The Go Guide | Sun Sentinel blogs

Musical of Katie Couric kids' book at Kravis Center

Sun, 27 May 2012 15:00:33 GMT

A musical based on Katie Couric’s children’s book about tolerance and friendship, “The Brand New Kid,” will be performed June 19-22 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

The show follows the experience of young Lazlo S. Gasky, new to the United States and starting his first day of second grade –– where he finds the way he talks and looks makes him the target of teasing. When popular Ellie McSnelly decides to take a chance on him, the whole school is in for a few life lessons.

“As loving and wonderful as they are, children can sometimes be cruel,” Couric says in a press statement. “Kindness can be taught, and perhaps we can all do a better job helping our children learn about tolerance and inclusion.”

Performances of the show, produced by City Theatre and the Orlando Repertory Theatre, are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $25, $15 for groups of 10 or more, and $5 for children younger than 1. Get them at the Kravis Center box office (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach), at Kravis.org or at 800-572-8471.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

Pick up George Hamilton in Wilton Manors

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

That dark, handsome man standing around looking like George Hamilton on Friday night at Georgie’s Alibi in Wilton Manors? It IS George Hamilton! Sort of.

The witty folks over at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts have been taking a cut-out of Hamilton around the area as a reminder of the actor's 1960 visit to Fort Lauderdale to shoot scenes from “Where the Boys Are” and, of course, as a visual cue for his June 12-24 Broward Center run in “La Cage aux Folles.”

On Friday night, he’s at the Alibi (2266 Wilton Drive; 954-565-2526). Which has nothing to do with “Where the Boys Are.” Other than the title. The evening will include giveaways, drink specials and chances to win free tickets to “La Cage.” A grand-prize winner gets dinner at Georgie's Alibi, VIP opening-night “La Cage” seats, access to the post-show cast party and limo transportation.

The Broward Center’s Facebook page this week began posting pictures of “George” taken at sites that relate to the filming of “Where The Boys Are” and challenges you to guess where he is. You’ll also find notices of appearances by “George,” where you can take photos with him and register to win “La Cage” tickets. More info: Facebook.com/browardcenter.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

Weekend preview: A dude's-eye view

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:51:37 GMT

The pivotal drag race scene in "American Graffiti," screening for free at Fort Lauderdale's Great American Beach Party on Saturday. Quiz: Who's the actor driving the black car?

Long weekend, as you know. And we'll be doing what dudes do: Honoring America (watching some baseball, both the streaking Marlins and Fort Lauderdale Lightning U-10s at the popular tournament in Coral Springs), honoring the soldiers (including Wade and Haslem … Pittman, not so much), and chasing a giant burger with good beer (see below). Here's some more dude stuff …

TAP DANCING
First the good news: The taps are in, and that's the exciting part about American Social, the new Fort Lauderdale tavern going in at 721 E. Las Olas Blvd. The draft system will offer more than 40 beers, but what's special are the self-service taps. There will be six self-serve taps in the wall from which you can use a fob good for two pints purchased from the bartender. That's 32 ounces of whatever combination you want. Better still will be two large tables, each custom-built with four taps embedded in them, so your party can act as its own bartender. The tables will have an as-yet-undetermined hourly rate good for drinks and food, and you'll have to reserve them in advance. American Social co-owner Paul Greenberg, formerly of FSU, made his name in the industry with Potbelly's and the Painted Lady in Tallahassee. American Social will have some outdoor Las Olas seating and plenty of TVs (including an 80-inch plasma), but Greenberg states firmly that American Social is not a sports bar. “We want to be known as an upscale, local Fort Lauderdale bar,” Greenberg says. Lotta that going around these days, but Greenberg believes, “There's nothing like it in the state.” Certainly not a lot of self-serve beer taps. Now, the less good news: Greenberg expects it will be two weeks before American Social opens, pending final inspections. Get the latest via Twitter @American_Social.

YOUR NEW FRIEND
The new burger at Duffy's is called the Rachel Burger, and rather than assuming, as I did, that chef Eric Parker is just a big, old “Friends” fan, which apparently is wrong, know that a “Rachel” is just a more-frilly counterpart to a Reuben sandwich. Which you knew. Beginning last week, all Duffy's locations began serving the half-pound burger topped with pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and spicy brown mustard on a salt-crusted kimmelweck bun. Not bad for $11.99. Info: DuffysMVP.com.

BIG BILLIARD BALLS
Maybe a game of billiards? But not just any billiards. Manly billiards. Russian billiards! Try the new Lucky Pocket (1937 Harrison St., Hollywood), where the tables are bigger (12-by-6 feet), the pockets are smaller, the balls are bigger and heavier, and the Budweiser draft is now on special at $2 for 20 ounces. Tables cost $35 an hour, and if the game doesn't make sense to you, the manager Ksenia (listen for the lovely St. Petersburg accent) says, “Just ask me, and I will help show you how to play.” Hours are 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily. Info: 954-338-5640.

INDY DEPENDENCE DAY
Sunday at noon, we're all agreed, we're in front of the tube some place to watch ABC's coverage of the Indy 500, with Fort Lauderdale's own Ryan Hunter-Reay starting on the front row. Right? Info: Facebook.com/RyanHunter-Reay

VISIBLE RALSTON
The kaleidoscopic vision of influential Lake Worth songwriter and singer John Ralston (left) is all over Saturday night's bill at the Bamboo Room (25 S. J St., Lake Worth), including Invisible Music, Legends of Rodeo and Black Finger. Invisible Music, Ralston's adventurous, eight-piece ensemble (with glockenspiel) will release its self-titled debut album at the show. Tickets: $10. Info: 561-585-2583, Bamboorm.com.

FREE 'AMERICAN GRAFFITI'
The third annual Great American Beach Party, about to achieve “traditional” status, takes over Fort Lauderdale beach beginning 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Along with the usual events, including live music, sand-castle-building, a car show and a parachute team, the film to be screened at sundown at Las Olas and A1A this year is “American Graffiti,” George (yes, “Star Wars” George) Lucas' coming-of-age ode to his chick-chasing, car-racing youth. Admission is free. Info: Fortlauderdale.gov, 954-828-5363.

FULL SAIL AHEAD
This weekend I'm loading up on the eponymous IPA from employee-owned Full Sail Brewing in Hood River, Ore. It's vividly hoppy — this spring it made it to the final four of the 2012 National IPA Challenge — and I have no quarrel with the description on the bottle: “12 fluid ounces of ridiculously tasty India pale ale concocted by our massive brewforce of 47.” Info: Fullsailbrewing.com.

THE 'MAGIC CITY' MARATHON
Miami Beach native Mitch Glazer's “Magic City,” the sexy-scotchy-smokey drama set in the political tumult of 1959 Miami on the Starz network, has one of our favorite TV dudes: mobbed-up hotel owner Ike Evans (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan). But maybe you want to watch for Olga Kurylenko (right), who plays Ike's wife. That's a good reason, too. “Magic City” gets a marathon retrospective with all seven episodes airing 9 p.m.-midnight Friday, 9-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, as a lead-in to the June 1 season finale. “Magic City” has already been picked up for a second season. Info: Starz.com/magiccity

WE LOVE DON RICKLES
That lovable mensch-y wiseguy Don Rickles will perform at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on June 21, with tickets on sale Friday at 1 p.m. Here are 10 reasons to appreciate Rickles.

MANNING THE GRILL
Ketchy Shuby and Night Train will provide tunes, and Pappy's Authentic Barbecue will do the food at the Memorial Day Weekend Cookout Sunday at the Stage (170 NE 38th St., Miami). It gets going at 5 p.m. Cover is $5 after 6:30 p.m. The party culminates a weekend that includes Suenalo on Friday night and New Orleans' Papa Grows Funk on Saturday. Info: Thestagemiami.com, 305-576-9577. And the ninth annual Palm Beach Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival, this time dedicated to Jamaica's 50th year of independence, returns to West Palm Beach's waterfront Meyer Amphitheater (104 Datura St.) from 2 to 10 p.m. Monday. Tickets cost $15. Children younger than 12 get in free. Info: Pbjerkfestival.com, 561-856-8478.

FEELING BUGGED
Ask your wife and she’ll probably tell you that you’re pretty much unnecessary around the house, unless there’s a bug that needs killing. And maybe you can get the rest of the family to take that job off your hands by introducing them to the “Backyard Monsters” exhibit at the under-rated South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach). The show opens Friday with an evening of bug-themed activities called Buggin’ Out Night at the Museum from 6 to 10 p.m. Info: Sfsm.org, 561-832-1988.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

10 reasons we love Don Rickles at Hard Rock Live

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:45:59 GMT

Comedy icon Don Rickles will perform at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on June 21, with tickets on sale Friday, May 25, at 1 p.m. Priced at $49, $59 and $69, the reserved-seat tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000). There are many reasons to appreciate an evening with Rickles, but here are 10 that come to mind:

10. First made a name for himself in show business at a Hollywood nightclub by insulting Frank Sinatra.
9. Honed his act at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and then the U.S. Navy, back when those institutions didn’t seem so mutually exclusive.
8. Became a pop culture phenomenon when Johnny Carson was Twitter and the telephone on the wall was Facebook.
7. Resume: “Beach Blanket Bingo,” “Kelly’s Heroes,” Mr. Potato Head
6. Managed to turn “hockey puck” into a catch phrase before the Winnipeg Jets were around the first time.
5. He turned 86 on May 8 and just got an iPhone and last year started tweeting @DonRickles (at least it sounds like him, sort of) to more than 83,000 followers.
4. He released his first mobile app in March, called Mr. Warmth, filled with more than 100 wisecracks ($2.99).
3. The Emmy-winning 2007 documentary "Mr. Warmth" (below), directed by John Landis, shows he's still got the power to impress someone like Chris Rock.
2. In person, he’s actually a sweet human being who, like everybody, tweets pictures of his dog, Chauncey.
1. Hey, he could turn to dust at any minute.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

10 reasons we love Don Rickles at Hard Rock Live

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:45:59 GMT

10. First made a name for himself in show business at a Hollywood nightclub by insulting Frank Sinatra.
9. Honed his act at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and then the U.S. Navy, back when those institutions didn’t seem so mutually exclusive.
8. Became a pop culture phenomenon when Johnny Carson was Twitter and the telephone on the wall was Facebook.
7. Resume: “Beach Blanket Bingo,” “Kelly’s Heroes,” Mr. Potato Head
6. Managed to turn “hockey puck” into a catch phrase before the Winnipeg Jets were around the first time.
5. He turned 86 on May 8 and just got an iPhone and last year started tweeting @DonRickles (at least it sounds like him, sort of) to more than 83,000 followers.
4. He released his first mobile app in March called Mr. Warmth filled with more than 100 wisecracks ($2.99).
3. The Emmy-winning 2007 documentary "Mr. Warmth" (below), directed by John Landis, shows he's still got the power to impress someone like Chris Rock.
2. In person, he’s actually a sweet human being who, like everybody, tweets pictures of his dog, Chauncey.
1. Hey, he could turn to dust at any minute.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

Robin Gibb remembered in South Florida

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:09:51 GMT

Robin Gibb performs his timeless hit about memory and mortality, "I Started a Joke."

Away from the spotlight, longtime Miami Beach residents Robin and Barry Gibb, opposites in temperament and creative impulses, had a relationship that was extraordinary even for two brothers.

“They had a magical connection,” said John Merchant, veteran producer and engineer at the brothers' Middle Ear Inc. recording studio in Miami Beach.

Robin Gibb, who with Barry and twin Maurice was one-third of the global pop superstar trio the Bee Gees, died on Sunday of complications from cancer at age 62.

Merchant began at Middle Ear as an intern in 1988, and through 2004 worked on many late-career Bee Gees albums, including “One,” “Size Isn't Everything,” several live recordings and projects produced by the brothers for the likes of Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand.

The brothers were competitive and approached songwriting from very different angles, Merchant said from his home in Nashville. Robin wanted a pop groove, Maurice was interested in sophisticated textures, and Barry focused on the message in the lyrics. Their fights were legendary.

“Sometimes Barry would go off left of center and Robin would go: ‘That's not a hit.' And I'd say ‘Oh, dear,'” Merchant recalled, with a laugh. “But they always found a way to work it out. They had an expression they learned from their father: ‘Let's put a kettle on.'”

Also legendary was Robin's wicked sense of humor, which often came in the form of “shockingly filthy” jokes, Merchant said. Robin was also a prolific doodler, again usually working in a profane motif, with the brothers' record company bosses a frequent target.

“I still have to smile when I think about it,” Merchant said.

Fort Lauderdale singer Beth Cohen hooked up with the Bee Gees when she sang backup on their Streisand album “Guilty Pleasures,” and performed with the brothers at the 2009 Love and Hope Ball for diabetes research at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood.

She described a “very interesting dynamic” at rehearsals between a subdued Robin and the more boisterous Barry. “Most of the time they got along really well, and sometimes they'd look like two people just standing next to each other in a room.”

Cohen, 41, said she wasn't very familiar with the pre-disco work of the Bee Gees, but nevertheless found herself caught up in the emotion when she joined Robin and Barry on “To Love Somebody,” filling the void left by Maurice's 2003 death.

“Blending with these two guys, essentially taking the role of the third brother, was very meaningful,” Cohen said.

Fernando Perdomo of the Miami-based band Dreaming in Stereo and head of Forward Motion Records, got his start in the industry working with the Gibb brothers at Middle Ear. Just 31, Perdomo still finds the music of the Bee Gees relevant. He and buddy Vic Kingsley recently recorded a country-style version of “Staying Alive,” with banjo and a more reverential pace.

“I always loved that song,” Perdomo said. “It's incredibly well-written … If you listen to the lyrics, it's not all that happy. It's about the struggle of surviving in the modern culture in a tough city.”

Merchant said that in later years Robin grew more reluctant to handle the lead vocal role, even on songs that Barry had arranged specifically as a showcase for "that wonderful, clear falsetto."

"I'm not sure why. It was a shame, because, vocally, he was always great," Merchant said. "When he would step up to do a song like "I Started a Joke," it brought the house down every time in every city. It was haunting."

Merchant said he had spoken frequently in the last several weeks with Barry, whom he described as “very sad but realistic.” Their last conversation, on Saturday, hours before Robin's death, kept to a more upbeat focus: production work on a recording of Barry's February concert at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, his first solo concert ever and a show Merchant called “amazing.”

Merchant recounted how Barry was haunted by the acrimonious final “tough love” phone conversation he had with youngest brother Andy just before Andy's 1988 death after years of alcohol and drug abuse.

When Robin was hospitalized in England in November, Barry immediately flew to London. “Barry hates to fly,” Merchant said. “When you see Barry on a plane, you know he's motivated.”

Merchant said the brothers were able to share some laughs over old times in the hospital.

Their ability to reconnect, to “put a kettle on,” was instrumental to the Bee Gees' longevity, Merchant said. “They had a connection beyond what any of us are used to.”

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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DJ lineup for Fort Lauderdale's Holy Ship! cruise

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:28:49 GMT

A DJ set from the duo Justice, along with sets from Boys Noize (right), Knife Party, A-Trak and Diplo (with Major Lazer, natch) highlight the lineup announced Monday for the second annual Holy Ship! electronic music cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 4-7.

The Nassau-bound cruise will include more than 40 top DJs in multiple venues, as well as other parties and workshops, aboard the Italian cruise liner MSC Poesia. Those who prebook through May 22 will receive a token redeemable for a cabin reservation June 4-20. Rates range from $549 for space in a quad to $1,499 double-occupancy with balcony.

The inaugural Holy Ship! in January was a sell-out with headliners including Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Laidback Luke, Rusko, Steve Aoki and Tommy Lee.

More info: Holyship.com.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

MTV Tr3s talent contest looking for an 'estrella'

Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT

MTV Tr3s, the music network’s bilingual/bicultural entertainment channel, is looking for aspiring Latino music acts with an online talent competition called “Dame Un Break,” sponsored, yes, by Wendy’s.

The winner will team up with Tr3s executives and a Grammy Award-winning producer to produce a song and accompanying music video, which will be captured in a “Making of” special. The music video will debut across multiple Tr3s formats as part of a six-week promotional campaign and be integrated into Wendy’s branding efforts.

“We have had a great trajectory in discovering talent from Juanes through Prince Royce. Hopefully … we will find another Latin superstar in the making," said Jose Tillan, general manager and executive vice president of Tr3s, in a press statement.

If you are ready to battle it out for viewer votes on Tr3s’ Latin Music Channel, submit an audition at Dameunbreak.tr3s.com through June 18. The voting period for finalists runs July 2-16, with the winner announced in late July.

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Citizen Cope coming to Revolution Live

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:20:22 GMT

Everything feels personal for Citizen Cope on his lonesome, winding road: The wet blacktop, empty fields, vacant towns and lonely hearts. A writer of great generosity and precision (check out the “One Lovely Day” single released on iTunes this week), and a performer of captivating confidence, Citizen Cope will bring his wanderlust to Revolution Live (100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale) on Sept. 18. Tickets for the general-admission, all-ages show are $35 and go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday at the Revolution box office (no fees), Livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000). More info: Jointherevolution.net, 954-449-1025.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

Weekend preview: Swedin', schmoozin', Buellerin'

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:03:19 GMT

The elegantly silky "Sacar La Voz" by Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux, who will perform on a bill with ArtOfficial Saturday night at PAX in Miami.

This is the weekend you cough up your swede, right? Yes, remember, your swede — the no-budget, mega-hilariously awful remake of a Hollywood film? Remember, you were talking about that mash-up of “Downton Abbey” and “Showgirls”? How much did you have to drink, anyway? OK, to recap: We have until July 13 to make our movie, under three minutes and PG-13 rated, to enter in the first Swede Fest Palm Beach. It doesn’t cost us anything to enter, and we get free admission into the July 27 swede film festival at Midtown’s Borland Center for the Performing Arts (4801 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). None of this is ringing a bell? Go here: Swedefestpalmbeach.com.

ON YOUR TOES
Because ballet and food trucks and drinks go together like peanut butter and jelly and drinks, Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room — MCB’s schmoozy support group for dance lovers ages 21 to 40 (loosely defined) — is holding its end-of-season party Friday night at PAX nightclub (337 SW Eighth St., Miami). From 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. there will be complimentary cocktails, live Latin funk from Palo (a fave), food trucks and local artists at work. Admission is free if you RSVP by noon Friday to upperroom@miamicityballet.org or at 305-929-7000, ext. 1406.

GOOD CAUSE, GOOD MAN
You won’t find a more-rewarding way to spend an afternoon this weekend than at the second annual Jimmy Pagano Memorial Jam at America’s Backyard (100 SW Third Ave. Fort Lauderdale). The family-friendly fundraiser will run from noon to 11:30 p.m. and include an assortment of local bands, refreshments, raffles and $3 draft beers all day. Admission is $10, $5 for kids younger than 12, with proceeds going to Artists With Autism. Pagano was a drummer, concert promoter and all-around good guy who met a tragic end while playing Good Samaritan, which came naturally, in an altercation at a Fort Lauderdale bar in April 2011. He was 54. Information: Jimmypagano.com, Myamericasbackyard.com.

JACOB JEFFRIES BUZZ
It seems like a long time that the Jacob Jeffries Band has been a buzzed-about fixture at South Florida clubs, and even though Jeffries (right) is just 24, it’s true. Jeffries and bandmates Jimmy Powers V (guitar) and Eric Jackowitz (drums) will perform at a free-admission release party for their fourth album, “Tell Me Secrets,” Friday night beginning at 8 at the Gibson Guitar Showroom (2751 N. Miami Ave., Miami). The band will also introduce the album to fans Tuesday at the Original Fat Cats (320 Himmarshee St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-467-5867) and May 29 at Cowboy’s (1805 S. University Drive, Davie; 954-476-0063). Info: Jacobjeffriesband.com. And go here for the Jacob Jeffries interview.

JESSE JACKSON BUZZ
Another beloved South Florida troubadour, Jesse Jackson, will perform for a record-release party for his self-titled album Saturday night at the Vagabond (30 NE 14th St., Miami). The evening features music from Edan Archer and assorted DJs, including Ray Milian and Carmel Ophir, plus barbecue in the garden and complimentary Absolut from 10 to 11 p.m. Info: 305-379-0508, Thevagabondmiami.com.

MORE JJ BUZZ
As you may have heard, the Exxxotica convention of sex industry performers and insiders, open to the public, has its annual takeover of the Miami Beach Convention Center this weekend. But if you’re looking for a different environment in which to cozy up to the talent, Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge (1234 Washington Ave.) on Sunday is presenting its inaugural Ping Porn event, hosted by one-time Tiger Woods canoodler Joslyn James (left). The party, one of several at Chalk throughout the weekend themed to Exxxotica, gets going at 7 p.m. Info: 305- 532-8662, Chalkmiami.com. Here is more information on Exxxotica.

BUELLER? BUELLER? BUELLER?
Actor, author, game-show host and economist Ben Stein, as the economics teacher in John Hughes’ classic teen coming-of-age comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off":

“In 1930, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, in an effort to alleviate the effects of the... Anyone? Anyone? ... the Great Depression, passed the ... Anyone? Anyone? The tariff bill? The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act? Which, anyone? Raised or lowered? ... raised tariffs, in an effort to collect more revenue for the federal government. Did it work? Anyone? Anyone know the effects? It did not work, and the United States sank deeper into the Great Depression. Today we have a similar debate over this. Anyone know what this is? Class? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone seen this before? The Laffer Curve. Anyone know what this says? It says that at this point on the revenue curve, you will get exactly the same amount of revenue as at this point. This is very controversial. Does anyone know what Vice President Bush called this in 1980? Anyone? Something-d-o-o economics. "Voodoo" economics.”

The 1986 film is the centerpiece of the dinner-and-a-movie night on Saturday at the Lyric Theatre (59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart), with the meal served 30 minutes before the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. screenings. Cost: $20. Info: lyrictheatre.com, 772-286-7827. “Bueller” is also the featured film on the weekly 8 p.m. Wednesday outdoor screening at the New World Center (500 17th St., Miami). It’s free. Info: 305-673-7577.

HMMM... NUTELLA
Now that the Mother’s Day rush is over, and I was able to score a good table, it’s time to talk about the Sunday brunch at the Foxy Brown (723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Crab-cake Benedict? Nutella-layered banana-bread grilled cheese? Are we there yet? Info: 754 200-4236.

YES, CHILEAN HIP-HOP
The courageous curators at PAX (337 SW Eighth St., Miami) offer another bold bill with French-born, Chilean hip-hop force Ana Tijoux (left) paired with Miami’s own ArtOfficial Saturday night. Tijoux is touring in support of “La Bala,” the follow-up to her Grammy-nominated “1977.” Tickets for the 21-and-older show cost $15-$25. Doors open at 10 p.m. Info: Paxmiami.com, Facebook.com/anitatijoux.

SHAMELESS LADIES
One of South Florida’s leading troupes of ladies who like to take their clothes off, Shameless Burlesque will celebrate its fourth anniversary with a Sunday night blowout at Churchill’s Pub (5501 NE Second Ave., Miami). The party begins at 8 p.m., and includes sounds by the Broken String Revival, Skinny Jimmy and the Stingrays and the Jay Blues Band, plus the freaky moves of the Dangerfun Sideshow. Info: 305-757-1807, Churchillspub.com, Shamelessburlesque.com.

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Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell talks sex (or not)

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:01:08 GMT

Perry Farrell draws from the darkest moments of his life just after fleeing South Florida for Jane's Addiction's "Twisted Tales."

Jane’s Addiction’s 1988 debut studio album, “Nothing’s Shocking,” was cloaked in brown paper by many retailers to shield delicate sensibilities from its cover artwork — nude Siamese twins with their heads on fire — created by the band’s androgynous and mercurial lead singer, North Miami Beach High School ex Perry Farrell.

Likewise, the Los Angeles-based band’s second album, 1990’s critically lauded “Ritual de lo Habitual,” came emblazoned with Farrell’s rendering of a nude trio in embrace, a cover that prompted the release of an alternate, text-only “clean” version. Later, when Jane’s Addiction succumbed to the pressures of rock stardom in the early ’90s, Farrell formed a new band and called it Porno for Pyros, for which he wrote a percussive dirge titled “Orgasm.”

Flash-forward 20 years, and Farrell, now the father of two young sons with wife Etty, faces the time-honored task of explaining human sexuality to his oldest son, Hezron, 9. Eschewing sentimentality and the “birds and the bees” metaphor, Farrell confronts the subject head-on with exactly the kind of confident ease you’d expect of a rock god who tours with Dave Navarro, Jane’s guitarist and a sex columnist for Penthouse magazine.

“No, I haven’t done it yet,” Farrell says with a laugh, more than three weeks after he confided on Facebook his intentions to have the sex talk with Hezron. “I keep trying, but you know what it is? I haven’t been able to say the words ‘penis’ and ‘vagina.’ "

Farrell’s fumbling attempts to impart the wisdom of his experience to his son, first broached as they played some one-one-one basketball, betrays a truth about fatherhood that is universal even for rock stars.

“My son does not like me to give him advice. About anything,” Farrell says. “I was on the high school basketball team at North Miami Beach. I try to tell him how to set a nice pick, how to play defense, use your hands… He gives me that look: ‘Go away, you’re embarrassing me’.”

Farrell, born Peretz Bernstein in Queens, N.Y., 53 years ago, brings Jane’s Addiction to the Fillmore on Miami Beach Friday night. Speaking from a tour stop in Houston last week, Farrell describes a complex set of emotions that he’ll carry back to South Florida.

The “Theatre of the Escapists” tour of small arenas and halls — in support of the 2011 album “The Great Escape Artist,” just the band’s fourth studio release — has been a critical and emotional success, Farrell says. The shows, with originals Farrell, Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins joined by frequent bassist Chris Chaney, offer a satisfying range of Jane’s inventiveness, including the freakadelia of “Underground” and the can’t-miss torment of “Twisted Tales” from the new album, classics “Mountain Song,” “Been Caught Stealing” and “Jane Says,” before arriving at the tour staple “Stop” off “Ritual.”

But Friday’s performance also returns Farrell to the thorny knot of memories of his teen years in South Florida. His mother committed suicide when Farrell was 3, and his father, now deceased, was a cold presence wracked by guilt who “for the most part ignored me,” Farrell says. “That’s why I ran away. I was not wanted.”

Shortly after high school, Farrell says, he “stole some money, stole some weed, grabbed my surfboard and art supplies” and jumped on a Greyhound bus for Los Angeles. His subsequent life on the streets provides the inspiration for the luminous “Twisted Tales” and its grim video released last month.

But there were good times, too, for Farrell in South Florida — he surfed a lot and chased girls as a pool boy at the old Waikiki Resort Motel in Sunny Isles — and he seems determined to exorcise some demons this week by bringing his sons to town for a tour of the old man’s old hangouts.

“As a consequence [of his teen experience] I gotta give them my time. Time equals love and love equals time. I want them to know that I am interested in them and that I want to take them places,” Farrell says.

“I’m flying them in to take them to see where I used to live, where I used to surf,” Farrell says, citing Haulover Pier, Harbor House and the break at 21st Street as probable stops. “I learned to surf in Miami, and to this day I still have surfer friends from there.”

Farrell is an avid NBA fan and an acquaintance of Dwyane Wade (“A really cool guy”) and, speaking during the Knicks series, he was hoping to be able to introduce his sons to Wade this weekend. Farrell is rooting for the Heat to make the NBA Finals, but that may be as far as his allegiance goes. “Sorry, I’ve lived in L.A. for 35 years. If they make the Finals, I’m a Lakers fan,” he says.

Another must for Farrell and his sons will be South America, he says. The Lollapalooza founder was there with his traveling circus recently and came away dazzled by the musical vibe and the cultural and political sophistication he found in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile.

"People were so enthusiastic and passionate," Farrell says. "They have a whole different way of looking at the world."

He says the boys are especially keen on Patagonia. "There and Easter Island, to see whales and elephant seals. The terrain is very strange," says Farrell, who has another idea as well. "I'd love to travel down to the end [of Patagonia] and perform at a bar or a club. It'll be called the Last Club on Earth."

IF YOU GO
Jane’s Addiction
What: The veteran Los Angeles-based rockers perform an all-ages show with opening act the Duke Spirit
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave.
Cost: $45.50-$65.50; seating is general admission and reserved
Contact: 305-673-7300, LiveNation.com, Fillmoremb.com, Janesaddiction.com

Photo: Los Angeles Times

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Exxxotica: Portrait of a South Florida porn star

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:09:03 GMT

The seventh annual Exxxotica convention will jam the Miami Beach Convention Center Friday through Sunday with more than 8,000 sex-industry performers and their fans. South Florida resident Leena Sky is a little of both, but not at all what you may expect from a porn actress.

On Monday night, Leena, who asked to be identified only by her professional name, completed her fifth hardcore film since taking her tentative first steps into adult entertainment a few months ago with live webcam performances from her Coral Springs home. Her resume comes with references to Naked.com, Bang Bros., and the Cheetah strip club in Pompano Beach.

When she is not making porn or stripping, she has another life as a 33-year-old mother of two preschoolers who earns a living as a psychology professor at a Broward County college, as well as instructing students via two other online university programs. Leena, who has worked as a licensed mental-health counselor, has three college degrees, including an undergraduate diploma from Clemson University and a master’s and a doctorate in education from the online Argosy University.

So that’s Dr. Porn Star to you, buddy.

Articulate, insightful and funny, Leena is well aware of “the dichotomy” she presents.

“I have two sides to myself. There is a very conservative side that led me to become an educated person with a career, and there’s the other side that wants to be different,” she says, comparing it to the “dark passenger” on Showtime’s “Dexter.” “I’ve always been fascinated by the sex industry. And I’m very good at it.”

Raised on the affluent Main Line in suburban Philadelphia by an accomplished psychologist mother after her parents’ divorce, Leena says a confluence of factors caused her to make the leap into the sex industry. They included a divorce, the stress of single motherhood and the realization that 10 years of college study, for which she still has about $125,000 in outstanding loans, may not yield the kind of rewards she had hoped for.

“I could not stop crying,” she says in describing her “moment of crisis.”

A similarly curious friend got Leena involved with the webcam (“let me make it clear: I only do it when my children are out of the house”), which led her to research film work.

Monday’s filming, which took place in New Jersey, was the most hardcore so far, she says.

“It was the most-intense experience of my life, and I rocked it,” Leena says. “I’m not completely in love with every aspect, but after that, I feel like I can do anything.”

Her three best girlfriends know about her porn career, but no one else, she says. Her mother tells her to renew her therapist’s license, which would get her a job paying as much as $200 an hour. Leena made $1,100 for about two hours’ work Monday night.

As a mental-health professional, Leena says she is keenly aware of the societal dangers of porn and its harmful influence on relationships in the Internet age. But likening it to drugs and alcohol, she believes the obsession is the problem, and not the source.

“It can be addictive and devastating, but is it something that can be used in moderation? I think so,” she says, acknowledging she may someday pursue a career counseling sex addicts.

Leena is attending her first Exxxotica as a networking effort, getting her name out there as a candidate for Ms. Exxxotica. Already an “older” performer at 33, she acknowledges her time in the industry may be short and success fleeting (hence her reluctance to identify herself).

“But if I died tomorrow, at least I’d know that I lived a life that was authentic and real,” she says.

EXXXOTICA HIGHLIGHTS
Exxxotica can make for some unique bedfellows:

Black Thought: Yes, the charismatic lead vocalist of the Roots will perform. 9:30-11 p.m. Saturday
Capri Anderson: The woman (right) famously locked in Charlie Sheen’s bathroom at the Plaza Hotel will make several appearances at the Vivid Pictures booth
Chyna: The former WWE grappling force will tout her adult-film work at several appearances.
Ron Jeremy: The icon will appear at a seminar on … Ron Jeremy. 5:15-6 p.m. Saturday, 4-5 p.m. Sunday
Cupcake Burlesque: The Fort Lauderdale troupe makes its Exxxotica debut. 3-3:30 p.m. Saturday
Joslyn James: One of the women who enjoyed the company of Tiger Woods will make several appearances during Exxxotica.
Teagan Presley: The actress brings the action to Broward, appearing at a Pangaea afterparty at the Hard Rock. 11 p.m. Saturday.
The Health Benefits of Sex seminar: Exxxotica acknowledges its graying clientele? 4-4:30 p.m. Sunday

IF YOU GO
Exxxotica
What: The annual sex-industry convention is open to 18 and older for general admission, 21 and older for VIP
When: 4-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive
Cost: $32.10-$74.90
Contact: Exxxoticaexpo.com

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Jacob Jeffries Band (still) poised for stardom

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:01:10 GMT

"Crazy Under the Moon" is the first single from The Jacob Jeffries Band's new album, "Tell Me Secrets." The band will perform at a free release party on Friday at Gibson Guitar in Miami.

Jacob Jeffries is strolling down Second Avenue between 18th and 17th streets on his way to a buddy’s place on New York’s Lower East Side. The sun is shining. It is about 65 degrees, Jeffries says, as if delivering a lyric to a bouncy love song.

“It’s beautiful,” he says.

Jeffries, a Plantation resident and leader of an eponymous, piano-driven pop band, has built an expanding fan base through relentless performing and a songbook filled with romance and hope. His infectious optimism will come in handy this week as the Jacob Jeffries Band releases its fourth studio album, “Tell Me Secrets,” one that Jeffries acknowledges is more important than its predecessors.

“I’m not saying it’s now or never, but there’s a little bit more riding on it because of our ages,” the 24-year-old Jeffries says without a trace of a laugh. “I’m not the 18-year-old kid who was the talk of the high school anymore.”

Jeffries, a Western High School grad, signed his first record deal with Warner Chappell Music at age 18. This was before he changed his name from Josh Groten, recording his first EP, “Life As an Extra,” under a name chosen to honor his father, Jeffrey, who died of a heart attack in 2007.

Performances at the South by Southwest music festival and the Sundance Film Festival followed for the band — including guitarist Jimmy Powers V and drummer Eric Jackowitz — along with tours alongside the likes of Dashboard Confessional, Sugar Ray and the Gin Blossoms. Jeffries’ piano prowess, vocal swagger and attractive stage presence invited comparisons to Jason Mraz and Ben Folds.

All the elements of stardom were there. And Jeffries acknowledges life on “the awkward cusp” of break-out success has required patience, and a sense of humor.

“It’s tough when you play a show, and this is true whether there’s a crowd of three or 300, and you’re packing up your gear and people come up to you and say, ‘Great show! I can’t believe you guys aren’t famous yet,’ " Jeffries says. “If I had a penny for every time I’ve heard that, I’d be famous as the guy who has a bunch of pennies.”

The Jacob Jeffries Band has been rolling out songs from “Tell Me Secrets” recently in a series of concerts in disparate locales such as Atlanta, Connecticut and Brooklyn, and it recently sold out a show on Stage 2 at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall. Jeffries says the new songs have generated “a great response.”

The band has been traveling in a 15-passenger van, with Jeffries’ day beginning with 100 tweets about the new album, paging through David Sedaris’ “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” chasing down sports scores (“I am the biggest sports fan I know. I follow all the Florida teams”) and, then, a performance.

Jeffries says he’s known Powers and Jackowitz since they were music counselors together at a Broward arts camp, and the songs on “Tell Me Secrets” were “half-written by Jimmy and Eric,” he says. “We’re becoming more of a band.”

Jeffries says he finds inspiration everywhere, but his creative foundation can be traced to the music of his mom — he lives in a studio that adjoins her Plantation home — who filled his head with the Beatles from an early age. The lyrics to “And Your Bird Can Sing” will probably never leave him, he says.

But the first single from “Tell Me Secrets,” a wistful ballad titled “Crazy Under the Moon,” has a less-tender genesis: the Vince Vaughn dramedy “The Dilemma.” Jeffries recalls watching the film next to his sister in a theater, and being “so uninterested,” until a scene in which one of its lovelorn characters stumbles over a garbage can in a fit of torment.

“The lyric, the first line of the song came to me — ‘When the sun goes to sleep, and crazy’s on the street,’ "Jeffries says. “I wrote on my iPhone right there. The lyrics just flew out of my fingers. I literally wrote it in about an hour.”

Some things do happen quickly for Jacob Jeffries.

IF YOU GO
The Jacob Jeffries Band
What: The Jacob Jeffries Band performs an album-release party for “Tell Me Secrets”
Where: Gibson Guitar Showroom, 2751 N. Miami.Ave., Miami
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free
Contact: Jacobjeffriesband.com

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Happy Mother's Day: Here's a good cry

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:30:18 GMT

Maybe you’ve thought about acting on the word of mouth among South Florida parents and going to see the powerful documentary “Bully.” In the film, director Lee Hirsch follows five families who are dealing with some form of bullying, both the kids enduring the threats and beatings and the adults unable or unwilling to effectively respond to what they see as “kids being kids.”

In recommending the film, the social action network TakePart.com has released a scene of one of the bullied kids, Alex, reading his Mother’s Day card. Kind, thoughtful, generous and affectionate, his words (“Sometimes sweetness and love is all you need …”) are intertwined with footage of his mother as she struggles with her helplessness.

“If they got to know him, he’d probably be the most devoted friend,” she says, tearfully.

“Bully” is probably a tough fit for the vibe you’re trying to create on Mother’s Day weekend. And it may be difficult to rearrange your schedule for a group of friends to do a screening and a post-film chat (wine semi-optional).

Maybe the best we can do is listen to Alex’s words, feel the vulnerability in his mother’s voice, and do a better job of looking out for each other, especially the small ones. Sometimes sweetness and love is all you need.

For more on “Bully” and ways to help, go to TakePart.com.

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Nicki Minaj, Jason Aldean tours in South Florida

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:33:22 GMT

Nicki Minaj recently woke up America on "Today" with a Matt chat, "Starships" and "Right By My Side."

Seems like only yesterday that we were stopped in Broward traffic and saw a light pole festooned with a Kinko-ed poster telling us, in aggressively slapdash typography, that someone named Nicki Minaj would be performing at Club (Whatever).

With a chart-topping album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," coming on the heels of a performance for an estimated 100 million viewers of the Super Bowl halftime show with Madonna, Nicki no longer needs to Kinko her concert announcements.

The Grammy-nominated singer and fashion plate will bring her global Pink Friday Tour to 15 cities in North America this summer, including a July 24 stop at the James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave., Miami). Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster locations and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000). The singer also is offering exclusive meet-and-greet access at the show via Mypinkfriday.com.

In other concert news, country star Jason Aldean announced Friday morning that he will bring his My Kinda Party Tour to the Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach on Aug. 11. Tickets go on sale May 18 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster locations, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and the Cruzan box office (601 Sansburys Way). Aldean will be joined on the bill by “Spring Break” crooner Luke Bryan and Rachel Farley.

And, a reminder: Tickets for pre-school rock gods The Wiggles, known for their arena-shaking renditions of such hits as “Fruit Salad (Yummy! Yummy!)” and “Big Red Car,” will bring their Getting Strong Tour to the Fillmore Miami Beach (1700 Washington Ave.) on Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The tour reunites the group onstage with one of its original members, Yellow Wiggle Greg Page, for the first time in nearly six years. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster locations, LiveNation.com, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and at the Fillmore box office (open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and on show days). Info: Fillmoremb.com, 305-673-7300.

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Weekend preview: Get tanked, rocked, Flocked

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:23:51 GMT

Chuck Prophet, performing Friday in Lake Worth, talks about "Temple Beautiful."

A South Florida resident on a reality TV show is no big deal anymore. But how about five locals on a single show?

When Nat Geo Wild's “Fish Tank Kings” shines a light on the world of luxury aquariums in its debut episode at 10 p.m. Saturday, its Fort Lauderdale stars will be at the official watch party at Stout Bar and Grill (3419 N. Andrews Ave., Oakland Park).

Over the course of six one-hour episodes, “Fish Tank Kings” will follow the exploits of Mat Roy and his team from Fort Lauderdale-based Living Color Enterprises as they design and install big-ticket aquariums for celebrity clients. The first episode begins with Living Color's most high-profile challenge, installing the famous fish tanks in the backstop at Marlins Park (at right, with Roy).

The public is invited to the watch party, with Roy accompanied by the other main players on “Fish Tank Kings”: Francis Yupangco, head marine biologist; Ben Alia, senior project manager; Jose Blanco, production and safety manager; and John Manning, life-support-system designer.

Roy says the party is at Stout because its owner, Simon Kearney, is also a client. He says he just completed the design work on “the longest bar aquarium in the world,” to be installed in Kearney's Fort Lauderdale beach tavern, McSorley's Pub.

Roy is hopeful that the bar, which he described as “serpentine” and 105 feet long, may be seen nationwide, if there's a second season of “Fish Tank Kings.”

Here's the backstory "Fish Tank Kings" and some of their famous South Florida aquariums. Watch party info: Stoutsportsbarandgrill.com, 754-223-5678.

HAIL THE PROPHET
In a promotional video for his new album, “Temple Beautiful” (Yep Roc), a celebration of his punked-up San Francisco roots and outliers everywhere, charismatic rock poet Chuck Prophet calls his hero, Willie Mays, “a man of substance … always swinging for the fence.” Likewise, Prophet writes songs of uncommon ambition that urge us to fight past the gloom-peddlers to seek the best in ourselves and our country. Prophet performs Friday night at the Bamboo Room in Lake Worth. Tickets: $18-$23. Info: Bamboorm.com, 561-585-2583.

ART ROCK ROCKS
Art Rock at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) on Saturday traffics in a certain brand of funky creativity, from paintings and printmaking to jewelry to fashion, that would be right at home in Chuck Prophet's home. The cash-and-carry show, which includes food, drink and kids' activities, runs from noon to 6 p.m. Admission: $5 (kids 12 and younger free). Info: Artrockrocks.com.

MOVING THEIR BUNS
More than 1,000 burger enthusiasts and big-crowd fans are expected to gather for Burger Battle III from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at Huizenga Plaza, at Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A $40 donation to the Riverwalk Trust gets you an array of burger samples from top restaurants and burgeristes, plus some handy drink tickets. You must be 21 or older to attend the event, presented by Publix Apron's Cooking School. More info: Goriverwalk.com.

BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Former “Girls Next Door” Hugh Hefner squeeze Kendra Wilkinson will host a special taping of her new reality show, “Kendra On Top,” Friday night at Liv nightclub in the Fontainebleau (4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). And you know it's a big deal because DJ Irie is spinning. On Saturday, former Heat star Rony Seikaly will spin his own birthday party. Cover's usually $20-$30 if they let you pay it. Info: Livnightclub.com, 305-674-4680.

FREE SAKE (AND SUSHI)
Posh Lounge (110 N. Federal Highway) in the lobby of the Waverly at Broward and U.S. 1 is touting a free sushi-and-sake tasting on Friday night. The free samples will be passed from 8 to 10 p.m., but the party continues until 3 a.m. We're all about sake and sushi (and free), but please don't let them bump the kibbi from the menu! Info: Poshlasolas.com, 954-763-3553.

WILCO, ANYONE?
Tickets remain for Wilco's general-admission show Tuesday at the Fillmore Miami Beach. They cost $45.50 each at Ticketmaster outlets and the Fillmore box office. More info: Fillmoremb.com, 305-673-7300; Wilcospinach.com.

REMEMBERING MCA
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Churchill's Pub (5501 NE Second Ave., Miami) will remember the late Adam “MCA” Yauch with a Beastie Boys tribute night. Bands include Ketchy Shuby, Space Between Words, Llamabeats, Hot Pocket and Ghetto Gestapo, beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is a suggested $5 donation to Studentsforafreetibet.org. More info: Churchillspub.com, 305-757-1807.

WHAT THE FLOCK?
You heart the '80s, sure, but can you walk the walk? The iconic band A Flock of Seagulls will bring hits such as “I Ran” and “Space Age Love Song,” and maybe even the dramatic hair, to Grand Central (697 N. Miami Ave., Miami) Friday night. Period attire is encouraged for this 18-and-older show (visual aid below). Doors open at 10 p.m. Erotic Exotic, DJ Hans, DJ Essential 6 and Tommy Gunn are also down to perform. Tickets: $20. Info: Grandcentralmiami.com, 305-377-2277.

TIER IN YOUR BEER
The Funky Buddha Lounge and Brewery (2621 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton) will hand the keys to Southern Tier Brewery for a “tap takeover” on May 17. Southern Tier makes a fine IPA, and maybe this is the occasion for me to try their double IPA. Gotta man up for that one. Info: Thefunkybuddha.com, 561-368-4643.

A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT
We know you. And you know you. Mother’s Day is here and what do you got? Nothing. So, here. Something different, something that shows you getting outside your comfort zone, to thank her for cleaning up all your mess. To show her you think of her as more than Mom. Try Florida Grand Opera’s “Roméo et Juliette” at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $21-$200. Info: Browardcenter.org, 954-462-0222, Fgo.org.

AND ANOTHER ...
Here’s another one: The youthful choral ensemble Seraphic Fire, acclaimed and Grammy nominated (twice!) for its intelligent adventurousness, this weekend presents “Treasures of the Mission Road,” a program of Latin American baroque music. The ensemble describes the program as based on music that developed when “Spain sent its greatest composers to the New World to fill the courts and cathedrals” along the Mission Road, “from the Jesuit missions in Peru and Bolivia to the imperial splendor of 18th century Mexico City.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables, 8 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Episcopal in Fort Lauderdale and 4 p.m. Sunday at Miami Beach Community Church. Tickets: $35-$50. Info: Seraphicfire.org, 305-285-9060.

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Global warmth of Irish-Indian singer Sarah Packiam

Thu, 10 May 2012 03:21:23 GMT

"Everybody Needs Somebody Sometimes," from Sarah Packiam's album "One for Two."

Sarah Packiam was born in Ireland, outside Dublin in County Wicklow, and spent part of her youth in Spain, south of Barcelona, where she performed in a band with her brother and her father, Peter, a jazz-blues guitarist from Agra, India.

With that worldly background, it was only natural that she'd end up in Miami, though she did have some uncommon help. One of the digital publicity kits she and her dad made in Spain ended up in the hands of a singer who was looking for unsigned talent for his new production company.

Soon, Packiam was on her way to South Florida on Jon Secada's dime. That was in 2004, and she's never left.

“I love it here. It's very international, the people, the music,” she said recently from her home in downtown Miami.

Anyone who has heard her originals and the earthy treatment she gives to her favorite classic American soul and R&B songs — including a riveting version of Bill Withers' “Ain't No Sunshine” when she opened for Jason Mraz at last year's SunFest — knows we're happy to have her.

“That's what I grew up with, traveling around with my dad. Weather Report, Stevie Wonder, the Carpenters,” Packiam said.

With a beguiling, global-pop sound spiced with elements of mandolin and tablas, Packiam performs twice-monthly gigs at the chic Balans in Brickell (901 S Miami Ave., Miami, 305-534-9191) and also plays the funky Bardot (3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-576-5570), where her next show is July 25. And every Friday in May, Packiam performs at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek's Legends Lounge, a room that makes her feel right at home.

“The nice thing about the lounge is that people have come to really listen,” she said, estimating most of the crowd to be in their late 30s or early 40s. “They really seem to be into the music.”

Packiam varies her set list between covers — including interpretations of Stevie Wonder's “Isn't She Lovely” and Cyndi Lauper's “True Colors” — and originals, some of which are drawn from her new album, “One for Two.”

The album includes “Homeless Teenage Girl,” a grim tale she wrote at age 14 that brought Packiam her initial fame when it represented Ireland in a European songwriting contest for young people, leading to a development deal with EMI Records' Irish affiliate.

“One for Two,” with Packiam on guitars and keyboards, Gary Thomas on bass and Andy Russell on drums and tablas, was recorded at Cutting Cane Studios in Miami by Grammy Award-winning producers Tim Mitchell (Shakira), George Noriega (Ricky Martin) and Jodi Marr (Mika). Mitchell also was the producer when Packiam sang backup for a couple of Shakira performances.

Packiam's next big project is getting out of town: She's headed to Dublin to perform during Indie Week Ireland, a May 30-June 2 showcase of hundreds of musicians competing for a spot to headline Indie Week Canada in October. Of course, she'll also be rekindling old passions.

“I'll be gigging and seeing old friends and family, and feeling out the music scene over there,” Packiam said of her return after a couple of years' absence. “The last time I was there, I came back totally inspired. It's the weather, the greenness, the people … And there's so much good live music. It's everywhere. It's part of our culture.”

IF YOU GO
Sarah Packiam
When: 8 p.m. Fridays in May
Where: Legends Lounge at NYY Steakhouse, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th St.
Cost: Free
Contact: 954-977-6700 or SeminoleCoconutCreekCasino.com

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Win tickets to Marlins-Mets and LL Cool J on Friday

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:29:18 GMT

New York-bred actor-rapper LL Cool J (right) will play the Friday Night Live post-game concert after the 7:10 p.m. Friday game between the Marlins and New York Mets at Marlins Park. As a Mets fan, a Marlins fan and an LL Cool J fan, I need to sit down to type the following words: I have two tickets that I can’t use. And I’m laying on the floor as I type: I also won’t be able to use the two VIP field passes to the concert.

So we’re giving the tickets and passes away.

Last night I was talking to Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell, who grew up in New York and Miami, and asked him for his favorite LL Cool J song. He did not hesitate for an instant. “Around the Way Girl,” Farrell said.

To get our tickets, send out a tweet using the hashtag #SSmarlins and tell us your favorite LL Cool J song. Example: @BenCrandell: My favorite @LLCoolJ song is "Going Back To Cali" #SSmarlins

We'll pick a random winner at 3 p.m. on Thursday and contact the winner via Twitter to arrange ticket pickup. Contest is limited to one entry per Twitter user.

Get concert announcements, entertainment news and information on local things to do on Twitter @BenCrandell. Click here to sign up for our entertainment text alerts.

Hey, Mom! Wiggles reunion tour in South Florida

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:22:29 GMT

After the recent “30 Rock” episode in which Jenna (played by the superb Jane Krakowski) tries to “Yoko” a quartet called the Woggles, we just can’t look at the colorful PBS TV quartet known as the Wiggles the same way. But assuming your 4-year-old doesn’t watch “30 Rock,” or use “Yoko” as a verb, she’ll probably want to know that the Wiggles are on their way to South Florida.

Especially noteworthy, this tour reunites the original Aussie band — from right Jeff, Murray, Anthony and founding yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Take that, Jenna! Page returns nearly six years after leaving the Wiggles due to the effects of orthostatic intolerance, an illness that has since responded to medication.

The tour, called Getting Strong – The Wiggles! Live in Concert, will bring a physical fitness theme to the Fillmore Miami Beach (1700 Washington Ave.) on Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.50-$75.50 and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster locations, LiveNation.com, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and at the Fillmore box office (open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and on show days). Info: Fillmoremb.com, 305-673-7300.

Another tour based on a hit kids program, “Super Why Live: You’ve Got the Power!,” is coming to the Fillmore Miami Beach on July 29. This is the first-ever live show based on the educational PBS KIDS TV program. Reserved-seat tickets are $39.50, $32.50 and $26.50 at all Ticketmaster locations, LiveNation.com, charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and at the Fillmore box office. Info: Fillmoremb.com, 305-673-7300. Fans can visit Superwhylive.com for more information, to purchase VIP meet-and-greet packages.

Il Volo is not an act based on an educational kids show, but it may be educational to see these kids perform. The Italian singing sensations, also known as theTeenage Tenors, have added a second show at the Fillmore on Sept. 19. The trio is also booked at the Fillmore on Sept. 16. Reserved-seat tickets for the second show are $79.50, $69.50 and $49.50 at LiveNation.com or charge-by-phone (800-745-3000) and at the box office. Info: Fillmoremb.com.com, 305-673-7300.

Photo: Courtesy The Wiggles! Live USA

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On way to SunFest, Matisyahu still on a mission

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:45:20 GMT

When Matisyahu shaved his trademark beard and sidelocks in December, he revealed a man on a very personal quest. The photos of his newly shorn and sullen face in a post that caused a Twitter sensation were accompanied with an explanation: “I am reclaiming myself… Trusting my goodness and my divine mission,” Matisyahu wrote. “No more Chassidic reggae superstar. Sorry folks, all you get is me ...”

Five months later, the man born Matthew Miller 32 years ago in West Chester, Pa., is still searching.

Matis, as his people refer to him, moved from the Lubavitch enclave in Brooklyn to Los Angeles, where he is doing some acting and this week tweeted a photo of his Harley. He says he’s not listening to reggae, or any music much these days. And he doesn’t go to synagogue.

“I pray from my room,” he said during a morning call from his home this week. “If you write that, make sure you say that I pray from my room.”

It was a subdued conversation, but some of the apathy should be attributed to the fact that Matisyahu had just arrived in Los Angeles from a cross-country flight from New York, and was staring at a return flight two days later for his show Sunday evening at SunFest.

The singer, who has topped Billboard’s reggae albums chart with 2005’s “Live at Stubb’s” and the 2009 release “Light,” said he has been spending most of his time writing and reading.

The writing is concentrated on a biography to accompany his new album, “Spark Seeker,” due out July 17. It’s first single, “Sunshine,” will be released on Tuesday, accompanied with a video chat hosted by Matisyahu beginning 12:30 p.m. EST at matisyahuworld.com. “Sunshine” and other new songs will be part of his SunFest set, he said.

“[South Florida] is a great place for me,” he said in a moment of brightness. “I play shows there that are 10 times bigger than other places.”

His reading? Matisyahu said he is currently immersed in “Flames from the Unconscious: Trauma, Madness and Faith,” written by Michael Eigen, who supervises the New York University postdoctoral program in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

In the book’s foreward essay, Eigen writes: “To feel like an impostor is a recurrent theme among artists and to feel false as a person is a crucial theme in psychoanalysis. The sense that one is living a lie is important to many and often goes with a sense that an important flame is waning. … This book affirms that there is something in us that works with all its might to tip the balance towards the good.”

“That’s the dude I’m into right now. I meet with him a lot,” said Matisyahu, searching for the words to describe his relationship with Eigen. “We talk. He’s kind of a teacher… Spiritual mentor? I guess so. It’s very existential.”

The conversation segues to another mentor: Bob Marley. Surprisingly, he hasn’t seen the acclaimed new documentary, “Marley.” But he agrees he needs to.

“Marley” traces the complicated evolution of reggae music and the man whose “one love” philosophy was joyfully apparent even in the final concerts captured mere months before his 1980 death from cancer. Matisyahu is having none of that.

“He was unique,” he says. “What I see is a troubled and broken person. That’s what comes through for me.”

IF YOU GO
Matisyahu
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: FPL Stage at SunFest, West Palm Beach
Cost: $35, $20 seniors, $10 ages 6-12
Contact: SunFest.com, 800-786-3378

Photo: Mary Margaret Chambliss

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Live webcast of Dillard jazz band at Lincoln Center

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:21:32 GMT

Dillard Center for the Arts students perform their winning program at the 2011 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition at Lincoln Center. Staff photo/Mike Stocker

The Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble’s bid to repeat as national champs can be seen live via webcast on Saturday and Sunday.

The 17th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition, the so-called "Super Bowl" of high school jazz produced by bandleader Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center, will begin live coverage when seven bands perform on Saturday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Dillard ensemble, which won the 2011 Ellington competition with musicians from across Broward County, is scheduled to perform from 5:20 to 5:40 p.m.

Eight more bands will perform on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m., with the three finalists announced at 4 p.m. After a final round of performances a winner will be named at about 9:30 p.m. The winning band then performs on the Lincoln Center stage with Marsalis.

Here is where to view the live webcast of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition. You can also follow the program on Twitter at @EssEllington and check Facebook.com/jazzatlincolncenter.

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Weekend preview: New Las Olas drinks, a moon dance and SunFest sunshine

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:20 GMT

Mood music for the moon party at Pierre's: The Spam Allstars' "Agua de Poço."

Those anxiously awaiting the new American Social tavern on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard (150 beers? Can I get a frequent-flier card with that?) will have to wait a few more weeks. The talk was that it might open this week, but you know how that goes … “End of the month,” said an insider outside the construction at the former bridal shop at the intersection of Eighth Avenue.

Up the block, in the former Samba Room spot at 350 E. Las Olas, construction continues at the Royal Pig Pub and Kitchen. Lots of warm wood (hickory) and brick going in, massive bar and … a stage? They are shooting for an opening in the first week or two in June.

Across the street, Rare is out, the former steakhouse now shrouded by a contractor’s fencing. Word on the street is that the new spot will be called Las Olas Grill, under the ownership of the group that runs Pinon Grill at Boca Town Center.

And this in from Fort Lauderdale beach: Yolo visionary Tim Petrillo says he and partners Peter Boulukos and Alan Hooper just cleared the city-permitting process and will begin construction any day now on the restaurant called S3 (which stands for Sun, Surf, Sand). Petrillo expects S3 to open its doors on the ground floor of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) before the end of the year.

MOON OVER SPAM
Best party to welcome the "supermoon" this weekend? Try DJ Le Spam and the Spam Allstars Saturday night on the beach at Pierre’s in Islamorada (81600 Overseas Highway). Show goes on at 9 p.m. Info: Pierres-restaurant.com, 305-664-3225. On Friday night at 11, when the moon is just about full, you can catch them closer to home at the Stage (170 NE 38th St., Miami; 305-576-9577). Info: Spamallstars.com.

COCKTAILS FOR CANINES
Breathe Restaurant (401 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-330-4526) is the setting Thursday night for a gathering to raise money for 100 + Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida. The group was created by Amy Restucci, a West Palm Beach resident who has partnered with the nonprofit Be Kind to Animals Rescue. "I really appreciate Breathe Restaurant hosting this event for us," Restucci says. "We are desperately in need of funds, volunteers and veterinarians to help us. The situation is quite dire. I see countless dogs on my rescues, so many have been abandoned and they are having puppies as well. The dogs are emaciated, bitten by snakes, ill and many are now being taken to be part of dog fighting rings." The fundraiser is from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 at Breatheindelray.com, $25 at the door and include a cocktail and passed appetizers. For more information on Restucci’s program, go to Facebook.com/abandoneddogseverglades.com.

SUNFEST 'SUNSHINE'
SunFest continues this weekend on the waterfront in West Palm Beach, and a finer way to enjoy a sunny spring day will be hard to find. Reggae chameleon Matisyahu, who goes on at sundown Sunday, says he will indeed be performing “Sunshine,” the about-to-be-released single from his new album, “Spark Seeker,” due out this summer. Info: SunFest.com, 561-659-5980.

SNAILS AND FUNGUS? YUM!
You may have heard of Dos Equis’ Feast of the Brave, in which six taco trucks in six cities around the country serve oddball tacos topped with things such as shark, spiced crickets and hog stomach to see which city’s diners earn the most “bravery points” through CInco de Mayo on Saturday. In South Florida, Jefe’s Original Fish Taco’s and Burgers will fly the Dos Equis flag, with chef Jack Garabedian serving tacos spiked with goat (10 points), frog legs (20 points), snails with corn fungus (30 points) and a “mystery” ingredient (100 points). If you want to try one of these, you can track Garabedian’s truck down on Twitter (@jefesoriginal). But don’t worry about the points: At presstime, Miami had 69,000 points, more than 20,000 over second-place Chicago, trailed by Austin, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles. Info: Facebook.com/DosEquis.

CINCO DE MUSTACHE
As you’ll recall, along with all the other tequila-spilling Cinco de Mayo hilarity, Saturday brings the inaugural Rocco’s Tacos Mustache Contest, in which owner Rocco Mangel selects the best Selleck at each of his four restaurants. He’ll fork over $250 to the winner, with the overall best mustache getting an extra $250, plus $500 in Rocco’s Tacos gift certificates. To take part, upload an image of your ‘stache on the Rocco’s Tacos Facebook page (Facebook.com/roccostacos) prior to Saturday’s contest. You must be present at a Rocco’s Tacos location to win, so track Mangel’s whereabouts Saturday on Twitter and Facebook. More info: Roccostacos.com.

MORE MUSTACHES
There is no Rocco’s Tacos in Wilton Manors, where you’ll find the best mustaches in Broward County. It’s also where you’ll find world-ranked DJ Tracy Young spinning the Cinco de Mayo party at The Manor (2345 Wilton Drive). No cover. Info: 954-626-0082, Themanorcomplex.com.

SO LONG, DJ LAZ
You can say goodbye to South Florida radio veteran DJ Laz, soon to decamp for a new gig in Los Angeles, on Saturday at Passion nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. He’ll be the special guest along with resident DJs Tony Tone and Ishy. Info: Passionnightclub.com, 954-235-6164.

JENNIFER-ENRIQUE TICKETS
As reported, Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias, two fine-looking heads, will be co-headliners on a tour that stops at Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena Aug. 31, with tickets on sale 10 a.m. Friday. The popular duo Wisin y Yandel are the openers. Tickets cost $29.50-$199.50 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000).

CASINO SURPRISE
The May music lineup at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is filled with the fine, talented, masses-pleasing names you’d expect, but includes a few acts that make you go “Really?” The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash in the Nectar Lounge on May 17 is one of those. Another is Sarah Packiam, a lovely Irish pop singer now living in Miami who last year at this time dazzled the few who caught her as an opening act on the SunFest stage later occupied by Jason Mraz. Packiam performs at 8 p.m. each Friday in May in the Legends Lounge of NYY Steak at the casino (5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek). Info: Seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com, 954-977-6700.

MORE GOOD VIBRATIONS
The Beach Boys –– Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston, aided by guitarist David Marks –– are touring for the first time in more than two decades for the legendary band’s 50th anniversary tour, which stops at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Friday night at 8. According to a review of Wednesday night’s performance in Jacksonville, the boys were in fine form over the course of a 43-song set list. Wilson was apparently slow to warm up, but rallied in the second half on "Sloop John B," "Heroes and Villains," "Sail on Sailor" and "Good Vibrations." Read more here. And wear a nice shirt, they’re filming a PBS special on the tour. Tickets are $104, $89, $69 and $49 at all Ticketmaster outlets. Info: Hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.

YOUR BURLESQUE FIX
The extraordinary Miss Jenna Beth of Cupcake Burlesque performs 9:30 p.m. Friday at Back Room Blues Bar (222 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach). Cover: $5 for 18 and older. On Saturday night at the BRBB, there will be $100 on the table for the best guitarist, judged by audience applause. Info: Thebackroombluesbar.com, 561-860-4679.

TED NUGENT TICKETS
Tickets also go on sale 10 a.m. Friday for rabble-rousing rocker Ted Nugent’s Aug. 7 performance at Revolution Live (100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale). General admission tickets cost $33 advance, $35 at the door and are available at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Livenation.com and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000). More info: Jointherevolution.net, 954- 449-1025.

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSIC
The Miami Art Museum’s exhibition “The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl” gets hyper local Thursday night with a panel discussion about some of the fringes of South Florida music. Sweat Records owner Lauren Reskin leads the talk, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with panelists including Romulo del Castillo of Miami electronic label Schematic Records and member of the group Phoenica; Slip-N-Slide Records founder Ted Lucas, a local punk rock/underground scene historian; and local music writers Arielle Castillo and Abel Folgar. Afterward there’s a party with DJ Maneuvers spinning hits of the mid-90s and memorable Miami music, plus tours of “The Record.” Free for members, $8 nonmembers. The exhibit is up through June 10. Info: Miamiartmuseum.org.

FOOD TRUCKS FOR A CAUSE
The Great Food Truck Jam will roll into Old School Square in Delray Beach at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, offering seven popular food trucks, music, entertainment and children’s activities in an event supporting the Forster Family Kosher Food Pantry. Trucks include Dog Eat Dog (gourmet hot dogs), Manga Mia (Italian), Miro’s ORB (certified kosher), Nacho Mama’s Grill (Mexican), Vegi Express (vegan) and Sugar Rush and Good Humor (sweets). Admission is a donation of nonperishable food. Info: email jillw@rrjfs.org, 561-852-5013.

Sun Sentinel staff photos: Mike Stocker (2011 supermoon over Hollywood), Susan Stocker (snail), Michael Laughlin (Jenna Beth); Robert Duyos (home page photo of 2011 supermoon)

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Ted Nugent bringing the "Fever" to Revolution Live

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:03:42 GMT

Oh, there was a time when Ted Nugent would rock a pair of skinny jeans.

Polarizing rocker Ted Nugent is coming to South Florida on Aug. 7 for a performance at Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

It would be easy to get caught up in the political commotion over his recent remarks about being either "dead or in jail" this time next year if President Obama is re-elected. The calculated tough-guy comments, of course, prompted a flurry of snipes from the punditocracy about Nugent pooping his pants to win a Vietnam War deferment (Google “Ted Nugent poop”).

But perhaps even more divisive is Ted Nugent the guitarist. The publicist for the show reminds us that the Motor City Madman’s “incomparable guitar genius and firebreathing intensity … have carved him a permanent place among the legends of rock.” That’s one opinion.

But isn’t this the guy who was a member of Damn Yankees? With Tommy Shaw of Styx? Do you remember “High Enough”? They opened for Poison, for crying out loud.

Assuming a lot of the wingnuttiness surrounding the Nuge dissipates by August, all we’ll be left with is the stage act fueled by nostalgic hits such as “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Stranglehold.” Which is all a lot of fans want to hear from Nugent.

General admission tickets ($33 advance, $35 at the door) go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the Revolution Live box office (100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale), at all Ticketmaster outlets, Livenation.com, and charge-by-phone (800-745-3000). More info: Jointherevolution.net, 954- 449-1025.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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Neil Young: New Crazy Horse album and a contest

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:02:22 GMT

The video for Neil Young’s “Oh Susannah” is from early American archival footage.

“Americana,” the first album from Neil Young & Crazy Horse in nearly nine years, is now available for pre-order on Young's website, Neilyoung.com. The album is set for release June 5.

“Americana” will be available in FLAC, CD, and 180-gram vinyl formats, and comes with an exclusive T-shirt. Fans who pre-order the album will also receive a digital download of the song "Oh Susannah." A special bundle of the "Oh Susannah" single and video is available here.

“Americana” is a collection of classic American folk songs, "protest songs," or campfire-type songs passed down with universal tales for Everyman. Crazy Horse includes Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina, Poncho Sampedro and Young.

Tour dates in support of "Americana" are expected to be announced soon.

To celebrate the new release, Young has teamed up with artist-geared social media platform Talenthouse for a contest: Musicians are invited to submit covers of classic Americana tracks via YouTube for the chance to win $1,000 and receive promotion across Young's social media channels. More info: Talenthouse.com.

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Mayhem Cruise: Heavy metal festival on high seas

Tue, 01 May 2012 06:53:47 GMT

Does heavy metal float? We’ll see when the inaugural three-night Bahamas cruise based on the touring Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival sets sail from Miami on the Carnival Imagination Dec. 7.

Among those bringing the noise: Lamb of God, Anthrax, Hatebreed (below), Machine Head, Suicide Silence and Kingdom of Sorrow, along with DJ sets by Korn’s Jonathan Davis and Sid of Slipknot.

“I’m actually a little nervous about being on the boat for three days with Machine Head and Lamb of God,” says Anthrax veteran Scott Ian.

Ticket packages, starting at $699, go on sale at noon Thursday on MayhemCruise.com with payment plans available. The first 500 people to book receive a Mayhem merchandise pack, and those that book by May 17 are entered to win front row spots at an onboard Mayhem concert.

Hosted by Jose Mangin of Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal, the cruise will include 90-minute sets from each of the headliners, plus performances from Gojira, Periphery, Born of Osiris, Battlecross, Otherwise, Girl on Fire, Anti Mortem and Gypsyhawk.

Other highlights include Fangoria’s Video Nasties Film Festival, hosted by Slipknot’s Clown, who will curate an exhibit of his art; laughs from comedian Big Jay Oakerson and the Legions of Skank; the neo-burlesque of the Iron Fist Velvet Glove Carnal Review; the zany performance art of Beacher’s Madhouse; and a three-night poker tournament with artists and fans side by side.

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