Through March 21 - 5th Annual St. Petersburg "Paint the Town"
Finn Gallery, 76 4th Ave. N.E. The St Petersburg Representational Art Association is honored to announce that Kenn Backhaus will be the awards judge for this year's exhibit and following Paint the Town, Mr. Backhaus will teach a comprehensive five day plein air workshop from March 22 to 26. Registration and information about the workshop can be found by visiting the SPRAA website www.spraa.com.

March 19  - Side Door Jazz: Stan Hunter Quartet.
The Palladium Theatre at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N. 7:30 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.

March 19 to 22 - Barrymore.
The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S. A play about actor John Barrymore .7:30 p.m. and Sun. matinee only.  www.thestudioat620.org or 727-895-6620.

March 20 - St. Pete Shuffle.
Shuffleboard Courts, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. 7 to 11 p.m. A hip twist on an old game. www.stpeteshuffle.com or 727-822-2083.

March 20 - The Robert Harris Group.
Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Bayview Room. 7:30 p.m.
www.RickGeesJazzJamm.com or www.mahaffeytheater.com or 727-892-5798.

March 20 - KEM.
Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S. 8 p.m. Nothing can be better than KEMISTRY for the soul. Motown's rising star, KEM, delivers a debut album rich in emotion and vocally textured. KEM, a self-taught musician who wrote and produced KEMISTRY, blends saucy scats and soothing lyrics with bass, drums, guitar and percussion.  www.mahaffeytheater.com or 727-892-5798.

March 20 - Chuck Brodsky in concert. The World Championship Tour (aka, "It's Rays Time in '09").
Craftsman House, 2955 Central Ave. 8:30 p.m. A combination of Bob Dylan, John Prine & Harry Carry. Songs of American culture, everyday life & of course baseball. www.craftsmanhousegallery.com or 727-323-ARTS.

March 20 to 22 - Tampa Bay Blues Festival.
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. N.E. Fri. 12:30 to 10 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. Noon to 10 p.m. The Tampa Bay Blues Festival prides itself in presenting the very finest in blues entertainment each year in an ideal tropical setting. Presenting the internationally recognized blues performers.  Activities, food and arts & crafts. www.tampabaybluesfest.com or 727-502-5000.

March 21 - Saturday Antiques and Green Market at Gasplant Antiques and Ferg's.
Central Ave. and 13th St N. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Variety of produce, gourmet foods and baked goods, local artists,  gift vendors and musical entertainment. www.gasplant-antiques.com or 727-895-0368.

March 21 - Saturday Morning Market.
Al Lang Field parking lot on the corner of 1st Ave. S. and 1st St. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors offer fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, plants and flowers, featuring local artist, live music, organic growers and green products. Relax and enjoy the delightful downtown atmosphere. Through May. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

March 21 - Artists in the Courtyard.
Woodlawn Presyterian Church, 2612 12 St. N. 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. Over thirty artists and vendors will display their works for show and sale. Featuring drawings, pottery, hand crafted bead and jewelry, photography and much more. Enjoy refreashment in the Tea Room or outside at The Grill. 727-822-4477.

March 21 - Art in the Park.
Williams Park, between 1st and 2nd Ave. and 3rd and 4th St. N. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by arts vendors exhibiting their works, music, performers, food and music. 727-898-6061.

March 21 - Saturday Guided Hikes.
Weedon Island Preserve, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by arts vendors, kids' activities, food and music. 727-898-6061. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. N.E. 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-registration required. www.pinellascounty.org/environment or 727-453-6500.

March 21 - FISH-ful Saturday: The Study of Fish.
Pier Aquarium, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. Noon to 2 p.m. www.pieraquarium.org or 727-895-7437.

March 21 - Spring Open House.
The International Museum of Radiant Peace, 5601 Central Ave. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special Museum tours, interactive activities, prizes, for all ages. www.radiantpeace.org or 727-343-8212.

March 23 - Celebrity Critter of the Week: Horse Conch.
Pier Aquarium, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. Noon to 2 p.m. www.pieraquarium.org or 727-895-7437.

March 23 - Public Meeting on the Pinellas County BUDGET.
Osceola High School, 9751 98th Street North,Seminole. All meetings will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. We value your opinion. Please join county officials and staff for the following public information meetings. The national recession and the real estate market downturn are forcing Pinellas County government to downsize. The reductions will affect the programs and services provided to our citizens. We need your feedback. For more information visit www.pinellascounty.org or call 727-464-3000.

March 22 - Orchid Festival.
Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Commercial Orchid Growers from Florida, Orchid Culture lectures all day and thousands of orchids for sale. www.sunkengardens.org or 727-551-3102.

March 24 - Free Band Concert in the Park.
Williams Park bandshell, 2nd Ave. N. and 3rd St. Noon. The Middleton High School Concert Winds band from Wisconsin will blare its melodic horns and drums at noon on Tuesday, March 24 in Williams Park. The public is invited to this special, free concert. The 99-member band, here on a Florida tour, will perform seven signature pieces to include a medley from Fiddler on the Roof, Sousa's Semper Fidelis, Kirkpatrick's Danny Boy, Duke Ellington's Caravan, and The Water is Wide. The internationally acclaimed concert band has performed in Germany, Boston, New York City and Orlando. It makes a tour through Florida every four years, and this marks the first time the band will perform in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg in Williams Park, corner of Fourth St. and First Ave. N. The city invites residents and visitors to come downtown and enjoy the free concert. M&M's Barbecue will offer lunches for sale, or patronize any number or nearby restaurants before the concert and enjoy a brown bag lunch in the park.

March 25 - Wednesdays at Williams.
Williams Park, between 1st and 2nd Ave. and 3rd and 4th St. N. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bringing vibrant energy and new life to Williams Park and creating a community gathering place in downtown St. Petersburg. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Williams Park, play checkers, have a picnic lunch and enjoy local entertainment. Activities will vary weekly.

March 25 - Oldies But Goodies Dance.
The Pier, Dockside Eatery Food Court. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Relax and listen or dance to the music of The Downtowners or the Ron Berringer Trio. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.

March 26 - Senior Free Fest.
Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lots of free information, screenings, arts and crafts, door prizes and plenty more! Sponsored by Senior Voice Magazine. www.stpete.org/coliseum or 727-892-5202.

March 26 - Public Meeting on the Pinellas County BUDGET.
Gibbs High School, 850 34th Street South, St. Petersburg. All meetings will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. We value your opinion. Please join county officials and staff for the following public information meetings. The national recession and the real estate market downturn are forcing Pinellas County government to downsize. The reductions will affect the programs and services provided to our citizens. We need your feedback. For more information visit www.pinellascounty.org or call 727-464-3000.

March 27 - St. Pete Shuffle.
Shuffleboard Courts, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. 7 to 11 p.m. A hip twist on an old game. www.stpeteshuffle.com or 727-822-2083.

March 27 - Das Movies! at the MFA - Movies at MFA. Metropolis.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. Movies begin at 7 p.m. In the Marly Room, explore the Durer Exhibition from 6 to 7 p.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.

March 27 - Last Friday Concert Series.
Williams Park, between 1st and 2nd Ave. and 3rd and 4th St. N. 6 p.m. Concerts will feature nationally touring artists and several local and regional music professionals. Enjoy delicious Tapas and spirits in the VIP area. www.lastfridayconcerts.com

March 27 - Relay For Life of North East St. Petersburg.
5101 1st St. North East. Overnight event starting at 6 p.m. and award closing ceremony at 8 a.m. One day. One night. One community. Your Relay For Life® is about celebration, remembrance, and hope. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it all right here in your community. www.relayforlife.org or 727-546-9822.

March 27 - Relay For Life of Tyrone.
501 Park St. N. Admiral Farragut Academy. Overnight event starting at 6 p.m. and award closing ceremony at 8 a.m. One day. One night. One community. Your Relay For Life® is about celebration, remembrance, and hope. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it all right here in your community. www.relayforlife.org

March 27 - Kenny G.
Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S. 8 p.m. Kenny G is set to release his first Latin Jazz album, Rhythm & Romance, backed by some of the world's finest Latin musicians. The result is a rich, one-of-a-kind tapestry of samba and salsa, ballads and bossa nova, all of which are held together by beautiful melodies of Kenny G's signature sound. www.mahaffeytheater.com or 727-892-5798.

March 27 - Festival of States Eckerd College Coronation Ball and Pageant.
Coliseum. 6 p.m. Suncoasters annual black tie gala offering an exquisite evening of fabulous food, entertainment, dancing, the coronation of Mr. and Ms. Sun and the crowning of the Sungoddess. www.festivalofstates.com or 727-821-9888.

March 27 - Festivals of Speed: Jet Port Reception & Luxury Lifestyle Products Display.
St. Petersburg Clearwater Airport. 8 to 11 p.m. Staged inside an actual aircraft hangar, guests experience a fabulous display of vintage and contemporary aircraft, the worlds most exotic cars, custom created motorcycles, high performance boats and the finest luxury lifestyle product displays. Enjoy vibrant cocktails from a premium brands open bar and indulge in sumptuous themed food displays while experiencing the worlds most exotic vehicles. Relaxed musical notes of smooth jazz performed by a strolling saxophonist will fill the air. Manufacturers representatives are on site introducing guests to the finest luxury products.  www.festivalsofspeed.com or 352-385-9450.

March 27 to 29 - SPIFFS, St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society.
Vinoy Park. Fri. 3 to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to - 10 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 34th Annual Folk Fair is the highlight of year-round preparations. Ethnic villages will capture the flavor of each country. Costumed villagers demonstrate time-honored hand craftsmanship and prepare ethnic food specialties for visitors. Eat your way around the world as you move from village to village sampling a variety of homemade ethnic dishes prepared before your eyes. Folks dancing and music will be performed throughout the weekend. From one end of the globe to the other, you will find outstanding performances and demonstrations from North America, Asia, South Pacific, Europe, and Africa, cultural arts & crafts, art displays and more. www.spiffs.org or 727-552-1896.

March 28 - Saturday Antiques and Green Market at Gasplant Antiques and Ferg's.
Central Ave. and 13th St N. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Variety of produce, gourmet foods and baked goods, local artists,  gift vendors and musical entertainment. www.gasplant-antiques.com or 727-895-0368.

March 28 - Art in the Park.
Williams Park, between 1st and 2nd Ave. N. and 3rd and 4th St. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by arts vendors exhibiting their works, music, performers, food and music. 727-898-6061.

March 28 - Saturday Guided Hikes.
Weedon Island Preserve, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a stroll in the park surrounded by arts vendors, kids' activities, food and music. 727-898-6061. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. N.E. 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-registration required. www.pinellascounty.org/environment or 727-453-6500.

March 28 -  Festivals of Speed: Motor Sports Collection & Luxury Lifestyle Services Pavilion.
N. Straub Park. Beach Dr. and 5th St. N. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The perfect blend of both vintage and contemporary vehicles will be on display. The Honor Marquee for this event will be Rolls-Royce. Enjoy a gathering of the world's finest automobiles, motorcycles and watercraft. Vehicles are placed for display on the grounds of North Straub Park overlooking sparkling Tampa Bay. Showcasing vintage and contemporary vehicles of all makes and models including motorcycles, race boats, micro cars and other unique vehicles. Vehicles from Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, Maserati, Bentley, Bugati and Porsche to name a few, and a one of a kind powerboat, the Alpha Z.

On site cafes, smooth jazz, wine tasting, cigar smokes, luxury lifestyle displays and much more.  www.festivalsofspeed.com or 352-385-9450.

March 28 - Sounds of Saturday: Florida International Jazz & Blues Band.
The Pier. 1 to 4 p.m. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.

March 28 - Festivals of Speed: Evening cruise on Le Club Tarpon.
Renaissance Vinoy Marina. Sunset. A VIP sunset martini cruise on board the 100' yacht Le Club Tarpon. A luxury lifestyle experience with fine wines, spirits and exquisite culinary creations. Be prepared for the best of everything. www.festivalsofspeed.com or 352-385-9450.

March 28 - Westward Ho from the Waterfront.
Central Ave. and 2nd St. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Petersburg Preservation Inc. walking tour of historic waterfront and 4th Ave. N. then by trolley/bus to Historic Kenwood Neighborhood. www.stpetepreservation.org or 727-824-7802.

March 28 - Sickle Cell Dinner and Jazz Extravaganza.
Hilton downtown. 333 First St. S. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. A musical evening and benefit dinner for the Sickle Cell Disease Association. 727-896-2355.

March 28 -  "100 + Years of Baseball & Fashions"
At the Historic St. Petersburg Woman's Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd. 7 p.m. Annual Benefit for the Saint Petersburg Preservation with special guest of honor: Linda Ruth Tosetti, granddaughter of Babe Ruth. Dr. Steve O'Brien of Channel 9 and former sports broadcaster Dick Crippen will host the evening filled with baseball reenactors from Major League Teams that Spring Trained in St. Pete from 1914 to 2008. Activities include: baseball story telling from long-time city residents, including Ardith Rutland, a silent auction of art and baseball memorabilia including Babe Ruth related items and a short talk on history and architecture of the Historic Woman's Club. Come dressed favorite baseball uniform or period costume, optional,and enjoy an evening of music and dancing. For more information and to RSVP call 727-824-7802. www.stpetepreservation.org

March  28 - Das Movies! at the MFA - Movies at MFA. Excalibur.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. Movies begin at 7 p.m. In the Marly Room, explore the Durer Exhibition from 6 to 7 p.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.

March 28 - Florida Orchestra Pop Series: The Always Amazing John Williams.
Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater. 8 p.m.
www.floridaorchestra.org or 1-800-662-7286.

March 29 - MusicFest on the Water: Sound Wave.
The Pier. 1 to 4 p.m. www.stpetepier.com or 727-821-6443.

March 29 - Das Movies! at the MFA - Movies at MFA. Luther.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. N.E. Movies begin at 3 p.m. In the Marly Room, explore the Durer Exhibition from 6 to 7 p.m. www.fine-arts.org or 727-896-2667.

March 30 - Celebrity Critter of the Week: Neon Goby.
Pier Aquarium, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. Noon to 2 p.m. www.pieraquarium.org or 727-895-7437.

March 31 - Encore Chamber Series: C'est Magnifique! 
The Palladium Theatre at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N. 7:30 p.m. www.mypalladium.org or 727-822-3590.

March 2010

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training.
Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd. Port Charlotte. www.raysbaseball.com or 1-888-FAN-RAYS.

Human Rights Walkathon.
North Straub Park and waterfront. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.humanrightswalkathon.org or 727-657-7026.

St. Pete Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival.
Vinoy Park. Fri. 4:30 to 10 p.m., Sat. Noon to 10 p.m. and Sun. Noon to 8 p.m.  www.cajunconnection.org

Club Day.
Mangrove Bay Golf Course.

Antiquarian Book Fair.
Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. Fri. 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special Olympics Area 6 Summer Games.
Lakewood High School, 1400 54th Ave. S. 8:30 registration. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.sopinellas.com or 727-462-1556.

Bay to Bay Road Race.
Through St. Petersburg. www.runbaytobay.com or 727-367-RACE.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival.
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. N.E. Fri. 12:30 to 10 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. Noon to 10 p.m. www.tampabaybluesfest.com or 727-502-5000.

Orchid Festival.
Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.sunkengardens.org or 727-551-3102.

SPIFFS, St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society.
Vinoy Park. Fri. 3 to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to - 10 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  www.spiffs.org or 727-552-1896.

Festivals of Speed.
North Straub Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.festivalsofspeed.com or 352-385-9450.