Got a talent? It’s showtime!

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So, you think you can dance? Sing? Tell jokes?

Whatever your talent is, the USF College of Public Health is looking to showcase your skills at our upcoming talent show in honor of our 35th anniversary!

The talent show will be held Friday, Jan. 31, at Skipper’s Smokehouse. The doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

“We are celebrating many accomplishments during this 35th anniversary year, but it is also important to have some fun,” said USF College of Public Health Dean Donna Petersen. “To make this the rousing success we wish it to be, we are calling for talent!”

The event includes free food during the talent show and will be followed by a special guest appearance at 10:30 p.m. by the band Bad Bad Hats, led by Tampa Prep alumna Kerry Alexander.

The group, named after a trouble-making character in the Madeline children’s books, is an indie rock band from Minneapolis. Their music honors classic pop songwriting, with nods to nineties rock simplicity and pop-punk frivolity. Bad Bad Hats have toured the country and have two albums under their belts: Psychic Reader and Lightning Round.

Other acts will feature students, faculty, alumni and staff. On tap are renditions of “Vienna,” by Billy Joel, “Rocket Man,” by Elton John, piano singalongs, poetry readings, dancing, classic country/folk musical duos and even a performance by the dean herself. Other performers include:

  • Rocky Jalil
  • Dr. Russell Kirby
  • Dr. Claudia Parvanta
  • Richard Harner
  • Dr. Karen Liller
  • Terry Noonan
  • Rolando Trejos
  • Greg Vawter
  • Tammy Watson
  • Stephan Villavicencio
  • Sara de la Cantera
  • Dr. Stephanie Marhefka
  • Dr. Linsey Grove
  • Dean Donna Petersen
  • Dr. Joe Bohn

The event will be emceed by Assistant Professor Dr. Zachary Pruitt.

“Turns out, this event not only will showcase our talented faculty, staff and students, but it will raise funds for the college!” Dean Petersen said.

Skipper’s is contributing 75 percent of the ticket sales for the Bad Bad Hats, who will headline the show. 

“Any and all talents are welcome,” said Dr. Petersen. “It won’t be a party without you!”

To register to take part in the talent show, secure your spot here. Tickets are available through Skipper’s Smokehouse.

This initiative is part of the USF College of Public Health’s yearlong 35th anniversary celebration.  To learn more about giving to the COPH, contact Kara Steiner ’06 at ksteiner@health.usf.edu or (813) 974-3023.