by Leilani PolkThis weekend marks the 20th annual edition of the Tampa Am, Skatepark of Tampa’s well-regarded international amateur skateboarding competition and fall follow-up to spring’s Tampa Pro showings. SPoT officially kicks off the festivities on Thursday with a Welcome to Tampa Party; aggro funk-raging alt hip hop outfit Samurai Shotgun headlines.
On Saturday, a few days worth of qualifiers conclude at SPoT’s 21-year Anniversary celebration, a free concert staged by Converse Rubber Tracks Live and featuring Trinidad Jame$. The Atlanta-by-way-of-Trinidad rapper’s deliberate rhyme placement was first introduced in 2012 mixtape/album, Don’t Be S.A.F.E. (Sensitive As Fuck EveryDay) and its subsequent single, “All Gold Everything.” Brooklyn alt hip hop trio Flatbush Zombies also perform. The finals close the Tampa Am closes on Sunday.
Details:Tampa Am 2013 Welcome to Tampa Party with Samurai Shotgun, Reese, Road to the Riches Thurs., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Skatepark of Tampa, Tampa, and Converse Rubber Tracks Live & SPoT 21 Year Anniversary Party with Trinidad Jame$, Flatbush Zombies, Sat., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Cuban Club, Ybor City, free admission to both (tickets for 12/7 reserved at Ticketmaster.com).