5 Things This Weekend in Brandon

Closing night for "Tick, Tick...BOOM!" gets under way 8 p.m. tonight, June 25, at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico. The show is an autobiographical look at the life of Pulitzer Prize winner and American composer Jonathan Larson, the creator of "Rent."

Also scheduled this weekend is a ladies' tea for Barbara Schwabe, in her race for honorary mayor of Brandon, a fundraising bowl for the Brandon Ballet and a night of swing dance at Way 2 Dance in Brandon.

On a sad note, the town pays its respects to architect Robert Lee "Bob" Dykes Sr., who died June 23 after suffering a heart attack the day before. He is remembered by many as a pillar of the community. (See, "In Death, Brandon Old-Timer Bob Dykes Remembered as a Town Pillar.")

1. COMMUNITY THEATER

• "Tick, Tick...BOOM! / June 24-25 / 8 p.m. / James McCabe Theater, 506 5th St., Valrico. / Tickets: $15 adults; $10 seniors, students and military with I.D. / Cash or checks only at ticket booth, which opens at 7 p.m. / Call: 813-655-0789
• On stage with The Frenzie Life Theatre, the autobiographical tale of Jonathan Larson, the struggling, young composer responsible for “Rent,” one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Directed by Michael Mercer, the Frenzie production stars Pedro Amaral, Justin Batten and Kim Davis. The show is not recommended for children under age 13 and children under 5 are not permitted.
• Related Coverage: ""

2. SWING DANCING

• Saturday Night Swing Dance / June 25 / 7 p.m.–11 p.m. / , 610 Oakfield Drive / Strap on your dancing shoes and let loose to the sounds of Big Band, jazz and oldies hits. Experienced or a novice, this event is open to all skill levels.  / Price: $8 / Call: (813) 966-4788

3. TEA AND FASHION

• Barbara's High Tea and Fashion Show / June 26 / 3 p.m. / Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon / Cost: $35 per person. Benefits Barbara Schwabe's race for honorary mayor of Brandon.
• Ladies asked to wear their best hats. Featured fashions from Downtown Divas, at Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview, and accessories from The Green Boutique, in Valrico, at the corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Bell Shoals Road. Selected teas by The Tea Cup tea room, off Lithia Pinecrest Road. Silent auction,  50/50 raffle.

4. BOWL FOR BALLET

• Bowl with the / June 26 / 1:30–4 p.m. (Bowling starts at 2 p.m.) / The Alley at Southshore 10221 Big Bend Rd, Riverview / Cost: $15 adults, $10 students. Shoe rental is free. / Call: 813-684-4282. Email: dance@brandonballet.org
• Join the Brandon Ballet for an afternoon of unlimited bowling. There will also be chances to win prizes and giveaways. Each lane holds six bowlers and spaces are limited. 

5. FINAL RESPECTS

• Robert Lee "Bob" Dykes Sr. / June 26 and 27 / Brandon lost a pillar with the June 23 death of Dykes, an architect credited with many buildings in Brandon and the establishment of the North Brandon Little League fields. (See, .")
• Dykes was a past president of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rotary Club of Brandon and Brandon Masons. He received the chamber's Key Citizen Award and the Community Roundtable's Alice B. Tompkins Community Service Award.
• Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. June 27 at the First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 120 North Knights Ave.
• Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery, with Masonic Services from Brandon Lodge #114, F.& A.M.
• The family will receive friends June 26 from 2-4 p.m. at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview.