It's hard to imagine that Norway's black metal scene looks down on American death metal bands as posers. Why? Is it the lack of black robes and corpse paint on our metal bands? Or maybe it's their comparatively short rap sheets? Whereas an American band like Deicide caused controversy by merely promoting animal sacrifice, Norwegian metalheads were busy killing rival scenesters and burning down churches by the handful. Compared to that, Deicide's all about the love, man. OK, so maybe not. But it's better that the band vents its anger through grinding music than gratuitous violence. Try to keep that in mind as Deicide stammers in to the Culture Room (3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale). The show starts at 8 p.m. with Kult ov Azazel, Hellwitch, and Hibernus Mortis. Tickets cost $15. Call 954-564-1074. (JB)
17 FRI
Should we believe comedian Greg Lausch when he claims to have spent several years building straw houses for crackheads? Why not? We once believed that Vanilla Ice was really from the ghetto. However, the difference with Lausch is that he calls his own bluff before he's found out; it doesn't take Suge Knight to shake it out of him. Lausch admits to a more prosaic upbringing, full of girl problems and bad grades. A natural wiseguy, his penchant for pushing people's buttons left Lausch with comedy as the obvious career choice (he's not a Bush, ya know). Lausch's mix of the clever and the crude will please fans of Jerry Seinfeld and Jerry Springer. Check him out tonight and Saturday at the New York Comedy Club (8221 Glades Rd., Boca Raton). Tickets cost $12. Call 561-470-6887. (JB )
18 SAT
Usually, the term trunk sale conjures up images of Chanel dealers peddling exclusive designs to socialites behind locked doors of Worth Avenue boutiques. Exquisitely dressed ladies flash platinum American Express cards, slip on oversized cat's-eye sunglasses, and smuggle loot to the Jag in boxy bags with handles made of rope. This trunk sale, thank goodness, doesn't require a healthy credit report -- hell, it's designed for those of us who are lucky if we're packing a wad of singles. Called a "car boot sale" in Britain, today's event at Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary (3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie) is a lot like what we know as a "flea market," minus the tables. Bring your chump change and check out the new and used items, crafts, collectibles, and antiques -- displayed in all their random glory from the backs of cars, pickups, SUVs, and vans. Call 954-473-2955, or visit www.flamingogardens.org. (DF)
19 SUN
There are highways and byways and freeways, but have you ever traveled along a foodway? Sure you have. Your path of eating habits led you from nightly meals around your parents' dinner table 20 years ago to the drive-through at Arby's today. The Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History (322 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach) takes you to one exotic rest stop on an international foodway that started in Europe and Africa, ran through Florida, and paused in Texas. Seminole Maroons came from abroad, then to slave plantations, then to Spanish Florida in the 1600s. They mingled with Native Americans here until stupid white men booted them along the Trail of Tears and sent them dispersing to Oklahoma, Mexico, and Texas. On the way from the Everglades to the Rio Grande, these hardy folks invented an edible treat that can be filed somewhere between a tortilla and a Krispy Kreme. It's called fry bread, and you can cook some at the museum today at 2:30 p.m. after checking out the Smithsonian exhibit on Maroon culture. Call 561-243-2662. (DF)
20 MON
Remember the insanity when the dark ages ended? No, we're not talking about the days of serfs and kings but about the early '90s -- when Nirvana came and flung open the doors of sonic hope, banishing Phil Collins to spin endlessly on a radio frequency in hell. Right behind Kurt Cobain came a wave of imitators, impostors, and wannabes. Blinded by the light, we accepted Pearl Jam, Bush, and the Smashing Pumpkins. We accepted -- nay, embraced -- Live and the never-ending refrain of the band's hit: "I alone love you/I alone tempt you. " Eventually, though, we tired of hearing singer Ed Kowalzsksklzcickly mope and wail about the teachings of some Indian philosopher, and the temporary rock stars were left to rub their sensitive little butts in every bumpy pothole on the road of post-fame. Now, the band rakes in a mere $5 per person at venues in Atlanta and Tennessee. But other times, it encounters a bunch of suckers -- we mean, really dedicated fans -- and gets away with booking two shows and charging $40 a pop for tickets. Live plays tonight and Tuesday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood). Doors open at 7 p.m. Call 954-523-3309, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. (DF)
21 TUE
Back in the '40s, when Germany was the occupying enemy of the world, the resistance movement was as diverse as the many cultures it encompassed. Resistance wasn't just for left-wing radicals hurling Molotov cocktails. Just look at the characters in the Italian film Open City which include a priest, a publisher, and a pregnant bride-to-be (and, of course, a group of freedom fighters). Shot in Rome shortly after the Nazis got the jackboot, the story follows the brave souls of the Italian underground as they try smuggling cash while Nazis track down the group's leader. It's about banding together in the face of a common enemy -- something Floridians can relate to (though in our case, storm troopers are the good guys). The free film shows at 1 p.m. today at the Delray Beach Library (29 SE Fourth Ave., Delray Beach). Call 561-266-9490. (JB)
22 WED
Any college-age artist contemplating the futility of a fine arts degree can take solace in the success of Kadir Nelson who proves you don't have to choose between selling your soul and starving your body to make it as an artist. Nelson's art, mostly of African-American subjects, has been featured in publications like The New Yorker and on TV shows like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Nelson was even employed by Steven Spielberg as a conceptual artist for the movie Amistad. Though commercial success often spells artistic whoredom, Nelson still creates images that matter to him, such as scenes from Negro League Baseball games. So, young art student -- stick to it. You don't want to end up like those guys in Office Space, now do you? An exhibit of Nelson's work is open now through October 14 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Call 954-625-2800. (JB)
