FALL IS COMING! Okay, I know I use this space to obsess over the weather way too often, and yes, fall is still weeks away. But our increasingly packed local events calendar is already showing the renewed life and energy that comes with it, so why not celebrate a bit early?
This weekäó»s lineup happens to include several events responding to the events in Charlottesville in August, showing how important art can be for bringing communities together around challenging issues and public trauma.
Stranger than Fiction CD Release
Saturday, Sept. 2
Stranger than Fiction is a promising local band that takes the arena-anthem boldness of Heart and adds incredibly crunchy post-grunge guitar riffage. Theyäó»ve only been around a little over a year, and theyäó»ve already got a polished EP out. You can hear their single äóìSound the Alarmäóæhere, then head out to see them in person.
6:30 p.m., free
Quaker Steak and Lube, 10400 49th St., Clearwater
Arkane Artworks at Arkane Aleworks
Saturday, Sept. 2
There are two things we can always use more of in this world äóñ breweries and art shows. Largo-based artist and gallerist Tanya Pistillo, inspired partly by the transformative creative energy sheäó»s seen in St. Pete, has brought the two together. Arkaneäó»s beer is wildly beloved by Largo locals and passersby alike, and while thereäó»s not a lot of information about the artists, expect the unexpected.
7-10 p.m., Free
Arkane Aleworks, 2480 East Bay Drive, Largo
Art and Media in the Age of Extremism
Thursday, Sept. 7
A panel composed of academics and media professionals, such as USF art professor Gregory Green, Poynter Instituteäó»s Kelly McBride and other prominent local figures, will converse about the stakes for art in our troubling times. Discussants will explore issues of hate, terrorism and instability, using the current Skyway multi-site show of local art as a touchstone.
6:30-8:30 p.m., $5 for MFA non-members.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg
A Former Skinhead Speaks Out Against Hate
Thursday, Sept. 7
Frank Meeink was a devoted and prominent neo-Nazi leader and recruiter by the age of 17. He turned his back on hate only after spending time in prison and befriending people of other races. Heäó»s the co-author of a memoir, Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead, and at this event heäó»ll share his personal story, hopefully providing some insight into what drives hate in America.
7 p.m, free
Eckerd College Gym, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Love and Solidarity Dream Defenders Benefit
Thursday, Sept. 7
After Charlottesville, the organizers of this local hip-hop showcase decided to donate proceeds to Bay Area Dream Defenders, a local nonprofit focused on racial justice. The lineup is deep and appropriately diverse, including funk-rap masters Bangarang, activist rapper Pedro el Poeta, and a half dozen other acts, alongside local art and speakers from Dream Defenders. Itäó»s a great chance to have a good time and learn about local efforts to fight hate.
$5, 8 p,m.-2 a.m.
Iberian Rooster, 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Honorable Mentions:
St. Pete Indie Market äóñ Saturday, Sept. 2æThe Indie Market has quickly become an invaluable staple for local makers and small businesses. This time they take things indoors, and will offer both cocktails and a DJ to accompany the creative shopping. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Pete. More Info Here.
Downtown St. Pete Night Market äóñ Thursday, Sept. 7. The first installment of this new monthly event will feature local businesses, crafters, musicians, and even local authors, courtesy of Wordier Than Thou. 6-10 p.m. Plaza Tower & Courtyard, 111 Second Ave. N.E., St. Pete. More Info Here.
Upcoming:
Steve Earle at the Capitol Theatre, Sept. 9. Find Tickets Here.
