BESTBets
40 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2018
WILLIAM M. KALAMON
Glass artist Will Dexter used heat and the weight of added
drips to create this sculptural drip vase that appears as though
it is in constant motion.
Dexter at Galleria Misto
Galleria Misto in Belleair Bluffs is exhibiting new works by glass
artist Will Dexter, whose work often starts as a hot glass bubble at the
end of a blow pipe. He then shapes the bubble and adds glass drips to
achieve his unique look. Dichroic glass added to the drips gives them a
sparkle that adds life to the pieces. Dexter is a well-known artist, who
has taught at several world renowned schools, such as Washington’s
Pilchuck, North Carolina’s Penland and the Rhode Island School of
Design. Galleria Misto is located at 100 Indian Rocks Road in Belleair
Bluffs. For additional information, call (727) 559-7767.
Suncoast Jazz Festival
The Suncoast Jazz Festival will
once again fill Clearwater Beach
venues with music from Thursday,
Nov. 15, until Sunday, Nov. 18.
It all starts at the VIP Gala for
sponsors and benefactors, where
the Queen City Jazz Band with
Wende Harston will provide the
dinner entertainment. From then
on, it is a constant flow of sounds
from blues and zydeco to swing
and jazz. Festival Director Joan
Dragon says two of her favorite
activities are the poolside Parasol
Parade on Friday and the swing
dance party that evening. To
become a sponsor, benefactor, or
for tickets, call (727) 248-9441, or
visit suncoastjazzfestival.com.
Saxophonist Adrian Cunningham can
jazz up a venue.
GARY BOOKOUT
Point of Light
Luncheon
The Lighthouse of Pinellas for the visually
impaired will hold its 12th annual Point of
Light Luncheon, presented by Joan and Mike
Kline on Friday, September 7th at the Hilton
St. Petersburg Carillon Park. This year’s
Beacon of Light honoree is Frank Chivas, who
supports numerous local charities through his
Bay Star Restaurant Group’s Salt Rock Grill in
Indian Shores, Island Way Grill in Clearwater,
Rumba Island Bar and Grills in Clearwater and
Oldsmar, Salt Rock Tavern in Oldsmar, Marina
Cantina Tequila Bar and Grill and his Salt
Cracker Fish Camp in Clearwater Beach and
his new Seaweed Steaks Seafood and Sushi
in Belleair Bluffs. Lighthouse board member,
Clearwater attorney Michael W. Porter is this
year’s recipient of the John Wilson Spotlight
Volunteer Honoree, named in honor of the
luncheon’s longtime master of ceremonies.
The keynote speaker will be Wanda Austin
of Clearwater, a sight-challenged, mental
health and nationally certified counselor.
For sponsor or ticket information about this
inspiring benefit, call (727) 544-4433, ext. 236,
or visit lhpfl.org/point-of-light.
Opera Tampa 2018-19
For 23 years, the Straz Center for the
Performing Arts in Tampa has been presenting
grand opera under the direction of Judith
Lisi. The new season will open on November
30th and December 2nd with Johann Strauss’
light-hearted comedy Die Fledermaus. Then on
February 9th, Anton Coppola, the company’s
founding artistic director, will have the world
premiere of his chamber opera Lady Swanwhite.
On March 15th and 17th, Georges Bizet’s The
Pearl Fishers will make its Straz Center debut.
The 2018-19 season will close on April 26th and
28th with Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. On
May 4th, the Opera Tampa League will hold
its annual Opera Tampa Gala. For tickets, call
(813) 229-STAR (7827).
Soprano Rochelle Bard will sing
the role of Rosalinda in Opera
Tampa’s Die Fledermaus on
November 30 and December 2.
ROB-HARRIS PRODUCTIONS