11/27
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise- Tampa
Cooking a Thanksgiving feast requires so much time and energy that, perhaps, a traditional family celebration is less inviting than dining on a luxurious yacht, floating on the water. The cruise’s meal includes upscale traditional favorites such as slow roasted turkey with sage pan gravy, candied sweet potato and pecan mash, green beans almondine, and more. There will be a DJ and cash bar. These cruises often sell out so make reservations and secure your spot. 12:00 p.m. Yacht StarShip. 603 Channelside Drive. Tampa. 33602.
11/28
Jim Gaffigan – Orlando
Jim Gaffigan’s memoir Dad is Fat and his most recent book Food: A Love Story showcase his comedic style while paying homage to his life’s troubles. The stand-up comedian and actor has appeared in many different TV shows after his first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman back in 1999. He starred on Ellen Degeneres’ second sitcom The Ellen Show and also guest starred in one episode of the beloved HBO comedy series Flight of the Conchords. His career has spanned roles as both actor, writer, and, his first love, stand-up comedy which he will perform tonight at the Hard Rock. 7:00 p.m. Hard Rock Live. 6030 Universal Blvd. Orlando. 32819.
28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Jacksonville
Every year Jacksonville kicks off the holiday season with an extravagant tree lighting ceremony on the St Johns River. A 56-foot-tall energy-efficient artificial tree with 270 ornaments and over 78,000 L.E.D. lights light up the downtown area. There is also an interesting 10-minute, synchronized light show to various selections of holiday music—something that will continue daily until New Year’s Eve. With so many people in attendance, the event is expected to be standing room only. Guests are encouraged not to bring chairs. 7:00 p.m. The Jacksonville Landing. 2 Independent Dr. W. Jacksonville. 32202.
11/29
Leather Masked Ball – Fort Lauderdale
The premiere annual dance party and charity event of South Florida’s Leather Community, the Leather Masked Ball, was the brainchild of Ira C. Smith and Eric Lawrence way back in 2006. Since then, the Leather Men’s Brotherhood has acquired the ball, building upon its tradition. Proceeds from this year’s event help support The Pet Project, Tuesday’s Angels, The Pantry of Broward, and The Leather Archives and Museum. DJ Brian Norwood will be spinning a night titled Cellblock 9. 9:00 p.m. Bill’s Filling Station. 2209 Wilton Drive. Wilton Manors. 33305.
The White Party – Miami
The annual HIV fundraiser takes place at the Perez Art Museum this year. The White Party has been around since 1985, created by Frank Wager as a fundraiser for fledgling not-for-profit Health Crisis Network. Since then the party has come to symbolize the community solidarity fighting against a destructive disease. The party has also grown considerably in length, having become one of the biggest gay parties in the world. It is now more a White Party Week than just a White Party. Still, the main event takes place tonight and promises to be as fabulous as any other. 7:00 p.m. Perez Art Museum. 1103 Biscayne Boulevard. Miami. 33132.
11/30
Sunset Baby – Fort Lauderdale
Nina’s estranged father, a former black revolutionary, reappears to throw everyone’s life into turmoil. Sunset Baby tells the story of one woman’s journey from a brutal existence to her own liberation, a place where the personal and political collide. Primal Forces Production presents this play written by Dominque Morisseau. Producer Keith Garsson assembled a talented, award-winning cast to interpret these complicated characters, including John Archie, Makeba Pace, and Ethan Henry. The play runs until December 21st. 7:30 p.m. Andrews Living Arts Studio. 23 NW Fifth St. Fort Lauderdale. 33301.
12/1
Camelot – Key West
The Lerner and Loewe musical Camelot is based upon the King Arthur legend as adapted from T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. The lushly romantic musical boosts one of the greatest and most popular scores of all time. The original cast recording album was a top selling LP for sixty weeks. It has been done in many different incarnations, including a film version. The classic love triangle between Arthur, Lancelot, and Guenevere will electrify the Tennessee Williams Theatre tonight. 8:00 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theatre. 5901 College Road. Key West. 33040.
12/2
Downtown on Ice – Tampa
Florida may not be known for its Christmas, wintery weather, but it doesn’t mean residents who enjoy the warmth can’t also enjoy treats of the holiday. One of the best parts of the winter season is the ability to go ice-skating. Downtown Tampa grants its community an ice skating rink for exactly that reason. The rink allows guests to enjoy 90 minutes of skating time. All ages are welcomed. This is an outdoor rink in the park, one of the more unique experiences in Tampa. 4:00 p.m. Curis Hixon Park. 600 N. Ashley Drive. Tampa. 33602.
12/3
Dirty Dancing – Tampa
The Patrick Swayze-Jennifer Gray film became a huge hit in the 1980s with tremendous cultural staying power. The film showcases ballroom dancing, summer vacation spots, Patrick Swayze’s hips, and the notorious phrase “Nobody puts baby in the corner.” The musical version has been touring throughout the country for years, complete with all of the movie’s hit songs. Those songs include “Hungry Eyes,” “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” and “She’s Like the Wind.” Come watch all of the film’s famous scenes reenacted on the stage as love, status, and family are all put to the test. 7:30 p.m. Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Perofming Arts. 1010 N. Macinnes Place. Tampa. 33602.
Photo of “Dirty Dancing” courtesy of Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
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