d-towner

Summer Fun with the Urban Charrette from d-towner on Vimeo.

Want to meet and connect with others who care about making Tampa a better city to live, work and play?   Join me and Urban Charrette co-founders Adam Fritz and Taryn Sabia as we host Community Conversations - an open mic happening the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9:30 at Tre Amici The Bunker in historic Ybor City.   

More than just talk - we are also going to challenge all you creatives to put your art to topic - So be prepared to perform songs, poetry, spoken word, puppetering (whatever your talent may be) on our monthly theme Topics range from “What are we all doing here and why do we stay?” to Transportation to Homelessness, we look at the social issues around us and seek insight towards solutions in making Tampa a more livable, sustainable city. We invite you to offer suggestions for conversations, contests and themes.

Special thanks to photographer Jessie Stehlik for putting the event together.  Come out and meet us this coming Wed. June 18th.  Hope to see you there!

Shane Meade and the Sound, originally uploaded by plannermagoo.

LOVE Shane Meade and the Sound (SMS). I first heard them at the ECO.lution festival and since then I’ve not been able to stop listening to their CD, Time Waits for No One.   SMS is coming back downtown to play an End of the Season Summer Blow Out - the final concert in a series hosted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership.  All proceeds from drink sales benefit the Gasparilla Film Festival.  

The stage will be in a gorgeous setting outdoors on N. Franklin St. next to Fly, across from Orange Park Gallery.  Don’t miss their show this Friday June 12th 5-8m.  P.S. It’s a dog-friendly event!

Chris McCarty in Downtown Tampa from d-towner on Vimeo. 

On May 9th the delicious Chris McCarty took to the stage on N. Franklin Street, playing his brand of soulful acoustic rock to benefit Tampa Bay Business Commitee for the Arts. It was one of a series of monthly concerts organized by The Tampa Downtown Partnership for people to come out and enjoy the energy of our city. It’s always a good time and a great place to connect with other urbanites. After the concert I had the opportunity to interview Chris inside Orange Park Gallery in front of a painting by artist Larissa Makeeva.  When’s the next downtown concert?  Friday June 13th from 5-8pm. Shane Meade and The Sound (SMS) will be playing their blend of soul-infused, folk rock with a splash of mountain funk to benefit the Gasparilla Film Festival.

It’s been said that an MFA is the new MBA and the creative class is a key driving force in economic development of US cities.  Now, author Patricia Martin says prepare your business for the latest trend  - the Renaissance Generation and the Cultural Consumer - created by the convergence of art, technology, entertainment and business.  What does it all mean?  Come hear Martin discuss her book along with a panel of business leaders (including myself!) talk about the challenges and opportunities this change represents.  For example: 

How do you give customers opportunities to express their creativity and contribute to your brand’s story without losing control?  Have you seen Threadless?

How do you speak to a broad audience when customers want to be treated as individuals?  Apple has revolutionized the way we buy and consume music.  Now, imagine if a company empowered music lovers to transform a country’s live music scene?  Tennent’s Mutual is trying it in Scotland telling fans to “create, control, enjoy.”  

What kind of corporate sponsorships will help you reach, engage and connect with your customers?  Know your target and meet them where they are like Dove (20-something women) and Tennent’s Mutual (Scottish live music fans).

How can you build a community around your product or service?  Check out how Dos Equis and Coors Light are making it work.  Now visit Applebee’s attempt and see if you feel the same level of engagement and interest.  Note:  A campaign to build community done wrong is just plain wrong.   Sometimes even pathetic.  

Don’t risk being wrong and/or pathetic in marketing your business.  For only $10 (payable by cash or check) you can open your mind and get some new ideas at the MetLife National Arts Forum Series presented by The Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts and The Arts Council of Hillsborough County on June 10th 8:30-11am at the Jaeb Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.  RSVP to Christina Cook at (813) 221-2787.

 Julia Gorzka, Taryn Sabia & Adam Fritz

Want to connect and talk with others interested in making Tampa a more livable, sustainable and better city? Then don’t miss the opportunity to meet other like-minded fabulous folks at The Mighty Pen Collaborative Open Mic Night the third Wednesday of every month from 7:30-9:30pm at Tre Amici @ The Bunker in Ybor City. I’ll be hosting the evening along with Urban Charrette co-founders Taryn Sabia and Adam Fritz.  All are welcome - bring your friends and help us spread the word. 

Join millions of people around the world for Pangea Day - a global interactive, 4-hour live broadcast of films, music and speakers this Saturday afternoon, May 10th 2-6pm.  The Tampa party is being held at the Innovation Hangar - a funky warehouse and shared workspace for creatives located in the Channel District at 211 N. Meridian (Jackson St. dead ends into our parking lot).  The event is free - including popcorn!  Just bring a blanket or folding chair and stop by. Following the Pangea Day broadcast, the Hangar is also hosting the closing reception of the I-H-2 art exhibit that evening, from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m., with live music, hors d’oeuvres and a donation bar. 

http://www.pangeaday.org  and www.innovationhangar.com