If you're in the Tampa Bay area between September 10 and 13, you'll have a hard time choosing how to spend your time. The weekend is stacked with major concerts, sports, comedy, and the official start of Halloween season at Busch Gardens.
On Thursday, rock legend Ann Wilson of Heart headlines Clearwater's Bilheimer Capitol Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday opens up in multiple directions at once: the Tampa Bay Rays host the Houston Astros at Tropicana Field, comedian Bill Bellamy takes the stage at Tampa Funny Bone, Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kehlani plays Amalie Arena on her North American tour, and Howl-O-Scream kicks off its run at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Fans of retro hip-hop also have the I Love the '90s Tour at Ferg's Sports Bar, featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Tone Loc, 2 Live Crew, and others.
Saturday may be the biggest day of all. Bruno Mars opens the first of two sold-out nights at Raymond James Stadium at 7 p.m. with his Romantic Tour. Indie rock band The Strokes perform at Benchmark International Arena, The Mavericks bring their country-meets-Latin sound to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, and regional Mexican group Grupo Frontera plays Yuengling Center. The Rays and Astros meet again at Tropicana Field, and Tampa Bay Sun FC face Fort Lauderdale United FC at home. Howl-O-Scream continues at Busch Gardens, and Bill Bellamy offers two Saturday shows at Tampa Funny Bone.
Sunday rounds things out with Bruno Mars' second sold-out stadium night and a Buccaneers football game, giving the weekend a fitting finish for both music lovers and sports fans.
This roundup was originally compiled by Joel Graneros for WMNF 88.5 FM.
