Does it still feel like the holidays to anyone else? Like youäó»re just not ready to return to the real world, with all its joy and sorrow?
Well, this is the week to start shaking that feeling, because the real worldäó»s coming at you, like it or not. Start working on those resolutions. Put your plans in action. And get out of the house and see some art äóñ itäó»s good for what ails us all.
Vinyl Sale at Clearwater Record Shop–Saturday, January 14
There’s somewhat limited detail on this one äóñ which, for a savvy and committed collector, is all the more reason to seek it out. An array of dealers from the area are going to be offering not only LPs, 45s, and 78s, but also music memorabilia, movie posters, and . . . wait for it . . . vintage electronics. My mouth is watering.
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free, More Info Here
Clearwater Record Shop, 1610 North Hercules Avenue, Suite G, Clearwater
Dr. John & The Nite Trippers–Sunday January 15
The standard-bearer of New Orleansäó» unique cultural gumbo (sorry), Dr. John (a.k.a. Mac Rebennack) is one of a kind. He took up the piano because he got shot in the finger before his first gig as a guitarist, and the rest is history.
$45-55
Info and Tickets Here
Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events–Monday, January 16
There are opportunities to honor and celebrate a great American all across Tampa Bay. In Pinellas, several organizations are doing it through the arts, including a writeräó»s conclave at the Mt. Zion church, a bevy of marching bands at the Pier, and crafts for kids at the Great Explorations Childrenäó»s Museum. The Tampa Bay Times has more details and a comprehensive roundup of MLK events here.
Van Morrison–Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 18-19
Iäó»m happy to be writing for a family-oriented publication äóñ with this single exception, since itäó»s blankety-blank Van Morrison. Itäó»s hard to call the man äóÖunderappreciated,äó» and yet, somehow, itäó»s tempting. The Rolling Stones and David Crosbys of the world seem to define musicäó»s midcentury golden age as a squall of revolution. But Morrisonäó»s Moondance and subsequent masterworks brought a richer and subtler commitment to emotional truth äóñ while also being unfathomably beautiful.
Tickets $95-$270, and nearly sold out äóñ but check secondary markets like StubHub. Itäó»ll be worth it.
More Info Here
Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 North McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
Literary Salon äóñ Weird Lit and Human Transformation–Wednesday, January 18-19
This one qualifies as canäó»t-miss for anyone into the adult side of sci-fi or spooky stories. Writer and Editor Jeremy D. Johnson will guide a discussion of humanity in the äóìAnthropocene Eraäó äóñ a term referring to humanäó»s near-complete domination of the natural environment. His touchpoints will include William Gibson, futuristic anime, and fellow Floridian Jeff VanderMeeräó»s Southern Reach trilogy.
$5 donation, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
More Info Here.
Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue, St. Pete
Honorable Mentions
Greg Billings Band. Itäó»s before my time, but according to the Tampa Bay Times, Billings is a still-beloved former headliner around these parts. This rare appearance is officially sold out. 8 p.m. Friday, Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater.
Female Persuasion. A show featuring four local women artists opens at Cider Press Cafí©, 601 Central Avenue, on Saturday January 14, with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by an artistäó»s talk at 7 p.m.
Animated Fish Sculptures by Alan Bennett. Clay and Paper, 362 Main Street, Dunedin. Artist talk Saturday, January 14, at 5:30p.m.
