Since Grass got a much-heralded makeover, including new expanded indoor seating, it was unclear what was going to happen to its lounge-within-a-lounge, The King is Dead. Well, the King is very much still alive (horrible, but I couldn't resist, sorry). It's just getting a major entertainment revamp. Past offerings there included a Poplife-co-sponsored party, then some upscale grown-and-sexy-type nights, but the new focus is live music, every Friday and Saturday night.
Stylistically, though, the place isn't trying to alienate its older crowd, and while the new "Live Series" will feature actual performances, the musical format is still adult urban cool. Fridays will focus on R&B and acid jazz (guess that's not dead, either), and "dance-oriented electronic composition" on Saturdays. How that's played out in bookings, so far, is a Friday night show by the Big Bounce, with Andre Soul also spinning. On Saturday, it's the State Of, with additional sounds by Mike Sitek. Performers are set to play two sets per night, at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Hats off for actually scheduling set times.
The Big Bounce, and DJ Andre Soul, Friday, February 26. The State Of, with DJ Mike Sitek, Saturday, February 27. The King is Dead, 10 NE 40th St., Miami. Doors open at 9 p.m. Age 21 and up. 305-573-3355; kingisdead.com