to boot. The best thing is that it's all a guilt-free affair since the main reason you're going to help out those youngsters with terminal diseases. Right? Right?