Jezebelle to play First Friday Seminole
SEMINOLE — The next First Friday Seminole event will feature a performance by Jezebelle on Friday, June 5, 6-9 p.m., in front of Studio Movie Grill at Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N., Seminole.
The concert is free. Visit www.seminolecitycenter.com.
Jezebelle delivers high-energy rock and pop favorites from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, early 2000s, and today. Fronted by Courtney’s powerful vocals, Jezebelle is known for lively performances that get crowds singing, dancing, and having a great time. The group performs a wide variety of covers from musical artists such as Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, Shinedown, Katy Perry, Motley Crue, Journey, and many more. This will be the group’s first appearance at First Friday Seminole.
Coolers are not allowed, but food and drinks will be available for purchase from Seminole City Center tenants and vendors. Attendees may bring lawn chairs. Vendors other than Seminole City Center tenants are not permitted. The event is subject to change due to weather.
Each First Friday features entertainment complemented by prize giveaways, a raffle and more. The raffle will include a $1,400 e-bike compliments of Electrified of St. Petersburg. Proceeds from the raffle benefit Seminole Lake Rotary Club’s Red Sled Initiative, as well as Irish 31 iCare Foundation and Cheers to Public Service Initiative.
For more information, visit www.seminolecitycenter.com.
Holiday romance films at CMA
CLEARWATER — Country Mile Entertainment recently began principal photography on “Christmas in Clearwater,” a coastal Christmas romance starring Katrina Norman and Ignacyo Matynia, directed by Lindsay Hartley. Shooting on location in Florida’s Gulf Coast, the film features the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as both a primary setting and a central element of the story. “Christmas in Clearwater” is targeting a Christmas 2026 release.
“Christmas in Clearwater” follows an ambitious, career-driven woman (Norman) who returns to her hometown during the holiday season to close a business deal, only to reconnect with her former love (Matynia) and rediscover a sense of purpose through family, community, and the mission of the local marine aquarium. As the stakes rise, she is forced to choose between professional ambition and protecting the place, and the people, who shaped her.
The screenplay is by Laura Kampo Lennon and F.J. Lennon. Hartley directs, with Josh Maas serving as director of photography. John Harris and Marc Marcum produce for Country Mile Entertainment, alongside Eric Michael Kochmer and Nate Lipp producing for Cinesthesia Factory. Ben Rizzo of Country Mile Entertainment and Jason Cherubini executive produce.
“‘Christmas in Clearwater’ brings together so much of what I love as a filmmaker. A second-chance romance, family, community, and the kind of work that reminds you why we tell stories like this,” said Hartley. “The Clearwater Marine Aquarium changed something in me from the moment I walked through the doors, and the community welcomed us in like family.”
The project features original music and a country-influenced soundtrack, in keeping with Country Mile Entertainment’s focus on storytelling rooted in the traditions of country music. It is the first holiday title from the company’s developing slate of country-music-inspired film and television projects.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with ‘Christmas in Clearwater’ and help bring the story and mission of Clearwater Marine Aquarium to audiences in such a heartfelt way,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “This film beautifully reflects the values that drive our rescue and rehabilitation efforts every day — compassion, community, and the connection between people and marine life — while also showcasing the beauty of Clearwater to a national audience.”
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Visit CMAquarium.org.
Juneteenth Commemoration set at Straz
TAMPA — The sixth annual Juneteenth Commemoration will take place on Monday, June 15, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., in Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.
There is no cost to attend, but prior registration is requested by visiting www.strazcenter.org.
The event will recognize the importance of Juneteenth, the date when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been set free two years after the country’s official abolishment of slavery. The final event in this season’s Arts Legacy Remix series, the Juneteenth Commemoration will be comprised of spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance and an original performance of music, poetry and dance created especially for this event.
Arts Legacy Remix celebrates the many varied cultures and talented local artists who reside in the Tampa Bay area. Each performance is free of charge and focuses on a different theme.
Event raises $674K for Hoffman School of the Arts
CLEARWATER — Peace, Love & Possibilities, a benefit held on Friday, April 10, raised over $674,000 for arts education at The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts.
“This support provides access to the arts and ensures that no student is ever turned away due to financial need,” said Susan M. Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall president and CEO and the Ruth Eckerd Hall board of directors. “Through their generosity, our donors build a bridge for our students that makes their journey possible.”
The event transported guests to a 1969 hippie festival featuring unique culinary fare, specialty cocktails and groovy décor. Guitar legend and multiple Grammy Award-Winner Santana headlined the event with a sold-out concert on the Ruth Eckerd Hall stage, followed by an after-party in the Hoffman Family Dress Circle Lounge.
The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall is one of the largest providers of arts education and community engagement experiences in the nation. Tuition assistance is offered for on-site classes and private instruction, and talent-based scholarships are offered to students pursuing the arts professionally. In addition, donor support underwrites community programming at over 30 off-site locations, placing teaching artists in public and private schools, and providing arts educational opportunities for seniors, at-risk youth, those with special needs, and other underserved populations. Over 156,000 hours of art education are provided annually to students of all ages and abilities throughout the Tampa Bay area.
For more information, visit RuthEckerdHall.com.
Central Park Performing Arts Center to present Prismatic
LARGO — Prismatic: An Exploration of Color and Pride will be presented on Saturday, June 13, 8 p.m., at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo.
Tickets start at $20. Visit LargoArts.com or call 727-587-6793.
The production is a vibrant, multi-media drag experience that celebrates identity, creativity, and self-expression.
Created and directed by Daphne Ferraro, the show features a cast of six outstanding drag performers in a 90-minute journey through the spectrum of color. Each segment explores the meaning and emotion behind color, brought to life through performance, storytelling, and striking visual design.
Local author publishes women’s fiction book series
Sarasota Green has been working on a book series, and she’s finally telling the world about it. Cocktails, Sunsets, and Music is a series of women’s fiction/romance featuring scenes in an around St. Petersburg.
A past resident of Gulfport, Green says her first novel is set in a fictional town, but it “looks a whole lot like Gulfport in my mind.” Book one in the series, “Free Love Beach,” is the story of a young woman who moves to a small beach town in the mid 1960s against her mother’s wishes and falls in love with a musician against her better judgment. The love story is full of quirky characters who help the main character through some big life events and take her on some adventures that only Floridians can.
“When I was writing the first book, I was trying to capture the magic of the ocean and sky, and the feeling of the off-season in Gulfport and Treasure Island, how everybody who lived and worked there were fast friends,” the author explained.
“Free Love Beach” also features a record store, a pink hotel, and a love-in at the local college.
“I fell in love with everything about Gulfport,” Green said, “and I wanted to capture the feeling of ending up there by accident and finding immediate kindred souls in an art and music community.”
The Cocktails, Sunsets, and Music Series is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and bookshop.org, and Green is hoping to see the books on some local shelves very soon. Readers can find out more at sarasotagreenauthor.com.
TFO names new vice president of development
ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra recently named Julie Baker as its new vice president of development, welcoming a nationally respected fundraising leader with more than two decades of experience advancing orchestras, higher education and international nonprofits.
Baker joins the orchestra at a time of real momentum, following several years of fundraising success, expanding community support and growing investment in the orchestra’s artistic and education programs throughout Tampa Bay.
Most recently, Baker served as chief development officer for Pencils of Promise, a global education nonprofit. She led the organization’s national fundraising strategy while overseeing its cross-functional development and marketing team. Under her leadership, the organization strengthened major gift and foundation support, expanded donor engagement and achieved record fundraising growth.
Baker said she was drawn to The Florida Orchestra because of both its artistic quality and its deep connection to the community it has served for nearly six decades.
“I’ve always believed orchestras can play an essential role in the life of a community,” Baker said. “Not just through concerts, but through education and shared experiences that bring people together. The Florida Orchestra already means so much to this community, and it’s clear there’s tremendous excitement about where the organization is headed next. I’m honored to join the team at such an important moment and look forward to building meaningful relationships and partnerships with donors, patrons and community leaders across Tampa Bay. Together, we can continue growing the support that will help shape the orchestra’s future.”
Baker will begin her role with The Florida Orchestra on June 1.
Murray steps down at American Stage
ST. PETERSBURG — American Stage Theatre Company recently announced that Helen R. Murray, who serves as producing artistic director, has stepped down from her role, with the transition taking place effective immediately.
To support the transition, American Stage has engaged nationally respected theatre leader Stephanie Gularte, a former CEO/producing artistic director of American Stage, as a strategic consultant. She will offer strategic counsel to staff, including interim artistic director Anthony Gervais, and board leadership to guide the organization through this next chapter.
“We have a strong team in place and a clear plan for the months ahead,” said Ebrahim Busheri, board of trustees chair. “With Stephanie Gularte joining us during this transition, we’re focused on supporting our staff and artists while continuing to deliver a strong season and move the organization forward.”
American Stage’s leadership and board are working closely together to ensure a seamless transition, and the upcoming season will move forward as planned.
“American Stage is a vital artistic pillar for Tampa Bay,” said Gularte, who led American Stage from 2015 to 2021. “I look forward to supporting the board and staff with strategic guidance throughout this transition, ensuring that the organization remains a vibrant community treasure for years to come.”
Learn more about American Stage at AmericanStage.org.
To submit arts and entertainment news, email editorial@TBNweekly.com. Please include contact information on all submissions. Announcements are printed as space allows.