First, the obligatory reference to the old glory days of South Beach. Sandra Bernhard totally hung out here in the 90s, and obligatory related reference to Ingrid Casares totally dated Ingrid Casares! OK, got that out of the way. Everyone involved has moved on from that era, but still, ribald comedian Bernhard makes a habit of returning to her old South Florida stomping grounds. Most recently, that was for a 2007 Evening With stand at the Colony Theater, which, with its variety-style mix of music and comedy, hinted at her current entertainment m.o. As part of a new slate of programming at Prelude by Barton G., Bernhard takes over the Arsht Centers in-house restaurant (1300 Biscayne Blvd., in the Ziff Ballet Opera House) at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. She does so, however, with a full band. Bernhard first proved she had pipes when she scored a bona fide club chart hit in 1994, a cover of Sylvesters disco classic You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real). Since then, shes opted for more serious fare along the jazz/blues/torch-song spectrum usually. Her most recent album, 2009s Whatever It Takes, saw her pulling a Paul Simon and getting in touch with African sounds and issues. Still, her between-song commentary and comedy riffage could be, err, colorful, so be warned of choking hazards if you opt for the $110 dinner-show ticket. For the windpipe-timid, theres also the show-only option, for $55. Call 305-357-7900, or visit preludebybartong.com or arshtcenter.org.
Fri., Jan. 28, 8 p.m., 2011