By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
The March Stepping Out on the Town calendar is filling up nicely with a fair share of options that make for keeping the social decidedly local.
Starting the month off on a festive note is NPR Main Street’s Chalk Festival (March 2) and Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Fest (March 3) a tasty celebration with an altruistic twist in helping the pets of seniors enrolled in Meal and Wheels. That Sunday event comes complete with shortcakes, vendors, and an always adorable dog parade.
Enjoy a blast from the past? Then you might want to check out the handful of music tribute shows happening at various venues throughout the month. Those who want to support local culture can do so by purchasing tickets to spring concerts featuring talented volunteer musicians performing with the Richey Community Orchestra and Richey Concert Band.
History buffs might want to take in a couple of events hosted by the West Pasco Historical Society or perhaps, a presentation on Florida Blues by the Tampa Bay History Center, which is featuring an ongoing series at the Starkey Ranch Library.
Add to that a few movie offerings including a showing of Monty Python & the Holy Grail at the Richey Suncoast. And of course, NPR’s signature annual event – The Chasco Fiesta kicks off on the Ides of March (15th) with a whole host of events happening over the nine days. Get the details on all that and more here.
- Note – Be forewarned that some events are canceled or postponed by organizers after the publication of this calendar. The best bet is to access the links provided to see if there have been any changes before heading out.
- OTB – Denotes “Over the (Pasco) Border) events are worth the ride or feature local artists and performers
QUICK SEARCH
ONGOING
March 1-2
March 3-9
March 10-16
March 17-23
March 24-31
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ONGOING
Pasco Fine Arts Council presents the “Off the Beaten Path Art Show & Exhibition, through March 22 at the Pasco Fine Arts Center in New Port Richey
Bay Area Renaissance Festival, weekends through March 31 at Withlcoochee River Park in Dade City | $16.95-$24.95
The annual fest with a 16th-century feel opens on February 17 with a regal celebration in the scenic setting of Withlaochee River Park. Ticket prices – Adult (13+) – $24.95, Senior (65+) – $20.95,
Child (5-12) – $16.95. Discounts are available for a limited time. For tickets and more information, click here.
* One Event – Three Dates- Three Venues
West Pasco’s Female Pioneers, Friday, March 8 at the Peace Hall in downtown New Port Richey, Saturday, March 9 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, and 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the New Port Richey Public Library | Free
This original theatrical performance explores the lives of some of the most important women in the town’s history, including Marjorie Sims, Minnie Broersma, Clemmie Butler, Ruby Copeland, Mittye P. Locke, Frances Demarest (Bonnie Ravenhall), Emma Rowan, Martha Oelsner, Janet Lewis, and Julie Obenreder.
This production was created by the New Port Richey Public Library in collaboration with the West Pasco Historical Society and Richey Suncoast Theatre. All showings are open to the public at no charge. Seating will be first come, first served.
Friday, March 8, 6 p.m. at Peace Hall in Sims Park | Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at the Richey Suncoast Theatre | Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at the New Port Richey Public Library
“Spring Into Art” Exhibit, through April 26 at the West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery in New Port Richey | Reception will be from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17
March 1-2
OTB | Local Artist Susan Huskey featured at the grand opening of The Court Street Marketplace in Clearwater, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Award-winning New Port Richey artist Susan Huskey has been selected to show five of her watercolors and one monoprint at a new venue in Clearwater. The Court St. Marketplace at 1445 Court St., Clearwater, has its grand opening on March 1 from 4 to 8 PM and features beauty, art, and hand-painted furniture.
Susan who also sells her work at the Tasty Tuesdays Community Market at the NPR Public Library was recently awarded second place for one of her beautiful florals in the Tampa Regional Artists Art in the Garden Show. Come see Susan’s watercolor landscapes and flowers at the Court St. Marketplace.
Billy Joel & Cher Tribute, 8 p.m. Friday, March 1 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $30 + fees
New Port Richey Main Street’s March on Main Chalk Festival, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2 in and around downtown New Port Richey | Awards ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Richey Suncoast Theatre
Take a stroll and check out the artistic creations of sidewalk chalk artists in downtown New Port Richey. There will be live entertainment, street performers, a kids’ zone, and the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Event Particulars
- Artist registration at 8 a.m. at the Hacienda Hotel on Main Street.
- The artists will work on a 5 x 5 sidewalk canvas along Bank Street Main Street and Grand Blvd.
- Chalk Art will be up for one week before the sidewalks are cleaned, so if people cannot attend the day of, they can still stroll downtown and review the art.
- Professional artists from all over Florida have been invited to participate as well as student artists (14 years to 18 years) from local high schools
A Walk Back in Time Tour, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2 starting at the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | $20 (members) – $30 includes free admission to the museum
Let guides, dressed in period costume, take you on a stroll through downtown New Port Richey as it was during the Florida land boom of the 1920s – when famous residents like golfer Gene Sarazen and silent movie star Thomas Meighan dreamed of making this the “Hollywood of the East”.
Experience the historic architecture and small-town charm that continues to personify New Port Richey, as it did over a hundred years ago. Step back into the “Roaring 20’s”, and have complimentary drinks on the veranda of the historic 1927 Hacienda Hotel.
The two-hour tour begins promptly at 1 p.m. at the gazebo in front of the museum in Sims Park.
Advance reservation is required. Note: This tour is not recommended for small children.
The Chopin Project featuring Matthew Graybil, 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at Hudson Regional Library in Hudson and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
The Chopin Project returns to Pasco County Libraries with a memorizing performance by internationally acclaimed pianist, Matthew Graybill.
There will be a performance at Hudson Library at 2 p.m., and another at Starkey Ranch Theatre at 7 p.m. These concerts are FREE with limited seating being first come, first served.
Vintage Movie Night featuring Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $12
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March 3-9
Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. Dog Show at 12:30 p.m.
This annual event is the primary fundraiser for Cindy’s Pets, a local non-profit that helps provide food and supplies for local clients of the Meals on Wheels program. There will be vendors, fair food, and plenty of strawberry shortcakes being served up. For information and to register, go to cindyspets.org. Read the What’s What New Port Richey feature story on Cindy’s Pets below.
New Port Richey Rotary presents the 9th Annual Cancer Crawl, 12-4 p.m. Sunday, March 3 at Thee Pirate Bar in Port Richey | Funds raised benefit Moffit Cancer Center
Richey Concert Band performance, 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3 at the Pasco Schools’ Center for the Arts at River Ridge in New Port Richey
NPR Main Street Lunch & Learn, 12-1 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Zen Kitchen & Bar in downtown New Port Richey
Poetry Night, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Grand Gardens in downtown New Port Richey | Free
Poetry Night has been gaining some momentum. This is an enjoyable, slow-paced evening of sharing expressions and experiences at the garden, 5721 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey.
Liverpool Live – Celebrating the Music of the Beatles, 8 p.m. Friday, March 8 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $30 + fees
Outdoor Adventures Expo,10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre and Cultural Center in Odessa
Features wildlife photographer Mac Stone, National CBS Correspondent, Conor Knighton, and book signings, food Trucks, demos and displays
8th Annual Pasco Blues Fest, Saturday, March 9 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | $15 (early bird) – $25
Grab your lawn chairs and come on out for the Pasco County Blues Festival. Live music includes The Shaelyn Band (12-1:30 p.m.), Charlie Morris Band (2:15-3:45 p.m. and Kat Riggins & the Blues Revival Movement (4:30-6 p.m.)
Early-bird ticket supplies are in limited supply. Visit the Eventbrite.com or MyTBTickets.com ticket links to get early-bird tickets while they last. Event beverage proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.
New Port Richey Concerts in the Park Series, Summer of Love with KYX, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9 in Sims Park | Free
This tribute features hit tunes released in the 60’s from The Who, The Zombies, The Moody Blues, The Bee Gees, The Beatles, Badfinger, Rolling Stones, Tommy James, The Byrds and The Dave Clark Five.
Comedy Stand Up Showcase, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $10-$12 + fees
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March 10-16
Richey Community Orchestra presents. “Lady with a Song” Dinner Show on Sunday, March 10 at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey | $50
Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music featuring fabulous soloist Ashley Thunder Lowe. Comfortable on the operatic stage or in a club just singing the blues, Ashley is a remarkable talent. She possesses an amazing presence with a dynamic range and power that is very exciting to hear.
This show will be full of great songs including Fever, Last Dance, How High the Moon Summertime, and many more. The Orchestra will play hits by the great Duke Ellington and pop artist Burt Bacharach.
Cocktails start at 1:00 (Cash Bar). Dinner is served at 1:30 featuring a choice of Roast Beef or Chicken, salad, potatoes, vegetables, and dessert. Tea and coffee are included. The show starts at 3:00. Advanced reservations are required. On the back of the ticket order form is a floor plan to select your table. Tables seat ten. Tickets sell quickly. Mail your order in today!
Thursday Musicale Women’s Chorus Concert, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
The Thursday Musicale is a non-sectarian community-based choral group of up to 50 women. This concert is free and open to all but seating is limited. For information, check out the FB page here.
Kathy O’Meara Art Exhibit Opening, March 13-April 16 at the PHSC Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery in New Port Richey | Free and open to the public
Witness the cycles of life, decay, rebirth, ancestral and archaic communications in various art forms from Kathy O’Meara. Her work is inspired by the many layers of civilization, the very ancient remnants of earlier cultures. Hieroglyphs and symbols, current events and personal memories are what she uses to create a newly created perspective informed by her worldview of the cycles of life. She is an experimental artist and she collects ephemera and discarded objects to create collages, assemblages and sculptures
Women’s History Month Film Screening: On The Basis of Sex, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14 at the New Port Richey Publick Library | Free
This movie will be shown in honor of Women’s History Month. The film examines the life of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Popcorn will be provided. Rated PG-13. Runtime: 2 hrs.
Chasco Fiesta, March 15 – 23 in downtown New Port Richey | Entry Fees for some events in the park |
Nine days of food, fun, and entertainment with many events including a Native American Fest, Street Parade, Boat Parade, Car, Truck & Bike Show, Special Olympics 5K run, Dragon Boat Races, Mural Art Exhibition, the traditional Sertoma BBQ, and a different genre of music every night! Come celebrate 102 years of the Chasco Fiesta.
- The event includes live music at Sims Park amphitheater each night. Highlights include The Ruth Eckerd Hall on the Road Concert with the Marshal Tucker Band w/ The Georgia Thunderbolts (March 15 | $20-$55) and the Ruth Eckerd on the Road County Concert featuring Maddie and Tae with Special Guest Wiley Fox (March 16 | $20-$50). Also of note – area favorites The Black Honkeys will perform on March 19 and Damon Fowler and Julie Black Band will perform on Blues Night (March 21).
New Port Richey Public Library Music at the Library featuring Los Dos, 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 15 at the library | Free
The NPR Public Library continues this free music offering held at 6 p.m. on selected Fridays. The March 15 concert features an acoustic duo, Los Dos.
Richey Suncoast Theatre presents, Silent Sky, matinees, and evenings March 15- 17 & March 22-24 at the theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25 + fees
From the Promo
Silent Sky tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer, one of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded and begins the process of recording the changes in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has a profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy. During her inquiry, Henrietta’s relationships strained under her obsessive work ethic.
The Beatle Maniacs 7 p.m. Friday, March 15 at the PHSC Performing Arts Center in New Port Richey | $30 – $35
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March 17-23
Chasco Fiesta continues through March 23 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
This week caps off nine days of food, fun, and entertainment with many events including a Native American Fest, Street Parade, Boat Parade, Car Show, 5K run and a different genre of music every night! Come celebrate 102 years of the Chasco Fiesta.
“Spring Into Art” Exhibit reception, Sunday, March 17 at the West Pasco Art Guild in New Port Richey
CANCELLED!! Florida’s Got the Blues, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
Come out for a special lecture, presented by the Tampa Bay History Center, about well-known blues and jazz artists such as Tampa Red, Ray Charles, and others who began their rise to fame in Tampa Bay.
Richey Suncoast Theatre presents, Silent Sky, March 22-24 at the theatre in downtown New Port Richey | $25 + fees
From the Promo
from the promo
Silent Sky tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer, one of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy. During her inquiry, Henrietta’s relationships strain under her obsessive work ethic.
Listings Continue Below Advertisement/Sponsor Link
March 24 -31
Monday Morning Movie Feature Wonka, 10:15 a.m. Monday, March 25 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Come watch this recently released movie with others You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks but fresh popcorn will be served. This is a free program and it is open to all ages!
Studio H Open Jam, 1-4 p.m. Friday, March 29 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson
Bring your instruments and plug in! This is an open jam for those interested in meeting and playing music with other musicians in the community. Limited instruments are available.
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