Rapper Wiz Khalifa schedules Tampa date

   Medical marijuana is one of the hot topics in the news these days, so it's perfect time for Wiz Khalifa, the rapper and singer/songwriter who's as well know for his openly prodigious use of cannabis as for his music, to come to the area.
   He'll be at the Sun Dome on the University of South Florida campus in Tampa on Nov. 1. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday and they'll run you $52.75, $42.75 or $32.75.

Wiz Khalifa

  The Grammy-nominated artist hit the top of the Billboard 200 just a few weeks ago  with his album "Blacc Hollywood."

   He reportedly used to spend thousands of dollars a month on pot, but now he's sponsored by The Cookie Factory, medical marijuna factory. The Cookie Factory markets Khalifa's own marijuana strain, Khalifa Kush. 

   For information and tickets, call 813-974-3004 or go to sundomearena.com.

  

Sigur Ros performs in Tampa Oct. 7

   Sigur Ros, the phenomenal Icelandic ambient art-rock band, has scheduled its first-ever concert in this area.  They'll be at the University of South Florida Sun Dome Oct. 7.

Jonsi Birgisson of Sigur Ros

   Tickets aren't on sale yet, and there's no word on either the Sigur Ros website or on the Sun Dome website about when they will be, nor about how much they'll cost. And the Sun Dome box office is closed on Monday. But you can sign up to get pre-sale ticket information here.
  The Sun Dome is located on the USF campus at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Call 813-974-3004 or go to www.sundomearena.com.
   

TONIGHT: Elton John struggling to fill USF Sun Dome 'grand opening' in Tampa

When Elton John came to the St. Pete Times Forum with Billy Joel on a Thursday night in 2009, the piano men played in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,898.

John's performance tonight at the the "grand opening"of the newly renovated USF Sun Dome in Tampa, which holds 11,000 for concerts, will take place in front of a much smaller audience.

"Great seats have just been released and are available for purchase," reads the email sent today from Global Spectrum Global Spectrum, the Philadelphia-based company that manages the USF Sun Dome and more than 100 other venues around the world.

Potential ticket buyers are informed that "Elton John and His Band are returning to Tampa for his first headline appearance in 14 years to take the stage at the USF Sun Dome for the Grand Opening ... One of the most successful live bands on the road today, Elton and his band put on the kind of concert you will never forget: the entire audience standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs such as 'Your Song,' 'Rocket Man,' 'Bennie and the Jets,' 'Philadelphia Freedom,' 'Crocodile Rock,' 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, and many more."

Details: 8 p.m. Sept. 14, USF Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; $39.50-$139.50. Information: 1-800-745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/13/4197416/elton-john-to-open-newly-renovated.html#storylink=cpy

—A Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, file photo of British singer Elton John performing on stage during a concert in Zurich, Switzerland. ASSOCIATED PRESS WALTER BIERI — AP

Elton John to play USF Sun Dome 'Grand Opening' in Tampa

Sir Elton John will piano-rock the newly renovated USF Sun Dome at the Tampa venue's Sept. 14 Grand Opening.

The Friday evening concert features the singer/pianist with a five-piece backing band and promises "all the hits."

Tickets are $39.50-$139.50 and go on sale 10 a.m. June 15.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Elton John will be performing live at the newly renovated Sun Dome for our Grand Opening.” said USF Sun Dome General Manager Trent Merritt, in a statement. “Elton John is one of music’s most legendary performers. He is a master musician, vocalist and an icon the likes of which will never be seen again. His timeless music and unparalleled live performances have entertained fans all over the globe for the last 5 decades. This is one concert not to be missed!”

John last played Tampa in 2009 with Billy Joel at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Show details. 

—Photo: Elton John by Chris Pizzello/Associated Press.