The Postcard Inn On The Beach: Wish You Were Here

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Imagine summertime in Florida back in the 1950s and ’60s.  It was a different era.  Simple and sunny.  A warm summer’s breeze brings in the sweet and intoxicating scent of orange blossoms mixed with Coppertone tanning oil.  A freckled face girl with sunkissed skin wearing a crisp cotton dress, skips along the surf.  Rays of sunlight shine down on the white, powdery sand, flecked with polished shells which are glistening in the Gulf waters.  A cold glass of grape Koolaid and a corkscrew straw in the brightest of pink gets passed back and forth between best friends.  Ah, the simpler, happier days.  It seems as though life now, and yes, even in a paradise such as Florida, is far more complicated and stressful.  I guess things have changed.  Or have they?  At The Postcard Inn on the Beach, those carefree, sunny days of the ’50s and ’60s have returned.

I recently got word of this great beachside establishment a couple of months ago.  Travel and Leisure refers to this funky new Florida hotel as “hip, affordable and resolutely casual.”  But that’s hardly the only good press this place has gotten. The Postcard Inn, located on beautiful St. Pete Beach, has received much praise on its inexpensive room rates and cool vintage vibe.  The hotel captures the essence of old Florida in a very charming way.  No two rooms are alike. Certain rooms feature beachy wall murals, while others come with their very own grassy patios equipped with hammocks to lounge on. Despite each room being unique, they all have a commonality- being retro chic.  The Postcard Inn may be vintage, but has a modern twist; it is unlike any other hotel I have ever seen.

I’m a sucker for nostalgia, so I couldn’t wait to check this place out.  It was a warm June evening when I decided to venture over to the hotel and have dinner at its critically acclaimed barbeque restaurant.  Wildwood Barbeque has gotten much recognition since its opening here in town.  The restaurant serves scrumptious, mouth-watering barbeque from pit master, “Big Lou” Elrose and offers a wide array of bourbons, which I was later told by my waiter, pairs well with this kind of cuisine.  Wildwood’s interior is rustic urban, with plenty of polished wood and flatscreen televisions. In the background, feel good music played out on the overhead speakers.  The menu features a great selection of barbeque and all the fixin’s.  There is the Carolina pulled pork in vinegar sauce, the Kansas City baby back ribs slathered in a spicy chipotle, and the Memphis style ribs dry rubbed, just to name a few.  The sauces to accompany these rib dishes taste amazing, and the tender meat practically falls right off the bone.  While I dined, I  particulary enjoyed the sticky ribs, which are full cut spare ribs served wet in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce.  I also sampled the Texas smoked brisket, garnished with pickled jalapenos.  Typically, I’m not much of a jalapeno fan (too hot for my taste buds!), but on this dish, they were just right and the pickling cut down the heat.  It was a perfect accessory to the brisket.  The meat here was so unbelievably tender, it felt like it melted as soon as it touched my tongue.  I was in my happy place.

If you can’t handle a full rack of ribs, there are half racks available as well, for the smaller appetite.  With my ribs that evening, I started with just a half rack, but they were so tasty, I regretted not ordering the bigger version.  And if pork isn’t your thing, don’t fret, as the applewood smoked chicken with an apricot barbeque glaze is just heavenly to the palate.  There are also combo plates and sampler platters for those who want to try a little of this, and a little of that. The sides are just as special as the actual barbeque entrees.  The aged cheddar mac and cheese is out of this world, and the baked beans served with burnt ends and bacon, taste just as good as my grandmother’s.  There is also cast iron skillet cornbread, which is a must-try.

In addition to the amazing food, the service was first rate.  My table was checked on multiple times during dinner, and my waiter was exceptional.  He was a young man, but showed much knowledge regarding the food and the restaurant itself.  My ice tea, served icey cold in a Mason jar, was kept filled throughout the evening.

I was done with my meal and ready to explore the rest of the hotel.  Even though I had washed my hands in the bathroom (which I was impressed with, even though it was quite small), I could still smell the lingering scent of ribs on my fingers.  I guess this really wasn’t a complaint though.  I started toward the lobby, which looked very unexpected, but in a good way.  Retro, hip and fresh is a perfect way to describe the unique decor; 1960s’ surfer chic mixed in with a little James Bond (the Sean Connery version), and topped off with cozy coffeehouse funk.  The Postcard Inn on the Beach showed itself to be clean, uncluttered and full of nostalgic charm.  I felt like I was in St. Pete Beach back when my folks were teenagers and dating.  Ah, those simpler, happier days again. Just walking through the lobby to the back doors leading out to the pool, I felt refreshed, light and airy.  The hotel had already proven to be a major mood lifter. Strolling through the courtyard was like another jolt back into time.  There was a nice selection of comfy vintage lawn furniture arranged on the freshly cut, bright green grass.  An outdoor pool table and a couple of ping pong tables were a nice twist to the more traditional hotel courtyard set-ups.  Under a few sprawling branches of a couple of shady old oaks, dangled glass lanterns that flickered over a few Adirondack chairs grouped next to a fire pit.  The scene looked like something out of the Poconos in the summertime, back in the ’50s.  It was magical.

The pool beckoned on this hot summer’s night with its sparkling blue water, cool and refreshing.  Retro lawn chaise loungers lined its perimeter.  And if old style simplicity isn’t your thing, then bronze your hide on the South Beach influenced outdoor beds.  I think I would have to order a martini if I laid out on one of these.  Glamorous, chic and once again, oh so reminiscent of  1960s James Bond.

Just past the pool sits a legendary beach bar; a real one-of-a-kind, as far as this writer is concerned.  What was once the Swigwam, the oldest beach bar around, is now the PCI Beach Bar and Snack Shack.  Covered in old license plates from all over the nation, the rustic wooden shack attracts a mostly young and hip crowd.  However, there still are the more seasoned patrons who hang around PCI that were regulars from when it was the Swigwam.  These are the sunbaked beach bums and bumettes who never gave up their bar stools.  Despite the age differences, these patrons blend right in with the college crowd and young professionals.  Twenty-something women, with sand sprinkled on their brightly painted toenails, ease up to the bar for frozen concoctions and cold brewskies. Guys wearing polo shirts with their farmer’s tans sit back on the wooden benches listening to the live music and occasionally glancing over at a pretty beach babe.  The bar translates well from afternoon to evening.  Once the sun melts into the ocean and the moon and stars begin to peek out from behind the purple lined clouds, the PCI Beach Bar starts to really come to life.  A warm breeze gently sways the seagrape leaves next to the far end of the bar, and a girl wearing a pair of worn and faded cut-offs and flip-flops encrusted in wet sand orders a tropical drink.  A group of college coeds plays a game of night volleyball on the sand under the moonlight, while the seat oats blow back and forth softly.  And old dude with a Gorton’s fisherman beard pulls up a seat, while Cat Steven’s classic hit, “Moonshadow,” plays in the background. “Draven was here.  Don’t steal my name,” is scribbled onto the weathered wood bar top.  Of course, there are the many inscriptions of “forever loves” grafittied around the beach shack as well.  ”John and Sue forever.”  ”Tina loves Mike forever.”  I just wonder how many of those “forevers” were sincere.  Then, I notice something scribbled in permanent black marker on the farthest side of the bar.  A female patron had written out a list of people who had attended her recent divorce party.  The shack’s dim lighting barely illuminates, casting a cozy and warm glow.  I felt like any minute I would see an old time sea captain walk in off the sand, and order up a boilermaker.  A bikini clad bartender, with an elaborate tattoo covering most of her beautifully tanned back, was busy behind the bar taking drink orders.  I tried the ever classic pina colada, which was nicely mixed and perfectly sweet.  The bar also serves up a large selection of beer in cans.

All in all, my experience that night at this retro beachside hot spot was memorable.  It was exciting to be in an environment so different and unique.  As I walked back out through the Postcard Inn’s lobby, I took one last lingering look around.  A movie was playing on a wall, overhead on a projector.  The night clerk smiled friendly and wished me a good night.  I opened the door leading to the front parking lot, and stepped out once more into the warm summer’s night… back into 2010, all over again.

For more information on the Postcard Inn on the Beach, visit their site at www.postcardinn.com.

Postcard Inn on the Beach

6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706/ 1-800-237-8918

Cool Art Show 2010

Looking for a way to beat the hot days of summer?  Tired of the rain?  Well, the Cool Art Show in St. Petersburg, Florida may just be what you are looking for.   On the weekend of July 17-18th, the historic Coliseum will be hosting the show which features a variety of artists from around town, including one of my personal favorites, Coralette Damme.

Damme, a.k.a. The Crafty Hag, will be showing off all of her freshest creations.  This artist/printmaker says it will be her first year at the show, and is very excited to participate.  Damme’s art pieces are unique, original and fantastically funky.  I especially have a fondness for her wicked little Halloween designs, many of which I have on display in my home year round.  Damme is an animal lover, which is definitely reflected in her creations.  Her work includes everything from dogs to jellyfish.  Ever wondered what a cat would look like dressed in mummy wrappings?  Well, Damme can show you!  This talented artist offers a little something for everyone.

So, if you are looking for a fun and cool way of spending a weekend in July, be sure to stop by the Cool Art Show.  The A/C will be blowing, and parking and admission are both free.  So, come out to browse, buy and make some new friends. It’s a “can’t miss” event!

For more info on the show, go to http://coolartshow.com/

The Coliseum is located at 535 4th Ave. North in St. Petersburg

Coralette Damme will be at booth 59.  You can also visit her at www.craftyhag.com, craftyhag.etsy.com, craftyhag on Flickr, myspace.com/craftyhag, http://twitter.com/craftyhag, or on Facebook.

The South Will Rise Again…At Least For The Day

The Civil War may long be over, but for certain history buffs, it never ended.  The infamous battle between the North and the South continuously gets played out over and over each year throughout various states.  Florida is no exception to Civil War reenactments.  Men and women throughout the “Sunshine State” take the historical reenactments very seriously, many making them part of their lifestyles instead of just being a hobby.  Some reenactors spend hundreds, even thousands each year on Civil War attire, accessories, weapons and camping gear.  They learn just what it was like to live in the days when the Yankees and Confederates were at war.  Reenactors dedicate their time to learning how the soldiers and their families spoke, what they spoke about, and also study authentic Civil War recipes and music.  And each year these reenactors visit various sites, performing mock battles to entertain and educate the public.  Typically at each event site, crowds can witness the infamous battle scene and walk around the campsite, learning about how the soldiers lived back in the day.  Sometimes there will be handmade goods for sale, such as soaps and clothing.

I recently caught up with Brooksville resident Bill Penkava, a Civil War reenactor and historian.  “I started four or five years ago doing living histories of Florida pioneers of the 1840s-1890s at the annual Pioneer Days celebration at Ft. Cooper, and the Chinsegut Hill Manor House.  Then, two years ago, I started Civil War reenacting at the Brooksville Raid (one of the largest reenactments in Florida),” says Penkava.

Penkava states that he became interested in reenacting simply because he is a “history nut.”  For years he has been studying various historical events throughout time, as well as geneology.  In addition to Civil War reenacting, Penkava belongs to the Seminole Wars Historic Foundation, the Hernando Preservation Soceity, and the Friends of Chinsegut Hill.  As a reenactor, Penkava says he started in the infantry, and has participated as both a Confederate and Union soldier at various Tampa Bay historical events.  “We try to realistically portray life in the Civil War camps, and follow the military drill and formations of that time.  I am in a unit that represents an actual unit raised in Hernando County in July 1861, Company C, 3rd Florida.  I now act with another man as a Provost Marshall and perform military police duties in the authentic Civil War camp,” explains the reenactor.  Penkava further goes on to say that his Civil War group, Company C, 3rd Florida, was once known as the Hernando Wildcats.  In addition to the infantry and provost jobs, Penkava says there are women in his group who dress in period clothing, while others serve as the medical corp.  Other Civil War units provide artillery and cavalry.  Company C, 3rd Florida is hardly the only Civil War reenactment group in the state.  If you are looking to join a Confederacy unit, there are many choices such as the 3rd Battalion, 5th Florida, Company B, 2nd Florida Infantry, 2nd Florida Artillery, as well as a listing of others.  Union groups include the 4th Brigade District of Florida, 8th U.S. Colored Troops, and the USS Ottawa, just to name a few.

Penkava says he does about six “battles” a year, but also takes part in other local events such as the Brooksville Christmas parade, history demonstrations at the Heritage Museum and at Chinsegut Hill.  Penkava also mentions that in November he will be participating in the first annual Veteran’s Day celebration in Brooksville.  “There will be about 1,000 reenactors from the Seminole Wars through today’s conflicts that will participate.”  Penkava attends reenactments all throughout the Tampa Bay area, however, he claims that some members will go to events all over the state and even elsewhere in the country, like Gettysburg.  Penkava has done the Brooksville Raid and the Crystal River Raid twice each, and has also done several smaller local skirmishes such as the Pioneer Village in Dade City.  The reenactor says he will be doing the Parrish Train Raid this year as well.

So, why do people choose to reenact?  According to Penkava, reenacting is the accurate representation of the way soldiers lived and fought during the Civil War.  People do it now to honor the sacrifices of those who served, and they enjoy sharing the history they are preserving.  And if you choose to reenact and become a history preservationist, what qualifications must you possess in order to join a unit?  Penkava tells me that nothing more than interest in the history of the period is needed, plain and simple.  Historically influenced clothing, accessories and weapons aren’t required before joining, but borrowing from other members and purchasing new items are necessary once becoming involved.  Penkava says he owns a Confederate uniform along with several different hats, leather belts, brass buckles, shoes, ammo pouches, a bayonet, musket, revolver, canteen and more.

Having many accessories and gear is definitely important as a reenactor, however, it can also be a hardship.  Penkava feels that there are physical challenges of carrying around all the heavy and cumbersome Civil War gear, as well as having to wear the hot wool uniform in the Florida heat, along with uncomfortable period shoes.  I’m sure some of the female group members have similar complaints of their own, regarding their heavy dress fabric and awkward, large hoopskirts.  As a native Floridian, I have endured many sweltering, hot summers and I honestly don’t know what I would do without my cotton tank tops, loose fitting shorts and cloth flip-flops.

But despite the difficulties that come with reenacting, especially in a state such as Florida, the joys of belonging to a Civil War group are far greater.  Penkava says that being  able to help teach history to those who attend these events is the best part of being a reenactor.  Many people, especially the younger generation, do not know our nation’s rich history, including that of the Civil War.  These kinds of reenactments help us to learn and understand history unlike any book or classroom teacher can.

So, will the South rise again?  It just depends on the day; perhaps on Saturday, but most likely the Confederacy’s win will be short-lived.  For on Sunday, while munching on a bag of sweet and salty kettle corn, the Yanks fight back… at least until the next event.

For more information on how to become a reenactor in Florida, and to find out more about other Civil War units in the state, visit www.floridareenactorsonline.com.

Ethan’s Angels – Rockin’ For A Cure

Four years ago, a little boy was born into this world; a miracle to his family and a loving brother to his siblings.  Unfortunately, Ethan would never be able to tell his parents or brothers and sister he loves them.  He won’t be able to play video games or take part in any typical childhood activities because Ethan was born with a severe birth defect called Hypo-plastic Corpos Collossom.  However, that birth defect didn’t make Ethan any less human, or any less special than any other boy; in fact, it made him a champion.

Hyperplastic Corpus Corrosum  is an underdeveloped brain, specifically the part that connects the two hemispheres together, resulting in a failure to thrive.  Despite the circumstances, Ethan has overcome many obstacles and manages to fight for life.  He is a brave soul that just wants a chance to live a normal life, no matter the dismal prognosis of permanent brain damage.  Each day Ethan wakes up, and fights to keep his food down, as his parents feed him through a feeding tube.  He goes into an oxygen chamber for an hour each day, and once a week private nurses come in and give him blood transfusions.  Ethan also has a special teacher that visits his home once a week and works with him.  Ethan cannot speak or see well, has developed an immune deficiency, suffers from breathing problems, cannot hold his head up for long or even grab objects. It is heartwrenching to even mention the list of problems.  However, despite these challenges, on July 20, 2008 Ethan managed to smile for the very first time, showing the world he is happy and loves life.

For his parents, caring for Ethan is a 24 hour a day job, one they do without complaining or hesitation.  They love their son and will do anything for him, and that’s why they need to give Ethan a possible life saving procedure called Cord Blood Transfusion. They saved his cord blood when he was born, and that very blood could reverse many or all of his problems.  As a child, the blood is most useful at the age he is at, however, each day they wait the chances of recovery dwindle.  Many doctors in the U.S. won’t even do this 15 to 20 minute procedure that could save Ethan’s life, as they say the risks are too high.

Ethan’s mother says that he gets a blood transfusion every week, exposing him to possible disease and rejection.  This procedure is no different except it’s his own blood that has the possibility to heal him. To get this procedure they have to leave the country and go to China for a 15 minute infusion.  The procedure, with travel, costs $30,000.00.  This kind of money they must raise in order to help their son.  What really angers them is that this could be done right here in the United States. The goal is to find a U.S. doctor that will take the risk, stand up for Ethan and give him the procedure here (probably costing half of, or even a quarter of the price).  However, until that person steps up, China is their only bet.

The worst thing that could happen with this procedure is nothing; Ethan doesn’t get better at all.  On the other hand, the best case scenario would be that the nutrient rich blood could reverse all his problems making Ethan a healthy, young boy.  However, if Ethan only gains slight improvement, that will help his quality of life even in the smallest way, making the procedure well worth it.  That’s why on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, local bands are going to come together to rock for a cure, raising money to help Ethan get that possible life saving procedure.

To partake in the festivities, see the info below:

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s (Wilderness Lakes)
US 41 N.
Land O’ Lakes, FL
6:30 PM to Midnight
TICKETS:  FREE CONCERT, DONATIONS WELCOME
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s will be donating 10% of proceeds to the cause, in addition to the money collected from donations.

Bands:
Charlie Nicol
Pine Hill
The Hat Trick
Holes and Hearts
The Ghost Sound
& other great musicians

There will be face painting and some crafts for sale to help raise money for the cause.

If you can’t come, you can still donate and help this little champion by going to www.ethansangels.com.  When there, just hit the contact US link.  You can also make an online donation through PayPal, or send a check.  Please make a notation that it is for the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Land O’ Lakes fundraiser.

It will be a night of good food, good friends, and great music all for an amazing young boy who will certainly touch your heart. Maybe Ethan can’t be there in person, due to his condition, but he will be there with us in spirit.  The family is very grateful to all the participating bands, and everyone else who is helping the cause, including all the people who unselfishly have donated their time to help organize this.

Photographs by Angel’s Touch Photography

The Chocolate Nutcracker

What do you think of when Christmastime is near?  Colored lights, pine trees, traditional carols, crowded malls, and snow covered streets?  Perhaps you conjure up the delight of fres

hly baked cookies, spending time with family and waiting for Santa’s arrival.  For me, the ever classic tale of The Nutcracker always comes to mind.  I remember one of the first times I saw the ballet. I was a little girl, and my mother took me to see it.  I loved the costumes, the dancing and of course, the beautiful music.  For many Christmas seasons to follow, my mother would continue to take me to see the performance.  As an adult, I continue to look forward to the beloved ballet.  The story is timeless and continues to be a part of my holiday tradition today.

Originally written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman, the popular dance production was called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and was considered to be quite mor

bid, not exactly something recommended for children.  It was later on revised to a more child friendly version with the help of the French writer, Alexander Dumas Pere.  Pere sparked the interest of Marius Petipa, the senior ballet master of the Russian Imperial Ballet. In 1891, he commissioned Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to compose the score for a full length version of The Nutcracker.  It debuted the following year in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet stayed until 1934, when it appeared in London.  Six years later, it was introduced to the United States in a shorter version.  Then in 1954, choreographer George Balanchine created his famous and well known version of The Nutcracker for the New York City Ballet.  Although the ballet is not as dramatic or scary as it first was written to be, it still embraces the original story.  A little girl’s favorite Christmas toy (the Nutcracker) comes to life and takes her away to a magic, fairy tale land populated by dolls after defeating the evil Mouse King.  This is a tale where reality is lost and imagination prevails.  Sugarplum fairies sparkle, and toy soldiers don red candied cheeks.  It’s make believe, happy and wonderfully written for all ages to enjoy.  However, it is a well known fact that nearly every version of ballet production consists of mostly all Caucasian performers.  LaVerne Reed wanted to change that.

Reed, who grew up in South Philly in the 1950s, studied dance and took on small roles in The Nutcracker in the Pennsylvania Ballet throughout the years.  Reed was always a very talented dancer, but was never cast as Claire (or  Clara), the lead character in the production.  Reed said that when she got older she was going to create and direct her very own version of the classic tale where the dancers could all be of different colors; a multicultural Nutcracker production.  This was Reed’s vision, her dream.  She went on to study dance and theatre at Howard and George Washington Universities, and then later on lead a national dance touring company.  At the age of 39, Reed set out to remake The Nutcracker… her way.  This African-American inspired modern take on the original holiday classic would be called The Chocolate Nutcracker.

Reed’s narrative loosely follows the original version, but unlike the original more Victorian version, the opening party scene is set in 1950s Harlem.  And this is just the first change to the version we all know.  The lead dancer, Claire, has to fight off vicious snakes instead of battling the notorious Mouse King and his army.  Traditional snowflakes are replaced with twinkling starlight generated by a hidden disco ball.  And if you remember the original Nutcracker, there are magical lands including that of the Snow Queen and Candy Land.  In Reed’s version, little girl Claire stops off in more realistic places such as Africa, Egypt and Brazil.  She even visits a street corner where a jazz bassist and saxophonist play a duet.  However, there still is magic involved in each of these places.  Claire explores the “Magical Rainforest,” a place called the “Land of Funk” and “Jazz Land.” The little girl and the Chocolate Nutcracker explore these faraway lands in a dream.  With all their global travels, the duo is introduced to a variety of musical dance genres such as gospel, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap and ballet.  According to Reed, the whole idea was to incorporate cultural touchstones that would better resonate with minority audiences and incorporate more popular dance styles than just the traditional pointy-toe ballet.

The Chocolate Nutcracker came to life in 1994 on the campus stage at the University of Southern California, and it has been exciting audiences ever since.  Performed throughout the country, the ballet production is selling out to large crowds.  It’s not just the popularity of the show that has grown, but also the amount of dancers involved.  When The Chocolate Nutcracker first got started there were only about 75 dancers, mostly all youngsters.  Today, there are over 200 dancers from the ages of six to twenty-five, along with over 120 adult volunteers.  Quite a few of the children involved with the ballet over the years have endured personal struggles.  Some haven’t had much to go home to.  They may live in high poverty situations or come from broken homes. Instead of getting involved with crime such as using drugs or hanging out on the streets, these children have overcome the odds and taken to dance.  In fact, dancing is their life.  When these youngsters perform, they use every ounce of their heart and soul. Their passion and drive is amazing and it truly emanates in each one of their performances.  In addition, the production is not exclusionary, meaning white children can participate and many ending up doing just that.

The end result of Reed’s dream is nothing short of energetic, fun and different.  It’s a refreshing twist to the original version we all know so well.  Sometimes it is hard to embrace change, but in this case, change is a good thing.  The Chocolate Nutcracker has everything and more that the classic tale does.  So, if you haven’t seen it, be sure to do so this holiday season.

The 12th anniversary show will be shown at the newly renovated Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, FL, the weekend of December 4-5th, 2009.  For more information, contact www.mahaffeytheater.com.

Mahaffey Theater

401 1st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-892-5798

Triptico @ Your Face

WHERE:   Market On 7th (Ybor City)
WHEN:   DECEMBER 4th
TIME:    8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
PRICE:   5.00

Address:   1816 E. 7th Avenue, Ybor City, FL

There is no free parking, parking garages are available and private parking lots.  Parking fees differ between 1-5.00 at the garage or $5.00 and up at private lots.

Triptico is one of Tampa Bay’s newest and hottest latin rock bands today.  Comprised of three outstanding artists, they bring rock to you like you’ve never heard before.  They have been featured on WMNF radio, and this past summer won TBT’s Artist Of The Year award.  This is a concert you won’t want to miss.

Thrill St. Pete

It’s that time of year again.  Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” plays regularly on the radio and the living dead walk the streets.  And this year, zombies seem to be bigger and more exciting than ever.  Society has become somewhat paranoid about the end of the world and some of us have even started to prepare for a potential zombie apocalypse.  The hit movie, Zombieland, has wowed audiences across the nation and zombie pub crawls are becoming all the rage.  It’s fun, afterall, to sip down a few beers while your flesh is falling off.  So, with all this walking dead stuff, it’s no wonder “Thrill the World” is so popular.

“Thrill the World” is a simultaneous dance routine set to Michael Jackson’s beloved zombie song, “Thriller,” that takes place worldwide in an attempt to break a record.  Different cities all across the nation, and throughout various countries, will participate in the zombie dance.  St. Petersburg, Florida will be hosting its very own “Thrill the World” this year down at The Pier on Oct. 24th, 8:30 pm.  The event is already getting tons of attention and seems to be growing everyday in its group participation.  Hundreds of dancers and volunteers will be making “Thrill the World” one of St. Petersburg’s most talked about events of the year.  After the dance, be sure to stick around for more brain eating, flesh rotting festivities.  Captain Al’s Waterfront Grille and Bar, down at The Pier, will be hosting a dance party after the event and there will also be a zombie pub crawl through the downtown district.

If you plan to go, you may want to get there early to grab a parking spot and a good place to watch the zombies strut their stuff.

For more information on “Thrill the World 2009″ visit the website at www.thrillstpete.com.

The event will also include a food drive to benefit the St. Petersburg Free Clinic Food Bank, so be sure to bring a canned or packaged food item.

Brooksville Cemetery Halloween Tour

For three years now Brooksville Cemetery has conducted ghost walks in October.  The cemetery has a love lost legend, where an above grave contains the body of a man, whose coffin is buried lower and is open, and his wife who has a glass side on her coffin so she can watch over and take care of her husband in death.  The cemetery is also known for some ghost lore as well and has a rich history of the area.  Definitely worth the walk.

Where:   Brooksville Cemetery, Brooksville, FL
Dates:    Tuesday 10/13/09 and Thursday 10/15/09
Time:     6:00 PM
Cost:      $3.00 donation to go to the Belle Writer’s Group which sells a small book of stories people send into them

Food:    Cider and snacks for all

Comedians For Breast Cancer

Side Splitter’s Comedy Club sponsors an event with comedian Tommy Blaze to raise money for the Breast Cancer 3-Day event.   Reservations required.

A veteran of the comedy stage, Blaze has appeared in every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse, and doghouse in the country.

In addition to comedy clubs, private corporate events, casinos, cruise ships and colleges, Tommy was series regular on the nightly comedy series The Newz, appeared in the hit show Friends and has starred in the movies Rumpelstiltskin and Viewer Discretion Advised.

His comedy is opinionated, thoughtful, controversial and admittedly one sided. If you are married, single, divorced, parents, gay or lesbian, confused, young, desperate, misguided, lost or easily offended then you need Tommy Blaze to straighten you out.

Where:  Side Splitter’s Comedy Club Tampa
When:   July 23-26th
Event:  July 25th (Fund Raiser night)    6PM for fund raiser
Tickets:  $15.00 in advance at www.sidesplitterscomedy.com or $20.00 at the door.  JULY 25th only, regular pricing on other days.

Tampa Theatre’s Summer Movie Classics

Its that time of year again when the historic Tampa Theatre brings back some of the film guilds best ever classics, shown on the exact same screen and exact same theatre these classics first debuted on.

Its a great chance to go reminisce if these movies were out when you were dating, or experience for the first time in all their glory.  Come and experience the atmosphere, fall in love all over again, and enjoy a great summer Sunday decades in the past.

This year Tampa Theatre is showing:

June 7 – Bluebeard’s Eight Wife     1938

June 14- To Kill A Mockingbird    1962

June 21- Sullivan’s Travels             1941

June 27 – Casablanca                        1942

July 12 – The Bandwagon                 1953

July 19 – Blazing Saddles                  1974

July 26 – Citizen Kane                       1941

Aug 2 – Creature From The Black Lagoon    1954

Aug 9 – North By Northwest          1959

Aug 15/16-  Gone With The Wind  1939

Aug 22/23-  Wizard Of Oz                1939

See www.tampatheatre.org for all the details

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