UpLit, a vintage rooftop-style installation features the phrase, “Can you stand perfectly still and hold this moment open? by poet Silvia Curbelo. The installation was part of Lights On Tampa, a program developed by the City of Tampa’s Art Programs Division, in conjunction with regional businesses, volunteers, and art supporters. Norman B was invited to be one of the three jurors who selected the UpLit installation. The requirement for submissions was a simple, phrase that can capture the essence of something or some place, it could elude, evoke, suggest and inspire. The idea was  to encounter a phrase or words out of context in the streets of a city park that invite the passer-by to remember a story, give the element of surprise, start a conversation, bring a smile or encouragement, make a memory, perhaps invite us in, but into what we may not be exactly sure. “There were a lot of submissions to wade through”, say Norman B, “but Silvia Curbelo‘s phrase caught my attention immediately.” The project recognizes the value of the written word and invited readers, poets, writers—professional and amateur alike—to submit a phrase that captures how we live now and what that means. Curbelo says of her UpLit work, “I had been thinking about the concept of happiness – how hard we chase it; how tirelessly we work for it; how it’s always ahead; or, something to look forward to down the road. But, that road is long. It’s hard to be content and at peace when we’re always in motion. By the time we come to understand and appreciate a place or an experience, it’s already behind us.” Since we first mentioned UpLit in a post back in February, 2015, we have noticed an incredible number of “hits” on this site, so we thought it worth mentioning again and letting visitors know that currently, UpLit can be found along the Tampa Riverwalk at the Tampa Convention Center. The best advantage point is crossing the West Platt Street bridge, heading east to Channelside Drive.

Our recent interviews with and about musicians has generated tremendous interest in the Life Elsewhere archives. To hear Norman B’s conversations again, with Wreckless Eric, Carrie Akre, Glyn Johns, Chris O’Leary on his book Rebel Rebel about the songs of David Bowie, Martin Atkins, Gary Wright and many more, go to info@lifeelsewhere.co

Life Elsewhere airs Sundays, at 12 noon ET on The Source WMNF HD3 and Mondays, at 5.00pm PT at NWCZ Radio