Issue #574: Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen Comes to Town, Pea Salad Trend Rises, Animation Classes & Bulls’ New Coach

3/26/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
26 Mar

In partnership with

The Future of Tech. One Daily News Briefing.

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GOOD MORNING

As I was reviewing today’s news stories, I must have been hungry because the pea salad recipe that showed up reminded me of disliking peas, yet loving this side dish in cafeterias like Luby’s. Hope you don’t mind my including it today.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

Local News

— Broadway Hit ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Brings Alicia Keys’ Story to Tampa

Food

— Affordable and Fresh: Why Pea Salad Is Trending Again

The Arts

— Aspiring Artists Invited to Hands-On Animation Classes in Tampa

Sports

— Bulls Land Former National Coach of the Year Chris Mack

Broadway Hit ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Brings Alicia Keys’ Story to Tampa

A new Broadway production inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys is set to debut tonight in Tampa, kicking off a limited 15-show run at the Straz Center through April 4.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ follows a coming-of-age story centered on Ali, a 17-year-old navigating identity, independence, and a strained relationship with her mother in 1990s Manhattan. The lead role is played by Maya Drake, whose performance anchors the emotionally driven narrative.

The production blends storytelling with a powerful musical score, featuring both original songs and well-known Alicia Keys hits like “Fallin’,” “No One,” and “Girl on Fire.” The show’s creative team includes director Michael Greif, choreographer Camille A. Brown, and writer Kristoffer Diaz.

Already named a New York Times Critic’s Pick, the musical brings vibrant choreography and a nostalgic New York setting to the stage.

Tickets for the Tampa run start at $65, offering audiences a dynamic mix of music, dance, and personal storytelling.

Affordable and Fresh: Why Pea Salad
Is Trending Again

A simple, no-cook dish is gaining attention as a cost-effective and time-saving option for gatherings. The classic pea salad combines sweet peas, diced ham, cheddar cheese, and red onion, all coated in a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and vinegar.

Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, the recipe requires no cooking and yields up to 10 servings at under $1 per portion. Its balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors makes it a versatile side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and family meals.

Flexibility is a key appeal. Home cooks can customize the salad with ingredients like pasta, carrots, broccoli, or dried fruit. It also provides a practical way to repurpose leftover ham, helping reduce food waste and grocery costs.

Often paired with grilled meats or summer dishes, pea salad stands out as a refreshing, affordable staple that delivers both flavor and convenience.

Read More: budgetbytes.com - see for recipe

Aspiring Artists Invited to Hands-On Animation Classes in Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art is inviting aspiring artists to explore digital creativity through a new animation workshop series beginning March 31. Designed for ages 12 and up, the beginner-to-intermediate class runs for five sessions through April 28 in the museum’s Tech Lab.

Participants will learn core digital art skills, including illustration, painting, and animation, inspired by artwork currently on display. The program covers a wide range of subjects such as animals, people, scenery, and popular styles like cartoon, manga, and anime.

All materials and equipment are provided, making the class accessible for newcomers without prior experience or tools. Sessions are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., offering a structured yet creative evening environment.

The workshop is part of the museum’s ongoing effort to engage the community through interactive arts education, with a focus on youth and family-friendly programming.

Bulls Land Former National Coach of the Year
Chris Mack

The University of South Florida has named veteran coach Chris Mack as its 13th head men’s basketball coach, signaling a major خطوة in the program’s continued growth.

Mack brings an impressive résumé, including a 323-153 career record and a .679 winning percentage across 15 seasons. He has led teams to 12 seasons with 20 or more wins and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet 16 runs and one Elite Eight.

Most recently, Mack guided the College of Charleston to back-to-back 20-win seasons. His previous stops at Xavier and Louisville included top national rankings and conference championships, further cementing his reputation as a program builder.

Athletic Director Rob Higgins praised Mack’s leadership and ability to quickly transform teams, while Mack emphasized his excitement to join a “program on an exceptional trajectory.”

With strong credentials and proven success, Mack’s arrival signals high expectations for Bulls basketball moving forward.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Mar 25th
Source:

tampabay.com

 
Things to do Around Tampa this w/e:
3/27 - 3/29
Source:

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
3/26- 4/1
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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