SAT 2/12
A bevy of scantily clad international models will descend upon the sands of South Beach with the force and speed of a power spike, and they're just aching to crush some balls. An estimated 15,000 voyeurs are expected to stare, ogle, and drool over the tight, sweaty bodies as the models set, dive, and dig their way to glory. The players (from more than twenty top agencies worldwide) will be vying to win a trophy and a cash prize (to be donated to charity). The winners will also enjoy a vacation from the hard work and hassles of wearing couture and sashaying up and down runways. For your auditory consideration, major musical acts will perform throughout the two-day event. The games also serve (pun alert) as a forum to spot celebrities. In previous years, spectators have included Oliver Stone, Calvin Klein, and Eddie Murphy. The twelfth annual Volleypalooza Model Tournament takes place today and Sunday on Ocean Drive and Eighth Street, starting at 10:00 a.m. Call 305-532-2544, or visit www.volleypalooza.com. --Kris Conesa
Doin' the Pigeon
SAT 2/12
Art enthusiasts and festival fanatics will flock to the Pigeon Key Art Festival for a weekend of photography, jewelry, pastels, and glass works. Pigeon Key is proud to boast that Sunshine Artist magazine (an international art show publication) has dubbed it "one of the top 200 shows in the United States." Artists in this year's festival include William Cantwell (who is known for his paintings of African-American women); marine photographer John Peer; A. Cesar Nogueira, a sculptor who incorporates semiprecious stones into his works; and tropical watercolor artist Phil Capen. Festival director Linda Partney also promises island food and plenty of musical entertainment. Bring your keen art critic's eye today and Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00, at mile marker 47, beneath the historic Seven Mile Bridge. Admission is ten dollars for adults; five dollars for students. Call 305-743-5176, or visit www.fla-keys.com. -- Ann Mason
Festival
Raise the Rooster
SUN 2/13
Happy 4703! Those born in the Year of the Rooster are hard-working and good decision makers, so you know they will decide to take time to relax at the Chinese New Year Festival. Ring in the new year with dragon dances, acrobats, and the Matsuriza group of Taiko drummers, while sampling traditional foods from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Caribbean-Chinese community today from 11:00 to 6:00, at the Fred Shaw Plaza on the Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, 11011 SW 104th St., Kendall. Admission is six dollars for adults; three dollars for children under twelve. Call 305-696-0651, or visit www.mdc.edu. -- Lyssa Oberkreser
