Most art galleries are cramped spaces where visitors never stray far from the walls. At Labyrinth: the backward path, visitors will encounter the works of eight artists while navigating the twists and turns of a maze 60 feet long, 60 feet wide, and 7 feet high. A different contemporary delight awaits around every corner, from photography to sound. The strange, marvelous puppet monsters of Pepe Mar were inspired by the 1986 Jim Henson/George Lucas film Labyrinth, which starred David Bowie and introduced Jennifer Connelly. Electronic artists Phoenicia explore parallels between labyrinthine metaphor and the beauty in metallic sound. Rob de Mar's sculptures sprout through the walls, as indomitable as weeds growing through fissures in concrete. Enjoy drinks at tonight's opening reception from 7:00 to 11:00. See fresh art presented in a unique fashion on the first floor of the Newton Building, 3901 NE Second Ave., Miami. Call 305-310-6907. (PEGY)
FRI 11
Before the self-aware teen horror flicks Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, there was Canadian playwright Brad Fraser's controversial, award-winning play, Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love. When it was first performed in 1991, the play made waves with its graphic mix of sex, horror, and comedy. A movie version of the play, 1993's Love and Human Remains, didn't find much box office success. The dark humor comes alive when actors strut and fret upon the stage. The play follows the lives of a book editor, her bisexual former boyfriend who has given up on acting to become a waiter, a psychic dominatrix, and a predatory bartender. The bold actors of the EDGE Theatre will bring this story to life at the Art Temple, 7141 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach. Call 305-531-6083. (PEGY)
SAT 12
Flying your own plane is intoxicating. You're behind the controls, soaring with the birds, only a few layers of plastic and Fiberglas between you and the endless sky. That might not be the best time to try out crazy aerobatic stunts, but when you're back on the ground with a radio-controlled giant-scale model airplane, let the torque rolls begin. The Aero Modelers of Perrine will be taking over the skies with buzzing replicas (some as large as 47 percent of actual size) during the Annual Aerobatics Challenge. Pilots complete aerobatic maneuvers to earn points while competing for prizes in five categories. This high-flying event takes place today and Sunday from 9:00 to 4:00, at the AMP flying facility on SW 168th Street, two miles west of Krome Avenue in South Miami-Dade. Spectators can watch for free; registration fees for competitors are $30 and $35. Call 305-693-1374, or visit www.amps-rc.com. (LO)
SUN 13
You can relish the celebratory and celebrity-laden atmosphere of the local official Grammy Awards-viewing party as the Florida chapter of the Recording Academy hosts a swell shindig at the Pawn Shop Lounge (1222 NE Second Ave., Miami), complete with a surround sound telecast, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, drink specials, and music by DJ Juan Mejia. And in case you don't know who's nominated, here's a hint: "Yeah!" "Here We Go Again," so "Let's Get it Started" with an "American Idiot" in "Heaven." Still have no clue? Be sure to visit www.grammy.com for a complete list of nominees. Tonight's musical excitement starts with a reception at 7:00, with the telecast at 8:00. Admission is free for academy members and $25 for nonmembers. Call 305-672-9597, or RSVP at [email protected]. (LO)
MON 14
No big top. No tigers jumping through hoops of fire. No elephants being forced to perform unnatural acts. Get ready for a circus of an entirely different flavor. Circ X is a classically trained theatrical performance troupe that uses mime techniques, European clowning, and bump-and-grind burlesque to bring their unique spectacle to life. Like Cirque du Soleil with a sexy, sadomasochistic twist, the performers sport extravagant makeup and outrageous costumes all lit up with electro-luminescent wiring. They whiz through the air, twirl blazing torches, and wield whips while walking on stilts. Between amazing acts, the members of the troupe engage individual audience members with wacky lip-synched cabaret and abstract performance art, all without speaking a word or breaking the spell. Expect a special Valentine's Day show tonight when Circ X adds its spice to Backdoor Bamby at crobar, 1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-271-3815, or visit www.circx.com. (PEGY)
TUE 15
They're pretty, graceful, and have legs to die for, but these ballerinas also have deep voices and chest hair. If you don't have a problem with men in tutus, feathers, and tiaras, you will love Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (a.k.a. The Trocks). On pointe and in control, these professional dancers perform a full repertoire of ballet classics and original works with a silly mix of foibles and incongruities, but don't expect comedy to overshadow their talent. These men can dance! Tonight's production includes a gaggle of favorites: Swan Lake, Go for Barocco, The Dying Swan, L'ecole de Ballet, and a special pas de deux. The Trocks are back in town celebrating their 30th anniversary for one night only, so don't miss this spectacular production at 8:00 at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets range from $25 to $65. Call 305-808-7446 ext. 301, or visit www.concertfla.org. (LO)
WED 16
If you were wondering where the employed, successful, under-40 set convenes, look no further than the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce's Wind Down Wednesday. Members and friends of their 20/30 Group are invited to talk shop while feasting on delectable hors d'oeuvres and throwing back fabulous cocktails. Make friends, discuss entrepreneurial aspirations with fellow business types, and discover how much young Coral Gables society has to offer. And what better place for the upwardly mobile to meet and greet than the gorgeous, luxurious Biltmore Spa and Gym (1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables)? Enjoy a tour of this recently remodeled high-tech facility, lounge in style at the wine bar, and -- bonus -- receive a free gym membership at the end of it all. Enjoy networking of a decidedly plush nature this evening at 6:00. For chamber members, admission is ten dollars. For nonmembers and guests, admission is $15. Call 305-446-1657, or visit www.coralgableschamber.org. (PEGY)
