Compiled by Kathy L. Collins, Arts and Entertainment Editor
If you are looking for something fun to do over the weekend, let this be your guide finding fun, creative and exciting things to do in the area. The Greater Brandon area and Tampa Bay have tons of activities going on every weekend. Get out and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Do you like the circus? Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey’s present “Fully Charged” at the St. Pete Times Forum now through Sunday, January 9. Ticket prices range from $15 to $85. All shows at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Families can get up close to animal performers in the Free Animal Open House. Arrive 90 minutes before the show for this special offer. You can also join in on the arena floor for the All Access Pre-Show which is free to all ticket holders one hour before the show. The St. Pete Times Forum is located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Please visit www.sptimesforum.com for more information.
Be among the lucky theatre goers and see “Wonderland” before it makes its Broadway debut in April. “Wonderland is on stage at the Straz Center in Tampa now through January 16. “Wonderland” is a new musical about Alice, who has lost her joy in life. It takes a trip to Wonderland for her to discover what she’s lose and reclaim what’s most important to her. Shows are on Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; and on Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call 222=1002 or visit www.tbpac.org.
The Florida Orchestra pays homage to Louis Armstrong during the first Raymond James Pops of the season when they present “The One and Only Louis Armstrong” on Friday, January 7 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa.
If you like the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow,” and if you have treasures in your garage or attic or like to collect treasurers, then you have to go to the Sunshine City Antiques Collectibles Show at the St. Pete Coliseum located at 535 Fourth Ave. in St. Petersburg this weekend. There will be dozens of vendors with vintage clothing, home décor, and art on site. There will also be a two day “Antiques Appraisal Fair.” For $5 per item, you can get those treasures appraised. The show runs this weekend on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.; and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $6 and children under 12 are free. For more information, please visit www.sunshinecityantiquesshow.com.
Take the entire family to “Kidz Blast! Live” on Saturday, January 8 at 6 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon in the Worship Center. This event promises to be a “high-octane” family event. For more information, please visit www.bellshoals.com keywork “kidz.”
Looking for inspiration and an evening of acting and fabulous music? The Straz Center will offer two performances of “The Color Purple” on Saturday, January 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. “The Color Purple” is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who finds strength to overcome adversity. The show is set to a score featuring jazz, gospel and the blues. For more information, please visit www.tbpac.org or call 222-1002.
Email kcollins@ospreyobserver.com with any upcoming arts and entertainment events you would like to include in this weekly column.
