Nearly naked foam party rocks!
Foam parties are nothing new ,but combine them with encouragement to get naked and you have a whole different story.
Same deal at the Xzanthia's clothing-optional foam party at the Riverboat Nudist Club in Land O' Lakes on Friday. And let's get this out of the way first: There were naked people and we did gawk at them for a little bit (there won't be any pictures of them though). Once we got past the initial shock that there were a few scattered nudists walking around, we found one well put together party.
Aside from the foamy goodness, There was the awesome DJ Robert Van West who mixed electro-rave stuff combined with some dark wave and industrial plus an interlude for a band called the Unit Shifters that rocked out some classic tunes (their Alice in Chains was particularly good). Add into that artists showing off their work by painting people with UV reflective paint and a man who turned a go-cart into a bed-mobile and you've got something to attract the attention of anyone.
Our personal favorite was the sideshow artist Twisted Trystan who shoved his face into broken glass and swallowed swords. Even though it was cringe-worthy, his charisma kept us enraptured throughout his entire set.
We know some people maybe skeptical but let me assure you that the party put on by Xzanthia is on the best that you'll find in the area. From art to foam to hot tubs to entertaining spectacles, this part had something for everyone.
If you're at all worried about the nude thing, do what we did and wear dark sunglasses, no one will be able to tell where you're looking.
If you're open-minded enough to check it out, the next one is going on July 10 and will cost $10 to get into the craziness.
--Story/photos by Leigh Armstrong, Times Staff Writer
Check after the jump for more photos that are completely safe for work. we promise!
The World Famous Gaspar's Grotto, Hand's Down, here's why
A menu by none other than noted Chef Jeannie Pierola. No other bar can boast that. No one ever ate better bar food. Period
A $2 shot and a beer special, every day until midnight
A super-hot all female bar staff- (except for one guy, the legendary Bosco)
Tremendous garden patio right on 7th Avenue, replete with fountains and foliage.
The world's most famous Barcat, Tanker Ray. Google 'Tanker Ray' and see!
Haunted by Ghosts- and there are pictures to prove it.
Eclectic selection of live music.
Spotless bathrooms
Where else can you buy a flinlock pistol, a pirate sabre or a shirt that says " Surrender the Booty"?
The most diverse crowd in town, punks, society ladies, shipyard workers, celebrities, musicians, suits, students, businessmen, housewives, foreign tourists, seamen off ships in the port, working girls, off duty cops. all talking it up at the largest bar in Tampa.
Pretentious empty-suits don't last at the Grotto.
Posted by: Eric | June 14, 2009 at 06:02 AM
Isn't that a child in the background of the first photo? Parenting FAIL!
Posted by: Kenneth | June 15, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I guess it was family friendly as well?
Posted by: Maria | June 15, 2009 at 11:29 PM
There were a few children there with their parents. Nudism should be family friendly.
Posted by: John | June 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM