There's big buzz around Hustle and Flow. The indie scooped up the coveted Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival. It's the story of a Memphis pimp named DJay (Terrence Howard) who struggles to make his way out of the ghetto by hustling hoes and writing rhymes about his hard-knock life. Hustle and Flow certainly won't be a favorite to win any NAACP Image Awards, but a steady stream of critical acclaim should ensure a successful box office turnout when the gritty flick is released July 22. Check out the advance screening tonight at 7:30 at Regal South Beach Cinema (1100 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach). When the movie's over, get your drink on and grab a cool gift bag at the afterparty at Sanctuary Hotel, 1745 James Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets cost ten dollars. Call 305-695-8200, or visit www.genart.org. Check out a trailer for the film at www.hustleandflow.com. (PEGY)
FRI 8
One of our favorite summertime activities from the teenage years was to achieve the perfect buzz and catch a laser light show. With just the right mix of cheap beer, good weed, and those funkadelic swirling lights, we could totally chill out in the cool darkness of the planetarium. (And if we were lucky, the afternoon showers/morning sunshine combination forced up a decent crop of purple and gold fungi, and we could really kick it up.) Tonight you can get crunked and head to the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium (3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami), for laser Outkast. It will probably be heavy with the funky jazz and hip-hop beats from the wildly popular Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but we're hoping the duo will bust out some older Big Boi and Andre 3000 tracks from ATLiens and Aquemini. (Do you think they'll dare laser-up "Rosa Parks"?) The lights will start trippin' to Outkast at 9:00, followed by a head-banging Metallica show at 10:00. Admission is seven dollars for adults, four dollars for children. Call 305-646-4200, or visit www.miamisci.org. (LO)
SAT 9
Every Goth girl knows how makeup should be applied: with a trowel and some inspiration from Japanese No theater. For the rest of the female population, misuse of eyeshadow is a social transgression. Get some friendly advice at today's Hands On Makeup workshop. Experts will provide positive reinforcement as you carefully apply the products from the Beauty Sensation line. Make yourself beautiful today from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the penthouse of the El Palacio Hotel, 21485 NW 27th Ave., Miami. Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the door, and the cost includes $15 of free makeup. Call 954-893-9744, or visit www.beautysensation.com. (PEGY)
SUN 10
What time is it? Um, can we borrow your pen? Maybe we should just go to the 2005 Miami Pen and Watch Show and get our own. If you are interested in antique and collectible timepieces or writing implements, or have pieces you'd like to have appraised or repaired, don't waste any more time. Head over to the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, today from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will also be a free concert of Broadway tunes and operatic pieces for you to enjoy as you peruse the fine fountains and whimsical windups. Admission is eight dollars. Call 305-455-1926, or visit www.miamipenshow.com. (LO)
MON 11
If your dancing style resembles the waving thumbs, head-jerking, full body-heaving motion of Elaine on Seinfeld, it's time to do something about it before you lose all of your friends. The patient and graceful teachers at Momentum Dance Company are willing to take you under their Swan Lake wings and try to instill some graceful moves in your spasmodic repertoire. Beginning and intermediate dancers (or wannabe dancers) are invited to join the hour-long classes in ballet, jazz, Brazilian contemporary, and modern dance. The summer dance session begins today and runs through August 20, with classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays beginning at 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Grab your Danskin leotard and Capezio shoes and head to the Mirador Studio, 1200 West Ave., Miami Beach. A single class costs $12, $5 for students, and there is also a $15 annual registration fee. Call 305-858-7002, or visit www.momentumdance.com for a complete schedule. (LO)
TUE 12
"Gee, you're a real comedian." If you've heard this from your friends and family, and they aren't just being sarcastic, then listen up. The power players at NBC are seeking some new talent. Stand Up for Diversity is a nationwide open call for comedians who don't have the ear of Hollywood agents. If you think you have what it takes to make it, put together a solid two-minute routine and get on down to the Miami Improv (3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove) Monday, July 11, by 10:00 a.m. The first 100 comics will perform before a panel of judges. Tonight the lucky few selected as city finalists will perform their original acts before local attendees. Word has it that enthusiastic audience response can bolster a contestant's prospects for making it to the nationwide finals in Los Angeles. Support local talent at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-441-8200, or visit www.miamiimprov.com. Learn more by visiting www.nbcjobs.com and clicking on the link for NBC Talent Diversity Initiative. (PEGY)
WED 13
Don't want to work? Want to bang on a drum all day? So what are you waiting for? Just because you have no instruments or bandmates, and feel you're lacking musical talent, you shouldn't let that stop you. Find your rhythm at the free samba workshops at Seven Sports Café (7910 NW 25th St., Doral) every Wednesday night. Ray Knowles, one of the organizers, says they are trying to bring together a 30-piece multicultural samba band. No experience is necessary; you just need to have a love of the traditional Brazilian Carnaval music. Knowles was involved with a similar group in Ottawa, and they've been successfully getting people on their feet and drumming for more than five years. "Basic samba is very simple and easy to learn," says Knowles. And you don't even need to bring your own instruments -- they have ones for you to use. Grab your friends and jam tonight at 7:30. Call 305-213-5226, or visit www.electronicartworker.com/samba. (LO)
By Lyssa Oberkreser and Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
