Arts and Music
Invincible Summer brings variety of arts to Ybor
TBO.com
Staff
Published: November 13, 2012
TAMPA - Prepare for a "sensory overload."Staff
Published: November 13, 2012
That's how event organizer Okesene Tilo describes the experience newcomers should expect at Invincible Summer, the fifth installment of the Square One artist collective's yearly hybrid arts extravaganza in Ybor City.
The event, taking place Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Ritz Ybor, combines dance performances, art exhibits, live music and fashion under one roof.
"There really is something for everybody. No matter what you like, you'll be thoroughly surprised," said Tilo, who has seen the event grow from a small, arts community affair into a popular yearly event with thousands of attendees.
In addition to the 75 artists exhibiting works Saturday, the event will feature a multimedia art, dance, aerialist and speed-painting show called "Forever 27," put on by 7th Avenue Dance Company.
Other performers include fashion-dance hybrid Bella Danza, dance troupes DNC, Kinetic Dance and Yoga Loft Tampa, as well as local rock bands Rising Down and The Northwest.
The art and performances are inspired by the theme "invincible summer," which comes from a quote taken from author Albert Camus: "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
"It's about the summer being hope, when light prevails over the dark," Tilo said. "That's the spirit of the event, but we're playing with that name Invincible Summer literally, too. You'll see that in the way we've covered the inside of the Ritz with snow, but also have plants bursting through that snow to show the theme of light, life and hope."
The audience is encouraged to participate by incorporating the theme into their wardrobe and wearing orange or yellow to the event.
Invincible Summer is open to all ages. There will be a requested donation of $5 at the door, with a portion of those proceeds benefitting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.