New Tampa-Area Hits & Misses In Stacker.com’s Pizza Rankings 

Included among the Top-21 Pizza Restaurants in Tampa in Stacker.com’s rankings, based on reviews on Yelp.com, were (above) #4-The Grill at Morris Bridge (photo by Charmaine George); (below middle) #11-Capri Pizza-N-More; (below left) #15-Cali Tampa Palms; and (below right) #21-Via Italia. Note – All of the photos, other than The Grill’s, are from each restaurant’s website or social media. 

On April 21, Stacker.com, a nationwide website started in 2017, published a list of the Top-21 Pizza restaurants in Tampa, using data from Yelp. Here is how Stacker, which says that its mission is to, “provide approachable journalism that combines rigorous data analysis with rich editorial insights,” introduced this pizza feature: 

“Data is as of March 29, 2024. Businesses were selected using Yelp’s ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only restaurants with at least 25 reviews were considered.” 

As you read this feature, please recognize that the rankings of the eight New Tampa-area pizza places shown here — four that made Stacker’s Top-21 list and four that didn’t — are not our rankings or even our readers’ ratings. Stacker’s list was compiled using data culled from reviewers on Yelp.com. 

The only reason we’re providing them for you in this space is because four of the Top-21 (out of literally hundreds of pizza places with Tampa addresses) are located in zip code 33647 — which makes the story news for us and, we believe, for our beloved readers. 

A few other things to consider when reading these rankings is that: 

1) For this feature, Stacker’s list does not include any restaurants that do not have Tampa addresses (so no Wesley Chapel, Lutz, St. Pete, etc.), 

2) That the feature itself doesn’t say whether the rankings are for the restaurants overall or just for their pizza, but Yelp ratings usually take into account each restaurant’s overall menu, as well as ambience, service, prices, etc. 

3) That there appears to be at least one New Tampa restaurant — Johnny C’s Italian Eatery — that actually had a higher overall rating on Yelp — 4.3 stars out of 5, compared with 4.2/5), than at least one of the Top-21 (Via Italia), even though Johnny C’s has 45 Yelp reviews and Stacker’s criteria were that each ranked restaurant had to have at least 25 Yelp reviews. 

Also not explained is why Stacker chose the Top-21, instead of the Top-20 or Top-25, as at least three other New Tampa-area restaurants that feature pizza also had overall ratings of at least 4.0 stars out of 5 — Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar (2822 E. Bearss Ave., 4.1 on 389 reviews), Taste of New York Pizza (17503- C Preserve Walk Ln., 4.1 on 165 reviews) and Cappy’s Pizzeria (16019 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., 4.0 on 152 reviews) and therefore might have made a Top-25 list. 

Cali Tampa Palms
Capri Pizza-N-More
Via Italia

Anyway, Congratulations to each of the places that made Stacker’s Top-21: 

#4 – The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd., 4.5/5 on 120 reviews) 

#11 – Capri Pizza-N-More (10359 Cross Creek Blvd., 4.4/5 on 88 reviews) 

#15 – CALI Tampa Palms (17004 Palm Pointe Dr., 4.3/5 on 751 reviews) 

#21 – Via Italia (8644 Hunters Village Rd, 4.2/5 on 250 reviews) 

Again, these are not our rankings or yours, although some of you may see your reviews of some or all of these places on Yelp. We just thought that including these ratings on our pages would be another great conversation starter for our readers.

Here Are The Places Stacker Left Out  
Because We Know At Least Some Of You Would Ask: 

Here are some of the other pizza places in New Tampa and their ratings on Yelp: Westshore Pizza (3.4/5 on 59 reviews); Marco’s Pizza (3.2/5 on 49 reviews); Papa John’s (3.1/5 on 28 reviews); Domino’s (2.9/5 on 32 reviews); Hungry Howie’s (2.3/5 on 23 reviews); Pizza Hut (1.6/5 on 28 reviews).

SETS Brings Successful New Jersey Fitness Concept To New Tampa 

SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training owner Phil Diaz (right) will be working with his clients at his new fitness facility, which is expected to celebrate its Grand Opening in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa on Saturday, April 27. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

The only Florida location of SETS Hybrid Training gyms is set to open and host fitness classes by the end of this month. 

Located in the Pebble Creek Collection, less than two miles south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.), SETS New Tampa is bringing a successful New Jersey-based fitness concept to New Tampa. 

Owner and New Jersey native Phil Diaz has worked with SETS for the last four years. Phil believes in the concept so much that he left everything behind in his home state to introduce SETS to Florida. 

SETS currently has 12 locations, including three corporate locations in Jersey. All of the other locations are franchises, including seven in the Garden State, one in Murfreesboro, TN, and the new one in New Tampa. 

“It’s a growing company that has only been around since about 2015,” says Diaz. “It’s super successful.” 

He says that with a caveat, though. SETS isn’t growing quite as fast as some other franchises and he says that’s because all franchise owners also are required to be on-site managers. 

That means owners, including Phil, have to be in the gym ensuring that members get what they need, and the facility is more than just a moneymaker for some off-site investor. 

That fits with the SETS philosophy, which emphasizes relationships among those who work out together. 

“The biggest thing we do that is different is that we’re very big into community,” says Phil. 

That’s why SETS New Tampa will be hosting a happy hour every month for members, an annual Christmas party and organize teams to participate in local events, such as Spartan (obstacle course)races. 

“It’s super competitive,” Phil says of SETS and its members, “but it’s fun as well. It’s more than just working out.” 

The community is bigger than just the gym members, too. Phil says public servants, such as those who work for fire and police departments, in health care, education, and active duty and military veterans receive discounts on membership. 

Of his decision to move to our area, Phil says, “It was the greatest decision of my life. I love this place. It’s amazing.” 

In scoping out Florida locations to grow SETS, he considered many options, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg. 

“New Tampa was the choice because we fell in love,” he says. “Looking at the demographics, we see the growth in this area and love how everything in (nearby) Wesley Chapel is new.” 

While he recognizes the New Tampa location isn’t convenient for many Wesley Chapel residents, he hopes to open a total of three locations in the first three years he’s here, so people in our reading area who don’t feel they live close enough to the New Tampa SETS may end up with a location closer to them in the near future. 

Fitness For Everyone 
Owner Phil Diaz says he is confident that SETS Hybrid Training will be as popular with New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents as it was with those who worked out with him at SETS in New Jersey.

SETS offers its group fitness classes several times a day. Each class is completely different, so you’ll never be bored. Free weights and machines are used in the group fitness setting. 

“Many people get intimidated because they think it’s just for a certain type of athlete or for fitness gurus,” Phil explains. “But, we’re literally for everyone. Some of our members are college athletes, others just got out of surgery or are in their 60s and haven’t been in a gym before.” 

To be able to accommodate people at every level, Phil and other coaches are always happy to demonstrate modifications for every exercise or movement. There’s always an advanced way for serious athletes to perform each exercise, Phil says, and a safer way for beginners and those who are rehabbing an injury. 

“Some people always get nervous trying it out,” Phil explains of SETS, “but I want them to feel relief because we are always happy to scale it down so they can feel comfortable.” 

Once you join SETS, classes are booked through the SETSBuilt app. Each class lasts 50-55 minutes, and Phil promises that the sessions “sell themselves.” 

“Every day is totally different,” he explains. “We change the movement up so it’s never the same. It could be leg day, full body day, or chest day, but it’s always a good mix of strength and cardio.” 

Many Membership Options 

SETS New Tampa offers a number of different types of memberships, but Phil says most members choose the unlimited classes option. He says the majority of members will take three to five classes each week, while some work out every day and others only take one or two classes a week. 

“You come whenever you’re available,” Phil says. “All you have to do is go on the app and save yourself a spot.” 

Phil wants you to come in and try it out, so he offers specials for those who just want to give it a try. Give him a call or stop in at the location to learn more about free trial classes. 

One major perk of SETS New Tampa is that there are no long-term contracts. Each membership is paid on a monthly basis and only a 30-day notice is required if you decide you need to cancel. 

The SETS New Tampa Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, April 27, featuring a number of vendors, classes and a ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Since it hadn’t opened yet when this issue went to press, no members of the New Tampa SETS were ready to tell us about their experience yet. However, there are SETS members in New Jersey who miss Phil and hope that people in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area will take advantage of the opportunity to join SETS and work out with him. 

Brianna Schoeneberg is a SETS member in Barnegat, NJ. She says she first met Phil a couple years ago when he started working at the SETS gym where she trains. 

“I’ve been working out for about 10 years now,” she says, “and he’s been one of the best. The energy is always high and any type of modification you need, he has it. And he’s literally one of the friendliest guys ever.” 

Brianna says that when she travels, she visits lots of different gyms but she always prefers to come back to her home gym. 

“It’s more about community and your personal goals,” Brianna says. “Every coach is positive and high energy, and the classes are never the same.” 

Brianna says she loves the hybrid training format and that it works for all fitness levels. Club members are a strong community, but include a wide variety of ages and abilities. 

Brianna thinks Phil will be able to bring the same positivity, energy, and focus on community to SETS New Tampa. 

“Everyone here loved him but we’re super happy for him on the journey’s he’s taking,” Brianna says. “It’s a big thing to move from Jersey to Florida to start something new, but it’s pretty cool that he’s taking it to Tampa. I feel like everyone there is lucky to have him, because we miss him here in Jersey.” 

Phil is excited to be able to offer pre-opening members of SETS New Tampa a “Founder’s Rate” of just $129 per month for unlimited classes, with no enrollment fee, and free classes until the end of April. 

He notes that the Founder’s Rate is for unlimited classes, although SETS New Tampa also does offer other membership levels for those who don’t necessarily want or need unlimited sessions. 

SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite E-6, in the Pebble Creek Collection. For more information, visit SETSBuilt.com, @sets_newtampa on Instagram, “SETS NEW TAMPA” on Facebook.

Rehearsals For ‘If I Cry’ Just Part Of The Tampa City Dance Center Story 

Members of the Tampa City Ballet (TCB) company rehearse for their upcoming performances of “If I Cry” (see promotional poster below), which will be performed at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa May 4-5. The rehearsal was held at the Tampa City Dance Center in the Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms. (Photos by Charmaine George)

It’s been a while since we last checked in with Paula Nuñez, the founder and artistic director of what previously had been known as America’s Ballet School (located since 2002 in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms). But, not only has Paula now merged with the Tampa City Ballet, she has changed the name of her ballet school, which is still at that location, to Tampa City Ballet School (TCBS). 

In addition, in January of this year, she opened a new studio adjacent to the ballet school called the Tampa City Dance Center (TCDC), in order to offer both children and adults the opportunity to explore a variety of dance disciplines. Although TCBS still focuses on classical ballet variations, pointe, repertoire and contemporary ballet, and has its own outstanding faculty, TCDC offers classes (and private lessons) in Acrobatic Dance (or “Acro”), Contemporary, Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Tango and even “Mommy & Me” (for kids ages 1-4, with their parent or grandparent). 

Top right, l.-r.) Jayron Perez (who choreographed some of the ballet pieces in “If I Cry”), TCB founder & artistic director Paula Nunez and musician & composer Nick Ewing. 

“It is exciting to offer a dynamic dance program designed to provide a platform to explore creativity and discover new ways to move,” Paula says. “Dance is a fantastic way to release stress, gain confidence and help with concentration and balance. This program fosters a supportive and fun environment for all ages. It definitely creates a community.” 

Paula notes that, at the Tampa City Dance Center, her long-time friend and TCDC executive director Claudia Correa and her staff, “offer a captivating selection of classes to suit all ages and interests. Paula says that Claudia was not a dancer herself, but adds, “She shares my passion for the arts.” 

Each of the dance disciplines at TCDC are taught by different professional faculty members. The pointe/ballet instructor is Vashti Walters. The contemporary and jazz dance and choreography lessons are led by Shelby Russ, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the University of South Florida (USF). Aynsleigh Morehouse, another USF BFA graduate, teaches stretching, tap, contemporary, pointe and the “Mommy & Me” classes. John Delgado teaches salsa and contemporary dance. 

More About Paula Nuñez 

Paula, who has many years of professional experience as a dancer and choreographer, is on the dance faculty at USF. She is a former principal company member of the International Ballet of Caracas (Venezuela), Ballet Nuevo Mundo and the Cleveland Ballet, San Jose. In 1992, she co-founded the well-known “Fundación Ballet de las Americas” now in residence at the Teresa Carreno Cultural Performing Arts Center in Caracas. 

In 2008, she established a nonprofit organization with the goal to provide scholarships to talented youths and to foster discipline in others who desire to dance. Some of these students are currently national and international dancers, educators and choreographers. 

(Above, l.-r.) Aynsleigh Morehouse, Maria Fernanda Papa & Shelby Russ rehearse for “If I Cry.” Aynsleigh & Shelby also teach at the Tampa City Dance Center. 

Paula also launched a community engagement program (in 2012) called “On Your Feet,” which has offered scholarships and high-quality dance education in collaboration with well-known organizations such as the University Area Community Development Corp. and their research-based prevention and diversion program for youths ages 5-18. 

Then, in 2018, she created Tampa City Ballet (TCB), a nonprofit professional contemporary dance company with an innovative repertoire that focuses on, and is invested in, connecting communities. TCB serves the community by providing high-quality arts education, to facilitate research and to create a space for dancers seeking professional experience. It also encourages interdisciplinary collaborations, while also offering unique, immersive and engaging experiences. 

Since 2022, Paula also has been part of the collective art space at the Historic Ybor City Kress Building in the new Gas Worx District. She says her mission is to create a collaborative model that integrates intergenerational and intercultural productions, demonstrating the alchemy that occurs between disciplines, creators and performers. 

Paula has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Tampa Bay. She has received numerous awards for her teaching, choreography and contributions to the arts in our area. She also has been nominated for the City of Tampa’s prestigious Hispanic Heritage Award. 

“If I Cry” — May 4-5 

Although many recent TCB performances have been and will continue to be held at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, the ballet company recently used TCDC as a rehearsal space for its upcoming performances of “If I Cry,” which is described as “A surreal dance journey through the mind of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo,” based on the artist’s personal diaries. Neighborhood News photographer Charmaine George attended that rehearsal, where she took the pictures on this page. 

The performances of “If I Cry” (see poster, below) will be held May 4-5, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. Tickets are available through the Straz Center Box Office. Call (813) 229-7827 or visit StrazCenter.org for tickets and more information. 

For more information about the Tampa City Dance Center or Tampa City Ballet School (both located at 15367 Amberly Dr.), call (813) 558- 0800, visit TCDanceCenter.com or TampaCityBallet.org.

The New Tampa PAC’s Truly Grand Unveiling! 

Free Concert On Apr. 5 Introduced The Community To The PAC’s New Steinway “Model D” Piano In Grand Fashion! 

Classical pianists Jane West and Grigorios Zamparas play the “Hungarian Dances for Piano Four- Hands No. 2 & No. 8” by Johannes Brahms on the Steinway & Sons “Model D” during the “Concert Grand” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Apr. 5. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

When general manager Keith Arsenault took the job running the Hillsborough County-owned New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) last year, he told members of the county’s staff that, “If this is really going to be a ‘real’ Performing Arts Center, then we need a real performing arts piano.” 

The PAC opened a little more than a year ago, but now, Arsenault finally has a truly grand piano that he believes will help fulfill the PAC’s destiny as a real performing arts center — a brand new Steinway & Sons “Model D” concert grand piano, also known as the flagship of this world-renowned and historic American brand. 

Only the Neighborhood News was on hand when the spectacular new piano was delivered and re-assembled on the NTPAC stage on Mar. 21 and we also attended the first-ever performance unveiling the new Steinway to the local community, which was held on Apr. 5 and was called the “Concert Grand” — and what a grand event it was! 

“When you’re making a substantial acquisition like this, you don’t just pick something out on eBay,” Keith said. 

So, Steinway & Sons graciously flew Keith, Steinway Tampa Bay (which has showroom locations in Clearwater and Tampa) vice president Jonathan Hunt and two “much better pianists” with them to the piano maker’s headquarters in Queens, NY. 

“We got a three-hour tour of the factory to see the amazing process of building these pianos,” Keith said. “And then, we were faced with a room with five of them — ostensibly identical Model D grand pianos — but each one with its own voice and personality.” 

They went up and down the line playing each piano and comparing them. 

“And then, finally,” Keith said, “someone sat down at the fifth one in the row and played a big fat chord and we all just kind of went, ‘Oooh, that’s the one.’ Not too long after that, the Steinway folks came out and put a ‘Selected’ tag on the piano, so that nobody else would get it.” 

He joked, “I knew I didn’t have to, but I even wrote down the serial number to make sure we got our piano.” 

Jonathan, who says he usually makes the trip to Queens “about three or four times a year,” said, “Steinway does a pre-delivery inspection, they disassemble and wrap the legs, wheels and foot pedals and pack it into a big box and deliver it to our factory. That takes about two weeks. We then have our own pre-delivery inspection and prep process. We put it back together, allow it to acclimate to the Florida weather, test the sound, and then disassemble and wrap and box it up again to get it ready for delivery.” 

Keith noted, “The whole process from Queens to final destination took a little less than the month we were told to expect it to take. And, throughout the process, we got blow-by-blow updates like, ‘The piano has left the factory,’ and so forth. It was basically like tracking it online as it made its trip. This was the first time I’ve had my hands directly involved in this process. It was very special.” 

A Truly Grand Concert Event! 
(Above, l.-r.) Pianists Grigorios Zamparas, Jane West, Svetozar Ivanov & Ghadeer Abaido, Keith Arsenault, Jonathan Hunt & pianists Simon Lasky & Pablo Arencibia after the Concert Grand performance on Apr. 5.

Speaking of special, “The Concert Grand event on Apr. 5 truly was just that. 

“We have six magnificent pianists performing tonight,” Keith said as he kicked off the Concert Grand festivities that evening, “these musicians range from classical to jazz to piano ‘four hands,’ where two of them play the piano at the same time.” 

It was a wonderful, free piano concert that filled nearly all of the 324 available seats at the NTPAC. It started with delicious, free food provided by Via Italia, the authentic Italian restaurant located in The Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza, which is in front of the PAC on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. 

The food — which included tasty meatballs and sauce, plus bite-sized pieces of tender chicken parmigiana, bruschetta, a charcuterie selection and more — was sponsored by Steinway Tampa Bay. 

Keith also noted that neither the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall nor the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg has its own Steinway. “So this is a pretty big deal that Hillsborough County has made this amazing investment in the performing arts for us here.” 

Jonathan added, “I also just love this facility (NTPAC). As much as the Concert Grand event is about this piano, we just want people to know that the New Tampa Performing Arts Center is here and is a great asset to this community.” 

As to how he feels about the selection his group made, Keith said, “I couldn’t be happier. As Jonathan said, ‘This piano is a rocket ship’ and, given the acoustical nature of this room, and the fact that we will likely be using this piano as much for legitimate jazz events as for classical, it’s just the perfect piano for this space.” 

He also noted that the purchase of the Model D also included two Steinway uprights manufactured in Hamburg. Germany. 

Editor’s note — It was absolutely mesmerizing to see the Model D being taken out of its special box, with each of its legs and the beautiful, easy-rolling brass wheels separately wrapped, and then rolled on a dolly to, and then laid out on, the NTPAC stage. And then, to see Jonathan and his two assistants meticulously re-attach the legs and foot pedals to the 8’, 11-3/4” long behemoth and then turning the nearly 1,100-lb. piano upright before wiping it down to allow the high-gloss, ultra-black paint to emit its perfect, reflective glow was a sight I know I will never forget. But, to hear it played by such outstanding pianists was even more incredible. Bravo, Keith and Jonathan! 

For more information about the NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org. 

The New Tampa PAC’s Truly Grand Unveiling! 

 Free Concert On Apr. 5 Will Introduce The Community To The PAC’s New Steinway “Model D” Piano In Grand Fashion! 

New Tampa Performing Arts Center general manager Keith Arsenault was part of a group flown to New York by Steinway & Sons to select the new Steinway “Model D” concert grand piano for the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Keith was the first to play the amazing new piano at the PAC on Mar. 21 and the Neighborhood News was the exclusive local news medium that was on hand when the beautiful new piano was delivered. (Photos by Charmaine George)

 When general manager Keith Arsenault took the job running the Hillsborough County-owned New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) last year, he told members of the county’s staff that, “If this is really going to be a ‘real’ Performing Arts Center, then we need a real performing arts piano.” 

The PAC opened a little more than a year ago, but now, Arsenault finally has a truly grand piano that he believes will help fulfill the PAC’s destiny as a real performing arts center — a brand new Steinway & Sons “Model D” concert grand piano, also known as the flagship of this world-renowned and historic American brand. 

NTPAC GM Keith Arsenault (left) and Steinway Tampa Bay VP Jonathan Hunt talk about the process that brought the new Steinway Model D to the PAC, including the room at the Steinway showroom in Queens, NY (below) with five identical pianos from which it was chosen. 

Only the Neighborhood News was on hand when the spectacular new piano was delivered and re-assembled on the NTPAC stage on March 21 — “And on this stage it will remain,” Arsenault said. “This will be the centerpiece of this facility!” 

And, Arsenault and his staff are proud to introduce the magnificent new instrument to the local community, as the PAC will host a fantastic “Concert Grand” event on Friday, April 5. 

“When you’re making a substantial acquisition like this, you don’t just pick something out on eBay,” Keith said. 

So, Steinway & Sons graciously flew Keith, Steinway Tampa Bay (which has showroom locations in Clearwater and Tampa) vice president Jonathan Hunt and two “much better pianists” with them to the piano maker’s headquarters in Queens, NY. 

“We got a three-hour tour of the factory to see the amazing process of building these pianos,” Keith said. “And then, we were faced with a room with five of them — ostensibly identical Model D grand pianos — but each one with its own voice and personality.” 

They went up and down the line playing each piano and comparing them. 

(Photo provided by the New Tampa Performing Arts Center)

“And then, finally,” Keith said, “someone sat down at the fifth one in the row and played a big fat chord and we all just kind of went, ‘Oooh, that’s the one.’ Not too long after that, the Steinway folks came out and put a ‘Selected’ tag on the piano, so that nobody else would get it.” 

He joked, “I knew I didn’t have to, but I even wrote down the serial number to make sure we got our piano.” 

Jonathan, who says he usually makes the trip to Queens “about three or four times a year,” said, “Steinway does a pre-delivery inspection, they disassemble and wrap the legs, wheels and foot pedals and pack it into a big box and deliver it to our factory. That takes about two weeks. We then have our own pre-delivery inspection and prep process. We put it back together, allow it to acclimate to the Florida weather, test the sound, and then disassemble and wrap and box it up again to get it ready for delivery.” 

Keith noted, “The whole process from Queens to final destination took a little less than the month we were told to expect it to take. And, throughout the process, we got blow-by-blow updates like, ‘The piano has left the factory,’ and so forth. It was basically like tracking it online as it made its trip. This was the first time I’ve had my hands directly involved in this process. It was very special.” 

A Truly Grand Concert Event! 

Keith said, “The Concert Grand event on April 5 is our way of introducing this fine instrument to our audiences. We have six magnificent pianists coming to play that evening, ranging from classical to jazz to piano ‘four hands,’ where two of these musicians play the piano at the same time. It’s going to be a wonderful, free event, but reservations are required.” 

That night, the NTPAC lobby will open at 7 p.m., there will be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Steinway of Tampa Bay, “and we’ll have an amazing concert (starting at 8 p.m.) and a chance to meet and greet with the artists afterwards in the lobby,” Keith said. 

“Jonathan and I will be making casual remarks at the top of the show,” he added, “but we will not be among those playing the piano at that event. The star of this show is the piano…certainly not us.” 

As to how he feels about the selection his group made, Keith said, “I couldn’t be happier. As Jonathan said, ‘This piano is a rocket ship’ and, given the acoustical nature of this room, and the fact that we will likely be using this piano as much for legitimate jazz events as for classical, it’s just the perfect piano for this space. And, the pianists who are going to be part of that program are all going to be thrilled to be playing it.” 

Jonathan added, “I also just love this facility (NTPAC). It’s so good to see Hillsborough County investing in the arts. As much as the Concert Grand event is about this piano, we just want people to know that the New Tampa Performing Arts Center is here and is a great asset to this community.” 

‘Concert Grand’ Performances On Apr. 5 

“Valse Impromptu in A-flat Major” by Franz Liszt – played by Grigorios Zamparas 

“I Love You, Porgy” by George Gershwin; “Half a World Away” by Simon Lasky & “Soul Cowboy” by Pat Metheny – played by Simon Lasky 

“Etude Opus 25, Nr. 1, ‘Aeolian Harp’” by Frederic Chopin – played by Jane West 

“Hungarian Dances for Piano Four- Hands No. 2 & No. 8” by Johannes Brahms; “Slavonic Dance Opus 72, Nr. 2 in E minor” by AntonĂ­n Dvorak & “Waltz ‘Snowstorm,’” by Georgy Sviridov – played by Jane West & Grigorios Zamparas 

“Who Am I?,” by Pablo Arencibia, “Invi-tation” by Bronislaw Kape & “Freedom Jazz Dance” by Eddie Harris-played by Pablo Arencibia 

“Fantasia in F Minor D.940” by Franz Schubert – played by Ghadeer Abaido & Svetozar Ivanov 

Editor’s note — It was absolutely mesmerizing to see the Model D being taken out of its special box, with each of its legs and the beautiful, easy-rolling brass wheels separately wrapped, and then rolled on a dolly to, and then laid out on, the NTPAC stage. And then, to see Jonathan and his two assistants meticulously re-attach the legs and foot pedals to the 8’, 11-3/4” long behemoth and then turning the nearly 1,100-lb. piano upright and then wiping it down to allow the high-gloss, ultra-black paint to emit its perfect, reflective glow was a sight I know I will never forget. I can’t wait to attend the concert to hear true Master Pianists playing this magnificent instrument. 

To find out more about the NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.