It was back in 1982 when the first theater in the 813area started offering Food and Drinks while you watched a first run film, the name of that theater......The Tampa Pitcher Show in Carrollwood. Back in the day we drove out of our way to go, because it was a great experience, different, unique. Much has changed since then, as industry trendsetters, this small, locally owned and operated business started something now commonplace as giant studio owned chains began offering the same thing. Much changed for the theater too. Two of the big studios instituted a BIG change in the way film is screened. Digital was introduced and 35 mm was out. Small independent theaters across the United States were forced to change over or close their doors forever. The owner of The Tampa Pitcher, Wayne Valenti did not want his Indie dream to end. Nor do we, which is why we are asking you to come out in support of small business, to #SustainLocal, and attend one of three fundraisers to raise capital offsetting the cost of the $60,000 new digital projection equipment. Show you care about Small Local Business, sustain local!
Here's the line-up:
Saturday, May 7th - Join Fandomonium An Indie Film Fundraiser at The Tampa Pitcher Show from 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Meet Wonder Woman Clair Davis. Clair will be on hand to greet fans at The Tampa Pitcher Show's Indie Film Fest as they Raffle off movie memorabilia. original movie posters and more. Festivities include an auction, movie swag and perfect for your 'screening room at home' you can get cool old 35 mm film reels! Hosted by cult icon, and King of the B-movie Joel Wynkoop festivities also include 11 year old comedy sensation Lauren Nicole. Here is Lauren, at age nine performing on a cruise ship:
Nicole will be followed by a screening of a music video for the short film, 'The Book of Nightmares' starring Nicole. Also showing at the festival:
- "Everyday Spooky"
- "Mombie"
- "Chomp"
- "Gynecologist the Musical"
- "Zero Hour"
- "Speed Dating"
- "Spare Change"
The Vintage Variety Show begins at 10:00pm
Taking a step way back in time The Tampa Pitcher Show will feature charismatic vintage variety acts. Hosting a Vaudeville style show, acts include Swing Dancing, Burlesque, Live Singing, Drag Queens, Comedy and more! Dress the part, come in your vaudeville best if you like, and enjoy a night of live entertainment, raffles and prizes including Gift Certificates, Movie Tickets, Movie Memorabilia, and much, much more! Enjoy drink specials and have loads of fun as they transform The Tampa Pitcher Show into a classic variety show venue from the early 1900s. One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards preservation of this Tampa landmark. #SustainLocal
Sunday, May 15th THE LINT ROLLERS will take part in a Fundraiser for Tampa Pitcher Show! Join The Lint Rollers and help raise funds to pay for the required digital film equipment for this great Carrollwood neighbor and supporter of the arts. The Tampa Pitcher Show has been a great neighbor in Tampa Bay for over 30 years! Enjoy a rare daylight appearance by the Lint Rollers and be ready....special appearances by top secret musicians are always on tap at a Lint Rollers show! Only $8 at the door! Get cool movie swag, DVDs, T-shirts and more, maybe even a Lint Rollers backstage pass or two for you and a friend. Show your support for a local small business in Tampa and enjoy this rare appearance!
Friday May 20th Lipstick and Liberty begins at 10:00pm at The Tampa Pitcher Show. Join Hellcats Burlesque for one hell of an adults only good night as we say "Thank You" to our uniformed men and women! Enjoy live music, beautiful girls and gorgeous men for an all-around evening of fun, laughter, and good old fashioned burlesque. Tickets are $15 - $10 for military personnel (active and veteran) You served, let TPS serve you with a little Lipstick and Liberty! 
According to IndieWire we will lose 1000 small, independent theaters like Tampa Pitcher Show because they can't afford the conversion to digital. Estimates are nearly 20% of all independents will disappear across the United States. Let's NOT let that happen to The Tampa Pitcher show. Let's pitch in to show them we care about small, local businesses by attending one or all of these events or by donating directly. For more information about how you can help call Wayne Valenti at (813) 963-0578. Show you care, be there! #Sustain Local
We leave you with this thought from host Joel Wynkoop: "To anyone who has ever had a dream -- Never give up, never quit, and always stay hungry for your desire."
