Tampa Bay Weekend: Elvis Clown, Sonic Tribute, and Jazz Immigrant Stories
Local venues host five distinct events this week, ranging from a high-energy comedy act in Tampa to a free Grateful Dead tribute in St. Petersburg.
By Renata Mehta ·
The Tampa Bay area offers five distinct music and entertainment events this week, spanning genres from rock and funk to jazz and techno. The schedule includes a free Halloween concert in St. Petersburg and a 35th-anniversary tribute to a major video game franchise.
The lineup opens on Thursday evening with Clownvis Presley at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa. Described as the King of Clowns, Presley combines an Elvis impersonation with stand-up comedy and magic. The show is rated for ages 21 and older, with tickets priced at $20. LA Weekly previously labeled him better than the real Elvis, and he has appeared on America’s Got Talent.
On Friday, the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg hosts Sonic Live in Concert to mark 35 years of the video game character. A live ensemble of rock musicians, electronics, and vocalists will perform instrumental versions of songs from the franchise, covering material from the Genesis era to the present. Ticket prices range from $35 to $120 for the 8 p.m. start.
Saturday features two major Halloween events in the region. In St. Petersburg, the Ale and the Witch hosts Uncle John’s Band from 7:15 to 10:30 p.m. The group is a Grateful Dead tribute act that has performed in the Tampa Bay area for more than 37 years. Admission is free. Meanwhile, the band Ajeva plays a two-set show at the Blueberry Patch in Gulfport from 8 to 11 p.m. The funk and experimental rock group, which has shared stages with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Disco Biscuits, offers general admission tickets for $20.
Also on Saturday, British techno DJ Eli Brown performs at The RITZ Ybor in Tampa from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Known for high-energy warehouse-style techno and house music, Brown encourages attendees to wear costumes. The event is for ages 21 and older, with tickets costing $38.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with Mixtura at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Bassist and composer Alejandro Arenas presents a concert of original compositions reflecting his immigrant experience in the United States. He performs with an all-star band of fellow U.S. immigrants. The 3 p.m. show is available for $20 to $28.
Source: WUSF Public Media
