Anthony Rodia to visit Tampa Theatre
TAMPA — Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road will welcome comedian Anthony Rodia on Friday, March 22, 8 p.m., at Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Tickets start at $30. Visit www.TampaTheatre.org.
On the road for his “Totally Relatable Tour,” Rodia is a first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, N.Y. In his 20s, he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years he has gained a massive fan base online and around the country.
In a very short time, Rodia gained more than 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed more than 22 million views. His comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage and everything else worthy of a social media rant.
Rodia also hosts the weekly podcast, “Little Bit of Laughs,” on Podcast One. He has appeared on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, FOX’s Good Day New York, and Elizabeth & Elisa on News 12, where he quietly claimed the throne of “King of Off the Boat Comedy.”
Chamber to present Gulfport Plein-Air Event
GULFPORT — The Gulfport Merchants Chamber will present the fifth annual Gulfport Plein-Air Event: “In Plein Sight,” running from March 27 through April 3.
This event celebrates the artistic talent of the Gulfport community and invites artists from near and far to immerse themselves in the picturesque landscapes of Gulfport.
Artists aged 18 and older are invited to participate in this unique plein-air painting event. Participants will have the opportunity to create captivating artworks inspired by the beauty and charm of Gulfport, capturing its essence on canvas.
Registration for the event is open on a first-come basis. Interested artists can bring up to four canvases to the Gulfport Welcome Center, at 5317 Gulfport Blvd., for stamping by March 27. All paintings must be completed within the designated timeframe and within the vicinity of Gulfport.
To ensure maximum exposure for their work, participating artists are encouraged to share their chosen painting locations and painting schedules with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber at Events@visitgulfportflorida.com. This information will be promoted by the chamber to highlight the diversity and creativity of the event.
Completed paintings must be submitted on April 2 and 3 at the Gulfport Merchant Chamber Welcome Center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Artists are requested to provide easels for the display of their artwork during the submission.
The culmination of the event will take place during the First Friday Artwalk on April 5. The final artwork presentation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., during which time the pieces will be judged. Cash prizes and other awards will be presented to the deserving artists.
Registration for the Gulfport Plein-Air Event: "In Plein Sight" is $20. Interested artists can register by visiting https://link.followupspark.com/widget/form/xGUX2XpjcrsDlv8wVvFQ.
Historic Kenwood to host Artist Studio Tour
ST. PETERSBURG — The Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood will present is 2024 Artist Studio Tour on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This tour is free, self-guided and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy two days exploring the art- and culture-filled neighborhood of Historic Kenwood. The exhibits of 30 artists will be on display at 19 different stops. Guests will experience works ranging from emerging artists to internationally recognized professionals. Radio St. Pete will be broadcasting.
This self-guided tour includes work by ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, mixed multi-media artists, fine art painters and performance artists. This year allows collectors and visitors to soak up the uniquely artistic landscape, visit with artists in their studios, and enjoy live demos throughout the two-day tour. Learn about the creative process and what steps an artist takes to bring their ideas from concept to completion. Maps will be available at all tour stops, allowing you to begin anywhere you like. Maps also are available online, and at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery and Craftsman House.
For information and maps, visit www.kenwoodartistenclave.org/artist-studio-tour.
Uptown Music & Arts Festival set
TAMPA — UEG Productions will present the Uptown Music & Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa.
The Uptown Music & Arts Festival is one of Tampa Bay's premier cultural events, presenting works of art and world-class performances featuring chart-topping contemporary jazz and R&B musicians and renown visual artists. Saturday’s lineup includes Rob Zinn and Andrew Neu, Kayla Waters, Jose Valentino and Charlton Singleton, and DW3. Sunday’s lineup boasts sets from Paula Atherton, Adam Hawley, Alex Harris, and Eric Darius.
In addition to the music, an important element of the festival is the art pavilion under the direction of Junior Polo, Vero Polo, LLC. For information on displaying and selling original artwork at the festival, email veropolo@veropolo.com.
Creative Pinellas selects artists for second mural project
SOUTH PASADENA — Creative Pinellas and the city of South Pasadena recently announced artists chosen for the second round of the city’s mural project. The selected artists and their locations are Cecilia Lueza, South Pasadena Shopping Center; Sydney Prusso, Pasadena Bar and Grill; and Ximena Sousa, Kimberly Nails.
This current call was for three murals on Pasadena Avenue created by local muralists who live and work in the surrounding areas. The project was created to bring color and vibrancy to the community by bringing in experienced mural artists with a strong point of view and the ability to create complex, engaging works of art.
The South Pasadena Mural project had two rounds of Call to Artists in 2023. The current round of murals should be completed on or around April 29.
NCG Cinemas to open at Citrus Park
TAMPA — NCG Cinemas will hold their grand opening of NCG Citrus Park, at 8021 Citrus Park Drive, on March 22.
The new theater will replace Regal Cinemas Citrus Park which closed In June 2023.
“NCG looks forward to opening our newest location in the very welcoming neighborhood of Citrus Park, Tampa. As a family-owned-and-operated establishment, we are delighted for the opportunity to provide a two-hour vacation to our newest neighbors, bringing together family, friends, and the Citrus Park community,” says Jeff Geiger, president and CEO of NCG Cinemas.
Some perks moviegoers can expect include self-serve bottomless popcorn, soda, and slushies. There will be a full bar for adults in the future, as well as an NCG cash-back loyalty program, lowered ticket prices and luxurious recliners to enjoy the show.
Doors for the grand opening open at 11 a.m. Premiere movie features will include “Dune: Part 2,” “Arthur the King,” “Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” for the kids.
NCG Citrus Park has openings for part-time positions in management, floor staffing, ushers, and janitorial roles. Candidates interested in applying can visit ncgmovies.com/jobs.
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