Formed in 1992 in a lush little Florida college town we like to call Gainesville, the three Pez-loving pop-y punk bandmates of Less than Jake spent a few years tinkering with their identity, and by adding a few members and an addictive ska beat, they soon won over locals and Gator coeds alike. The result was the catchy, major-label debut album Losing Streak, which features the always popular tunes "Dopeman" and "Never Going Back to New Jersey." LTJ has since been hit-or-miss -- maybe spending too much time touring and forming a record label, Fueled by Ramen -- but the 2003 release Anthem spawned a few hits with the kids. Their cover of Cheap Trick's classic anthem "Surrender" is crank-it-up good, and you can catch the raucous side of Rory in the video for the teen rebel's yell, "She's Gonna Break Soon," which features Gilmore Girls' Alexis Bledel in heavy black eyeliner, trashing her pubescent pink room. Jump around with these wild and ska-razy guys tonight at 6:00 at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net. (LO)
FRI 16
It's the end of the workweek, and you should usher in your well-deserved weekend with a song. Join in the karaoke fun at Studio, a happening spot in the Shelborne Hotel (1801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). Studio sets itself apart from the sing-along pack by boasting an enormous list of songs -- 22,000 and counting. Also, Studio features a live backing band, so when you channel Axl Rose, you'll actually have a pretend-Slash to turn to when you screech, "Do you know where you are? You're in the jungle, baby!" Visiting celebrities love to belt it out on the VIP stage, so you just might run into Bobby and Whitney, Mary-Kate and Ashley, or, um, Rob Schneider. Serious singers can make a professional-quality CD of their performance and cherish their "Desperado" memories forever. Admission is free. The karaoke fun begins at 10:00 p.m. and holds the note until 5:00 a.m. Call 305-695-1770, or visit www.shelborne.com. (PEGY)
SAT 17
If their taut stomachs, high-kicking legs, and halogen-bright teeth don't grab your attention away from the action-packed gridiron, maybe their pompon-waving philanthropy will. Today the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will be signing autographs and selling calendars to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims as part of Aventura Mall's Gulf Coast Relief Effort special events. The entire squad will be shakin' in the mall's Center Court (19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura), posing for photos, and performing sassy routines. See the pretty girls (and give them money) from noon to 2:00. Call 305-935-1110, or visit www.shopaventuramall.com. (LO)
SUN 18
Librarians and teachers often cringe and question motives when adult novelists try their hand at penning stories for young, and often reluctant, readers. But Carl Hiaasen proved he can turn an interesting moral tale with his 2003 best seller and Newbery Honor Award-winning novel Hoot, which is now being made into a feature film. Hiaasen's latest book to hit the stacks, Flush, is another colorful, environmental-themed story about a boy, Noah, who's father is in jail for sinking a crooked casino boat suspected of dumping raw sewage into the harbor. The boat was back in business within days, and now Noah is determined to flush out the stinkin' crooks. Mr. Hiaasen, it appears you are on a roll. Catch him today at 2:00 at Temple Judea, 5500 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free, but priority seating is available to those who buy the book. Call 305-442-4408, or visit www.booksandbooks.com. (LO)
MON 19
"Everyone is psychic," says Rev. Atena Komar, a spiritual development consultant and Reiki practitioner. "It's just a matter of finding that ability within you." We've all had those feelings, "when you know something without knowing that you know it," Komar adds, and during her Developing Your Psychic Abilities Workshop, she will lead you through interactive exercises to help you tune into those feelings. One exercise involves using psychometry, the ability to divine information about people by holding objects that belong to them. "You are picking up on their energy," says Komar. So, is what they say about women's intuition true? "Women do have more intuition, because they are more in touch and open with their feelings," says Komar. "But in certain areas, men are better psychics." (Then why don't they know we want dark chocolate and tulips?) Komar is expecting to see you tonight from 7:30 to 9:00 at 32 Paths, 3444 Main Hwy., #17, Coconut Grove. Admission is $20, and refreshments will be served. Call 305-461-2341, or visit www.32paths.com. (LO)
TUE 20
When the summer sun is beating down, the idea of doing something outdoorsy, like, let's say hiking, sounds less than appealing. Trailblazing types have much to anticipate as the weather becomes comfortably cool. At this month's Sierra Club and Beer meeting, the discussion will revolve around hiking in Florida, and club members will share their favorite trails and experiences. The Sierra Club is actively seeking new members who share their zeal for all things green, so fresh faces who sign up will not only be rewarded with a cold one but also a 2006 Sierra Club calendar. Sip one of Titanic's foamy favorites, or try the new brew on the block, Irish Fitzy's Golden Lager, a refreshing homage to owner Kevin Rusk's dear, recently departed friend Tom Fitzgerald. Drink with Miami's environmentally conscious this evening at 6:00 at Titanic Restaurant & Brewery, 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Call 305-801-6876, or visit www.greendrinks.org. (PEGY)
WED 21
Blame Oprah for the success of Tuesdays with Morrie. First she added Mitch Albom's sentimental tale of his relationship with his dying college professor to her book club list. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Last Great Lesson immediately took up residence on the New York Times nonfiction best-seller list. Then Oprah made Tuesdays with Morrie into an Emmy Award-winning TV movie, starring the late, great Jack Lemmon, and made Morrie a pop-culture reference point. The moving, inspirational story now unfolds onstage at the Coconut Grove Playhouse (3500 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove). Dominic Fumusa plays the workaholic writer Albom, and veteran actor Harold Gould stars as Morrie Schwartz, delivering stirring, succinct pearls of wisdom to a rapt audience tonight at 8:00. Tickets range from $35 to $50. Call 305-446-3857, or visit www.cgplayhouse.org. (PEGY)
