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Your weekend arts forecast: Todd, Pride, origami and opera
Photo: Amy Kagan
Tonight at the Mahaffey, music legend Todd Rundgren returns for his fourth area appearance in as many years. The Philadelphia singer/songwriter has re-invented himself time after time since the 1970s salad days of “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light” and “Can We Still Be Friends,” sometimes confounding longtime fans who love him enough to see him through some pretty dodgy musical explorations. And even though he hasn’t exactly remained in the center ring of the rock ‘n’ roll circus (and really, who can these days?) he is as enigmatic, charismatic and as eminently watchable as ever. The albums Something/Anything, Hermit of Mink Hollow and Healing – on which he plays all the instruments and sings every part – are essential listening.
Although, of course, many people prefer his rocking “glam” period, while others swear allegiance to Utopia, the band he put together to play first jazzy, experimental music, then sheeny ’60s pop and more. He’s made some cool electronica-based music, too. One thing TR has never been is predictable.
Out now: The Individualist, a memoir that’s typically pithy (and occasionally unfathomable); in fact, tonight’s concert will include a bit of storytelling and even some Q&A with the audience. Coming soon: It Was 50 Years Ago Today, a cross-country tour in which Rundgren, former Monkee Micky Dolenz, Christopher Cross (?!) and others “perform their greatest hits along with songs from the Beatles’ White Album.” This one, regrettably, hasn’t got a single Florida date booked – making tonight at the Mahaffey your only shot at a TR fix for 2019. Tickets and info here.
The art of paper
Erik DeMaine and Martin DeMaine,
Together, 2012, Mi-Teintes watercolor
paper.
Did you know that artists who work in origami are called “folders”? I didn’t either, until I came across the exhibition opening Saturday at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. There is real artistry involved in Above the Fold, with the works of nine international artists – er, master folders – that take the ancient Asian practice of paper manipulation to lofty and sophisticated new heights. Literally. These are conceptual sculptures and installations, creative works, several of which suspend from the gallery ceiling and span hundreds of feet across the walls.
Subtitled New Expressions in Origami, the exhibit will be on view through Sept. 29.
Star-crossed lovers
Photo: Jim Swallow
As if the art of Japanese paper-folding wasn’t enough, the Land of the Rising Sun also plays a pivotal role in the final production of St. Petersburg Opera Company’s 2018-2019 season. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, opening Friday (with dates through June 30) at the Palladium Theater, involves a 15-year-old Japanese girl (Cio-Cio San, or “Butterfly”) who marries an American naval officer. Her husband sails off into the sunset, promising to return, and … well, it’s one of opera’s most famous (and beautiful) tragedies. As always, it’s onstage with a full orchestra. Tickets and info here.
Pride guide
Photo: St. Pete Pride
It is, of course, St. Pete Pride weekend. If you missed yesterday’s read-all-about-story, here you go. The key dates and times to remember are these: June 21 2-11 p.m. Saturday Party with live entertainment and more, South and North Straub Park; June 21 6-10 p.m. SP2 Concert with Lisa Loeb, Devine AF, Jennifer Real at North Straub Park. Free (VIP tickets available; June 21 TransPride March 6:39-7 p.m. Bayshore Drive; June 21 7:15 p.m. Tech Data St. Pete Pride Parade, Bayshore Drive from 1st Avenue North to North Straub Park; June 22 11 a.m.-5 p.m. St. Pete Pride Street Festival Grand Central District.
And now, this
Kind of a drag: “Mother and son cabaret act” Scott & Patti perform tonight at 7 at the Catherine Hickman Theatre in Gulfport. Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee are Scott and Patti – you might have seen them last Monday night in Mommie Queerest at American Stage (Scott played Christina Crawford, with Matthew as Mother Joan); there’s another performance there Monday night (June 24). Tonight’s Scott & Patti show is a fundraiser for the LGBTQ Resource Center at Gulfport Public Library; tickets here.
Tonight at 8:30, the Dali Museum screens the 1988 black comedy Heathers on the outdoor green; bring a lawn chair (low-seating only), but leave the food and drinks at home (there’ll be people there quite willing to sell these things to you). It’s free, first-come-first-served starting at and museum admission will be just $10, should you desire to venture inside. Read more, including handy FAQs, here.
