Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Invasion in Tampa this weekend

The City of Tampa will hold its annual Gasparilla Festival this weekend. It is a mini mardi-gras, and founder’s day celebration all in one. This is a tradition in Tampa that dates back to 1904. The first invasion was actually done on horseback by "Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla". In 1911 the pirate invasion was done by ship for the first time, and has been done by ship ever since.

The roots of this festival dates back to the legendary Buccaneer Pirate named Jose Gaspar, who looted ships in the Gulf of Mexico in the late 1700’s through early 1800’s.

Originally, the parade was held on a Monday and many businesses in Tampa were closed that day. Starting 1988, the parade was moved to Saturday, and now it is the last Saturday in January. It is estimated that over 400K people attend the event every year.

Today the festival consists of a pirate invasion on a replica ship; a parade, and a fireworks show and live music.

Where does the Parade Start?
The annual parade will start at Bayshore and Bay-to-Bay Boulevard. It will continue north on Bay-toBay Boulevard into downtown and end on Ashley Street and Cass Drive

When:
This Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Gasparilla is a free event, but if you would like reserved seating, there is a charge.

Fore more information:

City of Tampa
GASPARILLA CALL CENTER
813-274-8750

Or click on this link for the official Gasparilla page.

Hidden Talents of Town n Country, this Saturday

Tampa, FL: Amidst all the negative news so far in 2010, the staff, board, volunteers and members of the Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS) are pleased to invite the press and public to our latest effort: Winter Showcase. Youth have been busy in 2010 and it has paid off. This showcase gained its name, "The Hidden Talents of Town n Country," when the teachers and staff met and realized that many people do not realize what our youth have accomplished through hard work, teamwork and cooperation. The show will take place Saturday, January 23, 2010: Noon – 2 pm at the Town n Country Recreation Center, 6039 Hanley Road, Tampa FL 33634

This event and our various projects help us realize our Strategic Plan for Prevention in Town n Country by building on our community’s identified strengths! Please join us in meeting our mission of partnering with communities across Florida to help them achieve their goals through research, services, education and training. We are always looking for new partnerships.

Prodigy is sponsored by University Area Community Development Corporation, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Bay Area Youth Services and USF.

For more information, please contact FICS at 813.249.8100

I am a Cuban Sandwich, movie, Gorilla Theatre, Tampa

The Gorilla Theatre presents "I am a Cuban Sandwich" by Richard DiPietra, Monday January 25th at 7pm.

I AM A CUBAN SANDWICH

Author Richard DiPietra takes you on a journey through the physical and cultural life of Ybor City. Not the Ybor of today with its bar scene and late night revels. This is what Ybor was, before time and Interstate 4 cut through the heart of a very special place.

DiPietra, a native of Tampa, has looked back and blended his true remembrances with touches of fiction, to created an honest and touching look into the human experience of growing up - especially growing up in a melting pot that simmers with the smell of Spanish Bean Soup and fresh baked Cuban Bread - the kind that has the palm frond in it.

These stories will remind you of what Tampa was and perhaps even what you were growing up.

Tickets: $5

Gorilla Pass Holders: FREE

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.

Reservation line: (813) 879-2914

Buy Your Tickets Online at:
http://www.gorillatheatre.com/
Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N Hubert Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 879-2914
info@gorillatheatre.com

Island Touch Grand Opening

Island Touch, New studio Grand Opening this Friday

Island Touch Dance Academy
11733 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618




Salseros y Salseras,

A new studio has opened it's doors to the Tampa Community. Please join us in celebrating Island Touch Dance Academy's first studio location.

A Bachata class will be offered at 9pm with social dancing/practica afterward.

Entrance is only $8 for the entire night. Are you a current student? Then it's only $5 with a valid Student ID.

Hope to see you all there.
Tanja Kensinger

Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in Tampa

Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Tampa Concert, Valentine's weekend, 2010

When: February 12 : 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
On Sale Date: December 15, 2009
Price: $30 and $45
Event Phone Number: 813-508-3544
http://www.Stormybaytv.com

Indian Cultural Center
5511 Lynn Road
Tampa, FL 33624

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is Puerto Rico’s most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America.

The band was founded in 1962 and they have performed all over the globe. In 1982 they celebrated their 20th anniversary playing at the Madison Square Garden. In March 1992, they celebrated a huge concert in the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico in front of 30,000 people.

They came to Busch Gardens for the VIVA LA MUSICA concert and packed the park and now they are here in Tampa Bay once again and 92.5 MAXIMA is the exclusive radio station to promote this concert.

Gran Combo de Puerto Rico coming to Tampa in Feb, 2009

Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will be in Tampa Bay for an Incredible Valentine's Day Celebration. Come dance the night away and enjoy over 45 years of music history. From their classic "Brujeria" to their most recent hit "Arroz con Abichuela". You'll hear them all!

See the YouTube video below of one of their famous songs: