A Modern Rays Family
Several members of the cast of Modern Family appeared at Ruth Eckerd Hall on April 25 to thunderous applause. They discussed everything from the show's creation to behind-the-scenes hilarity before the Tampa Bay Rays localized their appearance even more. PR staffers Dave Haller and Erik Ruiz presented Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet Rays jerseys on the stage of Ruth Eckerd Hall.
The gesture was appreciated by all cast members, and Bowen later tweeted: Thanks so much to everyone who came out tonight in Clearwater FL. It turns out the Rays have great fans (and so does #ModernFamily).â┚¬ÂÂ
Deborah Cox as a tourist?
St. Pete Pride is gearing up for huge crowds this June 30 and hopes are high that the appearance by Deborah Cox will put attendance near the 100,000 mark, which would be a record.
According to a calendar released by Pride, Cox will perform on the main stage at the end of the parade route at 1 p.m. The secondary stage will stay silent during her 30 minute performance so fans don't have to choose between the dance diva and local performers on the other end of the festival. In an interview with Watermarkâ┚¬â€Âwhich will be released in the St. Pete Pride Guide later this monthâ┚¬â€ÂCox said that she's never been to St. Petersburg and hopes to enjoy some of the festival and local sights while she's in town that last Saturday in June. Does that mean we may see the â┚¬Å”Nobody's Supposed To Be Hereâ┚¬Â singer roaming along Central Avenue? We're not sure, but keep your eyes peeled while you're making your way through the crowds.
A Manatee thank you
The Manatee Players are known for their over the top productions, accomplished actors and their amazing support staff. So it's no wonder that the organization honored its volunteers with a huge barbecue dinner during its annual Volunteer Awards on May 7.
Several people were recognized for their contributions in front of an estimated 100 supporters. Awards were presented by several Manatee Player staffers throughout the evening.
Award winners were: Teen Volunteer of the Year Ty Cocroft, Backstage Volunteer of the Year Emily Harris, Front of House Volunteer of the Year Trish Waletich, Office Volunteer of the Year Mary Smith and Volunteer of the Year Randy Ford (Pictured in Shot on Site).
Several other volunteers were honored throughout the evening, including Matt Voye, Jeff Evans, Mary Lowery, Jordan Seward, Joyce Hall, Lois Huntington, Dorothy Bevacqua, Kathy Johnson, Una Gravitt, Marilyn Dietch, Linda DeMocko and Theresa Sultana.
Showing she cares
Local entertainer Kori Stevens is at it again, bringing the local entertainment community together for a good cause.
Stevens will host â┚¬Å”We Care!â┚¬Â a benefit for AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) on Tuesday, May 15, at Georgie's Alibi in St. Petersburg. While details on who will actually perform that evening are still under wraps, we're expecting to see notables from both sides of Tampa Bayâ┚¬â€Âand maybe one or two familiar, painted faces from Sarasotaâ┚¬â€Âtake the stage of the popular club.
Expect to see raffles and prizes available throughout the night, so swing by the ATM on your way in so you can purchase tickets, bid on items and tip the performers for a good cause. Show time is set for 9 p.m. May 15.
