First glimpse of St. Pete's Chihuly Collection

Chihuly's Mille Fiore

Today I got the biggest treat: an early glimpse of St. Pete's The Chihuly Collection (presented by the Morean Arts Center), featuring the works of glass artist Dale Chihuly. His works are truly breathtaking! The permanent collection opens to the public Monday. Media was invited today for a personal tour and ribbon-cutting. Sadly, Chihuly couldn't make it to the event but it was still a sight to see. I'll post more info about the tour later but wanted to post a few photos I took.

Also, take a look at the Herald tomorrow for my story on the collection.

- January Holmes

ribbon-cutting

from the ceiling of a hallway

Persians series

Macchia "forest" series

The10,000 sq. ft. building was designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso (center). To the left is Katee Tully, executive director of the Morean Arts Center in front of the Persians series

from the Tumbleweeds series - a neon blue piece that hangs like a chandelier from the ceiling

Local pizza owner finalist for World's Fastest Pizza Maker contest

Did you know there was a contest for the world's fastest pizza maker? And that Rene DeGuia, owner of a Sarasota Domino's Pizza, will be competing in the next one? DeGuia is a finalist in Domino's 2010 World's Fastest Pizza Maker Competition, which will be held July 21-22 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

DeGuia, who gets an all-expenses paid trip to the event, will try to beat the world record in pizza making: 46.4 seconds.

Contestants will be judged on how fast they can make one large cheese pizza and two large one-topping pizzas. First prize is $3,000. Second prize is $1,000 and the third and fourth prize are $500 each.

DeGuia, whose been with Domino's for 21 years, is a great contender. He's won the competition in 2000 and 2005. This will be his 12th time in the finals. The contest has been active for 28 years.

“Speed is so important in our industry,” said DeGuia. “Domino’s has the fastest pizza makers in the world. To prepare, I have been doing some daily speed drills. I also put more focus on the very first time of the day as you only get one chance to be fast and high quality.”
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In other news, be sure to get your free Slurpee this Sunday at 7-Eleven in celebration of the store chain's 83rd birthday.
- January Holmes

Betty White = calendar gal

Beloved actress Betty White is still going strong. And her newest venture is even hotter than her new hit TV Land comedy series "Hot in Cleveland." It's the 2011 Betty White Calendar where White stars as the calendar "pinup girl" from January to December - with the help of some shirtless (and well buffed) hunks.

Proceeds from the calendars will benefit The Morris Animal Foundation in Denver, Colorado.

The calendar, at $12.99, goes on sale in stores in September.

- January Holmes

Exclusive events leading up to Chihuly Collection grand opening

Instillation of Ruby Red Icicle chandelier at the Chihuly Collection

Dale Chihuly art fans can get their first look at the Chihuly Collection this week with several special events leading up to next week's grand opening - including appearances by the world-renown glass sculpture artist himself.

2-4 p.m. July 10 Chihuly lecture and book signing
The Renaissance Vinoy
Tickets: $150
Dale Chihuly will present a lecture in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Pete. Each guest will receive a complimentary Chihuly book to be signed by Chihuly himself after the event. Champagne and desserts will be served.

7-11 p.m. The Chihuly Collection's "Carnival of Glass"
400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
Tickets: $200 in advance, $250 at the door
The Morean Arts Center welcomes Chihuly to the Chihuly Collection, presented by the center. The event features signature cocktails, beer/wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Guest will be offered one of the first public opportunities to see the Chihuly Collection. Chihuly will be on hand to sign books and visit with guest.

1-6 p.m. July 11Special opening day of the Chihuly Collection
400 Beach Drive, St. Pete
Tickets: $125
Be the first to tour the Chihuly Collection. Exclusive ticket holders will be served champagne, be led in a tour and receive their choice of a Chihuly book or DVD.

Call (727) 896-4527 to RSVP

Read our story on the Chihuly Collection in Sunday's Bradenton Herald.

-January Holmes

Young Clyde, where art thou?

Asolo Repetory Theatre is still seeking a young Clyde Barrow for its upcoming Broadway-bound musical "Bonnie & Clyde."

Special auditions will be held 3-6 p.m. July 9 and 2-5 p.m. July 12 at the theater, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Please call for an appointment at 351-9010, ext. 3318.

To fill the role, the theater is looking for a young Clyde described as: a white male 11–14 years old that can play ages 10–15 years. He must also be an excellent singer, preferably with an unchanged voice, and a little tall for his age. 

This could be a great opportunity for a young local actor, according to artistic director Michael Donald Edwards.

"This search for the perfect young Clyde presents a rare opportunity for a young actor to work with a professional company on a production that is slated to go on to Broadway after it leaves our stage," he said. "We’ve worked with young actors before who travel from all round the region to attend rehearsals and perform with Asolo Rep. With this show only running for one month, the time commitment is much more reasonable than it may seem at first glance. It does take dedication, but we’ve worked with children from the Tampa area and Venice. It is very doable for the right performer.”

- January Holmes

Lilith Fair cancels Tampa stop

This isn't good news: Lilith Fair's Aug. 11 tour stop in Tampa has been cancelled.

In fact, nine other Lilith stops have been axed in West Palm, Salt Lake City, Montreal, Raleigh, Charlotte, Birmingham, Austin, Houston and Dallas. Refunds will be given at point of purchase.

Here's the scoop: “We are in the midst of one of the most challenging summer concert seasons with many tours being cancelled outright,” says Lilith co-founder Terry McBride. “Everyone involved with the tour would like to apologize to the fans and artists scheduled to play in these markets, and express appreciation for all the support for the festival’s return. Lilith remains the only tour of its kind, and we are confident that fans will be amazed by what each date has to offer.”


In light of these cancellations, some artists who were set to appear later in the tour may be performing in other cities. Please check LilithFair.com  for the most up to date information for each city.

- January Holmes

Summer Broadway scholarship available

Calling all young musical theater actors: The Arts Edge, an educational consulting firm is offering a scholarship For Arts Edge Summer, a two-week musical theater/college prep boot camp in New York City. The summer program is from Aug. 9-20 and will offer guidance for aspiring singers, actors and dancers in high school and college. Applications for the scholarship will be reviewed by acting and educational professionals that include "Rock of Ages" star Constantine Maroulis and "Memphis" star Chad Kimball.

Here are details:

The Arts Edge Summer program and scholarship are open to high school students who will be sophomores through seniors in fall 2010 and to college transfer students. Applicants must submit a brief application online and a video of themselves performing two short, contrasting and age-appropriate songs from the Broadway repertoire: one ballad and one upbeat selection. Candidates will be judged on stage presence, repertoire choices, interpretation, tone quality, diction, musicianship, acting and intonation.

Deadline to apply is July 12. Scholarship recipients will be announced the week of July 19. The scholarship is valued at nearly $2,000, covering the cost of the program. It does not include accommodations, meals or transportation.

For more information, visit http://www.theartsedge.com/.

- January Holmes