Do you have too many books? I have too many books. I’d implore people to stop making so many books, but I also can’t stop buying them, so I guess that would be hypocritical. There are two amazing chances to discover new creative projects in book forms this week. I guess I’m going to have evenæmore too many books.
Tampa Bay Book Fair — Saturday, Oct. 14
Can I just say WHOOOOOOOO!!!!? This gathering of local authors, most selling their work in person, will be a fantastic opportunity for both readers and writers to explore and strengthen the local literary community. Pinellas Park-based organizers Wordier Than Thou are spearheading the event, with help from organizations including Kitchen Table Literary Arts. And itäó»s even being held at a venue that already features several used book dealers. Pardon me while I swoon.
Writers, note äóñ they do appear to be taking last-minute registration for tables, which are $25 for one author.
FREE for attendees, noon-5 p.m.
49er Flea Market, 10525 49th St. N., Clearwater
Daddy Kool Zine Fest and Cassette Store Day — Saturday, Oct. 14
Oh. Oh dear. This is at the same time as the Book Fair? Curse you, hurricane rescheduling!
Oh well, at least youäó»ll have a few hours to drift between them, appreciating authors and zine-makers, who craft often intensely personal work into small, often hand-crafted pamphlets. The event will also host the launch of The Canvas, a new (print!) magazine of art and critique. And since thatäó»s not quite enough, this is also Cassette Store Day, a new event celebrating the nostalgia-fueled resurgence of everyoneäó»s not-quite-favorite music format. Daddy Kool will have some exclusive cassette releases, for the real obsessives out there.
Free, 1-6 p.m.
Daddy Kool Records, 666 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Leslie Joy Ickowitz, Lovelifeæ–æSaturday, Sept. 14
Photographer Leslie Joy Ickowitz touts her penchant for world travel front and center, but she also has an incredible eyeæfor detail, color, and composition. Expect to be transported.
This opening reception will be followed by an artist talkæon Thursday, Oct. 19.
Free, 5-9 p.m.
The Studio @620, 620 First Ave S., St. Petersburg
The Temptations at Clearwater Jazz Holiday –æThursday, Oct. 19
To get one thing out of the way real quick – yes, this is a bit of a touring äóìoldiesäó iteration of the greatest vocal group of all time. Otis Williams is the only member left from the groupäó»s mid-sixties prime, and even most of the members from their Grammy-winning early-2000s iteration are absent. BUT STILL äóñ this is a chance to breathe the same air as a man who recorded äóìPapa Was a Rolling Stoneäó and äóìBall of Confusion,äó which is the closest some of us will ever get to touching the face of God.
The Clearwater Jazz Festival continues through Sunday, the 22nd.
Music starting at 3:30 pm, Temptations atæ8:45 pm.
Tickets start at a shockingly low $16 for a single day pass.
Coachman Park, downtown Clearwater
