Coffee lovers, rejoice! National Barista Day is approaching — a day to celebrate the skilled hands and creative minds behind your favorite espresso shots, frothy cappuccinos and perfectly poured lattes. At Straz Center, we're aiming to acknowledge the talented baristas everywhere but especially the incredible team behind the counter at our very own coffee shop... Continue Reading →
It’s In The Details
AN EXCLUSIVE FROM INSIDE MAGAZINE Set designer Tom Hansen knows artistic liberties can be essential in telling a story. When the story is set about a five-minute drive from the theater, though, he leans more toward the true-to-life. Tom Hansen, set designer of Opera Tampa's Candide and Don Pasquale. Opera Tampa’s production of Gaetano Donizetti’s... Continue Reading →
Jackson’s “Black or White” Video Spurred Furor, Album Sales
Expectations must have been a thorn in the side of Michael Jackson. Consider this: His 1987 album, Bad, sold roughly 35 million copies worldwide. That’s impressive by anyone’s standards, except Jackson’s: His previous album, 1982’s Thriller, sold twice that number. https://open.spotify.com/album/3Us57CjssWnHjTUIXBuIeH?si=LJlW_X-kQLWS4ImMhD9_lA MJ the Musical takes place on the eve of Jackson’s tour supporting the album... Continue Reading →
Song Began in Memphis and Then Went Worldwide
“Where it began / I can’t begin to know when,” go the first two lines of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” The where and when of the song’s subject may not matter to Neil, but the where and when of “Sweet Caroline,” matter quite a bit. https://youtu.be/ty1dwBCR6D0?si=Mj2GtZWo4vyy6HjH When was 1969. Where was Memphis, Tenn., and yes,... Continue Reading →