Ever since the despair behind Vincent Van Gogh's unsettling Self Portrait was explained by his kind donation to a local brothel ("Let me lend an ear!"), the true art of self-portraiture has been as much about psychological exploration as capturing one's physical likeness. That much is evident in the exhibit "Me, Myself, and I," which features a wide range of multimedia pieces as varied as the personalities behind them, employing anything from videos and photographs to bobble-head dolls and piñatas. The two dozen-plus featured artists grapple with Freudian questions of identity and role-playing, as well as social issues like race and gender. It's a trifle more complex than Me, Myself, and Irene. The exhibit is open through November 20 at the Schmidt Center Gallery at Florida Atlantic University (777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton). Call 561-297-2966.
FRI 12
Hmmm... what kind of bar owner would think that guys who enjoy watching sports might also enjoy watching scantily clad waitresses in naughty schoolgirl uniforms? Uh, one who's probably going to make a shitload of money? Tonight, the same people who brought comedy to South Florida when they opened the Palm Beach Improv in CityPlace open "the first R-rated sports bar in Florida." It's called Sofa King -- as in "the beer is Sofa King cold. The girls are Sofa King hot" (say that fast; you'll get it). This idea probably won't win 'em any Nobel prizes, but it's genius nonetheless. The venue is designed like a men's den, with sofas, 15 TVs, 16 beers on tap, and a lot more in bottles. The bar is located at 9160 State Rd. 84, Davie. Sorry, young horny 'uns; you have to be 21 to get in. Call 954-474-5637.
SAT 13
Ever seen the 2002 movie Shottas? Described by one Jamaican as a "yaad-man's gangster flick," it features dancehall superstar Spragga Benz as a drug dealer, former Fugee Wyclef Jean as Richie Eff, and boxer Lennox Lewis as himself. Tonight, Spragga and many of the cast meet again at the Millennium Ballroom (1484 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach) for a "Shottas Reunion Party." Stars include Bob Marley's son Ky-Mani Marley (who plays Biggs in the movie) and dancehall hanger-oner Screechie Bop (who plays Gussie). But why stop with the actors? The event will be hosted by the Beat 103.5's Papa Keith. Morlon "Ultimate" Greenwood -- Miami Dolphins linebacker by day, recording artist by night -- will be there, as will Jamaican noisemakers Grand Police and Staka. For details, visit www.partyspree.com.
SUN 14
The Marlins didn't deliver a World Series victory this year, but that's OK; Red Sox fans deserve a little fun every 86 years or so. Though, if you're bitter about your team's season ending early, perhaps you need a break from baseball altogether. Or maybe just a healthy alternative like today's Palm Beach Wiffle Ball World Series at Wellington Village Park (11700 Pierson Rd., Wellington), in which wiffle ball teams nationwide converge for a third year now. It'll be just like a regular ballgame -- with ballpark food and drinks as well as commentators, celebrity umpires, and a DJ -- but without the threat of beanballs. The $5 admission cost benefits the Together with Pride Foundation, which helps hearing-impaired children. The foundation was formed by Curtis Pride, who in 1996 became the first full-season deaf player in the modern era of Major League Baseball. The day starts at 9 a.m. Call 561-801-1001.
MON 15
The man known simply as Garfield was working as a DJ in his homeland of England when a certain nightclub mogul named Chris Paciello brought him across the pond to spin in South Beach. But after a while, Garfield got tired of lugging his record collection from trendy club to trendy club, so he retired. Paciello? He grew tired of obeying the law and soon went the way of orange jumpsuits and long iron bars for his alleged role in Mafia activities. Before long, Garfield came out of retirement to work on the business side of the decks. He helped the owner of Mama Mia restaurant (1818 S. Young Cir., Hollywood) turn his place into a slamming nightclub -- but just on Monday nights. "This way, there's no pressure. We don't want to compete with anybody," Garfield says. And they don't -- M.I.A. Mondays dominate the scene and draw the cool crowd like insects to a flame. Tonight, the party continues with house and trance music brought to you by local legend DJ Oscar V. Call 954-923-0555, or visit www.mialounge.com.
TUE 16
Like many of today's marginally successful punk bands (e.g., those not signed to a major label), the Bouncing Souls got started back when Billboard darlings New Found Glory were in elementary school. Back then, the majors weren't as eager to throw money at a punk band. So the four New Jersey natives kept filling their piggy banks till they had enough dough to start their own label, Chunksaah Records, in 1993. Their investment paid off; a mere four years later, the band was doing the contract shuffle with Epitaph Records. Suddenly, the Souls' chorus-driven, anthemic brand of pop-punk was the in thing -- and they didn't have to do any schmoozing to get there. Let David Geffen mix his own martinis. The Bouncing Souls perform tonight at 6:30 with Against Me, Murphy's Law, Let It Burn, and the Loved Ones at the Factory (2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets cost $13. Call 954-564-ROCK.
WED 17
You know the one, the only, the annual Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament? The 39th version of it starts today with a free kickoff party at the Las Olas Marina (240 E. Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale), where there will be a raffle, a silent auction, a cash bar, free food from Bru's Room, and music from 6 to 9 p.m. This is also where you can look for fly-fishing legend Billy Pate (who should be hanging around all week) and sign up for the tournament. The five-day fish-murdering fiesta includes a fly-fishing tournament, a one-day "Billfish Slam," and a bunch of TNTs -- or tournaments within the tournament. If you don't fish or can't afford the steep entry fees (oh, just $3,500 for the "Big Boat Challenge"), look at the shindig as a way to become friends with people who own boats. Have beer bellies, sure, and smell like fish, yeah, but own boats. Call 954-523-1004, or visit www.billfishtournament.com.
