The thrill is definitely still there when it comes to 78-year-old master blues guitarist B.B. King. In a career that spans 6 decades over worlds from the Mississippi Delta of the 1940s to South Beach today, blues music's regal ambassador has accomplished more than just about any other musician in that time. With his 100-plus albums, singular guitar stylings, impeccable showmanship, and infectious smile, he has brought the blues to an international audience. He's influenced a host of guitar rockers from Keith Richards to Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. And he's even made diabetes testing cool. King plays at 9:00 p.m. at the Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets range from $30 to $60. Call 305-673-7300. -- By John Anderson
Singing Out
Humor, candor flavor songs
SAT 12/27
He's written songs about octogenarian lesbians. He has an alternate personality who raps dirty in songs like "Who Dat Bitch Now." Young white singer-songwriter Eric Schwartz draws from experience and fantasy to pull together his repertoire. According to his bio, Schwartz has played roughneck bars in New York, walked the boards as an actor, and once pursued a degree in biology. We're not sure about his songs, but he's kinda cute, has a winning smile, and is bound to eat up your attention. He performs at a private home in South Miami at 7:30 tonight. Admission is $15 and you are asked to bring a dessert. For location and additional details call 305-595-1901. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Teutonic Tonic
WED 12/31
Sequins, boas, top hats, poofy-skirted polka-dotted gowns. All in an evening's work for Anne Ledig, not a Vegas diva but a "famous singer from Germany," say the folks at the German American Social Club (11919 SW 56th St.). A veteran of European television and stages around the world, including stints on 6 cruise ships, Ledig will bring her repertoire of rock, pop, standards, and show tunes to the club for a flamboyant New Year's Eve celebration featuring a buffet, desserts, party favors, and a complimentary glass of champagne. Admission is $30. Call 305-552-5123. -- By Nina Korman
President Clinton
Digging the dignitary of funk
TUE 12/30
Groove master George Clinton should require no introduction. This beloved icon and founder of Parliament-Funkadelic was the catalyst who blended funk and psychedelia into the colorful party that defined the groovelicious sounds of the '70s. No less than 13 Top 10 R&B and Pop hits including "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)," "Flash Light," and "Atomic Dog" are credited to the several musical collectives he gathered on his Mothership. Collaborators such as Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, and Maceo Parker joined the very freaky Clinton in creating some of the most original yet danceable music of the 20th Century. The trippy jams, underscored by an irresistible rhythm section, are still popular with tuned-in audiences of all stripes, so it's really no wonder that Clinton and P-Funk are part of the after-hours soul festival that follows tonight's Phish concert. Considering a recent Tallahassee drug bust could silence our 62-year-old hero for a little while, a journey to the Ice Palace Soundstage (59 NW 14th St.) is highly suggested. When the Arena show ends, get the funk up the street by 12:30 a.m. Tickets cost $32. Call 305-358-5885. -- By Margaret Griffis
Kinda Cool
Virtuoso jazzes up art
FRI 12/26
Perennial performer Ira Sullivan, arguably Miami's highest-profile jazz musician, and his Inter/Outer Continental Quintet are back to blow it at the Museum of Contemporary Art (770 NE 125 St., North Miami). The elder statesman of all sorts of horns, woodwinds, and drums brings his Grammy-winning talent to the museum's monthly jazz showcase. As the music plays, exhibits by Richard Artschwager, Inka Essenhigh, and William Cordova will be available for viewing. Those who find musical virtuosity tiresome can hit the road: The NoMi Gallery Walk, through area galleries and cafés, occurs simultaneously. The band begins playing at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-893-6211. -- By Victor Cruz
