Need a break from the snorefest of Grateful Dead cover bands? Then check out Hello Goodbye, South Florida's own Beatles cover band. According to their website, the Merseybeat-lovin' guys perform "Beatles songs played exactly as the Beatles would have played them, if they were us!" Right. They certainly do offer an impressive selection of songs from the Beatles repertoire, guaranteed to get toes tappin' and hands clappin.' They wear matching black turtlenecks and are also available to play weddings, bar mitzvahs, shindigs, blowouts, gang-ups, and high-school proms. Check them out every Thursday at 8 p.m. at Swig Bartini (1744 Main St., Weston). Call 954-349-2102, or visit www.hellogoodbyetheband.homestead. com.
FRI 6/13
It's Friday the 13th, and if this were an eponymously titled movie, you'd probably be hearing ch ch ch ch, ha ha ha ha as a machete-wielding, hockey-mask-wearing, supernatural psychopath sneaks up behind you. Happily, it is not, so quit looking over your shoulder, and continue reading. (An extra raspberry to those of you who actually did look.) In any case, if you happen to be the superstitious type, you're likely assuming something dreadful will occur today. It may not be as bad as being hacked to death by some B-movie goon, but you may stub your toe at the very least. And so, you'll need a safe haven to get through the night. One such respite is guaranteed at Pompano Skate Park (2171 Blount Rd., Pompano Beach). After all, what could possibly go wrong when you're surrounded by fearless skateboarders and bone-crushing thrashy tunes by Down Falls the Morning, What Wishes Can't Mend, Into the Moat, Tyranny of Shaw, Adore Miridia, Never in Red, Red Rocket Fiasco, and Scream When You Burn? Nothing, that's what! Show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets cost $7. Call 954-979-7966.
SAT 6/14
Ready to have your mind blown? The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trl. N., West Palm Beach) presents its new summer exhibition, Brain Games. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in a gallery full of brain-teasers and optical illusions. Witness the beginnings of a tornado in the museum's Weather Center, watch how sound waves are created with an oscylinder scope, or ponder a chair that moves without anyone touching it. Have fun, and learn something. What a concept! The exhibit runs through October 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 17, free for children under 3. Call 561-832-1988, or visit www.sfsm.org.
SUN 6/15
It's Dad's Day once again (sure, we know it's called Father's Day, but we seek alliteration in all things, so just go with it), and rather than supply your progenitor with more neckties and sweaters, why not take him out to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (A1A, at the north end of Singer Island, West Palm Beach)? From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the park offers dads and their entourages a variety of nature-oriented activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, nature walks, and animal feedings. All of these things come free with park admission of $3.25 per vehicle, though some other events include a minimal cost. Photos with Dad and frame decoration run $2, while a meal ticket good for hot dogs or hamburgers, chips, soda, and cookies costs $4. If your dad isn't the outdoorsy type, there's a nice lunch followed by a live bluegrass jam from 1 to 5 p.m. And if Pop likes to play, have him bring along his washboard or banjo and get into the foot-stompin' good time. Call 561-624-6952.
MON 6/16
The War Memorial Auditorium (800 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale) takes a step backward in time today as it hosts the Doo Wop Sock Hop. This benefit for Kids in Distress takes participants on a half-century time warp to the past with a classic midway, including Indy cart racing, strolling magicians, fortune tellers, caricaturists, bands, a kissing booth, cotton candy, and impersonators of 1950s characters such as Dick Clark, who still looks good to this day, even at the ripe old age of 512. Of course, as the name of the event suggests, there's also sock-hop music with the SEA Coast Band, Private Stock, and other groups, as well as stroll and hand-jive competitions. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m. Admission is $3. Call 954-828-5380.
TUE 6/17
Have you heard about the new emo club? Instead of the usual "rock" venues with the typical "square" design, this club has a groundbreaking new structure: It was built with extra corners! That's right, kids. Now you have a number of places to mope without the burden of seeing your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend with his/her new boyfriend/girlfriend. And while we're on the topic, A Static Lullaby is coming to town to support its debut album, And Don't Forget to Breathe. Yes, these guys really care about your well-being. When you fall into the murky depths of black, black heartbreak, they want to be your soundtrack. And wholly original songs such as "Lipgloss and Letdown" relay the message that these guys are just like you. They've been hurt. Now buy their album. Absorb the comely gaze of these five lads, with openers Armor for Sleep and A Jealousy Issue, at the Factory, 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $8. Call 954-566-6331.
WED 6/18
Are you tired of booty dance clubs and lame, robotic music? South Florida high-kicks into the summer with a more dignified type of dance party. The Florida Dance Festival, a two-week extravaganza of diversity and various types of dance, dominates Miami in honor of its 25th anniversary. The showcase on this particular day features contemporary and modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, and Middle Eastern, just to name a few. Troupes involved in the "Florida Dances" event include Tampa's Moving Current, Orlando's VOCI Dance Group, South Florida's Harmonic Motion, and performers from the University of Florida and Florida State. Put up your jazz hands and immerse yourself in some culture. Florida Dances takes place at New World Dance Theater, 25 NE Second St., Miami. Tickets cost $10, $7 for students, seniors, and FDA members. Call 305-867-7111, or visit www.fldance.org.