"Little Dickie Evans" may seem an unlikely name for someone fronting a raunchy rock 'n' roll band called the Studdogs. But anyone who's seen the four drunkards from Orlando knows they're the city's best defense against tourism; Mickey Mouse they're not. The 'Dogs would fit in better at the Playboy mansion than at the Magic Kingdom. And that nearly happened, as the band was a finalist for Playboy magazine's "Search for America's Best Unsigned Band." But even though the Studdogs won't live it up with Hef and his bunnies (some boring, lesser band won), they'll continue causing scenes -- like their performance at January's SuicideGirls burlesque show in which they one-upped the girls by hiring real strippers. Oh, so now you're interested. Like it's not enough that live Studdogs shows pack more energy than a case of Red Bull -- and more staggering, alcohol-fueled madness than ten Super Bowls. It's as if Iggy Pop and Stiv Bators got into a brawl at a biker bar -- down to the last broken bottle. The Studdogs play tonight with the Heatseekers, the Remnants, Southern Flaw, and the Wailin' Elroys at Maguire's Hill 16 (535 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Admission costs $5. Call 954-764-4453. --Jason Budjinski
Nirvana Bound
The making of a Buddha
SUN 8/8
South Floridians might not be able to comprehend a life without worldly indulgence, but perhaps for one night, they can stow their shiny yachts and convertibles long enough to take in an evening of good, old-fashioned humility. Los Angeles' Shakti Dance Company, along with Hindustani vocalist Lakshmi Shankar (whose credits include the 1982 film Gandhi), teams up with leading musicians from all over the world to perform "From Prince to Buddha: A Journey of Enlightenment" -- the story of chosen one Siddhartha Gautama's quest for ultimate truth. The Shankya Dynasty heir ditches palace life and roams India on a grain of rice to learn the meaning behind earthly existence. Relax, though, because in the end, it's a balance between gluttony and austerity that leads Sid to full enlightenment. Performance time is 6:30 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets cost $29, $39, and $49, with a 10 percent discount for parties of ten or more. Call 954-462-0222. --Michele D.Omenson
In the Bloodline
Born with the blues
SAT 8/7
Blood is thicker than water -- unless that water's muddy. So for Big Bill Morganfield, being the son of immortal blues god Muddy Waters pretty much ensured that he'd eventually make something of his musical heritage. Though Morganfield didn't start playing music 'til after Waters' death in 1983, Big Bill's inner bluesman immediately took hold. Morganfield's latest album, Blues in the Blood, proves the blues are encoded in his DNA like notes in a scale. Who knows? Maybe Big Bill actually channels his late father with each bend of the string. Big Bill brings the blues to Sushi Blues Cafe (2009 Harrison St., Hollywood) tonight at 9:30 and 11. Admission costs $10. Call 954-929-9560. --Jason Budjinski
Back in Session
SAT 8/7
Though local indie-rock band the Remedy Session played its share of national shows this past year, it's been a good six months since the trio has performed in South Florida. So tonight, the Remedy Session plays a home show of sorts, taking its pop-flavored post-punk to the Billabong Pub (3000 Country Club Ln., Pembroke Park). Also playing is the Shape, straight outta Tennessee. The show starts at 9 p.m. and costs $4. Call 954-985-1050. --Jason Budjinksi
