I found mine walking across the Harbour Island Bridge. It was hot, I was wearing heels, and I was happy to get picked up by Hop Tampa. Who knew?

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!

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!

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. 

artLOUD! is the result of d-towner Abbey Dohring’s vision to dress up a vacant block of Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa with paintings by local artists.  You can see the block was dullsville before Abbey made artLOUD happen (LOVE Google Map’s Street Views).  Now there are interesting things to look at when you walk this block which FYI is the same block where Element is under construction.  You’ll have to watch the video to hear our theory on the theft and return of 2 of the original paintings.  Very curious.  If you’ve got a theory share it in the comments below.View Larger Map 

There is still some space available so check out this floor plan link and don’t miss the opportunity to move your business into what is arguably going to be the most fun, beautiful and inspiring space to work in downtown.  Let’s start with the front steps.  Have you ever been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY?  The front steps are one of America’s greatest public spaces.  There are always people hanging out.  It’s a great place to chill, people watch, meet-up with friends, etc.  Our courthouse steps will offer the same opportunities when The AIA Center opens up because there will be stuff to do there - eat at the restaurant, grab a coffee, check out what’s on display in the public gallery, attend a party, etc.  And where there is stuff to do, people gather, hang out and voila!  You’ve got a vibrant place.   

Inside, the building has a vibe I would describe as “old world grandeur.” In Tampa!  Who knew?  Check out the video and learn more.  And while you’re at it, shoot a quick email to the mayor and let her know you are in support of this transformation and want to see more.   It’s our responsibility to let our elected officials know what makes us happy so they can keep on keepin’ on.   

Suki’s Mom, Sing, recently opened a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Tampa - Bamboozle.  The food is fresh, healthy and delicious. Today I had the spring rolls for lunch.  I highly recommend you gather up some quarters (because downtown parking meters require 6 per hour) and go see Sing for lunch.  Be sure to tell her you saw her and Suki on my blog.

Ronnie got his folks, Marvin and Monique, to get him out of the condo (they recently moved to Downtown from Southfield, MI right outside Detroit) and out on the street to check out the Chris McCarty concert at Live After Five put on by Tampa’s Downtown Partnership to benefit the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts.