Howdy, and welcome back to Five Things to Do after our brief Summer Doldrums Hiatus!
I hope youäó»re weathering this sun-drenched time with fortitude, wit, and a steady supply of mimosas. As we prepare for the return of the snowbirds to our winterless refuge, this week offers plenty of music, art, and celebrations of local culture äóñ all, for once, nicely spaced throughout the week.
And as penance for our recent summer break, we also have a late entry for any of you lucky enough to read this on Thursday.
Linda Hugues, Sun and Shadow Opening Reception
Thursday, Aug. 24
Organized by ARTicles Gallery, this solo exhibit showcases Hugues pitch-perfect depictions of the slow life in Florida and beyond. Weäó»re all familiar with the kitsch that too often passes for beach art, but Huguesäó» deft touch for portraiture and the human form is something entirely different. The pieces are simultaneously joyful and specific, faithfully capturing the possibility for bliss that draws people to places like Rome and St. Petersburg.
Free, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Staybridge Suites, 940 FifthæAve. S., St. Pete
Deaf Poets and Geri X
Friday, Aug. 25
Miami-based Deaf Poets offer a grungy take on arena metal ala The Sword/Queens of the Stone Age, and should be a perfect piquant contrast to downbeat local crooner and perennial favorite Geri X. And itäó»s a great time to check out the Bends if you havenäó»t already äóñ theyäó»re celebrating a well-deserved five year anniversary next week.
Free, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Bends, 919 First Ave. N., St. Pete
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St. Pete Records and Furnish Me Vintage Grand Opening Party
Saturday, Aug. 26
Itäó»s a wonderful thing that would have been hard to imagine ten years ago. The vinyl resurgence (denigrate it as hipsterism all you will) has fueled the opening of several new, locally owned record stores over the last year (see also Steelworker Records in Tampa) and the growth of many others (Planet Retro). Itäó»s a godsend for music lovers and local culture, and this event shows why, showcasing local talent from DJ 2 Critical to the jazz band Gloria West and the Gents äóñ and also a fashion show and aerial yoga? Yes, please.
Free, 6-9 p.m.
1246 Central Ave., St. Pete
Social Distortion
Sunday, Aug. 27
One of the most enduringly compelling groups to hit it big in the 1990s, Social Distortionäó»s unique mix of punk, alt-country and rockabilly spun out a couple of radio hits (äóìI Was Wrong,äó äóìStory of My Lifeäó), but theyäó»ve never stopped crafting rock-solid songs. They formed in 1979 (!!!!!), making them a vital, living link to the first wave of Orange County punk, and the entire movement. This gig is officially sold out, but die-hards should be able to scrounge up tickets from third parties.
7-10 p.m.
Jannus Live, 200 FirstæAve. N., St. Pete
More Info (and possible tickets) Here
The Flickæpreview performances
Aug. 30–31
And with the snowbirds, also returns the theater! This is the season opener for Tampaäó»s Jobsite Theater, and also, unofficially, for the entire Bay area. The play, by Annie Baker, is scrappy and contained, with three movie theater ushers wrapped in musings about life and happiness. Itäó»s been compared by its producer as a cross between Chekhov and Clerks, which is one of the finest elevator pitches weäó»ve ever heard.
Worth crossing the bridge.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Shimberg Theatre
$15
Tickets, Times, and other Info Here
The Good äó»Burger Awards
Thursday, Aug. 31
Recognizing those who do the most for our community is vital, and the St. Pete Chamber of Commerceäó»s Good äó»Burger awards are second only to Creative Loafingäó»s Bay-spanning accolades in prestige. Nominees this year include designers, performers, creators, organizers äóñ and many of the local businesses who go out of their way to support the countyäó»s creative core.
7-9 p.m.
$25
State Theatre
687 Central Ave., St. Pete
Honorable Mentions:
Pop-Up Craft Night, Thurs., Aug. 31æäóñ Bring your projects to Black Crow Coffee in St. Pete to work with a crowd of fellow makers. 6:30-9 p.m. Free (but be a mensch and buy a brownie). More Info Here.
Mountain Holler, Thurs., Aug. 31æäóñ Local folk-rock-psych-punk multitasker Mark Etherington brings his solo projects to the Ale and the Witch in St. Pete. 8-10:30 p.m. Free. More Info Here.
Avant-Gardeners at the Dali, Sunday, Aug. 27æäóñ A great way to get kids engaged with art, this series uses the Daliäó»s sculpture garden to explore new themes each week, and includes an art activity. Free, 1-1:45 p.m.æMore Info Here.
