In Clubland

Half a century is a long time to be sitting on the dock of the key -- actually on the edge of Shrimpers' Lagoon on Virginia Key. But that's how long Jimbo's (follow the road across from the seaquarium parking lot off the Rickenbacker Cswy. or call 305-361-7026) has been there. On Sunday the owner of everyone's favorite bait shack is turning 73, so pull in for some smoked fish, bocce ball, and tales from good ol' boys talking about good ol' times as they suck down beers, pound on a weathered piano in front of a ragtag band, and help Jimbo celebrate another 365 days of keeping the Miami of yesteryear alive.

Another mainstay in Miami, Iko-Iko, also is celebrating this weekend. Birthed from one of the first blues outfits in South Florida, the Fat Chance Blues Band, Iko has managed to outlive all other Miami groups. The city's foremost blues-and-swamp-rock crew commemorates the release of their new CD, Shine, at the place where they've played for the past eighteen years: Tobacco Road (626 S. Miami Ave.; 305-374-1198). Even though the party takes place on April Fool's Day, it's no joke that this is Iko-Iko's first release in four years. Cover charge is five dollars, and the party begins at 10:00 p.m.

Back on the urban landscape, Score (727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-535-1111) is hosting a new party called, yep, Cockpit, a leather night on Wednesdays. Don't try and enter unless you're in uniform: rubber, leather, or Levi's. Cover charge is five dollars; doors open at 10:00 p.m. and close at 1:00 a.m.

Perhaps a legend in the making, Titanic Brewery (5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; 305-667-2537) doesn't have years of nostalgia or techno treat nights, but it does have great microbrews and that can transcend all. On Saturday there will enough on tap to tip a mug in honor of the place's first anniversary. House beers cost two bucks all evening, and a complimentary buffet is offered at midnight. In Your Pocket provides the tunes; the night doubles as the band's CD-release party. On Friday the bar hosts Buddha Gonzales, who marks his return to Miami with a show. Cover charge both nights is five dollars, and the music begins at 10:00 p.m.