Forget the stock market or real estate or the bank, for that matter. Smart investors should be putting their money in art. But not in pricey works by established names. Think innovative pieces by eager unknowns. Buy cheap, watch the artists become famous, and smile all the way to the bank as the value of your investment appreciates exponentially. But how to find such stuff? Chelsea Galleria (32 NE 39th St.) has exactly what you seek in a show called "Young Talent," featuring a quartet of emerging artists who range in age from 18 to 32. Look for paintings by Cecilia Lueza and Barbara Rivera; an installation utilizing natural materials by sculptor/painter Yasmin Spiro Waltzer; and an installation incorporating paint, sculpture, and constructive techniques by recent Design and Architecture Senior High grad Chris Culver. Admission is free. Call 305-576-2950.
FRI 13
That rose you've always wanted on your bicep can become a reality today. The Ninth Annual South Florida Tattoo Expo will give you at least 115 tattoo artists to choose from. These tattoo aficionados, brought together by the folks at Funhouse Tattoos in Fort Lauderdale, are throwing the extravaganza for a good cause. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Children's Cancer Treatment Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Clinic. But even if you chicken out, you'll see some of the best tattoos in South Florida. You'll also get to hear at least eighteen bands, including the Mary Tyler Whores and the Hep Cat Boo Daddies. The three-day festival starts at noon and runs through Sunday, August 15, at the Coral Springs Marriott Resort, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs. Day passes cost $15, weekend passes cost $30. Call 954-343-5585 or log on to [email protected].
SAT 14
Young, handsome, hip-shaking Elvis; black-leather '68 comeback Elvis; overweight white jumpsuit Elvis. For his die-hard fans, the King of Rock and Roll is still great in any incarnation. Too bad the King left the castle long ago. Thank goodness guys like Chris MacDonald are around. Not an impersonator but a "tribute artist," MacDonald has been dazzling audiences from Miami to Memphis with his Memories of Elvis show for the past three years. Tonight at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale), he conjures up a very vital Presley in a full-production extravaganza. Expect to see lots of costume changes and hear plenty of toe-tapping tunes and expressions of gratitude, as in "thank you very much." Showtime is 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost $39. Call 954-462-0222.
SUN 15
Nothing nicer than a concert outdoors by the bay, except, of course, under a South Florida-style deluge. The folks at the Deering Estate at Cutler (16701 SW 72nd Ave.) know that. In the interest of highlighting the property that Charles Deering developed from 1896 to 1922, they began the Deering Estate Summer Cabaret Concert Series, knowing full well that if the skies open up, the show would have to retreat into the ballroom of the picturesque old stone house. You wouldn't want thunder to drown out the classical sounds of the Arabesque trio performing tonight at 6:00, so pray for clear skies. Tickets cost $15 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited. Call 305-235-1668, ext. 233.
MON 16
Let's say the paso doble you saw during the performance of Miami Dade College's Flamenco in the Sun festival moved you with its passionate intensity. You can't get it out of your head, and you even mimic some of the movements as you wait for the bus. It's time to start learning the basics of flamenco from the performers Belen Maya, Estrella Morena, José Luis Rodriguez, Pedro Cortes, and others in town for the dance festival. The artists will be conducting master classes for all levels throughout the week. The classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., and New World School of the Arts, 25 NE Second St. Prices vary. Check out www.flamencointhesun.com or call 305-237-3010.
TUE 17
Idaho, France, and Cuba are among the famous haunts of author Ernest Hemingway. But none is better known than Key West, which "Papa" called home for ten years during the 1930s. Aside from hanging out with his large brood of six-toed cats, he had an eventful life on the island filled with fishing, fighting, drinking and carousing in bars, and writing several classics, among them A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Learn more about the author's decade in Florida when literature scholar Kathleen Dixon Donnelly, who specializes in the creative process of writers, delivers a lecture titled Hemingway's Key West at 7:30 p.m. at MIAMIntelligence, 2000 S. Dixie Hwy., Coconut Grove. Admission is ten dollars and includes a pre-lecture wine and cheese reception. Call 305-860-2499.
WED 18
The Jewish Museum of Florida reveals the history of Broward County's Jewish community. The museum's exhibit, Jews of Broward County, tells the tale of the state's largest Jewish community through a collection of photographs, murals, documents, and an array of artifacts. More than 120 families are represented and a century of achievements is charted. The exhibit is open at 10:00 a.m. except Mondays and Jewish holidays and runs through Sunday, January 20 at the museum, 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Admission costs $6. Call 305-672-5044.
