Every now and then, it's important to treat yourself to the finer things in life. For the average barfly, that means splurging on some expensive imported ale in lieu of the usual draft specials. But how often do you get to spend an evening sipping up to 100 different beer types from across the globe? Once a year, actually. And if you go to the "New Times Original Beer Fest 2004" this Friday at Young Circle Park in downtown Hollywood, you'll become a virtual beer connoisseur (well, for one night, at least). The four-hour event features food from 25 local restaurants, plenty of live music to help you get your drunken groove on, and enough brew to tide you over 'til St. Patrick's Day. Food and drinks are included in the ticket price: $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Call 954-233-1589. -- Jason Budjinski
Japanimaniacs, Unite!
Now, where did I put my ki?
SAT 2/28
Sayonara, winter... hello, spring! You know the nippy nights are behind us when brightly dressed Japanimaniacs invade the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach) and start beating drums, doing tai-chi, and karate-chopping each other. It's time for the Hatsume Fair, an annual celebration heralding the first bud of spring. Bang your head to the powerful taiko drumming of Fushu Daiko and Matsuriza, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, and learn the art of ikebana flower arranging. While you're at it, find your inner ki, or energy, compliments of Wilbur May, who will lead a presentation of ohashiatsu, an Oriental healing art form. Check out the Hatsume Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Call 561-495-0233. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Hickenloopalooza
Six, six, six Hickenlooper films!
MON 3/1
George Hickenlooper didn't direct Apocalypse Now, but he did direct the documentary about the making of it, called Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse. His latest movie, The Mayor of Sunset Strip, isn't about anybody really famous; it's about a Los Angeles DJ who hangs around a lot of really famous people.
Hickenlooper has always danced around the edges of the big time... and we think he has some sort of inferiority complex about it. Analyze the man yourself when he appears at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale) on three consecutive nights to introduce six of his films, including those mentioned above. Call 954-525-FILM. -- Deirdra Funcheon
