The Expendables: For most Americans, the week is off to a stressful start. We're halfway to the weekend, so let your Wednesday turn the tides with some serious grooves. Hailing from Santa Cruz, Calif., how could the Expendables' style be anything else but laid-back? The band's MySpace page describes their music best: "Reggae had sex with metal, punk got in the mix, and ska videotaped it all." Sounds like an excellent change of pace. 8 tonight, Jannus Landing, 16 Second St. N, St. Petersburg. $14.99. (727) 896-2276. jannuslandingconcerts.com.
Pumpkin Party: Little tykes at the Preschool Village Ramblers will get a jump start on Halloween by hearing pumpkin stories, making puppets and planting pumpkin seeds in the garden. Keep an eye out for the Great Pumpkin, but remember, if you doubt his existence, he won't show. Cost is $6 for kids who are members of the Pinellas County Historical Society and $8 for nonmembers. You can also pay for the entire series ($20 for members, $26 for nonmembers) which is presented the first Wednesday of each month. Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N, Largo. Call (727) 582-2123 for more information.
What to watch for
Thursday:Considering Tina Fey's impressions are getting more air time that she is, here's your chance to see the real Republican vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, in action at the veep debate, showing live on the big screen at the Beach Theater in St. Pete Beach.
That's not all: Don't wait for the weekend to have some fun. There are more than 50 things to do to be found at entertainment.tampabay.com.
— Adam Newman anewman@tampabay.com
Super Bowl alert
Star gazers, take a look: Diddy, NFL star Deion Sanders and hometown boxing champ Winky Wright are teaming up for a series of parties in the nights leading up to the Super Bowl in Tampa. Event organizer Michael Bilello says the parties — with limited public access — will be a "very unique chance to rub elbows with the A-list of America." (Wait, is Neon Deion really an A-list celeb?) Each of the three events at The Venue in Clearwater will have a different theme. Record producer, rapper, actor and menswear designer Diddy will host a Vegas-themed party on Jan. 29 dubbed "Champions of the Good Life." Proceeds from the event will go to Wright's new Charity for Women. On Jan. 30, Sanders will join his friends for a "Legends of the Good Life" party with a Hall of Fame theme. And on Jan. 31, the trio host the "Icons of the Good Life Diamonds and Pearls Gala." Wright will also host a celebrity golf tournament with Bucs player Michael Clayton on Jan. 29 at the Feather Sound Golf and Country Club. Tickets aren't available for any of the parties yet, but if you have to ask the price ...
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