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Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Nov. 13-19

Check out the art of sand sculpting at Sanding Ovations on Treasure Island, or take in three days of jazz music at the Suncoast Jazz Festival in Clearwater.
 
Artwork made of sand will be on display at the Sanding Ovations sand sculpture exhibit in Treasure Island.
Artwork made of sand will be on display at the Sanding Ovations sand sculpture exhibit in Treasure Island. [ ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times ]
Published Nov. 13

Sanding Ovations: The annual sand sculpture event returns to Treasure Island with nearly a dozen artists making outstanding creations in the sand. There will also be a beach food court, beer garden and arts and crafts marketplace. Kites and night flights will be provided by Windworks of Madeira Beach from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fireworks light up the night sky on Saturday at 10 p.m., and local, regional and national touring bands perform. It runs Nov. 16-19, and this year’s event will extend into a second weekend, Nov. 25-26. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 16), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Nov. 17-18), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). Treasure Island Gulf Front Park, 10424 Gulf Blvd. 727-547-4575.

Festival of Trees: Businesses and organizations donate decorated holiday trees to create a winter wonderland thousands flock to see annually. Includes music, choir and dance performances, the Hands of Praise Deaf Choir, martial arts exhibitions and the city of Clearwater Holiday Party. Benefits the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation. $10, 4 and younger free, $5 seniors (Friday only). 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Nov. 17-18), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater. 727-797-8712.

Jazz music will fill the Sheraton Sand Key Resort for the three-day Suncoast Jazz Festival.
Jazz music will fill the Sheraton Sand Key Resort for the three-day Suncoast Jazz Festival. [ JONES, OCTAVIO | Times (2016) ]

Suncoast Jazz Festival: Three days of jazz music including two-time Grammy award-winning Ranky Tanky, New Orleans jazz trumpeter and singer Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers and Grammy-nominated guitar wizard Diego Figueiredo. $40-$225. 11 a.m.-midnight Friday (Nov. 17), 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday (Nov. 18), 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater. 727-248-9441.

Power Sports Super Show: See the latest power-sports machines, accessories, aftermarket products, wheels and tires, ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, motorcycles, eBikes, personal watercraft, accessories, apparel and more. $5, $11 three days, 12 and younger free. 4-10 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17), 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-621-7821.

BBQ Lovefest: You be the judge as 20 backyard barbecue teams compete for bragging rights and $10,000 in prize money. There will also be DJ dancing and live entertainment as you meet five professional barbecue chefs from across the U.S. Benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, Operation BBQ Relief and the Special Operations Memorial Foundation. $65. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18). Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1201 N. Orange St., Tampa. 813-879-4647.

EDW Lucha Live: Masked wrestlers perform the Mexican cultural art form of lucha libre in the ring where they show off their flying aerials, scissor kicks and wheelbarrow holds, and defend their title to become a champion. All ages welcome. $25-$40, $20 ages 13 and younger. 8-10 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17). Largo Event Center, 6340 126th Ave. N. 727-266-4295.

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Rockstar: This “Global First Listen” event offers fans the opportunity to hear and see Dolly Parton’s new style of music before her new album is released Thursday (Nov. 16). The film also includes an exclusive interview with Parton, behind-the-scenes footage, a debut performance of a holiday song “Circle of Love” and a performance of her classic, “9 to 5.” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 15). Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. 813-274-8286. Also taking place at Veterans 24 in Tampa, Regency 20 in Tampa, Regal Park Place in Pinellas Park, Woodlands Square 20 in Oldsmar and Studio Movie Grill in Seminole. Showtime and ticket price vary by theater.

Catch the film in which Dolly Parton reveals her new style.
Catch the film in which Dolly Parton reveals her new style. [ JUAN FIGUEROA | The Dallas Morning News ]

Henry Rollins: Good To See You Tour: Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road presents Henry Rollins at The Palladium in downtown St. Petersburg for a night of spoken word. $30-$40. 8 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17). Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-791-7400.

Gilberto Santa Rosa: “El Caballero de la Salsa” (The Gentleman of Salsa) Gilberto Santa Rosa, the bandleader and singer who has won six Grammys and is a hero in his native Puerto Rico, performs. $49.50 and up. 7 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

Welcome to Night Vale: The quirky podcasters from Welcome to Night Vale return to Tampa Theatre for a “turn on your radio and hide” presentation of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events. $29.50-$49.50. 8 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 16). Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. 813-274-8286.

Mannheim Steamroller: Enjoy a compilation of songs by one of the most popular holiday jazz groups. $35-$99. 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 16). The Sound at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Snowcat Ridge: A “blizzard” has struck north-central Florida bringing an ice slide, ice skating, snow fights in an igloo, Christmas Lane, an Eskimo outpost and an Alpine village. General admission includes two hours of sledding. Upgrades available for unlimited sledding and additional activities. $26.95 and up (varies by date and time slot). 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17), 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18), 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19). Snowcat Ridge, 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. 813-576-1450.

Season Spectacular: This event features the unveiling of Water Street Tampa’s holiday decor, food and drink, themed kids’ activities and live entertainment. Includes a holiday-themed silent disco, hot chocolate bars, seasonal cocktails, photos with Santa and more. Also, take a short stroll over to Sparkman Wharf and enjoy Winter Wonder Wharf with an array of photo ops, holiday activities and treats. Free. 5-9 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17). 971 Water St., Tampa.

St. Pete Opera: Fast-moving, colorful and comical, this one-hour opera adapted from Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale, “Pinocchio,” highlights the message of the importance of family, friendship and always telling the truth. Sung in English with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach and Verdi. $20, $7 children. 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 18-19). Preis Hall, Opera Central, 2145 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-823-2040.

St. Pete Opera presents "Pinocchio."
St. Pete Opera presents "Pinocchio."

Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth: This 90-minute live version of the History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” features ancient astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, aerospace engineer and intelligence expert Dr. Travis Taylor, UK government UFO investigator Nick Pope and a real-life Indiana Jones, David Childress, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from ancient Egypt to the moon. $39.50-$59.50. 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18). Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. 813-274-8286.

White Rabbit, Red Rabbit: American Stage moves to the ArtsXchange outdoor theater for a presentation of a cold reading of “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit.” Each night, a different actor steps onto stage with a script they’ve never seen before. Do-overs and repeats are not allowed. The result is a true theatrical journey for actor and audience. $33. 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday (Nov. 16-17). ArtsXchange, 515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-826-7211.

Hannah Berner: The comedian who has two podcasts, was a co-host on Bravo’s “Chat Room” and was a member of Bravo’s “Summer House” for three seasons performs. $29.50-$39.50. 8 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17). Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286.

Free Movies in the Park: Gather up blankets or chairs for movies on the big screen at this pet-friendly event with snack concessions available. Alcohol is not permitted. This week brings “The Barbie Movie.” Free. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. 727-586-7415.

Jo Koy: The comedian, who was recently featured in the film “Easter Sunday” and in his recent Netflix special, brings his world tour to Tampa. Ages 12 and up only. $54-$79. 8 p.m. Friday (Nov. 17). Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.

Dwight Yoakam: The multi-Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter will perform, along with special guests Charley Crockett and Annie Bosco. $34-$124.50. 6:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov.18). The Sound at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: The family-friendly holiday spectacular wraps a Broadway-style production around contemporary circus arts. $33-$83. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 21). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000. themahaffey.com.