Creativity — the stories we tell through words, images, movement, or song — is what creates a community. This week, we have a rich bounty of community-centric events, aiming to remind us of our rich (and weird) history, and amazing talents of the people all around us.
Two-Headed Calf Fest äóñ Friday, Nov. 3
Alcohol, freaks of nature, and local history — itäó»s a heady brew. This fest is nominally focused on sampling local craft beer, but promises to be a dazzling whirlwind of oddball beauty. Featured attractions include carnival sideshow performers, live music, baby alligators, and a live mermaid. There will also be food trucks to keep you fueled, and a costume contest. All attendees will also be admitted to the SPMHäó»s “Oddities” exhibit — including the titular two-headed creature, preserved nearly a century ago.
$30, 6-10 p.m.
St. Petersburg Museum of History
335 SecondæAve. N.E., St. Pete
321 Books VIP Sale – Nov. 4-Nov 5
For dedicated readers, no movie or concert can compete with the participatory ecstasy of book shopping äóñ even if reading the books you find comes in second. St. Peteäó»s 321 Books is teasing a sterling literary treasure hunt here, letting its supporting members rifle through returns from its online sales and, just maybe, score great deals. Books normally priced at $18 and up will be $3 for hardcovers, $2 for softcover, and youäó»ll be supporting that rarest of things — a new independent used bookstore.
Memberships are $20, but come with a $20 credit.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Tyrone Mall, 6901 22nd Ave. N, St. Pete
Tracy Morgan äóñ Sunday, Nov. 5
Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock alum Morgan is known mainly for being wildly outrageous, but his recent brush with death — replete with time in a coma — has kicked his comedy into new, even edgier territory. Not surprisingly, thisæshow is tagged as being for mature audiences only.
$39-$69, 7p.m.
Mahaffey Theatre, 400 FirstæSt. S.E., St. Petersburg
The Year of Magical Thinking äóñ Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 10
Adapting a tale this bleak for the stage would seem like a quixotic undertaking, if the source author was anyone other than Joan Didion. In a single crushing handful of months, Didionäó»s daughter and husband both died, leaving the towering literary figure without the family she had fought hard to build. While thereäó»s an upbeat takeaway about resilience, make no mistake äóñ this is a confrontation with the absolute darkest possibilities, the nightmares we fear too much to even imagine.
Arrive early to see artist and Creative Pinellas Design and Marketing Manager Mason Gehring‘s “Deconstructed Self-Portrait Series” in the lobby. The exhibit is part of an ongoing monthly series of women artists at Stageworks, curated by Elizabeth Brincklow Arts LLC. Reception is Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m., but the art is up all month long. Worth crossing the bridge.
$45, various times
Stageworks, 1120 East Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra, Free Concert äóñ Sunday, Nov. 5
Conducted by Art Hansuld, the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra is a community-focused orchestra that includes amateur musicians pursuing their passion. Itäó»s a wildly praiseworthy effort, and their monthly concerts showcase the beauty that everyday folks can create with a little cooperation. This monthäó»s program promises to be energetic and largely upbeat, including works by George Gershwin, Richard Rogers (of Rogers & Hammerstein), and Richard Wagner.
Free, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N., Pinellas Park
