Underwood likes Bush
Mike Gorman
Ain't no donkeys in Underwood's parade.
Downey: Fast-paced comedy and fabulous outfits
Deerfield Beach founders built their city on rock n' roll (and bed races).
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THU 2/17
Statistically speaking, a black female Republican is a rarity. Even more so, a funny black Republican woman sounds impossible. Think Condoleezza Rice, with her creepy frown-like smile. But funny black Republican woman is exactly how most describe comedienne Sheryl Underwood, who has been making the comedy club rounds since the late 1980s, hitting the television circuit with comedy jams, talk show appearances, and as host of BET's Oh Drama! As you might guess, Underwood often gets interviewed about her political affiliation. You might have heard her acting all serious last year as she told NPR's Tavis Smiley that the Democratic Party takes black people for granted. Or you might have heard her commenting from the Republican National Convention in August that "there are only about five cute black dudes here!" Much has been made of Condoleezza Rice being the first black woman to serve as secretary of state. But based on Rice's very unfunny standup routines before the 9/11 Commission last year, maybe we can opt for a choice who can really make the world smile. Underwood performs Thursday through Sunday at the Palm Beach Improv (550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach). Tickets cost $23. Call 561-833-1812. -- Dave Amber
Out of Africa
And into Sunrise
SAT 2/19
Trace the veins of almost any form of modern American dance and chances are you'll end up back at the heart of the African dance movement. Traditionally, African dance moves throughout the ages influenced dances like the Charleston; the unique polyrhythms imbedded in the dance worked their way into jazz and rock 'n' roll. You could even say that the importance of musical storytelling and emphasis on community is the precursor to today's poetry slams. Celebrating the rich traditions of African dance, the DELOU African Dance Ensemble presents Dance Africa! Saturday at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre (10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise). A collaborative effort of dancers, drummers, and singers, the DELOU ensemble features many of South Florida's best artists cloaked in traditional West African costumes. The performance starts at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $6 to $10. Call 954-747-4646. -- Terra Sullivan
Weird But Not Queer
Downey shoots straight
THU 2/17
He doesn't do Columbo impressions, nor will he start a joke with, "So, I was playing naked Twister with my grandma... " Kevin Downey Jr. will, however, fire out sharp material at machine-gun pace, then leave you wondering, "Who is that weirdo?" You may recognize him from Comedy Central, Showtime, or VH1. Otherwise, you may have to admit you saw him on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, where the heterosexual comic proposed to his then-girlfriend after receiving a haircut, a newly-decorated bedroom, and some professional tips on making funnies. See the queerly improved comedian Thursday through Saturday at the New York Comedy Club (8221 Glades Rd., Boca Raton). Tickets cost $12. Call 561-470-6887. -- Riki Altman
What Did They Find?
THU 2/17
If you can find them among the bed races, Elvis impersonators, motorcycle shows, crafts displays, and fireworks, check out Slim2None, the high school band whose biggest gig to date is playing the Deerfield Beach Founders' Days Festival on Deerfield Beach (Hillsboro Boulevard and A1A). The festival lasts Thursday through Sunday. S2N plays Saturday at 2 p.m.; Bearded rocker Leon Russell plays Friday at 9 p.m. Call 954-480-4433. -- Deirdra Funcheon
