Tampa Bay has a world renowned arts scene. Chances are you’ve caught an exhibition at the Dali museum in St. Petersburg- or taken in some of the dazzling, larger than life art at the SHINE mural festival. 

But did you know Tampa is also the birthplace of death metal? 

On this episode you’ll hear from WUSF reporters who’ve been spotlighting the arts and culture of Tampa Bay.

If you feel like there’s something missing from your morning routine, Lily Belcher has a story about a cafe where you can watch kittens rough and tumble as you sip your cappuccino.

Walk around the streets of St. Petersburg- and you’ll see murals- lots of them. Visit St. Pete Clearwater says  more than 600 adorn walls throughout the city. A new gallery exhibition mashes up murals with another icon of the city’s arts scene: the  museum devoted to surrealist artist Salvador Dali.  Sue Giles Wantuck shares details about the ‘Outside In’ exhibit, and why mural artists are happy to pour hours and hours into creating enormous, complex works of art, even when they know their art won’t last forever. 

And Daylina Miller breaks down Tampa’s unique connection with extreme metal. They explain why the original site of Morrisound Recording was honored with a historic marker, and why metalheads right here in theplace it all began are some of the nicest people you’ll meet, even if the music’s a bit aggressive.