Audio By Carbonatix
Friday August 1
How is one supposed to interpret being chosen for a total makeover? Is it a polite gesture, like being told you have spinach in your teeth? Or is it a backhanded compliment that implies, “Hey dude, those hip-huggers make your ass look like a chick’s.” Either way, one can surmise that a makeover is a promising opportunity — that is, if someone else is footing the bill. Club kids and partymongers be prepared. This weekend representatives of Express clothing will be scanning local party spots for people who can really use a fashion change. Once chosen, participants get to be redone at the Express Style Lounge, a portable transformation oasis. The fashionistas will be scouting from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Today and Saturday, August 2, at several South Beach hot spots. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Friday August 1
Humor Us
What’s so funny ’bout sexuality, spirituality, violence, politics, and science? A lot, if you believe the curator of the exhibition “… But Seriously,” opening this evening at 7:00 at the Moore Space (4040 NE 2nd Ave.) in the Design District. New World School of the Arts student Aja Albertson has put together a show that concentrates on art with a sense of humor, inaugurating the Moore Space’s newly established curatorial internship program. Don’t worry, she hasn’t given all the wall space up to her school chums. Among the many artists lending sculptures, drawings, photographs, videos, and prints: locals Brian Reedy, Robert Chambers, Ali Prosch, and Bert Rodriguez, plus Shintaro Miyake from Japan, Vik Muniz from Brazil, Martin Creed from Britain, and U.S. West Coast residents Jedediah Caesar and Chris Johanson. The show runs through Sunday, August 31. Admission is free. Call 305-438-1163. — By Nina Korman
Now 24/7
Styling
Selling a TV Image
Have you noticed that almost everyone on Latin television, from newscasters to comedians, is gorgeous? That’s because image makers know that a stylist, the person who dresses and accessorizes personalities, can make a career. Irma Martinez is one of the top stylists creating “hot Latino” looks for Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and numerous others. Though her Wardrobe Finds Boutique (628 6th St., Miami Beach) specializes in fashion shoots, they can concoct a unique and sexy look for the hot Latino lover in all of us. Doors open at noon daily. Call 786-276-3080. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Tuesday August 5
Fact Check
Tour guides get certified
Contrary to popular belief, Miami’s Freedom Tower was not built by Michelangelo. It was not designed by God. It’s just a 1925 Mediterranean Revival office building, originally housing the Miami News & Metropolis, that got swept into the lusty and blustery mythology of a migration that changed this city. Its architecture is not necessarily significant, but its place in the emotional story of Miami often leads to exaggerated renditions of its history. The tower is just one of the many attractions in Miami that tourism officials are concerned about. To prevent busloads of gullible Canadians from believing that the structure is the center of the universe, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is making sure tour guides get their facts straight.
Starting this week the GMCVB and Miami-Dade College will be initiating a tour guide certification program, a 30-hour course, that promises accuracy when it comes to explaining the city’s historical landmarks. Taught by local history guru Dr. Paul George, the classes are intended to raise the quality of tours given in our tourist-attracted city.
The classes run through Saturday, August 9, at MDC’s Inter-American Campus, 627 SW 27th Ave. Registration costs $200. Call for details 305-237-1093. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Saturday August 2
SoBe’s Stage
Company invites all to play
Although South Beach is a community inhabited by a theatrical cast of characters living everyday dramas, there is no established community theater. The dearth of good theater groups is what got Steve Weaver and his friends to form the 4th Dimension of South Beach, which is committed to producing only original plays and working with the public. The troupe is entertaining guests at its kick-off costume party at the Jackie Gleason House (2232 Alton Rd., Miami Beach). Dress up as your favorite star or character, and be a part of the company. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-490-2627. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez