In the Thirties, Art Deco was the style du jour. Sleek, modern lines juxtaposed with curling flourishes of flora came roaring into fashion in jewelry, clothing, and especially in architecture. The streamlined Moderne style reflected the climate of the era: industrial dreams fueled by the Great Depression, tempered by the fanciful futurism of America's World's Fairs. Two of the best ways to see the domination of the style are in the tropical neon-lit buildings on South Beach or in the films of early Hollywood. The dizzying symmetrical choreography of Busby Berkeley, the liberal sexuality of Greta Garbo, and the romantic luxury of Fred Astaire's films all spoke directly to the Art Deco aesthetic. Tonight at 7:00, Julio Vera, an archivist for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will reveal the influence of the era with "The Fountain Unfrozen: Hollywood and Art Deco in Motion." There's no better place to have this enlightening discussion than at the Art Deco Welcome Center Auditorium, 1001 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. Admission is free. Call 305-674-1736, or visit www.mdpl.org. (PEGY)
FRI 24
The historic Broward hot spot Revolution (200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) has been hosting an eclectic mix of concerts and special events since the Seventies. But like anyone who's been partying that long, the club was getting worn out and was in desperate need of a makeover. By adding more than one million bucks' worth of sound and lighting equipment and enough indoor space to accommodate 1100 patrons, the folks at Revolution are sure this joint is going to be jumping for many years to come. Tonight you can celebrate the grand opening of Revolution: The Nightclub with celebrity spinner DJ AM (a.k.a. Adam Goldstein) and his fiancée Nicole Richie. Local favorites DJ Sean Drake and DJ Matt Martinez will also be on hand to mix up rock and hip-hop tunes as partygoers dance and sip on specialty cocktails. Other famous faces include VH1's sexy and sassy Rachel Perry and the adorable Nick Zano, who plays Vince on the WB's guilty pleasure What I Like About You. The VIPs will walk the red carpet beginning at 10:00, and the rest of us regular -- but still cool -- people can get in at midnight. Call 305-864-3434, ext. 183, to RSVP, or visit www.jointherevolution.net. (LO)
SAT 25
The Hillsborough County Commission and Archie Bunker types might argue that Key West is already fruity enough, but at today's Tropical Fruit Fiesta, locals will celebrate the island's delicious bounty. At this family-friendly festival, those with curious taste buds can try mango, papaya, and of course key lime treats, and green-thumb gardeners can purchase rare and unusual hand-raised trees. While the parents enjoy informative lectures by horticulture experts, the little ones can participate in the "orange-pineapple bowl," write secret messages on tree leaves, or plant their own pineapples. Key West will get even fruitier today from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Bayview Park and along Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive in Key West. Admission is free. Call 305-292-4501, or visit monroe.ifas.ufl.edu. (PEGY)
SUN 26
If you've been getting the brushoff from those Wynwood and Design District art galleries, maybe you should pack up your portfolio and head south. The nonprofit Homestead Art Club is inviting all South Florida photographers to participate in "A Look Through the Eye" photo exhibit. The theme is "The USA and Its People," and all accepted pieces will be on display from July 2 through August 21 at the Studio 100 Art Gallery (250 E. Palm Dr., Florida City). Today is the last day to submit those photos, so all of you aspiring Ansels and Annies best get busy. The entrance fee is $20 for members, $35 for nonmembers; and you may submit up to six pieces. Call 305-248-2111. (LO)
MON 27
Summer is here and in full swing: the heat, the humidity, the mosquitoes, and the Marlins. The local boys are holding their own in the National League East standings, and tonight they'll hit off a four-game series against division rivals the Atlanta Braves. We can't think of a better way to embrace summer than spending a sultry evening in the bleachers drinking beers, noshing on a dinner of peanuts and hot dogs (or veggie dogs), and yelling "Batta-batta-batta-batta-batta, SA-WING batta!" until our friends tell us to shut up and sit down. (It sure beats staying home and watching a bad baseball movie like Ed or Major League II, doesn't it?) Whether you're a dedicated face-painter or just a fair-weather fan, throw on a Florida Marlins hat and T-shirt and go support the team. The game begins at 7:05 at Dolphins Stadium, 2267 Dan Marino Blvd., North Miami-Dade. Tickets range from $6 to $85. Call 305-623-6100, or visit www.floridamarlins.com. (LO)
TUE 28
As part of the 2005 Florida Dance Festival (which runs June 22 through 29), the Florida Dance Association and Tigertail Productions are presenting a variety of events to celebrate danceAble, the mixed-ability dance project. Tonight you can catch "Real People: Creating Dance for the Camera with Victoria Marks," during which the internationally known choreographer will screen and discuss her work in four short films, including a moving performance by seven elderly gentlemen in Men. And you certainly won't want to miss tomorrow's danceAble performance at 8:30 p.m. Both events take place at the New World Dance Theater, 25 NE Second St., Miami. Admission is free for tonight's video screening. Tickets for the dance performance cost five to ten dollars. Call 305-674-6575, or visit www.tigertail.org. (LO)
WED 29
Say "Tribeca" and images of independent film creds and Robert De Niro come to mind. Well, it may not be a film festival, but local artists, musicians, and other creative types are getting closer at Tribeca Wednesday, a weekly event meant to unite the local artistic community. "Local bands play, artists have come and displayed their paintings, and we're working on showing independent films," explains Jiovani, one of the party's planners. "It's always very relaxed. Lots of cool people, lots of great music." You'll hear a lot of under-the-radar stuff when Jiovani and Chris Graham are manning the turntables, so expect lots of B-sides, remixes, and down-tempo tunes. Tonight the up-and-coming band Saga High will perform. Come on out and support local talent at Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. The fun begins at 11:00. Admission is free. Call 305-531-4622, or visit www.purdylounge.com. (PEGY)
By Lyssa Oberkreser and Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
