Into the Night

Tonight (Thursday) help celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Sunshine Jazz Organization of South Florida at South Beach power haunt Amnesia (136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 531-5535). An unforgettable evening full of legendary tunes awaits when the organization, dedicated to keeping the tradition of jazz music alive, pays tribute to its founder, the estimable China Valles, as well as other local and national artists who have helped preserve the one true American art form. Famous jazzbos such as Stanley Turrentine, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry, Grady Tate, and James Moody have been invited to make appearances, as have representatives from other jazz organizations, clubs, and music magazines. Doors open for the general public at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $30. Tack on another $20 to rub elbows and be part of a special VIP cocktail reception and awards ceremony that begins at 6:30 p.m. The Billy Rolle Big Band provides musical inspiration for the evening. From jazz to razzmatazz as world-renowned gender illusionist (a.k.a. drag queen, honey) Princess Shequida Ryzell de la Nuit performs tonight through Saturday, January 25, at the pan-Asian dinner cabaret known as Lucky Cheng's (1412 Ocean Dr., 672-1505). Our favorite princess breaks away from her busy schedule performing in music videos and venues the world over to entertain us with a daunting repertoire that includes everything from cool jazz to opera.

Thursday
Ready Bar, "Tommy Pooch Thursday." Party promoter extraordinaire Pooch helps you usher in the weekend with the best of old and new music spun by DJ Mark Leventhal. 560 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 534-8847.

Chili Pepper, "Bite the Pepper." Funky grooves and acid jazz crank all night long, making friction and fuss along the way. 621 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 531-9661.

Lulu's Restaurant, "The Loft." This Elvis emporium (fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches and all) goes dance-crazy tonight through Saturday with DJ Joe K. spinning fabulous tunes. 1053 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-6147.

Friday
Amnesia. Sports mixes with sophistication as Miami Dolphin Louis Oliver hosts a party to end all parties. 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 531-5535.

Yuca. Latin songstress Albita and her band perform boleros and son tonight and tomorrow night, providing a much needed respite from the pump and thump. Advance reservations required. 501 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 532-9822.

Splash, "Bliss." High-energy dance party full of debauchery, drinking, and dancing girls for ladies who prefer ladies. 5922 S. Dixie Hwy., South Miami, 661-0917.

Marsbar, "Bovine Sex Club." Drink specials and party girls dancing in a cage high above the dance floor are the highlights of the evening, with DJ Alex Gutierrez at the controls. 8505 Mills Dr. (Town & Country Center), Kendall, 271-6909.

Saturday
Virtua Cafe, "Get Wired." Come join the jam with retro tunes dispensed by DJ Shannon in a high-tech cyber world full of fun and games. 1309 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-0234.

Bermuda Bar. South Florida's biggest dance party is broadcast live on Y-100 with DJ Jade Alexander taking the reins of party culture and giving them a good pull. 3509 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 945-0196.

Crystal's. DJ Pete Moreno spins two dance floors into a frenzy at this upscale party, full of reckless abandon. 2901 Collins Ave. (Seville Beach Hotel), Miami Beach, 271-7500.

Sunday
Society Hill, "Island Girl." Get irie with a Jamaican-style party so close to real you'll think you need a passport. 627 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 534-9993.

Groove Jet, "The Church." Alternative in every sense of the word, with DJs Carlos Menendez and Charles Arnold, and latest addition Fence the Fish Boy pumping up two rooms of British invasion, retro, industrial dance, and trip-hop tunes. 323 23rd St., Miami Beach, 532-2002.

Bash, "Retro Night." The best in disco, swing, funk, and soul with French DJ Christian Hernant. 655 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 538-8858.

Monday
Caffe Torino, "Drag Night." Dinner goes hand in hand with singing and dancing drag queens; DJ Bugie lays down hot tunes after the show. Hosted by the legendary Kitty Meow. 1437 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 531-5722.

Liquid, "Fat Black Pussycat." Seventies-minded club kids, Euro-not-so-trash, and perky little vixens collide in a happy Afrocentric mix, working the cauldron of rampaging desires. 1439 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-9154.

Tuesday
Lua, "Foreplay." The House of Righteous Shade presents a night for men with DJ Stingray and door personality Sparkle making it an evening beyond reckoning. 409 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, 534-0061.

Fat Kat's Pool Bar, "Ladies Night." Felines enjoy free drinks and pool instruction at this haven for pampered pool sharks. 8505 Mills Dr. (Town & Country Center), Kendall, 274-8090.

Wednesday
Alcazaba, "Ladies Night." The upwardly mobile and so very sophisticated Latin crowd converges for dancing, drinking, and socializing. 50 Alhambra Plaza (Hyatt Regency), Coral Gables, 441-1234.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango, "Martini Madness." A happy hour of fun for a new generation of martini lovers -- with more than 50 concoctions -- and the smooth jazz sounds of the Bill Pace Trio. 3015 Grand Ave. (CocoWalk), Coconut Grove, 529-2222.

Lua, "Jackpot." If you want to get lucky, come party with promoters Roy Hansen and Julius Irving, with prize-winning DJ Charlie Mercado on the wheels of steel. 409 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, 534-0061.

-- By Liz Martinez

Send information regarding special "one-nighters" to "Into the Night." Fax material to 571-7678 or call 571-7572.