Vanilla Fudge cancels Saturday's show in Tampa

   The kept you hangin' on until the last minute, but now, just two days before their scheduled concert in Tampa, Vanilla Fudge has canceled.
   The '60s psychedelic soul greats, with most of the original lineup intact, were supposed to play at Friday Morning Musicale in Tampa on Saturday. The promoter announced Wednesday night that the show was canceled.
   There's no explanation, and no word about rescheduling. In fact, the email from SoundStage LIVE Productions read, in its entirety, "Canceled, tickets refunded at place of purchase. Thank you!"
   So there you have it.

Vanilla Fudge to play Tampa next month

   Sixties psychedelic soul greats Vanilla Fudge have scheduled a concert for Tampa Aug. 17.
   Unlike a lot of bands that have been around since the '60s, Vanilla Fudge has its classic lineup almost entirely intact: Singer/vocalist Mark Stein, guitarist Vince Martell and drummer extraordinaire Carmine Appice are all still Fudging. They're joined Pete Bremy, who replaces bassist Tim Bogert.

Appice, Martell and Stein

   Vanilla Fudge are best known for their uber-emotional version of the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On," but they had some strong albums and a few other great singles. They were prone to the excesses of their era -- including seven-minute singles with long, indulgent solos -- but their musicianship was  impeccable and they created great reworkings of other bands' hits.
   They'll be at Friday Morning Musicale, a small, historic concert venue in a residential neighborhood, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Tickets are $55-$100. (The high-priced tickets include a meet-and-greet.) The Musicale is at 809 W. Horatio St. Call 813-251-1990 or go to www.fridaymorningmusicale.com.
   Before the show, outside at 6 p.m., you can hear a local tribute band called the Sting Police. In case it's not obvious, they do songs by Sting and the Police.