Breezin Entertainment Blog

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If you missed it.... You can watch our Super Bowl feature on YouTube.

Breezin' Super Bowl Highlights

Participating in this month's Super Bowl activities was a lot of hard work, but well worth it.  Here are some highlights from our experiences this past week.

Singing our hearts out with the Breezin' Band at the NFL Tailgate extravaganza

Brushing elbows with athletes for a good cause at the Life Off the Field gala

Cindy being interviewed for an MSNBC segment

Wonderful Breezin' performers entertaining the Super Bowl crowd

 

Celebrating 'Life Off the Field' in Tampa Bay

Breezin' Entertainment was proud to support the Life Off the Field fashion show and gala during Tampa's Super Bowl Weekend. Life Off the Field is a charity founded by the wives of active and retired NFL athletes.

The organization recognized members with the prestigious Life Honors Award. Proceeds from the event benefited Tampa-area organizations including The Centre for Women, The American Cancer Society, Moffitt Cancer Research Foundation and Tyra Banks T-Zone Foundation.


Cindy Dervech with (From Left): Pampered Chef owner Doris Christopher and Jeannie with Cupcake Cupcakes

















Cindy with Ray from Buffalo Bills and McDougal from the Jacksonville Jaguars














Cindy with Buc's player Earnest Graham and his brother






Jerry Rice's daughter, Jaqui Rice, performed at the event

Watch Breezin's MSNBC Super Bowl interview online

It goes without saying that the Super Bowl was THE event of the new year so far. The energy, the crowds of visitors, Tampa's local businesses all banding together to show the world a great time all made it a huge success.

In cased you missed it, here is MSNBCs feature on the NFL and small businesses -- featuring Breezin!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Super Bowl Street Closures and Traffic Alerts from City of Tampa

The following road closures and and traffic alerts below are expected from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1


Increased Traffic Expected:  Dale Mabry Highway, Himes Avenue, Hillsborough Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Columbus Drive, Armenia Avenue, Platt Street/Channelside Drive, Tampa Street Morgan Street, 21st and 22nd Streets, and 7th Avenue. 

Please Note: The Tampa Street extension from Brorein Street to Franklin Street may be closed based on traffic flow, if so please use Meridian Avenue to access Harbour Island.

 
 Raymond James Stadium Area Road Closures:

•           January 7 (already in effect) - Tampa Bay Boulevard between Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue is closed to all traffic and is expected to reopen on February 10, 2009.

•           February 1 - Beginning at 12:01 a.m.North Dale Mabry between Columbus Drive and Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd will be closed to traffic and is expected to reopen on February 2, 2009 at 4 a.m.

•           January 31 - Beginning 10 p.m. Himes Avenue between Columbus Drive and Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. will be closed to traffic and is expected to reopen on February 2, 2009 at 6 a.m.

 
Downtown Tampa Road Closures:

•           January 29 - Beginning at 6 p.m. the northbound lane on Franklin Street will be closed from Harbour Island to Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive) and is expected to reopen on February 1, 2009 at 6 p.m.

•           January 29 - Beginning at 6 p.m. Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive) will be westbound only from Channelside Drive to Florida Avenue and is expected to return to two-way traffic on February 1, 2009 at 6 p.m.

•           January 30 & 31 - From 6 p.m. to Midnight, Channelside Drive between Meridian Avenue and Cumberland Avenue will be closed.

 
Ybor City Road Closures:

•           January 26 to 30 (already in effect) - From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, 8th Avenue will be closed between 15th and 17th Streets.

 

Cindy Dervech to appear on MSNBC Super Bowl segment

Watch Cindy Dervech on MSNBC Sunday at 7:30 a.m. to discuss Breezin's exciting role as one of the NFL’s Emerging Businesses and its involvement in Super Bowl XLIII.

This year, the NFL’s Emerging Business Program named several Tampa-based minority and woman-owned businesses with the special designation and encouraged the businesses to apply to take part as vendors during Super Bowl events.

As we mentioned, Breezin' was fortunate to receive that designation as well as to be  selected as one of the NFL's vendors. Breezin’ entertainers were selected to perform during NFL Experience festivities with Breezin' staff joining in on the action as volunteers.

• Cindy during her interview                    
• Posing with News Channel 8's Katie Coronado  

Gearing up for a great performance

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Tips for surviving the Super Bowl

Tampa Bay's event of the year is just a week away. They'll be fireworks, loads of fans and fun festivities. Here are some tips and reminders for surviving the highly anticipated day.

Fast Facts about the game and  Raymond James Stadium:

Game time: Kickoff at approximately 6:28 p.m. EST
Stadium Capacity: 72,500
Television: NBC
Radio: Westwood One/Univision
Home Team: NFC
Visiting Team: AFC

Going to the game? What to do on game day...

• It's usually best to be the early bird. Coming later might cause some unwanted frustration.
• Check the list of prohibited items and make sure you are not carrying any of them before you enter the stadium
• Sorry to burst your bubble -- the NFL doesn't allow tailgating in the parking lot. Have some pregame fun at home and remember not to drink and drive.
• If you're taking a bus or a limousine, ask your driver for a locator card to help you find your way back to your vehicle after the game. Pretend like you're going to the airport and write down your transportation carrier’s company name, parking location and vehicle descriptions.
• Take not of key times:
  9 a.m. – NFL-controlled parking lots open
  11 a.m. – NFL Experience opens to game ticket holders ONLY
  2 p.m. – Stadium seating opens

Take some time to enjoy all that Tampa Bay has to offer!

Get excited about the NFL Experience coming to Tampa Bay

The Breezin' staff is getting pumped to volunteer at the wonderful NFL events coming to Tampa. We wanted to take a minute to share details about the NFL Experience with you.

The 18th annual NFL Experience will be held at our very own Raymond James Stadium. 

Why you'll love it: It's pro football's interactive fan festival with games, displays, entertainment attractions, kids' football clinics, free autograph sessions and a football card show.

Tickets Include: All games and attractions

Cost: $18.50 for adults and $12.50 for children under 12.Group discounts are available: If you purchase 50 or more tickets, the ticket price is reduced to $17.50. To receive the group order form, email: nflexperience@nfl.com

How to Get Them: Tickets are available by calling (866) TIX-4NFL (849-4635) or by visiting Ticketmaster

A Great Experience that Gives Back: Proceeds from  ticket sales will be donated by the NFL to the two NFL Youth Education Towns of Tampa Bay. The facilities --in Mort Park and Jackson Heights-- opened following Super Bowl XXXV and families throughout the bay area.

Featured Attractions:

• Autograph sessions with more than 50 NFL superstars
• Play60 Youth Football Clinics
• Donruss Super Bowl Card Show
•  Super Bowl Store for official Super Bowl XLIII merchandise -- no tickets required
• See the Vince Lombardi Trophy
• Visit the Kids Zone for fun games for smaller NFL super fans

Fun Super Bowl food that will get your guests in the spirit

What's so great about the Super Bowl besides the football? The food, the commercials, the parties!  Check out some football-friendly food recipes we found that will help create a spirited atmosphere are your Super Bowl soirée.

Tired of the tried and true chips and salsa? Pregame with food that's really memorable.

• Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
  • 1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach  
  • 11/2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts 
  • 6 ounces cream cheese    
  • 1/4 cup sour cream    
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise   
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan   
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes  
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

• Directions:  Boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in rest of ingredients and serve hot. 

Bored with Beer? Offer your own mixed cocktail for a refreshing alternative.

Try Citrus Champagne Punch:

•   2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 cup superfine sugar 
• 1 cup vodka       
• 1/2 cup limoncello   
• 2 teaspoons vermouth     
• 1 (750 ml) bottle chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine  
• Ice    
• Lemon twists, for garnish
• Directions:
  

  Combine the lemon juice, sugar, vodka, Limoncello, and vermouth in a large nonreactive bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours. Add the Champagne and stir to combine.

  Serve over ice in highball glasses, garnished with lemon twists. 

For the main course, why don't you ditch the pizza and make something fresh and easy.
Try: Flank Steak Tacos with Guac.

STEAK:

• 1 (2 to 3-pound) flank steak
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• Kosher salt and black pepper

• GUACAMOLE
• 3 avocados
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 serrano pepper, minced with seeds
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves, plus whole leaves for garnish
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Kosher salt

ASSEMBLE:

• Corn tortillas
• 1 head romaine lettuce, coarsely shredded
• 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 white onion, diced

Directions:

Put the steak in a nonreactive dish and pour over the tequila, lime juice and olive oil. Turn to coat. Add the chili powder, and use your hands to work it into the meat. Let stand about 1 hour.

Preheat the grill to high. Remove the steak from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill, covered, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare.

Halve the avocados and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and use a fork to mash to a chunky mix.

Remove the steak from the grill and rest 5 to 10 minutes. Slice across the grain. Heat the tortillas to soften. Fill the tortillas with steak, lettuce, tomato, onion and guacamole.

Tampa Super Bowl Events 2009

Mark your calendars. The Super Bowl is coming to Tampa Bay, which means tons of exciting events to attend. Look for Breezin' volunteers helping out at the NFL Experience/ Tailgate while you're there!

NFL History from Getty Images
Jan. 22-31, 2009
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa will present a special photographic exhibition in honor of Super Bowl XLIII. Thirty photographs from Getty Images' extensive archives will be on view. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 at the door.
Details: 813-221-2222 or www.fmopa.org

The NFL Experience
Jan. 24-25 and Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2009
Bone up on your stats and skills, or just watch some of the coolest plays at the largest annual sports festival of its kind. Held at the Super Bowl site, Raymond James Stadium, the festival includes more than 50 activities.
Details: http://www.tampabaysuperbowl.com
Before you go: Check out Florida wildlife – gators, pelicans and more – on a nature walk at Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center in north St. Petersburg (www.weedonislandpreserve.org).

Super Bike Night
1/28/09
More than 4,000 bikers show off their rides at this Super Bowl blast at Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant in Clearwater. This free event with live band and contests runs from 6 to 11 p.m.
Details: www.pinellaslube.com
While you’re here: Check out the rare, antique European cars at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park. www.tbauto.org

Taste of the NFL
Jan. 31, 2009
Join current and former NFL players and feast on the cuisine of top chefs from the 32 NFL cities at this Super Bowl-sanctioned event. Bid on sports and entertainment memorabilia at the silent auction. Proceeds benefit hunger relief efforts in Tampa Bay and other NFL cities. Held from 7 to 11 p.m. at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.
Details: www.TasteoftheNFL.com
While you’re here: Grab a nightcap martini in downtown St. Petersburg.

Super Bowl NFL Charities Celebrity Golf Classic
Jan. 31, 2009
Tee off with Pro Hall-of-Famers at this golfing benefit for Tampa NFL Youth Education Town Centers. Current and former NFL players will head up teams of amateur golfers at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Palm Harbor.
Details: Nick Nicolosi, 201-489-0049, n.nicolosi@verizon.net
While you’re here: Swing over to the Greek fishing village of Tarpon Springs for some baklava and sponge souvenirs.

Don't Forget the NFL Experience!