Overheard in Tampa Bay

Overheard in Tampa Bay

Drummer contest resurrected at Flamingo

It has been years since Drummer contests were the norm, but Woodie Barnes and Jeff McWhirter hope to change that. The couple hosted the DNA (Drummer North America) contest at the Flamingo Resort the weekend of May 2 and had six contestants. The contest had two divisions—Drummer and Boy. This year’s winners are Sir Rick, who took the Drummer title, and boy Carl, who had never been in a contest before. Both men will move onto the national Drummer contest next February.

Pride and Passion is Forbidden

The Tampa Museum of Art’s largest fundraiser is back this year with a brand new theme: Forbidden. Organizers are tight lipped about what guests can expect, but artwork seems to hint at an Asian influence. Like in years’ past, expect big reveals throughout the night, delicious food and an open bar. Pride & Passion celebrates the diversity of Tampa Bay and 2015 marks its 10th year. Guests raise money for the museum by purchasing annual memberships. During the last decade, Pride & Passion has generated more than 2,000 of those memberships. For details, visit TampaMuseum.org.

Dining out for a good cause

More than 60 restaurants in Tampa Bay participated in Dining Out For Life on April 28 to help raise money for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. The annual event—part of a nationwide initiative—included both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. This year marked one of growth for the fundraiser with restaurants in Orlando participating for the first time. ASAP organizers helped out in Orlando in this inaugural year, where funds were raised for The Center. Total funds raised were not available at press time, but will be released within the next month or so, according to organizers.

No Edie at this year’s Gala

Organizers of the Equality Florida Greater St. Petersburg Gala hoped to repeat the buzz of 2014 this year with another appearance by Edie Windsor. However, Windsor has taken ill and won’t attend the May 29 celebration at the Mahaffey Theater. Windsor successfully sued the federal government in 2013 and effectively killed the Defense of Marriage Act, which banned the federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Windsor was the gala’s special guest in 2014 and had been invited again this year to present an award to Dr. Rose Watson, a long time friend.

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