Itäó»s getting hotter, folks. But at least some forecasts say it wonäó»t crack 90 this week, so consider it a last frantic chance to be outside under not-quite-sweltering conditions. Thatäó»s especially good because, while we like to keep our focus on events in Pinellas, this week two out of our five picks will have you crossing the bridge over to Tampa. Twist!
Also worth noting, The Daily Showäó»s Trevor Noah will be at Ruth Eckerd Hall next week. Itäó»s a possible sell-out, so grab tickets now.
Jan Svankmajeräó»s Faust, Saturday May 27th
There are few clearer lineages in art than that which runs through Salvador Dali and towards Jan Svankmajer. Svankmajeräó»s films, also including a renowned retelling of Alice in Wonderland, are dark but wondrous, and upend filmmaking convention in search of deeper truths. In his Faust, the characters are portrayed largely by puppets, which makes the tale of devilish deeds even more spine-tinglingly creepy.
1-3pm, FREE
Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd, St. Pete
Sunset Music Festival, Saturday May 27th and Sunday May 28th
Sometimes it still seems strange that, 20 years after it broke into the mainstream, dance music still canäó»t get more respect. Unfortunately, two drug-related deaths at Tampaäó»s Sunset Music Festival last year didnäó»t improve that situation, but organizers say theyäó»re stepping up security and safety this year. Regardless, the lineup makes this the most important area electro festival of the season äóñ especially headliners Major Lazer.
3pm-midnight both days
$109/day, $190 for both
Raymond James Stadium, 4201 Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Jeff VanderMeer, Sunday May 28th
Along with Sarah Gerard, Vandermeer may be Floridaäó»s brightest literary light of the moment, and we couldnäó»t be more excited. We loved his newest novel, Borne, and canäó»t wait for the film versions of his Southern Reach trilogy to hit screens. Itäó»s well worth crossing the bridge to meet and greet the man who may be the most worthy successor of H.P. Lovecraft and Steven King.
1 p.m., FREE äóñ but register in advanceæto reserve a space.
Oxford Exchange, 420 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Geri X, Sunday May 28th
Geri X is hands-down one of the best musical acts in Pinellas. Her haunting vocals and sparse, twangy guitar work will remind you of a brassier Mazzy Star or a tougher Lana Del Rey. Chant the Trees opens.
9pm-1am, FREE
Iberian Rooster, 475 Central Avenue, St. Pete
Invisible Hand preview night, Wednesday May 31st
With a farcical mash-up of a plot, this new play sets capitalism and terrorism into a tense dialogue. The play centers on a kidnapped investment banker who proposes to teach his ISIS-like captors to day-trade in exchange for his freedom. That might sound like the setup for a series of jokes, but New York Magazine has described it as a äóìthroat-clenching thriller.äó After this preview, tickets are $29 for the remainder of the run.
7pm, $15 or pay-what-you-can at the door.
American Stage, 163 3rd Street North, St. Pete
