FRI 12/17
This holiday season, you can buy all your gifts from UNICEF and thereby support struggling artisans in Third World countries. Or you can say the hell with them and support the starving artists right here in the motherland. What's that? You have no sense of social responsibility? Well, what if we say that, judging by its title, there might just be some deals to be had at the Desperation Art Sale at the Las Olas Art Center (600 SE Second Ct., Fort Lauderdale)? Since the work is by local indie artists, you will feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you part with your dough, just like when you give to the homeless, except you don't have to fret about these folks running straight to the liquor store -- because the bar is right inside the gallery! The shindig is being put on by the culture-incubating entrepreneurs at By the Way -- so of course, they've lined up four bands to play in the parking lot (Such Radiant Fiction, Candy Bars, Sayonara Tokyo, and the inimitable Mr. Entertainment and the Latter-Day Pookie-Smackers), a bunch of spoken word (by Bruce Kotz, Gabriel Laszlo, and more), and an afterparty at Bikini Bob's (900 E. Sunrise Ln., Fort Lauderdale) with Marco Argiro, Maspan, and the Fun. Call 954-486-3333. -- Deirdra Funcheon
When's It Winter?
Ask a druid
SAT 12/18
Before God evolved into the sadistic caricature that is half-Zeus, half-Uncle Sam, the ancients believed she was only the rhythmic moon eternally waxing and waning, providing for all without judgment. All cosmic patterns, even the simple change of seasons (like the official beginning of winter called "winter solstice"), were cause for celebration. To get a free dose of pure, uncommercialized transcendence, attend this year's Winter Solstice Sun Celebration Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Church (3970 NW 21st Ave., Fort Lauderdale). It's a fact: Druids ate Lucky Charms in goat's milk, but it would be better if you brought a more communal dish for the post-celebration feast. So get your Gandalf on and come in costume. DCAAG (drum circles are a given). In keeping with the spirit, the Cooperative Feeding Program of Broward County will collect your nonperishable donations. The night starts at 7. Call 954-484-6734. -- John Shannon
Films for Food
Show us your cans
FRI 12/17
You'd think that with all the holiday events going on this month, there'd be more donations collected to benefit the needy. Well, if candy companies are your idea of needy, then mission accomplished. But if you'd rather fill some empty bellies than corporate coffers, save your holiday film watching for the Can Film Festival, which takes place Friday and Saturday at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale). A donation of two cans of food or a new, unwrapped toy gets you into five movies (A Christmas Carol and other classics), plus a cup of eggnog and a cookie. Don't worry -- Blockbuster will do just fine without you. Call 954-525-FILM, or visit www.cinemaparadiso.org. -- Jason Budjinski
Hay Ho, Let's Go!
SAT 12/18
Sleigh rides are for northerners. We southern folk prefer to ride the trails on top of bales... of hay, that is. That much is understood at Grassy Waters Nature Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach), where you can take part in a Holiday Hayride. The guided tours take place Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for kids. Call 561-627-8831. -- Jason Budjinski
