Top Tampa Bay area events for the week of Jan. 1-7

Kelly A. Stefani, Tampa Bay Times
·5 min read

Epiphany: The biggest Epiphany celebration in the Western Hemisphere is in Tarpon Springs. The day begins with services at St. Nicholas Cathedral. A procession of clergy and faithful then winds its way to Spring Bayou. Once there, the Archbishop of America blesses the waters, and a white dove is released to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit. The archbishop then casts a cross into the bayou and young men dive into the waters. The diver who retrieves the cross is considered blessed for the entire year. Free. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6). St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 36 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-937-3540.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show on Earth: The circus returns without animals and highlights human feats. $20-$75. 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 5), 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6), 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-301-6500.

Gaspar! the Musical: The writer-director of “Webb’s City: The Musical” and “Crossing the Bay!” presents a new musical comedy that captures the spirit of Tampa Bay’s annual Gasparilla celebration. $35-$55. 7 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 4), 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday (Jan. 6), 3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-3590.

Styx: The band whose 40-year-plus career includes the hits “Blue Collar Man,” “Lady” and “Come Sail Away” performs. Also on the bill: .38 Special. $39.50-$129.50. 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 5). The Sound at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Paranormal Cirque III: This darker side of European circus arts fuses nightmares, theater, cabaret and horror. Ages 13 and older only. $20-$60. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday (Jan. 4-5), 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6), 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). Riviera Dunes Marina, 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto.

Cinderella: The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents the story of the young handmaid and her prince. $52-$92. 7:30 p.m. Friday (Jan. 5). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000.

Edwin McCain Trio: After a career that included recording the songs ”I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” producing and starring in the TV series ”Flippin’ Ships” on Animal Planet and taking time off for family, McCain is back on the road. $29.50-$75. 8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6). Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Tampa Jazz Club: The Tampa Jazz Club swings into the new year with a concert featuring the trio La Lucha, with special guest Scotty Wright, a singer. The members of La Lucha — Mark Feinman, Alejandro Arenas and John O’Leary — have performed and recorded with many jazz greats in their nearly 20 years together. $20, $15 members, $10 students. 3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E. 11th Ave., Tampa. 727-772-6947.

MLK Day and Black Heritage Events: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 15, and Black Heritage Month is Feb. 1-March 1. A few events are happening early. Among them:

•Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: “Peoplepreneur” Leighton Kyler serves as moderator for this panel discussion on protecting your business. $10. 9-11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 5). Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa.

•Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundation Gala: The 34th annual black-tie gala and dance party with live music by Trumaine Lamar and a service award ceremony. $125. 6-11 p.m. Friday (Jan. 5). Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St. 813-298-9679.

•Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: Run for Us 2024: A 5K run-walk to promote general health and wellness. $35-$40, 11 and younger free. 8 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 6). Gadsden Park, 6901 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa.

•MLK Day of Service: Volunteer Fair: This event is an opportunity to match prospective volunteers with local organizations looking for help. Meet representatives and learn about their causes. 10 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 6). New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St. 727-853-1279

•Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: Heritage Gala: Dress to impress in your best Western attire and enjoy the country music sounds of “America’s Got Talent” Golden Buzzer performers Chapel Hart. Also includes food, other music and dancing. $75. 6-10 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa. 813-367-0040.

Florida Orchestra: Masterworks Concert: Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4: Thomas Wilkins, former conductor of The Florida Orchestra, conducts Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4, featuring Vadim Gluzman. The concert also includes the famous “Fountains of Rome” by Respighi and On the Waterfront Symphonic Suite by Leonard Bernstein. Kicking off the concert is “Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres),” which composer Missy Mazzoli describes as “music in the shape of a solar system.” $23-$75, free tickets for kids in advance. 8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6). Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-892-3337. Also taking place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-892-3337.

Stepping on the Blender: An Evening With Katherine Snow Smith: Author and former Tampa Bay Times writer Katherine Snow Smith will be in conversation about her new book of essays, “Stepping on the Blender & Other Times Life Gets Messy,” with Washington Post journalist Laura Reiley, also formerly of the Tampa Bay Times. Free. 7-8 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 4). Tombolo Books, 2153 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456.

Adult Tennis Mixer: Get some exercise and make new friends as you play men’s and women’s tennis or mixed doubles matches. Includes pizza and prizes. $24. 9 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 7). Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis, 10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-360-6062.