Five Best Music Events in South Florida This Week

J. Cole

The trek from 1401 Forest Hills Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina to 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach, Florida is a pretty long one. But for a dreamer like J. Cole, 677 miles is nothing in comparison to the amount of years it's taken the rapper to get to where he is today. From becoming the first artist signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation to establishing his own record label, Dreamville Records, Cole has definitely become one of the most successful rappers in the biz. And this week, homeboy will be making all your hip-hop dreams come true at the Perfect Vodka Amp.

Forest Hills Drive Tour with Big Sean, YG, and Jeremih. Tuesday, August 18, 6:30 p.m. Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 561-795-8883; ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $21 to $63.75 plus fees via livenation.com.


Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band

With an eclectic "mix of deep funk, high energy rock, plus a little old-school rap and soul," Asheville's Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band is no funkin' joke. "Known for their raucous live shows and outrageous stage wear" — as proudly stated on their Facebook bio — the funksters are on a mission to "[spread] the power of funk from coast to coast."

Wednesday, August 19, 9 p.m. Guanabanas, 960 N. AIA, Jupiter; 561-747-8878; guanabanas.com. Admission is free. Ages 21 and up.

James Murphy

Life after his dance-punk days with LCD Soundsystem seems to be nothing but a breeze for James Murphy. From releasing a movie to opening a wine bar and doing some production work, the DJ seems to be enjoying his time. Like any good retiree, as explained by us here at New Times, "Murphy is probably getting that itch to hit the slot machines, bet on some horses, and soak in the South Florida sun." If we had to bet on it, we'd say that's exactly what he'll be doing before hitting the decks at the Gulfstream Park & Casino this week.

DJ set. Presented by the Lexus Pop-Up Concert Series. Powered by Pandora. Thursday, August 20, 8 to 11 p.m. Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach; 954-454-7000; gulfstreampark.com. Tickets are free with RSVP via eventbrite.com. Ages 21 and up.


Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw may be all about "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools," but the country superstar really is nothing without his "solid, black leather, Western-style Resistol." Although not much has been reported on the singer's trademark, we here at New Times know his hat — and the lack of information thereof — is what gives McGraw that mysterious flair. 

Shotgun Rider Tour with Billy Currington and Chase Bryant. Friday, August 21, 7:30 p.m. Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansbury's Way, West Palm Beach; 561-795-8883; ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $27.25 to $68 plus fees via livenation.com.


Bingo Players

You better get ready 'cause Bingo Players' Maarten Hoogstraten is gonna "Knock You Out" with hundreds of decibels of bass at Revolution.

Friday, August 21, 10 p.m. Revolution Live, 100 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-449-1025; jointherevolution.net. Tickets cost $26 plus fees via ticketmaster.com. Ages 18 and up.